Reliance Industries: On track to recovery; Rating 'Outperform'

Reliance Industries: On track to recovery; Rating 'Outperform'

RIL reported a 6% year-on-year growth in standalone profit after tax to Rs 56.5 bn (estimate of R54.4 bn). Consolidated earnings (reported for the first time quarterly) were at R59.6 bn, growth of 14% y-o-y, led by US shale and retail turnaround.

Refining margins at $8.7/bbl marginally beat est of $8.6/bbl, driving Ebit of R37.7 bn (+28% y-o-y, 3% above the rest) But petchem disappointed with Ebit of R18.9 bn (-10% quarter-on-quarter) well below estimates.

Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) at R75.3 bn, came in 11% below estimates. A sharp increase in other opex (operating expenses) due to a one-time increase in fuel and power expenses drove this miss. We believe opex would moderate to normative levels over the rest of FY15e.