Dandot Cement reduces half-year loss

Dandot Cement Co reported a loss after tax of PKR342.24m (US$3.4m) in the first half of the current Pakistan fiscal compared to a loss of PKR 380.42m in the comparative period of the year before.

Net sales reached over PKR1bn versus PKR93m in 1HFY13-14, the company said in a notice to the Karachi Stock Exchange. The cost of sales, however, rose to PKR1.28bn from PKR406m a year earlier.

Dandot Cement has said it is considering various options to arrange further funds to improve plant efficiency by replacing old equipment. In particular, it plans to upgrade its coal mill to reduce power and fuel costs which have been a key factor in the company's sustained losses in previous years.

The company operates a 1600tpd cement works in the Jhelum district, Punjab province, northern Pakistan.