SETCO - Setco Automotive
π’ Recent Corporate Announcements
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has issued a closure direction for the manufacturing unit of Setco Auto Systems Private Limited, a subsidiary of Setco Automotive, located in Kalol, Gujarat. The order, issued under Section 33A of the Water Act, 1974, mandates the disconnection of electricity and the cessation of alleged wastewater discharge near the River Goma. This action follows an inspection conducted on February 13, 2026, and the company is currently evaluating legal remedies to contest the order. While the company is assessing the financial and operational impact, the shutdown of a key facility represents a significant near-term risk to production.
- GPCB ordered the closure of the Kalol manufacturing unit belonging to subsidiary Setco Auto Systems Private Limited.
- The order includes the disconnection of electricity supply (except single phase) and stoppage of wastewater discharge.
- Regulatory action was initiated following an official inspection conducted on February 13, 2026.
- The company is exploring legal remedies and assessing the total financial impact of the shutdown.
- The unit is located at BarodaβGodhra Highway, Kalol, District Panchmahal, Gujarat.
Setco Automotive's subsidiary, Setco Auto Systems Private Limited, has received in-principle approval from BSE to modify the terms of its listed Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs). The modification involves extending the maturity date of these senior, secured NCDs from January 31, 2026, to March 31, 2026. This two-month extension provides the subsidiary with additional time to manage its debt repayment or refinancing obligations. The approval is subject to compliance with SEBI (LODR) and the Companies Act, 2013.
- BSE granted in-principle approval on March 9, 2026, for modifying NCD terms of the subsidiary company.
- The maturity date for the listed NCDs has been extended from January 31, 2026, to March 31, 2026.
- The instruments involved are senior, listed, rated, secured, and non-cumulative debentures.
- The extension applies specifically to Setco Auto Systems Private Limited, a key subsidiary of Setco Automotive.
Setco Automotive reported a standalone net profit of βΉ16 Lakhs for Q3 FY26, recovering from a loss of βΉ105 Lakhs in the same quarter last year, despite revenue remaining stagnant at βΉ24 Lakhs. The results are overshadowed by a SEBI order dated February 5, 2026, which imposes monetary penalties and restricts Executive Directors from the securities market. Most critically, directors have been ordered to repay funds to the company and its subsidiary with a 23% annual interest rate. Auditors have also raised concerns regarding non-accrual of interest on subsidiary loans and significant past investment impairments.
- Standalone net profit turned positive at βΉ16 Lakhs in Q3 FY26 vs a loss of βΉ105 Lakhs in Q3 FY25.
- SEBI order imposes market restrictions and penalties on Executive Directors and the former CEO for non-compliance.
- Directors directed to repay funds received from the company and subsidiary Setco Auto Systems with 23% p.a. interest.
- Revenue from operations remains extremely low at βΉ24 Lakhs for the quarter, down from βΉ29 Lakhs YoY.
- Company carries a significant impairment provision of βΉ11,133 Lakhs on total investments of βΉ23,385 Lakhs.
Setco Automotive reported a standalone net profit of βΉ16 Lakhs for Q3 FY26, improving from a loss of βΉ105 Lakhs in the same quarter last year. However, the company is embroiled in a major regulatory crisis following a SEBI order on February 5, 2026, which imposes monetary penalties and bars Executive Directors from the securities market. Most significantly, the Managing Director and Whole Time Director have been directed to repay funds received from the company and its subsidiary with a 23% p.a. interest rate. The company is currently in the process of filing an appeal against these orders.
- Standalone Net Profit of βΉ16 Lakhs in Q3 FY26 vs a loss of βΉ105 Lakhs in Q3 FY25.
- SEBI Order (Feb 5, 2026) imposes market restrictions and penalties on Executive Directors and the Ex-CEO.
- Management directed to repay funds to the company and its subsidiary (SASPL) with 23% p.a. interest.
- Revenue from operations remains stagnant at βΉ24 Lakhs for the quarter and βΉ86 Lakhs for the nine-month period.
- Company has provided for impairment in value of investments worth βΉ11,133 Lakhs in earlier years.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a significant order against Setco Automotive Limited (SAL), its subsidiary, and its promoters regarding alleged financial irregularities between FY 2019-20 and FY 2021-22. The investigation highlights a potential diversion of βΉ107.76 crore to promoter-controlled entities under the guise of marketing commissions following a slump sale of the core clutch business. The company and its subsidiary had raised βΉ615 crore from India Resurgence Fund (IRF) to address a cash crunch, but SEBI alleges these funds were mismanaged. Ten individuals, including the Managing Director and Independent Directors, face potential debarment and monetary penalties for violating PFUTP and LODR regulations.
- Alleged diversion of βΉ107.76 crore to promoter-linked Setco Engineering Private Limited (SEPL) as marketing commission.
- Company raised a total of βΉ615 crore from India Resurgence Fund (IRF) through NCDs and equity to manage liquidity.
