Cemex earnings improved in the third quarter of 2026, with operating EBITDA rising 12% to $990 million as stronger Mexican demand, higher prices and cost efficiencies supported profitability. The construction-materials company announced the results on October 26, reporting sales growth of 8% to $4.59 billion.

Key Takeaways

  • Operating EBITDA grew faster than sales, widening the quarterly margin to 21.6%.
  • Mexico strengthened, while U.S. operating EBITDA declined despite higher sales.
  • Asset-sale proceeds include completed and announced transactions, with a proposed French disposal still under negotiation.

Cemex earnings show stronger margins and cash generation

Cemex’s third-quarter 2026 results announcement showed controlling-interest net income of $407 million, up 55% from $264 million a year earlier. Operating EBITDA margin increased to 21.6% from 20.8%, indicating that operating earnings grew faster than revenue.

The company attributed its performance to Project Cutting Edge, higher prices and growth in consolidated cement volumes. These drivers supported a broader improvement in operating results rather than sales growth alone.

Free cash flow from operations reached a third-quarter record of $723 million, up 34%. For January through September, the measure increased 194% to $1.4 billion. However, nine-month controlling-interest net income fell 25% to $982 million, distinguishing the stronger quarterly bottom line from the year-to-date result.

ItemDetails
Mexico operating EBITDAQ3 2026: $480 million; up 30% year over year
United States operating EBITDAQ3 2026: $259 million; down 4% year over year
Europe, Middle East and Africa operating EBITDAQ3 2026: $257 million; up 4% year over year
South, Central America and Caribbean operating EBITDAQ3 2026: $62 million; down 5% year over year

Mexico gains contrast with weaker U.S. profitability

Mexico delivered another strong quarter, which Cemex attributed to growing cement demand and cost efficiencies. Regional sales rose 16%, while the operating EBITDA margin expanded to 37.0% from 33.1%.

The United States presented a different picture. Sales increased 5% on higher cement and aggregates volumes, but operating EBITDA declined and the margin narrowed to 18.9% from 20.6%. Higher revenue therefore did not translate into stronger operating profitability in that market.

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Cemex said strong pricing and cost efficiencies supported EBITDA growth, partly offset by higher energy costs. South, Central America and the Caribbean recorded lower EBITDA despite solid cement demand and robust performance in Colombia and Jamaica.

Asset sales remain a mix of completed and planned deals

Cemex said estimated divestment proceeds under its asset-pruning initiative exceeded $200 million across more than 140 facilities since the program began in 2025. That total includes both completed and announced transactions, so it should not be read as cash already received.

During the third quarter, Cemex completed the sale of ready-mix and recycled-concrete assets in Atlanta and entered into a long-term cement and admixtures supply agreement with the buyer.

Separately, the company began exclusive negotiations with Vicat Group over a proposed sale of certain ready-mix concrete and aggregates assets in southeastern France. Cemex intends to reinvest divestment proceeds in opportunities it considers more strategic and accretive; that remains a planned use of proceeds rather than a completed investment.

Read More News

More FinanceVelix news

Disclaimer

This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.