Strong realisation, cost saving lift ACC's Q3 show; sales at year-ago level

The robust Q3 operating performance that was ahead of expectations is driving upgrades in earnings and target prices

ACC’s outstanding performance in the third quarter ended September 30 or Q3 (ACC follows January-December as financial year) surprised most analysts. It was led by better realisation and cost savings, and with expectations that these gains on pricing and profitability will likely sustain, analysts are upgrading their earnings estimates for the cement maker.

Cement sales volume might have been flat at 6.49 million tonnes (MT), but the signs were encouraging as it recovered to year-ago level of 6.44 MT amidst Covid-related headwinds. Q2 had seen a 34 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in volume to 4.76 MT, and the Q3 recovery