Ahluwalia Contracts gets an upgrade from Axis Securities; 3 reasons why the brokerage is bullish on the stock

Ahluwalia Contracts India possesses a strong and diverse order book, providing a solid revenue outlook for the next 3-4 years. Additionally, the company is benefitting from positive government emphasis on infrastructure development and the resurgence of private investment, which bodes well for its future, according to Axis Securities in its latest report after meeting with the company's management.

The brokerage also stated that high double-digit revenue growth is anticipated in FY25 and FY26 according to management's guidance. Given the strength of the bidding pipeline in the majority of the categories, the business anticipates a high order intake.

The brokerage has maintained its previous target price of ₹1,340 but has revised its rating for Ahluwalia Contracts India stock from 'hold' to 'buy'.

“We changed our rating from HOLD to BUY based on a robust business outlook and the recent correction in the stock price,” said Axis Securities in its report.

The brokerage provides recommendations based on the robustness of the order book, new order intake, and the financial position. Let's examine each of these criteria more closely.

Robust order book

The business has an order book of ₹16,846 crore as of right now, the brokerage claims. Public and private entries are split evenly in the order book. With this background, revenue visibility over the next three to four years is provided by the existing order book. Forecast revenue increase in FY25 and FY26 is expected to be in the high double digits.

New order intake

The business has received ₹6,600 crore in orders so far in FY25. By FY25, the company hopes to get further orders worth between ₹3,500 and ₹4,000 crore. The pipeline for bids is still robust and is being driven by private projects. By putting in bids for projects like metros, airport buildings, and urban infrastructure, the corporation has expanded its portfolio. The brokerage stated that because most of these orders are item-based, it anticipates more traction in private orders with greater margins and better project execution.

“We therefore pencil in faster project execution moving ahead as 50% of the current executable order book is from the private side,” the brokerage said.

Robust financial position

As per the brokerage firm, the firm demonstrates a solid financial standing, as evidenced by its lack of net debt, strong cash reserves (approximately 9% of market capitalisation), and impressive return on investment ratios.

Valuation

“We expect its Revenue/EBITDA/APAT to grow at a CAGR of 21%/26%/33% respectively over FY24-26E. The stock is currently trading at 19x FY26E EPS. We value Ahluwalia Contracts at 22xFY26E EPS to arrive at a target price of ₹1,340/share, implying an upside of 13% from the CMP,” said Axis Securities in its report.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts, experts and broking companies, not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decision.