Ambuja Cements is trading higher by around 2% at Rs 206 after reporting a robust 77% year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in net profit at Rs 304 crore for the third quarter ended September 2012 (Q3) due to higher sales realisation and improved operational efficiencies.
Net sales grew 20% at Rs 2,168 crore on y-o-y basis. EBITDA margin have improved substantially by over 700 basis points to 24% from 16.8% during the recently concluded quarter.
“Monsoon being over, revival of demand is expected. Impact of recent hike in diesel priced on distribution cost and freight on internal movement of clinker are expected to keep pressure on margins,” it said.
Ambuja Cements would continue its thrust in improving productivity and operational efficiency to mitigate cost increase pressures, it added.
The stock opened at Rs 205 and hit a high of Rs 208 on the National Stock Exchange. A combined around 1.07 million shares have changed hands on the counter on both the exchanges in opening trades.