Lahore, Lucky Cement Ltd. (LUCK) and Attock Cement Pakistan Ltd. (ACPL) are expected to report contrasting financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024, as per the latest earnings previews.

According to JS Global, a financial research firm, Lucky Cement is projected to post a significant year-over-year increase in earnings for 2QFY24. The company’s earnings per share (EPS) is expected to be Rs16.1, marking a 44% increase compared to the same period last year. The consolidated EPS for the same period is anticipated to reach Rs50.4, representing a 41% year-over-year growth.

In contrast, Attock Cement Pakistan Ltd. is expected to experience a decline in its financial performance. The forecasts suggest a 15% decrease in EPS for ACPL, which is predicted to be Rs2.75 for 2QFY24. This downturn is attributed to a series of factors affecting the company's bottom line.

The primary reasons for the expected decrease in both companies’ sequential bottom lines include reduced dispatch rates and rising costs. Additionally, for Lucky Cement, the absence of dividend income from Lucky Core is a contributing factor. In the case of Attock Cement, the absence of a one-time gain, which was a significant factor in the previous quarter's financial results, is expected to impact the company’s earnings.

These projections provide insights into the varying financial health and challenges faced by two of Pakistan's prominent cement companies. The full earnings reports of LUCK and ACPL are awaited to understand the complete financial picture and the market implications of these results.