NMDC - NMDC
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Consolidated operating income grew 21.09% from INR 17,607 Cr in FY23 to INR 21,320 Cr in FY24. For FY25, branch revenues reached INR 24,003.45 Cr, indicating continued upward momentum in the iron ore mining segment.
Geographic Revenue Split
Not disclosed in available documents, though operations are concentrated in Chhattisgarh (5 mines) and Karnataka (2 mines).
Profitability Margins
Net Profit Margin for FY24 was 26.1%. For FY25, the company reported a Net Profit of INR 6,538.82 Cr on branch revenues of INR 24,003.45 Cr, representing a net margin of approximately 27.24%.
EBITDA Margin
Historical EBITDA margins were 50-60% (FY18-21) but moderated due to a 22.5% premium on average selling price mandated by the MMDR Act 2021. FY24 EBITDA was INR 1,640 per tonne, down 7.97% from INR 1,782 per tonne in FY23.
Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure for the acquisition of tangible and intangible assets was INR 3,230.34 Cr in FY25, a 74.89% increase from INR 1,847.09 Cr in FY24. Capital work-in-progress stood at INR 4,737.48 Cr as of March 31, 2025.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
Maintains a strong credit profile with a gearing ratio of 0.07x in FY24. Interest coverage ratio is exceptionally high at 91.84x. The company holds a net cash position with a cash balance of INR 14,259 Cr as of September 30, 2024.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
The company is a primary producer; key operational inputs include explosives, fuel (diesel), and electricity for mining operations. Cost of production (excluding statutory levies) is approximately INR 1,000 per tonne.
Import Sources
Sourced domestically within India, primarily near mining sites in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
Key Suppliers
Not specifically named in the documents, but includes providers of mining machinery, explosives, and power utilities.
Capacity Expansion
Current iron ore reserves are 1,654 MT. The company is expanding production and evacuation capacity to 67 MTPA by FY26 from current levels.
Raw Material Costs
Cost of production is approximately INR 1,000 per tonne, which is among the lowest globally. Statutory levies include a 15% royalty and a 22.5% premium on the average selling price.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Maintains global cost leadership with a production cost of INR 1,000 per tonne. Ore quality of 63-65% Fe is significantly higher than the industry average.
Logistics & Distribution
Distribution is primarily handled through rail and road; the company is investing in evacuation capacity to support the 67 MTPA production target.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
20-25%
Growth Strategy
Growth will be driven by increasing production and evacuation capacity to 67 MTPA by FY26. The strategy leverages its status as the lowest-cost global producer and its 1,654 MT reserve base. Preferential mine allocation under the MMDR Act 2021 ensures long-term resource security.
Products & Services
High-grade iron ore (lumps and fines) with 63-65% iron content.
Brand Portfolio
NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation).
New Products/Services
Focus remains on scaling existing high-grade iron ore production; specific new product launches were not disclosed.
Market Expansion
Targeting increased domestic supply to support India's growing steel production capacity, with mining leases valid until 2035-2042.
Market Share & Ranking
Leading market position in the domestic merchant iron ore industry in India.
Strategic Alliances
Operates through various subsidiaries and joint ventures, including international interests in Australia (Legacy Iron Ore Limited).
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is shifting toward higher-grade ore requirements to reduce carbon footprints in steelmaking. NMDC is well-positioned with its 63-65% Fe grade ore.
Competitive Landscape
Competes with other merchant miners and captive mines of steel companies like SAIL and Tata Steel.
Competitive Moat
Moat is built on 'Navratna' status, lowest global cost of production (INR 1,000/t), and preferential mine allocation under the MMDR Act. These are highly sustainable due to government backing and high-quality reserves.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to domestic steel demand and global iron ore price cycles. A 1% change in steel production typically has a direct correlated impact on iron ore offtake.
Consumer Behavior
Steel producers are increasingly preferring high-grade ore to improve blast furnace productivity and meet environmental norms.
Geopolitical Risks
Low domestic risk due to 60.79% Government of India ownership; however, international mining assets are subject to local regulatory changes.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Governed by the MMDR Act 2021, which requires a 22.5% premium on ASP for mine renewals. Subject to Ministry of Steel administrative control.
Environmental Compliance
Maintains ISO 14001:2015 (Environment Management System) and OHSAS 18001:2007 certifications across its R&D and mining operations.
Taxation Policy Impact
Effective tax rate for FY25 was approximately 28.5%, with a total tax expense of INR 2,604.14 Cr on a PBT of INR 9,143.89 Cr.
Legal Contingencies
Pending litigations are disclosed in Note 2.48 of the financial statements. There was a noted delay in transferring unclaimed dividends to the Investor Education and Protection Fund.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Regulatory changes in mining premiums or royalties could impact margins by 5-10%. Cyclical downturns in steel could impact volume offtake.
Geographic Concentration Risk
High concentration risk with 100% of domestic production coming from only two states: Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
Third Party Dependencies
Dependent on Indian Railways for ore evacuation; any logistics bottleneck can lead to inventory buildup.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Low risk in mining, but the company is transitioning to digital accounting software and integrated management systems.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Trade receivables stood at INR 4,289.50 Cr in FY25; however, the company maintains a provision for bad and doubtful advances of INR 67.53 Cr.