Cement Industry - GCC

M&A Ideas
Confidential
May 2009

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Executive Summary
Global Scenario
Current economic slowdown is expected to result in decline in the growth of demand for cement in the near term;
however, emerging markets are expected to drive bulk of future growth

The potential of growth of emerging markets has led leading global cement players to expand their footprints in these
markets

GCC
Effect of global slowdown is expected to have limited effect on the GCC except for UAE. For UAE, construction sector
and related demand of cement is expected to decline significantly due to strained real estate and construction sector

Currently, the cement companies in the GCC regions are available at a very low valuations on both absolute as well as
relative basis
In the current market scenario companies can look for consolidating their position in the local market or expand and
increase their market share in other markets by considering M&A option

Why Now
Cement industry in the GCC region is highly fragmented with more than 70% of players having capacities less than 2

million tons per annum. M&A can provide economies of scale and increase their operational efficiency
Some of the GCC countries like Bahrain and Kuwait rely on imports of cement which is not sustainable. Proximity to raw
materials and consumer markets provides added cost advantage to bulky product like cement as compared to imported
cement
Year 2008 witnessed fall in the earnings of many cement companies. There are possibilities of highly leveraged
companies looking for an exit
Under current market situation, valuations of the companies are very low and they are available at very attractive prices
Long construction time for a cement factory, typically 24-30 months, acts as a barrier for companies to grow. Hence
looking for possible M&A provides added advantage
International players are moving to emerging markets like India/China for acquiring cement companies to tap the
growing cement demand from the emerging markets

Agenda

Review of World Cement market

Overview and developments in GCC Cement market

Identifying drivers for value creation through M&A

Quantifying key value drivers for the targets identified

Global demand for cement is expected to decline for the next 1-2
years
Global Supply for the Cement

Global Demand for the Cement

Millions of tons

Millions of tons

-0.7%

0%
4.9%

5.5%
2,870

2,870

2008

2010E*

2,608

2006

2,857

2,815

2008

2010E

2,568

2006

In the past, increased construction and infrastructure developments due to favorable economic
environment were the main growth drivers for cement
Healthy economic growth and ongoing industrialization efforts in most of the developing countries, is
expected to drive the construction expenditures in the coming 1-2 years
*On account of decline in global demand for cement in between 2008-2010, global cement supply is expected to remain stagnant
3
Source: Equity research report, i3c analysis

However, Asia and MENA account for 66% of the demand and is
expected to be least affected with the current slow down
Global Supply of Cement, 2008E*

Global Demand of Cement, 2008

100%=2,870 million tons

100%=2,857 million tons

Others

Others
10%

MENA
7%

America

10%

10%

MENA
9%

58%

Asia

America

10%

57%

Asia

16%
14%

Europe
Europe

China dominates the world cement production with 48.8%

market share, followed by India (6.4%) and USA (2.9%)

Increased construction activities in Asia and Middle East

is resulting in production shift from America and Europe
towards developing world

China dominates the world cement demand with 48.7%

market share, followed by India (6.7%) and USA (3.3%)

Demand from North America & Western Europe regions is

expected to decline due to housing slump, low population
growth, and existing good infrastructure

*2008 estimated regional distribution has been assumed to be similar as distribution for 2006
Source: Equity research reports, CemNet

The future growth in demand is expected to be led by emerging

markets which continue to show resilience to current slow down
Consumption growth rates for top consumers

Consumption comparison with China

2008 figures

China
Rest of the World

20%
13.0%

15%

1,279

9.0%

Brazil

10%
5%

5.3%

0%

China

India

1,443

1,390

1,467

1,059

Russia
-10.0%

-10%

-20%

1,200

1,320

1.0%

-5%

-15%

1,368

-15.0%

Japan

USA

2005

Region
China
Rest of World
Global

-25%

2006

2007

2008

Cement consumption YOY Growth

2006
2007
2008
13.3%
10.0%
5.3%
7.0%
5.5%
1.7%
9.9%
7.6%
3.4%

Chinese consumption of cement had a growth of 9.5% between 2005-2008, which is more than
double than the growth experienced by the rest of the world (4.7%) in the same period

Globally fastest cement consumption growth was in Asia, especially in China and India, followed
by Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Source: Equity research report, International Cement Review

The attractiveness of emerging markets has led many multinational

cement producers to focus on these regions
Global leading cement companies, 2008

Major multinational players have invested heavily in

Millions of tons
205

Cement sales
Cement capacity

194

155
143

103
89

87

96
77
63

Source: International Cement Review

43

Buzzi Unicern

Italcementi

Cemex

Heidelberg
Cement

Holcim

Lafarge

32

establishing joint ventures with local producers to

increase presence in the emerging markets
In 2008 Lafarge, worlds largest cement producers,
increased the share of earnings from the emerging
markets to 66% in 2008
Acquisition of small growing companies in order to
expand in new developing markets
Multinational players have been integrating vertically by
investing in aggregates, ready-mix concrete and other
downstream industries to control supply chain and
strengthen their position in developed markets of EU and
US
E.g. CEMEXs acquisition of UK based aggregates
producer RMC and Australian ready-mix and
aggregates maker Rinker Group; Heidelberg Cements
acquisition of US concrete pipe maker Hanson and
Lafarges purchase of minority stakes in its North
American subsidiary
Focus on innovation in technology used in the production
of cement, which gives them an edge over regional local
players.
E.g. Usage of advanced plant designs (such as preheaters to heat raw materials prior to entering the kiln)
and less costly fuel waste materials (e.g. tires, used
oils) to curb the use of more expensive fossil fuels

