Karachi: On a consolidated basis, Lucky Cement Limited reported net profit after tax of PKR 5.13 billion of which PKR 0.78 billion is attributable to non-controlling interests for the first quarter ended September 30, 2020. This translates into earnings per share (EPS) of PKR 13.45 / share as compared to PKR 3.93 / share reported during the same period last year.
Further, on a consolidated basis, the Company achieved gross turnover of PKR 57.85 billion which is 68% higher as compared to the same period last year’s turnover of PKR 34.43 billion. During the first quarter 2020-21 under review, the Company’s overall Consolidated Net Profit increased by 242% as compared to the same period last year. The increase in Net profit was mainly attributable to increase in Net Profit of Cement segment (Holding Company) which increased by 133% due to better absorption of fixed costs and lower input costs. This increase in Net Profit of holding company is also supported by increase in Net Profits of Lucky Motor Corporation and LCL Investment Holdings Limited as compared to same period last year.
On a standalone basis Company’s, overall sales volumes improved by 48.6% to reach 2.43 million tons during the first quarter ended September 30, 2020. The local cement sales volume registered an increase of 48.8% and were 1.67 million tons in comparison to 1.12 million tons during the same period last year. The export sales volumes of the Company also improved by 49.5% to reach 0.76 million tons as compared to 0.51 million tons during the same period last year. The increase in Company’s local sales volume during the quarter under review is due to increase in additional capacity at Pezu Plant.
Further, with regards to Company’s standalone financial performance, the gross sales revenue increased by 41.6% to PKR 19.73 billion compared to PKR 13.93 billion reported during the same period last year. This was due to better absorption of fixed cost as a result of increase in volumes and efficiencies achieved from new production line in the North. Lucky Cement recorded net profit after tax of PKR 2.23 billion. Similarly, the standalone EPS of the Company is PKR 6.89 / share as compared to the same period last year’s reported EPS of PKR 2.96 / share.
The Company reported progress on the greenfield investment project for producing 1.2 million tons of clinker at Samawah, Iraq and 1 X 660 MW supercritical coal based power project at Port Qasim.
Lucky Cement continued its patronage on Education, Women empowerment and Health. The Company is committed for the development of society and the communities in which it operates.
The Company reported that in the short to medium term, the Outlook of the Cement industry remains positive. Due to increase in economic activity, the Local demand has increased both in the North and South regions compared to last quarter. As a result, price stability can be seen which is more pronounced in the North. Export sales are anticipated to remain stable.
Further, the Company expects that the package announced for the construction industry by the Federal Government and their key initiatives will continue to have a positive impact on the cement demand of the country.