HITECH Q4-2024 Earnings Call - Alpha Spread

Hi-Tech Pipes Ltd
NSE:HITECH

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Hi-Tech Pipes Ltd
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Earnings Call Transcript

Earnings Call Transcript
2024-Q4

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Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to Q4 and FY Earning -- '24 Earnings Conference Call of Hi-Tech Pipes Limited. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Anish Bansal, Whole-Time Director of the company. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Good morning, and welcome, everyone, in our Q4 and FY '24 Earnings Conference Call. I'm joined on the call by Mr. Arvind Bansal, Executive Director and Group CFO; and Mr. Arun Sharma, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of the company. Today, it's our pleasure to discuss the financial performance of the company, which, despite a year mark with turbulence in HRC prices, has demonstrated resilience, adaptability and commitment for the achievement of the equation.

During FY '24, we have recorded ever highest revenue from operations of INR 2,700 crores as compared to INR 2,358 crores in FY '23, a growth of 13% Y-o-Y. Sales volume increased by 10.5% to 3.91 lakh tonnes in FY '24 as compared to 3.54 lakh tonnes in FY '23. Capacity utilization has increased from 60% to 67% in this year. EBITDA increased by 11% to INR 115 crores as against INR 103 crores in FY '23. PAT increased by 16.5% to INR 44 crores in FY '24 as compared to INR 38 crores in FY '23. During this quarter, revenue from operations declined by 3% to INR 681 crores as compared to INR 702 crores in Q4 FY '23 due to reduction in steel prices. Volume remained flat at 1,07,000 tonnes. EBITDA improved by 4.7% to INR 35.35 crores versus INR 33.75 crores in Q4 FY '23. EBITDA per tonne has improved by 5% to INR 3,280 as compared to INR 3,147 in Q4 FY '23. PAT declined by 29% to INR 11.2 crores as compared to INR 15.9 crores in Q4 FY '23 due to steep decrease in steel prices and increase in finance cost.

Now let me take you through the operational highlights of the company. During this year, the company has supplied its material to various prestigious projects across the country. To name a few: Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, the world's largest at Ahmedabad; Surat Diamond Bourse, the world's largest building; high-speed rail corridor for Mumbai, Ahmedabad bullet train project; Jal Jeevan Mission, world's largest portable drinking water program; Noida International Airport, Asia's largest upcoming airport; Adani Green Solar Park at Khavda, world's largest renewable energy park. We are entering towards achieving our vision of 1 million tonnes. And during the year, the company has started commercial production of its much-awaited Greenfield manufacturing facility at Sanand Unit II. This facility of 1.7 lakh tonnes of installed capacity is fully equipped to produce complete size range of steel pipes ranging from 0.5 to 16 inches.

This facility is one of its kind and is capable to produce best-in-class solar tracker torque tubes and large diameter pipes, which are currently in a big demand across the sectors, especially water, infra and green energy. This facility will significantly contribute to increase value-added products and operating margins of the company.

Further, construction activities at Sikanderabad, Unit 3, with proposed installed capacity of 1.5 lakh tonnes, is in full swing and hopefully, commencement of commercial production will start in Q4 of financial year '25. This facility will help us penetrate deeper in Northern and Central India. The project progress of Phase 2 of Sanand Unit II for capacitization of 1.1 lakh is also on track and is expected to start within this current financial year.

Demand drivers. The Government of India has taken the vision for Viksit Bharat on the 100th anniversary of its independence. It opens up a lot of opportunities for every industry, particularly infrastructure and construction sector. [indiscernible] government as well as private CapEx is expected to be spent in coming 4 to 5 years, which leads to increase in steel pipes demand additionally.

All the above developments are setting our stage for robust coming financial year. As we move forward, our strategy is clear to maintain financial discipline while driving growth through innovation and market expansion. The foundation we have built is strong, and I'm optimistic about what the future holds for Hi-Tech Pipes. We are poised to not only meet but exceed our financial goals.

We may now open the floor for question and answers, please.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of Hemant, who is an individual investor.

