HITECH Q1-2025 Earnings Call - Alpha Spread

Hi-Tech Pipes Ltd
NSE:HITECH

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Earnings Call Transcript

Earnings Call Transcript
2025-Q1

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Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to Hi-Tech Pipes Limited Earnings Conference Call hosted by Antique Stock Broking Limited. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded.

I now hand the conference over to Mr. Pallav Agarwal from Antique Stock Broking Limited. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Yes. Thank you, Shou. Good morning, everyone. A warm welcome to the first quarter results call of Hi-Tech Pipes. We have the senior management of the company represented by Mr. Anish Bansal, the CEO; and Mr. Arvind Bansal, the EV and Group CFO.

So I would now like to hand over the call to Mr. Anish Bansal for his opening comments. Over to you, sir.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Thank you, Pallav. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for being with us today. It is an honor to address you and share the remarkable strides our company has made over the past years. As we reflect on our journey and our achievements, I'm proud to say that we have solidified our position as a leading manufacturer of BRW tubes and pipes in India.

There has been an election quarter in India, there was a code of conduct and slowdown in the government activities. Further, there was steel price volatility in the domestic and international market, but in spite of all these domestic and global challenges, our company has given outstanding performance and growth. This quarter, we achieved a record breaking sales volume of 12,000 tonnes marking a significant 45% increase compared to 84,000 tonnes in Q1 FY '24. This milestone not only underscores our growth but also highlights our ability to meet and exceed market demand. Our revenue has risen impressively by 35%, reaching to an all-time high for any quarter of INR 867 crores, up from INR 642 crores in Q1 FY '24. Our EBITDA has more than doubled, increasing by 101% to INR 42.69 crores from INR 21.9 crores in Q1 FY '24. The substantial improvement in profitability showcases our focus on operational efficiency, cost management and value-added product share. Further, our profit after tax has surged by staggering 125% climbing to INR 18.65 crores compared to INR 8.03 crores in Q1 FY '24. This exceptional PAT growth is the direct result of our successful strategies in higher sales utilization, better inventory management, cost reduction and better product mix. A significant contributor to our success in this quarter has been an increase of share of value-added products and contribution made by our recently commissioned Canam unit 2 Phase I. As we continue to ramp up operations, we anticipate an increase in its output and efficiency going forward. These advancements have played a prove role in enhancing our production capabilities and market position. We are proud to have supplied 3 pipes for some of the country's most prestige projects, including the Noida International Airport, Kangra Airport in the [indiscernible]. Carga Solar Park in Gujarat, which is the world's largest solar park, Agra Metro project and Gavin Agraa Metro project to name a few. These projects not only showcase the quality of our products, but also our capability to support major infrastructure development. In addition, we have taken notable steps in this quarter to improve our sustainability and operational efficiency. Our proposed installation of rooftop solar generation power plant at our new [indiscernible] facility is under progress and is expected to be commissioned in October 2024. The solar power purchase agreement for sourcing of green power through group captive open access is expected to be available in September 2024. Post this expansion. The total solar power consumption by the company will be at around 13.5 megawatt, which will be around 30% of our total power requirement. These initiatives are substantially aimed to reduce our energy costs. Further, we are actively engaged in the generation and captive consumption of green hydrogen gas, contributing to our commitment to environmental sustainability as well. The government of India has continued its thrust on infrastructure development in the country and has increased its total outlay to INR 11.11 lakh crores in the recent budget announcement. Hi-tech is well positioned to leverage various government initiatives such as Badarani, Avastin, Adocim, Mark City Mission railway corridor development, airport development and retail evolution. These initiatives are creating a favorable environment for growth and providing ample opportunities for us to expand our presence in the future.

