Home / Transcripts / Kore Digital Limited (KDL) · November 18, 2024

Kore Digital Limited (KDL) Earnings Call Transcript

November 18, 2024

National Stock Exchange of India IN Communication Services Diversified Telecommunication Services earnings 51 min

Earnings Call Speaker Segments

Operator operator
#1

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the Kore Digital Limited H1 FY '25 Earnings Conference Call hosted by Kirin Advisors. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Ganesh from Kirin Advisors. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#2

Thank you, and good afternoon, everyone. On behalf of Kirin Advisors, I welcome you all to the conference call of Kore Digital Limited. From the management team, we have Mr. Ravindra Doshi, Managing Director. And now I hand over the call to Mr. Ravindra Doshi. Over to you, sir.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#3

Good afternoon, all the participants. I extend a warm welcome to everyone for today's conference call. Most of the details we have already covered in earlier calls also, so I will not go into the market size and all those things. Today, I'm having very bad throat and a little cough, cold. So please excuse me if I don't go in detail. Yes. We move on to our financial performance for the first half of year '25. I'm pleased to report strong growth across all key metrics. Our total income surged to INR 91.82 crores, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of 511.35%. EBITDA stood to INR 10.88 crores, making a 145.78% increase with an EBITDA margin of 11.85%. Net profit for the period grew significantly to INR 7.58 crores, representing year-on-year growth of 142.44%. Meanwhile, net profit of 8.21% furthermore, our earnings per share reached INR 18.81 registering a growth of 89.05%. These strong results underscore the operational efficiency, strategic execution and unwavering focus on delivery of [indiscernible] Second quarter of '25, our financial performance was impacted by monsoon, as I told earlier also, the second quarter is always lean in our line. So this slight reduction is there in it. During quarter 2 financial '25, we reported a total income of INR 41.05 crores, EBITDA at INR 3.42 crores and EBITDA margin of INR 8.32 crores. Net profit stood at INR 2.24 crores, translating a net profit margin of 5.46%. The EPS came in at INR 5.59. While these figures reflect seasonal challenges to the quarter, we remain optimistic about a strong recovery in operation, which is normal for every year. These financial results highlight our performance amidst seasonal challenges. However, with operations normalizing post monsoon, we anticipate a recovery and multiplication in coming quarters operationally and financially. In rising demand for communication infrastructure and infrastructure [indiscernible] present significant growth opportunity, and we are confident that our strategic positioning, focused execution will enable us to deliver improved results in the near future. Before we transition to our question-and-answer session, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their continued trust and support. Our contributions remaining invaluable to our journey -- sorry, your contribution remain invaluable to our journey, and we look forward to your ongoing engagement as we work towards sustained growth. With this, I now open the floor for questions. Thank you. Please, Mr. Ganesh.

Operator operator
#4

[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of Aditya Dave from CAO Capital.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#5

Sir, since the time we last spoke, there have been a couple of developments in the telecom industry. And I wanted to understand how they would impact our business. One is the Vodafone issue, which has again deteriorated substantially. Would that have any kind of direct or indirect impact on our future projections? And second was the large tender, which was awarded by BSNL for BharatNet Phase-3. And then subsequently, the entire thing has gone for litigation. So again, what kind of impact do you see of these two events on our business? If you can elaborate on that, sir?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#6

First, let me take the Vodafone case. As per my knowledge, Vodafone will recover from this situation. Challenges, whatever challenges are there -- they are still best play masters when it comes to my section of the industry. And management is also very professional. At times, they are better than all other operators. So we hope they will recover. Possibility is there. And with the support of government, yes, it is possible because nobody can afford having only two operators. So that -- my knowledge in this, this thing is Vodafone is not going down anytime soon. So I'm very hopeful, and I think we all should be hopeful for that. About BharatNet, anyway, we don't operate on that. So BharatNet is always [indiscernible]. I'll not comment more. BharatNet is not -- is a very low-margin business.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#7

Yes, sir, you were mentioning it last time around. And I just wanted to understand if you have changed your view.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#8

No, no, I have looked into it, but still, it has not come to a level where we can -- if we -- see, we work in a different way. We put all the efforts in best quality. So they are -- very few people appreciate best quality. They are not able to pay for it. So we don't operate on that.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#9

Right. Sir, my second question is on the EBITDA margin trend. So it's very seasonally a seasonal business because of the seasonal rains and there sometimes there is a lot of heat also, work gets impacted from time to time because of weather situations. So how should we look at the margins for the entire year? How do you see the margin trajectory...?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#10

You refer my balance sheet, sir, previous balance sheets. You will find out the pattern. Clear cut pattern will be there. It is always a little bit low in second quarter and next 2 quarters do more than double of the first 2 quarters. [indiscernible] pattern because heat wave will come after March.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#11

Right, sir.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#12

So April, May, June, July, August, September. These are the quarters where we don't do book. And October onwards...

