Ramkrishna Forgings Limited (RKFORGE) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

July 24, 2024

National Stock Exchange of India IN Materials Metals and Mining earnings 44 min

Earnings Call Speaker Segments

Operator

operator
#1

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the Ramkrishna Forgings' Q1 FY '25 Earnings Conference Call hosted by Nuvama Wealth. [Operator Instructions] I now hand the conference over to Mr. Raghunandhan from Nuvama Wealth Management. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

Raghunandhan N. L.

analyst
#2

Good afternoon, everyone. On behalf of Nuvama Wealth Management, I would like to welcome you all to this earnings call of Ramkrishna Forgings. I would like to thank the management for giving us this opportunity. We have with us today, Mr. Naresh Jalan, Managing Director; Mr. Lalit Kumar Khetan, Whole Time Director and Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Chaitanya Jalan, Whole Time Director; Mr. Milesh Gandhi, Executive Director, Marketing; and Mr. Rajesh Mundhra, Vice President, Finance and Company Secretary. Before we begin, may I remind you of the safe harbor. The management may be making some forward-looking statements that have to be understood in conjunction with the uncertainty and the risks the company faces. I shall now hand over the call to Mr. Lalit Kumar Khetan for opening remarks. Over to you, Lalit, sir.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#3

Raghu, I think lot of noise on the call right now. I'm having a lot of noise on the call. Rajesh, are you getting the same?

Raghunandhan N. L.

analyst
#4

Lisa, can you look at it?

Operator

operator
#5

No, sir. No, sir. There is no noise.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#6

Hello?

Operator

operator
#7

No. There is no noise in the background.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#8

Okay. Let me start, okay? It's better. Ladies and gentlemen, good evening, and a very warm welcome to everyone present on the call. I'm honored to be joined by Mr. Naresh Jalan, our Managing Director; Mr. Chaitanya Jalan; and Mr. Milesh Gandhi, Whole Time Director; and Rajesh Mundhra, our Company Secretary. I hope you all had got an opportunity to go through our financial results and [Technical Difficulty] Hello?

Raghunandhan N. L.

analyst
#9

You're audible, Lalit.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#10

Yes, sorry. So I hope you all have got an opportunity to go through our financial results and investor presentation, which have been uploaded on the stock exchanges as well as on the company's website. We are happy to report that the company has delivered steady results for the first quarter. Firstly, let me give you a brief into latest trends in the global market. The global forging market had experienced robust growth in recent years and with a projected increase from INR 94.74 billion in 2023 to INR 132.06 billion by year 2028. That reflects a CAGR growth of 6.7% over this period. The market is also going to reach 17.6 lakh metric ton by 2028-'29 with a CAGR of 5.4% during the period '24 to 2029. The automotive sector holds a significant share of about 61.8% of forged components within India and forging market in terms of volume for the year '23 in terms of value, the automotive sector contributed approximately USD 3.6 billion in 2023, and this is expected to grow to about USD 5.4 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 7.6%. Now, let's look at our financial performance for the quarter and year-ended Q1 FY '25. In Q1 FY '25, we achieved a revenue of INR 868.5 crore on the standalone basis, which represents a year-on-year growth of 4%. Our EBITDA margin for Q1 FY '25 stands at 23.1%, adjusted for impact of one-off expense of INR 17.5 crore as compared to 22.4% in Q1 FY '24. The EBITDA margin expanded by 70 basis points year-on-year, and we are confident of sustaining margins of approximately this 23% plus for the forthcoming quarters. Further, our net profit after tax stood at INR 73.1 crore for Q1 FY '25 compared to INR 77 crores in Q1 FY '24. Looking ahead, there is a lot of optimism for the future. We see positive trends across different areas, including freight movement, freight rates and activity in industry, cement and iron ore sectors. Major projects like dedicated freight corridors are also expected to boost sales of commercial vehicles. With government finances improving and focus on growth related programs, we can expect this positive trend to continue. At Ramkrishna Forgings, we are ready to seize the growth opportunity by leveraging our strength in innovation, operational excellence and strategic partnerships. We are confident in our ability to adapt, innovate and create value for our stakeholders, while making a positive impact on the industry and society. Thank you for your continued support. And before we go to the Q&A, I request my colleague, Mr. Milesh Gandhi, to update you all on the market. Over to you, Milesh. Milesh, are you there?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#11

