analysis of the Lafarge-Aget Heracles case
Use Exhibits H and I, estimate and evaluate ratios for liquidity, financial strength, profitability, and ROI (include DuPont analysis)
For 2008, Aget is contemplating adding two new dry-process kilns for an investment of 10.7 million . That investment is expected to increase current capacity by 18%.
Assuming the most current operational cost levels, what sales must it generate to recoup the above investment?
If we assume 2004 prices of 45.91 /mt, what does the new break-even level do to the utilization rate, given its new capacity level? What can you say about its effect upon Agets pricing?
It is expected that the dry-process technology will help achieve an increase of 22% in production cost efficiencies, compared to current level. How might such an increase affect price competitiveness?
Assuming that Agets sales by 2008 will have grown at the forecasted global market rate increase of 22.6% over those of 2004, what will be its production and utilization rate?
If Aget does capture 20% market share in the markets of Lebanon, Kuwait and UAE, as estimated, at what sales units and revenues, will it break-even? What is the B/E market share?
In case Aget reduced price by 10%:
What effect would such price reduction have on gross margin?
By how much must sales increase to avoid a loss in gross profit?
What can you say about the potential implications of such price reductions, upon the industry and the market?
Based on your analysis, is Agets contemplated expansion into Lebanon, Kuwait, and UAE advisable or inadvisable? Argue your position.