Agenda

Review of World Cement market

Overview and developments in GCC Cement market

Identifying drivers for value creation through M&A

Quantifying key value drivers for the targets identified

On account of global slowdown, the growth of demand of cement in

GCC will come down but only for a short period
GCC Supply for Cement

GCC Demand for Cement

Millions of tons

Millions of tons
9.4%

2.3%
89.7

25.8%

10.6%

75.0

71.4

74.7

58.4

47.4

2006

2008E

2010E

2006

2008E

2010E

In light of large construction activities, GCC countries have undergone significant expansion/upgrades in the cement
production leading to excess supply over demand

In 2008, estimated cement production capacity is 85MTa and expected to grow to 112MTa by 2011
The surplus situation is only temporarily. This is likely to get balanced with the internal growth of housing, economic cities
and export to countries like Iran, and Iraq
*Demand figures for 2010 has been estimated keeping contribution by construction sector to real GDP same as for 2008,
supply figures has been estimated by comparing it with recent planned production capacity
Source: Equity research reports, i3c analysis

This slowdown is expected to be largely restricted to UAE which

constituted 29% of the market by consumption
Major suppliers for Cement, 2008E
100% = 75.0 million tons

Major market of Cement, 2008E

100% = 71.4 million tons

Bahrain
1.5%

Kuwait
Oman
2.7%
Qatar

Bahrain
2.1%

Qatar
Oman
Saudi
Arabia

6.0%

Kuwait

7.6%

4.9%
5.6%

Saudi
Arabia

6.6%
51.8%

53.3%
28.9%

UAE

29.0%

UAE

Despite global slowdown, GCC cement industry is expected to continue on the growth path
Saudi Arabia and Qatars real estate and construction projects have not been affected by global slowdown so far
and majority of the projects are on schedule
As per MEED, over US$2.2 trillion worth of active projects have been announced by GCC countries. This will drive
the demand and sales growth of cement companies in the GCC
As of May 2009, out of all the investment projects that are cancelled or on hold in GCC and worth ~US$ 0.46 trillion;
78% belongs to the UAE
Source: Equity research reports, i3c analysis

GCC has a favourable macroeconomic outlook, supported by high

population growth rate and GDP growth rate
GCC Population

Population distribution, 2008

Millions

Oman Bahrain
(2.1%) (1.8%)

100% = 40.1 million

Kuwait

2.4%
39.2

41.2

40.1

42.1

Qatar
UAE

6.5%
8.3%

11.1%
70.3%

2007

2008

2009E

2010E

GCC Nominal GDP

US$ billions

GCC Nominal GDP by country (%), 2008

100% = US$1,076 billion

6.9%
1,076

983
856

804

Saudi
Arabia

Bahrain
Oman (1.9%)
4.9%

Qatar
9.5%

44.8%

Kuwait 14.7%

Saudi
Arabia

24.2%
2007

2008

2009E

2010E

UAE

Source: US Census, IMF, i3c analysis

10

GCC to outperform the worlds economy backed by fiscal surplus

with the governments
Real GDP growth (annual)

Annual Real GDP growth, 2006-2010E

Percentage

Percentage
GCC

6.9

5.6

Kuwait

2.5%

Saudi Arabia

2.5%

World

5.2

4.0
3.2

UAE

1.5

3.6%
4.8%

Oman

1.9

5.1%

Bahrain
2007

2008

2009E

-1.3

2010E

GDP vs. Cement consumption per capita, 2008E

GDP (at current prices) per capita

4.5

US$ (000)

4.3

Cement consumption per capita

150
93

100

3
2.1

55

1.8
1.3

46

50

27

1.2

19

19

Saudi
Arabia

Oman

GCC fiscal surplus as % of GDP (current price)

%

29.4%

KG (000)

200

16.5%

Qatar

24.3%
19.6%

10.3%

1
0

UAE

Qatar

Bahrain

Kuwait

Source: US Census, IMF, Equity Research Reports, i3c analysis

2006

2007

2008E

2009E

11

GCC construction sector growth is expected to cool down but still

the value of projects each year is expected to rise
GCC Construction projects value

Real Estate & Construction sector (% of real GDP)

