ACC rating – Buy- Muted show in Q1CY22 along expected lines

ACC rating – Buy: Muted show in Q1CY22 along expected lines

Q1CY22 was a muted quarter for ACC (Ebitda plunging 26% y-o-y; though up 14% q-o-q). However, most of this is priced in in our view given Ebitda broadly matched Street’s and our expectation. In the wake of sharp price hikes across regions – to pass on industry-wide impact of surging fuel prices – we see limited risk to earnings.

The recent buzz of a potential stake sale by global parent Holcim Group (HG) should drive outperformance, in our view. The current valuations of $100 EV/t deserve a premium (in case of a sell-off) given ACC is one of the strongest brands and has a pan-India network. With ACC’s efforts to enhance efficiency being in focus, we maintain ‘Buy’.

Outperformance in store: We expect ACC to outperform given: (i) Undemanding valuations of 10.9x CY22e and 8.8x CY23e EV/Ebitda. (ii) In case the parent’s stake is on the block, ACC deserves a premium for its strong brand and pan-India network. We continue to value ACC at 13x EV/Ebitda and maintain ‘BUY/SO’.