Milesh is not there.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#12

So let me update the audience on the market. So just for the benefit of the audience, we would like to -- we have got a visibility of new order inflow of INR 526 crores during the quarter from North America. That is out of that, CV contains INR 201 crore; LV, INR 109 crore; and EV at INR 16 crores; and balance is non-auto, that is INR 200 crores. That is from North America. Moving forward with Europe, we got an order inflow of [ INR 287 crores ], and that's mostly from the CV. EV was only miniscule, 1% of that. Then coming to India, we have an inflow of INR 442 crore from the CV side and INR 284 crore from the railway side. And from -- sorry INR 442 crore order inflow is INR 362 crore from the CV side, INR 80 crore is non-auto. Apart from that railway is INR 284 crore. And apart from that, rest of the world, there is an inflow of about INR 140 crore of orders on the CV side. That's the visibility we have on the order in Q1 FY '25 on the additional order side. That's all from my side. Thank you. And now we can take the Q&A.

Operator

operator
#13

[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of Mumuksh Mandlesha from Anand Rathi.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#14

Can you hear me, sir?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#15

Yes, we can hear you.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#16

Yes. Sir, I just want to understand the rationale for this acquisition of the Resortes Libertad, Mexico company. Just want to understand what's the reason behind that acquisition, sir?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#17

No, I think, we have -- this is just a company to start up in Mexico. It's -- this company has no business to set up a legal entity in Mexico for us, it would have taken us 1 year time and to start business. So, we have acquired a legal entity registered in Mexico, who has no manufacturing operations right now. So, basically, we have -- you may have seen that acquiring this, we have changed the name also of this entity. And now we will start our Mexico operations, which we had informed the investors in last year, in this entity.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#18

Got it, sir. Sir, on the order book, congrats on a strong order book for this quarter, is it possible to share, sir, what would be the annual order book that would get executed, say, by FY '26 or '27, post this acquisition sir?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#19

This -- 100% of this order book is executable in every year. This is total order book, which has been north of INR 1,200-plus-crores. It's basically a 4-year order. So, basically, if you see that almost INR 300-plus-crores is executable every year, starting next year onwards.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#20

Okay. No, I mean, let's say cumulatively, sir, in the past year also, any cumulative number you would have, sir?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#21

No, I -- we would not -- these are basically the new orders which we have got in this quarter. Previous -- past is already on stream and is already converted in businesses, and you will be able to see this in coming quarters in terms of incremental tonnages.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#22

Got it, sir. Sir, coming on the results, sir, domestic revenue this quarter was very muted, broadly in line with the underlying industry. We didn't so much outperformance. Is there any mix impact, like the, a lower tonnage segment has grown more than the higher tonnage? Why is...

Naresh Jalan

executive
#23

No, I think, basically, there is a small dip in the overall revenue, which you see in the domestic is a mix of basically lower offtake as well as raw material price decrease, which has happened in the domestic market.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#24

Okay. And, sir, on the one-off of INR 175 million, which you mentioned in the presentation, what is this one-off, sir?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#25

Lalit?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#26

Yes. So, that INR 17.5 crores one-off expenditure is basically a contribution to electoral trust.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#27

Sorry, can you repeat, sir?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#28

The contribution to electoral trust. That's the INR 17.5 crores expenditure, one-off expenditure.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#29

And, sir, this quarter, gross margin has seen improvement, while the broadly export and domestic revenue was Q-on-Q broadly unchanged mix-wise, what could have led the improvement, sir?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#30

Well, you can see the price realization on the export side, if you see the export realization has improved, that has led to this kind of improvement.

Mumuksh Mandlesha

analyst
#31

And this price realization, basically the price hike which you've got?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#32

It is a mix of price hike as well as it is a mix of new order wins, which you have started converting into businesses.

Operator

operator
#33

Next question is from the line of Mitul Shah from DAM Capital.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#34

Hello. Am I audible, sir?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#35

Yes, you're audible?