U
Unknown Attendee

Actually, I missed your initial comments. You told us about the Sikanderabad unit, right? The Sanand Unit with 1.1 lakh MTPA capacity, when is it going to commission?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

The Sanand Unit II, we commissioned this project in the month of January, and we started commercial production in the month of March.

U
Unknown Attendee

That is fine. But sir, after the Sikanderabad, I guess, we have 1 more lined up, right, sir?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes. So that is the Phase 2 of Unit II, which is of the capacity of 1.1 lakh tonnes and the construction -- we have started with construction for this project at Sanand.

U
Unknown Attendee

It will be Phase 2 of Sanand, right?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes. Correct.

U
Unknown Attendee

And it is -- when it's expected, the commissioning?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

In Q4 of this financial year.

U
Unknown Attendee

So Sikanderabad as well as Sanand Phase 2, both are expected in Q4 of [ FY '25 ]?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir.

U
Unknown Attendee

And sir, one more thing is, what I wanted to highlight is, we are meeting our guidance on the EBITDA per tonne. Is it basically due to the reduction in steel prices?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir, you're absolutely right. But in Q4, we saw a steep steel price reduction to the tune of INR 2,500 to INR 3,000 per tonne. This is unprecedented. But even then the company showed its resilience and our market penetration and our strong network, but the EBITDA per tonne hovered around [indiscernible] despite a steep price reduction, steel price reduction. But now the steel prices are aligned with the international prices, and we don't see any further steel price drop from hereon.

U
Unknown Attendee

So sir, what is the guidance for EBITDA per tonne in [ FY '25 ]? How do you see the company on a quarter-on-quarter basis?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, the company is doing EBITDA per tonne in the range of INR 3,700 crores to INR 4,000 on a blended level, but the steel price reduction, this rose about INR 400 to INR 500 per tonne.

U
Unknown Attendee

No, I got your point. But sir, how do we see the EBITDA per tonne for FY '25?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, there will be definitely increase. Our internal target is INR 4,000 per tonne. And if the market and once this election period is over, we expect huge orders, especially on the [indiscernible].

U
Unknown Attendee

Sir, do we see any lean period because of elections? Do we see a weak Q1 due to elections?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, what has happened is the new orders, the new tenders by the government that are on hold. So I think we will maintain our volumes, but a big jump in terms of orders, we'll see from mid of Q2.

U
Unknown Attendee

So I mean is it fair to assume a degrowth in Q1 on a quarter-on-quarter basis?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

No, sir, the demand is strong because the steel price has stabilized, so restocking has started happening at the distributor's end. So there is no degrowth in Q1. There should be a positive growth.

U
Unknown Attendee

And sir, as per the media interview, we had initially guided about INR 4.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh tonnes of -- in volumes?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

That is correct. That remains intact.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Pradeep Rawat from Yogya Capital.

U
Unknown Analyst

So my first question is about the industry size and what is our market share?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So the total estimated market for the year that you've seen, price is around 8 lakh tonne to 1 million tonnes. This is -- hello.

U
Unknown Analyst

8 lakh to 1 million tonne.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, this is per month. So basically, on an annualized basis, the 10 million tonnes.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. Okay. And what is our market share?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So we are targeting this year, 5 lakh tonnes, so you can say about 6% to 7%.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So what is our long-term target for market share?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So we are growing by -- we are building our capacity. We are scaling our production by 20%, 25% per annum. So that should be intact for next 5, 7 years.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So my next question is regarding the -- what is our raw material and how do we like manage fluctuation in raw material prices? Do we hedge our raw materials or something like that?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So our raw material is hot-rolled steel coils, we source it from primary producers. And in terms of this, Q4 was extreme months where we saw steep decline within a single quarter. So we try to book as many as the fixed price orders. There's -- we hedge it now naturally by the orders and we try to secure the material just before the production. So that is how we try to manage this volatility.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So on an average, how much time does it take to convert the raw material and sell it?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So approximately 40 days; 20 days, we maintain our normal inventory and 20 days is finished goods inventory. So you can -- in totality, you can take 40 days.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. Fair enough. And taking a step behind over the years, I can see our operating margin has consistently declined from 6% to now 4%. So what is the reason behind this?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, in our industry, we are working on an EBITDA per tonne basis. So if you see the EBITDA per tonne that is almost stable. In the last 2 years, we have seen the steel prices fluctuating very, very widely. But now in Q4, the prices, the domestic steel prices have aligned with the international prices now. So I think there's no more steel price fluctuation, I foresee the EBITDA per tonne, which we are targeting of INR 4,000 per tonne should come there with the kind of value-add products that we have right now.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So our value-added product portfolio stands at 30%. .

