Analysts at Emkay Global Financial Services remain positive on the cement sector and expects industry volume to start improving from the January-March quarter (Q4FY21)
Today, a total of 71 companies including ITC, Asian Paints, and Ambuja Cements are scheduled to announce their quarterly results
Firm realisation and lower costs bode well for profitability
At ACC, Sridhar Balakrishnan, former chief commercial officer (CCO), has been elevated as the CEO and MD while Akhoury continues as a director on ACC's board.
With growth having shrunk 0.5 per cent year-on-year during FY20 so far, as per latest estimates, price recovery seems distant
According to the management, the demand and realisation were under pressure in western markets owing to heavy floods while Northern markets show strength.
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May find it tough to grow volumes, given capacity limits; benefit from commissioning of clinker unit only in 2021
Muted volume growth expectations keep analysts cautious on CY19 profit growth
Better utilisation and good demand enabled Ambuja's cement volumes grow 9% year-on-year (YoY) to 5.46 million tonnes (MT) in the quarter, ahead of estimates
Rising volumes and some improvement in realisation fail to mitigate cost pressures
The stock rallied 6% at Rs 222 on the BSE after the company reported a better-than-expected a 27% year on year growth in standalone net profit at Rs 4.99 billion in June quarter.
In past one week, the stock declined 7% after the company reported lower than expected 3% YoY volume growth in March quarter.
Amid rising costs and limited volume growth outlook, realisation improvement is crucial for profit
Ambuja Cements was trading 4% lower at Rs 253, while ACC down 2% at Rs 1,625 on the BSE at 10:23 am.
Analysts attribute the strong volumes to a better demand scenario in the eastern and northern markets and Gujarat
Higher volumes and realisations helped Ambuja post sales of Rs 2,823 cr, a YoY increase of 11.7%
Recently secured long-term supplies of limestone bode well for the firm
Future volume growth, profitability improvement in rising costs environment key to instil confidence