US$ billion

2.3%
38.9%
1,675.0

1,689.8

1,753.9

2008

2009E

2010E

14.7%

2006

16.8%

16.8%

2008

2010E

1,040.6
623.4

2006

2007

GCC investment projects by sector as on Sep 08

GCC per capita Cement consumption

100% = US$2.5 trillion

Tons per capita

Waste and Water

(2%)
Industry
Petrochemical

1.8

1.8

2008

2010E

1.6

3%

Power

3.3%

6%
7%

Oil and
Gas

15%
67%

Construction
2006

*Figures for 2010 has been estimated keeping contribution by construction sector to real GDP same as for 2008
Source: MEED, Equity research reports, IMF, i3c analysis

12

Market attractiveness in GCC contribute to look for attractive M&A

opportunities
Saudi Sustained construction activity to drive
domestic demand; low energy cost to favor
exports
Proven top oil & gas reserves in world
continued government earnings leading to spend
on infrastructure
Kuwait Government to diversify economy
UAE Indebtness of government to slowdown

Effort towards diversification of economy through infrastructure-spend; global credit-crunch to end

by investing in infrastructure projects; low
development of six economic cities & other
availability of raw material a major issue
speculation and decrease real-estate demand
commercial projects
4th largest proven oil reserves in world to
Makeover infrastructure-projects to take back-seat
Growing per capita, urbanization leading to
ensure continued earnings for Kuwaiti
against more crucial government-funded projects
strong residential demand (e.g. mega projects) Global credit-crunch leading to low FDI leading to
government and expenditure on infra
Availability of cheap fuels
canceling of commercial projects
Economy diversification-efforts leading to
Low transportation / shipping costs for exports Excess of developed residential projects not
increase in commercial real-estate demand
regional demand in Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Iraq
finding buyers leading to decrease in demand for
Mega residential projects e.g. Silk City worth
new residential activity
US$165 bn
Subsidy for Kuwaiti nationals for houses
Increase in capacity by players buoyant by FY07
growth to increase competition
Suffers from scarcity of raw material leading to
costly limestone and clicker imports
Decreasing energy costs & good availability of raw
material (clinker) to offer respite
Huge demand supply gap leads to net imports
Government spending on
from India, Pakistan & Far East resulting in

Relatively higher fuel cost (imports of coal from

infrastructure, sustained
higher cement prices
South Africa or expensive liquid fuel) due to supply
construction activity & higher
constraint of natural gas
margins offer attractive
opportunities for M&A
Oman Abundant raw material, cheap gas to
Qatar Spend on infra projects to continue; high
increase margins; port-proximity to drive exports
per capita cement consumption to decline

Availability of abundant raw material

Cheap gas available to players
Proximity to ports for players help exports 25-30%

Proven highest gas reserves in the world

of production exported higher margins than

Pakistan & India
Government spend on major infrastructure projects,
integrated tourism and residential complexes to
continue
Lowest per capita cement consumption amongst
GCC players currently demand-rise expected

$157 bn of projects underway or planned for near

future viz. Qatar Financial Center, Education City &
Education City Qatar
2nd highest current per capita consumption in GCC
countries demand expected to decline to match
GCC levels

Source: i3c analysis

governments spend on infra to sustain

Diversification of economy by building new cities,

13

Agenda

Review of world cement market

Overview and developments in GCC cement market

Identifying drivers for value creation through M&A

Quantifying key value drivers for the targets identified

14

In the last one year major indices have declined ~40%

Performance of different global indices over past one year

In percent

Period 1st April 2008 to 1st April 2009

20%
10%
0%
-10%
-20%
-30%
-40%
-50%
-60%
S&P

Source: Yahoo finance

DJIA

Nikkie 225

CAC 40 (FCHI)

FTSE 100

Tadawul

15

making the valuations look reasonable and somewhat attractive

Cement
Companies

EV / Sales
2007

2008

1.4

1.7

2008

2007

2008
4.7

9.3

17.4

7.5

18.6

4.9

1.4

1.6
0.5

2.5
16.5

8.6

14.5

2.2

3.3
16.6

7.9

1.2
3.6

8.5
27.9

9.6

2.0
5.4

10.6

Asia (emerging)

7.5

Market to Book

18.9

GCC

9.7

9.6

PE Multiple

Qatar National

9.0

17.8

1.1

2007

18.2

17.6

1.6

Rak Cement

Source: Bloomberg

24.5

2.8

3.2

Yamamah Cement

4.6

3.1

Saudi Cement

Europe

7.5

16.0

6.5

GCC

Gulf Cement

17.6

7.6

5.5

Qatar National

Cement
Companies

11.5

0.7
4.5

Asia (emerging)

20.0

4.0

2.2

Gulf Cement

2008

5.5

10.8

Yamamah Cement

Europe

2007

9.8

Saudi Cement

Rak Cement

EV / EBIT

1.7
4.3

1.9

2.0
0.9

16

Historically, the average downturn period was 2 years suggesting

that we may be closer to economic recovery
GDP Growth Rate
In percent
Developed Markets