The construction of our brown free facility with an installed capacity of 110,000 tonnes in Unit 2 Phase I and a green city facility in September of an installed capacity of 1.5 factor at full suing and expected to be operationalized in this financial year. By the cloths financial year, the Hitech Group will be at 1 million tonnes of installed capacity. India has taken the ambition to achieve 300 million tonnes of installed capacity for production of steel in India by year 2030. We are also ready for Hi-Tech 2.0 in its journey of growth and development, now we are ready for next leap of capacity expansion through greenfield and down initiatives, along with technological advancement. Our next phase of capital expenditure includes an ambitious plan to put up new DST lines for manufacturing of large diameter section pipe and to increase our installed capacity to 2 million tonnes over next 3 to 4 years. This expansion will involve introducing new product segments and new geographies and further enhancing our portfolio with more value-added products. These strategic investments will position us to capitalize on emerging opportunities, drive growth and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders. Thank you.

We may now take the questions, please.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of Vikash Singh from PhillipCapital.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Congratulations on very good set of number.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Thank you, Vikash.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Sir, my first question pertains to what has actually contributed to the volume growth in particularly in this quarter, while we were thinking that the election would be a election quarter will be weaker. And now even we have done pretty potent 1Q itself, are we upgrading our target to a ton of sales volume this year itself?

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

So Vikash, so first, your question regarding to volume growth in the first quarter. this was mainly due to our new facility, which got commissioned in Q4 of FY '24 at Sanand. So the volumes have started from this facility. And going forward, we expect a decent volume from this unit. So as you are right, the total -- the target for this volume for this year will be approximately 2 lakh tonnes, 0.5 million tonnes.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

And what kind of EBITDA per ton we are targeting for this year?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, I think we'll be maintaining our EBITDA per tonne, which is right now around INR 3,500 crores. So this is to say the least. And going forward, once stabilized, it will start moving upwards.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Understood, sir. Sir, my second question pertains to the sharp correction in the prices in the last couple of months. So given we carry in inventories, I just wanted to understand how the inventory it as under 2Q. If you have any idea about that? Or are we taking any steps to mitigate certain portion of this impact?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes. So there is a steel price decline in the last 2 months. So we have like a good amount of fixed price orders against some big contracts. So they are there. And the raw material price, that is also coming down. So we get adjusted through that. So more or less, I'm of a firm belief that these lower steel prices will result in higher volumes in the future. and the gap between the secondary steel and the piste has also narrowed and significantly. This will help in achieving higher volumes for our company.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Noted, sir. Sir, just 1 more thing. At 1 million tonne capacity, how our value-added capacity and general capacity mix would look like in content terms?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, at 1 million tonnes, our value-added share is 50%.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

So we have still a good legroom to increase in the vendition.

A
Anish Jobalia
analyst

Yes, currently, we stand at 36%. And going forward, I'm sure there is a room for expansion.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Understood. Sir, just 1 last question from my side. This another 1 million tonne expansion on your on to 2 million tonnes have ballpark estimate and what kind of CapEx we would be needing and how we have been to funding that.

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

Sir, this journey will be a 3- to 4-year journey. And the finance and the funding will be through internal and in extensures will happen gradually. So -- but we are confident that we will take a good position, and we'll further strengthen our position in the market. This will include new products, new geographies, segments.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

And the CapEx -- estimated CapEx, any ballpark period if you would let us go.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, this as under the final stages of we'll come with the disposals as and when we are closing to the final basin stage.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Anand Gulani, an individual investor.

U
Unknown Attendee

Congratulations. I'm calling us a very happy investor who multiply this return by more than 11 times today. So very happy and congrats to you. I just have a quick question. If you can educate us in 2 minutes from your side. Could you just talk a lot a bit about the photovoltaic solar panel, which has been discussed a lot and how high tech title from the customer side and also the supply chain side to make most of this marketplace.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So Anand, so basically, the solar, as we all know, the India has a very ambitious solar power mission and in solar power, all the structural steel is now primarily made of specialized steel ops, and Hi-Tech has taken initiative and lead in this segment. The newly commissioned plant in Sanan is exclusively catering to this segment. And with the kind of the contracts we are having in hand. Going forward, we see a major import substitution of these files. As we have mentioned -- as I mentioned in my opening speech, we are supplying to the world's largest solar park in Carbar. This is a 40 gigawatt solar power plant, which is the world's largest and the commissioning and everything is a 3-year project. And we're being nearer to the project site, we are therefore vendor for this.