Mitul Shah

analyst
#36

Sir, my first question is on the subsidiary. It seems that there is a decent margin improvement on Q-on-Q basis. So can you give more details on this? And if you can give subsidiary-wise, few key numbers?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#37

So Mitul, coming to that, we just want to update you that we have started operations in JMT Auto and the name of JMT Auto has been changed to Ramkrishna Casting Solutions Limited. So that company has started operation. We have done an improvement in terms of margin in Multitech also, and the operations in ACIL is also being ramped up. So all the 3 contributed to this improvement in margin. And I can say the marginal improvement from all the subsidiaries has led to this kind of improvement in the consortium.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#38

So it is the operational efficiency kind of thing or there is a raw material benefit also part of this?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#39

No, it is only operational efficiency.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#40

Okay.

Naresh Jalan

executive
#41

And, Mitul, just to update you, it is just a start. I think, we had -- when we acquired these companies also, we had said that it is a start of a new journey for us. And going forward, with the experience we carry and with the team we have, it will be a continuous improvement in the subsidiaries in terms of margin improvements. And you -- and in the future also you will see the same trajectory being followed, and there is lot of headroom in terms of overall margin expansion in the subservice.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#42

Okay. Sir, one clarification, this electoral trust related amount is sitting in the other expense, right?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#43

Yes, Mitul, that is in other expense.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#44

Okay. Sir, second question is on the railway side. What is the status on this Vande Bharat order, which earlier you highlighted about INR 270 crores executed over '25 and '26? And any further update on that in terms of potential in this year, getting more orders?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#45

No, I think, in terms of Vande Bharat, it has just started. I think, we have already started making protos. And in the coming quarter, we are going to submit the protos for validation. And from then, what is the time -- whatever time it takes for validation and we have -- like we have said in 20 -- next year and the following year, we have to complete this order.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#46

So this INR 270 crore would be in FY '26 and FY '27?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#47

Yes. And it will be in line with whatever Vande Bharats are made. But this -- once this validation of bogie happens, it will open also new opportunities for us directly into the Indian Railways. This is a private sector order which we have got. But the -- once the validation and our design is approved, it will open also an opportunity after 6 months in current railway manufacturing of the Vande Bharat. And other private sector orders also, which government is in process of going forward.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#48

Sir, which are these components? Can you highlight a few?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#49

No, it is entirely assembled bogies in which -- under frame of the Vande Bharat. It is in full, complete assembly. So it is not a particular component, it's entire assembly, which we are going to make and sell.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#50

Okay. Great, sir. Lastly on, sir, what is update on this Titagarh JV, and when we are expecting first product to come out operation to begin, and what can be the first year revenue potential?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#51

So, I think, right now, it is moving as per our vision. And I think we look at FY '26 last quarter to be the first batch of productions for railway validation to start rolling out, and it is on track and on time.

Operator

operator
#52

The next question is from the line of Rohit Singh from Nvest Analytics Advisory.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#53

My question on the demand outlook for the current year and what is the volume guidance for FY '25?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#54

No, I think, in terms of demand, we still stand by our commitment of 15% to 20% volume growth year-to-year. So FY '24 to FY '25, we feel that we will be able to achieve and do better than what we have predicted it.

Operator

operator
#55

The next question is from the line of Akhil Gulecha from [ Pekaday Family & Office ].

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#56

So my question is a bit generic. So, pardon me for that. The last few years, a major growth has come from exports. So, can you please explain very specifically, like why have all of these export orders come to India, and why have they specifically come to us, Ramkrishna Forgings? What are we doing that is so different than our competitors in India or globally?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#57

I think, I cannot answer your question why the customers are coming to India. I think, what we can say that we have set up a world-class facility, and we are marketing that accordingly in the global world, and the customer who are looking for diversification or introducing world-class technology are buying products from us.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#58

Okay. Understood. So, is there anything specific? Because the growth has come recently in the last few years as opposed to earlier on. So, anything that has changed significantly? Is it the high energy prices globally? Is that why we are gaining market share, one of the reasons?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#59

No, I think it has not come only in the last year. If you see last 4 to 5 years, we are constantly growing in terms of exports. And we continue -- I think we are thriving to continue to do that in next of the years.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#60

Okay. Because even in domestically, when I compare you to other listed players in the similar industry, you have grown much faster than all of them. So there is something that you are doing right? So I'm just trying to understand, other than world-class facility or good process, what is it that you're doing right that others aren't able to replicate?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#61

I cannot tell you why others cannot. But I can tell you, it means that we are doing good marketing and good -- we are good suppliers.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#62

Okay. So, is there anything else in this industry, which gives a significant competitive advantage? Or is it just the process and efficiency that is better.

