Hindustan Zinc Limited (HINDZINC)

Summary Links:

* Summaries created by AI. Please verify by checking the actual call transcript.

Summary from August 2024

Hindustan Zinc Limited Earnings Call Summary (Q1 FY25)

Earnings Call Details • Date: August 2, 2024 • Transcript released on August 5, 2024 • Participants: CEO Arun Misra, CFO Sandeep Modi, moderated by Kritika Mehta

Key HighlightsCondolences for Incident: A tragic accident at Rampura Agucha mine; investigation initiated. • Employee Initiatives: • Second all-women underground mine rescue team trained. • Multiple HR Excellence Awards received.

Sustainability Efforts • Early launch of renewable power supply. • Introduction of EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon green zinc. • Strategic partnerships for waste management and battery technology. • First Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures report released.

Financial PerformanceRevenue: Rs. 8,130 crore (12% YoY increase). • Net Profit: 19% increase to Rs. 2,345 crore. • EBITDA: Rose 17% to Rs. 3,946 crore. • Production Costs: Zinc cost at $1,107 per ton (7% decrease YoY). • Market Share: Expanded domestic primary zinc market share to 78%. • Dividend: Rs. 4,225 crore paid to shareholders.

Market Conditions • Improved conditions with rising base and precious metal prices. • Record production levels for mined and refined metals. • Slight drop in silver production due to work-in-progress accumulation.

Legal and Financial DiscussionsSupreme Court Ruling: Discussion on potential implications for royalty payments; company maintains strong legal position. • Cash and Debt: Cash balance of ₹10,885 crores; debt of ₹11,200 crores. • Hedging Strategies: 90,000 tons hedged at an average price of $2,906.

Future OutlookNew Projects: • Targeting early production from a new roaster at Debari. • Development of a cost-competitive fertilizer plant. • Plan for a 2 million ton run rate with a pre-feasibility report expected by mid-September. • Renewable Energy: Currently 13% of energy mix, aiming for further increases. • Market Predictions: Cautious optimism for recovery in non-ferrous metal prices by late 2024.

Conclusion • Management remains committed to production cost guidance and sustainability initiatives while navigating market challenges.

Summary from April 2024

Hindustan Zinc Limited Earnings Call Summary (April 19, 2024)

Submission Details • Transcript submitted to BSE and NSE on April 22, 2024. • Available on the company's website. • Call featured CEO Arun Misra and CFO Sandeep Modi, moderated by Jhalak Rastogi.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Highlights (FY’23-24)Achievements: • Record metal and silver production. • Cost reductions and strong ESG performance. • Third largest silver producer globally. • Six consecutive quarters of fatality-free operations. • Multiple safety awards and top ranking in S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.

Market Outlook: • Zinc prices rebounded due to increased demand. • Ambitious production guidance set for FY’25. • New exploration subsidiary established for resource longevity. • Expansion projects progressing with regulatory approvals.

Financial PerformanceCost and Production: • 11% improvement in zinc production costs ($1,117 per ton). • Record low costs in Q4 ($1,051 per ton).

Revenue and Profit: • Revenue approximately Rs.29,000 crores (down 15% YoY). • EBITDA fell 22% to Rs.13,677 crores. • Consolidated net profit Rs.7,759 crores (26% decline YoY).

Future Guidance: • Cost guidance for FY’25: $1,050 to $1,100 per ton. • Growth capex planned: $270 to $335 million. • Expected increase in mined metal production (4% to 6.5%).

Key Inquiries and ResponsesDemerger Status: • Government indicates timing for demerger is not appropriate due to disinvestment efforts.

Cost Guidance: • Factors affecting cost projections include ore grades and coal consumption.

Bamnia Kalan Mine: • All regulatory approvals secured; initial mining activities to commence soon.

Exploration and Resource Management: • Emphasis on converting resources into reserves for production continuity.

Capital ExpendituresSustenance vs. Growth Capex: • Sustenance capex: $300 million to $400 million annually for equipment replacement and safety. • Growth capex: Larger investments for increasing plant capacity.

Capacity Expansion: • Current refined metal capacity: 1.123 million tons, targeting 1.2 million tons in 12-16 months, and 2 million tons in 2.5-3 years.

New Projects and Market InsightsFertilizer Plant: • New plant capacity of 5.1 lakh MT, project cost around Rs.1,800 crores, expected to boost EBITDA by FY’26.

Zinc Price Outlook: • Predictions of zinc prices exceeding $3,000 per ton by late summer, reaching around $3,200 by December.

Market Demand Factors: • Geopolitical factors influencing demand; tight concentrate supply due to mine closures contributing to rising prices.

Conclusion • The call concluded with thanks from the moderator and an invitation for follow-up questions.

