Hi-Tech Pipes Limited (HITECH) Q3 FY2026 Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to Q3 FY '26 Earnings Conference Call hosted by Hi-Tech Pipes Limited. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Anish Bansal, Whole-Time Director from Hi-Tech Pipes Limited. Thank you, and over to you, Mr. Anish Bansal.

Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us on the Q3 FY '26 Earnings Conference Call of Hi-Tech Pipes Limited. I'm joined today by Mr. Arvind Bansal, Executive Director and Group CFO; and Mr. Arun Sharma, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer. Let me begin with a detailed overview of our financial and operational performance for the quarter ended Q3 FY '26. The third quarter of FY '26 marked a significant milestone for the company as we delivered our highest ever quarterly performance across key operational metrics. During the quarter, revenue from operations grew by a robust 40% year-on-year to INR 1,070 crores compared to INR 761 crores in Q3 FY '25. This strong growth was supported by our highest ever quarterly sales volume of 1,36,000 tonnes, reflecting a 10% increase over 1,24,000 tonnes in the corresponding quarter last year. This performance was driven by a combination of higher volumes, timely execution of large infrastructure and institutional projects, improved product mix, deeper market penetration and continued expansion of our value-added product portfolio. EBITDA for the quarter stood at INR 42 crores, registering a 4% year-on-year increase from INR 40 crores in Q3 FY '25. However, profitability during the quarter was a little impacted with profit after tax declining by 9% year-on-year to INR 17 crores compared to INR 19 crores in the same period last year. I would like to clarify that the decline in profit was primarily attributable to a sharp correction in hot-rolled coil prices driven by an influx of cheaper imports, which exerted pressure on spreads across the industry. Importantly, this trend has reversed following the government's introduction of a 12% safeguard duty on 30th December 2025, which helped in stabilizing the domestic steel prices, restoring pricing discipline and margin improvement. Now coming to 9-month performance of FY '26. Moving to the 9-month performance. Revenue from operations for 9-month FY '26 increased to INR 2,720 crores, representing a 17% year-on-year growth compared to INR 2,333 crores in 9-month FY '25 period. EBITDA for the 9 months stood at INR 127 crores compared to INR 125 crores in the corresponding period last year, reflecting stable operational performance despite price volatility and margin pressure during parts of the year. Capacity expansion and operational updates. Despite the short-term challenges, we have remained focused on building long-term capacity and improving operating leverage and strengthening profitability. I'm glad to share that commercial production has commenced at Sanand Unit II Phase 2, adding 1 lakh tonnes of annual capacity. This facility significantly enhances our manufacturing scale, improves cost efficiencies, strengthen export capabilities and enables a better and more profitable product mix. Further, the commercial production has commenced at our greenfield Jammu facility with an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, primarily focused on value-added and higher-margin products. The Jammu facility enhances our presence in northern markets, reduces logistic costs, shortens delivery time lines and positions us closer to key consumption centers. Additionally, our greenfield facility at Sikandrabad, UP is expected to commence operations at any time. This plant will further strengthen our regional footprint, improve customer service levels and contribute meaningfully to volume growth as well as margin stability. With these expansions, the company reached -- the company reaches to 1 million tonnes installed capacity and is actively gearing up for the next phase of expansion towards 2 million tonnes, in line with our long-term growth for [indiscernible] and strategic vision. For the increased anticipated volume, the company has entered into long-term raw material supply MOUs, which have already commenced from Q3. The key projects executed during the quarter -- we successfully supplied materials to several prestigious and high visibility projects, including Varanasi Airport, Jaipur Airport, [ Khowai ] Airport, Bharuch Railway Station and the world's largest solar parks at [ Kala ] and Bikaner. These achievements are a testament of our strong execution capabilities, product quality, reliability and long-standing relationships with leading developers and EPC players. On the demand side, the outlook remains strong and encouraging. Government-led infrastructure spending, increased private sector investments, rapid urbanization, renewable energy focus and ongoing industrial development continue to support sustained demand for steel pipes and tubes. In addition, recent developments on the global trade front are structurally positive for the industry. The U.S.-India trade deal is expected to open new opportunities, enhance market access and support long-term volume growth. Similarly, on the EU India trade pack, it is significantly positive as it is likely to improve export competitiveness, reduce trade barriers and create meaningful opportunities for Indian manufacturers, particularly in the value-added and quality-driven segments. Looking ahead, we are confident that our strategic focus on value-added products, newly commissioned capacities, operational efficiencies and stronger order pipeline will support sustained growth, improve margins and enhance shareholder value over the medium term to long term. We will now open the floor for questions.