Unknown Analyst analyst
#13

I was not looking for quarterly.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#14

Sorry.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#15

Sir, I was not looking for quarterly variations because quarterly, I understand there will be massive variation. There is no point even looking at it. I was wondering if I look at your full year -- the full year picture, which balances out all the seasonality. So in FY '23, we were at 22% margins and then the scale grew and the margins for FY '24 were at 15%. Now what should we take as the base as we move towards our targets of, let's say, INR 1,000 crores? What should be the...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#16

When we move to INR 1,000 crores profit margin will be slightly lower because when volumes increase, profits decrease. So you reach there, I'll have to make some concessions. Without that, I won't be able to reach there. So I may not have that consistent high profit, but fair profit will be there.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#17

Sir, is there a level below which you then just walk from the position?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#18

Yes, definitely. if I'm not making net in hand 10%, then I don't go into it.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#19

The 10% PAT number is a good estimate, sir, for the entire company?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#20

For entire year, I think it's a fair estimate.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#21

It's a fair estimate.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#22

It will be slightly higher than that, but 10% is the estimate which I stick to.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#23

Perfect, sir. And final question, sir, what all was discussed in the previous con calls, anything -- any updates on that after this quarter? Would you like to change, improve the guidance, decrease the guidance or remain steady fast, your plans have not changed. The outlook has not changed.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#24

No, nothing till now, nothing has changed. It may -- I may give you better results if something additional comes up. We are participating in multiple tenders. And even if one of it clicks, then figures will definitely more positive. Because right now, election is there in Maharashtra. So it is slowing down our work. But then it is just a matter of 3 days.

Unknown Analyst analyst
#25

Have a speedy recovery. All the best.

Operator operator
#26

The next question is from the line of Hardik Gandhi from HPMG Shares.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#27

I hope you are getting well and hope for a speedy recovery. I was just looking at the numbers for this quarter. So in the first quarter, you mentioned that there were nationwide elections, everything that affected the -- in the second quarter, it was rain and the third quarter, it's back Maharashtra election.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#28

No, but it is just a matter of 2 days. So now nothing is scheduled. So don't worry about it. We will be able to reach the targets.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#29

Yes. So that's what I was getting to because earlier, we gave a projection of INR 400 crores this year, then it was revised to INR 300 crores. So...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#30

Fair projection will be -- right now, what seems is INR 300 crores to INR 400 crores between somewhere. And if something additional comes out, which is in pipeline because mostly the government tenders and things are there, unless they are awarded and we start the work, we cannot depend on that.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#31

Yes, of course.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#32

So I don't count it inside, but there are tenders in pipeline. So we may give better results.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#33

Yes. So -- but to be more sure, are you saying that we'll have like 3-digit top line in the next 2 quarters? Because right now it's INR 50 and INR 41 crores for the past 2 quarters. And to reach the INR 300 crores goal, we have to do INR 210 crores in next 2 quarters.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#34

Yes, that is very well possible.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#35

Okay. Understood. Sir, on the last con call, we discussed that there was a tender which was like just about timing pending. And you said you'll update us in the first week of October, first or second week. And any update on that one because I don't know if it fell through or is it work in progress?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#36

It is work in progress till now.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#37

Understood, sir. Understood. Okay. And going forward, have there been any material changes as to -- any material changes as in right now, the project -- the revenue which we are looking at, majority of it comes from which segment?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#38

Sir, it is 30% telecom and 70% construction. EPC.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#39

Okay. 30-70. And who is -- like are we getting direct EPC contracts from the government or if it is -- we are subcontracting?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#40

No, we get the good, build, operate, own and transfer. So EPC is always ours, when it is telecom. When it is other construction activities, then it is through the principal contractor and we get a subcontractor.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#41

