Lahore: Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd. (MLCF) and Cherat Cement Company Ltd. (CHCC) reported their financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. MLCF saw a 6% quarter-on-quarter decline in sales and anticipates a 21% drop in bottom-line profitability. In contrast, CHCC reported a modest 3% decrease in quarterly earnings despite an 8% increase in sales compared to the previous quarter.

According to JS Global, Maple Leaf Cement faced heightened costs during the quarter but managed to maintain its gross margins through economies of scale. The company's net margins are expected to decrease by 1.6 percentage points sequentially, ending the fiscal year with an earnings per share (EPS) of Rs 6.11, marking a 14% increase year-over-year. Notably, no cash payout is expected alongside the annual results for MLCF.

Cherat Cement experienced challenges due to high coal prices earlier in the quarter and fluctuating retention prices, which initially impacted gross margins. The company's bottom-line is anticipated at Rs 6.2, a 3% decline from the previous quarter, with FY24E EPS reaching Rs 30.13, up 33% year-over-year. CHCC plans to announce a final cash payout of Rs 3.0, culminating in a total dividend per share (DPS) of Rs 4.5 for the fiscal year.