UltraTech Cement announces unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2017

18 October, 2017

Rs. in crore
Particulars Consolidated Standalone
Quarter ended Quarter ended
30 Sep 2017 30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 2017 30 Sep 2016
Net sales
(Net of taxes)
6,840 5,708 6,478 5,397
PBIDT 1,550 1,378 1,519 1,327
PAT 423 614 431 601

 

UltraTech Cement Limited, an Aditya Birla Group company, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2017.

Financials
Net sales stood at Rs.6,840 crore as compared to Rs.5,708 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Profit before Interest, Depreciation and Tax at Rs.1,550 crore was higher by 13 per cent vis-à-vis Rs.1,378 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Increased depreciation and higher interest cost relating to the acquired cement plants resulted in Profit after Tax at Rs.423 crore as compared to Rs.614 crore in Q2FY17. This quarter continued to witness increasing cost trends, attributable to increase in fuel prices.

On a standalone basis, Net sales stood at Rs.6,478 crore as compared to Rs.5,397 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Profit before Interest, Depreciation and Tax was Rs.1,519 crore (Rs.1,327 crore) and Profit after Tax was Rs.431 crore (Rs.601 crore).

Corporate development
Upon completing the acquisition of the cement plants having a capacity of 21.2 MTPA, the company’s cement capacity stands augmented to 93 MTPA.

This acquisition will enhance the company’s footprint into high growth markets of India viz., Central India, Himachal Pradesh, Eastern UP and coastal Andhra Pradesh, where the company has been focusing to increase its presence.

This being the first quarter of operations post-acquisition, the company has injected the much needed working capital. The most critical aspect has been to improve and stabilise the quality of cement being manufactured at these plants and bringing it up to the company’s standard. Towards this, initial one-time expenses were undertaken for improving efficiencies and plant maintenance. In parallel, new dealers have been appointed to penetrate the markets. The company also completed a successful transition of the acquired cement plants to the ‘UltraTech’ brand.

The acquisition was completed with the onset of monsoons and acute shortage of sand in most of the markets, which impacted performance. Regardless, the operations of the acquired assets have been EBITDA accretive. The company is now focussed on increasing its presence in the newly acquired markets and ramping up sales.

Capex
The Board at its meeting held today, approved an investment of Rs.194 crore for putting up a 4.0 Lmt capacity wall care putty plant to cater to the rising demand for putty. The plant is expected to be commissioned during Q2FY20.

Outlook
Government spending on infrastructure, rural and affordable housing will be the key demand drivers. UltraTech is well positioned across the country to cater to the demand.