CIE Automotive India Limited (CIEINDIA)

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Summary from July 2024

CIE Automotive India Limited Q2 and H1 CY24 Results Conference Call Summary

Conference Call Overview • Date: July 19, 2024 • Participants: CEO Ander Alvarez, CFO K. Jayaprakash • Submission of transcript to BSE and NSE on July 23, 2024

Q2 CY24 Performance • Sales: ₹14,463 million (8% YoY increase) • EBITDA: 16% growth, EBITDA margin at 18.1% • Indian operations improved profitability; European operations faced an 11% sales decline • Consolidated sales: ₹22 billion, EBITDA margin of 17.7%

H1 CY24 Performance • Indian sales: ₹27 billion (7% increase), PAT margin over 10% • European operations: 9% sales drop due to slowing light vehicle sales • Overall consolidated sales: ₹45.4 billion, slight EBITDA margin increase • Healthy return ratios and strong cash flows reported

Q&A HighlightsWorking Capital Concerns: Increased receivables due to cessation of factoring; minimal impact on finance costs. • Growth Outlook: Positive growth in India expected; European market facing downturn. • EV Market Strategy: Uncertainty in EV adoption in Europe acknowledged; confidence in electrification transition. • Acquisition Plans: Focus on growth opportunities in India; no immediate plans for European acquisitions. • CAPEX Guidance: Expected to reach around 5.5% by year-end, primarily in India.

Business Structure ClarificationRoof Systems Business: Operates independently as a Tier-1 operation; decision-making lies with CIE Spain. • Order Book Visibility: 30% of new orders in India and 55% in Europe for electric vehicles.

European Market ChallengesPerformance Decline: 7% decline in European market; Metalcastello faced a 30% drop. • Corrective Actions: Cost-cutting measures being implemented to align costs with turnover. • Customer Diversification: Efforts to reduce reliance on a single American customer; new contracts in the EV sector anticipated.

Future OutlookDebt Repayment Plans: Expecting to reduce debt by another billion INR by year-end. • New Model Involvement: Active participation in new platforms for major customers like Mahindra, Bajaj, and Maruti. • Management Confidence: Expressed confidence in resilience and future strength despite current challenges.

Summary from May 2024

CIE Automotive India Limited Q1 CY2024 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Financial PerformanceSales Growth: Q1 CY2024 sales increased by 6% year-on-year to INR 14,388 million. • EBITDA Growth: EBITDA rose by 18%, EBIT by 24%, and EBT by 25%. • Margins: EBITDA margin at 18.7% (one-off subsidy impact), recurrent margin at 17.2%. • Market Trends: Mixed trends in the Indian market; growth in light vehicles and two-wheelers, decline in tractors and MHCVs. • European Operations: 7% year-on-year sales drop, but a 22% sequential increase from Q4 CY2023.

Metalcastello Revenue InquirySales Decline: Current sales around EUR 5 million/month, annual run rate of EUR 50-60 million, down from EUR 75-80 million. • Market Factors: Decline attributed to cyclical trends and upcoming elections in the U.S. off-road vehicle market.

Electrification and ICE OrdersEV Market Delays: Slower electrification in Europe due to subsidy eliminations; stable ICE component sales. • New Orders: 40% of new orders are for electric vehicles.

Growth from Non-Anchor CustomersSales Contribution: Anchor customers contribute 50-55% of sales; focus on expanding business with other clients. • Optimism for Growth: Delays in order ramp-ups expected to improve in the second half of the year.

Product Demand and Market PerformanceStrong Demand: Positive outlook on products like XUV 3X0 and Mahindra's new commercial vehicles. • Organic Growth: Achieved 40% organic growth over the past three years, despite recent performance dips.

European Market InsightsPerformance Comparison: 6% growth in India vs. 7% decline in Europe; overall 1% growth. • Production Forecast: Expectation of flat year in Europe with 17 million cars to be produced.

Capacity Expansion and InvestmentOrder Book: Strong order book in India; plans for capacity expansion in composites, stampings, and forgings. • Capex Projection: Estimated at 5% of turnover, with significant investments in India.

Margin PerformanceEBITDA Margin Target: Transition from 17% to a targeted 19% EBITDA margin. • European Margin Recovery: Expected recovery as energy and raw material prices stabilize.

Revenue Breakdown by Power SourceICE Dependency: 20% of business in India dependent on ICE, with ongoing orders for EV components. • Market Adaptation: Diversifying into aluminum and composite materials to mitigate risks from the transition.

Gigacasting and Technology DevelopmentOEM Concerns: Gigacasting technology primarily an OEM issue; significant investment risks for suppliers. • Aluminum Forging Growth: Anticipated growth in aluminum forging technology despite current regulatory delays in electrification.

