Cement producers and exporters listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) are expected to announce their mixed financial results for the second quarter of FY24-25 (October-December) in January/February. Topline Pakistan Research has estimated that cement profitability will likely increase by seven per cent QoQ in the upcoming results, driven by a 23 per cent rise in domestic dispatches.
The research firm anticipates that companies within the Topline Cement Universe will report a combined profitability of PKR16.5bn (US$59.20) for the quarter, compared to a profit of PKR15.4bn in the previous quarter. This marks a seven per cent increase QoQ, primarily due to higher domestic dispatches. This QoQ growth in profitability is also attributed to a 22 per cent decrease in expected finance costs. However, higher domestic dispatches and lower coal prices have been slightly offset by reduced retention prices, particularly in the northern region.
by Abdul Rab Siddiqi, Pakistan
