Latest news with #Rs.4
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Collectors step in to allay farmers' fears on mango procurement
Tirupati / Chittoor: In a bid to allay the growing concerns among mango farmers over procurement issues, Tirupati District Collector Dr S Venkateswar and Chittoor District In-charge Collector G Vidyadhari assured that the State Government is fully committed to supporting Totapuri mango farmers in all aspects. Speaking to the media in Tirupati and Chittoor, the Collectors urged farmers not to panic, stating that the government is taking all necessary steps to safeguard their interests. They highlighted that favourable climatic conditions and precautionary measures taken by farmers have led to a significant increase in mango yield this season. However, international market dynamics, particularly the impact of the Ukraine war, have caused a sharp decline in mango pulp exports. The duo noted that companies like Parle, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi have been sourcing heavily from markets in neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, especially from the Krishnagiri market. This led to a surplus in pulp stock over the last two seasons. To address this situation, the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed procurement of Totapuri mangoes at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs.12 per kilogram to ensure that no farmer incurs losses. Of this, Rs.8 will be paid by processing units, while the remaining Rs.4 will be provided as a subsidy by the State Government. Officials will be present at every ramp and market yard to supervise the procurement process at processing units. Farmers have been advised not to harvest mangoes prematurely and to wait until the fruits reach optimal ripeness to avoid spoilage. The government has also promised to provide the Rs.4 subsidy per kilogram up to the last kilo procured, ensuring complete coverage for all farmers. The Collectors cautioned against farmers rushing to mandis, traders, or pulp industries before harvest is fully ready, as doing so may lead to extended waiting times at processing units and potential fruit damage. Tirupati Joint Collector Shubham Bansal, Horticulture Officer Dasaratharami Reddy, and other officials were present during the Tirupati press conference. Later, Dr Venkateswar visited several pulp units and recommended that they implement a token system for mango farmers to ensure a smooth first-come, first-serve procurement process. For any queries, farmers in Tirupati district can contact the helpline at 0877-2236007, while those in Chittoor district may call 08572-242777 or 9491077325 for assistance.
Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Volumes soar at Vishal Mega Mart Ltd counter
Vishal Mega Mart Ltd recorded volume of 11050.21 lakh shares by 14:14 IST on NSE, a 80.07 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 138.00 lakh shares Happiest Minds Technologies Ltd, Latent View Analytics Ltd, Navin Fluorine International Ltd, Supreme Industries Ltd are among the other stocks to see a surge in volumes on NSE today, 17 June 2025. Vishal Mega Mart Ltd recorded volume of 11050.21 lakh shares by 14:14 IST on NSE, a 80.07 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 138.00 lakh shares. The stock lost 1.02% to Rs.123.58. Volumes stood at 96.22 lakh shares in the last session. Happiest Minds Technologies Ltd saw volume of 162.11 lakh shares by 14:14 IST on NSE, a 37.9 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 4.28 lakh shares. The stock increased 10.33% to Rs.663.70. Volumes stood at 2.34 lakh shares in the last session. Latent View Analytics Ltd clocked volume of 53.83 lakh shares by 14:14 IST on NSE, a 26.4 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 2.04 lakh shares. The stock gained 2.16% to Rs.409.00. Volumes stood at 1.53 lakh shares in the last session. Navin Fluorine International Ltd witnessed volume of 7.36 lakh shares by 14:14 IST on NSE, a 7.4 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 99428 shares. The stock increased 2.79% to Rs.4,639.10. Volumes stood at 43761 shares in the last session. Supreme Industries Ltd saw volume of 9.47 lakh shares by 14:14 IST on NSE, a 4.31 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 2.20 lakh shares. The stock increased 2.95% to Rs.4,691.60. Volumes stood at 4.69 lakh shares in the last session.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Mango farmers ‘reduced to pulp' in Chittoor dist
Tirupati: The current standoff over mango procurement prices in Chittoor district, attributed to a bumper crop and crashing prices in neighbouring states, shows no sign of resolution; causing distress to farmers and resentment among pulp processors. Chittoor, the largest producer of the totapuri variety of mango used primarily for pulp extraction, is witnessing a crisis this season due to a mismatch between government-mandated procurement prices and market dynamics. In a bid to support farmers, the government had fixed the procurement price at Rs.12 per kg this year, including Rs.4 to be paid as subsidy. However, this decision has resulted in strong resistance from pulp factory owners who claim to be already dealing with excess pulp stock and weak demand. The situation has been compounded by lower mango prices in neighbouring Karnataka, where mangoes are being procured for as low as Rs.4 per kg. Processors in Chittoor argue that buying mangoes at Rs.8, when the pulp has to be sold at uniform market rates across regions, is unviable. The procurement initially began smoothly on June 9, with around 40,000 tonnes of mangoes bought across southern Andhra Pradesh. But as daily arrivals surged to 5,000 tonnes in Chittoor and 2,000 tonnes in Tirupati, the system started to buckle under pressure. Cheaper mango arrivals from Krishnagiri and Kolar in Karnataka have worsened the situation. 