PPC Cement bags on a conveyor at PPC De Hoek in the Western Cape. The group has reported a strong financial performance for its financial year to March 31, 2026.
Image: Supplied
Cement and industrial products group PPC’s share price increased 2,43% on the JSE Monday morning after it warned headline earnings per share (HEPS) would increase between 20% and 33% for the year to March 31, 2026.
The group said in a trading statement HEPS would rise to between 48 cents and 53 cents compared with 40 cents at the same time last year. Earnings per share are expected to be between 52 cents and 58 cents a share from 32 cents at the same time last year.
The share price traded at R7,01 on Monday morning on the JSE, a price well up from R4,64 at the same time a year ago.
The US dollar exposure on the construction of RK3, the new integrated cement plant in the Western Cape, was fully hedged to de-risk PPC's balance sheet.
During the period, the rand strengthened against the US dollar, and foreign exchange losses (both realised and unrealised) were incurred. After adjusting for these losses, the pro forma EPS is expected to be between 88% and 106% higher than the EPS reported for the prior period.
The pro forma HEPS is expected to be between 35% and 50% higher than the HEPS reported for the prior period.
The directors said the continued improvement in EPS and HEPS reflected the strength and consistency of management's execution on the "Awaken the Giant" turnaround strategy, firmly delivering strong results for a second consecutive year.
“This performance was driven by robust improved operational efficiencies, a focus on value-accretive sales and sustained cost control across administrative and other operating expenses, demonstrating a fundamentally stronger earnings base,” they said. The annual results are expected to be released on June 8, 2026.
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