ConclusionManagement Confidence: Positive evolution of the organization; readiness to capitalize on emerging opportunities. • Acknowledgment: Gratitude expressed to participants for their questions and interest in the company.

Summary from February 2024

CIE Automotive India Limited Q4 CY2023 Results Conference Call Summary

Conference Call Overview • Date: February 20, 2024 • Participants: CEO Ander Alvarez, CFO K. Jayaprakash, and senior management • Purpose: Discuss Q4 CY2023 results and company performance

Market Performance • Mixed market environment: • Tractor sales declined • Two-wheeler sales grew robustly • Indian operations: • 4% year-on-year sales increase to INR 13.9 billion • EBITDA margin of 16.5% • European operations: • Stable sales of INR 7.3 billion • Consolidated sales: • Reached INR 21.3 billion, up 3% year-on-year

CY23 Results Highlights • Sales increased by 5% to INR 55.3 billion • Mixed performance across segments: • Light vehicles grew • Two-wheelers and tractors lagged • EBITDA and EBIT margins improved: • EBITDA up by 10% • EBIT up by 12% • European operations: • 10% sales increase to INR 32.8 billion • Consolidated sales reached INR 88.1 billion, a 7% growth • Significant increase in PAT to INR 11.25 billion

Future Outlook • Anticipated better performance in CY24 • Focus on diversification and disciplined capital expenditure • Optimism about opportunities in the EV market

European Market Concerns • Projected 2%-3% decline in 2024 • Slow growth in electric vehicles (12% market share in 2023) • CIE Automotive reported 10% growth driven by new EV orders

Export Orders and Growth Potential • Export orders for EVs confirmed • Current export percentage from India estimated at 11%-13%, expected to grow to 20% in 2-3 years • Emphasis on ramping up sales from smaller customers

Margin and Client Base Insights • Consolidated EBITDA margin around 17% • Robust portfolio approach with a mix of anchor and emerging customers • New business opportunities in exports, particularly in steel and aluminum castings

Management Performance and Strategy • Local management defended as capable and aligned • Challenges acknowledged in sectors like tractors and two-wheelers • Commitment to key customers, including Mahindra

Inorganic Growth Opportunities • Cash reserves of 800 crores for potential acquisitions • Focus on enhancing capabilities in lightweight materials • Sunroof business operates independently within CIE

Conclusion • Confidence in long-term growth despite recent challenges • Positive outlook for future collaboration and market stabilization

Summary from October 2023

CIE Automotive India Limited Q3 and 9M CY2023 Results Conference Call Summary

Conference Call Overview • Date: October 20, 2023 • Hosted by: ICICI Securities • Key Management: CEO Ander Arenaza, CFO K Jayaprakash • Financial Results Presented by: Vikas Sinha

Financial HighlightsIndia Sales Growth: 1% year-on-year • EBITDA Growth: 12% • Profit Before Tax (PBT) Growth: 13% • Europe Sales Growth: 7% year-on-year, with EBITDA rising by 36% • Consolidated Results: • Sales increase: 3% • EBITDA growth: 19% • PBT growth: 15% • Year-to-Date Results: • India: 6% sales growth • Europe: 14% sales growth • Profit After Tax (PAT): Optimistic for highest in history for CY2023 (excluding one-time profits)

Challenges and Market ConditionsSteel Prices: Declining prices impacting revenues • Seasonal Factors: Affecting sales in Europe • Electric Vehicle (EV) Orders: • Europe: 74% of new orders for EVs • India: 10% of new orders for EVs

Debt and Financial StrategyNet Debt: Rs. 1.1 billion • Potential for Net Cash: After receiving funds from German operations

Production and Market InsightsProduction Declines in Europe: Attributed to seasonal factors • Two-Wheeler Segment: Slow recovery in domestic sales; 20% drop in exports for Bajaj • Margins: Ongoing discussions with OEMs to optimize margins

Growth and Future ProspectsMargin Maintenance: Targeting 16-17% margins with potential for improvement • Growth Capital Expenditure: Investments in electric vehicles and new models • Customer Strategy: Focus on adding customers, with 50 generating over $10 million annually

M&A and Market PositionM&A Activities: Exploring opportunities in India, pursuing suitable options • Market Growth Targets: Aim to exceed market growth by 5-6% in India and Europe

Commodity Prices and Operational EfficiencyImpact of Commodity Prices: Minor adverse impact from steel prices • Internal Efficiencies: Focus on engineering efficiencies to enhance margins

Electric Vehicle ProgramsMargin Improvement Potential: Increased complexity and value of EV components • Aluminum Forging vs. Casting: Expected growth in aluminum forging in two-wheelers

Market Stability and RecoveryTwo-Wheeler Market: Slow recovery in domestic sales; stable tractor market expected • Internal Efficiencies: Ongoing efforts to improve EBITDA margins

ConclusionOptimism for Growth: Despite challenges, the company is focused on improving margins and achieving growth targets.

