Release Date: November 08, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Vedanta Ltd (BOM:500295, Financial) reported a 44% year-on-year increase in quarterly EBITDA to INR10,364 crores, showcasing strong operational performance.
- The company achieved its highest ever first half EBITDA of INR20,639 crores, marking a 46% year-on-year growth.
- Vedanta Ltd (BOM:500295) maintained an industry-leading EBITDA margin of 34%, up 9% from the previous year, driven by cost reduction initiatives.
- The aluminum business achieved its highest ever quarterly and half-yearly production, with a 3% year-on-year increase.
- The company has made significant progress in its sustainability initiatives, including securing 1,900 megawatts of renewable energy commitments.
Negative Points
- Vedanta Ltd (BOM:500295)'s iron ore business faced challenges due to transportation permit issues and heavy rainfall, impacting production.
- The company is experiencing rising alumina market prices, which could pressure aluminum production costs.
- There are delays in the ramp-up of the Lanjigarh refinery's Train-2, affecting alumina production targets.
- The demerger process is still ongoing, with potential uncertainties around its completion by FY25.
- The company faces external challenges in the global bauxite market, which could impact raw material sourcing.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you explain the confidence in meeting the aluminum cost guidance despite rising alumina prices?
A: Anup Agarwal, CFO - Aluminum, explained that the cost reduction will be achieved through the Lanjigarh expansion and operational efficiencies, particularly in power costs. The company expects to maintain its cost guidance of $1,625 to $1,725 per tonne by offsetting higher alumina prices with these efficiencies.
Q: What is the progress on the ASP injection in the oil and gas sector, and how does it affect impairment write-backs?
A: Ajay Goel, CFO, stated that the ASP injection has commenced in select fields, leading to higher resource valuation and impairment reversals. Hitesh Vaid, CFO - Cairn Oil & Gas, added that the project is expected to increase recovery by 10%, translating to 200-250 million barrels, with gains visible in the next 3-6 months.
Q: What is the status of coal block approvals and expected operational timelines?
A: Sunil Gupta, CEO - Jharsuguda & COO - Aluminum, mentioned that the Kurloi coal block is expected to be operational by Q1 FY26, with Radhikapur following shortly. The Ghoghrapalli block is targeted for Q4 FY26, with necessary approvals in progress.
Q: How is the demerger process progressing, and can it be completed by FY25?
A: Ajay Goel, CFO, confirmed that the demerger process is in its final stages and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2025. The scheme allows for flexibility, enabling companies to get listed as approvals are received.
Q: What are the plans for the capital structure at Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc, considering the promoter's stake reduction?
A: Ajay Goel, CFO, stated that the current holding structure is expected to remain stable, especially in the context of the demerger. The focus is on reducing debt at Vedanta Resources to $3 billion over three years, while maintaining a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of less than 1x at Vedanta Limited.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