Okay. So EPC is all as and then telecom is also. So...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#42

Yes.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#43

So how much of the EPC is asked and how much are we subcontracting -- because in the PPT, it was written, we got a contract from a different player, I don't know, just one second. You got a contract...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#44

See, what I am referring is mostly about the revenue collection.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#45

Correct.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#46

[Foreign Language] contracts to keep it is for 2 years and 3 years like that. So what we will be able to achieve, that is what I'm talking. What will be measured and billed and paid.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#47

And going forward, that this year, we reach INR 300 crores. In the next year...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#48

We will definitely reach INR 300 crores plus. INR 400 crores is something because of two elections and the monsoon and all those things. So I'm a little bit skeptical. I will try to reach there.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#49

Yes, sir, of course. I think INR 300 crores is also a very good number to reach this year, which shows the ability...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#50

We have to reach there because if we want to complete the project and if we don't go with full speed, then it will be affecting my margins, my profit.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#51

Do we get a bonus from government if we complete...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#52

Nothing. Nothing.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#53

Nothing.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#54

We get paid by telecom companies, not by government.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#55

Okay. Okay. Yes, sir. And sir, so going forward for the next year, then for the INR 1,000 crores, how much will be the split between telecom and...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#56

See, normal split is 30-70. It will be like that only. Yes, some additional things we are trying to do related -- in related fields only. So that may affect our this percentage. Some additions will come, which will not fall into complete telecom, not fall into complete EPC. It will be some mixture and things. That announcement will come in December once all contracts and things are signed and in place.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#57

Yes, sir. So just to be sure, by when will the tenders be awarded, any approximate maximum time like within.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#58

You are asking me to get some government work, that is difficult.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#59

Not at all, not at all. But, oh but asking -- sorry, I don't know if this might be a triggering one, but given that there are elections right around in Maharashtra, will any change in political party affect us?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#60

No, no, we don't get affected, but the decision-making process gets halted.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#61

Correct. Definitely.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#62

That is the issue.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#63

Okay. Okay. Understood. So on an optimistic basis, we are looking -- the tender should be awarded within a year's time, like at least by the time we close.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#64

No, no, before the year-end, this financial year end.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#65

Before this financial year end.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#66

Yes.

Hardik Gandhi analyst
#67

Hope you'll get recover soon.

Operator operator
#68

The next question is from the line of Prakash, an individual investor.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#69

This is Prakash. Am I audible?

Operator operator
#70

Yes, sir. You're audible.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#71

In fact, most of my questions have been answered. I had similar questions about in terms of this quarter revenue and whether we are good in terms of the projections. I just have one follow-up question. Most of the questions have been answered by you because this is a seasonal quarter. We are sticking to our projections for FY '25. Last time, when you talked about an order for a 700-kilometer new order, and you said that we would have some good news in 15 days or so, this whole tight for 15 days. Is that still on the table? And did we get any outcome of that.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#72

It is still on the table. We have to wait till this election result on 23rd. Maybe by 25th or so, I will get the things cleared. We wait for another 15 days.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#73

Sorry, sir, go ahead.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#74

But it is positive.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#75

And is it going to add to our FY '25 and FY '26 projection and how much revenue...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#76

It all depends on the closing figures, now how we close that order. So unless the finalized -- negotiated figures are not finalized and then we have it in black and white, I will not hazard a guess.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#77

And in fact, I heard you speaking to a few of the investors and letting them know that we are on track for INR 300 crores to INR 400 crores this year and INR 1,000 crores next year as well. That is very good news. And hope you recover soon. Thank you very much.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#78

Thank you for your good wishes. Thank you.

Operator operator
#79

The next question is from the line of Krian See, an individual investor.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#80

My first question is after the completion of Nagpur-Mumbai Highway, what is the revenue expectation from the telecom side, which have been laid of optic fibers per year?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#81

Sir, we have is -- our model is we get paid every 3 years for the optic fiber, and that will continue for 25 years.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#82

What is the revenue expectation for -- after completion of complete project for 3 years?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#83

After completion, we get is INR 1,500 crores divided by -- minimum INR 150 crores.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#84

For 3 years, am I right?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#85

Yes.

