significantly improved balance sheets, as evident in charts below. We believe any recovery in domestic demand could act as a key catalyst for sector profitability, while downside risks remain relatively limited, supported by stronger balance sheets cushions.
The local cement sector is currently trading at an EV/ton of US$46, compared to its 10-year average of US$64 and a peak of US$167 recorded in FY17. However, sector's underlying fundamentals are considerably stronger, with robust cash generation, healthy margins and
BEST & WORST
The benchmark index declined by ~1.6% in Oct'26, primarily due to concerns over a possible escalation between US and Iran, coupled with inflationary concerns. The following sectors and companies emerged as the best and worst performers during the month.