Shares of India Cements Ltd rallied nearly 5% in early trade on Thursday after UltraTech Cement, its promoter and majority stakeholder, officially launched an Offer for Sale (OFS) to divest up to 6.49% of its holding in the company. The move is part of UltraTech’s strategy to comply with minimum public shareholding norms and streamline its ownership structure following last year’s acquisition.
India Cements stock opened higher at ₹374.05 and surged to ₹387.60 on the BSE, marking a 4.75% intraday gain. The rally lifted the company’s market capitalization to ₹11,850 crore, reflecting strong investor interest in the OFS and broader confidence in the cement sector’s recovery trajectory.
OFS Details: Strategic Stake Reduction by UltraTech
UltraTech Cement, which held an 81.49% stake in India Cements as of the June 2025 quarter, is offering to sell up to 2.01 crore equity shares, representing 6.49% of India Cements’ paid-up capital. The OFS will be conducted through the stock exchange mechanism, in accordance with SEBI regulations.
- Floor Price: ₹368 per share
- Offer Window: August 21 (non-retail investors), August 22 (retail investors and carry-forward bids)
- Estimated Value of Sale: Over ₹740 crore
Post-sale, UltraTech’s stake will reduce to exactly 75%, aligning with SEBI’s mandate for minimum public shareholding in listed companies.
Background: UltraTech’s Acquisition and Strategic Moves
UltraTech Cement became the majority shareholder in India Cements following a series of strategic transactions in 2024:
- July 2024: Acquired 32.72% stake from promoters and associates for ₹3,954 crore
- Subsequent Open Offer: Announced ₹3,142 crore open offer to acquire an additional 26% from public shareholders
- December 2024: Received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for the acquisition
These moves positioned UltraTech as the dominant player in India Cements, strengthening its footprint in the southern cement market and expanding its operational scale.
Market Reaction: India Cements Up, UltraTech Marginally Lower
While India Cements shares surged on the back of the OFS announcement, UltraTech Cement traded marginally in the red. The stock dipped 0.3% to ₹12,835 on the BSE, reflecting mild profit booking and investor focus on the divestment process.
Analysts noted that the OFS is unlikely to impact UltraTech’s long-term fundamentals, as the stake reduction is regulatory-driven and not indicative of strategic exit.
Operational Outlook: India Cements on Recovery Path
In its recent earnings call, UltraTech Cement’s CFO Atul Daga emphasized that India Cements is undergoing a transformation phase, with targeted capital expenditure aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability.
Key initiatives include:
- Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS)
- Cooler upgrades and speed modifications
- Alternate fuel technologies
- Renewable energy expansion: From 3% to 86% of total power requirement by FY28
These projects are expected to reduce operating costs and enhance profitability, with most investments offering attractive payback periods.
Investor Perspective: Compliance, Clarity, and Confidence
The OFS not only helps UltraTech meet regulatory norms but also improves liquidity and public float in India Cements. For investors, this translates into:
- Greater transparency in ownership
- Improved governance standards
- Enhanced trading volumes and price discovery
The timing of the OFS, amid a broader market rally and sectoral optimism, adds to its appeal for institutional and retail participants.
Conclusion: Strategic Realignment with Positive Market Sentiment
India Cements’ 5% surge reflects investor confidence in the company’s future under UltraTech’s stewardship. The OFS is a regulatory milestone, but also a signal of strategic maturity—balancing compliance with long-term growth.
As retail investors gear up for their participation window on August 22, market watchers will be keen to see how demand shapes up and whether the stock sustains its upward momentum.
For now, the cement sector continues to build strength—one strategic move at a time.
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