Naveen Jindal, born on 9 March 1970, is a prominent Indian billionaire industrialist, philanthropist, and former Member of Parliament from Kurukshetra, Haryana. Jindal’s career has seen a blend of political engagement and corporate leadership, currently serving as the Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) and Chancellor of O. P. Jindal Global University. His recent transition from the Indian National Congress (INC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2024 Indian General Election marks a significant shift in his political journey. This article delves into Jindal’s dual roles and the financial health of JSPL, providing a comprehensive look at how his political activities and corporate responsibilities intertwine.
Naveen Jindal’s Political Journey
In 2004, Jindal entered the political arena, winning the Lok Sabha seat from Kurukshetra on an INC ticket. He served as a Member of Parliament in the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha. On 24 March 2024, he resigned from the INC and joined the BJP, contesting from Kurukshetra in the upcoming general election. This political shift reflects his evolving strategy to align with the changing political landscape in India.
Corporate Leadership at Jindal Steel & Power
Naveen Jindal’s role at JSPL has also seen significant changes. Effective from 1 October 2023, he was re-designated as a non-executive chairman, stepping down from his position as an executive director. This change means that Jindal will not receive remuneration from the company, except for sitting fees for board and committee meetings, and any compensation applicable to non-executive directors.
JSPL, under Jindal’s leadership, has shown robust financial performance. For the quarter ending 31 March 2024, the company reported a 62% year-on-year increase in post-tax profit, reaching Rs 1,282 crore, compared to Rs 789 crore in the same period last year. The company’s gross revenue stood at Rs 15,847 crore. On a consolidated basis, JSPL’s net profit doubled to Rs 933 crore, with revenue at Rs 15,749 crore.
Financial Performance and Strategic Investments
The company’s production and sales for the quarter were 2.05 million tonnes (mt) and 2.01 mt, respectively. Notably, exports maintained a consistent share of 11%, similar to the previous fiscal year. Adjusted EBITDA for Q4FY24 was Rs 2,512 crore, accounting for a one-off foreign exchange loss of Rs 68 crore. The increase in EBITDA was driven by a reduction in raw material costs, partially offset by lower net sales realisation (NSR).
For the fiscal year, JSPL’s standalone profit surged by 117% to Rs 5,273 crore, with revenue at Rs 57,504 crore. On a consolidated basis, net profit increased by 86% to Rs 5,943 crore, with revenue at Rs 58,115 crore. However, the company’s net debt rose to Rs 11,203 crore in Q4FY24 from Rs 9,115 crore in Q3FY24, reflecting higher payments due to the completion of several projects under the capital expenditure (capex) program. The capex for the quarter was Rs 2,523 crore, and for the entire fiscal year, it was Rs 8,517 crore. During this period, the company commissioned a Hot Strip Mill and a pellet plant, each with a capacity of 6 mtpa.
Dividend Announcement
JSPL also announced a dividend of Rs 2 per share. As per the company’s filing on the NSE, this final dividend for FY24 represents a 200% payout on the face value of Re 1 per share, pending approval from shareholders and relevant authorities.
About Jindal Steel & Power
Jindal Steel & Power is a leading player in the steel, power, mining, and infrastructure sectors. With an investment of USD 12 billion globally, the company continues to expand its capacity and efficiency, contributing to building a self-reliant India. JSPL’s strong financial performance and strategic investments position it well for future growth, despite the challenges posed by increasing debt.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. The information is based on various secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult with a financial expert before making investment decisions.
