STAR BUSINESS REPORT

Cement company LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC (LHB) reported a 36 percent year-on-year rise in profit to Tk 119.8 crore for the July-September quarter, supported by higher sales volumes and steady demand.

Its revenue for the third quarter increased 6 percent from a year earlier to Tk 668.1 crore.

During the first nine months of 2025, revenue reached Tk 2,166 crore, up 5 percent from the same period last year. Profit climbed 7 percent to Tk 355.6 crore, while earnings per share rose to Tk 3.06 from Tk 2.85 in the same period last year.

Despite a slowdown in construction caused by reduced public spending and weak private credit growth, LHB recorded growth across its cement and aggregates businesses.

“This resilient performance is a testament to customer confidence in our products and services,” said Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh.

“Our specialised cement products like Water Protect and Fair Face have witnessed significant growth, reflecting strong consumer preference.

In addition, our Geocycle initiative co-processed over 34,000 tonnes of waste, replacing 11 percent of fossil fuel use, enhancing both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency,” he added.

The cement-maker acknowledged pressure on margins due to higher energy costs and volatile prices but said cost-saving initiatives and strategic pricing helped cushion the impact.

“By diversifying our product portfolio and deepening private sector engagement, we have not only weathered the slowdown but continued to grow,” he said.

LHB said it would continue to focus on improving profitability through operational efficiency, investment in alternative energy, product innovation and digital upgrades. These initiatives aim to strengthen long-term competitiveness and maintain market leadership.

The board of directors declared an interim cash dividend of 18 percent, or Tk 1.8 per share of Tk 10 face value, amounting to Tk 209.05 crore for the quarter ending September 2025.