Q1 2027 Alicon Castalloy Ltd Earnings Call

August 14, 2026

Speaker #1: Ladies and gentlemen, good day and welcome to the Alicon Castalloy Limited Q1 FY27 earnings conference call. As a reminder, all participant lines will remain in the listen-only mode.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the Alicon Castalloy Limited Q1 FY27 earnings conference call. As a reminder, all participant lines will remain in the listen-only mode, and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions after the management's opening remarks. Should you need assistance during the conference call, please signal the operator by pressing star, then zero on your touch-tone telephone. Please note that this conference is being recorded. I will now hand the conference over to Mr. Mayank Vaswani from CDR India. Thank you, and over to you.

Speaker #1: And there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions after management's opening remarks. Should you need assistance during the conference call, please signal the operator by pressing star, then zero on your touch-tone telephone.

Speaker #1: Please note that this conference is being recorded. I will now hand the conference over to Mr. Mayank Vasmani from CDL India. Thank you, and over to you.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Ryan. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us on Alicon Castalloy Limited's Q1 FY27 earnings conference call. We have with us on the call today Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar, Group CEO, and Mr. Vimal Gupta, Group CFO.

Mayank Vaswani: Thank you, Ryan. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us on Alicon Castalloy Limited's Q1 FY27 earnings conference call. We have with us on the call today Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar, Group CEO, and Mr. Vimal Gupta, Group CFO. Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar will begin by sharing his perspectives on the industry environment and overall business performance. Mr. Vimal Gupta will then take you through the financial and operational performance for the quarter. Before we begin, I would like to remind you that today's discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The relevant disclaimer is included in the earnings materials that have been circulated earlier. I would now like to hand over the floor to Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar. Sumit, over to you.

Speaker #2: Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar will begin by sharing his perspectives on the industry environment and overall business performance. Mr. Vimal Gupta will then take you through the financial and operational performance for the quarter.

Speaker #2: Before we begin, I would like to remind you that today's discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The relevant disclaimer is included in the earnings materials that have been circulated earlier.

Speaker #2: I would now like to hand over the floor to Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar. Sumit, over to you.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Mayank, and good morning, everyone. Let me begin by thanking all our investors, analysts, and shareholders for joining us today. This is my first investor interaction with you after taking charge as the CEO of Alicon, effective 1st April 2026.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Thank you, Mayank, and good morning, everyone. Let me begin by thanking all our investors, analysts, shareholders for joining us today. This is my first investor interaction with you after taking charge as the CEO of Alicon effective 1 April 2026. Before I speak about the quarter, I would like to take a moment to share with you how I see Alicon, where are we today, and more importantly, where are we going. When I took charge, I articulated three words to the organization, which is reset, refocus, and rebuild. I clearly remember that I did share this with you during my last call in the last quarter. These three words are not about changing the fundamentals of Alicon. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

Speaker #3: So, before I speak about the quarter, I would like to take a moment to share with you how I see Alicon—where we are today, and more importantly, where we are going.

Speaker #3: When I took charge, I articulated three words to the organization, which are reset, refocus, and rebuild. And I clearly remember that I did share this with you during my last call in the last quarter.

Speaker #3: These three words are not about changing the fundamentals of Alicon; in fact, it is quite the opposite. We believe Alicon has a strong foundation built over the years: strong customer relationships, deep costing and manufacturing capabilities, a credible technology platform, global exposure, and, most importantly, a talented and committed organization.

Sumit Bhatnagar: We believe Alicon has a strong foundation over the years, strong customer relationship, deep casting and manufacturing capabilities, a credible technology platform, global exposure, and most importantly, a talented and a committed organization. Our objective is to take these strengths and sharpen them. We want to make Alicon more agile, more efficient, more customer-focused, and more scalable. Therefore, reset, refocus, and rebuild is not a short-term program. It's the operating philosophy with which we intended to build the next phase of Alicon. Let me start with the market environment. The Indian automotive industry, it continues to remain structurally very strong. The underlying demand environment has been positive, and we have seen healthy growth across major automotive segments. More importantly, the latest industry data continues to support this positive trend in Q1 FY27.

Speaker #3: Our objective is to take these strengths and sharpen them. We want to make Alicon more agile, more efficient, more customer-focused, and more scalable. Therefore, reset, refocus, and rebuild is not a short-term program.

Speaker #3: It's an operating philosophy with which we intend to build the next phase of Alicon. Let me start with the market environment. The Indian automotive industry continues to remain structurally very strong.

Speaker #3: The underlying demand environment has been positive, and we have seen healthy growth across the major automotive segments. More importantly, the latest industry data continues to support this positive trend in Q1 FY27.

Speaker #3: The percentage of vehicles recorded their highest ever first quarter sales is approximately 1.57 million units, growing to around 11.3%. Two-wheelers grew 21%, and commercial vehicles grew 19.5%.

Sumit Bhatnagar: The passenger vehicles recorded their highest ever first quarter sales is approximately 1.57 million units, growing to around 11.3%, two-wheeler grew 21%, and commercial vehicles grew 19.5%. The overall environment is quite supportive. What is particularly encouraging for us is that Alicon has grown significantly faster than the underlying market. During the quarter, Alicon registered a year-on-year growth of approximately 37.7% on a consolidated basis and 43.6% on a standalone basis. If we adjust the impact of material inflation, our underlying volume or growth is approximately 17.5% on consolidated basis and 22% on standalone basis. For me, this is an important number because it demonstrates that our growth is not simply a function of higher commodity prices being passed through to the customers.

Speaker #3: So, the overall environment is quite supportive. But what is particularly encouraging for us is that Alicon has grown significantly faster than the underlying market.

Speaker #3: During the quarter, Alicon registered year-on-year growth of approximately 37.7% on a consolidated basis and 43.6% on a standalone basis. If we adjust for the impact of material inflation, our underlying volume growth is approximately 17.5% on a consolidated basis and 22% on a standalone basis.

Speaker #3: For me, this is an important number because it demonstrates that our growth is not simply a function of higher commodity prices being passed through to the customers.

Speaker #3: There is real underlying growth happening within the business. Our commercial vehicle business is a particularly good example. We have registered approximately 26% growth in the commercial vehicle segment, supported by the conversion of some of the businesses we acquired recently into mass production.

Sumit Bhatnagar: There is real underlying growth happening within the business. Our commercial vehicle business is particularly a good example. We have registered approximately 26% growth in commercial vehicle segment, supported by the conversion of some of the businesses we acquired recently into mass production. This is precisely the kind of growth we want to build, growth that comes from new customers, new programs, increased wallet share, and successful industrializations. At the same time, Q1 was definitely not an easy quarter on a profitability perspective. The quarter witnessed a significant volatility in the input cost, particularly because of the geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Metal prices, gas prices, cooling costs, and several other input costs moved sharply. This created pressure across the entire automotive supply chain, and Alicon was definitely not an exception.

Speaker #3: This is precisely the kind of growth we want to build—growth that comes from new customers, new programs, increased pallet share, and successful industrialization.

Speaker #3: At the same time, Q1 was definitely not an easy quarter from a profitability perspective. The quarter witnessed significant volatility in input costs, particularly because of the geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

Speaker #3: Metal prices, gas prices, tooling costs, and several other input costs moved sharply. This created pressure across the entire automotive supply chain, and Alicon was definitely not an exception.

Speaker #3: Therefore, while the top-line performance was strong, the inflationary environment created huge pressure on margins and profitability. This is something we are addressing very aggressively through our operational efficiency initiatives, which I will come to shortly.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Therefore, while the top-line performance was strong, the inflationary environment created a huge pressure on the margins and profitability. This is something we are addressing very aggressively through our operational efficiency initiatives, which I will come to you shortly. Now, if I look at the automotive technology transition, it is very clear that there are most important structural changes which are taking place in the industry, the transition towards the new powertrain technologies. We believe the future automotive landscape will not be defined by a single technology. It will be a combination of ICE vehicles, hybrid and electric, and other emerging technologies depending on the application, geography, infrastructure, and the customer requirements. We see particularly a strong potential in hybrid vehicles.

Speaker #3: Now, if I look at the automotive technology transition, it's very clear that there are important structural changes taking place in the industry.

Speaker #3: The transition towards the new power train technologies, we believe the future automotive landscape will not be defined by a single technology. It will be a combination of ICE vehicles, hybrid and electric, and other emerging technologies, depending on the application, geography, infrastructure, and the customer requirements.

Speaker #3: We see particularly strong potential in hybrid vehicles. Our current assessment is that the hybrid segment could grow at approximately 25% to 30% CAGR over the next several years, while EVs could grow at approximately 20% to 22% CAGR over four to five years.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Our current assessment is that the hybrid segment could grow an approximate 25% to 30% CAGR over the next several years, while EVs could grow at approximately 20% to 22% CAGR over four to five years of time. This is strategically important for Alicon because we are already well positioned. We have a strong presence in hybrid vehicles, including supplying the largest hybrid vehicle manufacturing company in India as a single-source supplier. This is a significant strategic advantage. At the same time, our EV portfolio is also expanding. We are supplying products such as electric motor housings, E-axle housings, battery housings, inverter housings to the leading Indian and global companies in the EV ecosystem. So we are not betting on one technology, and we are positioning Alicon to participate in the entire evolution of vehicle architecture. And this is where our technology and engineering capabilities become extremely important.

Speaker #3: This is strategically important for Alicon because we are already well positioned. We have a strong presence in hybrid vehicles, including supplying the largest hybrid vehicle manufacturing company in India as a single-source supplier.

Speaker #3: This is a significant strategic advantage. At the same time, our EV portfolio is also expanding. We are supplying products such as electric motors, housings, EXL housings, battery housings, and inverter housings to the leading Indian and global companies in the EV ecosystem.

Speaker #3: So we are not betting on one technology, and we are positioning Alicon to participate in the entire evolution of vehicle architecture. This is where our technology and engineering capabilities become extremely important.

Speaker #3: Now, the three words—reset, refocus, and rebuild. Let me first talk about what we are trying to reset. This is the first pillar. When I say reset, I do not mean starting from zero.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Now, the three words reset, refocus, and rebuild. Let me first talk about what we are trying to reset. This is the first pillar. When I say reset, I do not mean starting from zero. We are not changing the basic fundamentals of the company. We are sharpening our strategic intent. The first objective under reset is to create what I call as an island of excellence. We want Alicon to become an organization where excellence is not dependent on an individual or a particular plant. It becomes a culture, it becomes a system, and it becomes the way we operate every day. One of the most important areas for me personally is people. We are redefining our people policies with the objective of making Alicon one of the most desired workplaces in the industry. Over the last past few months, we have significantly strengthened the organization.

Speaker #3: We are not changing the basic fundamentals of the company; we are sharpening our strategic intent. The first objective under Reset is to create what I call an island of excellence.

Speaker #3: We want Alicon to become an organization where excellence is not dependent on an individual or a particular plant. It becomes a culture, it becomes a system, and it becomes the way we operate every day.

Speaker #3: One of the most important areas for me personally is people. We are redefining our people policies with the objective of making Alicon one of the most desired workplaces in the industry.

Speaker #3: Over the past few months, we have significantly strengthened the organization. We have brought in experienced and high-quality talent across technology, quality, process engineering, human resources, maintenance, safety, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Sumit Bhatnagar: We have brought in experienced and highly quality talent across technology, quality, process engineering, human resource, maintenance, safety and manufacturing, and supply chain. We have hired some of the best talent from across the industry and the country, and I am particularly pleased with the quality and depth of leadership team that is now coming together. The organization has been rebuilt to prepare Alicon for multifold growth. Now, talking about the refocus strategy, this is the second pillar. Refocus means being very clear about what we want to play, which customers we want to serve, what capabilities we want to build, and importantly, where can we create the highest value. We are looking very closely at our customer portfolio. We are asking ourselves a very simple question: Are we getting enough value from every relationship, every program, and every capability that we have built?

Speaker #3: We have hired some of the best talent from across the industry and the country, and I am particularly pleased with the quality and depth of the leadership team that is now coming together.

Speaker #3: The organization has been rebuilt to prepare Alicon for multifold growth. Now, talking about the refocus strategy—this is the second pillar. Refocus means being very clear about where we want to play, which customers we want to serve, what capabilities we want to build, and importantly, where we can create the highest value.

Speaker #3: We are looking very closely at our customer portfolio. We are asking ourselves a very simple question: Are we getting enough value from every relationship, every program, and every capability that we have built?

Speaker #3: And our objective is to increase value addition. During the quarter, which has just gone by, we registered an approximate 17.6% growth in our value addition.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Our objective is to increase value addition. During the quarter which has just gone by, we registered an approximate 17.6% growth in our value addition, but we believe there is a considerable headroom ahead. We are therefore working extensively on improving our operational efficiency. Every factory, every process, and every function is being examined through the lens of productivity, cost, and quality. We are looking at our conversion costs. We are looking at energy consumption, tooling, rejections, rework, health of the machines, logistics, inventory and every single form of waste in the system. Because in an inflationary environment, we cannot simply rely on the price increases to protect the margins. We have to become structurally more efficient. This is the philosophy behind refocus, and I believe this will become one of the most important drivers of margin expansion for Alicon over the medium term.

Speaker #3: But we believe there is considerable headroom ahead. We are therefore working extensively on improving our operational efficiency. Every factory, every process, and every function is being examined in terms of productivity, cost, and quality.

Speaker #3: We are looking at our conversion costs. We are looking at energy consumption, tooling, rejections, reworks, health of the machines, logistics, inventory, and every single form of waste in the system.

Speaker #3: Because in an inflationary environment, we cannot simply rely on price increases to protect the margins. We have to become structurally more efficient. This is the philosophy behind Refocus.

Speaker #3: And I believe this will become one of the most important drivers of margin expansion for Alicon over the medium term. Now, talking about Rebuild, which is the third pillar—Rebuild is fundamentally about building the future growth engine of Alicon.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Now, talking about rebuild, which is the third pillar. Rebuild is fundamentally about building the future growth engine of Alicon. This includes rebuilding our customer base, strengthening our order book, adding capacities ahead of demand, and creating the manufacturing infrastructure required to support the next phase of growth. Recently, we announced an investment of approximately INR 125 crores over a period of next two years at our leased facility at Shikrapur. The facility is approximately 1.36 lakh square feet. We deliberately chose to lease facility because we want to significantly reduce our time to market. At this facility, we are investing in GDC, LPDC, and machining capabilities to support the recently acquired businesses. Based on our current programs, we expect this facility to generate approximately INR 500 crores of annual revenue over a period of four to five years of time.

Speaker #3: This includes rebuilding our customer base, strengthening our order book, adding capacities ahead of demand, and creating the manufacturing infrastructure required to support the next phase of growth.

Speaker #3: Recently, we announced an investment of approximately ₹125 crores over the next two years at our latest facility at Shikharapur. The facility is approximately 1.36 lakh square feet.