A
Anish Bansal
executive

35%. So this year, we closed our total VAP share at 35%. And this year, we are hopeful of -- in excess of 40%.

U
Unknown Analyst

So like if you assume that our VAP share would be constrained, so how should you see sustainable EBITDA per tonne from hereon?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So 35% -- we are targeting our VAPs in above of 40%, number one.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. If we assume at 35% constraint.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So there are 2 facilities. The Sanand II is completely value-added products. The torque tubes, the large diameter pipes and there are some special [indiscernible] being developed over there.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So the value-added...

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Whatever added capacity is coming in, is towards value-add products.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So these value-added products have higher margins. So what kind of margins do they get like EBITDA per tonne basis?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

INR 4,000 to INR 5,000 per tonne.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So my next question is regarding the margin only, I can see your peers have -- similar peers to you have higher margins than you like 6%, 7%, close to 6%, 7%. So what could be the reason behind it?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, if you talk about the industry leader, APL Apollo, they are doing INR 4,200 per tonne EBITDA on a blended level.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. So why their margins are better than us?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

The scale is there and there, our share of VAPs is almost 50% to 55%.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. If I see JPL industries, they also have 6% to 7% margin, and the scale is similar to us. So why is that different?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, basically, when we talk about JPL, it's not the right comparison. Was there -- half of their share is in the secondary steel products also. So from the recycling. So that's not the ideal. So can you talk about JPL, that is the most nearest competitors.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. Okay. Understood. And regarding our trade receivables, that has increased 50% year-on-year in FY '24 as compared to 13% rise in top line. So how should I read it?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, in this Q4, we had big orders from the Jal Jeevan Mission and we had supplied like the big quantity there. So typically, the receivable cycle days is 45 to 60 days in the scheme. So I think this should get even out in the coming quarter.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. Okay. So...

A
Anish Bansal
executive

It's a temporary -- it's a temporary increase.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. Okay. So we should see like it's going to be normal.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, coming years. Yes.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. And the other question is regarding the discount we give to our distributor of sales engines to push sales. So how it has been right now? And how has it been historically?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, just Q4, we had to give some like extra discounts. Other than that, the discounting is as per the industry norms, it's not high. So just to safeguard their inventory costs, we have given some additional support. Other than that, it is okay.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Rahul Agarwal from Bandhan Mutual Fund.

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

How much would have been the inventory impact?

Operator

Sorry to interrupt you, sir. Your voice is very less. Can you come near to the mic and speak, please?

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

better?

Operator

Still lower, sir, but better.

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

How much of the inventory impact in [indiscernible].

Operator

Sorry to interrupt you, sir, your voice is breaking now. May I request you to use your handset, please?

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

Yes. Is this better?

Operator

Yes, it's better now.

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

Yes, I'm asking, how much is the inventory impact in Q4?

Let's say, it was normalized, so then what would have been discussed?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes. So in the Q4, the total steel price reduction was to the tune of INR 2,500 to INR 3,000 per tonne. And our total impact on EBITDA per tonne due to this factor was around INR 400.

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

INR 400. Okay. Going ahead in Q1, so you said there is some bit of an increase. So we should see an inventory gain, that's a fair assumption? .

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir. Let's hope so, sir.