Summary from July 2023

CIE Automotive India Limited Q2 CY 2023 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Call DetailsDate: July 19, 2023 • Hosted by: ICICI Securities • Key Management: CEO Ander Arenaza, CFO K. Jayaprakash • Transcript Availability: Company website • Regulatory Compliance: Securities and Exchange Board of India

Financial HighlightsIndia Operations: • Sales: INR 13.4 billion (5% YoY increase) • EBITDA Margin: 16.8% • European Operations: • Sales: INR 8.6 billion (6% YoY increase) • EBITDA Margin: 19.2% • Consolidated Results: • Sales: INR 22 billion (5% increase) • EBITDA: 24% rise • First Half Sales: INR 45.2 billion (12% growth)

Strategic DevelopmentsRebranding: Transition from Mahindra CIE to CIE Automotive India Limited. • Sale of German Truck Forging Business: Progressing well. • Focus on Electric Vehicles (EV): • Current exposure: 1% in India, 3-5% in Europe. • Significant orders for transmission parts expected to generate EUR 25-30 million annually.

Market Performance InsightsRevenue Growth: • Seasonal insurance items influenced Q2 performance. • Variations in growth attributed to product mix and customer performance. • Metalcastello Division: • Noted slowdown in the US market, but optimism for recovery with new EV customers. • 15% quarter-over-quarter revenue decline discussed.

Future OutlookOrganic Growth Projections: • India operations expected to grow 5% to 10%, outpacing industry growth. • Capital Expenditure Plans: • 5% to 6% of sales for 2023. • New plant in Hosur with INR 1.7 billion capex expected to double sales.

Operational EfficiencyProduction Enhancements: • Focus on technology transfer, automation, and process improvements. • EBITDA margins improved from below 10% to nearly 17% over five years. • Export Trends: • Stable at 13% to 15% of revenue, with growth expectations.

ConclusionCommitment to Improvement: • Aligning EBITDA margins with global parent company standards (18% to 19%). • Ongoing efforts in mergers and acquisitions, particularly in sunroof and EV parts sectors.

Summary from June 2023

Meeting OverviewDate: June 9, 2023 • Format: Virtual via video conference • Name Change: From Mahindra CIE Automotive Limited to CIE Automotive India Limited • Chairman: Mr. Shriprakash Shukla

Key Attendees • Board members from Spain, Portugal, and India • Independent Directors: Mr. Suhail Nathani, Mrs. Roxana Meda • CEO and senior management

Meeting Procedures • Confirmed quorum without physical attendance • Proxy appointments unavailable • Key documents accessible electronically • Remote e-voting options provided • Statutory Auditors’ and Secretarial Audit reports presented without qualifications

Major Announcements • Acknowledgment of departing board members and introduction of a new independent director • Complete divestment of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd • Focus on Indian market and electric mobility • 28% increase in consolidated sales for 2022

Agenda Items Discussed • Ratification of remuneration for cost auditors • Approval of related party transactions • Adoption of financial statements and dividend declaration

Shareholder Engagement • Q&A session for registered speakers • Questions raised on: • Electric mobility challenges • Impact of the Russia-Ukraine war • Company’s future plans and performance • Concerns about promoter group's stake sales

Company’s Strategic Focus • Transition to electric mobility in Spain and Lithuania • Divestment of German truck forging operation • Strong order book and investments in capacity expansion • Addressing rising electricity prices due to geopolitical issues

Financial Performance • Reported loss due to one-time accounting adjustment • Overall operations remain profitable • Focus on maintaining EBITDA margins

Future Outlook • Continued focus on electric and hydrogen vehicle readiness • No current plans for share buybacks or name changes • Commitment to improving ESG practices and shareholder engagement

Conclusion • Positive sentiment among shareholders regarding company direction • Commitment to strategic growth in the automotive landscape

Summary of Conference Call

Transition to Electric Mobility • Anticipated decline in crankshaft sales starting in 2026 • Plans for aluminum forged parts and steel suspension products • New orders in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) sector

Impact of Electricity Prices • Rising prices affecting profitability • Implementation of pain-sharing agreements with customers • Expectation of margin stabilization

Divestment of German Operations • Decision to divest German truck forgings operations • Focus on electric mobility transition

Capacity Expansion and Order Book • Investment in capacity expansions in India for EV demand • Strong order book in the EV sector

Financial Losses • Reported loss of INR 9,234 million due to discontinued operations • Profits reported without this loss

