Concrete

Southern Comfort

Published

8 years ago

January 31, 2017

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If southern manufacturers are able to restore pricing in subdued markets, earnings may potentially surprise in FY18, says Vaibhav Agarwal of PhillipCapital.

We visited cement manufacturers, channel partners, builders and contractors in south India in the 2nd week of January 2017 for an update on the current situation and the forward outlook. The feedback from southern India continues to remain very positive, especially the volume commentary. Price upticks are likely to be seen in pockets where pricing is subdued (for example, in markets like Maharashtra and Gujarat, where southern players have an exposure).

In markets where prices are already buoyant, no major upticks may be expected. Cost pressures will be felt in Q3 with increase in fuel prices, but we don’t expect all companies to face a similar impact on the cost front.

Ramco Cement is believed to be best placed with high inventories of low cost fuel which will suffice requirements till 1QFY18. Debt repayment continues to remain the key objective of southern companies, and we see no deviation in management commentary on this front. India Cements is expected to repay debt of more than Rs 2 billion in the current fiscal, and the run rate is likely to increase in FY18. The commentary on east India volumes also seems to be encouraging, and Dalmia Bharat will be amongst the key beneficiaries here. We reiterate’Buy’ calls on south Indian cement manufacturers and maintain our price objectives with +50 per cent returns expected in our coverage universe of southern manufacturers.

No impact of demonetisation
The feedback from all southern Indian leaders continues to suggest that there has been no impact of demonetisation on volumes for cement manufacturers. All manufacturers are expected to report high double-digit growth in Q3. This is partially on account of low base effect, but even if we compare on a sequential basis, the volume impact for southern companies is likely to be very marginal (largely flattish). Notably, Q3 is a weak quarter for south India as it is the monsoon quarter.

Turnaround year for capacity utilisations
Management commentary remains extremely positive on volumes. Good demand revival is being sensed by southern manufacturers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The commentary also remains very positive on eastern volumes. Both manufacturers and channel partners expect FY18 to be a turnaround year and expect utilisation uptick of 4-5 per cent for the region as a whole, from current utilisations of about ~60 per cent.

Focus on volumes
We see that all southern Indian cement manufacturers are now refocusing on volume growth with the support of demand and by establishing newer markets outside of the region where the volumes can be pushed. For example, we were told that India Cements is targeting nearly 1 million tonnes of sales in export markets in FY18 (~10 per cent of sales). Fresh orders for specialised cements to select manufacturers are also helping the company ramp up capacity utilisation and support blended realisations. They don’t expect much to come in from cement prices as they seem happy with the stable price scenario. However, they will try hard to push prices in subdued markets.

Our take

Despite demonetisation, Q3 will not be a disappointing quarter for south India-based manufacturers. EBITDA/tonne (Rs 100-150) decline will be largely on account of marginal price correction and cost push.
Volumes continue to remain strong though y-o-y volume growth may tone down in Q4 due to high base effect.
We reiterate’Buy’ on southern manufacturers. There are no disappointments expected in FY18 earnings. Along with volumes, if southern manufacturers are also able to restore pricing in subdued markets, earnings may potentially surprise in FY18.

Concrete

Sambhv Steel Tubes is Now Certified as a Great Place to Work

This certification, valid from January 2025 to January 2026.

Published

2 days ago

February 4, 2025

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Sambhv Steel Tubes Limited, one of the key manufacturers of electric resistance welded (“ERW”) steel pipes and structural tubes (hollow section) in India in terms of the installed capacity as of March 31, 2024 (Source: CRISIL Report) is pleased to announce that it has been officially certified as a “Great Place to Work® for 2025.

This certification, valid from January 2025 to January 2026, is a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering a workplace environment built on trust, collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. Sambhv Steel Tubes also invites talented professionals who share its values of trust, collaboration, and innovation to join its team and be part of its growth journey. The Great Place to Work® certification is a recognized benchmark for workplace excellence. It is awarded based on employee feedback and an evaluation of workplace practices. Achieving this certification underscores Sambhv Steel Tubes’ dedication to nurturing a culture where Sambhv Steel strives to ensure that employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow both personally and professionally

The DRHP is available on the website of the Company at www.sambhv.com, SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of BSE Limited at www.bseindia.com and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.nseindia.com and the website of the book running lead managers, i.e. Nuvama Wealth Management Limited and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited at www.nuvama.com and www.motilaloswalgroup.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” of the RHP, when filed. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for making any investment decision. This announcement does not constitute an offer of the Equity Shares for sale in any jurisdiction, including the United States, and the Equity Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act of 1933 or an exemption from registration.