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

Okay. And volume you mentioned for this year will be in the range of 450,000 to 500,000?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir. So far the price is 5 lakh- because we will have the installed capacity at 7.5 lakh tonnes. And FY considering this is the first year for Sanand II, so 4.5 lakhs tonnes is the minimum, which is at 50% on a blended level, and the optimistic case is 70% utilization, which will take to 5 lakh tonnes. So we'll hover between this.

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

Okay. And your journey towards million tonne, will it start this year or it's mostly the next year [indiscernible]?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, 7.5 is already there and the other 2.6 will get operational in Q4, end of Q3 and beginning of Q4.

R
Rahul Agarwal
analyst

So at the exit of FY '25, you should be at 1 million tonnes. That's a fair assumption?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Pallav Agrawal from Antique Stockbroking. [Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Shikhar Mundra from Vivog Commercial.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

Am I audible?

Operator

yes, sir. you're audible.

A
Ajay Bansal
executive

Yes, Yes.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

So out of the total capacity of 1 million tonnes with -- after the second phase of expansion, how much of it will be value added and how much will it be the normal capacity?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, about 50% will be value-added products.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

And what is the EBITDA per tonne difference between value-added and normal?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, the value-added products stretch EBITDA per tonne around INR 5,000 per tonne. Close to 4,000 to 5,000.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

Okay. And what about the other capacities?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

INR 2,500 to INR 3,000 per tonne.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

So on a blended basis, we'll be looking at around INR 4,000 EBITDA per tonne. Is that right?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir. That's correct.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

Okay. And for the value-added product mix, I mean, how big is the market because we are aiming to do eventually 5 lakhs tonnes of volume as optimum utilization. So how big is the market for that?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, the margin for value-added products is growing like I'll give you 1 example like solar torque tubes. This is the new addition in the industry. And only a very, very selected few players have this opportunity because of the kind of infrastructure that is needed to produce these tubes. So this is a big opportunity.

And then talking about high-speed rail. So all these big MNCs, they have developed some special SKUs to be deployed in high-speed rail projects. our large diameter, that 16-inch, only a handful of companies in India are able to produce this.

And going forward, we'll have specialized coatings in this higher diameter range. That will also fetch us better EBITDA per tonne.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

So for example the, first application you said about the solar, can you quantify like in one -- like how much megawatt capacity -- how much of these solar tubes are needed?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, 1 megawatt requires 20 tonnes of solar torque tubes.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

Okay, okay.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

And in 1 gigawatt, it will be around 20,000. So you can do the math.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

Okay. Okay. And so our competitors, I think, who are the major competitors, who are also going -- begin value-added products, for example, in the solar tubes and the other applications, the railway application?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, right now, I can talk for myself, I think Hi-Tech, we have taken the lead in this sector. And we are -- we have tied up with a large MNCs to supply this. And we have taken the initiative in this.

S
Shikhar Mundra
analyst

Right. Right. And to the -- between the product specification like value-added products, is it just a forward integration of the outlook? Or is it like a completely different thing, so when it comes to manufacturing?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, basically, the shapes are different, the raw material is different, the coatings are different. And it is like highly customized.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Pallav Agarwal from Antique Stockbroking.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Am I audible now?

Operator

Yes, sir, you are audible.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Yes. Okay. Yes. So my question was on the warrants. So I think we have, I think, some probably 2.8 million warrants outstanding still. So how much of money -- when is that expected to get them ordered to shares? And can we expect the money to come in to the company?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, I think it should happen in like 1 or 2 months, maximum.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Okay. And what will be the quantum of what would be the amount that would come in?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, about INR 100 Crores.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

About INR 100 crores. Okay. Also on a CapEx outlay. So what is -- what are we planning to spend in FY '25 and '26?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, approximately INR 50 crores -- is the remaining on the CapEx side.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

So this is for each year, sir or totally -- across both years, it's totally be INR 50 crores?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

