Bamburi Cement Group recorded a revenue of Sh20.1 billion in the first six months of 2022, a 2.6% increase from Sh19.6 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2021
Unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2022, show that the firm’s turnover was mainly supported by volume growth along with improved average selling price compared to prior period.
While revenue grew, profit before tax declined from Sh1.1 billion to Sh124 million because of the high operational cost with operating profit at Sh210 million from Sh1.2 billion recorded the previous year.
Cash flow generated from operations was lower at Sh1.8 billion compared to the previous year at Sh1.4 billion. The half year position reflects additional investment in working capital due to inflation of input prices compared to the closing December 2021 position.
The firm said its earnings were significantly hit by a jump in direct production costs driven by rising local and global inflationary pressure on input resources including fuel, logistics and imported clinker in both Kenya and Uganda thus adversely impacting the operating profit.
In addition, the bottom line was adversely impacted due to an unrealized foreign currency loss of the Kenya shilling and Uganda shilling against other major currencies.
Data from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that the inflation rate increased to 7.9% at end of June 2022, breaching the highest limit as estimated by the Central Bank of 7.5% for the first time since August 2017 stoked by rising food and record fuel prices stemming from disrupted supply chains.
“We started the first quarter on positive volume and price performance emerging resilient from the last two years that taught us adaptability and operational efficiency,” Seddiq Hassani, Bamburi Cement Group managing director said. “We remain optimistic that Bamburi Cement is well positioned to deliver superior shareholder value and profitability while meeting market demand as the continuous focus remains on strategic cost optimization actions and sustainability initiatives.”
Mr Hassani noted that the firm will continue strengthening its efforts towards ramping up the usage of alternative fuels and executing operational strategies to reduce dependence on imported inputs making local markets self-sufficient while driving strong cash generation and consistent net profit margins.
“It is my belief that the manufacturing sector can paint a true reflection of the region’s economic temperature given the events of the past two years and including the general elections in Kenya this year,” Mr Hassani said.
Analysis of the H1 2022 financial results show that the company’s liquidity and balance sheet remain strong with increased investment in working capital due to inflation of input prices compared to the closing December 2021 position.
“The Company will continue to drive its strategy in a bid to maximize margin and optimize the cost base so as to drive profitability. The Kenya cement market is expected to recover after the general elections while in Uganda cement demand is anticipated to be fueled by greater investment in public infrastructure especially in the oil industry. However, the Global on-going conflict is expected to have an adverse impact on the markets especially on freight and imported raw material prices,” Dr John Simba, Bamburi Cement Group Chairman said.
