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COMPANY PROFILE

A leading cement manufacturer in the country, J. K. Cement Ltd., started its first commercial production in the year 1974. It is an associate of the multi-disciplinary industrial conglomerate JK Organisation, which was founded by Lala Kamlapat Singhania. The Company has over four decades of familiarity in cement manufacturing. JK White Cement, a division of J. K. Cement Ltd., enjoys a PAN India presence, with an annual capacity of 600,000 tonnes. The Company made its first international foray with the setting up of a green-field dual process White Cement-cum-Grey Cement plant in the free trade zone at Fujairah, U.A.E to supply to the Gulf Cooperation Council and African markets. JK White Cement is sold across 43 countries around the globe. Their brands continue to enjoy the faith of millions of consumers worldwide for the high quality and innovation standard that they have attained.

CEMENT INDUSTRY IN INDIA

India is the second largest manufacturer of cement in the world. It has a lot of potential for growth in the infrastructure and construction segment and the cement sector is expected to largely profit from it. 

India’s cement production reached 329 (MT) approximately in FY20 and is projected to reach 381 (MT) approximately by FY22. 

As India has a high quantity and quality of limestone deposits, the cement industry promises huge potential for growth. For FY21, CLSA (a capital market and investment group) expects a 14% YoY increase in EBITDA in the cement market for its coverage stocks.

According to the data released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, cement and gypsum products attracted Foreign Direct Investment worth US$ 5.28 billion approximately between April 2000 and March 2020.

The Union Budget has allocated Rs. 139 billion approximately for Urban Rejuvenation Mission-AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission. Government has also planned to upgrade 1, 25,000 km of road length over the next five years. These, combined with the PM Awaas Yojana, are going to boost cement demand in the country.

Note: Prices from February 2020 has been considered to chart the graph.

COMPANY PERSPECTIVE AND REVIEW

J.K. Cement delivered another year of strong growth and profitability in FY 2019-20, amid an already testing external environment that was further dampened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bearing in mind the high connection of cement demand with the domestic market, J. K. Cement Ltd’s performance demonstrates their robust fundamentals driven by resource efficiency, expanded capacities, growing prominence across urban and rural markets and enhanced reach. 

They have achieved a growth of 10% in revenue from operations of ₹ 5,464 crores in FY 2019-20, the EBIDTA increased 40% to 1,201 crores in FY 2019-20 while EBIDTA margin improved to 21.98% in 2019-20. Net profit increased 23% to 400 crores in FY 2019-20. The Board declared a final dividend of Rs. 7.50 per share in June 2020. The technical rating of the stock is bullish.

During the COVID-19 crisis, the company took several proactive welfare initiatives like contributing to the PM Cares Fund, distributing personal protective equipment to frontline health workers, paying full and timely salaries, digitalization and extending work from home facility to its employees.

They are constantly investing in research and development initiatives to minimise the use of natural resources in grey cement manufacturing.

A well entrenched presence in a growing industry and consistent financial performance makes the stock a good buy.