Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ASHOKA)

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Summary from May 2024

Ashoka Buildcon Limited Q4 FY24 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Conference Call Details • Date: May 23, 2024 • Submission to: BSE and NSE on May 28, 2024 • Key Participants: • Managing Director: Satish Parakh • CFO: Paresh Mehta • Moderator: Vikram Vilas Suryavanshi (PhillipCapital)

Industry Trends • 20% increase in highway construction in FY23-24, below target. • Government plans for road construction and infrastructure improvements. • Focus on high-speed corridors and road safety.

Project Developments • Sale of Unison Enviro Private Limited. • New contracts for highway projects. • Order book as of March 31, 2024: ₹11,697 crores. • Emphasis on sustainable EPC business across highways, railways, and power transmission.

Financial Performance • Q4 FY24: • Total income: INR 2,533 crores (22% YoY increase). • EBITDA: INR 219 crores (8.6% margin). • FY24: • Total income: INR 7,841 crores (21% increase). • EBITDA: INR 691 crores (8.8% margin). • Profit Before Tax (PBT): INR 358 crores. • Profit After Tax (PAT): INR 443 crores (includes exceptional gains).

Revenue Contributions • Road EPC: 60% • Power EPC: 25% • Railways: 10% • Consolidated total income: INR 10,005 crores for FY24 (24.6% EBITDA margin).

Future Guidance • FY25 order book target: INR 12,000 to 15,000 crores. • Expected EBITDA margins: 9.5% for FY25, 11%-11.5% for FY26. • Anticipated revenue growth: ~15% for FY24-25.

Strategic Shifts • Participation in MSRDC tenders for state government projects. • Ongoing negotiations for asset monetization of Jaora-Nayagaon and Chennai ORR projects. • Expected signing of SPAs for HAM projects by June.

Cost Management • Bitumen costs: 20% to 30% of total road construction costs. • Payments primarily in cash to refineries.

Capital Management • Expected reduction of working capital debt by 50% through project monetization. • Approval for fundraising to realign working capital without increasing overall debt.

Bid Pipeline and Execution • Expanded bid pipeline focused on road, bridge, power distribution, solar, buildings, and railways. • Total order value of ₹750 crores expected to be completed within the year. • Execution of a water treatment order in Mumbai with expected revenues of INR 400 crores for FY24-25.

Financial Position • Increase in cash and bank balance due to substantial client payments. • Non-current trade receivables increased due to outstanding amounts from clients, particularly related to Chennai ORR project.

Summary from February 2024

Ashoka Buildcon Limited Q3 FY '24 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Conference Call Overview • Date: February 8, 2024 • Submission to: BSE and NSE on February 13, 2024 • Key Participants: Managing Director Satish Parakh, CFO Paresh Mehta

Key HighlightsBudgetary Increase: 2.7% increase in road transport and highways allocation. • Contract Awards: Over INR 1,400 Crore in significant contract awards. • Order Book: Balance order book of INR 13,167 Crore as of December 31, 2023. • Focus Areas: Sustainable growth in highways, railways, and power transmission.

Financial PerformanceQ3 FY '24 Standalone Income: INR 2,162 Crore (36% increase YoY). • EBITDA: INR 205 Crore (9.5% margin). • Nine-Month Income: INR 5,309 Crore (20% increase). • Consolidated Results: • Q3 Income: INR 2,699 Crore (35% YoY growth). • Nine-Month Income: INR 6,867 Crore (19% increase). • Consolidated EBITDA: INR 1,737 Crore (25.3% margin).

Revenue and Growth ProjectionsRevenue Growth Target: 15-20% for the year. • EBITDA Margin Expectation: Improvement to 11-11.5%. • Bid Pipeline: Substantial INR 95,000 Crore, primarily in the road sector.

Asset Monetization and Financial StrategyProjects in Progress: 11 HAM and 5 BOT projects. • Debt Reduction: Proceeds from asset sales to reduce debt and fund new projects. • Fund Allocation: Settling liabilities with SBI Macquarie and reducing standalone debt.

Concerns and Future OutlookPotential Flat Growth: Concerns raised about FY '25 growth due to limited order backlog. • Order Inflow Guidance: INR 6,000-8,000 Crore for FY '24. • International Projects: 36% completion in Guyana, ongoing work in Bangladesh.

Capital Expenditure and Project FocusAnnual Capex Plan: INR 60-100 Crore for equipment. • Sector Participation: Involvement in highways, railways, power distribution, buildings, and water projects.

ConclusionIn-House Capabilities: Reliance on internal teams for project execution. • Engagement with Investors: Invitation for further inquiries through the investor relations team.

Summary from November 2023

Ashoka Buildcon Limited Q2 FY '24 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Conference Call Overview • Date: November 9, 2023 • Submission to: BSE and NSE on November 13, 2023 • Participants: • Managing Director: Satish Parakh • CFO: Paresh Mehta • Moderator: Ashish Shah (JM Financial)

Sector Update • Projected 16% to 21% increase in order execution by MORTH for FY 2024. • Recent project awards in Maharashtra and Telangana. • Current order book: INR 14,795 crores, diversified across highways, railways, power transmission, and buildings.