Speaker #3: We deliberately chose to lease the facility because we want to significantly reduce our time to market. At this facility, we are investing in DDC, LPDC, and machining capabilities to support the recently acquired businesses.

Speaker #3: Based on our current programs, we expect this facility to generate approximately ₹500 crores of annual revenue over a period of four to five years.

Speaker #3: But I want to emphasize one thing: this is just the beginning. We are already evaluating additional opportunities to increase our capacity, and we expect to announce further investments as these opportunities mature.

Sumit Bhatnagar: But I want to emphasize one thing, this is just the beginning. We are already evaluating additional opportunities to increase our capacity, and we expect to announce further investments as these opportunities mature. Our philosophy is now very clear. We will invest behind visible demand, but we will also build capacity ahead of the growth curve where we have strong customer visibility. Now, let me quickly also talk about the recent order books. The other important part of rebuild strategy is our customer and order book strategy, and I am happy to say that we had very successful quarter on this front. During the last quarter, we acquired businesses across both automotive and non-automotive segments, which together have the potential to generate more than INR 450 crores of revenue over the past next five years.

Speaker #3: Our philosophy is now very clear. We will invest behind visible demand, but we will also build capacity ahead of the growth curve, where we have strong customer visibility.

Speaker #3: Now, let me quickly also talk about the recent order books. The other important part of our rebuild strategy is our customer and order book strategy, and I am happy to say that we had a very successful quarter on this front.

Speaker #3: During the last quarter, we acquired businesses across both automotive and non-automotive segments, which together have the potential to generate more than ₹450 crores of revenue over the next five years.

Speaker #3: This is strategically important because these are not just incremental orders. They expand our customer base, increase our addressable market, and create opportunities for additional programs.

Sumit Bhatnagar: This is strategically important because these are not just the incremental orders, they expand our customer base, increase our addressable market, and create opportunities for additional programs. We are also working very closely with several Indian and global customers and expect to book additional high-value orders during the current quarter. Another important milestone is that we have recently gained entry into two large Indian passenger vehicles and commercial vehicle OEMs, and together we currently have visibility of approximately INR 850 crore of business over past next five years with these two customers, and these are the orders which are already booked with them. For Alicon, this is much more than a number. These customers addition strengthen our position in the Indian automotive ecosystem and create a platform for multiple future programs.

Speaker #3: We are also working very closely with several Indian and global customers and expect to book additional high-value orders during the current quarter. Another important milestone is that we have recently gained entry into two large Indian passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle OEMs.

Speaker #3: And together, we currently have visibility of approximately ₹850 crore of business over the next five years with these two customers. And these are the orders which are already booked with them.

Speaker #3: For Alicon, this is much more than a number. These customer additions strengthen our position in the Indian automotive ecosystem and create a platform for multiple future programs.

Speaker #3: At the same time, our relationships with some of the largest global commercial vehicle OEMs continue to grow consistently. We are acquiring multiple programs from these customers on a regular basis, and what is particularly encouraging is that we are now receiving inquiries from global OEMs with whom Alicon has never worked before.

Sumit Bhatnagar: At the same time, our relationship with some of the largest global commercial vehicle OEMs continue to grow consistently. We are acquiring multiple programs from these customers on a regular basis, and what is particularly encouraging is that we are now receiving inquiries from global OEMs with whom Alicon has never worked before. That tells us our capabilities, quality standards, and technology are increasingly getting recognized globally. We will, of course, update you as these opportunities mature and become firm business wins for us in future. Now let me quickly also briefly talk about our Europe operations. Our European facility reported lower sales during the quarter, primarily because the production ended for certain parts that had reached the end of production cycle, which is quite normal of an automotive business.

Speaker #3: That tells us our capabilities, quality standards, and technology are increasingly getting recognized globally. We will, of course, update you as these opportunities mature and become firm business wins for us in the future.

Speaker #3: Now, let me quickly also briefly talk about our Europe operations. Our European facility reported lower sales during the quarter, primarily because production ended for certain parts that had reached the end of their production cycle, which is quite normal for an automotive business.

Speaker #3: What is important is that we have already acquired new businesses, and we expect the European operation to make a strong comeback as these programs ramp up.

Sumit Bhatnagar: What is important that we have already acquired new businesses, and we expect the European operation to make a strong comeback as this program ramps up. Our objective remains to build a sustainable and profitable European business with a healthy pipeline of new programs. Now, let me also quickly touch upon our profitability while the numbers will be taken up by our CFO, Mr. Vimal Gupta. Coming to profitability, despite the challenging input cost environment, our performance was better both year-on-year and sequentially on the relevant consolidated and standalone comparisons. I would like to put this in context. The quarter was characterized by strong revenue growth but also by significant volatility in input costs. Therefore, our immediate focus is on ensuring that the strong top-line momentum increasingly translates into profitability. This is where the three pillars come together.

Speaker #3: Our objective remains to build a sustainable and profitable European business with a healthy pipeline of new programs. Now, let me also quickly touch upon profitability, while the numbers will be taken up by our CFO, Vimal Gupta.

Speaker #3: Coming to profitability, despite the challenging input cost environment, our performance was better both year-on-year and sequentially. On the relevant consolidated and standalone comparisons, I would like to put this in context.

Speaker #3: The quarter was characterized by strong revenue growth, but also by significant volatility in input costs. Therefore, our immediate focus is on ensuring that the strong top-line momentum increasingly translates into profitability. This is where the three pillars come together.

Speaker #3: Looking ahead, as I look at Alicon today, I see a company at an important inflection point. We have a strong market behind us, and we have technology transitions creating new opportunities.

Sumit Bhatnagar: As I look at Alicon today, I see a company at an important inflection point. We have a strong market behind us. We have technology transitions creating new opportunities. We have a strong leadership team. We have new customers. We have new programs. We have capacity investments underway, and we have a growing pipeline of opportunities across India and global markets. But I also want to clarify that we are not going to chase growth at any cost. Our ambition is profitable, sustainable, and capital-efficient growth. The quality of growth matters to us as much as the quantum of growth. We want to improve our customer mix. We want to increase value additions. We want to improve asset utilization, reduce waste, and also we want to strengthen our margins. We want to generate superior returns of capital we deploy.

Speaker #3: We have a strong leadership team. We have new customers. We have new programs. We have capacity investments underway, and we have a growing pipeline of opportunities across India and global markets.

Speaker #3: But I also want to clarify that we are not going to chase growth at any cost. Our ambition is profitable, sustainable, and capital-efficient growth.

Speaker #3: The quality of growth matters to us as much as the quantum of growth. We want to improve our customer mix and increase value additions.

Speaker #3: We want to improve asset utilization, reduce waste, and also strengthen our margins. In addition, we want to generate superior returns on the capital we deploy.

Speaker #3: Our ambition is therefore not simply to become a larger aluminum casting company. Our ambition is to become a technology-led, globally relevant, high-value manufacturing partner to automotive and selected non-automotive customers.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Our ambition is therefore not simply to become a larger aluminum casting company. Our ambition is to become a technology-led, globally relevant, high-value manufacturing partner to automotive and selected non-automotive customers. I believe that we have the right ingredients to achieve that. With that, I would like to hand over to our CFO, Mr. Vimal Gupta, who will take you through the financial performance for the quarter. Thank you.

Speaker #3: And I believe that we have the right ingredients to achieve that. With that, I would like to hand over to our CFO, Mr. Vimal Gupta, who will take you through the financial performance for the quarter.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Sumeet. And good morning, everyone. We have commenced FY27 with a strong performance and, importantly, crossed ₹500 crore of quarterly sales for the first time in Alicon history.

Vimal Gupta: Thank you, Sumeet, and good morning, everyone. We have commenced FY27 with a strong performance and importantly crossed INR 500 crore of quarterly sales for the first time in Alicon history. During the quarter, total income stood at INR 579 crore, growing by 37% year-on-year and 17% on sequential basis. The EBITDA was INR 55 crore with the EBITDA margin of 9.5%. We are pleased to report strong growth in profitability with profit before tax of INR 18 crore, growing 45% year-on-year, and profit after tax INR 12 crore, higher by 23% year-on-year basis. From a revenue perspective, the quarter was supported by high volumes and program ramp-up across our domestic business, together with steady execution of existing customers' programs. Our international business, however, had a relatively softer quarter.

Speaker #1: During the quarter, total income stood at ₹579 crore, growing by 37% year-on-year and 17% on a sequential basis. The EBITDA was ₹55 crore, with an EBITDA margin of 9.5%.

Speaker #1: We are pleased to report strong growth in profitability, with profit before tax of ₹18 crores, growing 45% year on year, and profit after tax of ₹12 crores, higher by 23% on a year-on-year basis.

Speaker #1: From a revenue perspective, the quarter was supported by high volumes and program ramp-up across our domestic business, together with steady execution of existing customers and programs. Our international business, however, had a relatively softer quarter.

Speaker #1: This was largely in line with our expectations, as certain mature programs in our European operations are nearing the end of their life cycle, while the next set of programs is yet to ramp up to meaningful production volumes.

Vimal Gupta: This was largely in line with our expectations as certain mature programs in our European operations are nearing the end of their life cycle, while the next set of programs is yet to ramp up to meaningful production volumes. As a result, we are currently in transition phase, where the decline in legacy business has not yet been fully offset by new program launches. Given that our standalone operations continues to deliver stronger profitability, this temporary gap in the international business has also had an impact on our consolidated margin profile. We remain confident that as these new programs move into production over the coming quarters, the performance of our international business will improve progressively. It is important to highlight that the growth during the quarter reflects a combination of volume growth, program ramp-ups, new business execution, and the impact of price movement in aluminum base and other alloys.

Speaker #1: As a result, we are currently in a transition phase where the decline in legacy business has not yet been fully offset by new program launches.

Speaker #1: Given that our standalone operations continue to deliver stronger profitability, this temporary gap in the international business has also had an impact on our consolidated margin profile.

Speaker #1: We remain confident that, as these new programs move into production over the coming quarters, the performance of our international business will improve progressively. It is important to highlight that the growth during the quarter reflects a combination of volume growth, program ramp-ups, new business execution, and the impact of price movements in aluminum-based and other alloys.

Speaker #1: On the margin side, profitability during the quarter continued to be affected by higher input costs, including aluminum and other alloys, as well as an increase in employees.

Vimal Gupta: On the margin side, profitability during the quarter continued to be affected by higher input costs, including aluminum and other alloys, as well as increase in employees, energy, logistic, and other operating costs. There are three distinct factors to consider when looking at our margin trajectory. The first is raw material inflation, primarily aluminum and related alloys. These costs are contractually pass-through in nature and are fully recoverable from customers, albeit with a timing lag. The second relates to manufacturing costs such as labor and other operating overheads. We are actively engaging with customers to recover a part of these cost increases through price revisions. We have already secured approvals from some customers, while discussions with others are progressing well, and we expect further closures during the current quarter. The third, and perhaps the most important from a long-term perspective, is improving the underlying cost structure of the business.

Speaker #1: Energy, logistics, and other operating costs. There are three distinct factors to consider when we are looking at our margin trajectory. The first is raw material inflation, primarily aluminum and related alloys.

Speaker #1: These costs are contextually pass-through in nature and are fully recoverable from customers, albeit with a timing delay. The second relates to manufacturing costs, such as labor and other operating overheads.

Speaker #1: We are actively engaging with customers to recover a part of these costs, mainly through price revisions. We have already secured approvals from some customers, while discussions with others are progressing well.

Speaker #1: And we expect further closures during the current quarter. The third, and perhaps most important from a long-term perspective, is improving the underlying cost structure of the business.

Speaker #1: This is entirely within our control and includes initiatives around productivity, automation, process optimization, manpower efficiency, and better absorption of fixed costs as volume grows.

Vimal Gupta: This is entirely within our control and includes initiatives around productivity, automation, process optimization, manpower efficiency, and better absorption of fixed cost as volume grows. At the same time, we are consciously improving our business mix by increasing the share of higher value-added products involving machining, engineering, and more complex manufacturing. Our objective is therefore not merely to recover inflationary costs, it is to improve the structural profitability of the business and build a more resilient margin profile over time. We are confident that these initiatives will become increasingly visible in the margin profile as the benefits accumulate and the newer capacities move towards high utilization. Now coming to the capital allocation. The new manufacturing facility announced during the quarter represents an investment of approximately INR 125 crores.

Speaker #1: At the same time, we are consciously improving our business mix by increasing the share of higher value-added products involving machining, engineering, and more complex manufacturing.

Speaker #1: Our objective is, therefore, not merely to recover inflationary costs. It is to improve the structural profitability of the business and build a more resilient margin profile over time.

Speaker #1: We are confident that these initiatives will become increasingly visible in the margin profile as the benefits accumulate and the newer capacities move towards higher utilization.

Speaker #1: Now, coming to the capital allocation, the new manufacturing facility announced during the quarter represents an investment of approximately ₹125 crores. It would be important to highlight that we are phasing the investment over two to three years rather than deploying the entire amount upfront.

Vimal Gupta: It would be important to highlight that we are phasing the investment over two to three years, rather than deploying the entire amount upfront. The project will be funded primarily through internal accruals, supplemented by borrowings as required. The pace of investment will be aligned with the progress of customer programs and the requirements of the facility. This is consistent with how we intend to approach capital allocation more broadly. Investment should be supported by customer demand, have a clear path towards utilization, and generate appropriate return over time. For Q1 FY27, capital expenditure was approximately INR 40 crores, and for the full year it is planned approximately INR 150 crores. This includes around INR 70 crores, out of INR 125 crore earmarked for the new manufacturing facility.

Speaker #1: The project will be funded primarily through internal approvals, supplemented by borrowings as required. The pace of investment will be aligned with the progress of customer programs and the requirements of the facility.

Speaker #1: This is consistent with how we intend to approach capital allocation more broadly. Investments should be supported by customer demand, have a clear path towards utilization, and generate appropriate returns over time.

Speaker #1: For quarter one, FY27, capital expenditure was approximately ₹40 crore. For the full year, it is planned at approximately ₹150 crore. This includes around ₹70 crore out of the ₹125 crore earmarked for the new manufacturing facility.

Speaker #1: So now, coming to the outlook, including the recent order waves, the quarter Alicon's executable order book stands at approximately ₹8,450 crores as on 30th June, which represents executable orders over a period of six years, from 2025-26 to 2030-31.

Vimal Gupta: Now coming to the outlook, including the recent order wins, the quarter, Alicon's executable order book stands at approximately INR 8,450 crores as on 30 June, which represents executable orders over a period of six years from 2025-26 to 2030-31. This doesn't include programs that are currently ongoing and had already formed part of revenue prior to FY26. FY27 financial priorities. From the financial perspective, therefore, I would summarize our priorities for FY27 in four areas. First, to support 8% to 10% underlying top line growth that we have guided for while maintaining the quality of the growth. Second, to progressively improve margins through a combination of customer recovery and internal productivity measures. Third, to deploy capital in line with customer demand and maintain discipline around leverage and cash flow.

