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CFO’s Thoughts

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Amidst global economic headwinds, India emerges as a beacon of resilience, sustaining its position as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. Despite global challenges and tightening monetary policies, the country is charting a path of robust growth and economic vitality.

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Dear Stakeholders,

In FY 2023-24, India's economy showcased resilience and dynamism, with a robust GDP growth rate of 8.2%. Driven by thriving sectors like IT, telecommunications, automobile and pharmaceuticals, India has solidified its position as the world's fifth-largest economy. With prudent financial management, inflation eased to 4.83% in April 2024, which remained well under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) tolerance band set at 2% to 6%. Strong fiscal indicators, including a 22.19% growth in direct tax and an 11.5% surge in GST collection strengthened the economy. India continues its transformative journey, with rising domestic consumption, strategic investments, and global integration and is poised for sustained growth.

Industry Perspective

Speaking about the auto industry, automobile production achieved robust growth of 10% in FY 2023-24 across all vehicle categories. The passenger vehicle segment achieved production of 4.90 Million units. The 2W category also recorded production of 21.5 Million units in April-March 2024, growing by 10% though still falling short of the pre-Covid peak.

In value terms, the Indian automobile industry surged by 19% to reach US$ 122.53 Billion (₹ 10.22 Lakh Crores) in FY 2023-24, driven significantly by growth in the utility and sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment. Notably, the UV and SUV segment experienced a remarkable 23% increase in volume and a 16% rise in average prices, resulting in a substantial 39% growth in overall segment value. This price uptick was influenced by general inflationary pressures, a preference for higher-end vehicle segments, the adoption of hybrid and automatic models, the appeal of sunroof-equipped vehicles, and a gradual shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). The trend reflects Indian consumers' inclination towards more feature-rich and higher-priced vehicle options across various segments.

The Indian automotive industry's growth momentum is expected to continue into FY 2024-25 owing to strong demand, especially in passenger cars and two-wheelers. Initiatives allowed in the budget are also expected to positively affect the auto sector's growth in FY 2024-25. The long-term prospects for the auto industry remain highly optimistic. India has embraced the challenges faced in the past few years and is now at the cusp of rapid growth over the next decade.

The Company's perspective

Our focus on expanding market share, offering comprehensive indigenous solutions and embracing the PACE technology megatrend has yielded remarkable results. We have achieved a 25% growth in annual revenues, reaching ₹ 14,031 Crores in FY 2023-24 compared to ₹ 11,236 Crores in FY 2022-23, outperforming industry volume growth.

Our EBITDA for FY 2023-24 stands at ₹ 1,585 Crores, showcasing a substantial improvement from ₹ 1,242 Crores in FY 2022-23. Notably, our EBITDA margins increased to 11.30%, compared to 11.05% in FY 2022-23. The PAT attributable to shareholders of the Company increased by 35% to ₹ 880 Crores in FY 2023-24 from ₹ 654 Crores in FY 2022-23. Additionally, we have achieved a Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 19.81%, indicating progress from the previous year ROCE at 19.16%.

At Uno Minda, we remain committed to innovation, leadership, and social responsibility. We continue to expand our presence in various products, including switches, PV seating, alloy wheels, lighting, and EV business.

In the realm of alloy wheels, we have expanded our manufacturing capabilities, producing both Gravity Die Casting (GDC) and Low-Pressure Die Casting (LPDC) wheels. Furthermore, our focus on LED penetration in 4Ws and strategic initiatives in the EV segment shows our commitment to sustainability and future-oriented solutions.

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As we look ahead, we are optimistic about our growth prospects. Our ongoing expansions in EV plants, 2W alloy wheel production, and 4W switch plants are clear indicators of our confidence in sustaining our performance and ensuring long-term success. The Company’s exceptional performance in FY 2023-24 reaffirms our position as an industry leader. With our strong financial and operational performance paving the way, we are well-positioned for continued growth and success in the years ahead.