Financial Performance • Q2 FY '24 Total Income: INR 1,590 crores (21% increase YoY). • EBITDA: INR 172 crores (10.8% margin). • H1 FY '24 Total Income: INR 3,147 crores (12% increase YoY). • Consolidated Q2 FY '24 Total Income: INR 2,195 crores (19% increase). • EBITDA: INR 587 crores (26.7% margin). • Margin recovery anticipated to 10-11% by Q1 FY '25.

Project Updates • Progress on Chennai ORR and ongoing asset sales negotiations. • Expected closure of asset sales by Q4 FY '24.

Investor InquiriesAsset Sales Timelines: • Mahanagar Gas: Expected closure in Q4. • Chennai ORR: Delays due to partner disagreements, aiming for Q4 finalization. • Jaora Nayagaon: Pending NOC, expected by Q4 or early Q1.

Order Book Concerns: • Focus on securing INR 4,000-5,000 crores in orders by March.

Bidding Pipeline: • Significant orders from NHAI and MoRTH; no participation in station redevelopment projects.

Margin Improvements: • Projecting 15% revenue growth for the current year.

Payment Timelines: • NHAI payments are timely.

Additional DiscussionsToll Collections Growth: Attributed to economic growth and toll rate hikes. • Standalone Debt: Projected reduction following asset transactions. • Competitive Intensity: Updates on T&D segment and potential water EPC sector entry. • Return Metrics: New generation exploring sectors to enhance margins and returns.

Conclusion • Management expressed optimism about future orders, project execution, and asset valuations. • Call concluded with gratitude and Diwali wishes.

Summary from August 2023

Revised Transcript Submission • Date: August 17, 2023 • Purpose: Correct typing errors from the August 11, 2023 call.

Financial HighlightsTotal Income Growth: 3% year-on-year. • Standalone Income: INR 1,557 Crores. • Consolidated Income: INR 1,973 Crores. • EBITDA Margins: Affected by inflation and a one-time provision for a solar project. • Order Book: INR 16,920 Crores, focusing on sustainable EPC and HAM projects.

Q&A Session InsightsProvision Clarifications: • 25 Crore provision related to SBI Macquarie liability. • 56 Crore one-time provision for a solar project, not affecting future P&L. • International Projects: Confirmed commencement in Bangladesh; Maldives orders expected soon. • Interest Costs: Increased due to rising repo rates and higher working capital utilization. • Topline Growth Expectations: Projected at 15% for the year. • Financial Costs: Ongoing costs related to Macquarie liability discussed. • BOT Monetization: Expected signing of SPA for HAM projects in 2-4 weeks.

EBITDA Margin ForecastShort-term Forecast: 8-8.5% for the next few quarters. • Long-term Forecast: 10-10.5% post FY2024-2025.

Capital Expenditure and Debt ManagementCapex Guidance: Approximately 100 Crores for FY2024, with 47 Crores already spent. • Debt Increase: From 488 Crores in FY2022 to 990 Crores, attributed to larger project execution. • Asset Monetization Plans: Proceeds to help exit SBI Macquarie agreement.

Revenue Growth and Project ExecutionQ1 Revenue Growth: Lower than expected due to mobilization phase of new projects. • Future Growth Anticipation: Expected growth in Q3 and Q4. • Consolidated Debt Projection: Expected to decrease to 500-600 Crores by March 2024.

Conclusion • The call concluded with acknowledgments and an invitation for further inquiries from participants.

Summary from August 2023

Ashoka Buildcon Limited Q1 FY2024 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Date and SubmissionDate of Call: August 11, 2023 • Submission to BSE and NSE: August 17, 2023

Financial HighlightsTotal Income Growth: 3% year-on-year • Standalone Income: INR 1,557 Crores • Consolidated Income: INR 1,973 Crores • EBITDA Margins: Affected by inflation and a one-time provision for a solar project • Order Book: INR 16,920 Crores, primarily from road and railway projects

Key DiscussionsProvisions and Refinancing: • 25 Crore provision related to SBI Macquarie clarified • Sambalpur project refinanced with SBI, reducing interest to 9% and extending repayment by 8 years • One-time provision of 56 Crores for solar project, not impacting future P&L

International Projects: • Bangladesh project underway; Maldives orders expected soon • Anticipated topline growth of 15% for the year

Debt and Financial Management: • Total debt approximately 5,640 Crores; 1,800 Crores for assets under construction • Plans to monetize land assets and utilize proceeds for debt settlement

Revenue and Growth ExpectationsRevenue Growth: Adjusted to 7-7.5% margins for the upcoming year • Capex Guidance: 100 Crores for FY2024 • Build Pipeline: Approximately 25,000 Crores, mainly in highway projects

Participant InquiriesEquity Infusion: ₹169 Crores yet to be deployed in HAM projects • Debt Concerns: Increased from ₹488 Crores in FY2022 to ₹990 Crores due to execution and turnover • Project Delays: Maldives project delays due to insurance issues

ConclusionFuture Outlook: Positive despite challenges, with expectations of reduced consolidated debt and improved order inflow • Engagement: Management expressed gratitude for participant inquiries and encouraged further questions.