U
Unknown Attendee

Got it. Congrats again. sir.

Operator

The next question is from the line of [indiscernible].

U
Unknown Analyst

So my first question is regarding our utilization. So at our current facility, what kind of peak utilization that we could maintain.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, 70% is the peak utilization that is possible in our industry. And currently, we are maintaining at 64% to 65%.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. And we have 2 CapEx in our pipeline. One is for [indiscernible] Unit 3 and 1 is in Sanna. So am I right at this.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir, absolutely. So currently, we are on 7.5 lakh tonnes and will be at 1 million tonnes by end of since financial year.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. So how much CapEx are we spending on both the projects?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So approximately INR 140 crores is the cap okay for these 2 projects.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. And we -- as you mentioned that we have an EBITDA per tonne of INR 3,500 per tonne. And in FY '24, we had an EBITDA per tonne of INR 29. So my question is, what led to this expansion? And do we feel this expansion is sustainable going forward?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, our share of value-added products in last financial year was in the range of 27% to 28%, which now has gone up to 36%. And out of our total combined 1 million in capacity, we'll have approximately 50% capacity share on value products.

U
Unknown Analyst

And what is the EBITDA per tonne for value-added products?

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

So it ranges from INR 4,000 to INR 5,000 per tonne.

U
Unknown Analyst

And for non-value-added.

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

Between INR 2,500 crores to INR 3,500.

Operator

The next question is from the line of [indiscernible], an individual investor.

U
Unknown Attendee

Congratulations on a good set of numbers and.

U
Unknown Executive

Your voice is breaking.

Operator

The current participant since disconnect, we will take the next question which is from the line of Krishna, an individual investor.

U
Unknown Attendee

Congrats, sir, for the good set of numbers. So I just wanted to know what is the revenue from the [indiscernible]?

U
Unknown Executive

Sir, sorry, I couldn't hear that properly.

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

Is your question relating to revenue for this year?

U
Unknown Attendee

Yes, it's clear.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, our projected volume for this year is 5 lakh tonnes is 0.5 million tonnes, and we are poised to achieve a top line of INR 3,500 crores for this financial year. Okay, sir. And sir, going forward, right now, we -- we recently started like a 3 months back, right? So what is the current capacity utilization? And how it will be going forward? Sir, right now, it is in the range of 35%. And this is the second quarter of commissioning and the certain approvals are expected in this current quarter. And we are hopeful to achieve like 65% in Q3 and Q4 for this plant.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Pradeep Rawat from Yoga Capital.

P
Pradeep Rawat
analyst

So my question is related to my last question. So you said that our EBITDA per tonne would be similar for FY '25 what we have right now. So given our value-added share would increase for this year. So are we being conservative here in giving the EBITDA per tonne guidance?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, Pradeep, I'm a bit conservative here because steel prices are also moving like in a volatile manner. So I think at this stage, it is better to be conservative. And I think once this volatility seat count, we'll revise our EBITDA guidance going forward.

P
Pradeep Rawat
analyst

Okay. And my next question is regarding our space availability. So how -- do we have any space in our current facilities to expand a brownfield expansion?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, going forward, as I mentioned earlier, that our journey from 1 million to 2 million tonnes. So currently, the land bank the company has is to the tune of 0.5 million tonnes. So still 1.5 million tonnes, the land bank is with the company.

P
Pradeep Rawat
analyst

Yes. And what would be the CapEx differential between a brownfield and greenfield expansion. So can you highlight upon that?

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

So sir, greenfield CapEx is about 60% to 65% of the greenfield capacity this a typical thumb.

P
Pradeep Rawat
analyst

Okay. And my last question is regarding the green hydrogen that you talked about. So I just missed that. Can you elaborate on that?

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

So sir, for CR Division. We use the anilide in dose. And our will be the first company we say feel after the prime to employ this. I do think as this is a new technology, and we have taken the first initiative in this segment. And this will not only help in the mitigating our carbon footprint, but it will also add to a lot of cost savings.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Aman Sony, an individual investor.