Naresh Jalan

executive
#63

Yes, it is only a question of process and efficiency and a good marketing team.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#64

Okay. Is there a significant pricing difference as well or is that similar across most players?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#65

I'll not comment on anybody's pricing, sir, please. I think I would rather stick to what I am doing and what we can do.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#66

Okay, okay. Understood. Understood. That's it from my side.

Operator

operator
#67

The next question is from the line of Balasubramanian from Arihant Capital.

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#68

Sir, how much volume growth in this quarter witnessed overall? And on the Titagarh side, earlier, the project cost is around INR 1,250 crores, INR 1,300 crores in that range. Is there any escalations in that project cost? These are my first question.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#69

So right now, what we are looking at the project cost of the Titagarh side, the project is around INR 1,800-odd crores right now. So, the project cost is INR 1,800 crore.

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#70

Okay, sir. Sir, on the volume side, sir?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#71

Volume side, I mean, in terms of?

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#72

The overall volume growth in this quarter? Because last time, we have guided 15% to 20% kind of volume growth for FY '25. So are we in the track?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#73

Yes, yes. We are very much on the track for achieving the 15% to 20% volume growth for the FY '25.

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#74

Okay, sir. And sir, on the export side, we are targeting 50:50 kind of mix on domestic and exports. And I just want to understand which are the regions we are targeting, whether in Europe, Asia or U.S.? Like, what kind of opportunities we have, if you could share like an approximate mix region-wise?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#75

No, I think, we are not targeting any specific region. We are marketing around the globe, wherever OEMs are there, wherever forging is required.

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#76

Okay, sir. Sir, on that Red Sea impact last quarter, we have seen some impact. We are also in the discussion with customers for 10% to 15% like rationalizations. So, what kind of impact we are seeing in this quarter?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#77

I'm unable to understand your question.

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#78

Sir, last quarter, we had some impact because of Red Sea on the delayed shipments around INR 20 crore kind of impact.

Naresh Jalan

executive
#79

No, the impact was -- I think impact was INR 20 crores, and I think still the impact remains similar -- in the similar range, and that has become a regular precedent. I think Red Sea issue, unless the war stops, I think there is nothing which can be done. So, it has become a regular course of business right now. So, INR 15 crore -- INR 20 crores to INR 25 crores will remain always in mid-sea or material -- so, that is the kind of capacity or inventory we have built in the system.

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#80

Got it, sir. Sir, like we're also in the discussion with customers to rationalize 10% to 15%. It is done or we are still in the discussion?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#81

We are still in the discussion.

Operator

operator
#82

The next question is from the line of Vidrum Mehta from ASK Investment Managers.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#83

Just want to understand on the demand front...

Naresh Jalan

executive
#84

Your voice is not there. Can you speak a little loud, please? We cannot hear you.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#85

Is it better?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#86

Yes, it's better.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#87

Sir, just wanted to understand on the demand front; so for Q1, our volume growth is 1%. For FY '25, we are guiding for a volume growth of 15% to 20%. So, what is helping us remain confident that for the remaining 9 months? Or if you can help us understand what is the visibility in terms of volume growth, which we can see in the remaining 9 months?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#88

So, if you are saying it is 1%, I think you are comparing quarter-on-quarter. So, basically, for the full year basis may, I can -- we are very confident and we have the visibility of the complete order book as well as offtakes from the customer on a steady flow basis, we are seeing that happening. And that is the reason we are confident of achieving 15% to 20% volume growth.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#89

So, is it because of the new order book, we remain confident of achieving this volume growth?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#90

Past order wins have already started showing traction in terms of supplies. And we are very confident that overall, whatever volumes have been projected on those new orders are starting to show results. So, we are very confident that we will be able to meet expectation and do better than what we are estimating in terms of 15% to 20% volume growth.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#91

Okay. And also, sir, if I look at the domestic revenue breakup. So, domestic market revenue is down 3%. And you alluded to the fact that it is partly attributable to the raw material price decrease and as well as lower offtake in your opening remarks. But in that case, so should we assume a lower realization per ton…?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#92

Yes, I think we have already shared, I think if you can see in our presentation, we have given our domestic realization as well as export realization. And you can see that, in that domestic realization is on a downward -- that has gone down.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#93

No. So, I am just asking from a full year point of view. So, for FY '25...

