UltraTech Cement Limited delivered exceptional Q3 FY26 results that exceeded market expectations, driven by robust infrastructure demand and operational excellence. The company's performance reflects India's accelerating development trajectory and UltraTech's strategic positioning to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Strong Operational Performance

The company demonstrated significant operational improvements across key metrics during Q3 FY26. UltraTech achieved enhanced efficiency with its clinker conversion factor improving to 1.49, moving closer to the target of 1.54. The lead distance optimization program delivered results, reducing average lead distance to 363 kilometers from the baseline of 400 kilometers.

The company's fuel costs remained stable at INR1.8 per kcal during the quarter, reflecting effective cost management strategies. Power costs improved from INR7.1 crores to INR6.5 crores, driven by fuel efficiency improvements.

Infrastructure Demand Driving Growth

India's infrastructure development is creating unprecedented demand for cement across all regions. The government's focus on infrastructure has translated into a robust pipeline of projects nationwide, with several marquee investments announced.

In North India, Punjab is investing INR16,000 crores in road development initiatives, while Delhi Metro has announced new corridors worth INR12,000 crores. Uttar Pradesh is developing a 1,575 kilometers metro network across major cities extending till 2047.

West India is witnessing significant transport and mobility projects. Maharashtra's mega projects include the Uttan-Virar Sea Link worth INR58,000 crores, Mumbai Metro expansions, and the Pune-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Expressway spanning 245 kilometers. Gujarat's 9 high-speed corridors covering 800 kilometers are fast-tracking connectivity.

South India is undergoing major transformation with Bangalore's metro network expanding from 96 kilometers to 175 kilometers by December 2027. Karnataka has unveiled an urban infrastructure program featuring the longest 40-kilometer twin tunnel and 41-kilometer double decker metro.

Capacity Expansion on Track

UltraTech's fourth phase expansion program is progressing according to schedule, with large portions of orders already placed and work commenced. The company expects to add 8-9 million tons of capacity in Q4 FY26, followed by 12 million tons in FY27.

The company has already added 7 million tons of clinker capacity in FY26 through two new lines - one 10,000 TPD line (3.5 million tons annually) and another 3.5 million tons line in Rajasthan, specifically at Nathdwara and Maihar.

Acquisition Integration Success

The integration of recent acquisitions Kesoram and India Cements is progressing ahead of initial plans. Brand conversion at Kesoram reached 69% by December 2025, while India Cements achieved 58% conversion.

Both assets have begun cost improvement capex programs, with benefits expected to reflect in P&L from January-March 2027. India Cements reported EBITDA per ton of approximately INR400 in Q3, with the company targeting INR1,000 exit by Q4 2027.

Market Outlook and Pricing

Cement prices, which remained subdued post-GST changes, are witnessing improvement across all segments nationwide. The company reported being in a sold-out position, operating at more than 90% of existing installed capacity in the January-March quarter.

Pricing has improved by INR3-4 on naked cement realization basis versus Q3 averages, translating to INR6-8 price increases. This improvement comes despite cost pressures from pet coke prices around INR118-119 and other input cost inflation.

Financial Strength and Future Prospects

UltraTech maintains a strong balance sheet with consolidated net debt EBITDA at 1.08x at quarter-end. The company expects to reach 0.8-0.9x net debt EBITDA by fiscal year-end, funding all growth through internal accruals.

The company's efficiency improvement program is delivering results beyond initial commitments, with management confident of crossing the INR100 per ton mark on efficiency improvements in the current financial year, compared to INR86 per ton delivered last year.

With India's infrastructure boom creating sustained demand and UltraTech's strategic positioning across 163 cities through its RMC network, the company remains well-positioned to capture incremental demand while maintaining operational excellence.

India cements Limited has announced the availability of its Q3FY26 earnings call recording on the company website, fulfilling regulatory disclosure requirements under SEBI regulations. The cement manufacturer informed both BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited about this development through an official communication dated 24th January 2026.

Regulatory Compliance and Disclosure

The company's disclosure falls under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, which mandates transparency in corporate communications. The earnings call covered financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December, 2025.

Stock Exchange Communication

The formal communication was addressed to both major Indian stock exchanges where the company's shares are listed. Company Secretary Ekambaram Jayashree signed the disclosure document, ensuring proper corporate governance protocols were followed.

Corporate Structure

India Cements Limited operates as a subsidiary of UltraTech Cement Limited, part of the Aditya Birla Group. The company maintains its registered office at Dhun Building, 827, Anna Salai, Chennai, and continues to serve stakeholders through established communication channels including its investor relations portal.