CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX), announced today that consolidated net sales decreased to US$4.2 billion versus US$6.3 billion in the comparable period in 2008, representing a decrease of 34%, or a decrease of 20% when adjusting for the exclusion of our Venezuelan operations, the sale of our assets in the Canary Islands, and currency fluctuations. EBITDA decreased 41% in the second quarter of 2009 to US$812 million from US$1.4 billion in the same period of 2008, or 27% when adjusting for divestments and currency fluctuations.

CEMEX’s Consolidated Second Quarter Financial and Operational Highlights

• Lower sales in the quarter were primarily attributable to lower volumes, mainly from our U.S. and Spanish operations, as well as the exclusion of our Venezuelan operations, and the sale of our assets in the Canary Islands, which were partially mitigated by price stability in most of our markets.
• The infrastructure sector was the main driver of demand in most of the markets we serve despite the fact that we have not yet seen the positive impact of stimulus packages around the world.
• Free cash flow after maintenance capital expenditures for the quarter was US$456 million, down 38% from US$739 million in the same quarter of 2008.
• Operating income decreased 54% during the quarter compared with the same period last year, reaching US$411 million.

Hector Medina, Executive Vice President of Finance and Legal, said, "During the second quarter of 2009, we continued to face a challenging business environment. In response to the difficult times we are facing, we are first and foremost committed to reducing our debt level through the realization of our global cost-reduction efforts and our rightsizing initiatives.