- Core clutch business was transferred to a subsidiary via slump sale for a nominal value of βΉ0.05 crore.
- SEBI investigation covers potential violations of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices (PFUTP) and Listing Obligations (LODR).
- Noticees include MD Harish Sheth, WTD Udit Sheth, and multiple independent directors and KMPs.
Setco Automotive Limited has filed its Structured Digital Database (SDD) compliance certificate for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, as per SEBI Insider Trading regulations. The company confirmed that it has a non-tamperable system in place to track Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) with a full audit trail. During the quarter, the company identified 1 specific event that required capturing and successfully recorded that 1 event. This filing confirms there were no non-compliances observed during the period, reflecting standard corporate governance practices.
- Achieved 100% compliance by capturing 1 out of 1 required UPSI events during the quarter.
- Maintained a non-tamperable internal database with an audit trail capability of 8 years.
- Confirmed adherence to Regulation 3(5) and 3(6) of SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations.
- Verified that access controls and timestamping for all disseminated UPSI are functional.
Setco Automotive Limited has submitted its quarterly compliance certificate under Regulation 74(5) of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018. The document, issued by MUFG Intime India Private Limited, confirms that all dematerialization requests for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, were processed within prescribed timelines. It further verifies that physical share certificates were mutilated and cancelled after due verification. This is a standard administrative filing required for all listed entities in India to ensure the integrity of shareholding records.
- Compliance certificate submitted for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
- Confirmation provided by Registrar and Share Transfer Agent, MUFG Intime India Private Limited.
- Securities received for dematerialization were processed and listed on stock exchanges.
- Physical certificates were mutilated and cancelled as per SEBI guidelines.
- The name of the depositories has been updated in the register of members as the registered owner.
Setco Automotive Limited's subsidiary, Setco Auto Systems Private Limited, has received in-principle approval from BSE to modify the terms of its senior, listed, secured Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs). The key modification is the extension of the maturity date from the previous deadline of December 1, 2025, to a new date of January 31, 2026. This extension suggests a need for additional time to manage debt obligations or complete refinancing. The approval is subject to ongoing compliance with SEBI and Companies Act regulations.
- BSE granted In-Principle Approval on January 7, 2026, for modification of NCD terms.
- The maturity date for the subsidiary's NCDs is extended from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
- The NCDs involved are senior, listed, rated, secured, and non-cumulative instruments.
- Approval is contingent upon compliance with SEBI (LODR) Regulations and the Companies Act, 2013.
Setco Automotive's subsidiary, Setco Auto Systems Private Limited, has received in-principle approval from BSE to modify the terms of its senior listed NCDs. The primary modification involves extending the maturity date from the original December 1, 2025, to a new date of January 31, 2026. This extension provides the subsidiary with additional time to manage its redemption obligations. The approval is subject to compliance with SEBI (LODR) Regulations and the Companies Act, 2013.
- BSE granted in-principle approval on January 7, 2026, for NCD term modifications.
- The maturity date for the subsidiary's NCDs is extended from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
- The instruments are senior, listed, rated, secured, and non-cumulative debentures.
- The extension is subject to compliance with SEBI and other applicable regulatory frameworks.
Setco Automotive Limited has announced the closure of its trading window for all designated persons starting January 1, 2026. This closure is in compliance with SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, ahead of the upcoming financial results. The window will remain closed until 48 hours after the declaration of the audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025. This is a standard regulatory procedure for listed companies in India.
- Trading window closure begins effective Thursday, January 1, 2026.
- Applies to all directors, designated employees, connected persons, and their immediate relatives.
- Closure is related to the financial results for the quarter and nine months ending December 31, 2025.
- Trading window will reopen 48 hours after the official declaration of audited financial results.
Setco Automotive Limited has provided a clarification to the National Stock Exchange regarding its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The exchange had flagged an inadequacy in the filing under SEBI Regulation 33, specifically concerning segment reporting requirements. The company officially stated that it operates in a single business segment, which is Auto Components. This filing resolves the procedural query raised by the exchange to ensure regulatory compliance.
- NSE flagged an inadequacy in the financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025
- Clarification provided under Regulation 33 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015
- Company confirmed it has only one business segment: Auto Components
- The response was submitted on November 27, 2025, to the National Stock Exchange
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Consolidated revenue from operations grew 12.2% YoY to INR 718.6 Cr in FY25, up from INR 640.7 Cr. The Aftermarket segment was a primary driver, growing 31% YoY and contributing 15.6% of total revenue. Standalone revenue was minimal at INR 2.73 Cr following the transfer of the clutch business to its subsidiary.
Geographic Revenue Split
International operations are key drivers: North American (SANAI) sales grew 6% YoY with 12% EBITDA margins. European (SAUL) sales grew 2% YoY, though EBITDA remained negative. The company also operates in the Middle East via Setco MEA DMCC.
