Islamabad: Cherat Cement Company Ltd. (CHCC) revealed its first quarter fiscal year 2025 financial outcomes today, marking its highest-ever quarterly earnings. The company achieved earnings of PkR2.9 billion, a substantial 88% increase from PkR1.5 billion reported in the same period last year. Earnings per share rose to PkR14.8 from PkR7.9.

According to AKD Securities Limited, despite a 4% decline in sales to PkR9.7 billion from PkR10.1 billion last year, the company benefited from a notable 14% increase in retention prices which mitigated a 16% drop in offtakes. Improved gross margins, which rose to 40% from 30.5% in the same period last year, were largely attributed to these higher retention prices. Operating expenses also increased by 29% to PkR537 million up from PkR415 million, driven by elevated distribution costs linked to a 15% rise in export volumes. Additionally, other income significantly surged by over seven times to PkR348 million, largely due to an increase in short-term investments. Finance costs saw a dramatic reduction by 63% to PkR155 million, benefiting from a 55% decrease in the company’s outstanding debt.