Highest Upside

Q2FY26 Performance: Revenue increased by 8.3% YoY (-14.5% QoQ) to Rs 2457.6 crore due to sales volume growth of 2.4% YoY (to 4.30 mtpa, -15.7% QoQ) and 5.8% YoY (+1.5% QoQ) improvement in realization. EBITDA/ton increased by 63.9% YoY (-16.1% QoQ) to Rs 853/ton. On PAT level, the company reported profit...

Valuations at 9.7x EV/EBITDA & USD 71/ton on FY27E basis look attractive considering the company's strong growth plans with entry into new markets. We recommend BUY on NVCL with a target price of 590 per...

JK Cement (JKCE) has embarked on an express growth track, offering strong visibility of 16% CAGR capacity creation over FY25-30 (vs. FY15–25’s 9%).

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Shree Cement (SRCM) reported a robust performance in Q1FY26 with EBITDA growing by 34% YoY to Rs12bn, driven by effective cost control and pricing strategy. Net profit almost doubled to Rs6,185mn, up 95% QoQ, underlining the company's margin improvement and operational leverage. The EBITDA margin expanded by nearly 590 bps YoY to 24.8%, and cash profit also saw a healthy 24% YoY rise to Rs12mn. Total sales volume for the Q1 2026 stood at 9mn tonnes. The contribution of premium cement products in trade sales improved to 17.7%, up from 15.6% QoQ. Given the improvement in cement prices, we...

Birla Corporation (BCORP)’s 1QFY26 EBITDA increased ~34% YoY to INR3.5b (~8% miss due to lower-than-estimated realization). EBITDA/t was up ~23% YoY to INR725 (est. INR838), and OPM surged 2.3pp YoY to ~14% (est. ~16%).

ACC reported weak operating performance in Q1FY26 despite strong volume growth and higher realizations. Volumes grew 12.7% YoY on higher trade volume aided by MSA and strong growth in premium products. Average cement NSR grew 4% QoQ led by price recovery in Southern and Eastern markets since Mar'25. EBITDA/t grew just 2% YoY affected by higher RM costs (purchase of finished goods up 79% YoY). Improved fuel mix, lower fuel prices, greater adoption of green energy (26%), and increased volumes led to a 24% YoY reduction in power and fuel costs; while shorter lead distances and a rise in...

With 25.26m tonnes cement capacity now, JK Cement’s announced expansion would take it to 32m tonnes by FY26. Its long-term target of 50m tonnes by 2030 remains.

JK Lakshmi Cement (JKLC)’s 1QFY26 EBITDA was in line with our estimate, as the benefits of higher volume and lower opex/t were offset by lower-thanestimated realization.

Superior profitability to sustain, led by focus on operating efficiencies: During Q1FY26, company's profitability improved sharply on YoY basis (EBITDA/ton stood at Rs 1761/ton, +75% YoY), led by better volume growth, improvement in realisations and lower RM cost. We believe that company's EBITDA/ton to remain strong going forward, led by continuous focus on operational efficiencies (led by increase in share of renewable power, WHRS and captive coal, freight cost optimisation through addition of grinding units in NE and Rajasthan), incentives from state government & positive operating...

Ambuja Cements (ACEM) reported strong growth of ~81% YoY in EBITDA to INR17.6b (~28% beat, led by lower-than-estimated opex/t).

We maintain our BUY rating on the stock with a TP of Rs 325/share, implying an upside potential of 27% from the CMP.

We maintain our BUY rating on the stock.

Ambuja Cements (ACEM) posted higher-than-estimated EBITDA, driven by higher-than-estimated realization (3% above estimate).

Dalmia Bharat’s (DALBHARA) 1QFY26 EBITDA grew ~32% YoY to INR8.8b (9% beat, led by lower-than-estimated opex/t). EBITDA/t increased 40% YoY to INR1,261 (~12% above our estimate), and OPM expanded 5.8pp/4.9pp YoY/ QoQ to ~24% (vs. est. ~22%).

Shree Cement reported a resilient performance in Q2FY26 despite seasonal headwinds, supported by premiumization and cost discipline. Revenue rose 15% YoY to Rs43bn down 12% QoQ driven by stronger realizations and an improved product mix, while EBITDA increased 46% YoY to Rs8.5bn, translating to Rs1,049/t up 44% YoY. PAT surged 198% YoY to Rs2.8bn, underscoring robust margin recovery. Cement volumes grew 6.8% YoY to 7.9mn tonnes, though sequentially lower due to extended monsoons and softer North India demand. Realizations improved to Rs4,840/t, aided by the premium segment's share...

Grasim Industries (GRASIM) organized an interaction with senior management, who shared their perspectives on the Paints business and highlighted new initiatives being implemented in this segment.

Strategic capacity expansion and focus on profitability to lead growth: Sales volume was largely inline with expectations at 3% YoY in Q2FY26, as the company remained focused on profitability. Management reiterated that the focus will remain on profitable growth going forward and quality of sales through product mix and balancing strategy across micro-markets based on utilization and demand-supply dynamics. On the capacity addition front, the ongoing expansion at Belgaum (3 mtpa) and Pune (3 mtpa) are on track and expected by FY27E end. Further, the planned 6 mtpa expansion at Kadapa (AP)...

Shree Cement’s (SRCM) Q1FY26 volume declined 7% YoY, yet the EBIDTA surged 34% YoY led by price hikes. With blended realisation rising ~4% QoQ (up 10% YoY), EBITDA/t catapulted 44% YoY (down a mere 2% QoQ) to INR 1,373.