Concrete

Cement Firms Target Bulk Buyers

Cement firms shift focus to bulk buyers.

Published

2 months ago

September 13, 2024

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Cement companies in India are increasingly targeting bulk buyers, such as infrastructure projects and real estate developers, as they face challenges related to pricing pressures, shrinking margins, and rising input costs. Amidst this difficult market environment, focusing on bulk sales helps mitigate volatility in the retail segment while ensuring steady revenue streams.

Key Points:

Pricing and Margin Pressures: The cement industry is currently grappling with higher production costs due to increased fuel and raw material prices. This, coupled with intense competition, has resulted in a squeeze on profit margins. Cement firms are finding it hard to pass on these rising costs to consumers, particularly in the retail segment, which remains sensitive to price hikes.

Shift Toward Bulk Buyers: To counter these challenges, companies are increasingly shifting their attention to bulk buyers, which include large infrastructure projects, real estate developers, and government initiatives. Bulk buyers offer stable demand and better pricing terms, helping companies manage their financial health more efficiently. Projects like roads, highways, and affordable housing are expected to drive substantial cement demand in the coming years.

Steady Demand from Infrastructure Projects: Government-led infrastructure initiatives, such as PM Gati Shakti, Smart Cities Mission, and affordable housing schemes, are fueling cement demand. Cement firms see these projects as key opportunities to stabilize revenues, with bulk sales providing them with assured orders over long periods.

Diversification of Sales Strategy: Companies are rethinking their sales strategies by strengthening relationships with contractors, developers, and government agencies. This approach helps cement companies secure long-term contracts, reduce market volatility, and counter the uncertainties of fluctuating retail demand.

Investment in Distribution Networks: To better serve bulk buyers, many cement companies are investing in expanding and upgrading their distribution infrastructure. This includes improving storage facilities, logistics, and transportation networks to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of bulk cement.

Sustainability and Efficiency: Companies are also focusing on sustainability initiatives, improving energy efficiency, and cutting carbon emissions. This aligns with the global trend toward greener construction practices, which is becoming increasingly important to bulk buyers, especially in large infrastructure projects.

As the cement industry adapts to evolving market conditions, the focus on bulk buyers offers a viable path forward for maintaining profitability amidst growing operational challenges.

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Concrete

Construction Costs Rise 11% in 2024, Driven by Labour Expenses

Cement Prices Decline 15%, But Labour Costs Surge by 25%

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

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The cost of construction in India increased by 11% over the past year, primarily driven by a 25% rise in labour expenses, according to Colliers India. While prices of key materials like cement dropped by 15% and steel saw a marginal 1% decrease, the surge in labour costs stretched construction budgets across sectors.

“Labour, which constitutes over a quarter of construction costs, has seen significant inflation due to the demand for skilled workers and associated training and compliance costs,” said Badal Yagnik, CEO of Colliers India.

The residential segment experienced the sharpest cost escalation due to a growing focus on quality construction and demand for gated communities. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial real estate remained resilient, with 37 million square feet of office space and 22 million square feet of warehousing space completed in the first nine months of 2024.

“Despite rising costs, investments in automation and training are helping developers address manpower challenges and streamline project timelines,” said Vimal Nadar, senior director at Colliers India.

With labour costs continuing to influence overall construction expenses, developers are exploring strategies to optimize operations and mitigate rising costs.

Concrete

Swiss Steel to Cut 800 Jobs

Job cuts due to weak demand

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

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Swiss Steel has announced plans to cut 800 jobs as part of a restructuring effort, triggered by weak demand in the global steel market. The company, a major player in the European steel industry, cited an ongoing slowdown in demand as the primary reason behind the workforce reduction. These job cuts are expected to impact various departments across its operations, including production and administrative functions.

The steel industry has been facing significant challenges due to reduced demand from key sectors such as construction and automotive manufacturing. Additionally, the broader economic slowdown in Europe, coupled with rising energy costs, has further strained the profitability of steel producers like Swiss Steel. In response to these conditions, the company has decided to streamline its operations to ensure long-term sustainability.

Swiss Steel’s decision to cut jobs is part of a broader trend in the steel industry, where companies are adjusting to volatile market conditions. The move is aimed at reducing operational costs and improving efficiency, but it highlights the continuing pressures faced by the manufacturing sector amid uncertain global economic conditions.

The layoffs are expected to occur across Swiss Steel’s production facilities and corporate offices, as the company focuses on consolidating its workforce. Despite these cuts, Swiss Steel plans to continue its efforts to innovate and adapt to market demands, with an emphasis on high-value, specialty steel products.

Concrete

UltraTech Cement to raise Rs 3,000 crore via NCDs to boost financial flexibility

UltraTech reported a 36% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, dropping to Rs 825 crore

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

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UltraTech Cement, the Aditya Birla Group’s flagship company, has announced plans to raise up to Rs 3,000 crore through the private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in one or more tranches. The move aims to strengthen the company’s financial position amid increasing competition in the cement sector.

UltraTech’s finance committee has approved the issuance of rupee-denominated, unsecured, redeemable, and listed NCDs. The company has experienced strong stock performance, with its share price rising 22% over the past year, boosting its market capitalization to approximately Rs 3.1 lakh crore.

For Q2 FY2025, UltraTech reported a 36% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, dropping to Rs 825 crore, below analyst expectations. Revenue for the quarter also fell 2% YoY to Rs 15,635 crore, and EBITDA margins contracted by 300 basis points. Despite this, the company saw a 3% increase in domestic sales volume, supported by lower energy costs.

In a strategic move, UltraTech invested Rs 3,954 crore for a 32.7% equity stake in India Cements, further solidifying its position in South India. UltraTech holds an 11% market share in the region, while competitor Adani holds 6%. UltraTech also secured $500 million through a sustainability-linked loan, underscoring its focus on sustainable growth driven by infrastructure and housing demand.