Naresh Jalan

executive
#94

No, I think -- see, raw material prices is completely pass on for us. And basically, we cannot comment how the market will shape up into coming quarters. And in India, steel prices is completely not in sync with the global market. It is completely supply and demand curve. If the demand is -- in domestic market, is higher in the coming quarters, we may see increase also. So, in that case, realization may go up also. So currently, we don't see -- we cannot comment on what steel pricing is going to be there in India in coming quarters.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#95

So, 15% to 20% growth is broadly what we are asking or we are estimating is, with respect to volume, and that should flow to revenue. That is what is a fair assumption.

Naresh Jalan

executive
#96

Yes, 15% to 20% in terms of volume. Basically whatever raw material price is there, plus the conversion is going to flow into the revenue.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#97

Okay. And sir, can you help us, subsidiary revenue for Multitech and ACIL for this quarter?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#98

Coming to the Multitech, it's about INR 86 crore and for ACIL, it's about INR 17 crore of the revenue for the quarter.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#99

INR 86 crore and INR 17 crore?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#100

Yes.

Naresh Jalan

executive
#101

INR 17 crores, 1-7.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#102

1-7, INR 17 crores.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#103

Yes. So, sir, if I look at the full year FY '24 Multitech revenue, I guess it reported INR 360-odd crores, correct? INR 353...

Lalit Khetan

executive
#104

INR 350-odd crores, INR 353-odd-crores, yes.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#105

So, are we seeing any signs of improvement? Because the run rate of INR 85 crores, INR 90 crores is broadly maintained in Q1 as well?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#106

So, I think this is just the first quarter. And, as you know, first quarter, because of heat and everything, extreme summer, the casting production goes down. I think you will be able to see significant changes in coming quarters.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#107

Sir, why I am asking is, basically because in the analyst meet, we had shared our vision for '25 and '26, wherein the revenue from Multitech was significantly higher. So, are we in that trajectory in terms of...

Naresh Jalan

executive
#108

We still maintain the same.

Vidrum Mehta

analyst
#109

Okay. Okay, and sir, if you could just repeat once again the order inflow, which you shared in your opening remarks, it would be really helpful?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#110

I think, Milesh has joined, I think. Probably, Milesh can speak more on the order intake.

Milesh Gandhi

executive
#111

Yes. So, good evening. I wanted to convey that in this quarter, there has been a good order inflow with regard to the company's forward plan. We have been able to have good order wins across the globe, not only in India and also overseas, and both in auto and non-auto segments. To be specific, the order inflow are to be executed over a period of 4 years, except railways, where it is as per contract value. Against the current order flow that we have received in this quarter, it is worth INR 1,679 crores, in which North America constitutes to around INR 526 crores order inflow wherein it comes from the CV segment is around INR 201 crores, from the light vehicle segment, it is INR 109 crores, and also from the EV in the auto side, it is worth INR 16 crores. And we have had order books inflows from non-auto segment for INR 200 crores that mainly comes from the mining, earthmoving and other segments. Moving forward with Europe, we had an order inflow of around INR 287 crores, mainly coming from the CV side and from EV. In this, we had an order flow of about INR 3 crores. From the rest of the world, we find around INR 140 crore order flow from the CV market. And to mention about India. In India, we had an order flow of around INR 442 crores, in which CV is worth INR 362 crores and non-auto is around INR 80 crores. That is mainly from the farm equipment and other segments. Lastly, with regard to railways, we are finding a good order flow too. And in this, we have an order flow around INR 284 crores. That is with regard to the undercarriage and other items that we supply to the railways. Thank you from my end.

