India’s sugar stocks could be headed for a crucial season. The country’s sugar output is projected to rise nearly 18% in 2025-26, even as ethanol faces pricing pressures and the looming threat of tariffs on potential imports.&nbsp;With the government’s focus on pushing ethanol-blended fuel and cane pricing in focus, the next few months will help determine if the sugar sector can regain its sweet spot.A few sugar stocks have been gaining traction on investors' radar from this space. <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EIDPARRY.NSE">EID Parry (India)</a> has rallied 45% in the last six months, <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/BALRAMCHIN.NSE">Balrampur Chini</a>, and <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DALMIASUG.NSE">Dalmia Bharat</a> have clocked in over 25% gains.&nbsp;Other notable companies include <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/BAJAJHIND.NSE">Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar</a> and <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/RENUKA.NSE">Shree Renuka Sugars</a>.Strong Output ForecastIndia’s sugar output is projected to surge nearly 18% to 34.9 million tonnes in the 2025–26 season, according to the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). Additionally, sugar diverted for ethanol production is expected to rise to 5 million tonnes, compared with 3.5 million tonnes in the current season.Ethanol from Sugar: The ChallengesEthanol is made from sugarcane, maize, and grains. It is a clear, colorless alcohol that is commonly used as a blending agent with petrol to reduce vehicle emissions.In August 2024, the Indian government permitted sugar mills to produce ethanol from cane juice, syrup, and B‑heavy molasses, a byproduct with higher sucrose levels. The move was expected to support the goal of 20% ethanol blending into petrol by 2025‑26.The original goal of achieving 20% blending (E20) by 2030 was brought forward to 2025 and was met in March 2025. Now the Indian government is aiming to blend 30% ethanol in petrol by 2030.However, the sugar industry hasn’t yet benefited from the success of ethanol blending as the sector’s share in the national ethanol program has plunged from 73% to 28% in just two years.Capacity Present, But Not Enough UtilizationIndia has the capacity to produce 952 crore litres of ethanol per year, with the potential to divert 40 lakh tonnes of sugar. And still, only 32 lakh tonnes are expected to be used this year, which highlights the underutilization in the sector.The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) said sugar-based ethanol supply is expected to fall from 369 crore litres in 2022-23 to 250 crore litres in 2024-25, as stagnant ethanol prices lag behind rising sugarcane costs, making direct sugar sales more profitable.The Tariff Overhang&nbsp;The ongoing tariff-related challenges could act as another stumbling block.&nbsp;Last month, the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) objected to the proposed talks on permitting ethanol imports under the India-US trade framework, warning that it could hinder payment of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to sugarcane farmers and result in underutilization of domestic ethanol production capacity.Sugar Stocks: Mixed Moves In 2025Using Stocktwits data, we see a mixed 2025 so far for the sugar sector, with retail investors primarily in a wait-and-watch mode. The Nifty Commodities index, by comparison, is up around 8% in the same period.<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/G_Nd_LY_indian_sugar_stocks_ytd_performance_png_a7a1d4af27.webp" alt="GNdLY-indian-sugar-stocks-ytd-performance.png">Given below is the Q4 FY25 financial data for five key sugar companies.<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/1i_Tlx_q4_fy25_earnings_data_png_6ffd038376.webp" alt="1iTlx-q4-fy25-earnings-data.png">The Next Triggers: What Investors Are WatchingAny upward revision in ethanol pricing is likely to boost sentiment for sugar stocks. Additionally, clarity on import pricing for ethanol during the upcoming US-India trade discussions will be crucial.&nbsp;For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.&nbsp;

(Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Can India’s Sugar Stocks Regain Momentum? Output Is Likely To Rise 18%, But Ethanol Woes Cloud Outlook

Relaxed export rules and increased diversion for ethanol production could partially offset challenges surrounding pricing. Key players like Balrampur Chini and EID Parry remain on investor watchlists

