Saudi Cement’s Q4 beats estimate as margins improve: Riyad Cap

Saudi Cement Co.’s net profit of SAR 125 million in Q4 2018 was higher than Riyad Capital's estimates of SAR 89 million, the brokerage said in an earnings report on Wednesday.

The beat was led by better gross margins at 52 percent and higher revenues than expected, it said.

Revenue stood at SAR 304 million beating the brokerage’s estimates of SAR 301 million. Net margins improved to 41 percent in Q4, 2018, compared to 33 percent same period last year, driven by higher gross margins.

The company exported 255,000 tons of cement during the period as compared to 198,000 in the previous quarter, with the export market is likely to open up further in the coming quarters. 

Riyad Capital maintained its “neutral” rating on the stock, revising the target price up to SAR 52 a share.