Q3 23 Conference Call Transcript
Q3 23 Conference Call Transcript
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Adani Enterprises Limited
February 14, 2023
Moderator: Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the Q3 FY '23 Earnings Call for Adani
Enterprises Limited, hosted by DAM Capital. As a reminder, all participant lines will be in the
listen-only mode. There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions after the presentation
concludes. Should you need assistance during the conference, please signal an operator by
pressing star then zero on your touchtone phone. Please note that this conference is being
recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Mohit Kumar from DAM Capital. Thank you,
and over to you, sir.
Mohit Kumar: Thank you, Dorwin. On behalf of DAM Capital, I welcome you all to the Q3 FY '23 Earnings
Call for Adani Enterprises. We have with us from the management team, Mr. Vinay Prakash,
Director; Adani Enterprises and CEO of Natural Resources. We also have Mr. Robbie Singh,
CFO, Adani Enterprises; Mr. Saurabh Shah, Finance Controller; and Mr. Manan Vakharia,
Investor Relations. Will start with the brief opening remarks, followed by Q&A. Thank you, and
over to you, sir.
Robbie Singh: This is Robbie here. Thank you for joining the call. Just as a brief for the last 9 months, and then
I'll touch on the quarter. For the last 9 months, I'm very pleased to inform you Adani Enterprise
crossed INR 1 lakh crore in terms of total revenue. EBITDA for the first time crossed INR 6,000
crores and PAT also crossed INR 1,700 crores for the 9 months. On the key metrics, interest
coverage has comfortably averaged for the last 4 years, over 2.5 times. Debt cover ratio is over
2 times for the first time.
Net debt to EBITDA now has fallen below 4 times. Net debt to equity is now stable at less than
0.8 to 0.9 times and net debt to assets are comfortable at 0.2 times. For the quarter, Adani
Enterprise had a stellar quarter i.e. Q3 2023. For the first time, we've had a significant
contribution from our newly incubating assets, which now stand at approximately little higher
than 33% of our EBITDA for the quarter. The revenue stood at INR 26,951 crores and the
EBITDA at INR 1,968 crores. Of this EBITDA, INR 906 crores came from the new incubating
businesses.
These new incubating businesses include green hydrogen, Adani airports, roads and data center.
Our traditional businesses of mining services and trading have consistently been a good
performer for the last decade, and they continue to be excellent performers as of this quarter as
well. The pleasing aspect of this quarter has been that EBITDA increase at airports driven by a
passenger increase of 40% and air traffic movement increase of over 20%. We're also pleased to
inform you that our 2 GW of cell and module line is operating in the Adani New Industries
Ecosystem.
And our 5.2 MW onshore wind turbine is undergoing certification, which we expect it to
complete in June. In relation to overall operating highlights, sales volume from our Adani New
Industries Ecosystem are up 64%; IRM sales volumes are up high single digits; passenger
movement airport up 40%, air traffic movement up 21% and we've completed close to 37 lane
kilometers. In summary, these last 2 weeks have been interesting, but the key highlight, as
always, has been stellar performance of Adani Enterprise and its incubating businesses. With
this, I will open for Q&A.
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Adani Enterprises Limited
February 14, 2023
Moderator: The first question is from the line of Nikhil Abhyankar from DAM Capital.
Nikhil Abhyankar: Congrats on a good set of numbers. So after the recent events, are we still going ahead with the
capex plan for the renewable segment? And when do you expect the commission of 10 GW of
solar cell and module capacity?
Robbie Singh: So we see with the recent plan, there are a couple of changes, a couple of measures we will take
just to respond to the market volatility. But overall, our plans continue for airports, for the green
hydrogen business, which is a core of an infrastructure. I will highlight to you another point
when I say this. If you see that we have all of our results are out, I can share with you that our
core portfolio, which is the infra portfolio is about 81% of our EBITDA, which has grown 46%
compared to the last 9 months of 2022 versus 2023. And that the core infra portfolio EBITDA
is close to INR 33,000 crores now.
As I mentioned earlier, our mining services business is robust and stable and contributes about
9%. Cement is now contributing about 7%. So if you look at our core cash flow generating
assets, they are exactly the same as before. So our investments in the core infrastructure sector,
which includes energy and utilities, which is green hydrogen and our transport and logistics
portfolio will continue as planned. However, given the current volatility, we will moderate the
certain accelerations that we had budgeted in the capex profile.
And we will now continue on the ordinary course of business based capex. So to that extent, yes,
there is a change. But overall, our core infra and utility capex programs, will continue to the
extent of, the as we've always done, to the extent of the free cash flow available in those
businesses.
Nikhil Abhyankar: Understood, sir. And just a second question. Sir, what are the contribution in terms of revenue
and EBITDA from the Carmichael mine?