Speaker #1: This doesn't include programs that are currently ongoing and had already formed part of revenue prior to FY26. So, FY27 financial priorities from a financial perspective.

Speaker #1: Therefore, I would summarize our priorities for FY27 in four areas. First, to support 8% to 10% underlying top-line growth that we have guided for, while maintaining the quality of the growth.

Speaker #1: Second, the progressively improved margins through a combination of customer recovery and internal productivity measures. Third, to deploy capital in line with customer demand and maintain discipline around leverage and cash flow.

Speaker #1: And fourth, to improve working capital efficiency and to ensure that a greater proportion of our operating performance converts into cash. We recognize that these improvements will not necessarily happen in a straight line each quarter, but the focus is very clear and the initiatives are already underway.

Vimal Gupta: And fourth, to improve working capital efficiency and to ensure that a greater proportion of our operating performance converts into cash. We recognize that these improvements will not necessarily happen in straight line each quarter, but the focus is very clear and the initiatives are already underway. With that, we would now be happy to take your questions. Thank you.

Speaker #1: With that, we would now be happy to take your questions. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Anyone who wishes to ask a question may press star and one on their touch-tone telephone.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Anyone who wishes to ask a question may press star and one on their touchtone telephone. If you wish to remove yourself from the question queue, you may press star and two. Participants are requested to use their handsets while asking a question. Ladies and gentlemen, we will wait for a moment while the question queue assembles. We take the first question from the line of Raghu N L from Nuvama Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: If you wish to remove yourself from the question queue, you may press star and 2. Participants are requested to use their handsets while asking a question.

Speaker #2: Ladies and gentlemen, we will wait for a moment while the question queue assembles. We will take the first question from the line of Raghunandan N.L. from Luama Research.

Speaker #2: Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Congratulations, Sumit Sir, on a strong first quarter under your leadership. Wishing you many more milestones ahead. Thank you very much for sharing the order book execution timeline in the presentation.

Raghu N L: Congratulations, Sumeet Sir, for the strong Q1 with your leadership. Wishing many more milestones ahead. Thank you very much for sharing the order book execution timeline in the presentation. This is very helpful. Two questions. On the domestic market, good to see strong growth and customer additions. Can you talk about the overseas business, considering maturity of some programs? There was some softness in Q1. How do you see the performance in remaining part of the year and also for next year? Also, if you can provide, how do you see the total revenue outlook for FY27 and over a two, three-year basis, a three-year outlook, how would you see the revenue expanding? Thank you.

Raghunandhan NL: Congratulations, Sumeet Sir, for the strong Q1 with your leadership. Wishing many more milestones ahead. Thank you very much for sharing the order book execution timeline in the presentation. This is very helpful. Two questions. On the domestic market, good to see strong growth and customer additions. Can you talk about the overseas business, considering maturity of some programs? There was some softness in Q1. How do you see the performance in remaining part of the year and also for next year? Also, if you can provide, how do you see the total revenue outlook for FY27 and over a two, three-year basis, a three-year outlook, how would you see the revenue expanding? Thank you.

Speaker #3: This is very helpful. Two questions. On the domestic market, it's good to see strong growth and customer additions. Can you talk about the overseas business, considering the maturity of some programs?

Speaker #3: There was some softness in Q1. How do you see the performance in the remaining part of the year? And also, for next year, if you can provide, how do you see the total revenue outlook for FY27?

Speaker #3: And over a two- or three-year basis—a three-year outlook—how would you see the revenue expanding? Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Raghu, for your question. I think you have asked three questions. The first question you have asked is on the performance of our global operations.

Vimal Gupta: Thank you, Raghu, for your question. I think you have asked three questions. The first question you have asked is on the performance of our global operations. I think you are talking about the European operations. Yes, you are right Raghu, and I have also said that we saw a little downfall in the business volumes at the European operations because some of the critical products reached their end of life. But the good news is, we had acquired E-Axle business from one of the largest automotive giant in the world. This business is already under development. We have already invested in very latest technologies in this plant, which will be the starting point for this plant to be seen as a high technology plant by the European OEMs. This is one.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Thank you, Raghu, for your question. I think you have asked three questions. The first question you have asked is on the performance of our global operations. I think you are talking about the European operations. Yes, you are right Raghu, and I have also said that we saw a little downfall in the business volumes at the European operations because some of the critical products reached their end of life. But the good news is, we had acquired E-Axle business from one of the largest automotive giant in the world. This business is already under development. We have already invested in very latest technologies in this plant, which will be the starting point for this plant to be seen as a high technology plant by the European OEMs. This is one.

Speaker #1: I think you're talking about the European operations. Okay. So, yes, you're right, Raghu. And I've also said that we saw a little downfall in the business volumes at the European operations because some of the critical products reached their end of life.

Speaker #1: But the good news is, we had acquired the EXL business from one of the largest automotive giants in the world, and this business is already under development.

Speaker #1: We have already invested in the very latest technologies in this plant, which will be the starting point for this plant to be seen as a high-technology plant by the European OEMs.

Speaker #1: So, this is one. Secondly, there are some more businesses which are right now under development from some of the bigger—again, big—automotive giants in Europe, which will come into SOP towards the later part of the year.

Vimal Gupta: Secondly, there are some more businesses which are right now under development from some of big automotive giants in Europe, which will come into SOP towards the later part of the year. The slow growth, or I would say the reduced growth, what we have seen in the European operations may continue for one or more quarters, which will not be significantly lower than what it has already been. But we see a reversal trend from the last quarter of this financial year, and next year definitely we want this plant to be coming back to the normal state. This is how it is happening there. But I can tell you that we have already hired, again, a lot of experts in this factory to bring new businesses, work on the technologies, and uplift the complete manufacturing part.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Secondly, there are some more businesses which are right now under development from some of big automotive giants in Europe, which will come into SOP towards the later part of the year. The slow growth, or I would say the reduced growth, what we have seen in the European operations may continue for one or more quarters, which will not be significantly lower than what it has already been. But we see a reversal trend from the last quarter of this financial year, and next year definitely we want this plant to be coming back to the normal state. This is how it is happening there. But I can tell you that we have already hired, again, a lot of experts in this factory to bring new businesses, work on the technologies, and uplift the complete manufacturing part.

Speaker #1: So, the slow growth, or I would say the reduced growth that we have seen in the European operations, may continue for one or more quarters, but it will not be significantly lower than what it has already been.

Speaker #1: But we see a reversal trend from the last quarter of this financial year, and next year, definitely, we want this plant to be coming back to the normal state.

Speaker #1: So this is how it is happening there. But I can only tell you that we have already had, again, a lot of experts in this factory to bring new businesses, work on the technologies, and uplift the complete manufacturing part, part of Europe.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Part of Europe. When those investments happen, we will definitely come back to you and tell when it is happening. But the new investments on the technology for the new businesses, one, has already been committed in the last year, and it will show results from Q3 of this financial year. This is one. Secondly, your question is on, how do we see this financial year, FY27. If you remember in the last quarter when we were actually meeting you for the first time, we were talking about a modest growth of 10%, and I clearly remember that investors also had asked me at that time that this looks to be very modest and does not have an aggression. Good that we have a great start, and we want to continue this journey.

Speaker #1: And those investments, when they happen, we will definitely come back to you and inform you when it is happening. But the new investments in technology for the new businesses—one has already been committed last year, and it will show results from the third quarter of this financial year.

Speaker #1: So this is one. Secondly, your question is on how do we see this financial year, FY27. If you remember, in the last quarter, when we were actually meeting you for the first time, we were talking about a modest growth of 10%. And I clearly remember that investors also had asked me at that time that this looks to be very modest and does not have aggression.

Speaker #1: It's good that we have had a great start and we want to continue this journey. I can see a growth of approximately 12% to 15% coming in this financial year, which is neutralized to the material effect.

Sumit Bhatnagar: I can see a growth of approximately 12% to 15% coming in this financial year, which is neutralized to the material effect. This is not because of the inflations, but the true growth is approximately 12% to 15%, which I can see in this financial year, FY27. I think your third question is that how do we see the coming two to three years of time? This is going to be a journey of growth for us. We will make some strategic decisions, which we will be letting you know when they are happening. But this financial year is the year of setting up the capacities. We have invested in one factory. We have plans, which we will only announce you soon. But we may soon come with more investments.

Speaker #1: So, this is not because of inflation, but the true growth is approximately 12 to 15%, which I can see in this financial year, FY27.

Speaker #1: And I think your third question is about how we see the coming two to three years of time. This is going to be a journey of growth for us.

Speaker #1: We will make some strategic decisions, which we will let you know about when they happen. But this financial year is the year of setting up the capacities.

Speaker #1: We have invested in one factory. We have plans which we will only announce to you soon, but we may soon come with more investments—very early, I would say—in a different part of the country.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Very early, I would say, in a different part of the country, but before it happens, we will definitely announce our plans about it. But we are working on our strategies, and we will be announcing it soon. Organically, we see major investments coming in next two years of time. On inorganic growth, there are some plans which I cannot share with you in the investor side now, but I promise you that by Q4 of this financial year, I will also show how inorganically Alicon grows. The growth rate, what we are indicating for this financial year, definitely we are looking for a similar growth rate for the next few years as well. I hope that answers, Raghu N L, the questions you have asked.

Speaker #1: But before it happens, we will definitely announce our plans about it. We are working on the strategies, and we will be announcing them soon.

Speaker #1: Organically, we see major investments coming in the next two years. On inorganic growth, there are some plans which I cannot share with you on the investor side now, but I promise you that by the fourth quarter of this financial year, I will also show how, inorganically, Alicon grows.

Speaker #1: And the growth rate that we are indicating for this financial year—definitely, we are looking for a similar growth rate for the next few years as well.

Speaker #1: I hope that answers, Raghu, the questions you have asked.

Speaker #3: Wonderful, sir. Thank you. Thank you so much for the detailed answer. And, just a clarification, so in Q1, the actual growth was around 17 and a half percent.

Raghu N L: Wonderful, sir. Thank you. Thank you so much for the detailed answer. Just a clarification, so in Q1, the actual growth was around 17.5%. So, that is the growth you are referring to when you are taking a one year and a three-year outlook. Is that right, sir?

Raghunandhan NL: Wonderful, sir. Thank you. Thank you so much for the detailed answer. Just a clarification, so in Q1, the actual growth was around 17.5%. So, that is the growth you are referring to when you are taking a one year and a three-year outlook. Is that right, sir?

Speaker #3: So, that is the growth you are referring to when you are taking a one-year or three-year outlook. Is that right, sir?

Speaker #1: Yeah, that's right. That's right, assumption. That's the reference. Yeah, that's the reference.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah, that is right. That's the right assumption.

Raghu N L: Wonderful.

Raghunandhan NL: Wonderful.

Sumit Bhatnagar: That's the reference. Yeah. That's the reference.

Speaker #3: Wonderful, sir. Thank you so much. Second question to Vimal sir, on the margin side. Sir, good to see ₹18 crore PBT in Q1, which is a 20% growth year-over-year—a strong performance.

Raghu N L: Wonderful, sir. Thank you so much. Second question to Mr. Vimal Gupta on the margin side. Sir, good to see INR 18 crore PBT in Q1, which is a 20% growth YOY, a strong performance. On the margin side, how do you see the receipt of that price increases from customers for the various cost inflations in coming quarters? How do you see the margin outlook for coming quarters? Taking a two-year view, where do you want the margin to go back? If I talk FY28, FY29, how is the aspiration? Where do you want to take the margin levels back? Thank you.

Raghunandhan NL: Wonderful, sir. Thank you so much. Second question to Mr. Vimal Gupta on the margin side. Sir, good to see INR 18 crore PBT in Q1, which is a 20% growth YOY, a strong performance. On the margin side, how do you see the receipt of that price increases from customers for the various cost inflations in coming quarters? How do you see the margin outlook for coming quarters? Taking a two-year view, where do you want the margin to go back? If I talk FY28, FY29, how is the aspiration? Where do you want to take the margin levels back? Thank you.

Speaker #3: On the margin side, how do you see the receipt of that—price increases from customers for the various cost inflation—in the coming quarter? How do you see the margin outlook for the coming quarters, and taking a two-year view?

Speaker #3: Where do you want the margin to go back to? If I talk FY28, FY29, how is the aspiration? Where do you want to take the margin levels back to?

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Yeah, Raghu. First, if you look at the margins for last year, it was approximately 11.4%, I remember. And in this quarter also, we have reached up to that same level.

Vimal Gupta: Yeah, Raghu. First, if you go for the margins for the last year, it was approximately 11.4%, I remember. In this quarter also, we have reached up to that same level that we had in the last year, even after having the lot of impact of the cost increases, the inflation we have seen. Against that, we got some corrections from the customers, but not full. Those are under discussion and maybe some part we will get in Q2 and maybe in Q3 also, because you know that OEM, they immediately don't give all corrections immediately. They take time, and all these things are happening. For this year, Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar has already explained 12% to 15% growth we are expecting by neutralizing the impact of the aluminum.

Speaker #1: that we had in the last year, even after having a lot of impact from the cost increases and the inflation we have seen. And, against that, we got some corrections from the customers, but not fully.

Speaker #1: So those are under discussion. And maybe some part we will get in quarter two, and maybe in quarter three also, because you know that OEM, they immediately they don't give all corrections immediately.

Speaker #1: So, they take time, and all these things are happening. So, for this year, like Sumit has already explained, we are expecting 12 to 15% growth on the growth side.

Speaker #1: by neutralizing the impact of the aluminum. But on the other side, we are also expecting at least a 1% improvement in the EBITDA margins. So this is our expectation for this year.

Vimal Gupta: But on the other side, we are also expecting at least 1% improvement in the EBITDA margins. This is our expectation for this year. Hopefully that may be in the coming, for what you are talking about, the next two to three years. Progressively, like what we are investing on that basis, and further it will improve only, I can say. But it is difficult to give the guidance for the future for that. Because lot of initiatives we are taking on the cost side and our business restructuring as well as giving the more focus on the high VA and the high margin parts.

Speaker #1: And hopefully that maybe in the coming, for what you are talking about the next two to three years. So pro progressively like what we are investing on that basis, and, further it will improve only.

Speaker #1: I can say, but it is difficult to give the guidance for the future for that, because a lot of initiatives we are taking on the cost side and our business restructuring as well, and giving more focus on the high VA and the high-margin parts.

Speaker #2: So we can only tell, Raghu, that we will be progressively looking to improve the margins as well in the coming years.

Sumit Bhatnagar: So we can only tell, Raghu, that we will be progressively looking for improving the margins as well in the coming years to come.

Speaker #3: Wonderful, sir. The direction is positive and the outlook is bright. Thank you. Thank you so much, sir. I'll come back in the Q4 with more questions.

Raghu N L: Wonderful, sir. The direction is positive and the outlook is bright. Thank you. Thank you so much, sir. I will come back in the queue for more questions.

