ACC’s Q1 performance (Jan-Dec year ending) was not too enthusing, with costs denting the profits. A 14% rise in power & fuel costs, a 24% increase in freight and forwarding charges, 18% increase in excise duty outgo, a 33% rise in finance outgo; total costs rose 12% and this pulled down the EBITDA and net profit despite a higher topline.

Though the consolidated total revenue rose 9% (YoY) at Rs.3631 crore, its net profit dropped 9% at Rs.211 crore.  The rise in costs showed up at the EBITDA levels itself, with EBITDA going down 6% at Rs.417 crore and the margins contracting from 13.3% to 11.5%.

Its volumes were up at 4% at 6.6 million tonnes  while volume of ready-mix concrete sales rose 8% at 0.72 MT. ACC’s premium cement products volume rose 16%. The company has attributed this rise in volumes to expanded capacity going on stream and declined effect of demonetization.