Wed, JANUARY 31 2018-theG&BJournal-FLOURMILL published Q3-17/18 result yesterday, showing high double-digit y/y growth (320% y/y) in post-tax profit to NGN3.6 billion. The net profit almost tripled estimate, and was above consensus by 28%. Gross margin surprised to record high (since Q4-13/14), beating our estimate by 470 bps, while opex, though higher by 17% y/y, trailed our estimate by 19%.
Revenue was lower by 4% y/y and 13.6% q/q, as pricing effect has fully tapered.Analysts at Cordros Asset Management notes the effect of seasonality, recovering competition, pricing pressure in the Agro-allied division (sugar and fertilizer), and the gridlock in Apapa factory road, on sales revenue. The Food (9% y/y) and Port Operations (58% y/y) divisions recorded revenue growth while lower sales were recorded in the Agro-allied (-33% y/y), Packaging (-43% y/y), and Real Estate (-NGN63 million revenue) divisions. Overall, compared to our estimate, the reported revenue was lower by 8%.
The 20% y/y increase in gross profit was on the backdrop of faster decline in cost of sales (-8% y/y) relative to revenue, and a 322 bps expansion of gross margin (GM) to record high of c.16%. The first y/y expansion of gross margin in the current year may have been underpinned by stable FX condition, broadly softer commodities prices, and better energy mix from improved gas availability.
Operating expenses increased by 16.8% y/y and 7.3% q/q, with the margins also rising by 87 bps and 94 bps respectively. Admin expenses remain the driver of opex growth, with personnel/related spend and general admin expenses being the major pressure points. Increasing competition and the Apapa traffic situation are yet to reflect in marketing and distribution costs (-3% y/y).
Finance costs were higher by 31% y/y and 21% q/q, and beat analysts estimate by 20%. The higher-than-expected finance costs reflect the NGN12.6 billion q/q increase in gross debt to NGN200.81 billion, representing net inflow from the commercial papers issued in December.
Overall, whilst noting concern from the still-elevated finance costs, FLOURMILL’s result is impressive, in light of the higher and lower than expected gross margin and opex, respectively. We expect further upward revision to 2018F earnings estimates and positive investor reaction, on higher annualized net profit of N16 billion, compared to consensus’ N13.9 billion.
