| Q4 FY26 Earnings Conference Call
Summary : Gravita India reports strong FY26 growth, driven by strategic capacity expansion and diversification into copper and lithium-ion recycling, despite macroeconomic challenges.
Management Perspective positive : I am pleased to share that Gravita ended FY '26 on a strong note, continuing towards its growth trajectory. Gravita demonstrated resilient performance driven by disciplined risk management, agile execution and strong operational capabilities. We are very confident of getting a CAGR of 20%-25% in volume terms consistently over the next three years.
Concall Report Analysis & Insights
Business Overview
- Gravita ended FY26 on a strong note, continuing its growth trajectory.
- The company delivered a five-year CAGR of 25% in revenue, 49% in EBITDA, and 31% in PAT.
- Resilient performance was demonstrated despite macroeconomic uncertainties and elevated logistic costs.
- Total installed capacity reached 4.57 lakh metric tons per annum, targeting 8 lakh by FY29.
- Diversified into lithium-ion battery recycling and copper segment via acquisition.
Future Growth Prospects
- Targeting 8 lakh metric tons per annum capacity by FY29, building a diversified recycling platform.
- Commissioned a 6,000 MTPA pilot lithium-ion battery recycling facility, scaling up gradually.
- Acquired 99.44% stake in Rashtriya Metal Industries Limited (RML) for copper segment diversification.
- Planning a 29,400 MTPA copper recycling facility in Mandvi, Gujarat, to commence within 12 months.
- Expanding rubber recycling capacity in India and Romania, with initial capacity coming in H1 this year.
Management Insights
- Expansion program is progressing as planned, with total installed capacity at 4.57 lakh MTPA.
- Invested INR 49 crore for Mundra lead capacity expansion, funded by internal accruals.
- Commissioned a pilot lithium-ion battery recycling facility with INR 14 crore investment.
- Acquired Rashtriya Metal Industries Limited for INR 560 crores, diversifying into copper.
- Earmarked total CAPEX of INR 1,700 crores through FY29, with INR 372 crores incurred in FY26.
Signs of Skepticism
- Aluminum segment's declining trend due to hedging inability and selective sales strategy.
- Delay in MCX approval for aluminum hedging, which has been pending for over a year.
- Lead division's volume growth of 15% CAGR is weaker than expected despite policy tailwinds.
- Unorganized market competition in lead due to 18% GST creating a hurdle for organized players.
Risk Factors
- Macroeconomic uncertainties and elevated logistic costs from geopolitical conflicts.
- Aluminum segment faced declining trends due to hedging inability and selective sales strategy.
- West Asia conflict impacts Q1 margins due to inability to sell value-added products.
- Delay in government approvals for lead capacity addition and MCX hedging mechanism for aluminum.
- Working capital cycle expected to remain around 85-90 days due to copper imports.
Good To Know
- Value-added products contributed 42% to overall revenue, targeting 50% by Vision 2029.
- Assigned an ESG rating of 65 by NSC Sustainability Ratings and Analytics Limited.
- Industry undergoing supply chain formalization and enhanced compliance lead sourcing.
- EPR transactions are becoming more transparent with government-mandated exchange platforms.
- New audit mechanisms by Central Pollution Control Board will improve EPR framework.
Key Drivers
- Capacity expansion to 8 lakh MTPA.
- Diversification into new recycling verticals.
- Backward integration in copper segment.
- Formalization of recycling industry.
Key Analyst Discussions
Competitive Environment
- Copper generation is limited in developing economies, requiring sourcing from developed nations.
- Competitors are adding capacity in copper segment, but Gravita focuses on value-added products.
- EPR regulations for batteries have industry consensus, unlike other sectors taking longer.
- Government initiatives like exchange-only EPR sales and audit mechanisms increase transparency.
- Reverse charge mechanism and TDS on battery scrap under discussion to formalize sector.
Market Trends & Consumer Behavior
- Government regulations are driving supply chain formalization and compliance in recycling.
- Shift from informal to formal sector is progressing due to EPR transparency and exchange platforms.
- Lead prices globally were low, impacting domestic collection due to high difference with overseas lead.
- Plastic prices surged in Q4 due to disruptions and lack of overseas supply, boosting EBITDA.
- EPR portal changes, including MSTC trading and audit mechanisms, will enhance value realization.
Financial Highlights
- FY26 revenue grew 10% to INR 4,265 crores; EBITDA grew 12% to INR 452.48 crores.
- Q4 revenue grew 13% YoY and 15% QoQ to INR 1,172.76 crores; PAT at INR 91.88 crores.
- Total CAPEX guidance increased from INR 1,200 crores to INR 1,700 crores for next 4 years.
- Working capital for copper business expected to be 85-90 days, similar to existing 90 days.
- Blended tax rate expected to be 17%-18% going forward due to copper business in India.
Product Composition
- Lead segment sales grew 7% to 48,889 MTPA, driven by capacity additions and stabilization.
- Aluminum segment declined due to hedging inability; volumes expected to pick up with MCX hedging.
- Copper business strategy involves consolidating existing RML markets and backward integration.
- RML's current product profile includes copper sheets, brass cups, and foils for various industries.
- Lithium-ion battery recycling is a pilot project, focusing on black mass initially, with refining to follow.
Strategic Considerations
- CAPEX increase from INR 1,200 crores to INR 1,700 crores primarily for copper expansion.
- Lead capacity expansion to 800,000 tons, up from earlier 700,000 tons target.
- Copper business aims for 40%-50% volume growth this year, with 60,000 MTPA capacity in 2-3 years.
- Working capital debt expected to rise to INR 800-900 crores after copper business starts.
- Promoter stake dilution was for institutional shareholders and personal liquidity, not open market sale.