Our opinion on the current state of PPCPPC is a leading manufacturer and supplier of cement, aggregates, ready-mix, lime, limestone, and fly-ash in Africa, with operations in South Africa, Botswana, the DRC, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. The company operates eleven cement factories with a combined production capacity of 11.5 million tons. PPC's Mooiplaas quarry in Gauteng is the largest aggregates producer in South Africa, and it runs twenty-six batching plants for ready-mix across South Africa and Mozambique.
PPC has taken several financial steps to stabilize its position. It successfully renegotiated lending terms, thus avoiding a highly dilutive rights issue, and has implemented cost-cutting measures. PPC hasn’t declared dividends in the last five years due to financial pressures. However, it announced a special dividend of 33.5c per share following the sale of its 51% stake in Cimerwa in Rwanda on 28th August 2024.
Revenue and Earnings:
- For the year ending 31st March 2024, PPC reported revenue up 20.6% and headline earnings per share (HEPS) of 19c, compared to a loss of 20c in the prior year.
- In a 4-month update to 31st July 2024, PPC reported revenue down 2.1% and group EBITDA margin reduced from 15.9% to 13.7%.
- For the six months to 30th September 2024, HEPS is expected between 20c and 23.5c.
Challenges and Opportunities:
- PPC faces ongoing carbon tax costs and competitive pressures from foreign imports, which might reduce its pricing advantage unless tariffs are increased.
- The company is benefiting from South Africa’s localisation policy, which mandates government purchases of locally produced cement.
- PPC has reduced its debt by 20% and has conducted a R200m share buy-back.
Technically, PPC has been in an upward trend since October 2022. The special dividend and positive impact from government infrastructure projects provide potential support for continued growth, particularly if the new government of national unity (GNU) initiates further economic reforms or infrastructure projects. The anticipated reduction in interest rates could also support the company’s financing costs and consumer demand.