Cement manufacturer ACC reported a net profit of Rs 10.91 billion for the third quarter ending December 2024, a significant increase from the Rs 5.37 billion profit posted during the same period last year. The company’s revenue from operations reached Rs 52.07 billion in the current quarter, compared to Rs 48.55 billion a year ago.

The results for the quarter are not directly comparable to last year’s figures due to ACC’s acquisition of the remaining 55 per cent of Asian Concretes and Cements (ACCPL) and its step-down subsidiary, Asian Fine Cements. The consolidated financial results for this quarter include those of ACCPL.

Additionally, ACC received a Rs 7.20 billion refund from the government as an excise duty exemption on clinker consumption for the period from May 2005 to February 2013. This refund follows a ruling in ACC’s favour by the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal. Of this amount, Rs 6.36 billion was recognised as income in the current quarter and the nine months ending December 31, 2024.

The company’s total expenses for the December quarter stood at Rs 50.99 billion, while its total income was Rs 65.75 billion. The revenue from the cement business was Rs 56.14 billion, and from Ready Mix Concrete, it was Rs 3.44 billion.

ACC attributed its performance to volume growth, cost optimization, and improved efficiency. The company expects continued growth, driven by demand for premium cement products and a focus on innovation and sustainability.

Looking ahead, ACC anticipates that the cement sector, which experienced modest growth of 1.5-2 per cent during the first half of FY25, will rebound in the fourth quarter as construction activity accelerates in the infrastructure and housing segments. The company projects cement demand growth of 4-5 per cent for FY25, supported by the pro-infrastructure and housing measures in the 2025 Budget and increased government spending on infrastructure projects.
News source: ET Energy

Dalmia Bharat plans to invest approximately Rs 10 billion in capital expenditure for the quarter ending in March, bringing its total expenditure for the current fiscal year to around Rs 30 billion.

As for the fiscal year 2025-26 (April-March), the company intends to spend between Rs 25 billion and Rs 30 billion on capital expenditure. Dalmia Bharat’s current annual production capacity is 46.6 million tonnes, which is set to increase to 49.5 million tonnes by the end of March.

India, being the second-largest cement producer globally, has seen domestic players aggressively expand capacities through both expansion and acquisitions to meet the anticipated demand driven by the government’s infrastructure push. It is projected that between 2024 and 2028, 150-160 million tonnes of capacity will be added, driven by a combination of organic and inorganic growth. This increase in supply, coupled with heightened competition, is expected to limit the growth of cement prices, as noted in a Crisil report from last year.

Dalmia also mentioned that while optimism surrounding cement prices has risen due to recent price recoveries, the intensifying competition may prevent any substantial price increases. He noted that the current market conditions are marked by aggressive market share pursuits, which, coupled with the lack of demand growth in the first nine months, have added strain to the industry. He pointed out that every industry goes through phases where the focus shifts from market share to prioritizing margins, as beyond a certain point, market share no longer delivers value.

He anticipates that competitive pressure, particularly in the southern markets of India, will persist, alongside ongoing consolidation within the industry.

News source: The Economic Times

Nuvoco Vistas Corp, a leading building materials company in India, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. With 25 MMTPA of combined installed capacity, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. is the 5th largest cement group in India and amongst the leading cement players in East India. The company is on track to achieve 31 MMTPA cement capacity1 by Q3 FY27 after emerging as the Successful Resolution Applicant for Vadraj Cement (VCL). A Letter of Intent has already been issued. The VCL facility comprises of 3.5 MMTPA clinker unit in Kutch and a 6 MMTPA grinding unit in Surat and reflects the company’s drive for growth and diversification.

The company’s consolidated cement sales volume registered a strong growth of 16% YoY to 4.7 MMT in Q3 FY25. Consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 24.09 billion during the same period. Consolidated EBITDA for the quarter stood at Rs 2.58 billion.

The cement industry has witnessed a recovery following a challenging first half of FY25. After facing subdued demand, the industry is showing signs of improvement, supported by favourable market dynamics. In response, the Company undertook several initiatives to drive strong volume growth during the quarter. While cement prices remained muted for majority part of the quarter, they recovered toward the end. Meanwhile, the Company has continued to focus on operational excellence. The company has achieved the lowest blended fuel cost in the last 13 quarters, at Rs. 1.45 per Mcal. Nuvoco’s power & fuel cost continues to be amongst the lowest in the industry.

In the RMX business, “Concreto Uno Concrete”, launched during the year, is seeing volume traction across regions. The MBM business introduced “Tile Adhesive T5”, “Tile Glitter” and “Tile Bonder” under the brand ZERO M to strengthen the product portfolio. The company continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability with lowest carbon emissions in the industry, with 457 kg CO2 per ton2 of cementitious materials.

Commenting on the company’s performance, Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., stated, “The Company proactively seized demand opportunities to bolster its position in the market and delivered strong volume growth during the quarter. Price increases in the recent period continue to reflect a positive trend, while sustained improvements in demand should support prices as well. Strategic priorities for the company remain centered on driving premiumisation, optimising geo- mix, enhancing fuel mix efficiency, strengthening brand presence, and maintaining cost excellence. The company is confident in its expansion strategy and ability to execute on growth plans pertaining to Vadraj Cement, which will diversify its market footprints in the Western India, thereby supporting long-term growth ambitions and further consolidating its position as the 5th largest player in India.”