ACC: High input costs erode
margins
ACC has announced its 1QCY11 results. The company has reported 14% YoY rise in sales and 13% YoY decline
in net profits. Here is our analysis of the results.
Performance summary



On a standalone basis, net sales increase by 14.1% YoY led by higher sales volume.
Rising input costs cause operating profits to decline by 11% YoY.
Higher interest and depreciation costs further lead the bottomline to drop by 13% YoY.
Standalone financial performance snapshot
(Rs m)
1QCY10 1QCY11 Change
Net sales
21,018
23,982
14.1%
Expenditure
14,796
18,439
24.6%
Operating profit (EBITDA)
EBITDA margin
6,222
5,542 -10.9%
29.6%
23.1%
Other income
609
669
9.9%
Interest
127
253
98.5%
1125
20.3%
Depreciation
935
Profit before tax/(loss)
5,768
4,834 -16.2%
Tax
1717
1327 -22.7%
Net profit
4,051
Net profit margin
19.3%
3,507 -13.4%
14.6%
No of shares (m)
187.7
Diluted EPS (Rs)*
54.4
P/E (times)
20.7
*trailing twelve month earnings
What has driven performance in 1QCY11?

On a standalone basis, ACC's net sales rose by 14.1% YoY during the quarter ended March 2011. The
rise in revenue was led by a 10.4% YoY rise in sales volume and a marginal 3.4% YoY increase in
cement realisations.

However, operating profit dropped by 10.9% YoY on the back of steep rise in input costs. The cost of
manufacturing escalated due to rising cost of energy, fuel and raw materials like fly ash and slag. Coal

prices rose substantially in both domestic and international markets. Transport costs also went up due to
rising inflation.

Depreciation and interest expenses were higher due to the ongoing capacity expansion and commission
of various projects. As a result, net profits declined by 13.4%.The net profit margin declined from 19.3%
in 1QCY10 to 14.6% in 1QCY11.
What to expect?
The company's sales and realisations have shown some improvement in the current quarter when compared with
the preceding two quarters. However, considering that this is the peak season for cement demand, the trend may
not continue going forward.
The cement industry is still dealing with significant overcapacity. On the other hand, the slowdown in construction
and infrastructure spending has further played spoilsport. Hence, in the short to medium term, the scenario for the
cement industry seems bleak.
At the current price of Rs 1,127, the stock of ACC is trading at an EV/tonne over Rs 6,400 based on our CY12
estimates, making it expensively valued as per the replacement cost method.
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