1,551 shares were traded in the counter on BSE in the first hour of trade.

The stock moved strong in the past two months ahead of the announcement. From a low of Rs 382 on 6 July 2005, the stock spiraled up 77% to a lifetime closing high of Rs 676.45 on the eve of the announcement, which was made after trading hours on Tuesday (13 September 2005). Firm cement prices in the past two months helped the counter on its upward journey.

The last two years have seen a number of companies splitting their shares and/ or announcing bonus issues.

Dalmia Cement has a 1.2-million-tonne cement plant at Dalmiapuram, Trichy district, Tamil Nadu. Dalmia Cement is known for the manufacture of special cements. These basically find applications in strengthening airstrips, concretising railway sleepers and cementing oil wells.

The company had earlier announced plans to raise the capacity to 2.8 million tonnes.

For Q1 June 2005, Dalmia Cement reported a 20.4% growth in net profit to Rs 10.72 crore (Rs 8.90 crore). Net sales rose 21.4% to Rs 133.71 crore.