Emerging Markets

World

MENA

10%
8%
6%
4%
2%

-4%

Source: IMF

Recovery
within an
year

Recovery
within three
years

Recovery
within an
year

Recovery
within an
year

2008

2006

2004

2002

2000

1998

1996

1994

1992

1990

1988

1986

1984

1982

-2%

1980

0%

Expected to
start recovery
within 2 years

17

There are attractive financial dynamics from acquisition perspective

in the GCC market
Efficiency vs. size comparison for major suppliers for Cement, 2008
Average Revenue
(USD Millions)

Cement companies

1200
1000

USA
800

600

China

India

400

Qatar
UAE

200

Kuwait
0
-15%

Source: Bloomberg

-5%

5%

15%

25%

Oman

35%

Saudi Arabia

in GCC are
relatively of smaller
sizes as compared
to global players
and have one of
the highest
margins
Companies in
these countries are
good potential
targets by large
players in order to
increase their
footprints

45%
55%
Operating margins

18

The are four broad themes which can significantly add value to
acquirer and long term value creation for the shareholders

Entrance of
Multinational

Local
consolidation
Long term value
creation for the
shareholders

Operational
Efficiency

Expand into
new markets

19

In the current market situation, cement companies in the GCC region

are available at cheap prices
Valuation of companies based on per ton cement production, 2008
EV/Capacity
(USD/ton)
400
National Cement Co.
Southern Province
Cement Co.

350
300
250
200

Eastern province
Cement Co.

Raysut Cement Co.

Fujairah Cement Co.

Arabian
Cement Co.

150

Qassim Cement Co.

Tabuk Cement Co.

Qatar National Cement Co.

Yanbu Cement Co.

Companies like
Qatar National
Cement Co. and
Yanbu Cement Co.
are available are
very attractive
prices

100
50
0

Source: Bloomberg

20

We have screened the GCC region on several parameters to study

some of the companies
Target universe
1. Arabian Cement Co.(Saudi)
2. Arkan Building Materials Co.(UAE)
3. Eastern Province Cement Co.(Saudi)
4. Emirates Cement Co.(UAE)
5. Falcon Cement Co.(Bahrain)
6. Fujairah Cement Industries(UAE)
7. Gulf Cement Co.(UAE)
8. Gulf Cement Co.(Saudi)
9. Gulf Holding Co.(Qatar)
10.Hilal Cement Co. (Kuwait)
11.Kuwait Building Materials
Manufacturing Co.(Kuwait)
12.Kuwait Cement Co.(Kuwait)
13. National Cement Co.(UAE)
14. Oman Cement Co.(Oman)
15.Qassim Cement Co.(Saudi)
16.Qatar National Cement Co.(Qatar)
17.RAK Cement Co.(UAE)
18. Raysut Cement Co.(Oman)
19. Saudi Cement Co.(Saudi)
20.Sharjah Cement & Industrial
Development Co.(UAE)
21.Southern Province Cement Co. (Saudi)
22.Tabuk Cement Co.(Saudi)
23.Union Cement Co.(UAE)
24.Yamama Cement Co.(Saudi)
25.Yanbu Cement Co.(Saudi)
Source: i3c analysis

Short listed companies

Filtering criteria
Size of the company
Line of business
Ownership structure
Market presence
Companys stability
Recent developments
with the company
Basic financial
information

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Arabian Cement Co. (Saudi)

Eastern Province Cement
Co.(Saudi)
Gulf Cement Co.(UAE)
Kuwait Cement Co.(Kuwait)
Qatar National Cement
Co.(Qatar)
RAK Cement Co.(UAE)
Saudi Cement Co.(Saudi)
Southern Province Cement
Co. (Saudi)
Yanbu Cement Co. (Saudi)
Yamama Cement Co.(Saudi)

21

Agenda

Review of world cement market

Overview and developments in GCC cement market

Identifying drivers for value creation through M&A

Quantifying key value drivers for the targets identified

22

Yamama Saudi Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Incorporated in August 1961, Yamama Saudi Cement Co (YSCC). is

the second largest cement company by capacity in Saudi Arabia.
Manufactures Cement related products & paper bags
YSCC produces two types of cement namely ordinary Portland
cement & sulfate resistant cement conforming to local & international
standards.

Operational Metrics

No. of Employees: 1,000

Production Capacity: 6.3 million tons of cement per year & 6 million tons
of clinker

2007
1,185,502
768,781
744,379
731,430
2,365,382
3,604,324

2008
1,122,933
665,833
630,161
610,885
2,841,394
3,589,125

2009(Q1)
258,670
142,135
133,304
125,987
2,705,456
3,371,037

YSCC took a stake of 5% in Hael Cement Co for SAR60 million

becoming a founding partner in the joint stock establishment

Ownership structure

Key People
Chairman: HH Prince
Faysal Bin Mohammed Bin
Saud Al Kabir

Private
(9.7%)

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

Major
News
Major
news

Key Financials (SAR000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

The production facility of YSCC is located on the outskirts of the capital

city, Riyadh; which is a big cement consumer market in KSA. Proximity
to the city helps save transportation costs
The company has the best corporate governance & disclosures among
its peers
YSCC has limestone quarries within the plant, which translates into
savings on logistics including transportation, loading, and unloading
costs
YSCC has access to low-cost natural gas for fuel
The company saves on packaging costs through a subsidiary producing
cement bags

