Oman Cement, one of the sultanate's largest cement firms, has reported a 3.7 per cent rise in first-quarter net profit, beating analyst forecasts.

The company made a net profit of RO3.83 million ($9.95 million) in three months to March 31, up from RO3.70 million in the corresponding period of 2014.

Three analysts polled by Reuters on average forecast the firm would make a net profit of RO3.2 million.

Oman Cement's first-quarter revenue rose 10.6 per cent to RO15.94 million.-Reuters