US: Eagle Materials has reported financial results for the second quarter of its 2020 fiscal year, a period that ended on 30 September 2019. Its overall revenue was US$414.5m for the period, a 9% year-on-year improvement.

Revenues from its cement activities, including joint venture and intersegment revenue, were up by 18% to US$227m, reflecting improved sales volume and net sales prices. Cement sales volume for the quarter were a record 1.8Mt, up by 14% compared to the prior year quarter. Operating earnings from cement were also a record at US$66.5m, 16% higher than the same quarter a year ago. The earnings improvement was primarily due to higher sales volume and net sales prices.

Commenting on the second quarter results, Michael Haack, President and CEO, said, "We are proud to have achieved record revenue and net earnings per share for the second quarter of our 2020 fiscal year. Our second quarter performance was driven mostly by increased cement shipments, cost control initiatives and strong operational execution, as we capitalised on the robust underlying demand across our geographic footprint.”

Commenting on the remaining six months of its 2020 fiscal year, Haack said “The outlook continues to be positive. Demand for our building materials and construction products is supported by a number of favourable market dynamics including ongoing growth in jobs, high consumer confidence and low interest rates."