2007
64.85%
69.68%
61.70%
24.57%
-

2008
-5.28%
59.29%
72.04%
54.40%
19.80%
48.83%

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)
54.95%
68.96%
48.71%
18.28%
51.54%

Government
(12.1%)

Managing Director: Sultan

Mohammed Saud Al Kabir
Saud
Public
(78.2%)

23

Arabian Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Arabian Cement Company (ACC) was the first cement producer in

Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf.
The original plant, located north of Jeddah, started production in
1959 with 300 tonnes per day (tpd) of clinker and 100 tpd of lime.
The companys products include Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC),
Sulfate Resistant Cement (SRC), Portland Pozzolan Cement (PPC)
and other types of cement.
ACC is currently the seventh largest cement company in Saudi Arabia
by market value and the sixth largest player in terms of total assets

No. of Employees: 870

Production Capacity: 3.5 million tons of cement per year & 3.3 million
tons of clinker per year

2007
721,572
467,849
435,942
392,165
1,840,544
2,365,727

2008
917,259
389,701
332,543
321,477
2,235,662
3,647,325

2009(Q1)
203,855
115,314
103,378
103,780
2,210,707
3,601,149

Major News

In January, 2008 Arabian Cement successfully offered 10 million new

shares at a price of SR 50 per share through a rights issue exercise
combined with an additional issue of 10 million bonus shares to
shareholders on record.
In first half of 2008 Arabian Cement paid 10% of its capital in cash
dividends

Ownership structure

Key People
Chairman: Abdullah Mohammed
Al Issa

Private
(24.6%)

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

Key Financials (SAR000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

Operational Metrics

To have a competitive edge over its peers, ACC took growth initiatives
through local and regional expansion plans including a 2.5 mtpa plant
in Al-Qatarana, Jordon
ACC has focus on increasing the efficiency & controlling its costs. The
company has plans to use heavy fuel instead of crude oil in its sixth
production facility, to substantially reduce its costs.
ACC enjoys favorable positioning. The companys plants, located in
Rabigh are in close proximity to Jeddah, Mekkah & Al Madinah, which
are witnessing expansion across real estate, tourism & infrastructure
sectors.
Raw materials such as limestone deposits are located in close vicinity
which not only guarantees availability of raw material in plenty but also
mitigates risks associated with transportation costs.

2007
64.83%
60.41%
54.35%
15.33%
-

2008
27.12%
42.48%
36.25%
35.05%
47.39%
43.19%

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)
56.57%
50.71%
50.91%
52.38%
63.62%

CEO: Mohammed Taher

Othman
Government
(16.4%)

Public
(59%)

24

Eastern Province Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Eastern Province Cement Company (EPCC) was established in

1982 as Saudi-Kuwaiti Cement Company. It is among the mid-tier
cement manufacturers in Saudi Arabia.
EPCC produces Ordinary Portland Cement & Sulfate Resistant
Cement conforming to local and international standards. It also
produces ready mix concrete.
The companys share in the domestic market stood at 8.5% in 2008
Although the company sold 7.5% more cement in the domestic
market, its market share contracted in 2008 due to commencement
of production by four new companies in KSA

Operational Metrics

No. of Employees: 650

Production Capacity: 3.5 million tons of cement per year & 3.45 million
tons of clinker

Key Financials (SAR000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

2007
923,948
635,147
599,575
541,419
2,113,695
2,495,831

2008
798,825
549,019
513,003
434,237
1,875,319
2,200,554

2009(Q1)
193,253
106,814
97,642
96,958
1,724,196
2,290,324

EPCC enjoys proximity to Dammam, the largest city in the Eastern

Province & to the Jubail Industrial Port, providing easy access to the
export market. In fact, had it not been the location, EPCC would have
been hit even more due to the restriction on exports. The Government
allows the export of 25000 tons of cement a week to Bahrain.
EPCC has access to low cost natural gas. The company runs a 52km 16inch dia pipeline to source its gas supplies from Jubail. Natural gas is
available at subsidized rates from Aramco.
The general profitability of Saudi Arabian cement companies is much
higher than those operating in regional markets.

Major News
Major news
Since April 11, 2009 EPCC has suspended production on one of its lines
as inventory rises amid a ban on cement exports. The kingdoms export
ban drove net profit down 37.5% to 96.96 million SAR in the first quarter
of 2009, compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Ownership structure

Key People

Government
(30%)

Chairman: HH Prince
Turki Bin Mohammed Bin
Fahad Bin Abdulaziz Al
Saud

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

2007
68.74%
64.89%
58.60%
8.77%
147.52%

2008
-13.54%
68.73%
64.21%
54.36%
8.29%
119.82%

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)
55.27%
50.53%
50.17%
7.85%
213.66%

General Manager: Dr Zamil

Bin Abdulrahman Al Mokrin
Public
(70%)

