Report
Nitin Agarwal

Cipla's Q3FY18 results (Upgrade to Outperformer) - In line; growth platform in place

Q3FY18 result highlights

  • Revs came higher at Rs39.1bn vs est Rs40.3bn. Domestic sales grew +15% yoy vs est +12%. On alike to like basis India grew at +22%. US sales were Rs6.5bn (+5% qoq) vs est of Rs6.8bn; API stood lower at Rs1.5bn (-30% qoq) and SAGA at Rs8.7bn (-6% qoq).
  • EBITDA came at Rs8.2bn vs est of Rs8.05bn; 20.9% margins vs 20% est. Other op income came inline at Rs793m. GMs improved to 64% vs est 63%; GMs are up 300bps yoy/80bps qoq. EBITDA was also driven by controlled overheads cost (-1% qoq /+3% yoy) while R&D spends stood higher at Rs3bn (7.6% of sales vs 6% in Q2). Cost control continues to be a key focus.
  • Lower other income (Rs0.53bn vs est Rs0.4bn / Rs1.1bn in Q2) and higher depreciation (Rs5.2bn vs est Rs2.2bn) led by Rs1.7bn net one off charge. Additionally there was a one-off tax gain of Rs1.06bn. Reported PAT came in Rs4.03bn vs est Rs4.5bn.

Key positives: Domestic sales; higher GMs, overhead cost control

Key negatives: Lower API and SAGA sales 

Impact on financials: We have reduced our FY18 earnings by 3%, increased FY19 by 1% and introduced FY20 est

Valuations & view

With flat profits over FY13-17 at ~Rs15bn, Cipla reported “below potential” earnings for a prolonged period as revenue growth failed to match investments in simultaneously establishing front-end across multiple markets and stepping up R&D investments. With the new management now successfully working on trimming costs and focusing on smaller set of markets, signs of profitability turnaround are visible. Scale-up in US business through launch of niche ANDAs from Q4FY18 onwards should add to this momentum. Over the medium term, Cipla’s relatively small US business (~$385m in FY18) should grow briskly as the on-going R&D investments in developing complex drugs including multiple inhalation products begin to yield results. This will complement the steady profitability growth in the domestic formulations franchise. We estimate 36% EPS growth over FY17-20E with potential for faster than industry earnings growth in the medium term as Cipla capitalizes on its “underleveraged” R&D capabilities. Upgrade to Outperformer with price target of Rs660.

Underlying
Cipla Limited

Cipla is a global pharmaceutical company based in India. Co. manufactures over 1,000 pharmaceutical products for therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, children's health, dermatology and cosmetology, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), infectious diseases and others. Co.'s operations are organized along four business units: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API - 200 generic and complex APIs); Respiratory (inhalation therapy); Cipla Global Access (HIV/AIDS, malaria, multi drug-resistant tuberculosis, and reproductive health); and Veterinary. Co.'s products are sold in India, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Americas, Asia and Australia.

Provider
IDFC Securities
IDFC Securities

IDFC Securities Ltd., a subsidiary of the Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) wherein the Government of India holds a 20% interest, is India's leading equities broker catering to most of the prominent financial institutions,  both foreign and domestic investing in Indian equities. A research team of experienced and dedicated experts ensures the flow of critically investigated stock ideas and portfolio strategies for our clients. Our coverage spans across various growth sectors such as agriculture, automobiles, Consumer Goods, Technology, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Media, Power, Real Estate, Telecom, Capital Goods, Logistics, Cement  amongst other sectors. Our clients value us for our strong research-led investment ideas, superior client servicing track record and exceptional execution skills.

Analysts
Nitin Agarwal

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