Cipla Ltd (BOM:500087) Half Year 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Record EBITDA Margin and Robust Consumer Health Growth

Cipla Ltd (BOM:500087) reports its highest ever quarterly EBITDA margin and strong performance in North America and Consumer Health segments, despite challenges in India and supply issues.

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Oct 30, 2024
Summary
  • Revenue: INR 7,051 crores, growth of 9% year-on-year.
  • EBITDA Margin: 26.7%, highest ever quarterly margin for Cipla.
  • Gross Margin: 67.6%, up 159 basis points from last year.
  • Profit After Tax: INR 1,303 crores, 18.5% of sales.
  • Effective Tax Rate: 27%.
  • Free Cash Generation: Net cash equivalent balance of INR 7,950 crores.
  • Debt: INR 461 crores, including lease liabilities.
  • North America Revenue: $237 million for the quarter.
  • One-India Growth: 5% year-on-year.
  • Consumer Health Business Growth: 20% plus.
  • R&D Investments: INR 385 crores, 5.5% of revenue.
  • ROIC: 30% plus on an annualized basis.
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Release Date: October 29, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Cipla Ltd (BOM:500087, Financial) reported its highest ever quarterly EBITDA margin at 26.7%, showcasing strong profitability.
  • The company's North America revenue reached $237 million, with Albuterol enhancing its market share to 19%.
  • Cipla's Consumer Health business posted robust growth of over 20%, with anchor brands maintaining leadership positions.
  • The Africa business recorded vigorous growth of 22%, with South Africa delivering similar growth in local currency terms.
  • Cipla achieved a ranking improvement in the S&P Downtown Sustainability Index, with a score increase from 70 to 79.

Negative Points

  • The One-India business experienced slow seasonal growth, particularly in the acute category, impacting overall growth.
  • Cipla faced temporary supply challenges in Lanreotide, which are expected to affect Q3 sales.
  • The Goa facility received six 483 observations from the US FDA, with classification still awaited.
  • Trade Generics business was impacted by seasonal factors, affecting its usual growth trajectory.
  • The company anticipates a reduced revenue number for Lanreotide in Q3, potentially dropping below the $220 million mark.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide an update on the Abraxane opportunity and its potential launch timeline?
A: Umang Vohra, Global CEO, stated that the launch of Abraxane depends on the clearance of the Goa facility by the US FDA. If clearance is delayed, the CMO route could take over a year.

Q: What are the current supply issues with Lanreotide, and when do you expect them to be resolved?
A: Umang Vohra explained that the supply issues are due to capacity constraints and increased demand. The company expects these issues to be resolved by the end of Q3, with normal supply levels resuming in Q4.

Q: How is Cipla's India business performing, particularly in the respiratory segment?
A: Umang Vohra noted that while the acute segment saw slower growth, the respiratory segment is expected to pick up in Q3 due to seasonal factors like pollution and allergens.

Q: What is the impact of the recent FDA observations at the Goa facility on Cipla's operations?
A: Umang Vohra mentioned that the company is focused on remediation and expects to resolve the issues within 6 to 12 months, pending FDA classification.

Q: Can you elaborate on Cipla's strategy for the Africa region following the integration of North Africa with the Saga region?
A: Ashish Adukia, CFO, highlighted that the integration allows for a more focused approach, leveraging supply chain efficiencies and targeting top cities for deeper market penetration.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.