Cement industry set to break out of bear hug

H2FY25 may bring respite due to price hikes, higher volumes

- SHIVAM TYAGI

The Indian cement industry is hopeful of greener pastures after a long period of stress led by pricing pressures and other factors. The second half of FY25 is expected to bring respite due to price hikes, cost benefits and higher volumes, said analysts.

The optimistic momentum also makes cement stocks attractive, analysts added, advising to buy dips following a period of bearish sentiment in these stocks.

"Cement is a cyclical industry, and stock prices mimic the industry performance. Considering the underperformance of most players barring a few in the current year, I believe it's the right time to enter the pack in a selected manner," said Uttam Kumar Srimal, senior research analyst, cement and infra, at Axis Securities.

Shares of cement firms have dipped up to 23 per cent in the last one month on the NSE, compared to a 1.2 per cent rise in the benchmark Nifty50.