BorsodChem reported second quarter net profit way below consensus estimates, and also 42% below our own forecast, the lowest on the market. IFRS consolidated net income came in at HUF 181m, down 94.1% y/y and down 92.5% q/q. The sluggish figure is mostly due to huge financial losses on the revaluation of the company’s EUR 300m debt. Although EBIT fell 3% short of our forecast it represents 77% y/y increase due to the start of the new MDI product line late last year.
According to the company, a change in accounting helped the EBIT line substantially. Without that operating profit would be much less impressive negatively affected by rising energy costs.
We believe, the market currently focuses on the intention of Permira rather than the actual results of the company, this is the reason for the unreasonably high market consensus on 2Q06 earnings. However, please note that until Permira hasn't called its option, we cannot fully rule out its step back. Permanent weak quarterly results of BC this year certainly don't strengthen Permira's commitment to BorsodChem. We recommend selling BorsodChem shares on the market and not wait for the offer.