Any public offering of the Equity Shares to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the Company and that will contain detailed information about the Company and management, as well as financial statements. However, the Equity Shares are not being offered or sold in the United States. CRISIL Market Intelligence & Analytics (CRISIL MI&A), a division of CRISIL Limited, provides independent research, consulting, risk solutions, and data & analytics to its clients. CRISIL MI&A operates independently of CRISIL’s other divisions and subsidiaries, including, CRISIL Ratings Limited.

Image Source: Sambhv Steel Tubes

Concrete

Cement Industry Key to Growth, Jobs, and Nation Building in Budget

Budget presents opportunities for cement sector in growth, jobs, and infra.

Published

2 days ago

February 4, 2025

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The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) welcomes the Union Budget 2025-26 presented by the Honourable Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. CMA Member Companies have been at the forefront of nation building by significantly contributing to infrastructure development, employment generation, and economic growth. CMA believes that the Budget presents a commendable vision for India’s development through strategic investments in people, economy, and innovation.

Commenting on the Budget, Neeraj Akhoury, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) and Managing Director, Shree Cement Limited, stated, “CMA hails the Union Budget, announced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its comprehensive focus on holistic and inclusive development. The Budget reinforces a transformative journey towards building a resilient economy for advancing India’s development goals. The various initiatives announced by the Government balance people’s aspirations with the future requirements for the Country’s economic growth. The focus on increased investments on infrastructure across States amplifies opportunities and avenues for the growth of the Cement sector. We appreciate the sustained core focus on infrastructure and reiterate our commitment to being partners in Nation’s progress.<p></p>

<p>The increased spending on large scale housing and infrastructure projects will drive demand for construction materials allowing capacity expansion and promotion of innovation in sustainable practices. We are certain that despite challenges these measures will support the Cement Industry in achieving a consistent CAGR growth rate of more than 6 per cent of installed cement capacity in the present financial year. Policy reforms in Budget 2025-26 signal a reaffirmation of the Government’s intent to augment socio economic growth across core sectors.”

The Cement Industry plays a vital role in creating direct and indirect employment across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and construction, thereby supporting millions of livelihoods. Additionally, the industry remains a key contributor to the Government exchequer through taxes, duties, and levies, strengthening the country’s fiscal framework.

Parth Jindal, Vice President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) and Managing Director, JSW Cement Limited, said, “The Budget presented by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman is a forward-looking roadmap that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s cement industry, in line with the country’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. It prioritizes growth in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. The increased investment in technology will accelerate advancements in green cement solutions, driving both sustainability and innovation within the industry. Notable allocations, including Rs 200 billion to foster innovation and Rs 1.5 billion in 50-year interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure on infrastructure development, are expected to significantly bolster growth in the core sectors, including cement sector.

He further added, “The Budget’s focus on a three-year pipeline of projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model will incentivize private sector investment and catalyse a transformation in the infrastructure landscape. Additionally, the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for skill development, as part of the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ initiative, will ensure that India’s emerging workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy.”

In light of the recent Budget announcements, which prioritise infrastructure expansion and affordable housing, the Cement Industry is poised to leverage these opportunities by ensuring steady and sustained supplies of Cement to meet the Nation’s growing domestic market and infrastructure demand coupled with sustainable and innovative technologies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency, the Cement Industry will continue to drive India’s progress and economic resilience.

Concrete

GMDC Inks Long-Term Limestone Supply Deal With JK Cement

The agreement has been signed for supply of 250 million tonne.

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2025

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State-owned GMDC said it has entered into a long-term pact with JK Cement Ltd for the supply of limestone from its upcoming mine in Gujarat.

The agreement has been signed for supply of 250 million tonnes of limestone over a period of 40 years from its upcoming Lakhpat Punrajpur Mine in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch district in Gujarat.

This agreement will help JK Cement Ltd in setting up an integrated mega-capacity cement plant, fostering industrial growth in the region.Kutch’s coastal proximity, improved access to domestic and international markets, and cost-efficient logistics position it as an ideal hub for cement production.

The state-owned company has five operational lignite mines in Kutch, South Gujarat, and Bhavnagar region.