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Pioneer Cement Limited
Annual Report 2001
QUALITY POLICY
WE AT PIONEER CEMENT LIMITED ARE COMMITTED TO
PROVIDE OUR CUSTOMERS QUALITY CEMENT BY
PRODUCING IT ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL AND
PAKISTAN STANDARDS. WE HAVE SELECTED ISO 9002
BASED QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM TO ENSURE
THAT OUR CUSTOMERS GET QUALITY CEMENT
ACCORDING TO THEIR EXPECTATIONS.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND THE MANAGEMENT OF
PIONEER CEMENT LIMITED ARE COMMITTED TO
MAINTAIN THIS QUALITY POLICY AT ALL LEVELS
OF THE COMPANY. FOR THIS, AS WELL AS TO ACHIEVE
OUR CORPORATE OBJECTIVES, WE ALL SHALL WORK
AS A TEAM AND SHALL PURSUE CONTINUOUS
IMPROVEMENT.
CONTENTS
Company information
Notice of Meeting
Chairman's Review and Directors' Report
Five Years Summary
Auditors' Report to the Members
Balance Sheet
Profit and Loss Account
Statement of Changes in Financial Position
Statement of Changes in Equity
Notes to the Accounts
Pattern of Holding of Shares
Company Information
Board of Directors
Malik Manzoor Hayat Noon Chairman
Mr. Javed Ali Khan Chief Executive
Mr. K. Iqbal Talib
Mr. Muhammad Anwar Mir
Dr. Parvez Hassan
Malik Salman Hayat Noon
Mr. Soren Iversen (FLS)
Mr. Ahmed Reza (ADB)
Mr. Waseem Mehdi Syed (NDFC)
Management
Mr. Javed Ali Khan Chief Executive
Mr. Usman Masud Khan Executive Director
Mr. Badruddin Fakhri Director Finance
Mr. Javed Elahi Director Works
Mr. Talat Saeed Khan General Manager Marketing
Mr. Nurul Ibad General Manager Fin. & Admin.
Company Secretary
Syed Anwar Ali
Statutory Auditors
Ford, Rhodes, Robson, Morrow, Chartered Accountants
Cost Auditors
En Em Associates, Cost & Management Accountants
Legal Advisers
Hassan & Hassan (Advocates)
Bankers
Bank Al-Habib
National Bank of Pakistan
Habib Bank Limited
Head Office
7th Floor, Lakson Square Building No. 3,
Sarwar Shaheed Road, Karachi.
Ph: 5685052-55 Fax: 5685051
E-mail: noonpcl@cyber.net.pk
Registered Office
1st Floor, Alfalah Bldg.,
Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore.
Shares Department
66-67 Garden Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore.
Ph: 5831462 - 63
E-mail: noonshr@brain.net.pk
Factory
Chenki, District Khushab. Ph: 0454-720832
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the 15th Annual General Meeting of the members of Pioneer Cement Limited will be held at
66 - Garden Block, New Garden Town, Lahore on Monday the 31st December, 2001 at 11:30 a.m. to transact the following.
business.
1. To confirm the minutes of the annual general meeting held on 30th December, 2000.
2. To receive, consider and adopt the audited accounts for the year ended 30th June, 2001 and reports of the
directors and the auditors thereon.
3. To appoint auditors for the ensuing period and fix their remuneration.
4. To transact any other business as may be placed before the meeting with the permission of the Chairman.
By order of the Board
Syed Anwar Ali
30th November, 2001 Company Secretary
Notes:
(i) The share transfer books of the Company shall remain closed from 22nd December, 2001 to 31st
December, 2001 (Both days inclusive).
(ii) A member entitled to attend, speak and vote at this meeting may appoint another member as proxy to
attend, speak and vote on his/her behalf. Proxies in order to be effective must be received at the registered
office of the company not later than 48 hours before the meeting.
(iii) Account holders of CDC are requested to bring their original National Identity Cards to attend the meeting.
Chairman's Review and Directors' Report
It gives me pleasure to present the annual report and the audited accounts of the Company for the financial year ended
30th June, 2001 on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Price War & Operating Results
You are aware that by the Grace of Almighty Allah, your Company was able
to achieve a turnaround last year, when it had posted a profit of Rs.71.3
million. The positive results of the years 1998-99 and 1999-2000 had gen-
erated optimism with regard to the operations for the years thereafter.
