The Siam Cement Group (SCG) announced record operating performance for financial year 2004, citing strong performance in most of the strategic business units, particularly in the Petrochemicals Business.

Mr. Chumpol NaLamlieng, President of The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCC), disclosed the unaudited consolidated financial statements for SCC and subsidiaries for the fiscal year 2004 which showed total sales of THB192,395m, representing a 29 per cent increase. Moreover, the operating profit before extraordinary items registered 33,707 million baht, an increase of 89%, compared to the previous year. Net profit grew 83 per cent from the previous year to reach a record THB36,483m.  

On a quarterly basis, fourth quarter 2004 total sales was THB50,795m, an 30 per cent increase. The operating profit before extraordinary items increased 85% from the previous year to THB9,221m, while net profit registered THB9,397m an increase of 57 per cent when compared to the same period of the previous year.  

The cement business recorded total sales THB36,658m, an increase of 20 per cent when compared to the previous year due to higher sales volume of grey cement, driven largely by strong demand from the domestic construction market.  

The Building Products Business recorded total sales of THB20,542m, an increase of 13 per cent as the result of strong sales volume of roofing products and ceramic tiles nationwide. Similarly, the Distribution Business recorded total sales of THB68,558m, an increase of 21 per cent from the previous year on rising demand of building materials for the residential housing construction sector.