Dongwu Cement (0695.HK) Q4 2023 Earnings Report

Dongwu Cement International Limited reported QQ4 2023 results that reflect a difficult profitability environment despite a sequential revenue uptick. For the quarter, revenue reached HKD 166.69 million, but cost of revenue exceeded sales by HKD 173.69 million, yielding a gross loss of HKD 7.00 million and a gross margin of -4.20%. EBITDA was negative HKD 22.30 million and operating income posted a loss of HKD 34.38 million, underscoring ongoing cost discipline challenges and top-line pressure in a cyclical sector. Net loss for the quarter was HKD 19.09 million, with basic loss per share of HKD 0.0346. On a year-over-year basis, revenue declined modestly by 1.38%, while gross profit deteriorated sharply (loss vs. year-ago profit), highlighting the persistence of fixed cost absorption in a low-margin environment. However, net income showed a year-over-year improvement of approximately 12.4% as non-operating items and tax effects contributed to a narrowed loss versus the prior year. The quarter also featured a strong liquidity position, with HKD 510.1 million in cash and short‑term investments, and a current ratio of 2.32, suggesting adequate short-term liquidity despite negative cash flow from operations. Cash burn remains a material concern, with operating cash flow of HKD -89.24 million and free cash flow of HKD -104.16 million, along with negative EBITDA, indicating the need for ongoing structural fixes (cost control, capacity utilization, and potential balance sheet optimization) to restore profitability and positive cash generation. Looking forward, the company faces a demanding environment shaped by China’s cyclical infrastructure demand, cement price competition, and potential capital allocation pressures. The near-term investment thesis will hinge on management’s ability to reduce fixed costs, improve operating leverage, and manage working capital while addressing debt maturities and capital expenditure needs. A stabilization in construction activity and any disciplined pricing or volume gains could provide a path to modest margin recovery, but the current quarter’s earnings profile signals a high-uncertainty recovery trajectory for investors.