'Processors there are buying at Rs.4 per kg, while we are asked to pay Rs.8 per kg. How is this sustainable when pulp is sold at the same price everywhere?' questioned a local processor. Currently, only 15 of Chittoor's 39 pulp factories are actively procuring mangoes. Although 25 units initially expressed interest, most have since scaled back due to pricing concerns. With mangoes ripening rapidly in the orchards, desperate farmers are being forced to sell at whatever price they can get. At present, factories are offering Rs.6 per kg, supplemented by a Rs.4 per kg government subsidy, effectively meeting the Rs.10 mark. Farmer associations are bringing pressure on the processors to honour the Rs.12 price, but oversupply and competitive pricing in neighbouring regions are dragging prices down. With the peak mango season expected to continue until August, both sides remain locked in a challenging situation. Officials are trying to mediate for addressing the crisis. Chittoor District Horticulture Officer D Madhusudan Reddy told The Hans India that efforts were underway to ensure smooth procurement without burdening either side. He noted that this year's bumper harvest, yielding 5.4 lakh metric tonnes, has led to steep price drops, with fluctuations expected to continue based on arrivals and market trends. Meanwhile, former Minister and Punganur MLA Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy has warned of protests if pulp units do not procure mangoes at Rs.8 per kg. He criticised the state government's inaction and demanded fair compensation for the 56,000 acres of mango cultivation in the district.
Business Standard
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Volumes jump at FDC Ltd counter
FDC Ltd saw volume of 1.5 lakh shares by 10:46 IST on BSE, a 18.81 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 7975 shares Bajaj Finance Ltd, P I Industries Ltd, Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd, Cipla Ltd are among the other stocks to see a surge in volumes on BSE today, 16 June 2025. FDC Ltd saw volume of 1.5 lakh shares by 10:46 IST on BSE, a 18.81 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 7975 shares. The stock increased 6.30% to Rs.506.15. Volumes stood at 11441 shares in the last session. Bajaj Finance Ltd clocked volume of 3.4 lakh shares by 10:46 IST on BSE, a 6.3 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 53928 shares. The stock gained 0.17% to Rs.935.00. Volumes stood at 34566 shares in the last session. P I Industries Ltd recorded volume of 42181 shares by 10:46 IST on BSE, a 5.73 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 7365 shares. The stock gained 3.95% to Rs.4,131.80. Volumes stood at 11148 shares in the last session. Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd registered volume of 20119 shares by 10:46 IST on BSE, a 3.91 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 5149 shares. The stock rose 2.51% to Rs.2,064.75. Volumes stood at 11918 shares in the last session. Cipla Ltd witnessed volume of 80394 shares by 10:46 IST on BSE, a 3.08 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 26077 shares. The stock increased 1.59% to Rs.1,529.35. Volumes stood at 13128 shares in the last session.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cement stocks set to rise due to these four reasons
March quarter tailwinds Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Mid-to-long term view Birla Corporation The company reported an excellent performance in the March 2025 quarter, with revenue and net profit exceeding Reuters-Refinitiv estimates by 5% and 92% respectively. While the volumes jumped 17%, realisations registered 7% growth on a sequential basis. This, coupled with cost optimisation measures, aided EBITDA, which grew 115% quarter-on-quarter. The capex plan of Rs.4,340 crore is aimed at increasing grinding and clinker capacity, which will increase production capacity from 20 MMT (million metric tons) currently to 27.6 MMT by 2028-29. The funding of capex will be through internal accruals, which will restrict the expansion of net debt. The management has guided that the net debt to EBITDA ratio shall remain below 2 for the next two years. An Elara Capital report says that the company's limited presence in the surplus market of south India, continued incentive income, focus on premiumisation, and savings from coal mines bode well for long-term performance. Dalmia Bharat Aided by lower costs and operating leverage benefits, the firm posted a decent operating performance despite muted revenue growth. While revenue missed Reuters-Refinitiv estimates by 4.7%, net profit exceeded estimates by 40%. Decline in volumes impacted revenue growth, whereas higher other income and lower than expected depreciation boosted net profit. The management is strengthening the dealer network and distribution channels as well as investing in brand building. It anticipates demand recovery in 2025-26, led by increased government spending and pent-up demand. The planned capex of around Rs.3,500 crore for 2025-26 is marked for expansion projects in Karnataka and Maharashtra. The company¡¦s capacity is lower than its peers and capacity expansion plans will address such concerns to some extent. A Motilal Oswal report says that Dalmia Bharat is among the low-cost producers in the cement industry, backed by a higher blending ratio (the proportion of different materials used to produce cement), green power share, and lower freight costs. Moreover, the recent price hikes in its core markets may help improve margins. It reported a strong performance in the March 2025 quarter, aided by volume growth and lower operating costs. Revenue and net profit surpassed Reuters-Refinitiv estimates by 9.1% and 