Raghunandhan NL: Wonderful, sir. The direction is positive and the outlook is bright. Thank you. Thank you so much, sir. I will come back in the queue for more questions.

Speaker #1: Sure.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Sure.

Speaker #4: Thank you. We will take the next question from the line of Avinash Nahata from Parami Financial Services. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We take the next question from the line of Avinash Nahata from Parami Financial Services. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Yeah. Am I audible?

Avinash Nahata: Yeah. Am I audible?

Speaker #2: Yes, you're audible.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yes, you are audible.

Speaker #4: Yes, please go ahead.

Operator: Yes, please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Yeah. So, the first question is: when we are talking about the ₹8,000 crore order book, can you talk about how much of that is non-automotive?

Avinash Nahata: Yeah. The first question is, when we are talking about INR 8,000 crore odd order book, can you talk about how much is non-automotive built into this? The six years visibility, what we have provided.

Speaker #5: The six years' visibility that we have provided—to understand, how is non-automotive shaping up in terms of order book and future revenue booking?

Sumit Bhatnagar: Non-automotive-

Avinash Nahata: Yeah, I need to understand how is non-automotive shaping up in terms of order book and future revenue booking.

Speaker #1: Yeah. Out of this, out of a book of ₹8,000 crores, ₹450 crores, we see at this moment the non-auto visibility is 2%. So this is roughly around ₹1,200 crores.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah. Out of this order book of INR 8,450 crores, we see at this moment the non-auto visibility is 2%. This is roughly around INR 1,200 crores.

Speaker #5: Okay.

Speaker #2: So, also to add to this, this number of 2% is as per the order book, but this is definitely a pie which we want to expand in the next few years from now.

Avinash Nahata: Okay.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Also to add to this number of 2% is as per the order book, but this is definitely a pie which we want to expand in the next few years from now.

Speaker #5: Okay, so incrementally, since we talked about refocus—so, the non-automotive casting business—is there a new set of teams or team hired for this business?

Avinash Nahata: Okay. Incrementally, since we talked about refocus, non-automotive casting business, is there a new set of team hired for this business? Can you just spend one minute on this?

Speaker #5: Can you just spend one minute on this?

Speaker #2: That's a very, very good question. So, we are creating a completely different vertical for our non-automotive sales. The sales and marketing team we have just created is completely independent from the marketing team that is handling the automotive business.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Okay. It is a very good question. We are creating a completely different vertical for our non-automotive sales. The sales and marketing team which we have just created is completely independent from the marketing team, which is handling the automotive business. As we have to grow this business, we will also strategically put more resources to this team so that they are taking complete account of this vertical separately. The marketing people are already included separately.

Speaker #2: And, as we have to grow this business, we will also strategically put more resources into this team so that they are taking complete account of this vertical separately.

Speaker #2: But the marketing people are already included separately.

Speaker #5: So, when can we see, based on whatever team we are building, there's obviously a lead time when they go to market and position our facility, our capability.

Avinash Nahata: When can we see, based on whatever team we are building, there is obviously a lead time when they go to market and position our facility, our capability. When do you incrementally start seeing order booking? Which quarters we can hear, 3 quarters from now, 4 quarters from now, that inquiries and order bookings have started?

Speaker #5: So when do you incrementally start seeing order booking? I mean, which quarters? Can we hear—three quarters from now, four quarters from now—that inquiries and order bookings have started?

Speaker #2: All right. So just to tell you, it has already started. And just to let you know, we have recently won a business in the non-auto segment.

Sumit Bhatnagar: All right. Just to tell you, it has already started. Just to tell you that we had recently won a business in non-auto segment, which is for HVAC facility for data servers. This is a business which is going to be starting from India, but it will be soon growing globally to all parts of the world. We have not announced the potential of this business because there are some formalities which are still due with the customers to be signed up. This has already started. That is number 1. Number 2, we are already doing some businesses in the defense segment, which is a non-automotive segment. This business, RFQs we are continuously handling and attending to. I think I should have included in my speech, very recently, we have also got into the tractor segment.

Speaker #2: And, which is for HVAC facilities for data servers. Now, this is a business which is going to be starting from India, but it will soon be growing globally to all parts of the world.

Speaker #2: We have not announced the potential of this business because there are some formalities which are still due to be signed with the customers.

Speaker #2: But this has already started. That's number one. Number two, we are already doing some business in the defense segment, which is a non-automotive segment.

Speaker #2: And in this business, RFQs we are continuously handling and attending to. And very recently – and I think I should have included this in my speech – very recently, we have also got into the tractor segment.

Speaker #2: And we have got the first ever business in the tractor segment for a cylinder head, which will be going to the largest tractor manufacturer in the world.

Sumit Bhatnagar: We have got the first-ever business in the tractor segment for a cylinder head, which will be going to the largest tractor manufacturer of the world. There is a change, just to also maybe tell you, generally in tractors, this product is traditionally a cast iron product, but customers are now exploring the aluminum options. We are the first one in the world to be able to give them this solution, and we have already won a business. This business currently looks small, but it has a huge potential because eventually this is the future, and it will be replacing cast iron cylinder heads in tractors in time to come. These are some of the things which I did not explain in the meet, but I can tell you that these are add-ons which will be adding up to the order books in time to come.

Speaker #2: And there is a change. Just to also maybe tell you generally, in tractors, this product is traditionally a cast iron product. But customers are now exploring the aluminum options.

Speaker #2: And we are the first ones in the world to be able to give them this solution. And we have already won a business. This business currently looks small, but it has huge potential, because eventually this is the future, and it will be replacing cast iron cylinder heads in tractors in time to come.

Speaker #2: So these are some of the things which I did not explain in the meet, but I can tell you that still, these are add-ons which will be adding up to the order books in time to come.

Speaker #2: So yes, right now it's 2%, which looks low, but these numbers will begin to change by the end of this year. To be able to give a precise answer to you.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Right now it is 2%, it looks low, but these numbers will begin to change by end of this year to give a precise answer to you.

Speaker #5: Sorry, just to clarify, the first thing you spoke about is HVAC, is it?

Avinash Nahata: Sorry, just to clarify, the first thing you spoke about is HVAC, is it?

Speaker #2: No, see, what happens is, in the global data centers, what happens nowadays is big companies like Amazon or Danfoss put up huge global data centers where they use HVAC to completely cool the facilities.

Sumit Bhatnagar: No. What happens is, in the global data centers, what happens nowadays, big companies like Amazon or Danfoss, they build huge global data centers where they use HVAC to completely cool the facilities. When HVACs are used to cool the facilities, then there are a lot of consumptions of compressors and their related housing systems from aluminum. This is a segment which was never untapped or untouched, and this is where we have got a business from a global company to begin with for India, and then the same part will be used in various locations in North America as well as in Europe.

Speaker #2: When HVACs are used to cool the facilities, there is a lot of consumption by compressors and the related housing systems made from aluminum. Now, this is a segment which was never untapped or untouched.

Speaker #2: And this is where we have got a business from a global company to begin with for India, and then the same part will be used in various locations in North America as well as in Europe.

Speaker #5: So, this is the housing part of it.

Avinash Nahata: This is housing part of it.

Speaker #2: This is a C, because we are basically the aluminum experts and have technology in aluminum. So we will be doing the aluminum housings for these compressors, which are going to be using huge volumes.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, because we are basically the aluminum experts and technology in aluminum, so we will be doing the aluminum housings for this compressor, which are going to be used in huge volumes, which will be a non-automotive segment for us, industrial.

Speaker #2: This will be a non-automotive segment for us—specifically, industrial.

Speaker #5: I have two small questions more. The second is, is it possible to share tonnage for domestic and European business, which we did last year and on this particular quarter?

Avinash Nahata: Okay. I have two small questions more. The second is it possible to share tonnage for domestic and European business, which we did last year and this particular quarter? And third is, for our European businesses, what are our fixed costs? Thank you.

Speaker #5: And third is, for our European businesses: What are our fixed costs? Thank you.

Speaker #2: See, I think if you are talking about tonnage, just allow me a few seconds. We had done approximately 9,000 tons in the last quarter.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, I think if you are talking about tonnage, just allow me a few seconds. We had done approximately 9,000 tons in the last quarter. Let me just tell you precisely.

Speaker #2: Let me just tell you precisely.

Speaker #5: This is standalone?

Avinash Nahata: This is standalone?

Speaker #2: Yeah. No, no. This is, on the on the consolidated basis. let me just have a look. so. So the, the tonnage in, in our European facility is very less.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah. This is on the consolidated basis. Let me just have a look. The tonnage in our European facility is very less. If I say we have done 9,124 tons, only 150 to 200 tons is what we do in Europe, so it is very minuscule at this point of time.

Speaker #2: So it is, if I say we have done 9,124 tons, only 150 to 200 tons is what we do in Europe. So it is very minuscule at this point of time.

Avinash Nahata: Right.

Speaker #2: So that means everything is basically on a standalone basis. And if you ask me how much tonnage we did last quarter or last year, I don't know.

Sumit Bhatnagar: That means everything is basically the standalone basis. If you ask me how much tonnage we did last quarter or last year, I do not know, but if you talk about last quarter, we have done close to 1% higher tonnages compared to the last quarter. While our sales growth, you can see, is much more than that. We have shifted to some high value addition parts and high revenue parts, which is why even on a quite similar tonnage, our revenues are looking much better.

Speaker #2: But if you talk about last quarter, we have done close to 1% higher tonnage as compared to the last quarter, while our sales growth, as you can see, is much more than that.

Speaker #2: we have shifted to some high value addition parts and high revenue parts, which this is why even on a on a quite similar tonnage, our revenues are looking much better.

Avinash Nahata: Understood. Similarly, for FY26, what tonnage we did for standalone?

Speaker #5: Understood. And similarly, for FI26, what tonnage did we do for standalone?

Speaker #2: FY26 standalone—see, that’s what I’m saying. This tonnage was around 9,000 tons in Q1, whereas we have done 9,124 tons in Q1 of this financial year.

Sumit Bhatnagar: FY26 standalone. See, that is what I am saying. This tonnage was around 9,000 tons in Q1, which we have done 9,124 tons in Q1 of this financial year. This is 124 tons higher as compared to the last year. But last year, the tonnage was higher in the European operations. But 100 tons is only a differential, which is coming because of the European operations. Tonnage by it is a little ahead of the last financial year. Last quarter, sorry. Not last financial, last quarter.

Speaker #2: So, this is 124 tons higher as compared to last year. But last year, the tonnage was higher in the European operations.

Speaker #5: So I, I have so, so but 100 ton is only a differential which is coming because of the European operations. So tonnage by it is, little ahead of the last financial year.

Speaker #5: Last quarter—sorry, not last financial, last quarter. Yeah, I understood that. I was asking about the entire FY26. All right. Just give me a moment.

Avinash Nahata: Yeah, I understood that. I was asking about the entire FY26.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Okay. Just give me a moment. I will just come back to you in a minute. My team is just looking at the last year data. Just allow a minute till the time I go to the-

Speaker #2: I'll just come back to you in a minute. My team is just looking at the last year's data. I'll just allow you a minute, and in the meantime, I'll go to the next.

Speaker #5: No, no problem. You can take the next question while you are answering other participants' questions. You can answer this. You don't need to help.

Avinash Nahata: No, no problem. You can take next question. While you are answering other participants' question, you can answer this.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Sure, I will do that, for sure.

Avinash Nahata: No need to hang up. Thanks a lot, and all the very best.

Speaker #5: Thanks a lot, and all the very best.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. We take the next question from the line of Bhavya Doshi from Sushil Finance. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We take the next question from the line of Bhavya Doshi from Sushil Finance. Please go ahead.

Bhavya Doshi: Hi. Thank you for this opportunity. My first question is, the Q1 had 17% volume growth. Your comment said you guided about 10% to 12% growth. Are we going to see volume growth slow down in the further quarters?

Speaker #3: Hi, thank you for this opportunity. My first question is: the first quarter had 17% volume growth, and your comments said you guided about 10% to 12% growth.

Speaker #3: So, are we going to see volume growth slow down in the coming quarters?

Speaker #2: I'll just correct myself. I think I didn't say 10 to 12%. I said 12 to 15%. So, yeah, 17% is what we have achieved.

Sumit Bhatnagar: I will just correct. I think I did not say 10% to 12%. I said 12% to 15%.

Bhavya Doshi: Okay.

Sumit Bhatnagar: So yeah, and 17% is what we have achieved and overall 12% to 15%. The thing is, still we are not out of the complete volatility. We have to watch quarter by quarter. We will be very happy to do more, but this is something which I can tell is clearly visible to us at this point of time. But there is no clear reason why there should be a slowdown as of now.

Speaker #2: And overall, 12 to 15%. So, the thing is, right, still we are not out of the complete volatility. We have to watch quarter by quarter.

Speaker #2: We will be very happy to do more, but this is something which, I can tell, is clearly visible to us at this point of time.

Speaker #2: But there is no clear reason why there should be a slowdown as of now.

Speaker #3: Okay, my next question is: How is the standard operating procedure shaping up for new projects? And what are the expected order wins for the rest of the year?

Bhavya Doshi: Okay. My next question is, how is the standard order procedure shaping up for new projects and what are the expected order wins for the rest of the year?

Speaker #2: So, I think, all the all the businesses which we have acquired, they are all they are well on course on, on development. there is a complete process they follow till the time they reach the market.

Sumit Bhatnagar: I think all the businesses which we have acquired, they are well on course on development. There is a complete process they follow till the time they reach the market. We are already aware that our new capacities are coming up, and we expect our SOP in those facilities to come by March 2027, which would be within six months of acquiring the plant. Most of the order books which we have already booked with the customers, they are all going to be going from the new facility. So they are all on track. If you talk about the order book for the rest of the year, I think it is quite similar to the acquisitions which we have done in the previous quarter.

Speaker #2: We are already aware that our new capacities are coming up, and we expect our SOP in those facilities to come by March 2027, which would be within six months of acquiring the plant.

Speaker #2: And most of the order books, which we have already booked with the customers, are all going to be fulfilled from the new facility.

Speaker #2: So, they are all on track. And if you talk about the order book for the rest of the year, I think it is quite similar to the acquisitions which we have done in the previous quarter.

Speaker #2: I've already let you know how much we acquired in the last quarter. And we see absolutely a similar growth pattern in the rest of the quarters as well.

Sumit Bhatnagar: I've already let you know how much did we acquire in the last quarter, and we see absolutely a similar growth pattern in the rest of the quarters as well.

Speaker #3: Okay, and so the margin for Q1 was 9%, while for FY26 it was 11%. You said there will be a margin improvement. So will it be compared to FY26 or this quarter?

Bhavya Doshi: Okay. The margin for Q1 was 9%, while for FY26 was 11%. You said there will be a margin improvement, so will it be compared to FY26 or this quarter?

Speaker #2: No, this quarter, we have a margin of 9.5% compared to 11.4% for last year. But I have also explained that, if we adjust, the adjusted margin is 11.4% for this quarter.