Operator operator
#86

The next question is from the line of Pradip Nagadia, an individual investor.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#87

I hope you recover soon, sir. So I have two questions. Last time you spoke about in the con call regarding that you are expanding your team. You are bringing in new people on the Board. So can you please throw some light as to where we have progressed on that line?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#88

Yes, we have got three manager level and two supervisor level additions. They are being briefed and trained for the Samruddhi project. And we are going to take additional couple of people because this is very long.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#89

Sir, am I audible?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#90

Can you please repeat the question?

Unknown Attendee attendee
#91

Yes. Sir, I just wanted to ask last time in the con call, you spoke about building the team and bringing in new people in the management side. So can you please throw some light as to where we have progressed in the last 3 months? Am I audible, sir?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#92

Yes, yes. But I have already answered number of manpower taken and a couple of more will be taken.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#93

Sir, my question was regarding to the top management. You said you'll be bringing some [indiscernible].

Ravindra Doshi executive
#94

[indiscernible] additional. We need it as a managerial level, second level. And we already have consultants with us. We have all [indiscernible] senior level people who have already worked in telecom, and they are our consultants that look after the things like meeting all telecom and all, but we have a consultant this thing. The person who represents me is the consultant with 30 years' experience in the telecom line, and knows everyone. So he does the follow-up. I don't have to personally do that. That is already taken because once we got the Samruddhi project, we needed that.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#95

Okay, sir. Sir, my second question is with respect to something you spoke about in the last con call when I've asked you regarding your 2030 vision. And you shared that you have plans to enter in the defense side in the deep-tech technology, where you have plans to do something for the Indian Air Force. So can you throw some light as to where we have reached?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#96

We have already approached DRDO through [ IRT ] where we have an incubation. My son's company is there and presentations and things are done. Soon, we will get the call from concerned people.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#97

So, right now, it hasn't progressed.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#98

It is work in progress.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#99

Got your point. So would you like to throw some more light on it? Or maybe we should wait for some announcement?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#100

No, no. Process is on. This is a government process, and it is always very slow.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#101

Fair enough, sir. And sir, my last question is, you gave us a guidance of INR 300 crores to INR 400 crores. Can you throw some light as to what will be the margins in that?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#102

It will be standard 10%. Definitely.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#103

10%.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#104

Yes. It will be 10% definitely. It can be 11, it can be 12.

Operator operator
#105

The next question is from the line of Manoj, an individual investor.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#106

Most of my questions have already been answered. I just wanted to understand about the Samruddhi Highway as to what's the progress till now? How much of it has been completed and we were supposed to get paid every 100 kilometers. So what's the progress on that?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#107

See, because of this election, the permissions and things got delayed and monsoons also was very late. Up to 15 -- 16th October, it was still raining. So we couldn't -- I mean, our machines don't work on the wet [indiscernible]. We had to wait. Now it has started, but we will be able to reach whatever is there, we will increase the number of machines.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#108

Yes. In the last con call, you had also mentioned that you were purchasing some additional machines for the road work.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#109

Yes.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#110

Has that been done? Have those machines been purchased?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#111

Machines are purchased already.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#112

All right. And you also mentioned that you will get paid every 3 years. So how does that work? I mean, for that 100 kilometers.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#113

I'll make it clear. One moment, I have a call. Please hold. Sorry.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#114

Yes. I was asking for the status of that. I mean, you were explaining how the payment cycle works for the Samruddhi Highway.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#115

So first is when we are doing installation, we take a good chunk of money from telecom before handing over the project. out of 6 -- if I'm giving one duct, I will take sufficient advance payment. And then every 3 years, it is split. 15 years is the basic concession and another 10 years is additional extended. So there, every year, we get about INR 152 crores from one telecom.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#116

Okay. So for every 3 years, you get paid in advance or after the end of the 3 years?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#117

Yes. Yes, it is always advance.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#118

It's always advance. Okay. That's great. And is there a time line for when we can...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#119

Most of my construction costs will come when I hand over, but then there is fees or rental paid to MSRDC and rental is collected from the telecom. So that is 3 years process. Every 3 years, we do that.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#120

Right. I mean I understand it's a cash out business, but is there any time line on when we can complete this and hand over so that this can accrue.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#121

We completed in 1.5 years from today.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#122

Okay, 1.5 years. All right. So it's safe to assume that we will get this income in FY '26. FY '26 onwards this election.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#123

Some will come in '25 and -- some part will come in '25 because we hand over at least 200 to 300 kilometers...