Summary from January 2024

Hindustan Zinc Limited Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Details • Date: January 19, 2024 • Submitted to: BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India on January 22, 2024 • Participants: CEO Arun Misra, CFO Sandeep Modi, moderated by Jhalak Rastogi • Transcript available on the company's website

Key Achievements • Fatality-free operation for five consecutive quarters • First place in All India Mine Rescue Competition (all-women team) • Ranked first in S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for metals and mining • Strategic partnerships for decarbonization (electric and LNG vehicles)

Market Conditions • Mixed results: improved sentiments in China and the U.S., struggles in Europe • Zinc prices fluctuated; lead prices remained volatile • Record silver production, making Hindustan Zinc the fifth largest silver producer globally

Financial Performance • Revenue: INR 7,310 crores (8% sequential increase, 7% year-on-year decline) • Net profit: INR 2,028 crores (17% sequential increase, 6% year-on-year decline) • EBITDA margins improved from 46% to 49% • Cost of production: $1,095 per ton (15% year-on-year improvement) • Interim dividend paid: INR 2,535 crores • Market share in India's primary zinc market increased from 75% to 79%

Operational Highlights • Lowest production costs in ten quarters; positioned as a global cost leader in zinc mining • Alloy plant commissioned; production of value-added products expected to increase from 18-20% to 25-30% • Domestic coal usage modified to reduce power costs from 42% to 35%

Future Outlook • Cautious optimism for zinc and lead pricing in 2024 • Cost of production guidance: $1,125 to $1,175, aiming for around $1,000 • Healthy cash flow for debt reduction and dividend distribution • Increased silver production projected with the fumer project

Legal Update • Transfer balance case at NCLT: last hearing on January 24, 2024; next hearing scheduled for February 15, 2024

Conclusion • Call concluded with an invitation for follow-up questions to the Investor Relations team.

Summary from October 2023

Hindustan Zinc Limited Earnings Call Summary (October 20, 2023)

Company Overview • Earnings call held on October 20, 2023, discussing Q2 and half-year results ending September 30, 2023. • Participants included CEO Arun Misra and CFO Sandeep Modi. • Transcript available on the company's website and addressed to Indian stock exchanges.

Key Achievements and Priorities • Celebrated one year of fatality-free operations, emphasizing safety through training and automation. • First Indian metal and mining company with validated science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. • Goals: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by FY2030 and achieve net zero by FY2050. • Inaugurated a zero liquid discharge plant. • Progress in community initiatives, including skill development and sports programs.

Macroeconomic Landscape • Challenges from global economic weaknesses affecting base metal prices. • Resilience noted in the Indian economy, particularly in infrastructure and the automobile sector. • Robust demand for lead and silver despite global economic headwinds.

Operational Performance • Achieved record mined metal production. • Focus on enhancing production efficiency and cost leadership. • Recent investments include commissioning a fumer plant and expanding production facilities.

Financial Performance (Q2 FY24) • Revenue from operations: Rs. 6,791 crores (down 19% YoY). • EBITDA: Rs. 3,122 crores (down 29% YoY). • Consolidated net profit: Rs. 1,729 crores (down 35% YoY). • Cost of production for zinc improved due to lower coal prices and operational efficiencies. • Management evaluating corporate restructuring options.

Future Plans and Strategies • Plans to expand mining capacity before smelting capacity. • Ongoing projects to enhance smelting capacity to 1.25 million tonnes. • Addressing challenges with domestic rock phosphate supply for DAP/NPK plant. • Timeline for DAP/NPK plant commissioning: 18 months to 2 years.

Conclusion • The call concluded with an invitation for follow-up questions, highlighting the company's commitment to growth and operational efficiency.

Summary from July 2023

Hindustan Zinc Limited Earnings Conference Call Summary

Date and CommunicationDate of Call: July 21, 2023 • Communication to: BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India • Transcript Availability: On the company's website

Key ParticipantsCEO: Arun Misra • CFO: Sandeep Modi

Highlights from the CallDiversity Initiatives: Launch of the Zinclusion campaign during Pride Month. • Safety Record: Third consecutive quarter of fatality-free operations. • Recognition: Named a Great Place to Work for five years. • ESG Commitment: Piloting member for science-based target setting, aiming for net zero by 2050.

Financial Performance (Q1 FY '24)Revenue: INR 7,282 crores (22% decline YoY) • EBITDA: INR 3,359 crores (36% decline YoY) • Net Profit: INR 1,964 crores (37% decline YoY) • Cost Reduction: Achieved approximately $100 per ton reduction in costs.

Production and OperationsRecord Production: Mined metal and silver production at record levels. • Cost Guidance: Expected production cost between $1,125 and $1,175 per ton. • Upcoming Projects: On track for commissioning in Q2 FY '24.

Project UpdatesRoaster Project: Expected completion in about 14 months. • Fertilizer Plant: Completion in 18 to 24 months, producing DAP fertilizer.

Market OutlookZinc Prices: Potential stabilization or recovery due to global economic factors. • Silver Prices: Cautious outlook, expected to stabilize between $25 to $27 per troy ounce. • Zinc Premiums: Sequential increase noted, year-on-year decline.