Future Outlook • Optimism about growth in India and adaptation to new technologies

Company Name Change • Name changed to reflect strategic focus on the Indian market • No changes in management

Additional Insights • India contributed 63% to consolidated sales in CY 22 • Indian market expected to grow faster than Europe • Focus on core competencies; no plans for conglomerate status • Capacity expansions for EV demands; strategies for underperforming subsidiaries • Low debt equity ratio targeted • Shareholder engagement prioritized with virtual meetings • Minimal R&D spending; consistent attrition rate • Current market capitalization at Rs. 19,600 crore • Open to analyst meeting requests; focus on efficiency • Beginning ESG journey and evaluating acquisition opportunities • Involvement in powder metallurgy through magnetic products division

Summary from April 2023

Mahindra CIE Automotive Limited Q1 CY 2023 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Key Financial HighlightsSales Growth: • India: 13% YoY growth, reaching INR 13,541 million. • Europe: 28% growth, reaching INR 9,666 million. • Profitability Metrics: • EBITDA: 25% increase in India; 55% increase in Europe. • Record consolidated sales: INR 23,206 million with an EBITDA margin of 17.5%.

Management InsightsShareholding Changes: • Mahindra & Mahindra reduced its shareholding. • Plans to rename the company to CIE Automotive India Limited.

Market Conditions: • Stable margins in Europe expected if market volumes remain stable. • Cautious outlook on U.S. demand affecting future investments.

Electric Vehicle (EV) SectorGrowth Strategy: • One-third of new business from EV projects. • Interest in acquiring lightweight component companies.

Export Potential: • Beginning to export EV components to Europe, aiming to increase export rate from 12-13% to 25%.

Margin SustainabilityCurrent Margins: • Expected to improve, with contributions from energy savings, internal efficiencies, and increased volumes. • Targeting 19% margin in the medium term.

Market OutlookIndian Market: • Two-wheeler business negatively impacting margins, but recovery anticipated. • 13% growth in India against an industry average of 8-9%.

European Market: • Growth driven by increased market share and customer performance. • Stabilization and slight growth expected in the coming quarters.

M&A and Capital ExpenditureM&A Focus: • Primarily targeting opportunities in India. • Target ROCE of 15% for acquisitions within three to five years.

Capex Plans: • 80% of capital expenditure directed towards India, with investments in aluminum forging in Europe.

Conclusion • Management expressed optimism about future growth, particularly in the EV sector and Indian market, while addressing challenges such as employee cost inflation and geopolitical factors affecting logistics.

Summary from February 2023

Submission Details • Date of submission: February 27, 2023 • Earnings call date: February 23, 2023 • Directed to: BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India • Key personnel: CEO Ander Alvarez, CFO K. Jayaprakash, hosted by ICICI Securities • Transcript available on the company's website

Key Developments • CIE Automotive Group increased stake in MCIE to 65.7% • Name change to CIE Automotive India Limited approved • Plans to sell Truck Forgings business in Germany to focus on car forgings and electric vehicles

Financial Performance

Q4 CY 2022

MCIE India Sales: INR 13.4 billion (26% YoY increase, 6.5% sequential decrease) • EBITDA Margin: Improved to 18.5% • European Sales: INR 7.3 billion (43% YoY increase, EBITDA margin of 14.5%) • Consolidated Sales: INR 20.7 billion (31% increase)

Full Year CY 2022

MCIE India Sales: INR 52.5 billion (29% increase, PAT of 9.1%) • European Operations: INR 29.8 billion (27% increase, negative PAT due to discontinued operations) • Consolidated Sales: INR 82.2 billion, slight EBITDA margin improvement

Strategic Focus • Emphasis on growth in electric vehicle sector • Revenue and EBITDA margin growth strategy since 2016 • Significant increases in Indian revenue share and EBITDA margins

Q&A HighlightsEuropean Business Performance: 40% volume growth in Q4, 11% growth for the year • Profitability: Land sale categorized as exceptional item; improved EV forging profitability • Market Outlook: Optimism for recovery in light vehicle market in 2023, projecting 5-8% growth • Operational Improvements: Focus on internal growth and efficiency to achieve mid-term EBITDA margin targets of 17-19%

Challenges and OpportunitiesEnergy Costs: Significant decrease in energy prices expected to positively impact margins • Export Potential: Opportunities for Indian operations to export ICE parts to Europe • Market Consolidation: Anticipated growth in automotive passenger forgings

Technology and Investment • Investment across various segments (forging, casting, stamping) • No current plans for merging global forging businesses; interest in acquisitions in plastics sector

Conclusion • Acknowledgment of team efforts during a challenging year • Focus on maintaining a strong position in both EV and ICE markets without mergers or acquisitions