IPO listed on 28 Dec'23
Azad Engineering Ltd
Minimum Investment
₹ 14,672 / 28 shares
Grey market premium
₹ 440 (84% premium)
Issue price
₹ 524
Listing price
₹ 720
Listing gains
196 (37%)
Listing on
Dec 28, 2023
Subscribe for listing gains
- Azad Engineering Ltd (AEL) stands out as one of the fastest-growing players in the industry, boasting high EBITDA margins compared to its peers. This growth is supported by a distinctive business model and a consistent financial track record. Further, its extensive capacity expansion also points to sustained growth prospects.
- In terms of valuation, the IPO seems aggressively priced with a P/E ratio of 292.7x on the upper end of the price band. The grey market premium for the issue, however, suggests a strong listing.
- While AEL demonstrates robust revenue growth, this has yet to translate into profitability. The firm’s substantial debt burden significantly impacts its earnings, and addressing this through debt prepayment is crucial.
- Given these factors, investors are advised to participate in the IPO primarily for listing gains. Long-term investors should monitor the firm’s performance post-IPO, particularly its debt reduction efforts, to better assess its long-term sustainability and growth potential before making further investment commitments.
About the company
Founded in
14 Sep'83
Managing director
Rakesh Chopdar
- AEL is a key global player in manufacturing for the energy, aerospace and defence, and oil and gas industries, focusing on highly engineered, essential components.
- The firm specialises in producing precision forged and machined components that adhere to the stringent 'zero defects' standard, catering to top-tier global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
STRENGTHS
- Impressive Financial Performance: AEL has shown remarkable growth in recent years. Between FY21 and FY23, the company achieved a 43% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in its Revenue from Operations and a 60% CAGR in EBITDA.
- Established Foundation for Growth: After 15 years of development and registration efforts, resulting in qualifications for 1,400 components with global OEMs, AEL is now well-positioned for significant revenue expansion.
- Prestigious Client Base: AEL's client portfolio is international, with 89% of its revenues coming from exports to 15 countries. Its clients include leading global OEMs in the energy, aerospace, defence, and oil and gas sectors, such as General Electric, Honeywell International Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Siemens Energy, Eaton Aerospace, and MAN Energy Solutions SE.
- Growth Through Expansion: AEL is undergoing considerable capacity expansion, supported by internal accruals. It is developing two new manufacturing facilities in Telangana, which is likely to multiply its manufacturing capacity by 8.5 times from the current 20,000 square meters.
- Robust Operating Margins: AEL has seen significant growth in its EBITDA margin, increasing from 22.9% in FY21 to 28.7% in FY23, and further to 33.1% in the first half of FY24. Similarly, Return on Capital Employed improved from 12% in FY21 to 13% in FY23, and further to 19% (annualised) by September 2023.
RISK FACTORS
- High Revenue Concentration: AEL's business heavily depends on a few key clients, with the top three customers contributing 47.46% of the revenue in H1FY24. Losing any of these major clients or experiencing a decrease in sales to them could significantly affect the company’s overall financials.
- Reliance on Export Markets: Exports constituted 80% of AEL's revenue in FY23 and rose to 89% in H1FY24. The firm is particularly dependent on Japan and the USA, which account for 35% and 23% of its revenue, respectively.
- Energy Sector Dependence: AEL generates 87% of its income from the energy sector, known for rapid technological shifts, evolving industry standards, and the need for continuous product innovation. This environment could lead to intense competition and shorter product life cycles, potentially impacting the firm’s operations.
- Discrepancy in Profit Trends: Despite solid revenue growth, AEL's net profit in FY23 was only Rs 8.5 crore, a 71% drop from Rs 29 crore in FY22. This decline was mainly due to a rise in finance costs, which accounted for 21% of revenue. However, finance costs are expected to decrease significantly in the coming year due to debt repayment from the IPO's net proceeds.
- Cash Flow Issues: AEL reported negative cash flow from operating activities for the six months ending September 30, 2023, and for the fiscal year 2023. Persistent negative cash flow or severe liquidity challenges could jeopardize the company's operational stability.
Issue details
Issue type
Mainstream
Issue size
₹ 740 crore
Fresh Issue
₹ 240 crore
OFS
₹ 500 crore
Price range
₹ 499 - 524
Lot size
28 shares
Issue Objective
The company proposes to utilize the net proceeds from the fresh issue towards the following objects:
- Funding capital expenditure of the company;
- Repayment/prepayment of certain borrowings availed by the company; and
- General corporate purposes
Dates
Bidding open
20 Dec'23
Bidding close
22 Dec'23
Allotment date
26 Dec'23
Refund date
27 Dec'23
Listing
28 Dec'23
IPO Reservations
Qualified institutional buyers
<50%
Non-institutional investors
>15%
Retail individual investors
>35%
Read the Offer Document
© 2025 by Liquide Solutions Private Limited, SEBI Registered Research Analyst (Registration number - INH000009816)
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