Profitability Margins
The company reported a consolidated Net Loss of INR 126.33 Cr in FY25, a slight improvement of 4.95% from a loss of INR 132.58 Cr in FY24. Profitability is severely impacted by high finance costs of INR 217.41 Cr, which increased 21% YoY, exceeding the operating profit.
EBITDA Margin
Consolidated EBITDA grew 50.7% YoY to INR 109.2 Cr in FY25, up from INR 72.5 Cr. The EBITDA margin improved to approximately 15.2% from 11.3% in the previous year, driven by higher-margin aftermarket sales and export growth.
Capital Expenditure
Not explicitly disclosed in absolute INR Cr for the current period, but the company is investing in 'State-of-the-Art' manufacturing and R&D capabilities in the UK and India to support new product ranges.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
The company was assigned an [ICRA]D rating in June 2021 due to irregularities in servicing bank debt. While the rating was withdrawn in December 2021 after debt was transferred to the SASPL subsidiary, liquidity remains stretched with consolidated finance costs at INR 217.41 Cr.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Specific raw materials include iron castings (sourced from subsidiary Lava Cast), steel, and friction materials for clutch manufacturing. Castings represent a significant portion of the input for the clutch and flywheel lines.
Import Sources
Sourced domestically in India (via Lava Cast Pvt Ltd) and internationally to support manufacturing hubs in the UK and North America.
Key Suppliers
Lava Cast Private Limited (subsidiary) is a primary supplier of castings. Other third-party vendors for steel and friction components are utilized but not named.
Capacity Expansion
Current capacity is not stated in units, but the company is expanding its 'Setco Allied Products' line to include flywheels, bearings, brakes, and lubricants to utilize existing distribution channels.
Raw Material Costs
Not disclosed as a specific percentage of revenue, but the company is implementing proactive cost-reduction steps in its European operations to offset negative EBITDA.
Manufacturing Efficiency
The company utilizes 'State-of-the-Art' facilities and an R&D hub in the UK (SAUL) to improve product life and performance, specifically for the LIPE brand.
Logistics & Distribution
The company uses a global distribution network with hubs in the UK, USA, and Dubai to serve the European, North American, and Middle Eastern markets.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
7-9%
Growth Strategy
The company is transitioning to an aftermarket-focused enterprise to reduce OEM dependency. Strategy includes launching 'Setco Allied Products' (bearings, brakes, lubricants), expanding the LIPE brand in Europe, and developing a new range of clutches for the North American market to augment existing business.
Products & Services
Clutches for M&HCV and LCV, flywheels, bearings, brakes, lubricants, and oil.
Brand Portfolio
LIPE, Setco, Setco Allied Products.
New Products/Services
Launched 'Setco Allied Products' including flywheels, bearings, brakes, and lubricants to complement the core clutch portfolio.
Market Expansion
Targeting the North American market with a new range of clutches and the European market through new distributor setups under the SAUL subsidiary.
Strategic Alliances
Maintains six global subsidiaries including Setco Auto Systems Pvt Ltd (SASPL) and Lava Cast Pvt Ltd.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is shifting toward organized spare parts and preventive maintenance. Vehicle parc expansion and the increasing average age of vehicles are driving a 31% growth in the company's aftermarket segment.
Competitive Landscape
Competes with global and domestic clutch manufacturers in the OEM and IAM segments.
Competitive Moat
Moat is built on 40+ years of excellence, the established 'LIPE' brand, and a dominant position in the Indian M&HCV clutch market. Sustainability is supported by a shift to the less cyclical aftermarket.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to infrastructure spending and GDP growth, which drive M&HCV demand. The Indian auto component industry's 7-9% growth forecast for FY26 is a key benchmark.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward higher-quality, branded spare parts in the organized aftermarket to ensure vehicle uptime in the commercial sector.
Geopolitical Risks
Exposure to trade barriers and economic uncertainty in European and North American markets where subsidiaries operate.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Complies with the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations. Operations are subject to automotive safety and manufacturing standards in India, the UK, and the USA.
Taxation Policy Impact
Consolidated tax provision was a credit of INR 2.85 Cr in FY25 compared to a credit of INR 6.23 Cr in FY24.
Legal Contingencies
The company has extended the redemption date for NCDs worth INR 574.50 Cr multiple times, with the latest extension to December 1, 2025, following agreements with debenture holders and trustees.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Liquidity risk is the primary uncertainty, evidenced by the [ICRA]D rating and the need to extend NCD redemptions. Potential impact is a 100% disruption of credit facilities if defaults occur.
Geographic Concentration Risk
While global, the majority of revenue (approx. 90% based on SASPL sales) is tied to the Indian market and its subsidiary SASPL.
Third Party Dependencies
Dependent on the recovery of the M&HCV industry and the performance of its material unlisted subsidiary, Setco Auto Systems Private Limited.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Risk of shift toward electric commercial vehicles; mitigated by R&D focus on new product ranges and allied products.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Stretched financial profile and irregularities in servicing bank debt obligations as noted by credit rating agencies.