TOP NEWS: RHI Magnesita sees increased cost pressures on supply issues

(Alliance News) - RHI Magnesita NV on Tuesday said it will need a "strong" fourth quarter to meet ...

Alliance News 19 October, 2021 | 7:31AM
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(Alliance News) - RHI Magnesita NV on Tuesday said it will need a "strong" fourth quarter to meet its full-year earnings targets, as it faces increased costs due to supply chain issues.

The refractory products supplier also unveiled the acquisition of an 85% stake in Sormas Sogut Refrakter Malzemeleri Anonim Sirketi, a producer of refractories for the cement, steel, glass and other industries in Turkey, for EUR38.8 million in cash.

Turning to current trading, RHI Magnesita said demand has continued to be strong for both the Steel and Industrial businesses, but profit has been constrained by further cost rises. Profitability in the third quarter of 2021 was in line with the first half, it said, but weaker than forecast.

Pretax profit for the six months ended June 30 was EUR124.6 million.

"The supply chain position remains challenging in all territories with the group seeing further increases in the cost of sea freight and demurrage, together with rising energy and consumables costs," RHI Magnesita warned.

It continued: "Supply chain delays caused by low freight reliability impacted production schedules and deliveries and there was continued use of air freight when necessary to ensure customer supply."

In China, RHI said power shortages could increase the cost of externally purchased magnesite-based raw materials which, in turn, could hurt availability.

"Production at RHI Magnesita sites and customer demand in China may also be affected. The group is examining alternative supply routes to mitigate this risk," RHI said.

It would now take a "strong" fourth quarter performance to hit its full-year earnings before interest, tax and amortisation guidance of EUR310 million. Given further price increases are currently being negotiated with customers, RHI Magnesita expects full-year earnings between EUR280 million and EUR310 million.

Chief Executive Stefan Borgas said: "Demand remains strong, and we have made good progress on our network optimization and capital projects in the year to date. During the current period of supply chain disruption, we are focused on delivering for our customers, who recognize that pricing needs to be increased to account for the higher costs affecting refractory producers worldwide.

"We have taken action to mitigate these additional costs and our medium-term prospects are well supported by our structural cost reduction programme and investments in technology, solutions, recycling and growth in new markets. Progress against our strategic plan is demonstrated today by the acquisition of Sormas in Turkey which will provide a new platform for growth in the region."

Shares in RHI Magnesita were 4.7% higher in London on Tuesday morning at 3,092.00 pence each.

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
RHI Magnesita NV Ordinary Shares 3,255.00 GBX -2.11 -
RHI Magnesita NV Ordinary Shares 38.50 EUR -0.77 -

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