Hindustan Zinc Limited today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2014.

Agnivesh Agarwal (Chairman, Hindustan Zinc) ––“We achieved record production and mine development in a year, which marked the beginning of our transition from open cast to underground mining at Rampura Agucha. We continue to maintain our cost leadership and create value for our shareholders.”

Highlights for the year Operational Performance

· Record mined metal production of 880 kt

· Record integrated metal production
o Integrated saleable zinc metal production – up 13%

o Integrated saleable lead and silver metal production – up 10% and 4% respectively

Financial Performance

· EBITDA up 7% to Rs. 6,974 crore

Reserves and Resources

· Total R&R of 365.1 million MT indicating mine life of over 25 years

· Gross addition of 26.1 million MT against depletion of 9.3 million MT

Dividend

· Final dividend of 95%, taking the total dividend for the year to 175%, the highest ever

 

Operational Performance Mined metal production for the year was 880kt, marginally higher than previous year and a record. Production in the second half of FY 2014 was lower than what we had planned initially due to slower than expected ramp up of underground mining projects and changes in mining sequence, wherein preference was given to primary mine development.

Integrated production of refined metal during the year was the highest ever due to operational efficiencies and higher availability of our smelters. Full year integrated production of zinc, lead and silver were higher by 13%, 10% and 4% respectively.

The zinc metal cost of production before royalty during the year was Rs. 51,054 ($844), 12% higher in Rupee and 1% higher in USD terms from previous year. The increase was driven by rupee depreciation of 11%, significantly lower acid credits and higher mine development & diesel cost.

The cost for Q4 FY 2014 was Rs. 55,467 ($899), 24% higher in Rupee and 8% higher in USD terms from corresponding period of previous year. The increase was due to 14% rupee depreciation, lower mined metal production and higher mine development.

Financial Performance

Revenues were up 7% to Rs. 13,459 crore in FY 2014, but down 7% in Q4, as compared with the corresponding prior periods. The increase was driven by higher zinc sales volume and premium supported by rupee depreciation, partially offset by lower metal prices. The decline in Q4 was mainly due to no sale of MIC and lower silver sales, partly offset by rupee depreciation.

EBITDA increased by 7% to Rs. 6,974 crore in FY 2014, but was 18% lower in Q4 from a year ago. The increase was driven by higher integrated metal volumes and rupee depreciation, partially offset by lower metal prices. The decline in Q4 was mainly due to lower volume and metal prices.

Net profit was flat from last fiscal at Rs. 6,905 crore in FY 2014. The positive impact of higher EBITDA was partly offset by higher depreciation, lower other income and higher tax during the year. In Q4, net profit declined by 13% to Rs. 1,881 crore as compared to previous year, in line with EBITDA and partly offset by higher other income.

Dividend HZL’s Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of 95% i.e. Rs. 1.90 per share on equity share of Rs 2.00 each. The total dividend for FY 2014 is 175% i.e. Rs. 3.50, the highest ever, against FY 2013 dividend of 155%. The FY 2014payout ratio is 25% as compared to 22% in FY 2013, inclusive of dividend distribution tax.

Expansion Projects The Kayad and RampuraAgucha underground mine projects commenced commercial production during the year and after initial difficulties, are now ramping up well.Sindesar Khurd expansion project is ahead of schedule. During the year, total mine development increased by over 75%, marking the beginning of transition from open-cast to underground mining. Capital expenditure is expected to be~ US$250 million in FY 2015.

Reserves and Resources In FY 2014, there was a gross addition of 26.1 million MT to reserves and resources, prior to a depletion of 9.3 million MT. Total reserves and resources at March 31, 2014 were 365.1million MT containing 35.2 million MTof zinc-lead metal and 28,804 MT of silver. Overall mine life continues to be 25+ years.

Outlook RampuraAgucha will continue to provide majority of mined metal in FY 2015. The Rampura Agucha underground mine is now starting to ramp up in line with expectation. In FY 2015, mined metal and integrated refined metals production including silver is expected to be marginally higher from FY 2014. The cost of production is expected to remain stable.

Liquidity and investment As on March 31, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of Rs. 25,535 crore, out of which Rs. 20,527 crore was invested in debt mutual funds, Rs. 1977 crore in bonds and Rs 3020 crore were in fixed deposits with banks. The Company follows a conservative investment policy and invests in high quality debt instruments.