IRCTC Quarterly Results Q2 FY22
The most debated stock in the markets at the moment – IRCTC. The company declared stellar Q2 results for FY22.
Indian Railway Catering and Transportation Corporation posted an unbelievable 386% YoY jump in net profit to Rs.159 crores.
Revenue from operations rose a mammoth 357% YoY to Rs. 405 crores from Rs. 88.5 crores.
While internet ticketing spiked 355% to Rs 265.3 crore vs. Rs. 58.2 crores on a yearly basis, the catering segment witnessed a 320% growth from Rs.17 crores to Rs.71.4 crores YoY. Rail Neer (water catering) rose from Rs.9.24 crores to Rs.41 crores, rising 343.7% yearly. Tourism recorded a growth of 609% YoY, beating all market estimates.
Tax expenses for the company were announced at Rs.213 crores, up from Rs.46.6 crores reported in the same quarter in the previous year and Rs.111 crores reported in the June quarter of this financial year 2022.
About results
While the low-base of last year could be a factor in its strong growth, the re-opening of the economy too has helped. The pent-up demand, led by people desperate to travel after being cooped up indoors, seems to have tail-ended the business for IRCTC.
The company too played into the market requirements with timely upgrades, frequent sanitization, and hygiene measurements that promoted the faith in the safety of train travel. Also, given that international flights are still barely operational, domestic travel has been the rule of the roost. And trains have traditionally been the preferred mode of travel.
Recently, the stock steered a storm on the markets. This is after the Ministry of Railways announcement that, the company would be sharing 50% of the convenience fee from Nov this year. The stock tanked 30% on the news triggering its deepest plunge since listing. The market cap of the PSU eroded by Rs 18,000 crores in the aftermath.
The drama continued with the Ministry of Railways reversing its decision, helping the stock gain some lost momentum. The company also announced a stock split of 1:5 earlier this week. This is a bid to make the script affordable to major investors.
But according to many experts, the stock is likely to remain range bound.
IRCTC Results Q2 – Highlights
- Net profit stood at Rs.159 crores, rising 386% on a yearly basis.
- Revenue from operations came at Rs.405 crores, climbing from Rs.88.5 crores YoY
- Internet Ticketing, the major segment, rose to Rs 265.3 crore from Rs.58.2 crores YoY
- Catering and tourism grew at 320% and 609%, respectively.
- Rail Neer (water catering) surprised with a near 344% increase yearly.
- Stock split was announced in the latter half of October to pull in retail investors. enhance liquidity and widen shareholder base.
Misses
- Tax expenses were up for the PSU with Rs. 213 crores recorded for this quarter against Rs. 47 crores yearly and Rs.111 crores quarterly.
- The company became a target of pump and dump, thereby increasing volatility and depreciating public trust.
Management comments
IRCTC commented that the company does not foresee any adverse impact on the supply chains (as and when the business is resumed fully wherever the operations were curtailed or have remained suspended) on account of the present pandemic.
Other things to know about IRCTC Quarterly Results
IRCTC is a Mini Ratna (Category I) Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. It was incorporated to upgrade, professionalize and manage catering, hospitality, and all other nuances related to tourism like hotels, packages, etc.
Indian Railway Catering and Transportation Corporation is a market leader with strong footing in its operations. It remains to be the only entity authorized to manage catering services on trains and major static units at railway stations.
The company has a market cap of around Rs.68,000 crore, enjoying a P/E of 251 (which many investors fear may be overvalued). The ROCE and ROE stand at 16.5% and 11.6%, respectively.
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Research Analyst: Bavadharini KS