Estimated 10% growth in steel production in 2010 is good news for iron ore companies such as Sesa Goa Ltd and NMDC Ltd. China and emerging markets are seeing higher demand growth.
Though
Sesa Goa’s sales rose by 36% to Rs1,866 crore while its operating profit rose by 85% to Rs1,035 crore. Now, just one month of export duty amounted to about Rs18 crore during the quarter and the full impact will be felt in subsequent quarters.
Sharply higher iron ore prices from a year ago will mean that margins will continue to improve year-on-year, even if they lose some shine on a sequential basis. But if the government hikes export duties to 20%, then it will really begin to pinch margins. However, higher output will drive performance, with Sesa Goa’s output up by 36% in the December quarter. The company’s capacity is projected to increase from 16 million tonnes (mt) to 25 mt in 2010 and eventually reach 50 mt by 2013.
In the short term, changes in duties could play some havoc with its earnings estimates, reflecting also in its share price. Higher output from its mines and an improving demand outlook for the steel industry are longer term positives.
crackcrackCompany Name | CMP |
---|---|
Hindalco | 652.00 |
Vedanta | 445.05 |
Hindustan Zinc | 491.70 |
Gravita India | 2090.50 |
Ram Ratna Wires | 594.05 |
View more.. |