As milk prices rise, analysts have an optimistic view on dairy stocks such as Heritage Foods and Dodla Dairy, hoping the companies' margins will grow in the near to medium term. From a long-term perspective, they believe that a growing population, increasing disposable income and health consciousness will strengthen dairy consumption in India.
Milk supplies could improve with the monsoon, provided the rains are not excessive.
The Rs 1-trillion organised dairy market is dominated by co-operatives in almost every state.
Hindustan Unilever (HUL) hiked prices across its portfolio of products by 3-13 per cent in multiple tranches in February, with the sharpest increase of 13 per cent seen in the 100 gm Lux soap pack, the price of which increased to Rs 35 from Rs 31 earlier. The price of the 125 gms soap pack of Lifebuoy was hiked from Rs 31 to Rs 33, a rise of 6.5 per cent. In January, the company had hiked the price of the same stock-keeping unit from Rs 29 to Rs 31.
Amul, Gowardhan raise prices by Rs 2 a litre; others might wait for some time.
Not everyone can have access to the Pride of Cows milk.
By official estimates, the country has a surplus of 300,000 tonnes of milk powder, which has led to dairies and other bulk buyers cutting liquid milk purchase thus affecting its price.
Parag Milk Foods, Prabhat Dairy, Hatsun Agro are sharpening their gaze on the retail space and buttering up their customers.
With increasing animal prices, labour and transportation charges, production cost has gone up significantly.
Companies featuring in the Next 500 list are mostly mid-sized and termed as the 'small wonders' by the magazine.
Dairy companies in the organised sector are yet to state their stance on the proposed stir
Prices of milk and derivatives such as cheese, butter, curd and skimmed milk powder were subdued for two years, on a supply surplus.
Among the gainers, microfinance player Ujjivan Financial Services which made its stock market debut in May has seen the biggest rally in its share price.
Dairies cut milk procurement price by 11% in 2 months on bumper supply, but they are in no mood to pass on this price benefit to the consumers
Ajit Mishra, vice president, Research, Religare Broking, answers your queries.
Unfavourable secondary market conditions aren't a big concern for IPOs by good quality companies.
Some players have already raised prices; others in wait-and-watch mode.
Auto stocks are weighing on the indices.
Ajit Mishra, Vice President, Research, Religare Broking, answers readers' stock market queries. Ajit will offer his unbiased views on a weekly basis