Unknown Attendee attendee
#124

Yes. And in FY '26, we'll hand over the whole thing, so we'll get the 3-year payment, right?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#125

Yes. That is why this project is INR 4,000 crores.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#126

Correct. Correct. And also one more question. I mean, in the previous con call, you said that the bulk of the lease income comes in the fourth quarter. So how much percentage of our annual turnover is the lease income?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#127

You people ask so difficult question. Vodafone will pay some time. Airtel will pay in a different mode. Jio is again a different ball game. So actually projecting is very difficult.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#128

No, no. Okay. So your major income is coming in the fourth quarter, right, for the lease income? I mean plus or minus a little bit here or there.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#129

Yes.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#130

And if you projected the INR 300 crores to INR 400 crores for this year, so it's safe to assume that a INR 30 crores to INR 40 crore PAT should be possible this year. 10% margin.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#131

[indiscernible]

Unknown Attendee attendee
#132

No, no, PAT. PAT. 30% to 40% PAT.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#133

PAT will be -- it is 300, yes, it will be there.

Operator operator
#134

The next question is from the line of Swami, an individual investor. Since there is no response from the participant, we'll move to the next. The next question is from the line of Mayank, an individual investor.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#135

Yes. So my question is very specific to the financial statements. So there are just two parts which I want to ask very specifically. So the first part is that in the balance sheet, I see that the trade receivables is around INR 96 crores. So I have understood from the previous con calls also that the payments are delayed. So I just wanted to understand like if we have got INR 41 crores of revenue in Q2, like what portion of was like actually developed in Q2 and we got the payment within Q2? And how much of it was from the previous quarters as a roll-off?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#136

Our new model of business, it is very difficult to split it into quarters.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#137

Okay.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#138

All right. Okay. Because it is required, we are doing the accounting accordingly. But what I have completed in quarter 2 will be paid in quarter 3. So, figures, it is really always advisable that it is seen not quarterly, but yearly.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#139

Okay, sir. And my second question is again from the profit/loss statement. So like I understand there has been some concerns that the margin has gone down. But personally, I don't think like the overall performance was quite bad. In fact, most part of the -- like profit part was good. Probably the only thing which has drawn down the margin in this quarter as compared to the previous quarter or the previous year is the changes in inventories of goods and work in progress. So like same quarter last year, it was minus 406. And previous quarter, this year, it was minus 165. But this quarter, it has come back into the positive score of 513, which has, I think, brought down the overall profitability. So I just want to understand like why has this work in progress increased so much? And -- is it because of something like expanded work that we are expecting in Q3 and Q4?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#140

Sir, we have -- see new project has started. Inventory is built up because we have -- every day, we do 3 to 4 kilometers of trenching and ducting. For that, I have to have stock for at least 1 month. So work in progress and these things will keep increasing until work is completed. I think I've understood correct and answered rightly.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#141

Yes, sir. So that was basically what I was thinking. Actually, many people have been very impressed by the revenue growth, but people have been complaining a little about the margin. So this is something that struck me, like it is not something to worry about, but more like in the Q3 and Q4, we will actually see the good results coming in. So I just wanted to confirm that from perspective.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#142

Yes. That is right. Because our total performance is always in Q3 and Q4 only. Q1 is because of extreme heat and then we are wrapping up the things.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#143

Correct. So I think what I understand is even the margins will also improve. So obviously, another INR 200 crore plus even if we get through revenues, that will be there. But even we can expect like margins to go above 10% because this quarter, the margins have gone down to 7%, probably because of the inventory pile up. It is not because of a lack of efficiency or something. So I wanted -- yes, that is the message. I just wanted to give to the rest of the investors also because there has been a bit of panic. But this is the like hidden meaning of the P&L statement...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#144

We are growing at the rate of 300%. What is there to panic?

Unknown Attendee attendee
#145

Yes. Actually, people got a little scared about the loss in -- the decrease in margins. But, sir, I'm very satisfied with your answer and all the best, and that was all I had to ask. So all the best for your company and for your health, sir.

Operator operator
#146

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Suman Kumar, an individual investor.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#147

We are giving a projection of [indiscernible]

Ravindra Doshi executive
#148

I'm not able to hear you clearly. Can you please speak a little louder?

