Anand Rathi Broker Research reports

As market leader, Star Cement’s Q3 volume growth outstripped northeastern demand growth, but its operational performance was hit by the delayed Meghalaya clinker stabilisation, higher maintenance shutdown cost, higher freight on a highway being constructed, etc.

Continually good offline margins, lower Limeroad losses and efficiency measures pushed up V-Mart’s Q3 EBITDA margin to 16.7%, considerably above ARe.

Despite muted demand, Arvind Fashions posted 11% retail LTL growth y/y, with double-digit LTL growth for all its five brands. The retail channel outshone (15% growth y/y), driven by higher ad-spend, store expansion and celebrity collaborations.

State Bank of India saw a soft Q3 on subdued NII and miss in other income. The bank’s dominant market position, best-in-class management and strong digital abilities would aid in maintaining its market share, while delivering healthy profitability.

We believe that easing liquidity conditions by the new RBI governor and greater government spending would drive improvement in Axis Bank’s outlook. We see the +ve macro impetus to drive a re-rating in a quality franchisee with a positive risk-reward.

J Kumar's execution velocity grew accompanied by steady margins, and a sound balance sheet. Together, these can facilitate a greater scale of operations ahead.

Mayur’s Q3 revenue surged 17% y/y to Rs2.1bn. The greater share of value-added products and a ramp-up in the B2C business helped the gross margin expand 305bps y/y to 46.9%.

Greenlam’s Q3 revenue stepped up 7% y/y to Rs6bn. Stable input costs led to a slight, 20bps y/y, better gross margin to 55%. Front-loading of certain costs w.r.t the particle board plant pushed EBITDA down 11% y/y to Rs635m.

Keener competition in Birla Corp’s core regions affected its Q3 performance where revenue/EBITDA declined 2.3%/34.5% y/y chiefly due to lower realisations.

One of the leaders in premium and mid-premium biscuits (a 5% share in North India), and other bakery items mainly in north India, Mrs Bectors Food Specialties manufactures and markets biscuits under its flagship brand ‘Mrs Bector’s Cremica’ and bakery items under ‘English Oven’.