Maharashtra Seamless Ltd (BOM:500265) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript Highlights: Record Profit and EPS Amid Revenue Decline

Despite a 4% revenue drop, Maharashtra Seamless Ltd (BOM:500265) achieved its highest ever EBITDA, PAT, and EPS in FY24.

Summary
  • Revenue: Declined by 4% in FY24.
  • EBITDA: Increased by 18% to INR1,223 crores in FY24.
  • Profit After Tax (PAT): Increased by 23% to INR975 crores in FY24.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Increased by 23% to INR73 per share in FY24.
  • Treasury: INR1,859 crores as of 31 March 2024.
  • Order Book: INR1,753 crores, with 60% from ONGC and Oil India.
  • Q4 FY24 Revenue: INR1,259 crores.
  • Q4 FY24 EBITDA: INR276 crores with a margin of 23%.
  • Q4 FY24 PAT: INR223 crores with a margin of 18%.
  • Q4 FY24 EPS: INR17 per share.
  • Seamless Segment EBITDA per Ton: INR21,619 for Q4 FY24; INR25,793 for FY24.
  • ERW Segment EBITDA per Ton: INR11,803 for Q4 FY24; INR7,315 for FY24.
  • Dividend: INR10 per share for FY24, doubled from INR5 per share in FY23.
  • Promoter Holding: Increased to 68% as of 31 March 2024.
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Release Date: May 22, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Achieved highest ever EBITDA, profit after tax, EPS, and margins in FY24.
  • EBITDA increased by 18% to INR1,223 crores, PAT increased by 23% to INR975 crores, and EPS increased by 23% to INR73 per share.
  • Treasury level almost doubled to INR1,859 crores, even after large utilizations towards prepayment of debt and dividend.
  • Included in various NSE indices, increasing FII and DII holding to 16% from 7%.
  • No ICDs to unrelated parties or corporate guarantees outstanding as of 31 March '24, resolving a major concern.

Negative Points

  • Revenue declined by 4% in FY24.
  • Performance in terms of tonnage, revenue, and profitability was lower in Q4 FY24 versus Q3 FY24 due to a delayed large order.
  • Lower production in Q4 FY24 led to lower revenue and profit.
  • Exports were only 5% to 6% of total dispatches in FY24 and have not yet revived.
  • Preventive maintenance shutdown in Q1 FY25 expected to lead to a loss of production of at least 15,000 tons.

Q & A Highlights

Highlights of Maharashtra Seamless Ltd (BOM:500265, Financial) Q4 FY24 Earnings Call

Q: What is the EBITDA per ton for high-value orders?
A: We cannot disclose that figure. However, margins for high-value orders by definition, would be more than the mean margin. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: What is the target EBITDA per ton margin for FY25 and FY26?
A: It is difficult to give a specific figure due to our short-cycle order books. However, margins are generally expected to remain above INR15,000 per ton. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: When can we expect the hot mill upgrade and Telangana facility to commercialize?
A: The Telangana finishing line is expected to be completed within this financial year. The hot mill upgrade will be considered thereafter. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: What is the export mix in the INR700 crores order received and when do we expect exports to recover?
A: Exports were around 5% to 6% of total dispatches in FY24. We hope for a revival soon, but domestic demand remains strong. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: What is the future capital allocation policy and are any inorganic opportunities being evaluated?
A: We are conserving cash for judicious use, including potential inorganic opportunities in core business, and have improved our dividend payout. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: Why are we expecting lower EBITDA margins in the future?
A: The high EBITDA margin in Q3 FY24 was an exception due to a timing mismatch in raw material prices. We expect margins to stay above INR15,000 per ton. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: What is the peak revenue expected from the Telangana unit once fully operational?
A: We expect revenue to go up to INR1,600 crores to INR1,700 crores annually from the Telangana unit, subject to market conditions. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: Are there any plans for pipes for the hydrogen market?
A: Discussions are ongoing, but it is too early to make any definitive comments. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: What is the impact of billet prices on margins?
A: There has been no significant move in the price of round steel billets. Our margins are locked through back-to-back booking of raw materials. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

Q: What is the market size for seamless pipes in the US and Canada, and who are the key competitors?
A: The market size is very large, with key competitors including ArcelorMittal, JFE, Tenaris, TMK, Jindal Saw, and Vallourec. (Kaushal Bengani, Deputy General, IR and Finance)

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.