EUR 53.02 For Business Accounts Only

LAFARGE AFRICA PLC - Energy risk, FX pressure spell bleak outlook

• WAPCO reported loss after tax of N30.2 billion in H1’16 following another disappointing quarter. In line with the profit warning earlier released by management, Q2 performance of Nigeria operations was depressed by unrealized foreign exchange losses of c.N28 billion (on dollar denominated loans) amidst the 42% currency devaluation in June. We note that even if we strip out FX losses, Q2 performance would remain quite weak with bottom line still coming in as a loss. Following the slump in Q1 topline in Nigeria operations, we anticipated that the 8% price increase effected in the final week of Q1, coupled as return to normalcy in South West and South East operations (following plant maintenance in Q1 and recovery from Q4 flood) to drive recovery in subsequent quarters. However, whilst the price increase came to play as average cement prices in Nigeria rose 16% q/q in Q2, volume recovery expectation was cut short by disruption to energy supply. Gas supply was down to 75% and 50% from 88% and 90% in South West operations and South East operations in Q1 respectively. Also, amidst upgrade to coal mill, coal use in ASHAKACEM declined to the 60s percentile (Q1:80s). Overall, group Q2 revenue could only recover 5% q/q to N54.9 billion (10% behind our estimate) even with a 23% q/q growth in the South African operation.
• Having raised N60 billion in the first tranche of its N100 billion bond programme (Interest rate of 14.6%), management explained that it is still weighing options on whether to explore the headroom to pay down more of its foreign currency loans. This however, will be contingent on improvement in liquidity at the interbank FX market. We continue to watch that space closely. UNICEM’s new 2.5 million MT is also on track for commissioning in H2. After adjusting our model to reflect a cautious stance on energy supply and H2’16 volume, the effect of currency depreciation on dollar-indexed input costs and Q2 FX losses, we estimate FY’16 net loss of N42.6 billion. Also, after updating our Cost of Debt assumption to reflect the bond issue, WAPCO’s WACC has risen to 14.7% (Previous: 12.4%). This, coupled with the increase in WAPCO’s number of outstanding shares (following acquisition of the final 50% stake in UNICEM), lowers our target price to N70.24 (Previous: N86.07).
• Lafarge Africa PLC is a subsidiary of LafargeHolcim, a world leader in building materials. The company has operations in Nigeria - Ewekoro and Sagamu plants in Ogun State, Ashakacem in Gombe State, Mfamosing in Cross Rivers State, Atlas cement in Rivers State and Ready-Mix Nigeria and varied operations in South Africa with total group capacity of around 12 million MT.