This cement stock has underperformed Sensex since listing; will tides turn?

Analysts see up to 23 per cent upside in the stock over its last close of Rs 102.30

Ever since its listing in June 2017, the stock of Star Cement has consistently underperformed BSE barometer Sensex for each of the years, leading up to 2020. After posting double-digit negative returns in the years 2018 and 2019, the company managed to rally over 12 per cent in 2020 but even then fell short of nearly 16 per cent returns offered by Sensex.

However, analysts believe the tide may turn for the firm as the company's strong presence in the North-Eastern region with high entry barriers, expansion in the Eastern markets and healthy financials make it an attractive bet, giving