Summary from May 2023

Ashoka Buildcon Limited Q4 FY'23 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Key HighlightsDate of Call: May 25, 2023 • Submission to BSE and NSE: Transcript submitted on May 31, 2023 • Management Present: Satish Parakh (Managing Director), Paresh Mehta (CFO)

Financial PerformanceQ4 FY'23 Standalone Results: • Total Income: INR 2,067.9 crores (27% YoY growth) • EBITDA: INR 174.4 crores (8.4% margin) • Profit Before Tax: INR 457.8 crores (boosted by exceptional gains)

Full Fiscal Year Results: • Total Revenue: INR 6,478 crores (35% increase) • Profit After Tax: INR 671.3 crores

Consolidated Results: • Q4 Total Income: INR 2,478 crores (20% growth) • EBITDA Margin: 23.6% • Consolidated PAT: INR 372.9 crores

Order Book and ProjectsCurrent Order Book: INR 18,090 crores • Focus Areas: Road and railway projects (INR 15,805 crores) • Divestment: Sale of 100% stake in Unison Enviro for INR 531 crores • Future Guidance: Order inflow of INR 6,000 to 8,000 crores for FY'24

Debt and Financial StrategyTotal Consolidated Debt: INR 6,895 crores • Project Debt: INR 5,819 crores • Debt Reduction Plans: Monetization of operational assets to lower debt significantly within two years

Operational InsightsAsset Monetization: Plans to sell 11 operational assets, targeting double-digit margins by FY'25 • Geographical Focus: Land parcels primarily in Nashik, Pune, and Madhya Pradesh (book value: INR 270 crores) • CAPEX Plans: INR 80 to 90 crores for FY'24, mainly for new projects in Kerala

Project UpdatesNHAI Pipeline: INR 72,000 crores, with INR 30,000 crores expected to be bid soon • Railways Sector: Anticipated opportunities worth INR 20,000 crores • Chennai ORR and Jaora-Nayagaon Projects: Expected cash inflows of INR 450 crores and INR 300 crores, respectively

Challenges and ResolutionsDebarment Issue: Previous debarment from bidding resolved, allowing participation in new bids • Land Acquisition Issues: Addressed delays in projects due to land acquisition challenges

ConclusionFuture Outlook: Strong order book projection of over INR 20,000 crores for FY'24, with a focus on roads and railways • Interest Rates: Current consolidated debt interest rates range from 9% to 10% • Invitation for Queries: Call concluded with an invitation for further offline questions.

Summary from February 2023

Ashoka Buildcon Limited Q3 FY '23 Earnings Conference Call Summary

Date and SubmissionDate of Call: February 13, 2023 • Submission to BSE and NSE: February 17, 2023

Key Management ParticipantsManaging Director: Satish Parakh • CFO: Paresh Mehta

Financial HighlightsQ3 FY '23 Performance: • Total income: INR 1,996 crores (up 35% YoY) • EBITDA: INR 530 crores (26.6% margin) • Nine Months FY '23 Performance: • Total revenue: INR 5,757 crores (up 41% YoY) • Standalone Q3 FY '23: • Total income: INR 1,590 crores (up 40% YoY)

Debt and Asset SalesConsolidated Debt: INR 6,987 crores as of December 31, 2022 • Asset Sales: • Significant transaction involving five SPVs valued at INR 1,337 crores • Expected cash inflow from KKR deal by Q2 FY '24

Order Book and Growth ProspectsCurrent Order Book: INR 19,150 crores • Growth Expectations for FY '24: 20-25% • Focus Areas: Expanding EPC business in highways, railways, and power transmission

Challenges and Margin OutlookChallenges: Competitive bidding and inflation affecting margins • Future Margin Expectations: Anticipated improvement to 9.5-10% in upcoming quarters

Project UpdatesDelayed Projects: Executable order book includes INR 1,500 crores delayed • Specific Projects: • Maldives project clearance expected by March • D.Y. Patil project delayed due to disputes

Financial MetricsTrade Receivables: INR 1,192 crores • Unbilled Revenue: INR 1,528 crores • Trade Payables: INR 1,147 crores • Inventory: INR 297 crores

Future StrategiesCapex Plans: INR 250 crores over the next five quarters • Debt Management: Focus on maintaining low consolidated debt levels

Investor InquiriesConcerns Raised: • Cash flow and tax implications • Revenue guidance and margin expectations • Status of KKR deal and project timelines

Conclusion • Management expressed confidence in future growth and addressed investor concerns regarding debt reduction and project timelines. Further updates on asset monetization and project statuses are expected in the coming months.