The net profit after tax (PAT) surged to Rs 1.42 billion compared to Rs 973.2 million in the previous year. This impressive growth was facilitated by a notable 10.4% reduction in total expenses, driven by decreased fuel, transport, and employee costs.

However, revenue from operations experienced a moderate decline of 4.7% to Rs 16.48 billion, primarily influenced by a 4.3% drop in volumes. Cement makers in India resorted to offering discounts in the January-March period to combat intense competition and achieve year-end volume targets. This strategy resulted in a nationwide decrease in cement prices to two-year lows on an annualised basis.

JK Lakshmi Cement's success in controlling costs mirrors a similar trend observed in rival companies like India Cements, which managed to narrow its losses. However, Adani-owned Ambuja Cements and south India-focused rival Ramco Cements fell short of their respective fourth-quarter profit estimates. (ET Infra)