[Operator Instructions] Our first question comes from the line of [ Kunal Shah ] an individual investor.

My question is how much the steel prices declined this quarter? What is the price outlook of the steel prices for this quarter and the coming quarter?

So the steel prices declined by almost INR 2,500 per tonne in this quarter -- in Q3. However, after this introduction of safeguard duty on the 30th of December, the steel prices have bounced back. And we are looking -- whatever the price decrease happened in Q3, we are -- this will reverse in Q4.

My next question is, sir, about U.S.-India trade bill, how this will be impacting the steel industry and the company will get benefit from this?

So yes, as you all know, India has struck the deal after a lot of negotiations. And we are still waiting for the final outcome. And once it's signed, I'm sure that this will definitely favor our Indian steel industry. The finished goods will definitely start going to the American market after a long gap.

Our next question comes from the line of [ Mayank Kumar ], an individual investor.

Sir, I have two questions. So I just want to know about Jal Jeevan Mission. So company, -- how much orders getting from this program? And what is the scenario in upcoming quarters and years that company is getting order under this program and mission of Jal Jeevan? And another one, I have a question about another 1 million tonne capacity.

Sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Kumal. Your voice is -- there's a lot of static voice. Can you please repeat your question?

Yes. First one, I've understood. Can you repeat the second question?

Sir, my second question is about the additional 1 million tonne capacity. So what would be the time line for adding this?

So basically, first question pertaining to Jal Jeevan Mission, you are right, this year has been subdued from the Jal Jeevan Mission side. But now what we are lately hearing is the allocation in the current budget remains the same. And we are -- what we are talking with the various departments, we see in FY '27, there will be a strong order pipeline in the Jal Jeevan segment, especially for our ERW tube segment for galvanized product. Second, your question pertaining to our additional 1 million tonnes, which will take us to 2 million tonnes. So we are looking at between FY '28 and FY '29. So the project works are already going on for this capacity addition. And we are in very advanced stages of commissioning 0.5 million tonnes by FY '27 -- between FY '27 and FY '28. So we are on track. A lot of progress has been made in this, and we are expecting it to come as soon as possible.

Our next question comes from the line of Sucrit D. Patil from Eyesight Fintrade Private Limited.

I have two questions. My first question to Mr. Anish. Looking ahead, how do you see Hi-Tech Pipes balancing between expanding manufacturing capacity, expanding customer reach and protecting the profits. As the demand for steel pipes grows with infrastructure and construction activity, what will guide your decision-making process on which of these areas should get the strongest focus in the coming quarters? That's my first question. I'll ask my second question after this.

So our internal -- how we decide on the capacities and volumes. We want to grow by 25% year-on-year on the volume terms. Our primary focus is in the building and construction and infrastructure segments, along with the renewable energy side. We are seeing maximum traction in these 2 fields, and we want to capitalize on the opportunity -- in both the spaces. So building and construction and renewable energy.

Sorry to interrupt you, sir. Your voice is breaking.

Sorry, 1 minute. Is it better now? I just...

No, it is still breaking.

It is still? Maybe at your end. Sucrit, am I clear to you?

Yes, you're quite audible. I have no problem...

Yes. Maybe at your end, there may be some -- I'll just repeat my answer. So basically, when we decide on manufacturing volumes and capacities, so our focus is 25% volume growth year-on-year. So this is our focus. And we are seeing good traction in the building and construction side and the renewable energy sector. And in the renewable, we are very active, especially in the Gujarat belt and Rajasthan belt. And we are getting repeated orders from our clients. And with this new addition capacity at Sanand, we will capitalize on these 2 areas even more.

My second question to Mr. Arvind is along the similar lines, as you plan for the next few quarters, what financial signals or metrics will be most important in guiding decision on cost control, working capital and capital allocation for new projects? How do you see this particular lever shaping Hi-Tech Pipes ability to protect the margins and deliver sustainable value as the business grows?

