FCC

Ahluwalia Contracts surges 10% after securing Rs 4.27 bn work order

2023-06-16

Ahluwalia Contracts (India) witnessed a significant boost as its shares soared by 10% to reach Rs 643.95 on the BSE. The surge followed the company's recent triumph in securing a new work order valued at Rs 4.27 billion. This achievement propelled the stock of the civil construction company to a new all-time high, surpassing its previous peak of Rs 617.25 on May 29, 2023. According to an exchange filing, Ahluwalia Contracts has been awarded a contract for the construction of civil structures and external development work for a retail block at plot no. LP-1B-02 in DIAL II, Aerocity, New Delhi. The contract is valued at Rs 4.27 billion. With this new order, the company’s total order inflow for the current fiscal year 2023-24 stands at Rs 41.77 billion.

Ahluwalia Contracts specialises in civil construction activities but has also diversified its operations by developing and managing commercial complexes through licensing arrangements. The company is also engaged in the real estate trading business. Industry analysts foresee favourable prospects for Ahluwalia Contracts in the medium term, driven by government initiatives in the healthcare and education sectors, as well as the reconstruction of prominent government buildings. The expected revival in private sector capital expenditure is also anticipated to contribute to the company's revenue diversification and improved profitability.

Moreover, Ahluwalia Contracts boasts a geographically diversified order book, covering 14 Indian states and Nepal. The company has successfully executed projects across various states, including Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Additionally, the company has strategically reduced its exposure to residential and real estate segments from private players while increasing its focus on sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. This shift has resulted in reduced counterparty risk.

CARE Ratings has expressed a positive outlook for Ahluwalia Contracts, highlighting the company's potential medium-term benefits from government-led initiatives in the healthcare and education sectors, as well as the reconstruction of significant government buildings. The expected resurgence of capital expenditure in the private sector is also anticipated to enhance the company's revenue diversification and profitability, as stated in the rating agency's analysis.