Future Capacity ExpansionTargets: 1.25 million tons by FY '25, potentially 1.35 million tons by FY '27. • Environmental Clearances: Underway for Zawar mine expansion.

Financial HealthBalance Sheet: Strong financial position with significant EBITDA generation. • Market Conditions: Discussion on geopolitical uncertainties affecting prices.

ConclusionFollow-Up: Invitation for additional questions at the end of the call.

Summary from April 2023

Conference Call Details • Date: April 21, 2023 • Submitted to: BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India • Transcript available on the company's website

Financial Performance HighlightsRecord Production: Achieved over 1 million tons of metal production, highest ever. • Global Standing: Fifth largest silver producer globally. • Safety Record: Fatality-free operation for the last two quarters. • Sustainability Goals: Aiming for net zero by 2050; significant renewable energy initiatives. • CSR Impact: Benefited over 1.72 million individuals in FY'23. • Operational Resilience: Strong performance despite global economic challenges.

FY'23 Financial ResultsRevenue: INR 34,098 crores (16% YoY increase). • Q4 Revenue: INR 8,509 crores (3% YoY decrease, 8% sequential increase). • Cost of Production: $1,214 per ton in Q4, lowest of the fiscal year. • EBITDA: INR 17,590 crores (8% increase). • Net Profit: INR 10,511 crores (9% YoY increase). • Dividends: Interim dividend of INR 26 per share approved.

Future ProjectionsProduction Targets: FY'24 mine metal production projected between 1,075 kt and 1,100 kt. • Cost Expectations: Zinc production costs expected to range from $1,125 to $1,175 per ton. • Capital Expenditure: Planned between $175 million to $200 million for strategic projects. • Long-term Goals: Targeting 1.2 million tons of metal production by FY 2024-25 or FY 2025-26.

Management InsightsProject Commissioning: New project expected to take 18 months. • Brand Fees: INR 318 crores expenditure for FY 2024; future fees projected between INR 650-700 crores. • Debt Management: Marginal net debt; strong cash flow expected for potential debt reduction. • Zinc International Acquisition: Under consideration.

Shareholder ConcernsPledged Shares: 88% of shares pledged; managed by Vedanta. • Retained Earnings: INR 1,700 crores excluding general reserve of INR 10,384 crores. • Liquidity of Investments: Investments are liquid; motion regarding retained earnings filed with NCLT.

Additional DiscussionsOre Grades: Improved from 6.96% to 7.42% quarter-over-quarter. • Maintenance Capex: Estimated at around $400 million annually. • Wholly Owned Subsidiary: Proposal pending approval; no subsidiary established yet.

Conclusion • The call concluded with an invitation for follow-up questions to the Investor Relations team.

Summary from January 2023

Communication Details • Date of communication: January 23, 2023 • Earnings conference call held on: January 19, 2023 • Focus: Financial performance for Q3 and nine months ending December 31, 2022 • Participants: CEO Arun Misra and Deputy CFO Sandeep Modi

Key Highlights from the CallSustainability and Community Engagement • Initiatives: Marathons, electric vehicle policy, Vedanta Udaipur World Music Festival • Safety: Reported a fatality-free quarter and enhanced safety measures • ESG Recognition: New renewable power plan and high sustainability rankings

Financial Performance • Strong EBITDA margin: 52% • Record production levels despite rising input costs • Revenue increase: 24% to INR 25,589 crores for nine months • Nine-month EBITDA: INR 13,382 crores (up 19% YoY) • Net profit: INR 7,928 crores (up 18% YoY)

Strategic Projects • Acquisition of THL Zinc Limited in South Africa and Namibia • Expected resource: 35 million tons • REACH registration for European market entry

Financial UpdatesQuarterly Performance • Quarterly EBITDA fell 15% due to lower metal prices • Quarterly net profit decreased by 20% • Third interim dividend announced: INR 13 per share

Future Outlook • Optimism about coal availability and renewable energy tie-ups • Production guidance remains unchanged

Acquisition DiscussionConcerns Raised • Valuation of THL Zinc acquisition questioned • Timeline for asset online and associated premium discussed

Management Responses • Current operation produces 300,000 tons, with plans to double capacity • Board approval confirmed, including government nominees

Funding and Approvals • Acquisition primarily funded through internal accruals • Payments tied to milestones and regulatory approvals

Additional InquiriesAsset Valuation and Development • Total resources: 35 million tons • Payment planned: $2,981 million • Production targets: 600,000 tons by 2025, 1 million tons by 2027-2028

Tax and Regulatory Clarifications • Projected tax rate: 25% for the next year • Majority of minority shareholder approval required for certain transactions

Conclusion • The call concluded with an invitation for follow-up questions, emphasizing the strategic importance of the acquisition and its potential to enhance Hindustan Zinc's market position.