25

Southern Province Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Southern Province Cement Company, established in 1978, is one of

the biggest players in Saudi Arabias cement sector.
Based out of Abha, the company primarily caters to the domestic
demand of the western & southwestern region of the nation & also
Yemen.
SPCC produces & markets varied cement types, including Ordinary
Portland Cement, which forms the bulk & Sulphate Resisting Cement
Presently, more than 90% of the companys sales are concentrated in
the domestic market as it strives to meet spiraling demand, though in
the past it exported its cement to neighboring markets of Bahrain,
Kuwait, Qatar & the UAE

SPCC is a leading player in Saudi Arabias cement sector & largest

company in terms of market value.
Expanded production capacity of 5200 tonnes per day with
commissioning of its third plant at Tuhama, while taking the company
total annual production capacity to 6.3 million tonnes.
The regional cement sector is currently witnessing an exceptional
upsurge & demand expansion, owing to booming construction activity
in the real estate and infrastructure sectors together with the regional
governments strategic initiatives to diversify their oil & natural gas
reliant economies.

Operational Metrics

No.
No. of
of Employees:
Employees: 1600
1600
Production
Production Capacity:
Capacity: 5.02
5.02 million
million tons
tons of
of cement
cement per
per year
year &
& 5.57
5.57
million
tons
of
clinker
per
year.
million tons of clinker per year.

Key Financials (SAR000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

2007
1,154,925
794,687
768,857
703,885
2,344,465
2,648,252

2008
1,297,901
893,912
863,844
791,070
2,359,628
2,7487,30

2009(Q1)
362,115
213,846
204,332
200,170
2,279,798
2,612,179

Major
News
Major
news

SPCC paid 2 Saudi Riyals a share dividend for the second half of
2008, starting from March 14.
In December, 2008 SPCC was fined $53000 by Saudi Arabias
Capital Market Authority for disclosing its first half & nine month
financial results to the media before submitting these results to the
CMA.

Ownership structure

Key People
Chairman: HH Prince Khaled Bin
Turki Al Turki

Government
(54%)

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

2007
68.81%
66.57%
60.95%
-

2008
12.38%
68.87%
66.56%
60.95%
-

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)
59.05%
56.42%
55.28%
-

Public
(46%)

Executive Director: Safar

Mohammed Zafir

26

Saudi Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Established in November 1955, Saudi Cement Company operates

through two cement plants- Hofuf plant & Ain Dar plant located in the
Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
SCC currently manufactures & markets Ordinary Portland Cement,
Sulphate Resisting Cement & Oil Well Cement.
It sells its products across major cities in the Eastern Province ( such
as Al-Hasa, Dhahran, Dammam & Al-Khobar), Central Province ( such
as Riyadh) & Southern Province.
It is one of the pioneers in the Saudi Arabian cement sector & exports
to various GCC countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait & Qatar and to
countries in Europe, Africa & USA.

Operational Metrics

No. of Employees: 1800

Production Capacity: 11.9 million tons of cement per year & 11.3
million tons of clinker per year

Major News

Key Financials (SAR000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

2007
1,361,950
857,511
793,360
686,397
2,738,582
3,860,734

2008
1,259,612
704,613
605,681
621,322
2,847,704
4,539,671

2009(Q1)
350,667
182,930
160,219
152,001
2,640,505
5,050,246

In April 2009 Saudi Cement Co. begun commercial operations of two

new production lines to meet continued demand growth for cement,
while regulating production at its older facilities in the face of a
government ban on cement exports. Each line will produce 10,000
tons of clinker per day for a combined annual output of 6.6 million tons
annually.
Saudi Cement paid 35% in cash dividends

Ownership structure

Key People

Private
(8%)

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

Companys close proximity to the sources of raw material (mainly

limestone, iron ore, clay & gypsum) is an add on to its cost efficiency.
The fuel is piped directly to the kiln, & hence does not require storage
facilities.
SCC also owns & operates a world class export terminal at King
Abdul-Aziz Port at Dammam & facilities to load cement & clinker on
the ships, which further its export capacity.
The fifth & sixth expansion phase at the Hofuf plant, is expected to
significantly expand the companys cement production capacity to
11.3 mtpa, & the state of art technology will further enhance its
position in greater cement production, reduced production costs and
improved profit margins through economies of scale & higher
capacity.

2007
62.96%
58.25%
50.40%
25.36%
-

2008
-7.51%
55.94%
48.08%
49.33%
42.42%
134.72%

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)
52.17%
45.69%
43.35%
60.40%
25.89%

Government
(13%)

Chairman: Omar Suleiman Al

Rajhi
Public
(79%)

Director & Managing Director:

Walid Ahmad Juffali

27

Yanbu Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Yanbu Cement Company was established in 1977 & started its

operations in 1979 when it commissioned two of its long dry kilns each
1500 tonnes per day at Ras Baridi 60 km north of the city of Yanbu on
the west coast of Saudi Arabia.
Companys HeadQuarters are located at Jeddah.
YCC manufactures & supplies Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland
Cement Type I, Portland Cement Type II, Portland Cement Type V,
Sulphate Ressistant Cement, Low Heat Cement & Portland Pozzolana
Cement.

