Ambuja Cements provides Q3 FY24 results

Mr. Ajay Kapur, Whole Time Director & CEO, Ambuja Cements Limited, said, "Our performance is a reflection of our resilience and focused efforts. Our pursuit of excellence continues to propel us towards setting new benchmarks in our steady growth. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver value for all stakeholders by redefining the industry landscape.”

Operational Highlights

• In December 2023, Ambuja Cements successfully completed the acquisition of Sanghi Industries having 6.1 MTPA capacity. This month, Ambuja’s subsidiary ACC completed the acquisition of the balance 55% stake in Asian Concretes and Cements Private Ltd (ACCPL) having 2.8 MTPA capacity. These acquisitions reinforce the Adani Group’s market leadership and takes its cement capacity to 77.4 MTPA, a jump of 15% from last year. Integration of these acquired companies is going on well.
• There is an ongoing Cement capacity expansion of 20 MTPA at various stages. The Board has also approved additional Cement capacity expansion of 12 MTPA, which outlines a road map for 110 MTPA (80% of 140 MTPA capacity targeted by FY 2028)
• Ongoing green power projects of @ capex of 100 billion will take green power share to 60% of expanded capacity while reducing operating costs.
• Total Cost PMT reduced by Rs. 491 on consolidated basis. Additional savings are expected from ongoing investments on efficiency improvement projects.
• Competitive basket of kiln fuel and AFR volume has helped to reduce fuel cost by 25%.
• Long term contracts for key raw materials like fly ash and gypsum will help to secure the materials at optimised cost and curb volatility.
• Improving synergies within cement business and with the Adani Group are helping to improve manpower productivity and optimise manpower cost.
• Micro market analysis has helped fix issues and improve the ground network, which will yield accelerated results in the coming quarters.

Financial Highlights:

The business has seen notable progress in every financial matrix. EBITDA, EBITDA PMT and EBITDA margins have grown higher than revenue growth given sharp improvement in operating costs. EBITDA margin at 21.3% for Q3'24 is the highest in the last 10 quarters.

A total of Rs. 5.62 billion incremental Cash & Cash Equivalent was generated in Q3'24. With this, the Cash & Cash Equivalent stands at Rs. 85.91 billion after factoring the outflows related to the acquisition of Sanghi, Asian Cements, as well as ICDs provided to Sanghi. This is highest amongst peer group and in the industry.

In the nine months ending Dec'23, Net Worth increased by Rs. 40.67 billion and stood at Rs. 428.24 billion, Crisil AAA (stable) / Crisil A1+ maintained. For Ambuja (standalone) business level Working Capital stands at 26 days, amongst the best in the peer group.

Outlook:

The Cement Industry is expected to have a demand growth between 7 – 8% because of investments in infrastructure and real estate projects. India’s per capita consumption of 272 kg as compared to the global average of ~ 550 kg provides a sizeable potential for expansion of the cement industry.

Ambuja has lined up massive investments in green power (WHRS, Solar, Wind), AFR handling, railway infrastructure and fly ash handling systems amongst others. These are expected to result in sizeable improvement in profitability/EBITDA and returns to stake holders.

Higher consumption of domestic coal helped in improving coal cost and the trend is expected to continue. The opportunity buy of low cost petcoke in the past few weeks will help to further optimise fuel costs in the coming quarters and this augurs well in the cost optimisation journey.

Branding:

Ambuja partnered with ‘Gujarat Giants’ as its official partner for the Ultimate Kho-Kho League, promoting one of the most promising sports leagues, essential for the youth and development of the country. Thematic campaigns were launched during the Cricket World Cup on new channels and digital platforms. In addition to the company's branding efforts, it had robust interactions with technical and end user groups. Through its technical services, it is supporting ethical and environmentally friendly building practices, which have a significant positive influence on society. Ambuja is the proud sponsor of Women’s IPL.

ESG Highlights:

• Committed investment of ~ Rs. 100 billion in 1 GW solar and wind power projects, Additional 243 MW WHRS projects (built-in for new Integrated plants), will increase green power share to 60% towards the 140 MTPA planned capacity.
• Leadership in water governance – Ambuja is 8x water positive.
• More than 2.5 million people continue to benefit from the CSR initiatives. The focus is on sustainable livelihoods, women empowerment, rural infrastructure, and social inclusion

• Ambuja Cements was recognised for Excellence in Logistics at CII SCALE Awards 2023.
• Ambuja Cements was felicitated with the prestigious 'Safety Excellence Award' at UPES Sustainability Fair 2.0.
• Ambuja Cement’s Bhatapara plant received APEX India OH&S ‘Platinum Award’.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/indian-subcontinent/01022024/ambuja-cements-provides-q3-fy24-results/