GMR Airports Ltd
Q2 FY25 Earnings Call Analysis
Transport Infrastructure
fundraise: Yescapex: Yesrevenue: Category 3margin: Category 3orderbook: Yes
๐revenue
Future growth expectations in sales/revenue/volumes?
- Delhi duty-free revenue growth is expected to align with traffic recovery, especially international traffic, which was impacted by geopolitical issues but is expected to improve going forward. (Page 11)
- Duty-free business consolidation across Delhi, Hyderabad, Kannur, Bhogapuram, and Goa will enhance procurement efficiency and marketing, boosting overall profitability from next quarter onwards. (Page 9)
- Hyderabad Airport traffic is growing steadily, with the highest-ever quarterly traffic of 8.1 million passengers, supporting revenue growth. (Page 2)
- Non-aero commercial revenues at Hyderabad have grown faster than passenger traffic, indicating potential for increased per-passenger spending over time. (Page 7-8)
- Airport adjacency businesses like logistics park (ESR GMR Logistics Park acquisition) and hotel projects (Hilton and IHCL agreements) are progressing, expected to contribute to future revenue. (Page 3)
- MRO business at Hyderabad shows robust growth potential aligned with increasing aircraft maintenance demand. (Page 6)
- Revised tariffs at Delhi Airport effective mid-April are driving aero revenue growth and are expected to sustain higher revenue and profitability going forward. (Pages 2 and 11)
๐margin
Future growth expectations in earnings/operating earnings/profits/EPS?
- Delhi Airport is expected to turn profitable from Q2FY26 onwards due to implemented aero tariff changes and anticipated traffic revival.
- Non-aero commercial revenues across airports have shown robust growth, with duty-free sales per passenger (SPP) expected to align with traffic growth as geopolitical issues resolve.
- Hyderabad airport continues record-high traffic and EBITDA, with positive PAT and growth potential in MRO and logistics businesses.
- The consolidation of stakes in assets, such as making Delhi duty-free 100% owned by GMR and full acquisition of logistics park, is expected to contribute positively to earnings.
- Refinancing efforts, including a non-convertible bond issuance, aim to reduce blended interest costs, enhancing margins.
- Duty-free margins at Delhi duty-free are targeted to revert to ~17% annually, from 14% reported in Q1, due to efficiencies and seasonality.
- Despite forex losses impacting Q1, these are notional and expected to reverse upon FCCB conversion.
- Overall, a sustained growth trajectory in revenues, EBITDA, and profitability is expected driven by traffic improvements, tariff implementation, and operational efficiencies.
๐orderbook
Current/ Expected Orderbook/ Pending Orders?
- The MRO business at Hyderabad Airport is on a strong growth trajectory supported by a robust order book from airlines.
- The company has signed a 3-year contract with Akasa Air for base maintenance and support for its Boeing 737 MAX fleet (currently about 30 aircraft).
- There is an ongoing evaluation for expansion of MRO capacity depending on future order book requirements.
- No explicit numbers of the total current or expected order book value are disclosed.
- Outlook on MRO business and order book is positive, with growth expected as more aircraft come into the country.
- The company refrains from providing specific future revenue guidance related to MRO contracts or order book.
๐ฐfundraise
Any current/future new fundraising through debt or equity?
- GMR Airports Limited (GAL) has proposed issuance of INR60 billion (INR6,000 crores) non-convertible debentures (NCBs), rated A+/Stable by CRISIL and upgraded by CARE to CARE A from CARE BBB+.
- INR15 billion was raised in Q4FY25 from 3-year non-convertible bonds mainly to finance the purchase of Fraport's 10% stake in DIAL; INR4 billion of this was received in Q1FY26.
- The INR6,000 crore non-convertible bond issuance is planned to refinance Holdco debt.
- The company mentioned plans to complete a transaction (likely refinancing) by August 2nd or 3rd week.
- No direct mention of immediate equity fundraising; however, there is reference to FCCBs (Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds) that will convert into equity in the future, expected to result in one-time profits on conversion.
๐๏ธcapex
Any current/future capex/capital investment/strategic investment?
- Ongoing construction at multiple airports: Bhogapuram Airport (80% physical construction completed as of June 25) and Crete Airport (54% completed).
- Investment continues in Greenfield project construction costs, particularly at Bhogapuram, with net debt increasing by INR3.2 billion related to this.
- Potential future acquisition of Nagpur airport is under consideration, which may affect capex plans.
- Expansion plans for the Hyderabad MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility are being evaluated depending on order book demand, indicating possible future investments there.
- Recent refinancing through INR6,000 crore non-convertible bonds to optimize capital structure.
- Focus on consolidating duty-free operations at multiple airports to drive efficiencies and value creationโthis may entail strategic investments in procurement and marketing platforms.