To recharge this 1.1 million. Some CapEx is there in CWIP also.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Sure, sure. Sir, INR 50 crores across, then sir, total CapEx, not for each year. So INR 50 crores across maybe '25, '26 -- across both, sir?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir, we are completing our 1.1 million tonnes in this financial year itself. So whatever is there will get deployed in this financial year.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

And maintenance CapEx, regular CapEx is not very significant. So that should not add too much to this CapEx?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Not too much, like around INR 10 crores.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Sure, sir. Sir, also on solar torque tubes. So like I think we would be among the leading pipe companies. So any of your competitors are actually planning because we -- on the APL call yesterday, so they also mentioned that they are also targeting the solar torque tubes. So is there an entry barrier or is -- or for some other players also can start targeting given that there's a significant opportunity in this space?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir, Apollo has also started the kind of infrastructure that is required for them. It is very, very technical and -- technical wise, it is very, very big challenge to break through this particular product. We took almost like 5, 6 months, we did the R&D announced and we got this [indiscernible]. So I think Apollo may be on track, but the market opportunity is huge. I think 2 or 3 companies cannot fulfill the requirement.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Sure. So it's large enough for all players to -- I mean, to survive in this space with good margins?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Absolutely, sir. Absolutely. And it has just started. And I think it will snowball year after year.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Sure, sir. So now you mentioned steel prices have stabilized, so restocking -- I mean, destocking fees also would be over. So there would be no -- I mean, are we still offering those discounts or incentives to dealers or that has now tapered down in the first quarter FY '25?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, we have withdrawn all the discounts.

P
Pallav Agarwal
analyst

Sure. So this about INR 400, INR 500 of loss in EBITDA per tonne shouldn't gradually come back over FY '25?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir. Absolutely.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Vikash Singh from PhillipCapital.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Sir, first question regarding this API grid pipeline status. So if you could tell us how much is completed, what's the course of action from here?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, large diameter pipes, we have started with water pipes and the coating facilities, we are thinking adding on at the end of this financial year. So -- and certification process. So I think within this financial year, this should be done.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

All the certification?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And some equipment is also there, some testing equipment is also required. So it should be done within this financial year.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Understood. My second question regarding FY '26. So the 1 million tonne capacity is coming by FY '25 end so logically, in FY '26, we will see a big jump in the volume at least 6 lakh to 6.5 lakh tonnes?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Absolutely, sir. Absolutely.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Understood, sir. And lastly, sir, value-added mix, we have improved to 35%. Our FY '25 and FY '26 goals in terms of value addition, if you could give us.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, on the conservative side, I think 40% is a fair assumption on the conservative side. But our internal target is more than that.

V
Vikash Singh
analyst

Understood. And sir, how do you see your debt moving? Have we peaked out? Or do you think that there would be some more debt addition because of -- largely, working capital economy. So it should give -- if you could give us some guidance on that? .

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Sir, I think on the long-term side, most of our CapEx is almost -- we are almost at the back end. So that should not go up. There might be like a marginal increase in working capital on FY '26 basis. Once we do a volume of like 50,000 tonnes on a monthly basis. Marginal increase, not a big one.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Sanchita Sood from RoboCapital.

S
Sanchita Sood
analyst

In your opening comments, you mentioned that your vision is to reach a volume of 1 million tonnes. So by when exactly do you see this happening? And how do we plan on reaching that target? What will be our growth drivers to get there?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So basically, as we close this financial year at 7.5 lakh tonnes with the newly commissioned unit in Sanand and we have 2 more expansions coming up in the current financial year, the one is in UP and another one is in Gujarat. And we'll be completing this expansion in Q4 of the current financial year.

Demand drivers are -- there are many demand drivers. I mentioned in my opening speech. After the election phase is over, we are expecting a huge CapEx on the infrastructure side from the government and also the private CapEx. So all in all, we see very healthy demand for the RWPs and pipes across various industries.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Prathamesh D from Tiger Assets.

