Cemex consolidated net sales reached US$ 3.3 billion during the first quarter of 2013, a decrease of 5 per cent versus the comparable period in 2012. Operating EBITDA decreased by 8 per cent during the quarter to US$ 521 million versus the same period in 2012. The decrease in consolidated net sales was due to fewer business days and lower volumes in the Northern Europe, Mexico, Mediterranean, and South, Central America and the Caribbean operations partially offset by higher prices, in local currency terms, in most of our regions.
Fernando A. Gonzßlez, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration, said: "We are pleased with the operating EBITDA growth and operating EBITDA margin expansion during the quarter on a comparable basis.