Ambuja Cements Ltd has posted better-than-expected results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. During the period under review, the company registered net sales at Rs 1,990 crore, up 7.8%, compared to Rs 1,846 crore in Q1 FY 2009. The increase in sales was on the back of higher volumes and some improvement in realisation. Its energy costs and clinker purchases were lower compared to last year, and consequently EBITDA for the quarter improved by 20.5% year on year, from Rs. 540 crore to 651 crore. Profit before tax and exceptional items increased by 20.2%, to Rs. 590 crore. Its net profit was at Rs 462 crore, up by 38.3%, against Rs 334 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.