Sumit Bhatnagar: No. This quarter we have the margin of 9.5% against 11.4% for the last year. But I have also explained that if we adjust, the adjusted margin is 11.4% for this quarter when we remove the impact of the aluminum.

Vimal Gupta: No. This quarter we have the margin of 9.5% against 11.4% for the last year. But I have also explained that if we adjust, the adjusted margin is 11.4% for this quarter when we remove the impact of the aluminum.

Speaker #2: When we remove the impact of the aluminium.

Speaker #3: Okay. So the margin improvement will be in general, right? Like it will be 12%. You said 1% improvement.

Bhavya Doshi: Okay. So the margin improvement will be in general, right?

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yes.

Vimal Gupta: Yes.

Bhavya Doshi: It will be 12%. You said 1% improvement.

Speaker #2: Yeah, I explained that this year we are expecting to improve by 1%.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah, I explained to you in this year, we are expecting to improve by 1%.

Vimal Gupta: Yeah, I explained to you in this year, we are expecting to improve by 1%.

Speaker #3: Okay, and my last question is—so you said the new plant, where you're doing ₹125 crores of capex, will generate ₹500 crores annual revenue. Did I hear that right?

Bhavya Doshi: Okay. My last question is, you said new plant, where you're doing INR 125 crores of CapEx, will generate INR 500 crore annual revenue. Did I hear that right?

Speaker #2: Yeah, you got that right. In four years, five years’ time. That’s right.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah, you got that right.

Bhavya Doshi: Okay.

Sumit Bhatnagar: In four years, five years of time. That is right.

Speaker #3: Okay. Thank you so much.

Bhavya Doshi: Okay. Thank you so much.

Speaker #2: All right. So before we go to the next question, I just want to answer the question that was asked before this, regarding the total tonnage for the last financial year.

Sumit Bhatnagar: All right. Before we go to the next question, just to answer to the question which was asked before this on the total tonnage of the last financial year, it was 34,000 kgs. Sorry, 34,000 tons. Sorry.

Speaker #2: It was 34,000 kg. Sorry, 34,000 tons. Yeah, sorry.

Speaker #1: Thank you. We will take the next question from the line of Ritesh Ram Gandhi from Discover Capital. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We take the next question from the line of Riddhesh Gandhi from Discovery Capital. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi, sorry, just a minute. I just had a few questions. Firstly, I wanted to ask if you can update us on the lead GLR EV expectations—when do we see the orders hitting our revenues?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Hi, sir. Just had a few questions. Firstly was, if you can update us on the JLR EV expectations on when we see the orders hitting our revenues.

Speaker #2: All right. So, I think it's an interesting question, and I can clearly understand why. See, the GLR EV dispatches and consumptions have already started.

Sumit Bhatnagar: All right. I think it's an interesting question, and I can clearly understand why. See, the JLR EV dispatches and consumptions have already started. This vehicle I think is already due to be launched very, very soon. The consumption, the productions have already started in JLR. Currently, we are expected to supply them at a rate of-

Speaker #2: So, this vehicle, I think, is already due to be launched very, very soon. And the consumption, the production, has already started in GLR.

Speaker #2: Currently, we are expected to supply them at a rate of 600 sets per week, and we already have an indication from GLR that this number could further increase from January 2027.

Operator 2: 600

Vimal Gupta: 600

Sumit Bhatnagar: 600 sets per week. We already have an indication from JLR that these numbers could further increase from January 2027. I cannot reveal those numbers because of our confidentiality with the JLR. But I can only tell you that these consumptions have started, and next year onwards, these numbers are going to further increase.

Speaker #2: And I cannot reveal those numbers because of our confidentiality with the GLR. But I can only tell you that this consumption has started. And next financial year onwards, these numbers are going to further increase.

Speaker #5: Right. And Harjit, has this started and is it already reflecting in the first quarter, or will it reflect from Q2 onwards?

Operator 2: Right. This has started, and it's already reflecting into the Q1, or it'll reflect from Q2 onwards?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Right. This has started, and it's already reflecting into the Q1, or it'll reflect from Q2 onwards?

Speaker #2: It is very marginally, very marginally reflecting in the first quarter. They have not completely peaked. But we expect them to peak by quarter three of this calendar year.

Sumit Bhatnagar: It is very marginally reflecting in Q1. They have not completely peaked, but we expect them to peak by Q3 of this calendar year.

Speaker #5: Got it. So the other question was, obviously, in our revenue growth there is an element of aluminum price increases. So while revenue is higher, obviously margins would be lower, but absolute EBITDA, hopefully, should be higher.

Operator 2: Got it. The other question was, obviously, in our revenue growth, there is an element of aluminum price increases. While the revenue is higher, obviously, margins would be lower, but absolute EBITDA, hopefully, should be higher. If we adjust for effectively the aluminum price increases, what is actual growth in Q1 been?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Got it. The other question was, obviously, in our revenue growth, there is an element of aluminum price increases. While the revenue is higher, obviously, margins would be lower, but absolute EBITDA, hopefully, should be higher. If we adjust for effectively the aluminum price increases, what is actual growth in Q1 been?

Speaker #5: So, if we adjust for, effectively, the aluminum price increases, what has the actual growth in Q1 been?

Speaker #2: So I think I did explain, while I was talking, that the actual growth, neutralizing the impact of aluminum, was around 17%. And if you really see and understand alone this, then this growth was actually 22%.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Well, I think I did explain while I was talking. The actual growth neutralizing the impact of aluminum was around 17%. On the standalone basis, if you see, then this growth was actually 22%, which is adjusting the aluminum impact.

Speaker #2: Which is adjusting the aluminum impact.

Speaker #5: Got it. So, is there any lag impact of the price increases, in terms of when we expect the increases to be passed on?

Operator 2: Got it. Is there any lag impact of the price increases in terms of that we expect the increases to be passed on, therefore slightly higher profitability as the lag effect catches up? Or is it immediate pass-on of pricing?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Got it. Is there any lag impact of the price increases in terms of that we expect the increases to be passed on, therefore slightly higher profitability as the lag effect catches up? Or is it immediate pass-on of pricing?

Speaker #5: Therefore, slightly higher profitability as the lag effect catches up—or is that all, or, you know, is it an immediate pass-on of pricing?

Speaker #2: See, see, just to tell you, during the inflations and the, the prices and they went up, some of the largest companies and OEMs of the country, they made it online.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, just to tell you, during the inflations and the prices when they went up, some of the largest companies and OEMs of the country, they made it online. While there used to be a lag of a quarter, they made it to be back-to-back from 1 April. As we are sitting end of the quarter, there is nothing which is going to be impacting us in future, as compared to what we have already shown.

Speaker #2: So while there used to be a lag of a quarter, but they, they made it to be back to back from 1st April. So as, as we are sitting end of the quarter, there is no nothing which is, which is going to be impacting us in future, as compared to what we have already shown.

Speaker #5: It's an immediate pass-through effect.

Operator 2: Oh, it is an immediate pass-through effect.

Riddhesh Gandhi: Oh, it is an immediate pass-through effect.

Speaker #2: It's aluminum. It's aluminum. That's right.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Just for aluminum. That is right.

Speaker #5: Got it. So, if there's obviously—we have seen a reasonable increase in freight prices as well. You know, so is that also impacting us?

Operator 2: Got it. There has obviously been a reasonable increase in freight prices as well. Is that also impacting us, or are we able to pass that on as well?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Got it. There has obviously been a reasonable increase in freight prices as well. Is that also impacting us, or are we able to pass that on as well?

Speaker #5: Are we able to pass that on as well?

Speaker #2: So generally, there are two models in which we operate. In some of the models, where the freight prices are substantially high, some of the OEMs pick up the material from us, place it, and then take it.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Generally, there are two models in which we operate. In some of the models where the freight prices are substantially high, some of the OEMs pick up the material from our place and then take it, so it does not affect us. It does affect in rest of the cases, and these are the cases which are already in discussion with the customer as a part of all the inflationary increases. As we have already said, some increases are already accounted for, which we have already got a confirmation, but some are in discussion, which we should be able to conclude in this quarter.

Speaker #2: So, it doesn't affect us. But it does affect the rest of the cases, and these are the cases which are already in discussion with the customer.

Speaker #2: As a part of all the inflationary increases, and as we've already said, some increases are already accounted for, which we have already got a confirmation for.

Speaker #2: But some are in discussion, which we should be able to conclude in this quarter.

Speaker #5: Got it, got it. So, and, you know, you had indicated this product, fully data centers, which we are in early stages of evaluating, you know.

Operator 2: Got it. Sir, and you had indicated that these products for data centers, which we are in early stages of evaluating. How large could potentially this overall market be? Is it reasonably large in terms of size and can sort of have a material impact on the business, or is it a sort of small industry?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Got it. Sir, and you had indicated that these products for data centers, which we are in early stages of evaluating. How large could potentially this overall market be? Is it reasonably large in terms of size and can sort of have a material impact on the business, or is it a sort of small industry?

Speaker #5: How large could potentially this overall, market be? Is it, is it a reasonably large in terms of size and can sort of, have material impact on the business, or is it a sort of small industry?

Speaker #2: See, we started with India, and there, they've already confirmed that in the next two quarters, they're going to open up the Europe market, and thereafter, Mexico.

Sumit Bhatnagar: We started with India, and they have already confirmed in the next quarter they are going to open up the Europe market, and thereafter, the Mexico. This is just a start with one customer. We have done our survey, and we see a great potential. There are near about seven to eight such aluminum parts which we can name, and also we have listed down various other customers which we can tap. We have considered this as a special project, seeing the futuristic growth expansion, and that we are going to watch.

Speaker #2: So, this is just to start with one customer. But we have done a survey, and we see great potential. I mean, there are about seven to eight such aluminum parts which we can name.

Speaker #2: And also, we have listed down various other customers that we can tap. So, we have considered this as a special project, seeing the futuristic growth and expansion potential.

Speaker #2: And that we are going to watch, going forward.

Speaker #5: Got it, got it. So, and in terms of capacity utilization, what levels are we at right now?

Operator 2: Got it. Sir, and in terms of capacity utilization, what levels are we at right now?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Got it. Sir, and in terms of capacity utilization, what levels are we at right now?

Speaker #2: So, okay, see, currently in this, the last quarter, we have reached close to 100%. It's more than 90% for sure. And that's exactly the reason that we are now quickly setting up a new facility.

Sumit Bhatnagar: So, okay. See, currently in the last quarter, we have reached close to 100%. It is more than 90% for sure. That is exactly the reason that we are now quickly setting up a new facility. Maybe we have some more by end of this year, which we will let you know soon.

Speaker #2: And maybe we have some more by end of this year, which we'll let you know soon.

Speaker #5: Yeah, but just to understand, you know, if we are already close to full capacity utilization, you know, our revenue and profitability is not sort of reflecting an extremely attractive ROC, you know.

Operator 2: Sir, but just to understand, if we are already close to full capacity utilization, our revenue and profitability is not sort of reflecting an extremely attractive ROCE. Is it that as this capacity gets full, we moved into higher end products? Or how do you look at that? Because if we are already the full and yet our return ratios are not particularly attractive, then have we just sort of invested in a CapEx which has not been particularly actually fruitful from a return perspective?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Sir, but just to understand, if we are already close to full capacity utilization, our revenue and profitability is not sort of reflecting an extremely attractive ROCE. Is it that as this capacity gets full, we moved into higher end products? Or how do you look at that? Because if we are already the full and yet our return ratios are not particularly attractive, then have we just sort of invested in a CapEx which has not been particularly actually fruitful from a return perspective?

Speaker #5: So is it that as this capacity gets full, we move into higher-end products? So how do you, how do you, like, look at that?

Speaker #5: Because we are already at full capacity, and yet our return ratios are not particularly attractive, you know. I mean, have we just invested in a capex which has not actually been particularly fruitful from a return perspective?

Speaker #2: So I think it's a very, very fair question. See, if you would have already observed that in the last quarter, even though our tonnages have not substantially increased over the previous time, our value has substantially changed.

Sumit Bhatnagar: I think it is a very fair question. See, if you would have already observed that in the last quarter, even though our tonnages have not substantially increased over the previous time, our value has substantially changed. There is clearly a change in the way we are acquiring the new businesses. Traditionally, for past many, many years, we have been mostly known as a two-wheeler products only. But we were not into a high value game. But I think this is very clear that all the acquisitions which we are doing since at least last one year are only into high value propositions only, and that is why it is changing very fast. I have already said that we are re-looking at all our customer portfolios. We are freeing the capacities.

Speaker #2: There is clearly a change in the way we are acquiring new businesses. Traditionally, for many, many years, we have been mostly known for two-wheeler products only.

Speaker #2: But we were not into high-value game. I think it is very clear that all the acquisitions we are doing, at least for the last one year, are only into high-value propositions.

Speaker #2: And that is why it is changing very fast. I've already said that we are re-looking at all our customer portfolios. We are freeing the capacities.

Speaker #2: We will free up some more capacities in the next two quarters, and we will allocate it to the higher value product. All those things are in plan to really make sure that ROC improves from there onwards.

Sumit Bhatnagar: We will free up some more capacities in next two quarters. We will allocate it to the higher value product. All those things are in plan to really make sure that ROC improves from there onwards.

Speaker #5: Got it. So if I understand correctly, because utilization levels were low, you took orders which may not have been particularly good.

Operator 2: Good. If I understand this, because utilization levels were low, you took orders which may not have been particularly good. Now, as utilization has increased, you are looking to reallocate your capacity to products which will give us higher profitability in margins and spreads.

Riddhesh Gandhi: Good. If I understand this, because utilization levels were low, you took orders which may not have been particularly good. Now, as utilization has increased, you are looking to reallocate your capacity to products which will give us higher profitability in margins and spreads.

Speaker #5: Now, as utilization has increased, you're looking to reallocate your, like, capacity to products which will give us higher, higher, you know, profitability and margins and spreads.

Speaker #2: See, this is not, this is not true. See, if you look at the automotive industry, and if you really look at two-wheeler, CV, and PV segments, any company, any automotive company, who is operating in these three segments, have different margin expectations from these segments.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, this is not true. See, if you look at automotive industry, and if you really look at two-wheeler, CV, and PV segments, any automotive company who is operating in these three segments have different margins expectations from these segments. While two-wheeler is a high volume market which is mostly commoditized, you generally don't find very high margins in this product. As I said that Alicon began with two-wheeler. For many, many years, we were there. But also to tell you that we have intentionally reduced our market share in two-wheeler segment by 1% to 2%. This is basically because we want to allocate the capacities now for higher value products. Yes, we have some very, very critical and very valuable customers with us. We will stick with them forever.

Speaker #2: While the two-wheeler is a high-volume market, which is mostly commoditized, you generally don't find very high margins in this product. As I've said, Alicon began with two-wheelers for many, many years. See, we were there.

Speaker #2: But also, to tell you that, we have intentionally reduced our market share in the two-wheeler segment by 1% to 2%. And this is basically because we want to allocate the capacities now for higher value products.

