The shares of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) hit a fresh all-time high of Rs 1,061.25 on the BSE during Friday’s intraday trade, climbing 10% amid heavy trading volumes. The sponge iron manufacturer has been a star performer, with its stock more than doubling in the past year, delivering a staggering 102% return compared to the 19% rise in the BSE Sensex.

Lloyds Metals holds a unique position in Maharashtra as the only iron ore miner in the state. The company boasts a 50-year iron ore mining lease at Surjagarh village in Gadchiroli district, which is home to the state’s largest reserve of high-grade iron ore.

Additionally, LMEL is a leading manufacturer of coal-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), commonly known as sponge iron, with a production capacity of 3,40,000 TPA. The company operates two key plants:

A DRI facility with a 2,70,000 TPA capacity and a 30 MW captive power plant in Ghugus, Chandrapur district.
A Greenfield plant in Konsari, Gadchiroli, with a 70,000 MTPA capacity and a 4 MW captive power plant.

Financial Performance in H1FY25
Lloyds Metals has posted impressive financial results for the first half of FY25 (April to September 2024). A 26% year-on-year (YoY) increase was seen in revenue, driven by higher volumes and realizations in both sponge iron and iron ore segments. Profit After Tax (PAT) jumped 30.3% YoY to Rs 301.30 crore. EBITDA rose by 37% YoY, reflecting strong operational efficiency, and EBITDA margin expanded by 270 basis points YoY to 30.26%.

However, on a quarter-on-quarter basis, the company experienced a decline in total income and PAT, which dropped by 39.3% and 45.9%, respectively. Despite this short-term dip, the company’s long-term outlook remains optimistic.

India’s iron ore production is heavily reliant on two key players: NMDC and Lloyds Metals. While NMDC has environmental clearance to ramp up production to 53 million tonnes (mt), Lloyds Metals holds an edge with clearance for 55 mt. However, Lloyds primarily mines magnetite iron ore, which has a lower Fe content and requires beneficiation to meet industrial standards.

Lloyds Metals’ operations in Maharashtra are becoming critical for India’s steel industry, especially as production ramp-ups in Odisha face challenges. The company’s magnetite ore mines hold immense potential, but advanced beneficiation techniques are essential to make the ore suitable for industrial use.

The long-term demand for steel, driven by infrastructure development and industrial growth, positions LMEL to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The company’s strong asset base, production capabilities, and strategic foresight make it a key player in addressing the country’s iron ore needs.

LMEL’s stock performance in 2024 has been exceptional, with the stock surging 72% year-to-date and delivering an impressive 97% return over the past 12 months. On Friday, as of 2:15 pm, the shares were trading at Rs 1,034 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), reflecting a nearly 7% gain for the day.

With its strong financials, strategic mining operations, and favourable market outlook, LMEL is well-positioned for sustainable growth. The company is leveraging its unique strengths to meet the growing demand for steel and sponge iron.