Actually, on the cost efficiency and working capital front, all these areas are continuous process. On a continuous basis, we are focusing on better working capital management and cost efficiencies. If you see in FY '24, FY '25, there is a good improvement in the working capital. And hopefully, in FY '26 also, that trend will continue. So far as profitability is concerned, the point is, as Anish Bansal-ji has mentioned, this Q3 quarter has been impacted due to steep decrease in steel prices. And -- but after the government of India has imposed this antidumping duty, now the steel prices has stabilized. Hopefully, this Q4 will be much better than Q3. And accordingly, this FY '26, we will achieve our desired results. And in FY '27, hopefully, things will be better. And we should be able to give better results in terms of profitability, EBITDA and operational efficiencies. Thank you.

So can we take this as a cautious guidance just on a closing note to summarize?

We always desire to have good results. But after having this global impact and all these challenges, sometimes we face certain issues. But we are very much hopeful, we are very much positive FY '26 and FY '27 on a consolidated basis will be much better.

Yes, after the safeguard duty that has been imposed. So at least the dumping of steel from outside, that has stopped for next 3 years. So we have a lot of visibility in terms of how the steel prices are going to behave for at least a year or so. And with our new capacities and with these news is and our new value-added products, we are very confident that Q4 and the forthcoming quarters will be quite good for the company.

Our next question comes from the line of [ Meenakshi Virani ], an individual investor.

So my question is, can you please guide us on the export front? How much the export is contributing the company? And what are the targets for upcoming quarters?

Yes. Thank you, Meenakshi. So basically, we have started exports in last 1 year from our new plant in Gujarat because of logistic competitiveness. And in last 1 year, we have been able to get all the certifications and all the barriers that were there for exports. So all those have gone away. We are -- we have exported to almost 28 countries in the last 1 year. And now we are at a stage that we are getting repeat orders from these clients, and that is a huge, you can say, encouragement for the company. And going forward, we'll take -- we'll leverage this situation. And especially after these deals that have happened in the last 2 to 3 months, this will open floodgates for the Indian steel tube and pipe industry in a big way. So we are geared up now. And our ultimate goal is to take our export volume to 10%. This is our target, and we are working on that. This new capacity expansion in Gujarat is also focused towards some specialized tubes and export market. So we are working actively on this. Thank you.

So sir, I have another question.

Yes.

What is the current contribution of value-added products? How the company is planning to improve from here?

So yes, the current value-added products contribution is 37%. And we hope to -- with this new Jammu facility and our new galvanizing facilities in various plants. So we are taking this to 42%, 43% by end of this year, and it will gradually move up to 50% in the coming years.

Our next question is from the line of [ Karan ] from [indiscernible].

Am I audible?

Yes, very much.

So my question was on -- you just mentioned that you have signed some MOU with the supplier. So could you, if possible, elaborate on this?

Sorry, Karan, can you repeat your question, please?

Yes. So you mentioned that you have signed an MOU with the supplier. So could you -- if possible, could you elaborate who are the suppliers, if it's possible for you? And how will it impact our margin profile, especially gross margin profile and PAT margin as well?

Yes, yes. So now what -- I'll give you a brief background about how the steel segment now, how it is shaping up. So basically, whatever hot-rolled capacity there is right now, so this capacity is totally tied up with the existing players. And now for at least next 1 year, we don't see any hot-rolled coil capacity coming in. So it was very -- it was imperative for us that we get into these long-term supply contracts with these companies so that once the market change, we don't fall short of raw material supply. So that's why we entered in the Q3 when the markets were low and when the -- all these mills had material with them. And now the situation is that after this safeguard duty, so imports have dried up and the demand and supply has -- the equilibrium has come in place. So we got into these supply contracts with these -- with our current suppliers, which are Steel Authority of India Limited, ArcelorMittal, Tata and NMDC. So these are our 4 segments, and we have tied up quantities with these companies.

So like how will it impact our margin, especially gross profit margin?

Yes. So first was the availability of material because that was very important for the capacity utilization. So with whatever capacities we have produced, if we did not have the right supply chain, then it would be -- we would not have achieved a higher capacity utilization. But now with these long-term supply MOUs, now we are at least assured of raw material and higher value -- higher capacity utilization will automatically help in higher value addition, EBITDA and higher profit margins.

Okay. Got it. And my second question was like what is the margin profile for value-added products and normal products? Like what is the difference between margin in those products, especially value-added and normal products?

