CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. announced that consolidated net sales for the company increased 9% in the fourth quarter of 2020 to $3.5 billion and 1% for the full year 2020 to $13 billion versus the comparable periods in 2019.
CEMEX’s operations in the United States reported net sales of $1.0 billion, an increase of 8% from the same period in 2019. Operating EBITDA increased by 25% to $186 million versus the same quarter of 2019. For the full year, its U.S. business unit generated $747 million in EBITDA, the highest reported annual amount since 2007.
“2020 was one of the most challenging years we have faced but it also was a remarkable year that tested the strengths of CEMEX and several of our recent strategic initiatives. I am proud of our performance, the organization, and how we responded to the sudden arrival of COVID-19 in 2020,” said Fernando A. González, CEO of CEMEX. “I would like to recognize our employees who have risen to the challenge of COVID and adjusted their protocols to work safely. Despite our best efforts, however, we have lost valued colleagues to the pandemic. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of these individuals and extend my heart-felt sympathies to their families and friends”.
Net sales in Mexico increased 23% to $836 million. Operating EBITDA, increased 26% to $268 million in the quarter, versus the same period of the previous year.
In the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia region, net sales increased by 6%, compared with the same period of the previous year, reaching $1.2 billion. Operating EBITDA was $159 million for the quarter, 5% higher than the same period last year.
CEMEX’s operations in the South, Central America and the Caribbean region, reported net sales of $410 million, an increase of 6% over the same period of 2019. Operating EBITDA increased by 11% to $106 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, in contrast to the same quarter of 2019.