Speaker #2: Yes, we have some very, very critical and very valuable customers with us. We will stick with them forever. But definitely, this is not a segment where we are planning to grow.

Sumit Bhatnagar: But definitely, this is not a segment where we are planning to grow, and this is not the segment we are really going aggressively to acquire new businesses. That's the reason, I think we are actually re-looking at our existing capacities, freeing up the capacities which really we want to get rid of, and then finally adding higher value businesses. But it's a business process. We started with two-wheeler, then we went to passenger cars, then we went to exports, and now we are also going to industrial and defense. Now this is completely the way Alicon has worked so far, and it will be completely changing the way of working in future as well.

Speaker #2: And this is not the segment where we are really going aggressively to acquire new businesses. So, that's the reason, I think, we have to again re-look—or we are actually re-looking—at our existing capacities.

Speaker #2: Freeing up the capacities which, really, we want to get rid of, and then finally adding higher value businesses. But it's a, it's a, it's a business process.

Speaker #2: We started with two-wheelers, then we went to passenger cars, then we went to blue exports, and now we are also going into industrial and defense.

Speaker #2: Now, this is completely the way Alicon has worked so far, and it will be completely changing the way of working in the future as well.

Speaker #5: Got it. So then, see, because, you know, if we, like, if we, like, look at it, right, in terms of even if we annualize Q1, you know, your ROCs are still sort of, you know, in very, very low double digits, right?

Operator 2: Got it. Sir, then because if we look at it, right, in terms of even if we annualize Q1, your ROCs are still sort of in very, very low double digits, right? So you would expect that to sort of inch towards. I mean, we just wanted to understand in terms of like a CapEx, what is your internal threshold in terms of payback period or steady state ROC? How do you look at it in terms of CapEx?

Riddhesh Gandhi: Got it. Sir, then because if we look at it, right, in terms of even if we annualize Q1, your ROCs are still sort of in very, very low double digits, right? So you would expect that to sort of inch towards. I mean, we just wanted to understand in terms of like a CapEx, what is your internal threshold in terms of payback period or steady state ROC? How do you look at it in terms of CapEx?

Speaker #5: Or, or so, you would expect that to sort of inch towards. So, I mean, we just wanted to understand, in terms of capex, what is your internal threshold in terms of payback period, or steady state ROC?

Speaker #5: How do you, how do you look at incremental CapEx?

Speaker #2: See, see, see, there are a few things. See, once I said that, we are in the process of freeing up some capacities. I think we need to also understand that we don't tell a customer that we won't supply them tomorrow.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See the two things. Once I said that we are in the process of freeing up some capacities, I think we need to also understand that we don't tell a customer that we don't supply them tomorrow. There is always a process of handover and changeover, and this takes some time. It takes some 6 to 8 months of time, but we have already initiated that. That's number one. When you talk about the paybacks on the CapExes, generally in our kind of setup, the paybacks are generally typically 3 to 4 years, which is quite impressive. I can only tell you that ROC, which today does not look so impressive, but this definitely is on an increasing trend and it will soon come into a very desirable number.

Speaker #2: There is always a process of handover and changeover, and that takes some time. It takes about six to eight months.

Speaker #2: But we have already initiated that. That's number one. When you talk about the paybacks on the capexes, generally, in our kind of setup, the paybacks are typically three to four years, which is quite impressive.

Speaker #2: And I can only tell you that ROC, which, yes, today does not look so impressive, but this definitely is on an increasing trend, and it will soon come into a very desirable number.

Speaker #5: Importantly, in the ROC one, one more issue we have to understand is that there are some businesses where we are bleeding. Like, when we are talking about the JLR, we have put up the investments, and those are not being— we are not able— the orders, there is a delay in the SOP.

Operator 2: Importantly in the ROC, one more issue we have to understand that some businesses where we are bleeding, like when we are talking about the JLR. We have put up the investments and we are not able to get the orders. There is a delay in the SOP. Those areas where investments are there but there is no return or even we are in the losses. Those are going to be turned around in this year. That what we are talking.

Riddhesh Gandhi: Importantly in the ROC, one more issue we have to understand that some businesses where we are bleeding, like when we are talking about the JLR. We have put up the investments and we are not able to get the orders. There is a delay in the SOP. Those areas where investments are there but there is no return or even we are in the losses. Those are going to be turned around in this year. That what we are talking.

Speaker #5: So those areas where investments are there, but there is no return—even we are in losses—those are going to be turned around in this year.

Speaker #5: That's what we are talking about.

Speaker #2: And, and I think, I think if you only look at numbers, the last financial year, our ROC was as low as 10.7%, which already is looking at 15% by only minute tweaks, which we have done in the business process.

Sumit Bhatnagar: I think if you only look at numbers, the last financial year, our ROC was as low as 10.7%, which already is looking at 15% by only minor tweaks which we have done in the business process.

Speaker #2: So, this is definitely very rewarding, and I think it should fall into place soon.

Operator 2: Got it.

Riddhesh Gandhi: Got it.

Sumit Bhatnagar: This is definitely very rewarding and I think it should fall in place soon.

Speaker #5: Got it. So, extremely promising. Thank you so much.

Operator 2: Got it, sir. Extremely good. Promising. Thank you so much.

Riddhesh Gandhi: Got it, sir. Extremely good. Promising. Thank you so much.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Participants, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one. We will take the next question from the line of Atharva Deshmukh from Capital.

Operator: Thank you. Participants, if you wish to ask a question, please press star and 1. We take the next question from the line of Atharva Deshmukh from MM Capital. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Hello, thank you for the opportunity. My question is on the new plant which you are building in Pune. Can you give some idea on the timeline and the capacity of the new project that you are undertaking?

Atharva Deshmukh: Hello. Thank you for the opportunity. My question was on the new plant which you are building in Pune. Can you give some idea on the timeline and the capacity of the new project that you are doing, INR 125 crores project?

Speaker #3: 125 crores project.

Speaker #2: So, the timelines: we are taking possession of the factory on the 1st of September this year. It's already a built-up factory, which is 135,000 square feet.

Sumit Bhatnagar: The timelines, we are taking the possession of the factory on 1 September this year. It is already a built-up factory, which is 135,000 square feet. Location from our existing factory in Shikrapur, it is 5 kilometers away on the main road. So it is a very, very nicely located place. In terms of timelines, we are looking for going in SOP into this factory by March 2027 or just towards the end of the financial year. In terms of capacity, as I said, we are looking for generating a revenue of around INR 500 crores in this factory. But this is something which can also go up little bit more. But the investments what we are making today can generate a revenue of INR 500 crores from this facility.

Speaker #2: The location, from our existing factory in Shikharapur, is 5 kilometers away on the main road. So, it's a very, very nicely located place. In terms of timelines, we are looking for going into SOP at this factory by March 2027.

Speaker #2: Or just towards the end of the financial year. And in terms of capacity, as I’ve said, we are looking to generate a revenue of around ₹500 crores in this factory. But this is something which can also go up a little bit more.

Speaker #2: But the investments we are making today can generate revenue of ₹500 crores on this facility.

Speaker #3: Okay. So, are you planning to ramp it? Okay, okay.

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay. Are you planning to ramp it-

Sumit Bhatnagar: Okay.

Speaker #2: Yeah, sure, sure. Please go ahead.

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah. Sure, please go ahead.

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah. Sure, please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Yeah. Are you planning to ramp it up slowly as the orders come in here, or do you already have the orders and are planning to start directly?

Atharva Deshmukh: Yeah. Are you planning to ramp it up as slowly as the orders come up, or you already have the orders and you are planning to directly start it? How is it going to be?

Speaker #3: how?

Speaker #2: So, as of now, as of now, every single business which we will do in this factory, we have already committed order. So. So we are not, we are not going to be looking for new orders to come into this factory.

Sumit Bhatnagar: As of now, every single business which we will do in this factory, we have already committed order.

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay.

Sumit Bhatnagar: We are not going to be looking for new orders to come into this factory. But the question is, for the future growth, we will be making further investments, which we will inform you soon.

Speaker #2: But the question is, for future growth, we will be making further investments, which we will inform you about soon.

Speaker #3: Okay, so as you said, your tonnage capacity for FY26 was 34,000. So can you give a tonnage capacity figure for your new plant?

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay. As you said, your tonnage for FY26 was 34,000. Can you give a tonnage capacity similar for your new plant? How much tonnage?

Speaker #3: how, how much tarnage?

Speaker #2: So usually, whenever we put up a new factory, we make sure that we at least have a tonnage capacity of 3,000 tons. So, and if you are talking about this factory, which we are discussing, this would be having a much higher tonnage capacity.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, usually whenever we put up a new factory, we make sure that we at least have a tonnage capacity of 3,000 tons.

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay.

Sumit Bhatnagar: If you are talking about this factory which we are in discussion, this would be having a much higher tonnage capacity. We are looking for at least it to gradually go up. To begin with, we will start with the 3,000 ton, which will go up 7,000 tons in time to come.

Speaker #2: And, we are, we are looking for at least it to gradually go up. But to begin with, we will start with the, the 3,000 ton, which will go up to 7,000 tons in time to come.

Speaker #3: Okay. 3,000 to 7,000 max.

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay. 3,000 to 7,000 max.

Speaker #2: That's, that's right.

Sumit Bhatnagar: That is right.

Speaker #3: Okay, yes. And one more question: on your one-time expenses which you incurred last time, are you expecting any such one-time expenses going ahead?

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay. Yes. One more question. On your one-time expenses which you occurred last time, are you expecting any such one-time expenses going ahead?

Speaker #2: At this moment, we don't see anything, but it can happen in the business. As of now, there is no such visibility of this kind of actions to be.

Sumit Bhatnagar: At this moment, we don't see anything, but it can happen in the business. As of now, there is no such visibility of this kind of actions to be required.

Speaker #3: Okay, sir. Thank you. Thank you.

Atharva Deshmukh: Okay, sir. Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. We take the next question from the line of Ramesh from SJ Investments. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: We will take the next question from Ramesh of SJ Investments. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi, sir. I'm audible. Thank you for the opportunity.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Hi, sir. I am audible. Thank you for the opportunity.

Speaker #2: Yeah, you're audible.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah, you are audible.

Speaker #4: Hello. Yes, sir. So.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Hello. Yes, sir.

Speaker #2: Yeah, you're audible.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah, you are.

Speaker #4: Yes, sir. It's impressive what the company is doing, realizing that some things might not be working out. Could you explain? You mentioned that order book execution this time is a lot more concrete than last time, because over the last few years, we also mentioned a concrete order book which has not materialized.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Yes, sir. It is impressive that what the company is going on, realizing that some things might are not working out. Could you explain, you mentioned that order book execution this time is a lot more concrete than last time, because over the last few years also, you mentioned a concrete order book which has not materialized. Could you explain what exactly changing from then versus now? Because this order book discussion has been happening for many quarters, but it has not materialized meaningfully over the last few years, either in margins or anything. Could you just tell what is exactly changing from then to now?

Speaker #4: Could you explain what exactly is changing from then versus now? Because this order book discussion has been happening for many quarters, but it has not materialized meaningfully over the last few years, either in margins or anything.

Speaker #4: Could you just tell what is exactly changing from then to now?

Speaker #2: Yes. If you if I take you back maybe seven, eight years ago, precisely, it was 18, 19, the second half of 18, 19, when we noted the automotive numbers where it declining.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yes. If I take you back maybe seven, eight years ago, which I think it was 2018, 2019, the second half of 2018, 2019, when we noted the automotive numbers were declining. At that time we noted that we need to aggressively work on the numbers, and we came up with strategies to increase our penetration in other segments also. Even EV was a buzz. So we have done extensively, I mean, we extensively started adding business in EV. Unfortunately, EV, the way it was to be grown, it did not happen, and that season we got a hit. If you see projects like JLR or few other customers also, the volumes have gone down or the SOP has extended. So there we got a hit. Also we try to look for critical complex parts just to give more value additions.

Speaker #2: At that time, we noted that we needed to aggressively work on the numbers, and we came up with strategies to increase penetration in other segments as well.

Speaker #2: And even, EV was a buzz. So we have done extensively quite I mean, we extensively added started adding business in EV. unfortunately, EV, the way it was took, we grown, it didn't happen.

Speaker #2: And that's the reason we got a hit. If you see projects like GJLR or a few other customers also, the volumes have gone down.

Speaker #2: All the SOP has extended, so there we got a hit. Also, so, so and also, we try to look for critical, complex parts just to give more value additions.

Speaker #2: So, there we had a challenge. But now we have made a very clear strategy on which parts we can aim. For example, we are high with cylinder heads.

Sumit Bhatnagar: So there we had a challenge, but now we have made a very clear strategy on which parts we can aim. For example, we are high with cylinder heads. We are making cylinder heads since long over the years, be two-wheeler, three-wheeler, passenger, or commercial. Today, I supply 1 million cylinder heads for the passenger vehicle. We also notice the ICE or the hybrid engines, the volumes is going to increase. So with that focus, we are aiming such customers. That is the reason now we are quite confident the realization what we are talking on such component, because these are regular ICE components, and even the validation period of such components is on a lesser time compared to the critical complex EV.

Speaker #2: Yeah, we are making cylinders. Since long, over the years—2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, passenger, commercial. Today, I supply 1 million cylinders for the passenger vehicle.

Speaker #2: And we also notice that with the ICE or the hybrid engines, the volumes are going to increase. So with that focus, we're aiming at such customers.

Speaker #2: And that's the reason now we are quite confident in the realization of what we are talking about on such components, because these are regular ICE components. And even the validation period of such components is a lesser time compared to the critical, complex EV.

Speaker #2: Because if we talk about EV, for example, I'm supplying to one tire company. They have a validation period, and then even the end customer has a validation period.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Because if you talk about EV, for example, I am supplying to a tier 1 company, they have a validation period, then even the end customer has a validation period. So on such scenarios, I see a quick realization with the current order books.

Speaker #2: So, in such scenarios, I see a quick realization with the current order books.

Speaker #4: So basically, sir, you're mentioning that EV—because EV, better, has not worked out completely—you are going back to traditional, whereas ICE vehicles itself.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): So basically, you are mentioning that because EV bet has not worked out completely, you are going back to traditional, whereas ICE vehicles itself.

Speaker #2: Yeah. So, and the lead time for EV was much higher. See, it's not only the vehicle itself, but even as a component.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah. The lead time for EV was much higher. See, it is not only the vehicle itself, but even as a component. I think since you are already following us, you would know that E-Axle, which we have developed for a largest OEM in UK, it went through a development time itself for 2 to 3 years time, which is not generally a lead time for a product what we conventionally do. These are high new technology products, not only for us, also for the OEMs. Most of the high technology businesses which we have won in last 2 to 3 years of time, they had much, much larger development period as compared to the traditional products. But where we are showing the growth now, they are most of the traditional products and the customers where we have not been there.