Equity

Indian cement companies started fiscal 2026 on a strong note, reporting double-digit growth in profits and revenues for the first quarter, despite price volatility caused by the monsoons. Top players like UltraTech, JK Cement, and Dalmia Bharat posted earnings surprises, supported by strong infrastructure and housing demand.Domestic brokerage firm ICICI Securities noted that pan-India cement prices rose 3 - 4% sequentially, marking the third consecutive quarter of price gains. This price momentum was reflected in the quarterly results.Q1FY26 Performance Snapshot&nbsp;India’s largest cement producer, <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/ULTRACEMCO.NSE">UltraTech Cement</a>, posted a 49% year-on-year (YoY) rise in consolidated net profit, with revenues rising 17.7%. The integration of India Cements and Kesoram Industries’ cement business contributed to a 9.7% increase in sales volume. During the quarter, the company added 3.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in grey cement capacity, pushing its total installed capacity to 192.26 MTPA.&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/ACC.NSE">Adani Group-backed ACC</a> saw its profits being halved sequentially, even as realisation gains helped revenues rise. Its volumes grew to 11.5 million tonnes from 10.2 million tonnes in the first quarter of last year.<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/JKCEMENT.NSE">JK Cement</a> recorded one of the strongest performances among mid-cap peers, with 15% volume growth in grey cement and revenue gains driven by price recovery in Central and Southern India. In contrast, Dalmia Bharat missed estimates on the bottom line but managed to hold costs. It saw a 5.8% decline in sales volume.&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/ORIENTCEM.NSE">Orient Cement</a> saw strong growth in margins. During the quarter, <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/AMBUJACEM.NSE">Ambuja Cements</a> acquired a 26% stake in Orient Cement through an open offer, raising its total shareholding in the company to 72.66%.&nbsp;Here’s a look at the earnings performance across India’s cement makers for Q1<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/n_ZVNP_q1_earnings_at_a_glance_png_8cd9052fd9.webp" alt="nZVNP-q1-earnings-at-a-glance-.png">Yet to report: Ambuja Cements (July 31) Shree Cements (August 4), Ramco Cements (August 13)Analysts expect capacity expansion to boost sector growthIndia’s cement sector remains on a firm footing with leading players reporting solid growth, both in volume and operational performance, despite regional variations in pricing, said SEBI-registered <a href="https://stocktwits.com/Adarsh_SEBI_RIA">analyst Adarsh Nimborkar</a>.UltraTech Cement’s EBITDA per ton stood at ₹1,125, supported by tight cost control and its extensive pan-India reach. The company has a robust expansion plan, targeting an additional 22 MTPA capacity by FY27.<stembedurl>https://stocktwits.com/Adarsh_SEBI_RIA/message/622044925</stembedurl>Backed by the Adani Group, the combined entity of Ambuja Cements and ACC now commands a 77 MTPA capacity and aims to nearly double it to 140 MTPA by 2028. The company continues to invest in logistics, green fuel transition, and integration boost.Shree Cement posted an 8% volume growth and the highest EBITDA per ton at ₹1,130, the analyst said. It remains focused on expanding in South India while maintaining stable margins through disciplined cost management.Dalmia Bharat, with 42 MTPA capacity, emerged as the fastest-growing mid-sized player. It recorded an EBITDA per ton of ₹1,070. The company is targeting 75 MTPA capacity by FY27 and holds a strong position in East and South India.From a technical viewpoint, the sector outlook remains bullish, with attractive opportunities for long-term accumulation, Nimborkar concluded.SEBI-registered investment advisors <a href="https://stocktwits.com/TrueNorth_Capital">at TrueNorth Capital</a> anticipate that cement makers will aggressively expand capacity to meet overall demand, with the top players targeting significant scale-ups by FY27-FY28.Capacity ramp-up plans by India’s top cement players<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/ca0b2e40_733b_45c5_8762_dbecd27ae9c2_jpg_bad57d4cbe.webp" alt="ca0b2e40-733b-45c5-8762-dbecd27ae9c2.jpg">Source: True North CapitalUltraTech: EBITDA/ton at ₹1,125; plans to add 22 MTPA by FY27.Adani Cement (Ambuja + ACC):&nbsp;77 MTPA capacity now; targeting 140 MTPA by FY28.Shree Cement:&nbsp;Highest EBITDA/ton at ₹1,130; targeting 80 MTPA by FY28.Dalmia Bharat:&nbsp;Fastest-growing midcap; targeting 75 MTPA by FY28.JK Cement:&nbsp;Investing ₹3,000 crore to expand to 30 MTPA by Q4 FY26.<stembedurl>https://stocktwits.com/TrueNorth_Capital/message/622053307</stembedurl>Early-quarter hikes cushion weak prices in JuneThe onset of monsoons disrupted demand momentum, leading to a decline of ₹6 - 8 per bag across the south, west, and east regions in June. Cement prices remained largely flat in north and central India.<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/PKM_3m_cement_price_trends_june_2025_png_131190ff01.webp" alt="PKM3m-cement-price-trends-june-2025.png">Overall, brokerage firm Prabhudas Lilladher noted an average price dip of ₹4 per bag to ₹361 across the nation. While prices may decline further in July, they remain strong on a year-on-year basis, particularly in the South and East, which had witnessed steep hikes earlier in the quarter.Southern and eastern markets are expected to report robust Q1FY26 earnings, driven by improved pricing and operational efficiencies. Even though demand has softened, the housing (IHB) segment may provide some cushion due to increased interior work during and post monsoons. Further margin support could come from easing pet coke prices, the brokerage added.Brokerage Corner&nbsp;ICICI Securities expects a 45% YoY jump in Q1FY26 EBITDA for the sector. With another round of price hikes despite the ongoing monsoon, earnings upgrades are on the table for Q2FY26. It maintained a ‘Buy’ on UltraTech with a revised target price of ₹14,600, adding that firm prices in Q2 could boost FY26 earnings beyond consensus.Motilal Oswal reiterated a ‘Sell’ rating on India Cements, while cutting its price target to ₹280, citing modest growth. EBITDA per ton is expected to increase from ₹350 in FY26 to ₹760 in FY28.Nirmal Bang maintained a ‘Hold’ rating for JK Cement while raising the price target to ₹6,231. EBITDA per ton is seen rising from ₹1,167 in FY26 to ₹1,334 in FY27, resulting in estimated savings of ₹150 - ₹200 per ton.So far in 2025, UltraTech Cement shares have gained over 6%, Dalmia Bharat rose 24%, while JK Cements shares have surged 41% higher. On the other hand, ACC stock declined 11%, and Orient Cement fell 20%Despite regional challenges, the long-term outlook for the cement sector remains bullish, as capacity expansion, margin tailwinds, and infrastructure spending are expected to sustain momentum.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com

