West China Cement profit warning

West China Cement (WCC) warned that its net profit in the first half of this year is expected to plunge more than 50% on-year due to a drop in cement price. This follows a warning from industry peer, Anhui Conch Cement who last week also issued 1H profit warnings. DBS Vickers expects WCC's earnings are bottoming out as cement prices are recovering. It keeps the stock at Buy with a target price of HK$2.27 but says WCC's shares have rallied 35% year-to-date, significantly outperforming peers as earnings are bottoming out. "The profit warning might trigger some profit-taking."