Segment Highlights
Switching Systems

At Uno Minda, we sustained growth in the switching business, which contributed revenues of ₹ 3,663 Crores growing at 14% on a year-on-year basis. This constituted 26% of our consolidated revenues for FY 2023-24. Our switching systems segment has demonstrated exceptional performance, driving significant revenue growth for the Company. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including the adoption of smarter switches, strategic market expansion, and increased exports in the 2W segment. img With the recent commissioning of lines for its 4W switch plant in Chennai, we anticipate further growth. Our focus on providing innovative solutions to OEMs has solidified our market presence, boasting a commanding market share of over 50% in both 2Ws and 4Ws. Plans for consolidation of plant setup in the North region at Farukhnagar Haryana to have larger capacity underscore the Company's commitment to expanding the market share and enhancing profitability by maximising kit value.

Lighting Business

We have achieved a revenue of ₹ 3,368 Crores in FY 2023-24, contributing to around 24% of our consolidated revenues. The lighting business revenues have grown by an impressive 31% in FY 2023-24 in comparison to FY 2022-23.

At Uno Minda, our lighting division has emerged as a key revenue driver, showcasing robust growth and innovative strides in the automotive lighting industry. With the commissioning of a new 4W lighting plant in Gujarat, we started manufacturing of India’s first indigenous 4-feet-long tail lamp, which further expanded to three more such tail lamps later during the year for different OEMs. Notably, the passenger car exterior lighting business has thrived, securing incremental orders, and witnessing technological advancements in tail lamps, surpassing headlamps in terms of kit value. Furthermore, the Company's focus on cutting-edge lighting technologies like logo projectors and illumination has garnered orders from leading OEMs. With a strong market presence and an expanding portfolio, Uno Minda has been at the forefront of LED adoption, particularly in the 2W segment. The division's strategic expansion plans in Pune emphasise its commitment to meeting growing demands and staying ahead in the competitive landscape. With a clear focus on value addition and market share expansion, we plan to become top player in the lighting business in the coming years.

Casting Business

The segment has achieved a revenue of ₹ 2,830 Crores for FY 2023-24, contributing to 20% of our consolidated revenues. Our casting division share of revenues in total revenues has significantly increased from 12% in FY 2020-21 to 20%. Notably, revenue growth is led by the alloy wheel business for 4W and 2W, benefitting enhanced from incremental volumes from new customers and better volumes from existing ones.

Alloy wheel penetration continues to increase reaching 45% in FY 2023-24. Buoyed by the demand, the Company has also been aggressively expanding its PV alloy wheel capacity. After commission of additional 30,000 per month wheel line in Gujarat plant, PV Alloy wheel capacity stands at 3,90,000 wheels per month, running at almost 100% utilisation. We are further expanding by 60,000 wheels in Bawal plant with 30,000 expected to be commission in FY 2024-25 and work on remaining capacity will commence depending on the necessary approval for land acquisition.

During the year, we also announced another greenfield plant with a capacity of 1,20,000 wheels per month at IMT Kharkhoda, Haryana in a phased manner over the next 5 years with phase 1 commissioning in Q2 FY 2025-26.

The Company also commissioned all three lines of ~ 2.00 Mn wheel expansion at its 2W alloy wheel plant at Supa Maharashtra. The said lines will ramp up in coming quarter. Pursuant to additional orders the Company is undertaking another expansion at Supa plant by 2.00 Million wheel per annum committing capital expenditure of ₹ 300 Crores. The enhanced capacity is expected to be commissioned by Q1 FY 2025-26. Post expansion, capacity of 2W alloy wheel will get enhanced to 7.5 to 8 Million Wheels per annum.

Acoustic Business

Our acoustic business i.e. one of our oldest product line stands as a vital component of the Company's revenue portfolio, contributing ₹ 833 Crores representing around 6% to consolidated revenues. Notably, stable growth was observed in both the Indian market and the European subsidiary, Clarton Horns. While we are manufacturing electronics horns in our European subsidiary, the adoption of the same in India market is still very low owing the price difference from traditional horn. Higher adoption of img electronics horns is one of the key drivers to watch out for substantial growth in the acoustics business

Seating Business

Our seating business is a significant revenue contributor, with revenues of ₹ 1,100 Crores, constituting 8% of total revenues. The growing demand for advanced seating solutions in CVs is driven by comfort and safety mandates. Strategic customer diversification efforts and partnerships, like the joint venture with TACHI-S, underline our promise of always innovating. With plans to reach targeted revenues ₹ 1,500 Crores ahead of schedule, the seating business remains a key growth driver, aligning with evolving market needs.