Robbie Singh: Carmichael mine this quarter contributed INR 427 crores, and that number will continue to rise
on the EBITDA.
Moderator: The next question is from the line of Tanu Poddar from Mount Intra Finance Private Limited.
Tanu Poddar: My question is regarding the airport segment. So I wanted to understand the decline in the
segment results because considering the high operating leverage in this particular segment, we
would expect the EBIT to rise in kind of all. So I just wanted to understand why it has fallen and
some details regarding the concession fees for the Mumbai airport regarding these things?
Robbie Singh: I think for EBIT more realistic way to look at would be that the depreciation levels will continue
to rise as our capex numbers rise. But overall, the EBITDA number are continuing to rise. So
the non-cash depreciation at the airport business will rise for some time.
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Adani Enterprises Limited
February 14, 2023
Now in relation to the fee paid calculations for the quarter and for the year, we will share with
you. Saurabh and team will share with you post this call the actual fees paid to AAI because I
don't want to quote a rough number. I would like to just give you the exact numbers. So we will
put that in writing.
Moderator: We have the next question from the line of Nirav Shah from GeeCee Investments.
Nirav Shah: A few questions and one clarification. You mentioned EBITDA from Carmichael mine INR 422
crores.
Nirav Shah: And that it doesn't form part of any of the segments that we have reported, either ICM or MDO.
It's over and above that?
Robbie Singh: Part of the natural resources, so sort of in terms of segmental reporting, we bring out the
Carmichael mine from next year onwards as a segment.
Saurabh Shah: Because right now, it does not fall above 10%, which is the criteria for segment.
Nirav Shah: Because if I add up the EBITDA reported from the segments, I mean, coal trading plus MDO,
solar and airports, we are already getting a INR 1,600 crores of number. I'll take it up with
Saurabh off-line on this. And sir, just regarding the MDO volumes, I mean, we had given a target
of 40 million tons and 50 million tons this year and next year. We largely stick around that same
target?
Vinay Prakash: Yes. In fact, I think this year, we are going to be around 30 million, and next year is going to be
40 million.
Nirav Shah: So we've scaled down by 10 million tons. I mean, the plan, yes.
Vinay Prakash: Yes. It’s just 1 or 2 mines have got delayed because of which the volumes are lower, but we can
always recoup it in next 1 or 2 years' time.
Nirav Shah: And on the commercial mining front, the first mine Dhirauli should be starting in FY 24?
Nirav Shah: And sir, last question is on the green hydrogen projects. I mean, we have read comments on the
Total management that as of now, they haven't signed. So any revised schedule in terms of
commissioning of green hydrogen capacities if you can.
Robbie Singh: No, I think the first stage of projects was related to the integrated manufacturing, they are
continuing. And I think also we should be careful in just looking at the media as a media
statement. the full statement was that MoU was signed in May, engineering due diligence,
technical due diligence, marketing diligence that work is continuing and that takes time on large
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Adani Enterprises Limited
February 14, 2023
projects like this. So Total is doing that work. And once that's completed, we will come back
and revisit.
But when we look at it, our MoU is still signed and was signed last year May. I think a lot of
time in a higher volatility scenario, a lot of things get said, but I think we should not. Our plan
always has been that we are continuing with the running new industry projects for the past 2
years. So that work is still continuing.
Nirav Shah: And just the last question is on the airports. I mean, so the revenues has started from only October
onwards?
Saurabh Shah: So just to answer that, the revenue share, which we have taken a provision of is from 1st October
22 this year in Mumbai International Airport and before that, we have already, as per the note
which we have been giving, that the no provisions were taken because of COVID restrictions
that were there in the earlier part of last year and the first half of the current year.
Moderator: The next question is from the line of Anuj Suneja from ICICI Pru Life.
Moderator: We have the next question from the line of Dhananjay Kumar Mishra from Sunidhi Securities.
Dhananjay Mishra: And, sir, you indicated that the pace of investment will be moderate going forward as the
volatility is there. So any changes in our the New Mumbai greenfield project, that we are
expected to complete by March ‘25. So any changes over there? And what is the status of
financial closure over there?
Robbie Singh: No, no. I just want to clarify for ongoing projects, there is no change. So Navi Mumbai Airport
will be completed on schedule December 2024. And it will be ready for commercial operations.
It is fully funded. There is nothing there for us to do new. It will just that construction is
continuing.
And the best thing to do is that I would encourage those of you who are based in Bombay to
actually go, and if you don't go, we can hire bus and to take investors there, and you can have a
look. Analysts there can have a look at it for yourself. When we say we will moderate the capex
is that new commitments, in fact we will not make new commitments till we settle this volatility
period.
Dhananjay Mishra: So even the Ganga Express is going ahead as per schedule, there is no change over there?