Operational Metrics

No. of Employees: 1000

Production Capacity: 4.8 million tons of cement per year

Key Financials (SAR000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

2007
1,170,728
680,338
657,319
660,953
2,323,518
2,563,399

2008
1,093,514
584,977
560,854
559,736
2,356,055
2,599,812

2009(Q1)
277,402
159,884
154,226
151,783
2,085,637
2,310,351

Major News

In March,
March, 2009
2009 YCCs
YCCs shareholders
shareholders approved
approved a
a4
4 SAR
SAR a
a share
share
In
dividend
payout
for
2008.
dividend payout for 2008.

Ownership structure

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

YCC has one of the largest kiln in the world which uses the latest
technology in digital process control, efficient power & fuel consumption
and minimum use of man power in all stages of production
Company has plans to expand organically. Contract with Sinoma
International Engineering Co. to set up a new plant with a designed
capacity of 3 million tonnes entails the companys growth initiatives
Impetus on cost efficiency through the setting up of an electric power
station at a total cost of SAR 300 million to meet the power requirements
of the new expansion plan
YCC enjoys high demand levels to its presence in the western region of
Saudi Arabia including Jeddah, Mekkah and Al Madinah which are
witnessing expansion across real estate, tourism & infrastructure sectors.
Proximity to the Red Sea Coast, which has been identified by the
Supreme Council of Tourism to be developed as a tourist destination is
likely to append cement demand.
Easy access to raw materials such as limestone & gypsum, as these are
located in the close vicinity to YCCs plants. Additionally, reserve life of
these raw materials span over 50 years.

2007
58.11%
56.14%
56.46%
0.80%
622.71

2008
-6.60%
53.50%
51.29%
51.19%
0.58%
770.30

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)
57.64%
55.60%
54.72%
0.54%
2201

Key People
Chairman: HH Sheikh
Mishaal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Private
(29%)
Public
(49%)

CEO: Dr Saud Saleh Islam

Government
(22%)

28

RAK Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Established in May 1995, Ras Al Khaimah Cement Company is a

UAE based public shareholding company that manufactures and
markets Portland cement and related building materials
The Companys manufacturing plant is located in Khor Khawair area
of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah
The Main Brand of the company is Powercrete

The plant benefits of the availability of nearby, high quality raw

materials from Rak mountains which ensures production of a
consistent high quality cement.
Ras Al Khaimah Cement Company plant is connected to a terminal
inside the adjacent Saqr Port , it has the capacity to load ships up
to 40,000 dwt, in a minimum amount of time
In addition to the cement production plant, the production facilities
includes warehousing, and packing and shipping divisions

Operational Metrics

No. of Employees: 145

Production Capacity: 1.2 million tons of cement per year & 1 million
tons of clinker
Major
News
Major
news

Key Financials (AED000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

2007
334,974
83,144
7,1603
54,935
723,364
775,379

2008
425,959
110,936
99,009
80,040
803,030
903,919

2009(Q1)

Q1 2009 profit jumped three times compared to last year due to

increase in sales and income from investments in associated
companies
In
Inacquired 20% stock in RAK Cement
In August 2007 Hydra Properties

Ownership structure

Key People
Chairman: Dr
Abdulrahman Sultan Al Sharhan

Key Financial Ratios

Private
(4%)

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

2007
24.82%
21.38%
16.40%
143.46%

2008
27.16%
26.04%
23.24%
18.79%
3.31%
512.94%

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)

Public
(55%)

CEO & GM: Mike Richardson

29

Gulf Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Established in 1977, Gulf Cement Company (GCEM) is one of the

leading cement producer based in UAE
GCEM manufactures and markets three varieties of cement - ordinary
portland cement, sulphate resisting portland cement, and moderate
sulphate resisting portland cement.
The company also has the facility to produce portland blast furnace
cement and is equipped to grind and sell pulverised slag as ground
granulated blast furnace slag

No. of Employees: 650

Production Capacity: 2.6 million tons of cement per year & 3.8 million
tons of clinker

2007
822,765
283,084
274,516
413,823
1,721,142
2,013,445

2008
1,078,140
386,208
373,602
2,119
1,564,062
1,810,626

2009(Q1)
213,829
67,638
64,728
-11,736
1,552,326
1,747,929

Major News
Major news

Gulf Cement Profit 08 drop 100% to AED 2.1 million; however it

recommends a 15% cash dividends for FY 2008
In 2007, the company tripled its clinker capacity from 1.3 million tons
to 3.8 million tons by starting second production line of 7,500 tpd of
clinker at cost of AED 550 million

Ownership structure

Key People

Private
(10%)

Chairman: HH Sheikh Omar Bin

Saqr Mohammed Al Qasimi

Government
(12%)

