LAFARGE posted a net loss of $66 million for the first quarter of 2001, compared with $24.5 million during the same period last year. Net sales for the quarter were $444.4 million compared with $437.6 million in the first quarter of 2000. This year's results were affected by seasonal losses associated with a number of acquisitions the company completed in the last half of 2000 and early 2001, and by a return to more normal winter conditions in contrast with last year's mild first-quarter weather.

PUERTO RICAN CEMENT announced 2001 first-quarter net income excluding restructuring charges of $1.07 million, compared with $1.19 million in the first quarter of 2000. Gross consolidated operating margins were reported at 23% during the first quarter of 2001 compared with 19% for the same quarter last year.

GRUPO CEMENTOS DE CHIHUAHUA reported net sales of $78.6 million for the first quarter of 2001, an increase of 8.8% in real terms compared to the same quarter for 2000.

CEMEX announced net sales of $1.6 billion for first quarter 2001, a 19% increase in dollar terms compared to first quarter 2000. Operating income decreased 2% in dollar terms to $390 million. On a worldwide basis, consolidated cement sales volume for the quarter was 13.9 million mt, 16% higher compared to first quarter 2000. Ready-mix volumes, at 4.4 million cu meters, increased 19%.