Unfortunately, in September, 2000 Sales Tax was levied on cement. This
gravely disturbed the market equilibrium. Cement prices came under tremen-
dous pressure, because companies which were operating in NWFP being
exempt from Sales Tax started reducing prices, in order to enhance their
market share by capturing the business of other cement brands. This situ-
ation ultimately lead to a price war amongst cement manufacturers. Prices
of cement tumbled to the level even below the variable cost as depicted in
graph A. Efforts made to halt the price collapse did not materialize. The
situation started improving only after the Sales Tax exemption expired in
June, 2001, when level playing field was restored.
According to an estimate, the price-war has caused the entire cement indus-
try to suffer losses to the tune of over three billion rupees during the year
under review.
While on one hand cement prices remained subdued, the price of furnace
oil continued to maintain its high level during the year under review as
demonstrated in graph B. Average price of furnace oil for 2000-2001 worked
out to Rs. 11,467 per ton, as against average price of Rs.8,245 per ton for the
preceding year. The impact of 39% increase in the price of furnace oil pushed
up the cost of production by Rs.98 million.
Due to cement price war and furnace oil price hike, the Company has in-
curred a loss of Rs.247 million during year under review. After prior years'
adjustments and Turnover Tax, the amount of loss went up to Rs.295 million.
You were informed last year that significant savings were achieved under
different heads through cost reduction drive. Efforts in this direction con-
tinued, and as a result we were able to further reduce cost of production and
other overhead expenses. Raw & packing materials costs were reduced by
Rs.39 per ton, yielding a saving of Rs.17 million. Use of local coal in place
of furnace oil in Pre-Calciner area from February, 2001 resulted in a saving
of Rs. 14 million. Power consumption was further reduced by 4 kwH per ton
saving additional Rs.7 million. Fuel consumption ratio also continues to
show improvement as depicted in graph E. Selling & Administrative ex-
penses also reduced from 72.1 million last year to 68.5 million. I would like
to assure you that efforts of the management will continue towards optimum
utilization of company's resources.
Debt-Servicing
Inspite of heavy loss incurred during the year under review, your Company
has paid Rs.213 million towards debt-servicing as against Rs.335 million paid
last year. The Company has by June, 2001 paid a total of Rs.1,829 million
to its lenders towards principal as well as interest / mark-up.
Contribution to National Exchequer
The Company has paid Rs.637 million during the year under review towards
Excise Duty and Sales Tax. Overall contribution of the Company towards
national exchequer from 1994 works out to Rs.5.1 billion.
Heavy Taxation on Cement
Besides the adverse impact of cement demand and supply gap, as depicted
in Graph ' I ', Cement Industry in Pakistan has also miserably suffered be-
cause of heavy taxation on Cement. The industry has been paying well over
Rs. 15 billion, each year towards national exchequer, whereas it has incurred
loss of over Rs. 12 billion since 1996.
Coal Firing System
Switchover to coal firing system to cut down fuel cost was undertaken
towards the end of the year under review, and its completion is being pur-
sued vigorously. Insha Allah, our coal firing project will be the first one
to become operational amongst the entire cement industry and that too at
a very low capital outlay. Cost of Production, after switchover to coal firing
system, is expected to reduce by about Rs.340 per ton. Special feature of
our coal firing system would be that it will entirely be based on indigenous
coal. The switchover to coal firing system will not only bring savings of
about Rs. 140 million per annum to the Company, but will also help the country
in saving foreign exchange which is incurred on import of furnace oil.
Marketing
Sale of cement during the year under review at 432,459 tons was 6.5% less
than last year. Although, general demand of cement in the country had not
posted any decline during the year under review, but the management kept
sales volume at lower level when the net retention price of cement had gone
down below its variable cost. Had the management not taken this action,
the figure of loss for the year under review would have been higher. The
share of the Company in the cement market of the country worked out to
4.4% for the year under review, against 4.7% for the preceding year.
Production
The operation of the plant was regulated to match with the demand of cement.
Capacity utilization continued to remain low due to huge demand / supply
gap. Production of clinker during the year under review was 401,473 tons
as against capacity of 600,000 tons and last year's production of 445,590 tons.
Production of cement during the year was 422,090 tons as against the ca-
pacity of 630,000 tons and last year's production of 468,575 tons. Shortfall
in production is attributable to lower sales volume for the year under review
as explained above.
Environment & ISO 14000
You will be pleased to know that the management of your Company has
ensured full compliance of National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQs).
Actual dust/gas emissions at the plant are well below the allowable limits
set in the NEQs. You will also be pleased to know that the plant management
is actively engaged in implementing the requirements of ISO 14001 Environ-
mental Management System.