10.3%, respectively. Market share gains in the central India region boosted volumes, which grew 16% year-on-year. On the other hand, reduction in pet coke prices and operating leverage gains led to cost reduction. The ongoing capacity expansion plans will boost production capacity from 24.3 MMT in 2024-25 to 30.3 MMT in 2025-26. The company¡¦s ability to generate strong operating cash flows will help limit the expansion of net debt. An Elara Capital report says that JK Cement is well-positioned for healthy volume growth, aided by a strong pipeline of ongoing capacity expansion projects. It lists steady price trend in north India, cost-saving measures, and its plans to enter the high-margin Kashmir market as the key growth catalysts. The company met the revenue estimates compiled by Reuters-Refinitiv in the March 2025 quarter, aided by decent volume growth and modest realisations. Decline in operating costs (including raw materials, power, and fuel) and increase in green power mix supported EBITDA, which grew by 12% year-on-year. The management has announced a capex plan of Rs.1,500 crore, aiming for efficiency projects in India Cements and Kesoram Industries (acquired companies). Such projects are expected to aid overall profitability in the future. While the company¡¦s net debt swelled due to acquisitions, the ability to generate strong operating cash flows will help reduce net debt over the next two years. A Systematix report maintains a positive outlook on the company¡¦s long-term growth potential, driven by its strong market leadership, disciplined cost management, and ambitious capacity expansion plans. The firm's focus on deleveraging and integration of recently acquired assets are other positives. Ambuja Cements It reported a strong operating performance in the March 2025 quarter, aided by volume growth and better realisation. Revenue surpassed Reuters-Refinitiv estimates by 2.5%. While volume growth of 13% year-on-year was aided by the ramp-up of acquired assets (Sanghi Industries and Penna Cement), cost efficiencies and sequential decline in raw materials and fuel costs supported EBITDA, which grew by 110% quarter-on-quarter. The management has reiterated its cost reduction guidance of Rs 500 per ton by 2027-28 by increasing the share of green power and long-term supplier agreements. A Prabhudas Lilladher report expects the company to keep gaining market share, aided by the ramping up of Penna/Sanghi assets. Moreover, the gradual improvement in the green power mix and targeted synergy benefits will support EBITDA growth over the next few years. After a weak first half in 2024-25, cement companies saw improved volumes and revenues in the March 2025 quarter. Data from Reuters-Refinitiv covering 27 cement firms (with market capitalisation of over Rs.500 crore) shows aggregate revenue rising 11% year-on-year, from 4.4% in the December 2024 the first half of 2024-25, the sector's performance was affected by the general elections, extreme heatwave, and labour shortages. Muted demand also pressured prices and realisations, weakening concerns are evident in share price performance. Over the past year, the group of 27 companies delivered an equal-weighted average return of -4.8%, lagging the Nifty 500's 7% gain. Sixteen stocks posted negative returns, and 19 underperformed the index. Returns are as of 10 June like pent-up demand, increased government spending, revival in rural demand, a low base, and selective price hikes aided the performance in the March 2025 quarter. However, despite stability in prices, the realisations for most companies declined on a year-on-year basis due to market resistance and year-end demand triggers, lower operational expenses—especially power and fuel costs supported by stable pet coke and diesel prices—drove a sequential improvement in EBITDA margins. Margins improved for 21 of the 27 companies in the March 2025 quarter compared to the three months ended December revival of construction activities across key markets led to a sharp jump in the cement prices in April 2025. Though the increase in prices moderated in May, the current prices are the highest in the past 15-17 months. In the first two months of 2025-26, all India average prices have jumped by 7-8% year-on-year, according to data compiled from a JM Financial saw the sharpest sequential rise in the southern and eastern regions, while remaining largely flat elsewhere. The price hikes, along with cost efficiencies, are expected to support cement companies' financial performance in the June 2025 Elara Capital and JM Financial flagged near-term concerns due to an early monsoon potentially curbing demand growth, reports from Axis Securities, Centrum Broking, PhillipCapital, Nuvama, Systematix, Prabhudas Lilladher, and ICRA remain constructive on the sector's long-term growth prospects. The ICRA report expects cement volumes to grow by 6-7% year-on-year, backed by demand from the housing and infrastructure in residential and commercial real estate, recovery in rural spending, and increased urbanisation are the factors driving cement demand. Moreover, government investments in infrastructure and programmes such as the Smart Cities Mission, Bharatmala Pariyojana, PM GatiShakti, and Housing for All will provide additional support to the the adoption of green technologies by cement companies (waste heat recovery, alternative fuels etc) is expected to support margins by imparting cost of efficiencies. In addition, the ongoing capacity expansion by key players will boost industry volumes. A Centrum Broking report says that the industry will see additional organic capacity additions over the next 2-3 years and that it expects the industry's capacity utilisation levels to increase from 74% to 77%. Here are the five cement companies with decent analyst coverage and with good buy ratings.