Labourers unload cement bags from freight trains at the railway junction. (Photo by Saqib Majeed/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Cement Sector On Solid Ground In Q1: SEBI RAs Expect Bullish Momentum Amid Capacity Surge

Strong demand and steady pricing led to solid Q1FY26 earnings for most major players

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lululemon athletica, Inc. engages in the business of designing, distributing, and retailing technical athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories. It operates through the following segments: Company-Operated Stores, Direct to Consumer, and Other. The company was founded by Dennis James Wilson in 1998 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Lululemon Athletica inc.

Lululemon Athletica Inc

Lululemon is trending due to a significant stock drop following a weaker-than-expected outlook, driven by tariff concerns and slowing US sales. Community discussions revolve around whether this dip presents a buying opportunity, with some citing international growth potential and others highlighting increased competition and changing consumer preferences. The overall sentiment is bearish, with analysts downgrading the stock and investors questioning the company's growth strategy.

Krypto Cock is a meme-powered crypto project with real onchain utility. Born from the lessons of past market cycles, $COCK blends humor, culture, and technology to create a unique community-driven ecosystem.  The project is focused on: • Building lightweight mini-apps for Farcaster and other onchain platforms • Developing an engaged, growing community • Delivering consistent, high-quality content • Offering practical onchain tools and experiences • Led by a team with years of crypto and product experience  $COCK aims to make the crypto experience more fun, accessible, and connected, without sacrificing purpose or quality.

CockCardano

$COCK.X is trending as the community rallies around the upcoming launch of Cocky Wings LLC, a real-world food business associated with the Cardano-based meme coin. Community members highlight the potential for passive income through staking and are excited about the partnership with $SNEK.X and the presence at the South Carolina Gamecocks home game.

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. engages in the provision of an e-commerce platform. It offers furniture and home furnishing products and services. The company was founded on May 5, 1997 and is headquartered in Murray, UT.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc

Bed Bath & Beyond ($BBBY) is trending amid discussions about its new corporate name and ticker symbol after Overstock acquired the rights, sparking confusion among investors. The community is buzzing about the potential of Tzero, a blockchain platform associated with the company, and its possible impact on preventing naked shorting, drawing comparisons to the $GME saga. Some traders are expressing skepticism while others speculate on Ryan Cohen's next move and the potential for new stores.