It was heartening that Pioneer Cement Limited was selected as demonstra-
tion project by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Indus-
tries in respect of environmental issues, with the assistance of a consortium
of local and foreign consulting firms namely:
* National Environmental Consulting (Pvt) Ltd. (NEC)
* HASKONING, Royal Dutch Consulting Engineering & Architects, The
Netherlands.
* KWA Consultants B.V. The Netherlands.
Future Outlook
The present Government had announced mega-development projects on
14th August, 2001. The first phase of this plan includes Gomal Zam Dam,
Greater Thai Canal, Right Bank Outfall Drainage, Mirani Dam, Quetta Greater
Water Supply Scheme, Gwadar Coastal Highway, Chashma Right Bank Canal
and Turbat Road. The other projects to be initiated by March 23, 2002
include Kachi Canal in Baluchistan, Rainee Canal in Sindh, raising of Mangla
Dam by 40 ft, Karachi Northern Bypass, Lyari Link Road, Motorway M-3,
Motorway M-4, Gwadar-Turbat Road, Gwadar Port and Thar Coal Power Project.
CEMENT LTD.
The three and ten years perspective plans with a total outlay of Rs.11.287
trillion over the next ten years aim to sustain the growth rate to 6.4 per cent
of GDP by 2011. It marks a new beginning for the economic growth of Pakistan
with a home grown strategy for development and increasing self reliance.
Prior to the events of 11th September, 2001, there was a general skepticism
about the availability of funds with the Government to complete these devel-
opment projects which were pending for quite long for want of funds. In the
aftermath of 11th September, 2001 event, the outlook of economy has taken
a dramatic turn. All sanctions imposed by the developed countries have been
lifted, re-profiling of bilateral debts is in process, grants and financial support
from the US lead coalition are likely to ease out resource gaps of the Govern-
ment, duties and quota restrictions have been removed by the developed
countries, rupee has appreciated remarkably in the market and Stock Exchanges
seem to have revitalized. Possibility of reversal of capital flight can be a
catalyst for investment climate in the country. All these developments lead
to believe that the Government will be able to undertake the above develop-
ment projects which will give a much needed boost to the cement industry.
US led aerial strikes on Afghanistan have completely destroyed that country.
As promised by the US led coalition, reconstruction of Afghanistan will be
undertaken, as soon as the war is over. Due to geo-demographic location,
Pakistan will be the first choice to buy cement and other materials for recon-
struction of Afghanistan.
The above scenario gives an optimism that demand / supply hangover of
cement will be nullified within next few years and this will greatly help the
Company in regaining its financial health.
As for next financial year, I am happy to report that during last few months
the price of cement has considerably increased, whereas price of furnace oil
has significantly reduced. Further, the Coal Firing Plant is expected to become
operational in December, 2001. These factors give me sufficient assurance to
say with confidence that the operating results for the year 2001-2002 will Insha
Allah show marked improvements.
Auditors
The existing auditors M/s. Ford, Rhodes, Robson, Morrow, Chartered
Accountants, after having completed audit for the year 2000-2001 have of-
fered their services for re-appointment for the ensuing year.
Pattern of Shareholding
The shareholding pattern of the Company as on June 30, 2001 is included in
the Annual Report.
Acknowledgement
The management is grateful to Asian Development Bank
for being appreciative of ground realities and granting
moratorium towards repayment of its loan. Similarly,
National Development Finance Corporation has shown
understanding of the problems of cement industry and
agreed to reschedule its first loan of Rs.270 million. We
are also grateful to National Bank of Pakistan for agree-
ing to convert their three years loan into eight years loan.
Thanks are also due to Nissho Iwai Corporation, Japan.
Bankers Equity. Industrial Development Bank of Paki-
stan and Saudi Pak Industrial & Agricultural Invest-
ment Company (Pvt) Limited for their cooperation and
the accommodation extended during the most difficult
times of the Company.
Thanks are also due to the dealers. contractors and sup-
pliers for their cooperation during the critical periods
the company has been passing through.
Human resource management assumes core value for
the company. Employees of the Company, besides doing
real hard work, have exhibited endurance and loyalties
to the Company inspite of all odds. Special thanks are
due to them to maintain their resolve to bring back the
financial health of the Company.
for and on behalf of the Board of Directors
MALIK MANZOOR HAYAT NOON
Lahore: November 30th, 2001 Chairman
Five Years at a Glance
2000-01 1999-00 1998-99 1997-98 1996-97
Tons Tons Tons Tons Tons
Production and Sales
Clinker Production 401,473 445,590 416,441 471,999 649,354
Cement Production 422,090 468,575 442,655 530.49 688.109
Cement Sales 432,459 462,327 446,202 535,575 678,524
Capacity Utilization
(based on Clinker) 67% 74% 69% 79% 108%
Rs./Mill. Rs./Mill. Rs./Mill. Rs./Mill. Rs./Mill.
