Durrant Pate/Contributor 

Jamaica’s sole cement manufacturer, Carib Cement, achieved record cement sales of approximately 96,000 metric tonnes for the month of February. 

In addition, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026,  the company reported a strong revenue performance of $9.3 billion, representing a 12.9% year‑over‑year increase. This performance is credited to the $6.7 billion Debottleneck investment, which has significantly improved kiln output and operational efficiency, resulting in its record cement sales in February. 

As 2026 unfolds, Carib Cement anticipates continued strong performance, while aware of challenges, including higher fuel and energy costs from the US–Iran conflict. The management is assuring that proactive measures will be taken to mitigate any long-term impacts and to maintain operational stability. 

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The strong first-quarter performance was driven primarily by higher sales volumes, reflecting sustained demand in the domestic market associated with ongoing recovery activities following Hurricane Melissa. The gross profit margin improved significantly to 51%, compared with 46% in the corresponding period of 2025. 

This improvement was driven by operational efficiencies achieved at the production facility, and management’s continued focus on cost discipline. Following the successful completion of the expansion project in 2025, improved margins, cost stability, and reducing unit production costs compared to last year. 

Operating earnings before other income and expenses, net, amounted to $3.8 billion, an increase of $890 million (+30.1%) over the prior year. After accounting for other income and expenses including higher foreign exchange losses, operating earnings totalled $3.5 billion, representing a 31.2% year‑over‑year improvement. 

Consolidated net income reached $3.0 billion, exceeding the prior year’s first‑quarter result by $1.0 billion (+52.8%), supported by strong operating performance. Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $3.58, an increase of $1.24 compared to the same period in 2025. 

The company maintained a strong liquidity position at the end of the quarter, with cash and cash equivalents of $15.7 billion, representing an increase of $4.0 billion, excluding the impact of foreign currency movements. Net cash flows generated from operating activities totalled $4.2 billion, reflecting an improvement of $1.9 billion over the corresponding period of the prior year.