Robbie Singh: Yes, committed projects are continuing as per schedule. There is no change. We have great
support from our banking community, great support from the investor community. So there is
no change in that aspect. Naturally when something like this happens, it's a very high level of
volatility, and we have to handle it in a very mature, sensible manner. And so we have to look
at it carefully. And so what we are moderating is that we let the volatility settled before we make
any new commitment.
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Adani Enterprises Limited
February 14, 2023
And we will not make any new commitments until we are comfortable that the volatility is settled
and our investor community is not suffering the volatility and our supporters, and people who
stand with us, institutions who stand with us, banks and investors that they don't have to deal
with this on a daily basis.
Dhananjay Mishra: And now the net debt to equity remains at under 1, 0.8 you said, right?
Robbie Singh: Correct. That will not change for Adani Enterprises standalone basis because it actually will
always oscillate around that level. Even at the group level, despite all the growth of 46% in the
last 9 months, in the EBITDA to over 32000-33000 crores, net debt to EBITDA has remained
at just under 3.2x.
Robbie Singh: At a portfolio level. Sorry, AEL consol level is just at 3.8x, no? Yes, it's fallen below 4x.
Robbie Singh: Saurabh, can you give the precise number, please, on the exact number?
Saurabh Shah: So as such, sir, in December, we don't give the balance sheet numbers. But right now, our gross
debt to EBITDA is around 4.7x. We will be giving the full set of numbers in March quarter. At
that time, we will come out with the exact numbers also.
Dhananjay Mishra: And we have not considered debt of New Bombay airport in this?
Saurabh Shah: So whatever disbursement have been taken are all included, sir..
Moderator: The next question is from the line of Bajrang Bafna from Sunidhi Securities.
Bajrang Bafna: And we genuinely stand by these difficult times, which we are facing due to some unforeseen
circumstances. So sir, for the benefit of all of us, there is one thing that is in all of our minds that
how we are going to fund the ongoing capex or the ongoing different projects that we are doing
maybe for FY '23 and FY '24, which has already been announced. So if you could in a nutshell,
can define that this is what the investment requirement across different portfolios for the coming
12 months.
Robbie Singh: Sure. I think firstly, thank you for the support, and we are really encouraged by the support from
our core investor and banking community. In relation to the total number, I think what we will
be and because of this volatility, we don't want to give out each time we speak a number. Over
the next six weeks, we'll come up with a formal plan, which will be a part of the March 31
results. All I can say to you today, as we stand today is, new commitments, we ourselves will
not make. Our existing projects are fully funded and continuing. So to say Navi Mumbai airport,
roads, data center, etc, they are continuing as scheduled.
Moderator: The next question is from the line of Anshuman Ashit from ICICI Securities.
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Adani Enterprises Limited
February 14, 2023
Anshuman Ashit: Congratulations on a good set of numbers. Sir, the first question is on a wind turbine
manufacturing setup. So we were testing a prototype. So has start testing been concluded? And
by when will we start commercial production?
Robbie Singh: The testing will conclude between April and June, there are various steps of testing various
different tests have to be done, but we expect to be finished by June, July this year. And then
commercial operations will start shortly thereafter.
Anshuman Ashit: And sir, the capacity target. So is the 3 GW target being maintained for the wind turbine
manufacturing?
Anshuman Ashit: Sir, for nine months, what has been the volume from our Carmichael mines?
Robbie Singh: Vinay, can you please give the run rate numbers?
Vinay Prakash: I think roughly, it is around 5.5 to 5.6 million tons. Saurabh - can give you the right number. I
think it's 5.5 -5.6 million tons.
Saurabh Shah: Yes, it is 5.5 million tons, sir, for nine months and for the current quarter, it is 2.5 million tons.
Anshuman Ashit: So 2.5 million tons already done in the 1.5 months in Q4.
Anshuman Ashit: And sir, what should be the normalized run rate which we can expect from this mine in a year's
time in FY 24?t
Anshuman Ashit: And by when can we expect to reach the peak-rated capacity?
Vinay Prakash: We're trying to get the annualized capacity by March or April.
Anshuman Ashit: And sir, any targets on the IRM volume front, which you can give us for FY '24?
Vinay Prakash: Actually, IRM targets are all decided by the market demand and supply forces. So I think this
area, if we are going to be plus 70 million tons, we foresee the same number to be the next year
or slightly higher than that. Again, it depends on what is shortfall in India and other countries
where we supply coal.
Anshuman Ashit: Sir, how are you currently seeing the market? So is the demand supply gap still there? And do
you expect it to continue over the CY '23?
Vinay Prakash: Yes. So demand and supply gap is there. We do see it continuing for next year also. But it all
depends is how the power demand is coming up. If it goes down because of some reasons, it
may affect the coal demand also. But as of now, we are very optimistic and very positive in
terms of the demand in the next year also.