Operator

operator
#112

The next question is from the line of Mitul Shah from DAM Capital.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#113

Sir, my question is, again, on the average realization, wherein we are indicating a decline. But in export side, it has gone up. That is the first question. And second, sir, in terms of Q-on-Q, what is the [ directionally ] for Q2? Can we expect some further decline in average realization or what could be the quantum?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#114

No, in terms of exports, I think, in terms of product mix change and addition of new customers, wherein order announcements had been made in previous years, have started showing traction, and that is the reason realization in exports have improved. In terms of domestic, seeing the current trend, what is available right now, we don't expect any reduction in terms of realization. But we never know what is going to happen with the steel market. And as of now, when we speak, I don't think any downside risk is there to realization for the quarter.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#115

That means in export also, we have similar pass-through for all the clients or that is a mix of few plants…

Naresh Jalan

executive
#116

For raw material, in exports are not India-centric. It is basically in terms of exports indexes. In terms of North America, we follow North American index and for Europe, we follow European index. So based on those indexes, we don't see a major dip in terms of any realization happening in coming -- in current quarter.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#117

Okay. Sir, considering the further investment required in the subsidiaries, what is the balance sheet situation at the end of first quarter in terms of net and gross debt? And how much investment we expect for next 3 quarters -- balance 3 quarter during the financial year in subsidiaries?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#118

So, considering, Mitul, the gross debt and net debt for the quarter, if you look at it, is a little bit elevated by almost INR 100 crores on the consol basis due to the investment made in the subsidiaries. And we have already shared earlier also the debt levels will remain at the level what we are in the FY '24 in the full year -- by the end of full year. So, it will be more or less on the same level what we ended in FY '24.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#119

And what will be full year investment and CapEx for '25?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#120

So, we have already guided, if you remember, our last quarters, we have -- about INR 500 crore will be invested in RKFL stand-alone in terms of CapEx. Apart from that, about INR 135-crore-odd in the subsidiary, and there will be about INR 100-odd-crore investment in the joint venture of the railway project by way of investment that we have already guided and we were [ keen to ] stand by those numbers.

Mitul Shah

analyst
#121

No change in that?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#122

More change in that, yes.

Operator

operator
#123

The next question is from the line of Chirag Shah from White Pine Investment Management Private Limited.

Chirag Shah

analyst
#124

So sir, 2 questions. Sir, one basically housekeeping question. So, in consolidated, we have a line item called cost of services. If you can just indicate what exactly it is? And does it move in line with your raw material costs or there is some lead/lag over there? And it pertains to what part of the business?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#125

So you very well know that we have an hospitality business.

Chirag Shah

analyst
#126

Yes.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#127

That adds to the cost of services business.

Chirag Shah

analyst
#128

Okay, Okay. So I thought it is related to some services that you give in the export market, great. Sir, second question is just an update on how should we think about the ramp-up of the various subsidiaries. We are in the ramp-up phase and you have given an guidance earlier, I'm aware of that. But incrementally, how should one look at the ramp-up, at least from next 2 to 4 quarters' perspective? Because...

Naresh Jalan

executive
#129

Chirag, I think in terms of our investor presentation, we stick to the guidance which we have made in that and we have nothing to add or say further to the investor presentation already made.

Chirag Shah

analyst
#130

And sir, one last question, sir. On the railway side, or maybe even off-highway, if you want to expand? Is there any new product or anything that you are working or which is in advanced stage of approval or validation kind of a thing? If you would like to share, how are you looking to further expand our product bouquet?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#131

No, I think, we have nothing to share in this. As a company, we have a policy to continue to work on products and new customers. So, I think as and when we have to add anything, we would usually come back to.

Chirag Shah

analyst
#132

Okay, sir. Sir, margin -- on the margin side, on the subsidiary level margins, it is purely linked to the ramp-up, right? The operating leverage plus efficiency will be reflected as and when revenue scales up. That is the right way to look at?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#133

It is already showing traction, I think.

Chirag Shah

analyst
#134

Yes. Yes, it is. It is.

Naresh Jalan

executive
#135

For the quarter itself, we have 23%-plus margin, basically operational efficiencies and cost reductions, whatever is going on, I think it's already showing traction in the balance sheet and it will continue to be showing going forward also.

Operator

operator
#136

The next question is from the line of [ Ankur Poddar ] from [ Swan Investments ].