Speaker #2: I think you I think since you are already for following us, you would know that, EXL, which we have developed, for a largest, OEM in UK, it went through a development time itself for two to three years time, which is not generally a lead time for a product quality conventionally do.

Speaker #2: So these are high new technology products, not only for us, but also for the OEMs. And most of the high technology businesses which we have won in the last two to three years of time have had a much, much larger development period as compared to the traditional products.

Speaker #2: But what the way we are sho where we are showing the growth now, they are most of the traditional products and the customers where we have not been there.

Speaker #2: They have contributed very quickly to our sales growth, which is a very positive thing. But we will continue our work on EV and hybrid.

Sumit Bhatnagar: They have contributed very quickly to our sales growth, which is a very positive thing, but we will continue our work on EV and hybrid, because this is future, so we want to be ready the moment the demand picks up. That is the reason maybe we are not able to show a lot of order commitments being fulfilled in the past as compared to what you are imagining or you can witness it now.

Speaker #2: So that's because this is about the future. We want to be ready the moment demand picks up. That's the reason maybe we have not been able to show a lot of order commitments being fulfilled in the past, as compared to what you are imagining or can witness now.

Speaker #4: Understood, sir. So, you mentioned the internal order books, sir. Could you give a bifurcation between electric vehicles versus, let's say, ICE and hybrid?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): On the strip, sir. You mentioned the INR 8 billion order book, sir. Could you give a bifurcation between electric vehicles versus, let us say, ICE and hybrid? How is the overall split?

Speaker #4: Like, how is the overall split?

Speaker #2: In the split, the electric vehicle share is around 16%, and hybrid is around 12%.

Sumit Bhatnagar: In this pie, the electric vehicle is around 16%, and hybrid is around 12%.

Speaker #4: And the remaining is ICE plus two-wheelers, is it, sir?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): The remaining is ICE plus two-wheelers, is it, sir?

Speaker #2: Yes. Remaining is, and also, we are aiming at segment cost structure. So, this is the area which is common to ICE, EV, or hybrid engines.

Vimal Gupta: Yes. Remaining is, and also we are aiming in a segment called structural. So this is the area which is common to the ICE, EV or hybrid engines. So that also is contributing to me about 10%.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yes. Remaining is, and also we are aiming in a segment called structural. So this is the area which is common to the ICE, EV or hybrid engines. So that also is contributing to me about 10%.

Speaker #2: So, that also is contributing to nearly about 10%.

Speaker #4: Understood, sir. Sir, I have one more thing—just to understand the developmental cost process. So, over the last few years, we spent hundreds of crores, and most of our internal accruals went into development.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Understood, sir. Sir, one more thing, just to understand the developmental cost process. So over the last few years, we spent hundreds of crores. Most of our internal accruals went into development. Could you explain what exactly went into development? Because our capacity hasn't increased meaningfully, but there has been a huge expense that has happened over the last few years. Could you explain where did that money exactly go, to just get an understanding of, because last few years, we've spent meaningfully. Just trying to understand where has that went.

Speaker #4: So, could you explain what exactly went into development? Because our capacity hasn't increased meaningfully, but there has been a huge expense over the last few years.

Speaker #4: Could you give an understanding of that? Because in the last few years, we have spent meaningfully. Just trying to understand where that has gone.

Speaker #2: Government spends, we bring the new parts. So for that, till the time we go for the PPAP, we have to spend a lot on testing.

Vimal Gupta: Government when we bring the new parts. For that, when we go for the PPAP, we have to spend lot of testings and kind of.

Speaker #2: And, kind of, what is.

Speaker #4: Also, the new parts—whatever we are adding now—this is a highly critical, fully, so full machine solution part which we are aiming, which calls for a specific investment with respect to the product of that part.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Also the new parts, whatever we are adding now, this is a highly critical, fully machine solution part which we are aiming, which calls for a specific investment with respect to the product of that part. Unlike previously, if you see, we are more into two-wheelers, where the opportunity or the scope for us was only for our cast or a very limited machining. But here we are talking about going to end-to-end solution where customers can use such parts in the assembly directly.

Speaker #4: Unlike previously, if you see, we were more into two-wheelers where the opportunity or the scope for us was only for ASCAS.

Speaker #4: Or a very limited machining. But here, we are talking about going to an end-to-end solution where customers can use such parts in the assembly directly.

Speaker #2: Those are the critical parts where we have to allocate our capacities as well as spend a lot of money on that.

Vimal Gupta: Those are the critical parts where we have to allocate our capacities as well as spend a lot of money on that.

Speaker #4: Additionally, these are bigger parts, bigger in weight, bigger in sizes, which calls for a specific, bigger size of machines. Because yes, we will do doing traditionally, say, from components, near about, say, among the maximum what we are covering, taking care initially was, say, 12 to 15 kg.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Additionally, these are bigger parts, bigger in weight, bigger in sizes, which calls for a specific bigger size of machines.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Additionally, these are bigger parts, bigger in weight, bigger in sizes, which calls for a specific bigger size of machines.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Because, yes, we were doing traditionally say from components near about, I mean, the maximum what we are covering, taking care initially was, say, 12 to 15 kg, which we have now increased to even 28 to 30 kg. So this is size or the weight or the bed size of such parts, which calls for new investments. That's the reason such development cost has increased.

Speaker #4: Which we have now increased to even 28 to 30 kg. So, this is the size, or the weight, or the bed size of such parts.

Speaker #4: Which calls for new investments. So that's the reason such development cost has increased. So basically, all the money that I spent last year, we had to take over all the machines.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Basically, all the money that was spent last year is we had to change overall all the machines, even though the capacity hasn't changed, because the size of each product you're changing, you had to almost change all the machinery, is it?

Speaker #4: Even though the capacity hasn't changed, because the size of each product you're changing, you had to change almost all the machineries. Is it?

Speaker #2: Yes, we have to allocate those capacities as well, as the complete dedicated team is working there. So, all these costs we have to incur.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yes. We have to allocate those capacities as well as the complete dedicated team is working there. So all these costs we have to incur.

Vimal Gupta: Yes. We have to allocate those capacities as well as the complete dedicated team is working there. So all these costs we have to incur.

Speaker #4: Sir, sir, during these development costs, how much is, let's say, tangible versus intangible assets that we'll be spending? And when I refer to intangible, is it the employee cost, or testing, versus, let's say, the machinery?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Sir, during these development costs, how much is, let's say, tangible versus intangible assets that we'll be spending? And when I refer to intangible, is it the employee cost plus testing versus, let's say, the machinery?

Speaker #2: So in the intangible, that I think maybe in the last year, I don't remember the exact figure—maybe 18, 20 crores or something like that.

Vimal Gupta: Intangible, that I think maybe in the last year, I do not remember the exact figure, maybe INR 18, 20 crores or like that. Quarterly, INR 3 to 5 crores we are spending on this because all new critical parts, then dedicated team is there. Like special alloys, and then those alloys generally we are not able to reuse. Such type of expenses are there.

Speaker #2: So, quarterly, we are spending about three to five crores on this. Because all new critical parts, then a dedicated team is there. So, like special alloys, and then those alloys generally, we are not able to reuse. Such types of expenses are there.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. So now, one, we have mentioned that there is a clear trajectory towards passenger vehicles. But we also had a lot of plans in non-auto as well.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. From now on, we mentioned that a clear trajectory towards going towards passenger vehicles. But we had lot of plans in non-auto also, and I understand the data center plan is coming process, but in our overall pie, it will not contribute meaningfully. Are we actively digressing from non-auto diversification, or how is it right now? How are we looking at it?

Speaker #4: And I understand the data center plan is coming in process, but it won't count in our overall pie, it won't contribute meaningfully. So are we actively de-growing from non-auto diversification?

Speaker #4: Or how is it right now? How are we looking at it?

Speaker #2: So, we have just started this process only seven to eight months back. As I already said, we have made headway in this direction.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Well, we have just started this process only seven to eight months back. I said that we have a headway in this direction. We have now a team. This will begin to show some positive results by end of this financial year. Definitely, this will grow from next year onwards. So I will not say that we want to digress from automotive, but I would say that we want to increase automotive to change the pie, because automotive is something which is still a very dominant and prominent part of Alicon growth and should always remain the same. But yes, we want to increase our industrial presence so that pie changes.

Speaker #2: We now have a team. This will begin to show some positive results by the end of this financial year, and definitely, this will grow from next year onward.

Speaker #2: So, I won't say that we want to digress from automotive, but I would say that we want to increase automotive to change the pie.

Speaker #2: Because automotive is something which is still a very, very dominant and prominent part of Alicon's growth, and it will always remain the same.

Speaker #2: But yes, we want to increase our industrial presence so that pie changes.

Speaker #4: The only reason I ask this is because, in the past, we had as much as a quarter of the revenue expected to come from non-auto.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): The only reason I ask this is because in the past we had as high as a quarter of the revenue expected to come from non-auto, but now as it is low single digits. Do we expect it to be in this range for the next few years, or do we want it to get to back our old guidance of getting it to that high percentages of contribution?

Speaker #4: But now, is it to be expected to be in this range for the next few years? Or do we want it to get back to our old guidance of getting it to those high percentages of contribution?

Speaker #2: So that's clearly still an aspiration. There is no change to that. But yes, I think as of now, I am not saying that we are reaching our aspiration in the immediate one year of time or one and a half years of time.

Sumit Bhatnagar: So that is clearly still an aspiration. There is no change to that. But yes, I think as of now, I am not saying that we are reaching our aspiration in immediate one year of time or one and a half years of time. But I can at least tell you that, yes, by end of next financial year, definitely this pie will positively change towards the aspiration numbers, but not actually reaching there completely.

Speaker #2: But I can at least tell you that, yes, by the end of next financial year, definitely, this pie will positively change towards the aspiration numbers.

Speaker #2: But not actually reaching there completely.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. So, just trying to understand the competitive intensity. Because at least the aluminum die-casting capacity has increased substantially in the country.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. Just trying to understand the competitive intensity, because at least the aluminum die casting capacity has increased substantially in the country. I understand Alicon has special expertise that other people do not have. But are we facing any competitive pressure because automotive industry is notorious for beating down on prices, especially with its suppliers. So how is that in two-wheeler versus four-wheeler right now, and how do we expect it to change?

Speaker #4: And I understand Alicon has special expertise that other people don't have. But are we facing any competitive pressure? Because the automotive industry is notorious for beating down prices, especially with its suppliers.

Speaker #4: So, how was that in two-wheeler versus four-wheeler right now? And how do we expect it to change?

Speaker #2: So, I think this situation has been there for the last 20 or 30 years. It has not changed. I can only tell you, without naming any of the customers or the suppliers, that a lot of new acquisitions which we have recently done, in some of the Indian OEMs, were mainly not completely new development, but they were immediate transfer of toolings from them to us.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Well, I think this situation has been there for last 20, 30 years. It has not changed. I can only tell you, without naming any of the customers or the suppliers, that a lot of new acquisitions which we have recently done in some of the Indian OEMs were mainly not completely new development, but they were immediate transfer of toolings from them to us

Speaker #2: Because of our special ability to do these products that nobody else can do. So, once you have some differentiation in your technology or know-how, generally, you don't compete in the same league.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Because of our special ability to do these products, which nobody else can do. So once you have some differentiation on your technology or know-how, generally, you do not fight into the same league as anybody else. As of now, I can only tell you that in Alicon, we are not fighting on the prices. Even the customers know that this technology is so critical that you may own similar machines, but not everybody will do the products the same way. This pressure has been there always. It is not now, it has been there. Yes, the competition is increasing. We cannot sit idle. We cannot be complacent 100%. But at the same time, we are continuously working to also upgrade our process technology, our R&D, our tool know-how, so that we continue to stay above the competition when it comes to the technology.

Speaker #2: As anybody else. As of now, I can only tell you that, that in Alicon, we are not price fighting on the prices. And even the customers know that this technology is so critical that we may you may own similar machines.

Speaker #2: But not everybody will do the products the same way. So, but yeah, and this special has been there always. It is not now; it has been there.

Speaker #2: Yes, there are competition is increasing. We cannot, sit idle. We cannot be complacent. 100%. But at the same time, we are continuously working to also upgrade our process technology, our R&D, our tool tool know-how, so that, we continue to stay above the competition when it comes to the technology.

Speaker #2: So, this is how it's going to be.

Sumit Bhatnagar: And this is how it is going to be.

Speaker #4: Understood, sir. Sir, I think in the past, CON goes also, the management maintenance-specific customer also. That's not good. That's okay. We'll divest from that.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Understood, sir. Sir, I think in the past concalls also, management mentioned specific customer also. I will digest from that. Just trying to understand in terms of margins, prior to 2020, we had margins at 11% to 12%. But since we are doing these critical components and moving to four-wheeler vehicles and passenger vehicles, do we expect it to go to the 14% to 15% mark, sir? Especially because we are doing machining and remaining tooling also. Do we think that is a possibility?

Speaker #4: Just trying to understand our in terms of our margins, we had, in prior to 2020, we had margins of 11 to 12%. But since we're doing these critical components and moving to four-wheeler vehicles and passenger vehicles, do we expect it to go to that 14%, 15% mark, sir?

Speaker #4: Or because, especially because we're doing machining and remaining tooling also? Do we think that's a possibility?

Speaker #2: Three, three, there is no reason I would say that there is no such possibility. Yes, there is a possibility. And I can only tell you that these are some of the aspiration numbers where the team is working hard towards.

Sumit Bhatnagar: There is no reason I would say that there is no such possibility. Yes, there is a possibility, and I can only tell you that these are some of the aspiration numbers the team is working hard towards.

Speaker #4: But sir, is it going to be in the next few years, or would it take longer than that?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): But sir, is it going to be in the next few years, or would it take longer than that?

Speaker #2: See, see, it's difficult to answer this question immediately for you. But I can tell you that we are working aggressively in that direction, and we would love to do newer things to make sure that this number does not only remain in our aspirations.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, it is difficult to answer this question immediately to you, but I can tell you that we are working aggressively in that direction, and we would love to do newer things to make sure that this number does not only remain in our aspirations.

Speaker #4: Understood, sir. Sir, could you just give a broad—just trying to understand how different is the two-wheeler versus non-two-passenger vehicles thing. So, in terms of margins, how will it be? Will it be very different compared to the two-wheelers versus four-wheelers?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Understood, sir. Sir, could you just give a browse, just trying to understand how different is the two-wheeler versus non-two passenger vehicles thing. So in terms of margins, how will it be different compared to the two-wheelers versus four-wheelers?

Speaker #2: See, the product size of the products in four-wheelers is much higher in weight. They are more critical to produce, and they are susceptible to higher rejections if you don't have the right process.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, the products in four-wheeler are much higher in weight. They are more critical to produce, and they are subjected to higher rejections if you do not have the right process. These are bigger machines. As the machine sizes go up, the criticality of the product goes up. If the criticality of product goes up, the value additions also go up. That is the main difference between the two-wheeler and the four-wheeler parts. Even though we may say that we make a cylinder head for a two-wheeler bike, or we make a cylinder head for a car, there is no comparison, neither on the size of the machine, nor on the kind of the process, nor on the metallurgy of the material. Everything is different. That is how the value additions on PV side is always much higher.