U
Unknown Attendee

Sir, congratulations on a very good set of numbers and then thank you for providing the opportunity. Sir, Q1 -- I mean, because of the general elections and I mean inside of the headway we have delivered a robust number. And Q2 is generally I mean seasonally a weaker quarter because due to monsoon activities, the infrastructure comes down. So are we -- I mean, anticipating good Q2 as well?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir, we are expecting a good quarter in terms of volume. Because of this new facility, the year-on-year growth will be a good growth year-on-year basis.

U
Unknown Attendee

Sir, I just had wanted to know on the base it on a quarter-on-quarter basis because right now, we just mentioned it the seller capacity, which we recently committed in March is at 25% capacity utilization and from Q3 and Q4, it will at 65%. So what will be the capacity utilization in Q2 and in some light on it sir?

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

So it is still I cannot comment.

U
Unknown Attendee

Any ballpark range [indiscernible].

A
Anish Bansal
executive

It should be in the range of 40% to 50%, depending on how the market goes. We are focused there and a lot of new segments are being added through this facility.

U
Unknown Attendee

Is it 40 to 50, sir?

U
Unknown Executive

Yes.

U
Unknown Attendee

So I mean we can anticipate our volume growth based on the quarter-to-quarter basis even, right?

U
Unknown Executive

Yes, sir.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Ronald Siyoni from Sharekhan Limited.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

Congratulations on good set of number. Sir, I wanted to understand the [indiscernible].

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Can you be a little out of please?

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

Yes, hold on the second. Now I am audible?

U
Unknown Executive

Yes. Now it is better.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

So sir, I wanted to understand about the solar opportunity. if I'm right, then 40 gigawatt capacity would require about like tons of the tubes. So per annum, it would be around 2.5 to 3 lakh tonnes requirements. So are you the sole supplier for this project? Or because this current capacity will not be enough to meet demand from this project itself.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir. So basically, it is -- this drop is being imported into India also. And now the supply chains are shifting from the other parts of the world to India. And India, not only now going forward will cater to its local demand. But and will also come out as a major export supplier also.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

Okay. So we are 1 of the supplier to this project?

U
Unknown Executive

Yes, sir, absolutely. Absolutely. And in Gujarat, that is an added advantage.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

And what is the price differential between imported and domestic in general.

U
Unknown Executive

The cost is about 5% to 7%.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

Okay. 5% to 7% difference. Okay, sir. And second thing one, sir, was there any increase in the general products, EBITDA portal also during the quarter 1? Because I think the Beta port reported was very good. So did you see any increase in this EBITDA portal generation value-added products contributed to this increase.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

It will be mainly through value-added products going forward. And the EBITDA for the normal products, I think it should range between INR 2,50,000 to INR 5,000 per ton.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

Okay. And lastly, sir, on this next CapEx phase. So you are still to decide upon whether it would be brownfield or grant you want to set up plants in other areas, and you will be looking for in acquisitions in at Asia also.

U
Unknown Executive

So sir, you are in like we are present. We are -- currently, we are having the 6 manufacturing plants across the North West and South regions. So right now, the central part and the eastern part is still investing from the portfolio. So we'll definitely look towards for a new green tea part in these regions. So going forward, generally from 1 million to 2 million tonnes will be partly brownfield and pain.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Sumant Kumar from Antique Stock Broking Limited.

U
Unknown Analyst

I have just had a couple of questions.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Your voice... Hello?

Operator

Please speak a little bit louder, sir.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. So question one [indiscernible] and for a company that we are looking at. And then with regards to convert [indiscernible]. So what is the effect then outstanding warrants and what was the money that brought in, especially in.

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

Sir, all the ones have been converted, there is no pending volume conversion.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So what was the total amount which was improved in this quarter.

A
Arvind Bansal
executive

So this quarter, it was approximately INR 80 crores. what's the net debt. So a total net is INR 350 crores, including working capital, which is the major part of it.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Nitin Gandhi from [indiscernible].

