ACC, a part of Holcim Group, has reported seven per cent drop in net profit at Rs 243 crore in the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 against Rs 262 crore registered in the same period last year. Net sales were up eight per cent at Rs 3,009 crore.
The company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 15.
Manufacturing and distribution costs continued to face escalation, though the company derived some benefits from the ongoing cost leadership programme and an increase in the sales of premium products.
Demand for cement showed some improvement and the company’s overall sales volume during the quarter improved by 4 per cent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
“We expect the positive trend in demand for cement to continue as a result of government’s emphasis on housing and infrastructure development,” said the company in a press statement.