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

Key Financials (AED000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

Operational Metrics

Besides covering the UAE market, GCEM sells its products to more
than 11 countries
Plant is located at Saqr Port, very close to the Gulf, facilitating the
exports to Oman, Qatar, Iran, Saudi, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq
Plants proximity to the raw material source - limestone quarry ensures a steady supply of raw material and reduces costs
Installation of the unique pneumatic loading system for direct loading
and unloading of cement from ships facilitates direct importing and
exporting
The companys plant is based on multi-fuel system (heavy fuel oil, coal
or gas), thereby utilizing the resources efficiently

2007
34.41%
33.65%
50.30%
10.19%
26.79%

2008
31.04%
35.82%
34.65%
.20%
7.99%
36.78%

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)
31.63%
30.27%
-5.49%
7.25%
34.08%

General Manager:
Ahmad Abdullah Al Amash
Public
(78%)

30

Kuwait Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Kuwait Cement Company (KCC) Established in November 1968 by

Amiri Decree, Kuwait Cement company is engaged primarily in the
production, supply and transportation of cement
Product lines mainly include Ordinary Portland Cement & Sulphate
Resistant Cement
Companys plant is located at Shuaiba Industrial Area \
It wholly owns two subsidiaries, Shewikh Cement Co (KSCC) and
Amwaj International Real Estate Co (KSC)

KCC is the only integrated cement producer in Kuwait region. Other

competitors Hilal Cement and Kuwait Portland Cement (KPC) are
importers.
KCC being the only cement producer in the country, has more than 60%
of the domestic market share due to its low cost of production compared
to cost of imported cement
KCC has significant income from investments in non operating assets like
properties, available for sale securities and trading securities, thereby
making its total income volatile

Operational Metrics

No. of Employees: 760

Production Capacity: 3.8 million tons of cement & 4 million tons of
clinker per year

Key Financials (KWD000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

2007
82,432
28,429
25,794
54,803
302,711
365,125

2008
86,399
22,827
20,210
4,312
133,339
239,384

2009(Q1)

In Nov, 2008 KCC started expansion of its cement plant in Shuaiba for
addition of a 5,500 t/d production line to the existing cement plant to be
completed by August 2010
In Jan, 2009 the company signed a deal worth US$53.5 million with
Pakistan based Descon Engineering to expand cement production facility
in Kuwait

Ownership structure
Private
(29%)

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

Major
News
Major
news

2007
34.49%
31.29%
66.48%
17.16%
3.94%

2008
4.81%
26.42%
23.39%
4.99%
72.86%
5.25%

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)

Key People
Public
(43%)

Chairman & MD:

Rashed Abdulaziz
Abdulmohsen Al Rashed
First Executive Director:
Abdulmutaileb Ismail Bahbahani

Government
(28%)

31

Qatar National Cement Company

Description

Key Value Drivers

Located in Umm Bab, Qatar National Cement Co. (QNCC), the first
cement manufacturer in Qatar, was established in 1965 as a public
shareholding company.
The company enjoyed a monopoly status in the country for over 40
years, until Gulf Cement (now Gulf Holding Co.) entered the market in
March 2006.
Its key offerings comprise ordinary portland cement, sulphate-resistant
cement, washed sand, hydrated lime, and calcined lime.

Company has made significant investments in the recent past and

boosted production of cement, washed sand and lime in line with its
policy of meeting increasing local market needs
Its plant is located at Umm Bab, which is in close proximity to rich raw
material deposits, and only 82 km from Doha
Company owns its own fleet of tankers for delivery of bulk cement &
bags to the wide customers , thus saving the outsourcing expenses

Operational Metrics

No. of Employees: 1167

Production Capacity: 3.8 million tons of OPC and SRC; 6.5 million
tons of washed sand and 25,300 tons of lime

Key Financials (QAR000)

Year
Revenues
Gross Profit
EBITDA
Net Profit
Equity
Total Assets

2007
1,105,493
371,590
339,221
355,160
1,642,083
2,115,993

2008
1,412,993
287,019
247,167
413,645
1,642,527
2,853,137

2009(Q1)
447,427
86,109
72,876
136,503
1,572,468
2,926,938

Major
News
Major
news
In 2008, QNCC has completed many of its expansion projects
Construction of 4th cement mill with a capacity of 5,500 tons per day
Construction of 2nd sand washing plant with a daily capacity of 20,000
tons
Cement sales exceeded its actual production in 2008, indicating import
of cement to meet growing local demand
Ownership structure

2007
33.61%
30.69%
32.13%
21.29%
10.20%

2008
27.82%
20.31%
17.49%
29.27%
53.23%
10.32%

Source: Zawya, press search, company website

2009(Q1)
19.25%
16.29%
30.51%
32.96%
56.91s%

Chairman & MD: Salem Bin

Butti Al Noaimi

Private
(1%)

Key Financial Ratios

Year
Revenue Growth (YoY)
Gross Profit Margin
EBITDA Margin
Net Profit Margin
Debt/Equity
Interest Coverage Ratio

Key People

Government
(43%)

Public
(56%)

General Manager:
Mohammed Ali Al Sulaiti

32