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Adani Enterprises Limited
February 14, 2023
Anshuman Ashit: Sir, one last question, sir, have we done the financial closure for the Ganga Expressway project,
is that true?
Robbie Singh: All the sanctions have been completed. And then there are a couple of conditions precedent that
we have to go through, which we will complete over the next two to three months.
Anshuman Ashit: And sir, we expect a lot of biddings and awards to happen on the roads front in Q4. So will we
be aggressive in those or will we compete for them? And what will be your mix in terms of
bidding for HAM projects and EPC projects?
Robbie Singh: No. As I mentioned earlier in my comments, for the new commitments on capex, we will first
want this volatility period to settle before we actually make new commitments. So I don't expect
any significant bidding in the road projects, until this volatility period settles.
Moderator: The next question is from the line of Nikhil Abhyankar from DAM Capital.
Nikhil Abhyankar: I just wanted to understand, physical process regarding the copper plant and the Coal to PVC
project that we have?
Robbie Singh: Copper plant, as I mentioned, is an existing project, it's continuing. It's part of a natural resources
team, which is Vinay's team. And they are continuing with the project. Its construction is on
schedule, and we will complete on schedule. In relation to the Coal to PVC, as I said, that is one
of our new commitments, and we will review that commitment post settlement of this volatility
period. For the time being, we will not be making any commitments to new projects.
Robbie Singh: So data center is all scheduled projects and they will continue as planned.
Nikhil Abhyankar: Sir, also, I just saw that there was a major dip in the coal trading volumes. So given that the
power demand is set to rise during the summer. So do you see that there will be a major spike in
this volume going ahead?
Vinay Prakash: I think you're right. Power demand goes up from March to June-July until you get the monsoon.
And at that time, we definitely get a lot of requirements from State Board for imported coal. So
we do see a spike in the demand. But as I said earlier also, it all depends upon the demand of
power. If it continues or it happens, as it happened in '22, we are going to have a huge demand
coming out of coal also. But if it settles because of any reason, then you may see the same
demand or same numbers which we are seeing in this quarter.
Nikhil Abhyankar: And so the EBITDA per ton is coming out around 540. So is this sustainable at higher volumes?
Vinay Prakash: Yes. So what happens, if you really see the way we have been working in IRM, it is more of a
service business where because of our being there in the complete supply chain. We command
this dollar per ton as a margin, which we have been maintaining for last so many years. It varies
between three to five or three to six. We get this because of being there as service function being
then the complete supply chain. So we can maintain it even though it is going to be a higher
volume.
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Adani Enterprises Limited
February 14, 2023
Nikhil Abhyankar: Sir, next question is regarding solar. Just one clarity, sir, what is the total capacity that is
operational right now? Do you have the 0.5 GW?
Nikhil Abhyankar: So we are almost doing at around 80% capacity. And again, the realization over there is around
$0.42 kilowatt, which is very higher than what is the current trend. So is this also sustainable
going forward, too?
Robbie Singh: No, that will moderate to more market levels over a period of time.
Nikhil Abhyankar: And what will that be market level -- so market prices basically?
Saurabh Shah: So Dorwin, if there are no further questions, we can close the call. Is there anybody who has any
questions, just check once again, if that be the case.
Moderator: Sir, we have one participant who has just joined the queue. We will take the question from Nirav
Shah from GeeCee Investments.
Nirav Shah: Just one question on the MDO operations. I mean we mentioned that our volumes were impacted
by Parsa Kente. So is it a one-time thing, which was during the quarter or our run rate will
recover from fourth quarter onwards?
Vinay Prakash: So it was a one-time stoppages only. Now they started and the way we are doing the volumes, I
think we'll have a really good quarter four FY '23, and we don't see this to happen in the future.
Nirav Shah: Any particular, I mean, what was the reason for the lower volume? Was it offtake related or?
Vinay Prakash: No, there is no offtake related issues in any of our MDO mines and it will not happen also in the
future. It was an issue of moving from your forest permission where we were moving from Phase
1 to Phase 2. That was a transition issue.
Saurabh Shah: Thank you. Dorwin, we can now close the call.
Moderator: Yes. I would now like to hand the conference over to the management for closing comments.
Over to you, sir.
Robbie Singh: I Robbie on behalf of Vinay, CEO of our Natural Resources division and Metals division,
Saurabh, and Manan and team, I just want to thank everyone for participating. And we are on
track for continuing performance in Adani Enterprises as we have indicated and our incubating
businesses are performing as per schedule, so which is a very pleasing result. Thank you so much
for being on the call, and thank you for all your support. Bye.
Moderator: Thank you. On behalf of DAM Capital, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining
us. You may now disconnect your lines.
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