India Ratings assigns ‘negative’ outlook to sugar companies

25 Jan 2013 Evaluate

Weighed down by the rising production costs, sufficient domestic availability and stable global prices, India Ratings has assigned a ‘negative’ outlook for sugar manufacturing companies for the year 2013. “There is a negative outlook for sugar manufacturing companies for 2013, considering a further deterioration in their financial profile. The operating margins of sugar companies in 2013 are likely to be below the 2012 levels (13 per cent), as sugar margins (October 2012-September 2013) may fall. Thus, financial leverage is expected to worsen. This is based on financial statements of 18 listed sugar companies,” India Ratings said.

According to the credit rating agency, the floor for domestic prices is likely to be around Rs 30-32 per kg in 2013. The domestic sugar prices are likely to remain stable this year as there will be more than sufficient stock to meet internal consumption. However, considering the high domestic cost of production mainly due to rise in sugarcane costs by 16-17%, the prevailing sugar prices may be somewhat higher than the aforementioned range.

India Ratings said a comfortable global demand-supply balance will result in weak international sugar prices. Sugar would also be available for exports, subject to global attractiveness of domestically produced sugar. Thus, the world sugar market may be in a surplus for a third consecutive year.

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