P
Prathamesh Dhiwar
analyst

Sir, I just wanted to know on the industry side, specifically about the Jal Jeevan Mission. So if you can give some insights about that will be really helpful.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes. So last year and a year prior to that, we have seen government spending almost to the tune of INR 1 lakh crores towards this scheme, Jal Jeevan Mission. And in the current financial year also, they have allocated the same amount. So I -- what I'm expecting is after -- right after the election, the ordering or the reordering process will start happening from July onwards.

P
Prathamesh Dhiwar
analyst

Okay. Sir, how much is our market share in this segment, like water segment, if you can.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So in Jal Jeevan Mission, there are several kind of pipes that have been consumed, right, starting from [indiscernible] pipes to helical SAW pipes and [indiscernible] pipes and GI pipes. So I think our company is among the top 5 suppliers in the scheme on a Pan-India basis.

P
Prathamesh Dhiwar
analyst

Okay. Okay. So I wanted to know how much volume guidance are we giving for FY '25?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Between 4.5 lakh to 5 lakh tonnes.

P
Prathamesh Dhiwar
analyst

Okay. Okay. And sir, just wanted to know, I think you have given EBITDA per tonne guidance of INR 4,000 for FY '25, if I'm not wrong. And on the other side, you are saying the VAP will contribute around 40%, which get us margin around INR 4,000 to INR 5,000.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes.

P
Prathamesh Dhiwar
analyst

So Ultimately, it -- you are saying the EBITDA per tonne will increase by INR 1,000. So I just wanted to know some like calculation behind like -- I'm not getting what will contribute mainly to the increase in INR 1,000 of EBITDA per tonne?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So currently, we are at INR 3,200 to INR 3,300 per tonne and additional INR 700 will come from the higher value-added products. And this last year, we have seen steel prices dropping by almost INR 8,000 to INR 9,000 per tonne. And now the steel prices have aligned with the international market. And this steel price decrease was eating away our EBITDA per tonne. And I think within this financial year, the steel prices have stabilized, and we should not face any inventory loss, which was taking away EBITDA per tonne.

P
Prathamesh Dhiwar
analyst

So basically, from 35% to 40%, like 5% increase of VAP will contribute around INR 700 of increase in EBITDA per tonne, if I'm not wrong.

A
Anish Bansal
executive

Yes. And also the steel's price support. If steel price don't fall, we will not incur any inventory loss.

Operator

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

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

You know, sir, I wanted your view on debt part, like you said that INR 100 crores warrants when you will come in and balance less than INR 50 crores CapEx is expected in this year. So should we see debt going down from INR 366-odd crores, should we see some repayment happening in FY '25? What is the target -- debt targets for FY '25? .

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So basically, yes, we will definitely see a reduction in the long-term borrowing. And regarding the short term because the volume will be growing, I see short-term borrowings, they should stand where they are. We Will be expanding our volumes by almost like 40% in coming 1, 1.5 years.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

And the Sanand -- solar -- this opportunity highlighted. Sir, what portion you wouldn't be having the mix right now, right? proportion of teams which will be catering to this segment. So is there any target at how much upcoming capacities would be catering to this segment, or from the existing ones you would be catering to this segment?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So sir, we have just started producing these tubes in our Sanand Unit in the month of March. And I think -- and we are scaling up also. So I think we see a sizable volume from this, but to give an exact number to this, I think I'll be able to give you exact number in the coming quarter, what volume will close for solar [indiscernible] for this year.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

Okay. And sir, lastly, on this value-added versus the [indiscernible] product what we heard from APL's call also that standard products have holded their EBITDA per tonne, mark the decline in the value-added products, given the support to the vendors. So what is your view? Have you given support on the general products or value-added products? And has there been a reversion, as you said, in both these products?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

So these discounts were basically for the dealers, for the -- in the dealer network. No -- not for the value-added products.

R
Ronald Siyoni
analyst

You didn't see any value-added products related decline -- increase in discounts?

A
Anish Bansal
executive

No, sir. Personally, I don't think so.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] As 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

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to our dedicated team, our partners and our shareholders for their continued support and trust in our vision and leadership. Together, we are setting the stage for a -- first future filled with exciting opportunities. 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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