| Q2 & FY26 Earnings Conference Call
Summary : Lloyds Metals achieved record Q2 FY'26 results driven by pellet plant ramp-up and slurry pipeline efficiency, while navigating market softness and project delays.
Management Perspective positive : Management expressed confidence in operational achievements, stating the pellet plant 'crossed 100% of capacity' and the slurry pipeline is a 'market turning point'. They are 'very confident' in reaching revised Thriveni EBITDA targets and 'quite happy with the progress' of the pellet plant.
Concall Report Analysis & Insights
Business Overview
- Q2 FY'26 marked record revenue and margin expansion for the company.
- Pellet plant achieved 100% capacity utilization within four months of commissioning.
- DRI plant expansion was commissioned, strengthening the integrated production pathway.
- The 85-kilometer slurry pipeline significantly reduced costs and carbon footprint.
- Thriveni operations remained strong, contributing to consolidated business strength.
Future Growth Prospects
- Pellet plant number two and a 1.2 million ton wire rod plant are in advanced stages.
- BHQ beneficiation planning and procurement has commenced.
- Integrated 3 million ton steel plant project is being re-studied for optimal product mix.
- Mining operations in Odisha are set to increase with new projects and Surjagarh mine expansion.
- Conversion costs will be further reduced by adopting LNG and green power.
Management Insights
- Operational commissioning of the pellet plant was a central focus this half year.
- The slurry pipeline is a market-turning point for operational efficiency and cost reduction.
- Pellet business is a core profitability driver due to captive ores and cost efficiency.
- Revised Thriveni EBITDA guidance for FY'26 is INR2,000-INR2,200 crores.
- Committed to building a structurally low-cost, fully integrated, and responsible business.
Signs of Skepticism
- Thriveni's H1 EBITDA margin (16.5%) was significantly below the initial 33% guidance.
- Management did not fully explain the negative cash conversion on a consolidated basis.
- The BHQ beneficiation plant commissioning is delayed by 6 months from original schedule.
- Management expects only 2-3% market fluctuation despite current market softness.
Risk Factors
- Domestic iron ore prices are under pressure, and international prices are declining.
- The steel market cycle is currently weak, impacting realizations.
- Thriveni's EBITDA margin was lower than expected due to reduced production volumes.
- Negative cash conversion on a consolidated basis was noted.
- Delay in BHQ beneficiation plant commissioning due to land clearance and technology study.
Good To Know
- Q2 FY'26 total income was INR25,754 million, up 75% year-on-year.
- Q2 FY'26 EBITDA was INR8,693 million, up 95% year-on-year, with 33.75% margins.
- Q2 FY'26 PAT stood at INR6,056 million, an increase of 22% year-on-year.
- H1 FY'26 capital expenditure was INR24,117 million across active projects.
- IPS benefit recognized in Q2 FY'26 was INR94 crores.
Key Drivers
- Slurry pipeline reduces logistics costs.
- Pellet plant achieved full utilization.
- DRI expansion strengthens integration.
- New mining projects boost production.
Key Analyst Discussions
Competitive Environment
- Domestic iron ore prices are under pressure, while international prices are declining.
- India's iron ore pricing deviates from international trends, maintaining a premium.
- The DRI market is subdued, but coal prices are expected to rebound in 2-3 months.
- Company aims to be the lowest-cost producer, exploring exports to Europe, Far East, Middle East.
Market Trends & Consumer Behavior
- The steel market cycle is currently weak, impacting realizations.
- Extended monsoon across India affected mining volumes in Q2.
- Management anticipates an improved steel cycle by the time their steel plant commences operations.
Financial Highlights
- Q2 FY'26 showed record revenue and margin expansion, driven by pellet sales and slurry pipeline.
- Thriveni's H1 EBITDA was lower than projected due to reduced production volumes.
- DRI EBITDA per ton for Q2 was INR3,150, with H1 at INR3,879.
- Debt increased due to Thriveni consolidation and scaling operations, with INR9,500 crores NCD planned.
- Pellet margins are significantly higher than industry standard due to captive resources and cost efficiency.
Product Composition
- The integrated 3 million ton steel plant's product mix is being re-evaluated for flat and value-added products.
- Captive consumption for pellet and DRI plants is projected at 8 million tons and 1-1.2 million tons respectively.
- Open market iron ore sales are targeted at 18 million tons.
- Customer profile for iron ore and pellets remains stable, serving key domestic and export markets.
Strategic Considerations
- Iron ore selling strategy focuses on filling full EC capacity (20-22 million tons) balancing volume and realization.
- Thriveni acquisition provides integrated value, 5-star mine ratings, and modern equipment.
- Bharat Wire Ropes acquisition is a financial investment, not strategic, targeting 18-20% return.
- Mining expansion includes new projects in Odisha and Surjagarh capacity increase to 26 million tons.
- BHQ plant delay is attributed to land clearance and in-depth technology and engineering studies.