Net profit of Ambuja Cements rose 77 per cent to Rs 304 crore in the September 2012 quarter on a year-on-year basis because of higher price realisations.
However, on a sequential basis, net profit of the company declined 35 per cent. During the quarter, the company’s sales grew 20 per cent to Rs 2,168 crore. Cement output and sales in the quarter were up 1.3 per cent each at 4.71 million tonne (mn t) and 4.70 mn t, respectively. Overall expenses increased 21 per cent to Rs 503 crore.
Meanwhile, net profit of ACC expanded 48 per cent owing to improved realisations. The firm’s sales increased 14 per cent. Cement production in the September quarter was down five per cent at 5.40 mn t against 5.69 mn t registered in the same period last year.
Sales volume was depressed against a backdrop of weak demand from the construction sector and prolonged monsoon, said the company. The company’s operational cost had gone up five per cent to Rs 2,145 crore (Rs 2,049 crore) despite lower production.