Yes. So value-added is between INR 4,500 to INR 5,000 per tonne and the regular products between INR 2,500 to INR 3,000 per tonne.

Our next question comes from the line of Dhruvesh Kanakia from Antique Stock Broking Limited.

I can see that stock in trade has gone up significantly versus last quarter. Can you help us understand what this comprises?

So I'm glad you asked this question. So basically, as mentioned, the company has entered into long-term supply contracts with the companies with industries. And we entered into this contract from Q3 and whereas our commissioning and the production has started from the end of Q3. But it was imperative for the company to get into these contracts at the right stage. Now if we would have gone into contracts in Q4, then it would have not been possible. So whatever excess material we had, so we had supplied that in the market. So this is a onetime phenomenon. And Q4, as our capacity utilization and everything is going up, so all this material is going to get consumed in our facilities.

Our next question comes from the line of Lokesh Kashikar from SMIFS Institutional Equities.

Sir, the first question is basically on our capacity. I missed your initial remarks. So our existing capacity is 9,30,000 metric tonnes per annum, correct?

Yes.

Okay. And what would be the exit capacity at FY '26 then?

It will be 1.05 million tonnes.

1.05 million tonnes. So the new capacity is likely to come right at the Sikandrabad unit?

Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. And the plant has been commissioned and the trials have been successfully taken place. We are just waiting for some compliance-related matter, and it can happen any time. So we are just waiting for the positive news. And once the compliance is done, we'll put the pedal down.

Okay. Okay. Also, sir, we have chosen and also we have in the past laid foundation for at Hindupur, Telangana location for some capacity. So when we are expecting that capacity to ramp up or commence production?

Yes. That is almost 2.5 lakh tonne capacity. And we are coming -- we will be coming with this capacity by end of FY '27.

Okay. Okay. So if I'm not wrong, so 2.5 plus 10 lakhs kind of around 12.5, 13 lakh capacity would be at the end of FY '27?

Absolutely.

Okay. And our endeavor to reach 20 lakh million tonnes capacity by FY '29 remains impact?

Yes, absolutely, absolutely.

So sir, what would be the total CapEx that would be required for such a huge capacity as we are almost doubling up over the next 2 to 3 years? And what would the funding arrangement for that?

So for this additional 1 million tonnes, it comprises of greenfield and brownfield both. And we have already -- fortunately, the land bank for all these capacities was already in place with the company. So the land is already there and a lot of the preconstruction activities have already been done in these facilities. So at least the land issue is not there. And the total CapEx is between INR 500 crores to INR 600 crores for this incremental capacity. And half of it is already under capital work in progress.

Okay. And sir, secondly, just wanted to know on the raw material side, so you have just explained that we have entered in an MOU with our suppliers. But how does the pricing basically just happen? Let's say, you get INR 50 per kg raw material. And if for next month, let's say, it goes to INR 52. So it is directly passed on to the customer or you keep it some margin over there as well? So just wanted to understand raw material versus your realization as well as your margin profile and our strategy on that.

Yes. When I say MOUs, it means that we have got into contract for a certain volume of steel. So the quantity gets defined in the MOU. And the pricing is done monthly. So in the beginning of every month, every company comes out with their revised pricing in line with the market conditions. And for us, the higher the volumes, the better the pricing becomes. And the current -- whatever the increased MOUs we have done are with our current suppliers -- current set of suppliers for the additional volume.

Okay.

Yes.

No, no. The question remains that, let's say, for example, you are getting, let's say, INR 50 per kg HRC and next month, it goes to INR 52. Okay. You have locked in the quantity, but price would be variable. Now on your realization that INR 2 would be gain, correct? Or how does -- it is generally...

Yes. The transmission of prices, there may be a lag of 7 to 10 days, but then eventually, whatever price decrease or increase is generally a pass-through.

Okay. Okay. And sir, last couple of questions from my side. So you have done almost 3,85,000 metric tons of sales during 9 months. And you have earlier guided for around 5.5 lakh to 6 lakh metric tonnes of sales volume for FY '26. Now looking for Q4, how do you see the sales volume ramping up from here on? And do you think that the earlier guidance is possible to reach to that level? And what will be the guidance for FY '27 and FY '28 as we are ramping up the capacity as well?

So basically, we have given our guidance of 5.5 lakh tonnes. So I'll be -- plus/minus 5%, 10%, we'll be there in that range.

