Cemex issued the following announcement on Oct. 24.
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. ("CEMEX") (NYSE: CX), announced today that, on a like-to-like basis for the ongoing operations and adjusting for foreign exchange fluctuations, consolidated net sales decreased by 1%, reaching US$3.5 billion during the third quarter of 2019 versus the comparable period in 2018. Operating EBITDA decreased by 7% on a like-to-like basis during the third quarter of 2019 to US$681 million on a year-over-year basis.
CEMEX’s Consolidated Third-Quarter 2019 Financial and Operational Highlights
The decrease in quarterly consolidated net sales was due to lower volumes mainly in Mexico and our Asia, Middle East and Africa region, partially offset by improved prices for our products, in local-currency terms in most of our regions.
Operating earnings before other expenses, net, decreased by 14%, on a like-to-like basis, in the third quarter, to US$409 million.
Controlling interest net income during the quarter was US$187 million, from US$169 million in the same period of 2018.
Operating EBITDA decreased by 7%, on a like-to-like basis, during the quarter on a year-over-year basis, to US$681 million.
Operating EBITDA margin during the quarter decreased to 19.5% from 20.6% in the same period in the previous year.
Free cash flow after maintenance capital expenditures for the quarter was US$290 million.
Fernando A. Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of CEMEX, said: “In the third quarter, our business continued to be challenging and was negatively impacted by the weaker macroeconomic conditions in several of the markets we serve. In Mexico, we believe demand for our products is bottoming out and we are cautiously optimistic on renewed activity going forward given the expected announcement of a new infrastructure program. In the US, EBITDA improved during the quarter as a result of favorable pricing, and despite weaker volumes mainly due to weather and competitive dynamics in some of our markets. In our Europe and AMEA regions, we are pleased with the solid growth in EBITDA and expansion in margins driven primarily by favorable pricing and our cost-reduction initiatives.
As part of our A Stronger CEMEX plan, we are committed to further strengthen our balance sheet through an important reduction in our debt and repositioning our portfolio for higher growth.”
Consolidated Corporate Results
During the third quarter of 2019, controlling interest net income was US$187 million, versus US$169 million in the same period last year.
Net debt plus perpetual notes decreased by US$156 million during the quarter.
Geographical Markets Third-Quarter 2019 Highlights
Net sales in our operations in Mexico, on a like-to-like basis, decreased 12% in the third quarter of 2019 to US$716 million. Operating EBITDA, on a like-to-like basis, declined by 20% to US$240 million in the quarter, versus the same period of last year.
CEMEX’s operations in the United States reported net sales of US$1,044 million in the third quarter of 2019, an increase of 5% from the same period in 2018. Operating EBITDA increased by 2% to US$205 million from US$202 million in the same quarter of 2018.
CEMEX’s operations in South, Central America and the Caribbean reported net sales of US$417 million during the third quarter of 2019, representing a like-to-like decrease of 1% over the same period of 2018. Operating EBITDA, on a like-to-like basis, decreased by 6% to US$89 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to the same quarter of 2018.
In Europe, net sales for the third quarter of 2019 increased by 2% on a like-to-like basis to US$856 million, compared to the third quarter of 2018. Operating EBITDA was US$141 million for the quarter, 7% higher than the same period last year, on a like-to-like basis.
Operations in Asia, Middle East and Africa, on a like-to-like basis, reported a 2% decline in net sales for the third quarter of 2019, to US$365 million, versus the same quarter of 2018. Operating EBITDA for the quarter was US$59 million, 4% higher, on a like-to-like basis, than the same period last year.
CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable services. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the wellbeing of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com
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