FINANCIAL NEWS PUERTO RICAN CEMENT CO. announced that in third quarter 1998 the company realized a net income of $2.4 million, compared with $4.1 million for the same period in 1997. Consolidated net sales for the third quarter of 1998 decreased by 6.6% when compared with the same period in 1997. The decrease resulted mainly from a reduction in the volume of cement sales due to bed weather brought on by Hurricane Georges on Sept. 21, 1998.

SOUTHDOWN, INC. of Houston reported another record operating year in 1998. Earnings from continuing operations for 1998 increased 22% to $186.9 million, excluding a one-time charge of $61.9 million related to the merger of Medusa Corp. This is compared to $153.7 million in 1997. In addition, Southdown recorded record 1998 revenues and operating earnings of $1.185 billion and $301.6 million, respectively. These figures represent increases of 8% and 21% compared to 1997 results.

NEWSMAKERS St. Lawerance Cement Co. has named DENISE BRUBAKER to the position of environmental manager and DIRK COX to the position of project manager for the company's proposed $300 million Greenport, N.Y. cement facility.

Lafarge Corp. named JAMES J. NEALIS III to the position of senior vice president-human resources. Nealis fills the company's post being vacated by the retiring Thomas W. Tatum.

Florida Rock promoted CARY O. COHRS to plant manager of its still-under-construction Newberry, Fla. plant.

RD Weis Co. hired MICHAEL D. PENDERGAST as area manager for the company's new office in Victor, N.Y.

The Hill and Griffith Co. appointed ROBERT L. THATCHER to branch manager of the company's Indianapolis facility.