Speaker #2: These are bigger machines, so as the machine sizes go up, the criticality of the product goes up. And if the criticality of the product goes up, the value additions also go up.

Speaker #2: And that's the main difference between the two-wheeler and the four-wheeler parts. So even though we may say that we make a cylinder head for a two-wheeler bike, or we make a cylinder head for a car, there is no comparison.

Speaker #2: Neither on the size of the machine nor on the kind of the process nor on the metallurgy of the material—everything is different. And that is how the value additions on the PV side are always much higher.

Speaker #2: You can imagine a 2 kg product versus a 14 kg product. When going on a machine, if you don't do it right, then it is all rejected and goes back to melting.

Sumit Bhatnagar: You can imagine a 2 kg product versus a 14 kg product going on a machine, and if you do not do it right, then it is all rejected and goes back to melting. That is why the value additions are higher on PV side.

Speaker #2: And that is where the value additions are higher on the PV side.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. And rejections are our responsibility, sir. Once the dispatch happens, it's the OEM's responsibility. How does it work?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. And rejections is our responsibility, sir? Once the dispatch happens, it's the OEM's responsibility. How does it work?

Speaker #2: See, usually there are all types of problems. In most cases—and that's an industry norm. I am not only talking about Alicon.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, usually there are all types of channels. See, most of the cases, and that's an industry norm, I'm not only talking about Alicon. If you're sending a semi-finished product and the defects are found during the finishing of the product, which is related to the casting, it's the responsibility of the supplier. But if there is a defect which is generated by the person who is doing the finishing, it is their responsibility, and this is how it happens. But that's very common for any automotive component. There's nothing different for our products.

Speaker #2: If you're sending a semi-finished product, and defects are found during the finishing of the product, which are related to the casting, it's the responsibility of the supplier.

Speaker #2: But if there is a defect which is generated by the person who is doing the finishing, it is their responsibility. And this is how it happens.

Speaker #2: But that's very common for any automotive component. There is nothing different for our products.

Speaker #4: Of course, understood. Sir, just trying to understand, machining-wise, in the passenger vehicles, what percentage of our tonnage do we supply to the customer?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Of course, sir. Understood. Sir, just trying to understand machining-wise, in the passenger vehicles, what percentage of our tonnage that we supply to the customer, how much of it's machined versus non-machined?

Speaker #4: How much of it is machined versus non-machined?

Speaker #2: At this moment, this is in tune to 65% to 70%.

Sumit Bhatnagar: At this moment, this is in tune to 65% to 70%.

Speaker #4: Okay, sir. And this ratio will remain more or less the same, sir, as we scale? Or can it go more towards 80%?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Okay, sir. This ratio will remain more or less the same, sir, as we scale, or it will be more, we can go to a certain-

Speaker #2: No, this ratio is going to change, definitely. This number is going to increase. And now, these are some of the plants which we will also share with you in the upcoming meeting.

Sumit Bhatnagar: No, this ratio is going to change, definitely. This number is going to increase. These are some of the plans which we will also share with you in the upcoming meeting. We are going to be also investing on in-house machining as time comes, as time goes. Will increase with time.

Speaker #2: We are going to be also investing in in-house machining. As time comes, as time goes, we will increase it somehow.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. Sir, you mentioned regarding the team, right? So you mentioned that you made a lot of strategic hires and some things. So I was just trying to understand what was it like before?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. Sir, you mentioned regarding a team, right? You mentioned that you made a lot of strategically hires and some things. I am just trying to understand what was it different before? Was it the fact that we were understaffed in marketing or something like that? Or it was just that the drive was not there with the previous staff?

Speaker #4: Was it the fact that we were understaffed in marketing or something like that, or was it just that the drive was not there with the previous staff?

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think it's not fair for me to talk about something which was there in the past. I can only tell you that the way I'm trying to structure it is basically to make sure that we are quite ready for much, much higher growth and returns in the future.

Sumit Bhatnagar: I think it is not fair for me to talk about something which was there in the past. I can only tell you that the way I am trying to structure it is basically to make sure that we are quite ready for much, much higher growth and returns in future. Maybe this was not the way it was handled in the past, but I do not want to comment on that because that is past. I can only tell you that the way organization is structured now, this team is really ready to take much, much more higher challenges and growth rates in future. That is what I can tell you.

Speaker #2: So maybe this was not the way it was handled in the past, but I don't want to comment on that because that is past.

Speaker #2: But I can only tell you that the way the organization is structured now, this team is really ready to tackle much, much higher challenges and growth rates in the future.

Speaker #2: That's what I can tell you.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. And sorry, just one more question, sir, regarding the ₹8,000 crores—how much of that is export revenue, let's say non-India revenue, versus India revenue?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. And sorry, just one more script, sir, regarding the INR 8,000 crores. How much of its exports, let's say, non-India revenue going to be versus India revenue?

Speaker #2: India versus on the new business, exports is near about 40%.

Sumit Bhatnagar: New business?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Yeah.

Sumit Bhatnagar: On the new business, exports is near about 40%.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. And how much of that 40% value would be, if there is, international company versus domestically?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. And how much of that 40% value would be with our international company versus domestically?

Speaker #2: I think this would be around 30% for the deemed exports—that is, the domestic one—out of the total pie of 40. Yeah.

Sumit Bhatnagar: I think this would be around 30% for the DM exports. That is the domestic one out of the total pie of 30.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. So, do we have any plans for expanding our international operations? Because you mentioned that it's not that high capacity. Is it worth expanding?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it. Do we have any plans of expanding our international plant? Because you mentioned that it is not that high capacity. Is it worth expanding or is it worth completely removing? Because the gas price and everything changed the economics for casting there, right? Just trying to understand if it would be prudent to just remove the manufacturing capacity there.

Speaker #4: Or is it worth changing? Like, how is it worth—or is it worth completely removing it? Because the gas price and everything changed the economics for castings there, right?

Speaker #4: Just trying to understand if it would be prudent to just remove the manufacturing capacity there.

Speaker #2: See, if you if you look at our location, we are, we are in Europe. Strategically, we are at the best place. In Europe. So if you look at, the foundry situation in the entire Europe, the industry is not doing very well because of rampant change in the manpower prices and the park, park pro park cost.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, if you look at our location, we are there in Europe. Strategically, we are at the best place in Europe. If you look at the foundry situation in the entire Europe, the industry is not doing very well because of rampant change in the manpower prices and the power cost. But still strategically, where we are located, which is in Slovakia, is still one of the best places for anybody to go and make investments. I have already said that our target is to grow this company. We have already enabled a lot of the levers which will make sure that this plant grows. As the growth happens, we will definitely not shy away from making investments in Europe. But we are not looking at a second geographical location as of now.

Speaker #2: But still, strategically, where we are located—which is in Slovakia—is still one of the best places for anybody to go and make investments.

Speaker #2: So I have already said that our target is to grow this company. We have put—again, we have already enabled—a lot of the levers which will make sure that this plant grows.

Speaker #2: As the growth happens, we will definitely not shy away from making investments in Europe. But we are not looking at a second geographical location as of now.

Speaker #4: But is there potential that we can add, say, add more capacity in existing locations, sir? Because land, 100%.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): But is there potential that we can add more capacity in existing locations? Because land-

Speaker #2: 100%, yes. There is still a place. We can do automations. We can also add more machines. That is completely not a challenge for us.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Hundred percent, yes. There is still a space. We can do automations. We can also add more machines. That's not a challenge for us.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. And with regards to Indian capacity, sir, you mentioned that we’ll be spending to get our capacity up by 10,000 tons more. That’s, I think, around 20—like 20% of our extra capacity.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. With regards to Indian capacity, sir, you mentioned that we'll be spending to get a capacity of 10,000 tons more. That's I think around 20% of our extra capacity. But with the revenues which we have planned, we'll need a lot more capacity, right, sir? Will it be like we're adding more automation or we'll be further putting more and more plants?

Speaker #4: But with the revenue trajectory we have planned, we'll need a lot more capacity, right, sir? Will it be like we'll be adding more automation, or will it be further putting in more and more plants?

Speaker #2: See, automation is something which, in any phase we are doing. See, this plant for which you're bringing in will be quite different from the conventional plants of Alicon, where you will see a greater number of robots, as you see in any of the other Alicon plants.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, automation is something which in any which phase we are doing. See, this plant which we are bringing in will be quite different to the conventional plants of Alicon. There you will see more number of robots as you see in any of the other Alicon plants. The flow of material is going to be completely streamlined. We will do most of the job in-house. Yes, we don't want to really keep adding up plants unless and until it's really justifiable. But this plant which we are planning is going to be a state-of-art facility where we will see the most modern way of manufacturing in terms of whether it is casting or machining. But we'll be very mindful before making new investments for the new factory and we are also planning automations in our existing locations to increase the current capacities.

Speaker #2: And the flow of material is going to be completely streamlined. We will do most of the job in-house. So, yes, we don't really want to keep adding plants unless and until it's truly justifiable.

Speaker #2: But this plant, which we are planning, is going to be a state-of-the-art facility where we will see the most modern way of manufacturing, whether it is casting or machining.

Speaker #2: But we'll be very mindful before making new investments for the new factory. We are also planning automations in our existing locations to increase the current capacities.

Speaker #2: So, the new plant will be only an option once we are thoroughly convinced that we are absolutely exhausted.

Sumit Bhatnagar: The new plant will be only an option once we are thoroughly convinced that we are absolutely exhausted.

Speaker #4: Understood, sir. So you mentioned in your presentation that in the undisputed production schedule, you mentioned ₹7,000 crores and ₹6,000 crores by 2030 that you have planned.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Understood, sir. You mentioned in your presentation the anticipated production schedule. You mentioned INR 1,700 crores, INR 1,600 crores by 2030 that you have planned. Would it be on top of the existing revenues?

Speaker #4: So, would it be on top of the existing revenues?

Speaker #2: See, okay. Now, I think the number which was shared by Vimal—I think it is already included in that, which is around ₹8,450 crore.

Sumit Bhatnagar: See, okay, now I think the number which is shared by Vimal, I think it is already included in that, which is around INR 8,450 crores. This is already included in that. What I only mentioned is these are the very recent developments, which are either in the last quarter or slightly before that.

Speaker #2: This is already included in that. What I only mentioned is, these are the very recent developments, which are either in the last quarter or slightly before that.

Speaker #4: So, sir, in terms of revenue, what is the plan exactly? Because as far as I understand from the presentation, you mentioned 6,000 crores.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): So sir, in terms of revenue, what is the plan exactly? Because as far as I understand in the presentation, you mentioned INR 1,600 crores. I am assuming it is all new orders on top of the existing orders. Is that a right assumption?

Speaker #4: I'm assuming it's all new orders on top of the existing orders. Is that a right assumption?

Speaker #2: So you're talking about my speech when I spoke?

Speaker #4: No, sir. No, sir. I'm talking about the investor presentation.

Sumit Bhatnagar: So you are talking about my speech when I spoke?

Speaker #2: No, it includes the recent parts additions also, including the last two, or last three to four years' businesses that we have added. It includes those also.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): No, sir. I am talking about the investor presentation.

Sumit Bhatnagar: No, it includes the recent past additions also, including last three to four years businesses what we have added. It includes those also.

Speaker #4: Okay, sir. So by end of 2030, yeah. Got it, sir. So by 2030, we expect to almost double our revenues. Correct, sir?

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Okay, sir.

Sumit Bhatnagar: In fact,

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): So by end of 20-

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. So by 2030, we expect to almost double our revenues. Correct, sir?

Speaker #2: Yeah, yes, that's the plan. Yeah, that's right.

Speaker #4: Yeah, got it. So doubling our revenues, but the capacity—you only have 20% in line now. So, just trying to understand, are there going to be a lot more investments going in?

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yeah, that's the plan. Yeah, that's right.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Yeah. Okay. So doubling our revenues, but the capacity, you only have 20% in line now, so just trying to understand, are there going to be further a lot more investments going in because for 10,000 tons-

Speaker #4: Because for ₹10,000 crores, you're mentioning around.

Speaker #2: Yes, I've already said that. I think you will hear more from us very soon. Yes, there are more investments that are going to happen, for sure.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Yes, I have already said that. I think you will listen more from us very soon. Yes, there are more investments that are going to happen, for sure.

Speaker #4: Got it, sir. Understood. Thank you so much for your time, sir. It's been great talking to you.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Got it, sir. Understood. Thank you so much for your time, sir. It has been great talking to you.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Sure. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. With that, we conclude the question-and-answer session. I now hand the conference over to management for their closing comments.

Sumit Bhatnagar: Thank you.

[Analyst] (SJ Investments): Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, with that, we conclude the question and answer session. I now hand the conference over to the management for their closing comments.

Speaker #2: All right. Thank you, everyone, for your questions and for taking the time to join us today. We value your dialogue and appreciate your continued interest in Alicon.

Sumit Bhatnagar: All right. Thank you everyone for your questions and for taking your time to join us today. We value your dialogue and appreciate your continued interest in Alicon. As we have discussed today, we see good opportunities ahead of us, but we also recognize that there is a lot of work to do. Our priority is to build on the progress we have made this quarter, strengthening our relationship with customers, improving our operations, and continuing to invest where we see clear opportunities for growth. Some of these initiatives will take time to translate fully into financial results, but we will remain focused on executing them well on time. We will also remain disciplined in how we deploy capital, and most importantly, stay focused on improving the quality and profitability of our business. We are encouraged by the progress we are seeing, and we remain confident in the opportunities ahead.

Speaker #2: And as we have discussed today, we see good opportunities ahead of us. But we also recognize that there's a lot of work to do.

Speaker #2: Our priority is to build on the progress we have made. This quarter, we are focusing on strengthening our relationship with customers, improving our operations, and continuing to invest where we see clear opportunities for growth.

Speaker #2: Some of these initiatives will take time to translate fully into financial results, but we will remain focused on executing them and on delivering well on time.

Speaker #2: We will also remain disciplined in how we deploy capital, and, most importantly, stay focused on improving the quality and profitability of our business. We are encouraged by the progress we are seeing, and we remain confident in the opportunities ahead.

Speaker #2: We look forward to updating you on our progress in the coming quarters. Best wishes and happy Independence Day to all of you in advance.

Sumit Bhatnagar: We look forward to updating you on our progress in the coming quarters. Best wishes and happy Independence Day to all of you in advance. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you, sir. On behalf of Alicon Castalloy Limited, that concludes this conference call. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines.

Operator: Thank you, sir. On behalf of Alicon Castalloy Limited, that concludes this conference call. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines.

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Q1 2027 Alicon Castalloy Ltd Earnings Call

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Alicon Castalloy

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