Other Products Business

Our other products business, contributing 16% of the revenues, marks an important segment in the Company's portfolio. Primarily fuelled by the escalating demand for EV products, controllers, sensors and ADAS, Uno Minda's pioneering localisation of wireless chargers has captured significant OEM interest, with large orders secured for both BEVs and ICE vehicles from OEMs. The Company has set up a greenfield plant under ja Joint Venture with FRIWO AG in Farukhnagar, Haryana, to produce vital EV components for two- wheelers and three-wheelers. Phase 1 of the plant was commissioned in first quarter of FY 2023-24. In first year of operation itself, the plant has crossed revenues of ₹ 195 Crores. Building on its low voltage EV specific components, the Company is now building capabilities for high voltage EV specific components.

Beyond the above-mentioned emerging technologies products, Uno Minda's other products business encompasses blow moulding products which has also grown significantly on the back of capacity expansion at Bangalore.

Aftermarket Business

We are also one of the largest players in the automotive aftermarket. Our aftermarket business has witnessed a remarkable growth over last five years, propelled by strategic investments, proactive market strategies, and a keen eye for emerging opportunities. The Aftermarket business achieved revenue of ₹ 1,010 Crores in FY 2023-24.

Uno Minda emphasises delivering high-quality aftermarket products, supported by robust distribution networks. Uno Minda aims to strengthen this segment by introducing new products, expanding distribution networks, creating awareness about the use of genuine parts and prioritising customer satisfaction, aligning with our commitment to meeting market demands effectively.

Strategic Business Update

In FY 2023-24, we continued on an ambitious journey of reinforcing our foothold in the automotive industry and expanding our product portfolio. We actively look at consolidating our business to streamline operations, drive synergies and achieve economies of scale.

During the year, we received approval for three merger schemes whereby Harita Fehrer Limited, Minda I Connect Private Ltd and domestic and trading business of Minda storage batteries private Ltd got amalgamated with Uno Minda Ltd. Minda TG Rubber Private Limited also got amalgamated with Toyota Gosei Minda India Private Limited. With respect to the merger of Kosei Entities with Uno Minda Ltd, the scheme is under approval from statutory authorities and likely to be approved in FY 2024-25.

After increasing stake in Kosei entities last year, we increased our stake to 76% in Minda Westport Technologies Limited, making it our subsidiary, thereby reinforcing our position in alternate fuel systems. This positions us to pioneer sustainable mobility solutions and spearhead transformative change in the automotive industry.

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Uno Minda has been proactively securing land parcels in all major auto hubs to be ready to meet the growing demand from OEMs. Last year, Uno Minda had acquired 86 acres of land at Khed City Industrial Park, Pune followed by the recent acquisition of 37 acres in Hosur Tamil Nadu and 94.32 acres in IMT Kharkhoda Haryana. Uno Minda's proactive land acquisitions and greenfield project demonstrate its commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving Indian auto landscape.

People

Our team members are integral to our progress and achievements. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and safe workplace that provides equal advancement prospects for everyone. To achieve this goal, we have devised a comprehensive training and diversity strategy. We are proud that our efforts have earned us a spot in the Great Place to Work Institute's Top 30 Best Workplaces for Manufacturing Companies in India.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the automotive industry is poised for continued growth in FY 2024-25, driven by robust demand across vehicle categories. At Uno Minda, we are confident of sustained momentum, through strategic expansions and partnerships to lead innovation and capitalise on emerging opportunities. With a focus on sustainable mobility solutions and market leadership, we remain committed to shaping the future of the automotive landscape.

Heartfelt gratitude

On behalf of our Board, I extend heartfelt appreciation to our entire team and all vital stakeholders for their constant support and encouragement as we pursue excellence. We eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration towards realising our collective vision and creating a meaningful impact on our surroundings.

Best regards,

Mr. Sunil Bohra

Group Chief Financial Officer