Operating Results
Gross Sales 1,649 1,914 1,672 1,865 2,400
Excise Duty and Sales Tax 637 644 669 779 1,117
Net Sales 979 1,172 932 1,030 1,213
Gross Profit 35 264 113 77 71
Net Profit/(Loss) after Tax (295) 71 2 (231) (294)
Financial Position
Assets Employed:
Operating Assets 3,832 3,341 3,498 3,479 3,593
Current Assets 254 330 284 284 328
Other Assets 38 59 91 72 48
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
4,124 3,730 3,873 3,835 3,969
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Assets Financed by:
Shareholders' Equity 263 558 487 485 715
Long Term Loans 2,863 2,105 1,733 1,092 1,461
Other Long Term Liabilities 569 690 492 349 179
Current Maturity 224 228 632 875 527
Other Current Liabilities 205 149 529 1,034 1,087
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
4,124 3,730 3,873 3,835 3,969
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Ratios
Gross Profit to Sales 3.53% 22.55% 12.09% 7.45% 5.85%
Net Profit/(Loss) to Sales (30.13%) 6.08% 0.24% (22.40%) (24.24%)
Debt/Equity Ratio 92:08 82:18 81:19 80:20 73:27
Current Ratio 0.59 0.84 0.19 0.13 0.20
Return on Equity (112.12%) 12.78% 0.45% (47.57%) (41.09%)
Break-up Value of Shares (Rs.) 2.76 5.85 5.10 5.08 7.49
Market Value of Shares (Rs.) 2.35 3.40 2.55 3.00 6.75
Auditors' Report to the Members
We have audited the annexed balance sheet of Pioneer Cement Limited as at June 30, 2001 and the related profit and
loss account, statement of changes in financial position (cash flow statement) and statement of changes in equity together
with the notes forming part thereof, for the year then ended and we state that we have obtained all the information and
explanations which, to the best of our knowledge and belief, were necessary for the purposes of our audit.
It is the responsibility of the company's management to establish and maintain a system of internal control, and prepare
and present the above said statements in conformity with the approved accounting standards and the requirements of
the Companies Ordinance, 1984. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the auditing standards as applicable in Pakistan. These standard require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the above said statements are free
of any material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and dis-
closures in the above said statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting policies and significant estimates
made by management, as well as, evaluating the overall presentation of the above said statements. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion and, after due verification, we report that:
(a) in our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the company as required by the Companies Ordinance,
1984;
(b) in our opinion:-
(I) the balance sheet, profit & loss account together with the notes thereon have been drawn up in con-
formity with the Companies Ordinance, 1984 and are in agreement with the books of account and are further
in accordance with the accounting policies consistently applied;
(II) the expenditure incurred during the year was for the purpose of the Company's business; and
(III) the business conducted, investments made and the expenditure incurred during the year were in
accordance with the objects of the Company.
(c) in our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us, the balance
sheet, profit and loss account, statement of changes in financial position (cash flow) and statement of changes
in equity together with the notes forming part thereof confirm with approved accounting standards as applicable
in Pakistan, and give the information required by the Companies Ordinance, 1984, in the manner so required
and respectively give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at June 30, 2001 and of the
profit, its cash flow and changes in equity for the year then ended;
(d) In our opinion no Zakat was deductible at source; and
Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to the following matter:
(a) As explained in notes 15.1, 15.2 and 15.11 to the accounts, the company has taken the effect of rescheduling
as per the minutes of a meeting between the lenders and the company resulting in the transfer of Rs. 234.400
million with respect to principal and interest payable to these lenders from short term to long term liabilities.
Although, the officials of the lenders have signed the minutes, the rescheduling agreements regarding the above
arrangements are yet to be executed. Had the impact of the same not been incorporated in the accounts the
company's current liabilities would have exceeded its current assets by Rs. 409.592 million. The ultimate outcome
of this matter and the financial impact as a result of subsequent modification, if any to the terms of agreements
cannot presently be determined.
Ford, Rhodes, Robson, Morrow
Karachi: December 4th, 2001 Chartered Accountants
Balance Sheet as at June 30, 2001
Note 2001 2000
(Rupees '000)
ASSETS
Non-Current Assets
Operating fixed assets 4 3,816,819 3,340,177
Capital work-in-progress 5 15,528 445
Long term loans and other receivables