Concrete

Cement demand picks up in June quarter

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2022

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Cement transported by rail in May 2022 were 2% higher than in April

Demand for cement increased in the June quarter, the peak season for construction before the monsoon.

Cement volumes transported by rail in May 2022 were 2% higher than in April, and up 30% from a year earlier. The year-on-year (YoY) growth is also expected to have been supported by the previous year’s lower base due to lockdowns, as per JM Financial Institutional Equities data.

In May, volumes were also 3% higher than average volumes in January-February 2022, though March volumes are lumpy and not comparative. The cement volumes are expected to have increased well in May, too.

Volume growth can push operating leverage at a time cost headwinds remain increased. However, the approaching monsoon season may cap volume growth in the forthcoming months as construction activities slow down during monsoon.

Analysts already have a cautious view of the cement sector looking at cost headwinds posed by higher fuel prices and also more increased logistics costs. The March quarter and FY22 earnings hold testimony.

UltraTech, India’s largest cement manufacturer, witnessed a consolidated revenue increase of 18% YoY in FY22, led by a 9% and 8% growth in sales volume and combined realisation respectively. However, the 14% YoY rise in per tonne operating expenses led to a decrease in operating margins, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and a mortisation (Ebitda) remained flat. The story was no different for others.

Dalmia Bharat saw a 20% rise in expenses while the prices improved by just 3%.The Jefferies report said cement coverage registered inline YoY Ebitda reduction of 20% for FY22, on cost forces. Volumes were flat YoY while growing 17-18% QoQ, pushing Operating leverage led QoQ uptick in unit Ebitda.

Head of retail research at HDFC Securities Ltd, Deepak Jasani, said that in cement, cost forces would continue to pose headwinds for producers. Cement makers have raised prices several times in the past few months as demand picked up. However, price improvement persists to lag with soaring prices.

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Also read: Indian cement industry likely to add 80 million tonne capacity by 2024

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Concrete

Steelmakers’ Debt Rises 25% Amid Capex Drive

The debt levels of steelmakers will rise by more than Rs 40,000 crore this fiscal year

Published

11 hours ago

December 3, 2024

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Domestic steelmakers are expected to see a significant rise in their net leverage to over 3x this fiscal year, driven by a 25% increase in debt due to ongoing capital expenditure (capex) projects. According to a report by Crisil Ratings, the debt levels of major steelmakers will rise by more than Rs 40,000 crore this fiscal year, marking a return to levels seen in fiscal 2020. This increase in debt is largely due to the ongoing capex cycle, with Rs 70,000 crore planned for the current and next fiscal years, aimed at expanding steelmaking capacity by 30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by fiscal 2027.

While the rise in debt may strain financial metrics, steelmakers are expected to improve efficiency and increase capacity, boosting long-term growth. However, profitability has come under pressure due to falling steel prices and rising imports. Steel prices are expected to fall by 10% this fiscal year, driven by increasing imports, especially from China. Despite an increase in demand and volume, lower realizations are expected to reduce operating profit margins.

Concrete

NCB Signs MoUs for Decarbonisation in Cement Industry

One MoU was signed between NCB and GCCA India

Published

11 hours ago

December 3, 2024

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The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has signed two landmark Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to advance decarbonisation and technological innovation in the Indian cement industry. The MoUs were signed during the 18th NCB International Conference and Exhibition on Cement and Concrete, held at Yashobhoomi, IICC Dwarka.

One MoU was signed between NCB and the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) India to promote research on decarbonization efforts within India’s cement sector, aiming for a “Net Zero” industry by 2070.

The second MoU, signed with AIC-Plasmatech Innovation Foundation, focuses on exploring the application of Thermal Plasma Torch Technology in cement production, which could enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Concrete

MPCB Bans New Ready-Mix Concrete Plants in MMR

Existing plants are required to implement anti-dust measures

Published

11 hours ago

December 3, 2024

admin

In response to worsening air quality, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has announced a ban on the establishment of new ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants within the municipal corporation limits of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Existing plants are required to implement anti-dust measures and conduct water sprinkling on vehicle tyres over the next three months.

Failure to comply with these new regulations could result in the seizure of bank guarantee deposits and potential plant closures, MPCB officials warned.

MPCB’s directives also stipulate that new captive RMC plants outside municipal areas must allocate at least 10% of their land for plant construction and enclose the site with tin or similar materials. Non-compliance will be met with a bank guarantee of Rs 10 lakh.

New commercial RMC plants must maintain a 500-meter buffer zone from populated areas and ensure compliance with environmental standards. All plants must also monitor air quality at their boundaries.

MPCB has stressed the importance of collaborating with civic authorities in MMR to curb pollution and maintain air quality standards.