Unknown Attendee attendee
#149

Is it -- can you hear me now?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#150

Now it's good.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#151

We are giving a forecast of around INR 300 crores to INR 400 crores of revenue [indiscernible] Last year it was around INR 90 crores -- sorry [indiscernible] close to around [indiscernible] we're expecting. Are you seeing a requirement of capital raise in the next year? If yes, then what is the plan like how much capital would be required to meet the revenue?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#152

Additional funds, definitely, we need. I'm waiting for one more tender to be realized, then I can justify the need, and I will definitely come.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#153

But we will be able to do it.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#154

We will need additional funds once additional orders are in pipeline. And that time, we will definitely approach again.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#155

I get that. But are you saying that we would require additional -- I mean, additional tender to deliver the FY '25 numbers...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#156

As I have already said that I'm waiting for additional tenders to come through to be awarded. Once that is there, then I'll be definitely needing some funds and then I'll approach.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#157

But not to deliver FY '25 number. Is that what you're saying?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#158

This is already taken care of.

Operator operator
#159

The next question is from the line of Sanjay Jain, an individual investor.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#160

I wish speedy recovery for your health. My question -- first question is like although we have a seasonality in this quarter of rains, still if we compare our September quarter to September quarter, our revenue has grown by 4x, INR 10 crores to INR 40-plus crores, but profit has declined from INR 2.62 crores to INR 2.42 crores.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#161

Yes.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#162

I can -- so one, I want to know what is the reason for that. Hello?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#163

Line got silent.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#164

No, no. I asked my question. Like although I can understand there is seasonality in this quarter of September due to rain, still our revenue grew from -- if you compare with last year September quarter, our revenue grew from INR 10 crores to INR 40 crores. It's almost 4x. But still our profit declined from INR 2.62 crores to INR 2.42 crores.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#165

Sir, because of increase in stock, inventory.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#166

So in this accounting standard, don't we take care that because this can impact like give a very good, very wrong impression of results to the public or investor. So is this the right approach of accounting standard where like it impacts our whole profit because if we have not accounted revenue in current year, won't it be fair that the work in progress is also adjusted accordingly?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#167

Let me discuss with my chartered accountant, please.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#168

And, yes, another thing.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#169

He is with me right now.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#170

Yes, I'm waiting for the answer.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#171

Yes, sir, your suggestion is accepted. We will look into it. Next time, you will see accounting in a little slightly different way.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#172

Yes, sir. That is important because ultimately, what your balance sheet shows or your P&L shows, market takes that rate from that only. And second thing, sir, as our 6-month revenue is INR 90 crores and our -- this thing is INR 96 crores, our like borrowing -- sorry, borrowing, I'm saying our debt. So what is our turnaround for our -- getting our payments? Because almost INR 90 crores to 2 quarter turnover and INR 96 crores pending payment...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#173

The turnaround time -- Yes, I've got the question. The turnaround time is normally 90 days to 120 days. Because work is always in progress.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#174

Okay. But in this case, it seems that whole amount has gone into a 120-day cycle because 120 days turnover is INR 90 crores and receivable is INR 96 crores.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#175

You got it right.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#176

Another question, sir, although another participant has asked regarding Vodafone, we also hope the Vodafone survives well and it does well.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#177

It is good for everyone, sir.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#178

Yes, good for everyone. But still, if there is something wrong with Vodafone, how much impact it will have on our business?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#179

Sir, that will have real impact is about 15% on the telecom revenue. That is why we have diversified into infrastructure and telecom both. So even if one site goes weak, then we can recover from the other. We can maintain our profit margins and top line and bottom line.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#180

Sir, 15% of telecom business or 15% of total business.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#181

15% to 20% of telecom business.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#182

So it means telecom business is 30%. So if we take 20%, it will be hard.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#183

It's negligible.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#184

6% maximum.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#185

Yes, yes. If I say it is negligible, then it is a little, arrogant. So I [indiscernible] this.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#186

Okay, sir. And second thing, margin-wise, what is the margin in telecom and what is the margin in rest of the 70% business?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#187

Sir, I don't want to answer this. Telecom is almost more than 50%, 60% margin, because we invest, once the investment is done, then it is always collective.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#188

Okay. Okay. Okay. But if you take most of, most of money invested in initial phase, so then how does it work?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#189

