Arabian Cement Company, reported its results for 1Q 2015. Revenues for the period increased by 11% to reach EGP585 mn, compared to EGP529 mn in the same period of 2014, driven mainly by a 13% increase in volumes. EBITDA stood at 184 mn, 19% below than the comparison period of 1Q 2014 (EGP227 mn). Profit before Tax declined by 45% compared to 2014 reaching EGP86 mn. Net Profit dropped 52% y-o-y to EGP56 mn, while Net Profit Margin was down 12 ppt to 10%. Several factors impacted 1Q 2015 results, mainly higher costs of production driven by larger transported quantities at higher cost, followed by use of imported clinker in January and an EGP devaluation (EGP31 mn ). On the revenue side, a 2 % decrease of prices was also witnessed compared to 1Q 2014.During 1Q 2015 Market prices fluctuated from a high point in January of and average of EGP651/ton to a low in February of EGP613/ton recovering in March to EGP627/ton. Yet, ACC still managed to increase its sales and increase its market share during 1Q 2015 to 8% up from the 7% in 1Q 2014. Cement sales increased by 13% reaching 1.07 mn tons compared to 0.944 mn tons in 1Q 2014. In Q1 2015 the company did not receive any gas supplies. Instead, the government provided sufficient quantities of diesel. Accordingly, using coal, diesel and refuse derived fuel, the company achieved clinker utilization of 91% (0.955 mn tons clinker compared to 0.852 mn tons). ACC’s energy mix during 1Q 2015 was 66% coal/petcoke, 28% diesel and 5% alternative fuels (AF). On the cost/ton basis, we witnessed an increase of 18% to reach EGP352. Such increase is mainly the result of higher transported quantities (10 EGP/ton), Use of imported clinker coming from 2014 (10 EGP/ton), increase in electricity prices and prices of energy in general. On the other hand, SG&A margin stood at 4% similar to Q1 2014. EBITDA declined by 19% Y-o-Y to EGP184 mn in 1Q 2015. Whereas, EBITDA margin recorded 31% compared to 43% in 1Q 2014. However, it increased by 2 ppt Q-o-Q. In January 2015 the CBE took the decision to devaluate the EGP against the USD to reach EGP7.53. This had its impact on the company’s accounts in terms of FX losses which stood at EGP31mn compared to EGP2.3 mn in 1Q 2014. As a result, ACC achieved a net profit of EGP56 mn, while net profit margin still recorded a healthy 10%. Our Balance Sheet, meanwhile, is still strong, with a 3% reduction in outstanding debt and an acceptable debt/ equity ratio to 1. 1Q 2015 has been a tough quarter for ACC, mainly due to one off expenses in our COGS, lower prices that could not recoup the increase in transportation as well as EGP devaluation against the USD. Yet, on the operational side, ACC succeeded in operating at above 90% clinker capacity and increased sales volume and market share compared to 1Q 2014.
