SARDAEN - Sarda Energy & Minerals Ltd Share Price

The management of Sarda Energy & Minerals Ltd. provided the following outlook and key points:

Outlook:

1. Macro Environment: Global economic challenges persist, including China's slowdown (4.7% GDP growth) and geopolitical risks (Red Sea disruptions, Middle East conflicts). India's economy remains stable, supported by infrastructure spending, strong tax collections, and foreign capital inflows. Interest rates are expected to decline globally, aiding private capex and steel demand.
2. Steel Sector: Domestic steel demand is stable (14% YoY consumption growth in Q1), but imports (via FTA routes) and Chinese dumping threaten prices. The government may impose safeguards to curb imports. Ferro alloys face volatility due to supply disruptions.
3. Energy Projects: The 25MW Rehar hydropower plant is ahead of schedule (commissioning by Q2 FY25), and the 50MW solar project is on track for FY25 completion. These will reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy security.
4. Coal Mines: Shahpur West mine to start post Stage 2 forest clearance (expected in FY25). Kalyani mine's mining plan approval delayed due to boundary issues (now resolved).

Major Points:

• Financials: Consolidated PAT rose to INR199 crore in Q1 FY25 (vs. INR172 crore YoY). Net debt-free with INR1,300 crore liquidity. FY25 capex target ~INR700 crore (INR150 crore spent in Q1).
• Operations: Reduced steel billet production to sell surplus power (higher margins). Hydropower generation fell 13% due to delayed monsoon.
• SKS Power Acquisition: NCLT order awaited; resolution plan approval expected soon for the 600MW thermal plant.
• Price Trends: Steel/Ferro alloy prices corrected 6-8% in June/July (vs. Q1 averages). Raw material costs (coal, iron ore) yet to adjust downward.
• Growth Drivers: Coal mine expansions, renewable energy projects, and waste utilization initiatives to drive future revenue.

Risks: Chinese steel surplus, import pressures, and volatile raw material costs.

Question 1:
Sir, you mentioned that the prices have started to decline from June. Just wanted to understand what are the current prices with respect to 1Q averages? How much it is down?
Answer:
Prices of steel products (e.g., pellets, billets, wire rods) and ferroalloys corrected by 6"“8% compared to Q1 FY25 averages. Raw material costs (coal, iron ore) had not seen material corrections as of the call, with a lag expected in price adjustments during market downturns.

Question 2:
We spent INR150 crores in 1Q. I wanted to understand the overall FY'25 capex, how much is left for spending?
Answer:
FY25 total capex is INR700 crores, with INR150 crores spent in Q1. Remaining funds will focus on coal mine expansions (Shahpur West awaiting Stage 2 forest clearance), solar power projects (50 MW operational by FY25-end), and hydropower (25 MW Rehar plant commissioning this quarter).

Question 3:
Regarding our Raipur captive power plant, it's been shut down last quarter. When do you expect re-start production? What's the status of the 25 MW hydropower project?
Answer:
Raipur plant resumed operations post-statutory overhaul. The 25 MW Rehar hydropower project is ahead of schedule, with dry tests ongoing; commissioning is expected this quarter (vs. March 2025 target) pending forest department approvals for evacuation infrastructure.

Question 4:
Do you see more margin improvement in coming quarters?
Answer:
Margins face pressure due to recent steel price corrections and delayed raw material cost adjustments. Recovery depends on post-monsoon demand, global steel dynamics (China's export pressures), and government trade policies to curb imports.

Question 5:
What is the timeline for SKS Power acquisition and associated capex?
Answer:
NCLT reserved its order post-rehearing; approval is expected soon. SKS Power (2x300 MW operational plant) requires no immediate capex. Integration plans will follow acquisition, pending legal resolution.

Question 6:
How are ferroalloy margins impacted amid price fluctuations?
Answer:
Ferroalloy prices corrected but margins remain stable due to quality control orders (QCOs) limiting substandard imports. Moil reduced manganese ore prices by 10"“27%, balancing input costs. Export volumes rose to 32,500 MT in Q1 (vs. 27,000 MT last quarter).

Question 7:
What is the outlook for domestic steel demand and imports?
Answer:
Strong infrastructure spending and private capex may boost demand. However, rising imports via FTA routes (e.g., China, South Korea) pose risks. The steel ministry is evaluating safeguards, but policy delays could prolong import pressures.

Question 8:
Why did steel production volumes drop in Q1?
Answer:
Billet production was curtailed to sell surplus power on IEX during high-demand periods (elections, heatwaves). Operations will normalize in Q2, subject to power market opportunities during monsoon.

Question 9:
What drives the decision to sell power over producing steel?
Answer:
Margins from merchant power sales (opportunistic, high-price windows) exceeded steel margins in Q1. Strategy remains flexible based on real-time power pricing and seasonal demand shifts.

Question 10:
How will hydropower/solar projects impact carbon footprint?
Answer:
The 25 MW hydropower plant and 50 MW solar project (FY25 completion) will reduce reliance on thermal power. A 30 MW turbine replacement (BHEL order, 24"“28 months) aims to further cut emissions.