Okay. And for FY '27, do you think that 6 lakh or 6 lakh plus is the possibility?

Yes, yes. Because with this new capacity of 1.05, we do a 65% utilization. So 6.5 lakh tonnes is quite conservatively, we'll be achieving this.

Okay. But don't you think, sir, the major -- as the peers are also ramping up their capacity, so there would be too much excess capacity in the system that will basically -- it would be difficult for anyone to absorb the incremental capacity in the system. So the volume sales should become difficult as you move on from...

So I look at this way. Now with in our industry, there are at least 10% to 12% increase in the market every year. And there are a lot of new products that come in. And our focus is the innovation in the new products and new markets. So I -- at Hi-Tech, we feel confident that 20%, 25% volume growth we can achieve for next 6, 7 years at least.

Our next question is from the line of Akshay Shetty from Mirae Asset.

My question is on profitability. I wanted to know what is the management's medium-term EBITDA per tonne target? And do you see EBITDA moving towards INR 5,000 per tonne going forward?

Akshay, so yes, as I said, in the Q3, the price -- steel prices have sort of bottomed out. And after this imposition of safeguard duty, things have changed drastically. And once it is not there, so we are definitely between -- if you leave the price volatility, we are operating between INR 4,000 to INR 4,500 per tonne. So that is our outlook. And hopefully, Q4 and the onward quarters will be substantially better.

Yes. I have one more question. Currently, value-added products stands at around 37%, 38% of the total sales. And you are targeting like 42% to 50% in next, I guess, 1 to 2 years. So what initiatives will drive this improvement in the product mix?

So whatever new -- the capacities are coming, they are focused towards value-added products like color-coated at Jammu, our solar [indiscernible] tubes in Gujarat and galvanized products in the other locations. So all these all -- the major focus in the new capacities is towards value-added products. And hopefully, by end of FY '27, we'll touch our capacity mix of 50% when it comes to value-add product.

Yes. And one more question. What is your EBITDA per tonne outlook for FY '26?

So we are currently in the range of INR 34, INR 35 per tonne, and Q4 will be substantially better compared to Q3. And Q4 onwards, INR 4,000 per tonne is a realistic number that we are looking at.

Our next question is from the line of Aniket Madhwani from Steptrade Capital.

Am I audible?

Yes, yes.

So my question was with regards to the volumes. So in this quarter, we have achieved around 1.36 lakh tonnes. And out of this, how much does it account for exports?

Sir, this month -- in this quarter, we have done almost 6,000 to 7,000 tonnes of export volume. And -- in the coming quarters, it is going to go up because with the uncertainty of CBAM, which is the carbon border adjustment mechanism in EU. So this -- there are a new set of rules which had to come in from the 1st of January. But now there's a lot of clarity now. And the Europe buyers who were like sitting on the fence in November and December, they are now quite active now and the clarity and whatever we have -- we had to do some certifications and all that has been done. And this volume will significantly go up in Q4 onwards.

All right. So which country accounts the most from this 6,000 to 7,000 tonnes? I mean which country?

Currently, Europe holds the largest market share.

Okay. And what about the margin level? Exports does have higher margins than the domestic?

Yes. Currently, the margins will certainly go up. Right now, our first focus was to make the customers aware of our company, aware of our products, aware of our quality. So now everything in last 1 year, that has been set. All the markets, the certification processes have been -- all have been done. And going forward, now we are in a position where we can leverage on these things.

All right. And secondly, what is the outstanding order book do you have currently?

Sorry, can you repeat your question?

What is the outstanding order book?

For export?

Aggregate level, on aggregate level.

Domestic and exports both, right?

Yes.

Yes. So currently, the order book stands between INR 200 crores to INR 250 crores. This comprises of all our large EPC orders, our solar orders and export orders and some institutional.

Okay. And from this INR 200 crores to INR 250 crores of orders, how much is from exports? I mean how much does it come from export?

About INR 20 crores.

As there are no further questions, I would now like to hand the conference over to Mr. Anish Bansal for closing comments. Over to you, sir.

In closing, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our customers for their continued trust, our employees for their dedication and commitment and our shareholders for their unwavering confidence in Hi-Tech Pipes Limited. Thank you.

Thank you. On behalf of Hi-Tech Pipes Limited, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines. Thank you.