JSPL back in Profits : The Journey has Just Begun

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1. JSPL Standalone Performance
1.1. Fourth Quarter FY18 Performance
Highlight of the Fourth Quarter ending March’18 was the highest ever steel production across all the locations including Raigarh, Angul and Oman for JSPL.

JSPL Standalone Steel production rose 38% in the reported quarter to 1.26 million tonnes (0.91 million tonnes in 4QFY17) while Standalone Steel sales during 4QFY18 increased to 1.18 million tonnes (up 29% YoY).
The rise in sales realizations was partly offset by the corresponding increase in raw material prices with EBITDA in 4QFY18 increasing by 66% YoY to Rs. 1,519 Cr. The Company reported an expansion in the EBITDA margins, at 26% as compared to the last quarter (22%).

The quarter marked JSPL’s turnaround back to profits after 13 successive quarters, reporting a Profit After Tax at Rs. 145 Cr as compared to a Loss of Rs. 74 Cr last quarter and a loss of Rs. 116 Cr last year.
During 4QFY18, production of pellets increased by 15% YoY to 1.84 million tonnes and the company achieved external sales of pellets of 0.74 MT during 4QFY18.

The quarter also saw JSPL coming out with its first ever equity raise in the markets, garnering Rs. 1,200 Cr through Qualified Institutional Placement. The issuance was well over-subscribed by marquee investors, both foreign & domestic.

1.2. Full Year FY18 Performance
On a full year basis, JSPL standalone Sales turnover in FY18 rose by 13% while EBITDA at Rs. 3,973 Cr increased by 37% compared to the previous year. The EBITDA margins came at 23% as compared to 19% in the previous year, primarily supported by better than expected steel sales realizations.

2. JSPL Consolidated Performance
2.1. Fourth Quarter FY18 Performance
JSPL produced 1.72 million tonnes on the Consolidated level (up 32% from 1.30 million tonnes in 4QFY17) and sold 1.66 million tonnes (up 27% from 1.31 million tonnes in 4QFY17).

JSPL reported Consolidated Revenues of Rs. 8,599 Cr (up 27% YoY) while Consolidated EBITDA increased to Rs. 2,136 Cr from Rs. 1,552 Cr (in 4QFY17), up 38% YoY.

2.2. Full Year FY18 Performance
The Company achieved a Consolidated Steel Sales of 5.44 million tonnes in FY18, up by 17% Y-o-Y and production of 5.70 million tonnes (Vs. 4.80 million tonnes in FY17).

JSPL achieved its highest ever-annual revenue of Rs. 27,841 Cr, which is 23% higher than previous year. The aggregate EBITDA rose by 37% compared to previous year FY17. The overall EBITDA for FY18 stood at 23% vs. 21% for FY17, supported by better operating profits across all its Steel & Power business globally.
As of year ended 31st March’2018, JSPL consolidated net debt was at Rs. 42,000 Cr levels.

3. Jindal Power Ltd (JPL)
3.1. Fourth Quarter FY18 Performance
The low availability of Coal continued during this quarter, significantly impacting the generation. There has been a severe shortage of coal amplified by high coal prices, making it uneconomical for the power sector. JPL generated 2,310 units in the reported March quarter as compared to 2,336 units in 4QFY17. Accordingly, the PLF also remained at 31% compared to 32% in 4QFY17.

The revenue for 4QFY18 increased by 10% compared to the same quarter in FY17. On back of higher coal costs, which have increased over 40% YoY, EBITDA margin for the quarter ending March’18 dropped to 28% as compared to 44% last year. EBITDA in 4QFY18 came in at Rs. 265 Cr (as compared to Rs. 381 Cr in 4QFY17). JPL continues to generate cash profits, which stood at Rs. 98 Cr in the reported quarter.

3.2. Full Year FY18 Performance
On an annual basis, JPL revenues increased by 31% and EBITDA rose by 37% for the year FY18. The EBITDA margin for FY18 stood at 35% compared to 34% for FY17. JPL also achieved a net cash profit of Rs. 778 Cr.

4. Global Ventures
4.1. Oman: During the quarter ended 31st March’2018, Jindal Shadeed recorded its ever highest production of 0.46 million tonnes of crude steel (as against 0.39 million tonnes in 4QFY17). It also reported its highest ever EBITDA of US$ 71 mn for 4QFY18 (vs. US$63 mn in 3QFY18). The rebar mill at Oman achieved production of 0.29 million tonnes this quarter.

4.2. Mozambique: Mines at Mozambique produced 0.33 million tonnes ROM in 4QFY18. The mines continue to ramp up gradually.

4.3. Australia: During 4QFY18, Wongawilli mines continued their ramp up and produced 0.1 million tonnes. Russell Vale mines continue to be in care & maintenance.

5. Overview and Outlook:
Steel:
The outlook for Steel remains positive as both the demand & prices remain robust, internationally & domestically. As global economic situation strengthens, investment levels are set to rise across geographies. Further supported by the shutdowns & curtailments in China on back of environmental norms, these should provide support to the Steel demand in the long run. Trade related barriers could lead to some weakening of the overall sentiment though lack of enough capacity as compared to existing demand in developed economies could make it largely unsustainable and uneconomical in the long run.

With the steel intensity increasing within the country, coupled with government’s push towards more steel structures, buildings and infrastructure, the demand in the country is all set to rise further, albeit gradually.

Power:
Power Demand and exchange rates are observed to be touching fresh highs in the current Financial Year. With the Govt. of India stated policy of providing ‘Power for All on a 24×7 basis’, the demand is expected to increase substantially. This is likely to result in a fresh upsurge in long Term PPAs by Utilities who will be obliged to fulfil this commitment of the Government on a sustained basis. In the near term too, demand for power is expected to get a boost on account of forthcoming State and Central elections over the coming two years.

However, coal continues to remain a major challenge, both in terms of availability and the consequential impact on prices, which are observed to be rising over the past 6 months. We expect this key challenge to be mitigated significantly with the introduction of Commercial Mining as proposed by Govt. of India, wherein coal mining shall once again be opened up for the private sector.

The Company is steadfast in its objective to generate higher volumes and profits each subsequent quarter, with increasing contribution from all its businesses.

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