Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd (MLCF): Playing the long game – By Insight Research
Jan 1 2025
Insight Securities
- Maple leaf cement, one of the giants in cement industry, continues to exhibit a strong core business, supported by its strong focus on cost optimization, through diverse fuel mix and increasing reliance on renewable energy in its power mix. However, the cement industry’s profitability is volatile due to cyclical nature of cement demand, influenced by the country’s recurring economic boom & bust cycles. To note, cement industry utilization has remained below 60% for the past 2 years, showcasing longevity of economic trough with no foreseeable catalyst to boost demand. To counter this inherent cyclicality, the company is strategically diversifying into stable businesses. MLCF is venturing into the hospital business and pursuing the acquisition of a fertilizer company, both of which offer more stability than cement business.
- We reiterate our ‘BUY’ stance on MLCF with DCF based TP of PKR59/sh for Dec’25, providing 29% capital upside from last closing price. Our liking for the stock stems from the following facts i) Continuous focus toward operational efficiencies, ii) Investments in hospital and fertilizer business, iii) Trading at an attractive EV/ton and iv) Strong balance sheet.
- Key risks to our investment thesis include: i) Slowdown in construction activity ii) Stiff price competition , iii) Increase in coal prices, iv) Higher than expected hike in energy prices and v) Change in regulatory environment.
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