Detailed Narrative
Q1 FY27 Performance Overview
J.K. Cement Limited reported a consolidated net sale of ₹3,962 crores for Q1 FY27, marking a 22.2% year-on-year growth and a 4% quarter-on-quarter increase. Standalone net sale was ₹3,786 crores, up 23.3% YoY. However, standalone EBITDA declined by 4.6% YoY to ₹639 crores, with margins compressing to 16.9% from 21.9% in the previous year. Per ton EBITDA stood at ₹982, down from ₹1,229 in Q1 FY26, reflecting cost pressures.
Volume Growth and Regional Dynamics
The company achieved strong volume growth in Q1 FY27, with grey cement volumes increasing by 19% YoY and white cement volumes by 11% YoY. Combined volumes grew 18% YoY. This growth was primarily driven by new capacities commissioned in Central India and Bihar. While demand remains supportive, capacity constraints in the North and South regions limit further growth in those markets, with current utilization levels estimated at 85-90%.
Cost Outlook and Fuel Mix Strategy
Management anticipates a cost increase of approximately ₹150 per ton in Q2 FY27, with ₹100 attributed to fuel costs and ₹50 to other factors like diesel. The fuel mix in Q1 FY27 was 40% pet coke, 45% Indian coal, and the balance from alternate fuels. The company continuously evaluates its fuel mix to optimize costs, utilizing imported US coal when it is cheaper than pet coke. The Mahan coal block is expected to be commissioned by end of FY28, promising substantial cost savings and reduced risk exposure.
Capacity Expansion and Project Updates
The greenfield project at Jaisalmer is progressing well and is targeted for commissioning within the first half of FY28. The grinding unit at Bhatinda is also on track. The company has acquired land for a second split grinding location in Punjab. The expansion of the wall putty unit in Rajasthan is nearing completion and is expected to be commissioned in Q2 FY27. Overall, the company aims for a total cement capacity of 40 million tons by FY28 and 50 million tons by FY30.
White Cement and RMC Business Performance
The white cement business experienced a healthy 11% YoY volume growth in Q1 FY27, partly due to reduced imports from UAE caused by geopolitical situations. The RMC business, which had exited Q4 FY26 with only ₹5 crores in revenue, reported ₹35-40 crores in Q1 FY27. The company plans to expand to 50 RMC plants by FY27 and 100 by FY28, targeting a quarterly revenue run rate of ₹100 crores by year-end FY27 and an annual topline of ₹250 crores for FY27.
Paint Business Development
The paint business, which includes brands like Acro and Maxx, generated approximately ₹125 crores in revenue in Q1 FY27 and achieved breakeven. Management expects the paint business to achieve a net top line of over ₹500 crores for FY27 and aims for a 5-7% EBITDA positive margin by FY28, with an additional ₹150 crores increase in top line. The company is developing this business using the existing putty platform and its earnings.
Capital Allocation and Debt Profile
As of June 30, 2026, gross debt stood at ₹5,551 crores, with a cash balance of ₹1,686 crores, resulting in a net debt of ₹3,864 crores. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.69, and net debt to equity was 0.53. The company has a capex plan of ₹3,500 crores for FY27 and ₹1,200 crores for FY28, with further additional capex planned for the next phase of expansion. Incentive income is projected to reach ₹300 crores annually from FY29 onwards.