U
Unknown Analyst

Can I just say the interest, which has been more or less at flat INR 140 crores, not on quarter this revenue is moved up by 100. So what's the steps taken in working capital cycle to improve the or how much is towards a new plant which you commissioned, if you can give that breakup? And is this interest INR 14 crores likely to be sustainable? Or will it further increase with working capital needs?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir. I think it is worth its big side. We have done a 45% growth in volume for this quarter. So like proportionately, it is in the same band.

U
Unknown Analyst

No, it's not. That's what I'm saying. Q4 revenue was $681 million and Q1 is 86 million whereas interest is flat at INR 14 crores.

U
Unknown Executive

Yes. So that's what I'm saying. It is like the interest cost and the debt part is towards speaking out basically versus the expansion, the new the plants, they are also advantages of commissioning. So I think this is towards its peak side.

U
Unknown Analyst

Is there any change for working capital in the first quarter?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, on H1 basis, I think we'll be making maintaining our net working capital cycle days at around 45 days.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Pradeep Rawat from Yoga Capital.

P
Pradeep Rawat
analyst

So do we provide any order book or bid pipeline numbers?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, currently, we are having almost like 1.5 months of order book in hand. And these are like the recurring orders. So they are like the orders keep getting executed and they are depositing at the same time. So we don't provide any like order book, as to say, but we have a healthy like orders in hand, maybe from the distribution side.

P
Pradeep Rawat
analyst

Yes. So as you said, these are recurring orders. So we don't bid for any kind of projects, right?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

No. So basically the bidding is out of the total olein is very less, where the time lines are 3 to 4 months. So our focus is the orders and which get executed within 2 months.

P
Pradeep Rawat
analyst

Okay. And do we hedge our raw material cost? Or is it something different? Like I don't have an understanding on this. So how do we maintain our margins constantly. So can you throw some light on that?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, you are absolutely right. As we are in the conversion space. So basically, whatever orders we get in hand. So we try to book our raw material back to back so that then we get at least affected by the enrollment fluctuations.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Krishnan, individual investor.

U
Unknown Attendee

Thank you for the follow-up, Sir. As a solar plant is going to commission by end of October. So after completion of the commission of solar plants, so how many basis points of margin expected can be seen in the Q4.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, we will compete this expansion, the solar power plant expansion by September or latest October given the monsoon period. And there will be significant cost savings from the energy side. We expect the total energy cost savings by 25% to 30% for that particular plant.

U
Unknown Attendee

Okay. Yes, sir, can there are some connection issue. I contact here your revenue very properly. So you said INR 3,500 crores for the '25 if I not [indiscernible].

U
Unknown Executive

Yes, sir.

U
Unknown Attendee

Okay. And sir, since we are from calendar unique, we're increasing our ad products. So we can expect some increase in margin as [indiscernible].

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir, let's hope for the best. I think after like September, the market demand will be significantly high given the government CapEx after budget, the allocations will go up, and we are really optimistic and we are good about the H2.

U
Unknown Attendee

And sir, 1 question, if you may [indiscernible]. Regarding the bullet train project, in your mentioned that you are also a cloud supplier for the bullet train project, right? So the profit is still in the reserve. So are you still supplying to this project?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir, that is ongoing. I think it will go on till the end of this financial year.

U
Unknown Attendee

Okay. Okay, sir. And sir, regarding the previous person publication asked the question, we were in the Q2 revenue, Holiday 50% of Q2 is 1.

U
Unknown Executive

Yes.

Operator

The current [indiscernible] is out of the conference. So there are no further questions. I would now like to hand the conference over to Mr. Anish Bansal for closing comments.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So thank you, everyone. In closing, I would like to say that all achievements for this quarter are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. the strategic foresight of our leadership and the unwavering support of our stakeholders. We are poised for a robust future and remain committed to advancing our growth innovation and excellence. Thank you for your continued support and belief in our vision. Together, we are building a stronger and more prosperous future. Thank you.

Operator

On behalf of Hi-Tech Pipes Limited, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines.

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