FINANCIAL NEWS CEMEX announced that its net sales for the fourth quarter of 1999 were $1.237 billion, 13% higher than the same quarter in 1998. Total net sales for 1999 increased 12% to $4.828 billion.

LAFARGE reported a total revenue growth of 10% for the fourth quarter of 1999. In the cement segment, sales growth of almost 7% was driven by a 5% gain in volumes, while prices were slightly higher, up roughly 5%.

CENTEX CONSTRUCTION'S total revenue grew nearly 28% for the third quarter of 1999, led by a 60.5% gain in gypsum wallboard sales.

PUERTO RICAN CEMENT reported strong local construction activity during the third quarter of 1999, increasing consolidated new sales by 19%. Cement sales increased 28% to 349,000 tons, as compared to 271,000 tons for the same quarter of 1998.

NEWSMAKERS National Cement Company of Alabama appointed Howard F. Johnston III vice president-administration and corporate secretary.

The Cement Group of Florida Rock Industries named Tullie J. Stokes sales manager.

Earl A. McCaskill has been promoted to president of Hawaiian Cement. McCaskill is also president of Medford Ready Mix, Inc. and Southern Oregon Underground, Inc. He replaces John DeLong, who has been named president of Morse Bros., Inc.