KNR Constructions Ltd
Q1 FY24 Earnings Call Analysis
Construction
fundraise: No informationcapex: Yesrevenue: Category 4margin: Category 4orderbook: No information
π°fundraise
Any current/future new fundraising through debt or equity?
- The company has a consolidated debt of INR1,220 crores as of March 31, 2024, up from INR610 crores the previous year, with a net debt to equity ratio of 0.34 times.
- Equity infusion of INR504 crores is planned across FY25 (INR350 crores), FY26 (INR90 crores), and FY27 (INR64 crores) specifically for HAM projects.
- No explicit mention of new debt raising plans, but the company is managing debt drawing based on cash flow needs, particularly for HAM receivables.
- Discussions with partners like Cube Highways for BOT toll projects include potential equity commitments around 20-26%, suggesting selective equity participation depending on project bidding requirements.
- Thereβs an emphasis on maintaining a strong balance sheet and cautious capital expenditure, expecting capex around INR100-120 crores in FY25 mainly contingent on new project awards.
ποΈcapex
Any current/future capex/capital investment/strategic investment?
- FY24 capex was around INR 80 crores.
- For FY25, expected capex is approximately INR 100 to 120 crores, mainly for regular capex.
- Additional capex will be required if large new projects are secured.
- Strategic investment plans include partnering with Cube Highways for BOT toll projects, with potential equity participation of 20%-25% initially, with possible exit after project completion.
- Discussions ongoing with partners like NCC for metro and irrigation projects through MOUs.
- Exploring new sectors such as irrigation, metro, tunneling, railway, mining, and solar EPC to diversify and de-risk business.
- Focus on selective geographic areas, primarily southern India, with cautious approach to investments outside this region.
πrevenue
Future growth expectations in sales/revenue/volumes?
- FY25 revenue expected to be flat around INR3,955 crores, similar to FY24 levels.
- Order inflow target for FY25 is INR5,000 to INR6,000 crores, with initial 2-3 months targeting INR2,000 to INR3,000 crores.
- Growth in FY25 considered "a little bit dull" due to project start delays and external challenges.
- Execution depends on appointed dates and project mobilization, with some projects yet to start.
- FY26 expected to see better growth, anticipated to perform well ("touch wood, we'll do great").
- Margin guidance for FY25 is 15%-16%, slightly lower than FY24's 17.4%, due to aggressive bidding on new projects.
- Expanded focus into diverse sectors like irrigation, metro, tunneling, railway, mining, and solar for sustainable growth and de-risking.
- BOT toll projects expected as part of growth strategy through partnerships, mainly in southern India.
πmargin
Future growth expectations in earnings/operating earnings/profits/EPS?
- FY25 revenue is expected to be flat compared to FY24, around INR3,955 crores.
- Margins are likely to be lower than FY24βs 17.4%, with guidance of 15%-16% EBITDA margin due to aggressive bidding on new projects.
- FY25 capex anticipated between INR100-120 crores, dependent on new project awards.
- Management expects FY25 to be a somewhat dull year with challenges in project starts and execution, targeting to maintain last year's performance.
- FY26 is expected to show improved execution and growth prospects ("2026 would be, touch wood, we'll do great").
- Net profit for FY24 was INR440 crores (adjusted), with the company aiming to sustain profitability amid margin pressures.
- Overall, modest near-term growth with better outlook post-FY25 as larger projects ramp up.
πorderbook
Current/ Expected Orderbook/ Pending Orders?
- As of March 31, 2024, KNR Constructions has an order book of INR 5,305 crores.
- This includes 60% EPC road & HAM projects, 19% irrigation, and 21% pipeline projects.
- Client-wise, 61% is from third-party (mostly state government contracts), 39% from captive consumption.
- The current order book excludes INR 1,200 crores from two HAM projects without appointed dates; including these, the order book rises to INR 6,505 crores.
- The order book provides ~1.5 years of execution visibility.
- Target order inflow for FY25 is INR 5,000 to 6,000 crores, with INR 2,000 to 3,000 crores expected in the next 2-3 months.
- Post-election, significant new tendering and awarding activities are anticipated, especially in highways.
- KNR is strategically entering BOT toll projects as minor partner with Cube Highways to increase bidding opportunities.
