Vardhman Special Steels LtdQ3 FY26

Vardhman Special Steels Ltd Q3 FY26 Earnings Call Analysis

Revenue, margin, capex, fundraise and order book outlook from management commentary.

Price: 353P/E: 22.2Market Cap: ₹3.2K Cr

Management growth scorecard

Revenue

Category 3

Margin

Category 1

Fundraise

Yes

Order

N/A

Capex

Yes

3 of 4 growth signals are positive.

Full analysis

Revenue guidance

Category 3
  • Expect to reach 2,70,000 tons capacity by next year, filling it within 2-3 years.
  • FY '27 volume guidance around 2,45,000 tons.
  • Revenue and margins expected to improve with rolling mill expansion; EBITDA per ton projected between Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 11,000 by FY '28.
  • Potential EBITDA range of Rs. 216 crores (lower end) to Rs. 300 crores at full capacity.
  • Growth drivers include domestic auto sector expansion, export opportunities resuming post-tariff issues, and green steel demand.
  • New forging plant commissioning targeted before July 2029 to support further volume and product expansion, focusing on auto, including EV parts.
  • Capacity expansion via new reheating furnace to improve production and reduce costs.
  • Gradual normalization expected after current pricing pressure and competition.
  • Export contributions remain 6-8% of revenue, with growth dependent on market conditions.

Margin guidance

Category 1
  • Vardhman Special Steels aims to increase production capacity from 50,000 tons to 270,000 tons by next year, filling this capacity in 2-3 years, potentially ending the current CAPEX cycle thereafter.
  • EBITDA per ton is expected to improve from Rs. 8,000–11,000 currently to possibly Rs. 8,000–12,000 or Rs. 9,000–12,000 by FY '28.
  • At 270,000 tons capacity, EBITDA is projected between Rs. 216 crores (lower end) to about Rs. 300 crores.
  • Revenue growth is anticipated due to increased production enabled by the new reheating furnace and improved margins as costs decline.
  • The forging business commissioning is targeted before July 2029, indicating additional revenue streams.
  • Conservative financial management aims to keep debt-to-equity below 1:1, ensuring sustainable growth.
  • Growth drivers include import substitution, direct supply to auto OEs, green steel demand, and circular economy initiatives.

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Fundraise plans

Yes
  • No immediate plans to raise debt as the company currently has enough equity aligned.
  • Debt raising is likely to occur mostly in 2027, possibly partly in 2026, aligned with future cash flow requirements.
  • The company aims to maintain a conservative balance sheet with a target debt-to-equity ratio around 0.5x, and an upper limit of 0.75x briefly if needed.
  • Future CAPEX plans focus on the new plant and forging business; details and announcement to come by January conference.
  • Existing CAPEX on the current plant is ongoing with no major new allocations beyond the announced projects.
  • Increased stake and capital infusion from Aichi Steel signify stronger commitment but do not necessarily indicate new fundraising immediately.

Order book

  • The transcript does not explicitly mention the current or expected order book or pending orders in specific figures.
  • It is indicated that approvals from auto OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), including European OEMs, are progressing well with initial positive feedback and expected order starts next financial year.
  • The company expects to start supplying directly to auto OEMs and Tier 2 suppliers, which is a new development.
  • Expansion of capacity to 270,000 tons by next year is expected to support increased orders.
  • Major business drivers include domestic demand revival, export opportunities, and circular economy initiatives starting with Maruti Suzuki.
  • The forging business announcement is expected by January, targeting commissioning by July 2029, which will potentially add to future order intake.
  • Overall, business seems poised for growth but no specific order backlog figures are disclosed.

Capex plans

Yes
  • Current CAPEX related to existing plant includes:
  • - Commissioning of a new reheating furnace by March of the financial year to increase capacity from 200,000 to 270,000 tons.
  • - NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) line to be commissioned by June for improving quality capacity.
  • - Investments in R&D lab, Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), and fume extraction system upgrades.
  • - Most major CAPEX for the existing plant to be completed by mid-next year.
  • Future CAPEX plans:
  • - New forging plant focused on the auto sector, announcement expected by January 2026.
  • - Target commissioning of forging line before July 2029.
  • - New Greenfield steel plant planning underway; no finalized investment figures yet.
  • - Debt raising primarily expected during 2026-2027 to support new projects.
  • - Post current expansion, future capex will shift mainly to the new plant and forging business rather than existing facilities.

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