Concrete

Two southern cement firms suggest stable outlook

Published

4 years ago

October 14, 2021

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The earnings of Madras Cements (MCL) and India Cements (ICL) suggest an improving outlook. After several months of tardy growth, cement prices in the south were relatively stable in the December quarter. In fact, stable demand in the absence of heavy monsoon that usually plays havoc in the south during the quarter, helped lift volumes and realisation per bag of cement sold.

The two southern cement duo-MCL and ICL clocked revenue growth of 18 per cent and 17 per cent respectively, when compared with a year before. MCL may have posted a better performance, but for the dealer strike in Kerala for two weeks in November.

The southern firms fared better than their western counterparts such as ACC and Ambuja Cements, as sluggish demand and cost pressures hit the profitability of cement makers focused on western Indian markets. Cost increases were felt by both south-based companies during the December quarter, as freight rates surged.

Transport and handling charges rose by 35-38 per cent from a year ago and marginally from the preceding quarter. As a result, ICL and MCL posted a slight decline in operating profit from a year ago.

According to Karvy Stock Broking, ICL’s operating performance should improve given its ramp up in captive power production and benefits accruing from coal sourced from captive mines in Indonesia. Barring those in Andhra Pradesh, cement dealers in the south endorse stable demand.

A few weeks ago, leading cement maker Heidelberg indicated a possible hike in cement prices in southern markets, too, after a similar move in the west. This augurs well as better realisation could offset rising costs.

Concrete

Star Cement launches ‘Star Smart Building Solutions’

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

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Star Cement has launched ‘Star Smart Building Solutions,’ a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable construction practices, as per a recent news report. This venture introduces a range of eco-friendly products, including tile adhesives, tile cleaners and grouts, designed to enhance durability and reduce environmental impact. The company plans to expand this portfolio with additional value-added products in the near future. By focusing on sustainable materials and innovative building solutions, Star Cement aims to contribute to environmentally responsible construction and meet the evolving needs of modern infrastructure development.

Image source:https://www.starcement.co.in/

Concrete

Nuvoco Vistas reports record quarterly EBITDA

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

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Nuvoco Vistas reported its highest-ever quarterly consolidated EBITDA of Rs.556 crore in Q4 FY25, with annual EBITDA at Rs.1,391 crore. Cement sales reached 19.4 MMT in FY25, with Q4 contributing 5.7 MMT. Revenue rose 4 per cent YoY to Rs.3,042 crore in Q4. Net debt reduced by Rs.390 crore to Rs.3,640 crore. The company received NCLT approval for acquiring Vadraj Cement, targeting 31 MMTPA capacity by FY27. Key marketing initiatives, expanding RMX and MBM businesses, and a focus on sustainability (457 kg CO2/tonne) drove performance. Nuvoco remains focused on premiumisation, operational efficiency, and market expansion.

Image source:nuvoco.com

Concrete

UltraTech Cement increases capacity by 1.4Mt/yr

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

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UltraTech Cement has expanded its production capacity by 1.4 million tonnes per annum (Mt/yr) through a combination of debottlenecking efforts and operational efficiency upgrades across several of its plants. The enhancements include an addition of 0.6Mt/yr in grinding capacity at the Nagpur facility in Maharashtra and a combined 0.8Mt/yr at the Panipat and Jhajjar units in Haryana. With these upgrades, the company’s total domestic grey cement capacity has risen to 184.8Mt/yr, while its global capacity now stands at 190.2Mt/yr.