LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC reported a resilient first-quarter performance for 2026 despite mounting economic pressures, posting a profit after tax of Tk 112 crore amid persistent inflation and rising energy costs.
The cement manufacturer said revenue fell by 6 per cent year-on-year to Tk 8,038 million in the January-March quarter, compared with Tk 8,515 million in the same period last year.
Profit after tax declined by 19 per cent to Tk 1,122 million, while earnings per share dropped to BDT 0.97 from BDT 1.20 a year earlier.
Operating earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) fell 31 per cent to Tk 1,233 million, reducing the operating EBIT margin to 15 per cent from 21 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2025.
The company attributed the weaker performance to elevated inflation and higher energy costs linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Despite the challenging environment, LafargeHolcim Bangladesh said it had maintained industry-leading margins through operational efficiency measures and strict cost discipline.
Iqbal Chowdhury, chief executive of the company, said specialised products including Water Protect and Fair Face continued to perform strongly, helping reinforce the group’s market position.
“Despite a challenging landscape defined by persistent inflation and higher energy costs, we remain committed to resilience through innovation and operational excellence,” he said.
The company also launched two new products — Holcim Coastal Guard and Powercrete — aimed at coastal infrastructure and ready-mix concrete markets respectively. Management said the products were expected to support growth in the coming quarters.
LafargeHolcim Bangladesh highlighted progress in its sustainability initiatives through its Geocycle programme, which co-processed around 12,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste during the quarter and achieved 13 per cent fossil fuel replacement using alternative fuels.
The company said it had introduced tighter cost-control measures and strategic pricing reviews to manage market volatility and protect profitability.
Looking ahead, the company warned that the remainder of the year would remain challenging due to continuing inflationary pressures and elevated energy prices. However, it said it remained optimistic about sustaining strong operational performance and maintaining leading industry margins.