The Performance Of This Cement SOE Is Predicted To Be Positive Until The End Of 2021 Even Though China Is 'Sending' Negative Sentiment

JAKARTA - CSA Research Institute senior analyst Reza Priyambada believes that the performance of PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR) is still positive in line with the increasing demand for cement even though in the past week SMBR's stock price has experienced a correction.

"This semester, the demand for Semen Baturaja began to increase, year on year also increased and was able to record a profit from the previous loss. This could be a booster or positive sentiment for market players," said Reza in his statement, quoted from Antara, Monday, October 25.

In the past week, the price of SMBR experienced a 3.01 percent correction amid the fluctuating Composite Stock Price Index (CSPI) despite an increase in the past month.

According to Reza, the JCI's rise from 6,100 to 6,680 was largely supported by buying in bank and energy stocks. However, there are negative catalysts from China.

"There is a negative sentiment from China where they plan to cut commodity prices," said Reza.

Meanwhile, Economic observer from the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia Yusuf Rendy Manilet assessed that although the movement was in a downward trend at least in the past week, SMBR's corporate performance was still positive.

"Actually, the position of SMBR and the cement industry in general this year is still in an over-supply position," said Yusuf.

The sales volume of PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR) grew positively. SMBR's sales realization until September 2021 reached 1.34 million tons.

Semen Baturaja Vice President Corporate Secretary Doddy Irawan said the realization grew 5 percent compared to the volume in the same period last year of 1.28 million tons. Meanwhile, the realization of SMBR sales for the September 2021 period grew 6 percent compared to August volume.

SMBR also optimizes the use of low-calorie coal from the most economical sources. In addition, the company has also expanded its coal supply vendor partners.

The issuer based in South Sumatra is targeting cement sales of 2,189,534 tons this year, an 11 percent increase compared to the previous year.

SMBR has also budgeted a capital expenditure (capex) allocation of IDR 84.9 billion. The capital expenditure funds are used to support a number of the company's business agenda this year.

One of them is prioritized for mining activities to ensure limestone reserves, by preparing a new mining area in Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, South Sumatra which has a progress of 77.92 percent.

In addition, SMBR is also preparing investments for the development of the company's operational efficiency program.