India's ACC (LafargeHolcim group) has reported a 38 per cent YoY increase in profit after tax to INR3.46bn (US$49.51m) in the 1Q19, compared with INR2.5bn of the year-ago period. Total income advanced 11 per cent in the first quarter to INR40.76bn from INR36.72bn. Net sales also rose by eight per cent to INR38.50bn against INR35.57bn in the 1Q18.

The company's cement segment was up 5.6 per cent YoY in sales volume during Jan-Mar 2019, reaching 7.5Mt from 7.1Mt. Revenue from the sector climbed 6.9 per cent to finish at INR35.87bn from INR33.57bn.

"Predictions of a normal monsoon augur well for the rural economy. The government's continued thrust on infrastructure development as well as 'Housing for All' initiatives are expected to invigorate the construction sector and stimulate cement demand," said Neeraj Akhoury, managing director and CEO.