I didn't say.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#190

Sir, because [Foreign Language]

Ravindra Doshi executive
#191

Sir, if you are somewhere in Mumbai or around, I will suggest you please come personally and understand this part.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#192

I'm from Delhi NCR, but like to...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#193

Whenever you are in Mumbai, please take time and come.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#194

Sure. Sure.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#195

It's a little complicated. It cannot be explained on con call.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#196

And can you explain, sir, the rest of 70% business, what kind of contracts we are doing in that 70% of business?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#197

We are doing the work. [indiscernible]

Unknown Attendee attendee
#198

Pardon?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#199

Normally, it is part of road construction process. In telecom also...

Unknown Attendee attendee
#200

Also, so you can deliver your projected revenues in time to come.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#201

No, we will definitely reach our projections. Yes, INR 1,000 crores is a challenge.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#202

INR 1,000 crores challenge or achievable?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#203

No, it is a challenge. I mean we keep -- I'll be happy to do it. It is doable. Otherwise, I will not give the projection.

Operator operator
#204

The next question is from the line of Shubham, an individual investor.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#205

Yes. Sorry, I joined a little late. So I definitely would have missed a core part of a little lesser revenue for this quarter. But I'll read through the transcript when it is published. But for the rest of it, Ravindra Ji, as I can over here the last few questions, everything is on track of the projection at least for the current financial year.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#206

Yes.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#207

Okay. So there's no surprise or anything -- nothing in the line.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#208

No, no surprise at all. Whatever is projected will be done, 5%, 10% margin you have to give because of demographic, government election and all those things which affect our working. But variation won't be more than 5% plus/minus.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#209

Got it. Got it. That makes complete sense. And also, I'm assuming the -- from where we are right now to looking at FY '25, '26, the INR 1,000 crore projection is also coming along. I heard you saying that it's challenging, but that's what we are aiming for.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#210

If challenge is not there, there is no fun.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#211

Yes, yes. That's good. That's good. No, I would stress on that. I think I got larger part of the understanding of what reduced the profit margins, et cetera, was also...

Ravindra Doshi executive
#212

No, no, no. Sir, let me explain. Our profit margins don't depend on quarterly work, but accounting has to be done properly only. The margins and things, everything is on the real -- really effective is a year. Quarter-to-quarter, this is not the industry where you will get quarter-to-quarter. It's specifically in infrastructure.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#213

Fair. No, I understand it now, but I think it would have been better if you would have got that kind of understanding even in the initial -- when we have multiple other meets or the historic meets that we had. But this clarity now, which is now coming through post facto result is a little surprise, at least to me. But I understand now that this is largely to be looked at a year-on-year basis, not on a quarterly basis, which is fine.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#214

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#215

And we are largely aligned with the overall broader margin expectation from a year-end per se, that remains intact. It's the quarterly fluctuation that is impacting the current margins and the current numbers. Is that a fair understanding?

Ravindra Doshi executive
#216

Sir, correct.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#217

Sure, sure. So we have largely -- Ravindra Ji, as you also keep saying that larger part of the revenue and the corresponding profit margin then has to be largely skewed towards Q3 and Q4, which, as you said, is all aligned and there's no surprise here and there.

Ravindra Doshi executive
#218

Yes, sir.

Operator operator
#219

Thank you. As that was the last question for the day, I now hand the conference over to Mr. Ganesh for closing comments. Over to you, sir.

Unknown Attendee attendee
#220

Thank you, everyone, for joining the conference call of Kore Digital Limited. If you have any queries, you can write us at research@kirinadvisors.com. Once again, thank you, everyone, for joining the conference call.

Operator operator
#221

Thank you. On behalf of Kirin Advisors, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines. Thank you.

Read the full transcript via the API

You're viewing the first half of this call. Get the complete Kore Digital Limited transcript - plus 251,000+ transcripts from 12,000+ companies, speaker segments and full-text search - through the EarningsAPI REST API or hosted MCP server.

Get an API key View API docs →

For developers and AI pipelines

Programmatic access to Kore Digital Limited earnings transcripts and 251,000+ others is available through the EarningsAPI REST API and the hosted MCP server. Quarterly plans from $105 - full transcripts, speaker segments, full-text search, and the /api/v1/transcripts/recent polling endpoint for ETL pipelines.