Birla Corporation Limited today announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, delivering robust performance marked by a 71% year-on-year (yoy) increase in EBITDA to Rs 332 crore. The company registered a consolidated net profit of Rs 90 crore, a significant turnaround from a loss of Rs 25 crore in the corresponding period last year, despite subdued cement demand, pricing pressures, and operational challenges across its key markets.
Sandip Ghose, Managing Director & CEO, said, “Our resilient performance demonstrates the strength of Birla Corporation's strategy and operational focus in navigating a complex market environment. We remain committed to growing sustainably and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.”
Cement sales grow
The quarter saw consolidated revenue grow 13% to Rs 2,233 crore, driven by a 7% rise in cement sales volume to 4.2 million tons and a strong turnaround in Birla Jute Mills. The cement division's growth was supported by a focus on premium product portfolios, with the flagship Perfect Plus brand achieving a 20% volume increase, and Unique Plus growing 28% from a lower base. Premium cement contributed 60% of the total trade channel sales, with trade sales growing to 79% of total volumes from 71% a year ago.
Blended cement sales rose by 14% in volume, accounting for 89% of total sales against 83% last year. Regional performance was led by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where volume growth ranged between 7% and 11%. The company faced market disruptions from excessive monsoon rainfall, GST changes, and subdued pricing, with prices in central India declining by Rs 3-5 per bag and Telangana seeing a reduction of Rs 7-10 per bag. In contrast, Bihar saw a boost in demand due to pre-election activity.
Crossing challenges
Despite challenges, cement realization improved modestly by 3% to Rs 4,845 per ton, while EBITDA per ton surged 54% to Rs 712, reflecting improved operational efficiencies and cost control measures. The cement division's operating margin expanded substantially to 14.7% from 9.8% in the previous year's quarter. The company also managed to reduce operating costs by 2% despite unplanned kiln shutdowns and the need to purchase clinker.
Future looks bright
Looking ahead, Birla Corporation expects a revival in cement demand in the December quarter driven by government infrastructure spending and rural housing, supported by a good monsoon and higher disposable incomes. Price realizations are expected to stabilize and firm up gradually as demand recovers, particularly in northern and western India, while southern and eastern markets face ongoing supply pressures.
Renewed Power
In its sustainability initiatives, Birla Corporation increased renewable power consumption to nearly 30% of total power in the cement division, up from 25% last year. The company commenced sourcing 6 MW of wind-solar hybrid power at the Chanderia plant in October and 6.98 MW at the Durgapur unit in November. Plans are underway to boost renewable power to 32% in the second half of the year, including approvals for an additional 9 MW of solar battery storage at Chanderia and a 5 MW solar project at Mukutban. Birla Jute Mills is also commissioning a 2.1 MW rooftop solar plant by December 2025.
Jute turnaround
The Jute Division reported a cash profit of Rs 5 crore versus a Rs 2 crore loss last year, on the back of a 55% increase in sales volume to 9,987 metric tons and revenue growth of 71% to Rs 132 crore. Productivity improvements lifted average loom production by 17%, while power consumption declined by 10%. The division also cut conversion costs by 20%, offsetting a 26% price rise in raw jute.
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