CEMEX, S.A. de C.V. announced that its consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2004 were US$1.8 billion, up 13% in dollar terms compared to the same period in 2003. The expansion of the global economy led to increased cement and ready mix demand in most of the company's markets. Consolidated cement sales volume during the quarter was 15.7 million metric tons, up 6% compared to the first quarter of 2003, while ready mix volumes were 11% higher at 5.6 million cu meters.

First-quarter operating income increased 31% in dollar terms to US$393 million. Majority net income for the first quarter was US$311 million, up 282% compared to the same period of 2003.

Cemex's Mexican operations reported net sales of US$697 million in the first quarter, a 10% growth versus the same period in 2003. In the United States, the company's net sales were US$404 million, an increase of 16%, compared to the year-earlier period.

In the United States, Cemex's net sales were US$404 million, an increase of 16% compared to the year-earlier period. Cement sales volumes increased 17% during the first quarter of 2004, compared to the year-earlier period. The public works and residential sector continue to drive cement and ready-mix demand. In addition, sales volumes benefited from favorable weather conditions throughout the quarter, especially in the last three weeks of March. Ready-mix volumes increased 9% for the quarter

Herndon, Va.-based LAFARGE NORTH AMERICA INC. reported a first-quarter 2004 net loss of $70.8 million. The results compared to a net loss of $87 million in the first quarter 2003. Weather conditions during the quarter were more typical compared with the unusually harsh winter experienced last year, said the company. Consequently, volumes in the cement and construction materials divisions were up significantly. Consolidated net sales were up 24% over last year to $509 million.

Cement and cement-related products reported an operating loss of $18.2 million during the first quarter, a $12.3 million improvement from the 2003 first-quarter loss. Net sales from continuing operations were $177 million, an increase of 19%. Excluding the favorable impact of the exchange rate, revenues were up 13% from the same period in 2003. Total cement sales volumes during the quarter improved by 15% compared to last year. U.S. volumes were up 18% to 1.3 million mt and Canadian volumes were up 9% to 600,000 mt.