Cement Sector |
Price hikes gain pace |
n Avg cement prices up by 6.6% mom (+Rs16/bag). Producers cut supplies to non-trade segment in north & central to exploit the premium in the trade segment
n North (+Rs23/bag) & Central (+Rs24/bag) region see sharp price hikes followed by Eastern region (Rs21/bag). Dealers expect further hikes
n Sharp price hikes led by very short Pre-Diwali construction season this year (~25 days vs 40-45 days) coupled with rollback of discounts simultaneously
n Unavailability of sand impacted cement offtake in western region while monsoon and the fluid political situation in Telangana continue to hamper consumption in south
n Cost push likely to continue led by shortage of coal & hike in surcharges by railways in Oct-11. Though Q2FY12 dispatches grew +6% on low base, demand yet to reflect strength.
n Solid demand pick up remains a key trigger to sustain the ensuing seasonal price uptick. Prefer ACC,SRCM & Grasim. Maintain REDUCE on ACEM & UTCEM
Regards,
Ajit Motwani |
Research Analyst | Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd. | www.emkayglobal.com | Email : ajit.m...@emkayglobal.com |
Board No. : +91-22-66121212 | Extn. : 255 | DID : 66121255 | Mob : +919820934229 |
|
|