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#137

Sir, I have one question regarding the employee cost for the stand-alone business. So, we have seen almost [ 6% ] Y-o-Y increase in the employee cost, and on a Q-on-Q basis also, there is a 6%, 7% increase. So any -- similar to what you have mentioned that in other expenses, there is some extraordinary. So, any other -- is there any -- some one-offs sitting here, and what is the trajectory we should assume going forward?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#138

So coming to the employee benefit expenses, if you're looking on quarter-on-quarter increase is about INR 3 crore increase, Ankur. So that's mainly on account of the pay-for-performance we pay to our employees, due to that, this increase is there. And we've already said there is a one-off expenses in the other expenses. That's why the elevation in other expenses.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#139

Okay. But there is -- Y-o-Y that is around 18% increase from INR 44-odd crores in the last year to almost INR 52 crores. So, that is one. And also in other expenses INR 126 crores last year to INR 200 crores. So you said INR 17 crore was other expenses, was exceptional item. Apart from that, there is also other expense seems to be elevated a bit. So, can we throw some light there what strategy we can assume going forward here?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#140

So, to be specific there, if you look at that, there is a growth in volume and fee. Our store space and processing charges also are part of this other expenses, and there has been increase in both. That is a significant increase during the year on the stores and processing charges. And then you can see the increase in shipping costs. When you are looking at Q1 FY '24 versus Q1 FY '25, there is a INR 17 crore increase in terms of shipping costs, INR 17.5 crores at one-time cost [indiscernible] and other on the stores and processing. All these combined is the increase of INR 75 crores, if you look at Q1 versus Q1 year-on-year.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#141

Okay. Okay. Okay. Sir, how are you seeing -- what is -- in the balance sheet, what is currently the working capital cycle? And how are you seeing this freight rate moving ahead in the second half of the year? Freight rate in terms of shipping rate, I'm trying to say?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#142

So, shipping costs are right now hardening already -- hardened already and it's not softening so far. I think it has a lot to do with the Red Sea crisis and the ship movement. So it depends upon that. So, we don't know where we will end up at the end of year on the shipping cost side. But what was the another part of your question?

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#143

Working capital cycle for...?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#144

Working capital is around 90 days. Net working capital is around 90 days, and that will continue to remain at 90 days cycle.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#145

Okay. Okay. And sir, what would be the roughly cash balance in the balance sheet?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#146

So, we do not carry any cash balance, maybe INR 20 crore, INR 25 crore kind of thing [indiscernible], otherwise, right now, we don't have a cash balance. We have a lot of unutilized balance in terms of bank lines. So, we keep our bank lines unutilized rather than keeping cash on the balance sheet.

Operator

operator
#147

The next question is from Atul from ULJK Financial Services.

Atul Panpatil

analyst
#148

So, my question might be repeated. I would like to understand, we have reported a 3% decline on Y-o-Y basis in domestic revenues. So, what were the reasons behind this decline? That would be helpful.

Naresh Jalan

executive
#149

I think we have already explained in the call. The reason is raw material price decrease as well as there has been a lower offtake from the customer. Both have basically added to the 3% decline in domestic output.

Atul Panpatil

analyst
#150

Okay. Yes, sir. And my second question is on our inorganic strategy, which you are following, sir. So, so far, this strategy has been working quite well for us. So in coming time, are we looking for any more acquisitions, if you could put light on that?

Naresh Jalan

executive
#151

As a company, as a policy, we are always looking for opportunities wherein we can incrementally grow. So, as of now, we don't have anything in pipeline. As and when we have anything, we will surely come back to you.

Operator

operator
#152

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Balasubramanian.

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#153

Sir, in the Multitech Auto, we have seen some quarter-on-quarter decline, and we have guided around 20% growth in this year with a 200 basis point margin improvement. What is the current margin stand at, sir? And what kind of levers are there for margin improvement?

Lalit Khetan

executive
#154

Lalit? Yes. So coming to -- I think your question is related to Multitech Auto?

Balasubramanian A

analyst
#155

Yes, sir. Right.

Lalit Khetan

executive
#156

So Multitech Auto, see, what we have guided in terms of growth, revenue growth, the guidance remains the same, the 15% to 20% growth in terms of Multitech Auto also. Right now, we are currently operating at around 16% plus EBITDA margin, and there will be a further improvement of 100 basis points, 200 basis points in EBITDA in Multitech Auto going forward.

Operator

operator
#157

[Operator Instructions] As there are no further questions from the participants, I now hand the conference to management for closing comments.

Naresh Jalan

executive
#158

Thank you. I take this opportunity to thank everyone for joining the call. I hope we have been able to answer and address all your queries. For any further information, get in touch with us or our Investor Relationship Adviser. Thank you very much for sparing your time and joining this call. Thank you.

Operator

operator
#159

On behalf of Nuvama Wealth Management, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines.

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