BrokeCoin is a meme-meets-utility cryptocurrency project operating under the ethos of Transparency, Community, and Respect. Formally registered as an LLC in Wyoming, USA, BrokeCoin is building an expansive ecosystem that combines light-hearted spirit of meme culture with real-world crypto utilities—spanning gaming, staking, NFTs, web services, and an e-commerce platform. Brokecoin believes in developing useful and interesting meme-inspired utilities to both service the crypto industry, and generate value for holders.

Brokecoin

$BROKE.X is trending due to recent bullish momentum and community excitement around upcoming airdrops and staking. The community believes $BROKE has strong long-term potential, citing the active developer, engaged community, and plans for future utilities as reasons for its upward trajectory. Many community members are actively participating in a buy contest, and anticipating a new ATH.

Broadcom Inc. is a global technology company, which designs, develops, and supplies semiconductors and infrastructure software solutions. It operates through the Semiconductor Solutions and Infrastructure Software segments. The Semiconductor Solutions segment refers to product lines and intellectual property licensing. The Infrastructure Software segment relates to mainframe, distributed and cyber security solutions, and the FC SAN business. The company was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA.

Broadcom Inc

Broadcom is trending upward following a strong earnings report and guidance, with analysts citing significant AI-fueled revenue growth, leading to numerous target price increases. Community members are focused on a reported partnership with OpenAI for AI chips, which has further boosted optimism. Traders are discussing potential short squeezes and whether Broadcom is positioned to challenge competitors in the AI space.

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. engages in operating social media and in the technology business. Its brands include TRUTH Social, TMTG+ and TMTG News. The company was founded on March 28, 2024 and is headquartered in Sarasota, FL.

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.

DJT is trending amid discussions about the Epstein files and Trump's potential involvement, with some users calling for their release while others defend him. Community members are also debating the stock's valuation and the broader implications of Trump's policies on the economy and international relations. The stock is highly divisive, with many users expressing strong opinions for and against Trump and his company.

Pineapple Financial, Inc. is a Canadian based mortgage technology and brokerage company, which engages in the mortgage brokerage services and technology solutions to Canadian mortgage agents, brokers, sub-brokers, brokerages, and consumers. The company also provides back-office services, together with pre-underwriting support services. The company was founded by Shubha Dasgupta, Kendall Marin, and Charles Andrew Green on October 16, 2015 and is headquartered in North York, Canada.

Pineapple Financial Inc

Pineapple Financial ($PAPL) is trending due to a recently closed $100M private placement and a move into Injective (INJ) tokens, sparking high volatility. The community is buzzing about potential short squeezes and halts, with bulls anticipating further upside and bears cautioning about dilution. Traders are closely watching price action and momentum, with some eyeing new entries while others secure profits.

SoundHound AI, Inc. engages in the development, owning, and commercialization of voice, sound, and natural language artificial intelligence technologies and related activities. The company was founded on September 2, 2005 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA.

SoundHound AI Inc - Ordinary Shares - Class A

SoundHound AI Inc

SoundHound AI (SOUN) is trending as chatter increases around a potential short squeeze, driven by high short interest and bullish technical indicators. The community is also discussing recent partnerships in the healthcare sector and potential expansion into new verticals, with some speculating about a possible buyout. Bullish sentiment is building as traders focus on key price levels and the company's long-term potential in the AI voice space.

Opendoor Technologies, Inc. engages in the operation of buying, selling, and trading of residential properties online. The company was founded by Eric Wu on December 30, 2013, and is headquartered in Tempe, AZ.

Opendoor Technologies Inc

Opendoor Technologies is trending amid high trading volume and social media buzz, with community members actively discussing potential short squeezes and a climb towards a target price of $10. Speculation around upcoming news, such as a new CEO announcement, and broader market factors, like potential interest rate cuts, appear to be fueling optimism. Despite some bearish sentiment and a recent critical report from Citron Research, many investors express confidence in OPEN's long-term potential.

Solana is a highly functional open source project that banks on blockchain technology’s permissionless nature to provide decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions. It is a layer 1 network that offers fast speeds and affordable costs. While the idea and initial work on the project began in 2017, Solana was officially launched in March 2020 by the Solana Foundation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Solana

Solana is trending as the community discusses its potential, highlighting its speed and efficiency compared to other blockchains like Ethereum. Discussions also involve meme coins built on Solana, with some users anticipating a strong rally. Additionally, the recent Alpenglow upgrade, aimed at boosting transaction speeds, has generated buzz.

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