
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a total sales volume of 55,500 tons, an increase of approximately 10% compared to the same quarter last year [13] - Revenue from operations reached ₹4.33 crores, up by 5% year-over-year, although mitigated by declining prices [13] - EBITDA per ton was reported at ₹7,077, a decrease of 18% primarily due to an inventory valuation loss of ₹6 crores and a production shutdown of 10 to 12 days [13][14] - Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at ₹20 crores, down from ₹26 crores in the corresponding quarter last year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully stabilized its operations and maintained volume targets despite pricing pressures [3] - Margins are under pressure due to ongoing price cuts, with EBITDA per ton at the lower end of the range [4] - The company is implementing cost control measures effectively, contributing to operational stability [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing pricing pressure due to competition from larger players in the market [26] - Sales have increased, indicating the company is managing to maintain its market position despite external pressures [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its operations with the commissioning of a new steel plant expected by July 2029 [18] - A new forging line is being developed in collaboration with IT, targeting specialized products with minimal competition in India [10][11] - The company aims to maintain a conservative balance sheet with a target debt-to-equity ratio of 0.5:1 [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future margins, citing several factors that could improve EBITDA per ton, including the commissioning of a solar plant and a new reheating furnace [30] - The management believes that the current pricing pressure is unlikely to worsen, with expectations for gradual improvement in the market [39] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from government initiatives favoring green steel production, with a significantly lower carbon footprint than competitors [95][96] Other Important Information - The solar plant is nearing completion, with commissioning expected by August due to minor legal delays [100] - The company has become debt-free following recent equity infusions, which have been used to repay existing debts [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: When will the new plant be completed and what is the expected return on capital? - The new plant is expected to start by July 29, with full capacity utilization targeted within two to three years, aiming for a return on capital of around 20% [17][19] Question: What is the current pricing pressure and how does it affect volume growth? - The company has entered into pricing agreements with key OEMs to mitigate pricing pressure, expecting volume growth of 5-10% until the new plant is commissioned [26][28] Question: What is the update on the forging line and its expected capacity? - The forging line will cater to the automotive sector with an initial capacity of 12,000 to 15,000 tons per year, with no direct competition anticipated [111] Question: How does the company plan to grow over the next few years? - The company plans to utilize existing capacities and expand through the commissioning of new facilities, with a target of 225,000 tons for the current financial year [69][78] Question: What is the expected EBITDA per ton for the current financial year? - The company expects EBITDA per ton to remain in the range of ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 for the current financial year, with hopes to increase this range in the following year [126]