Shares of RITES Ltd, a public sector undertaking, rose by nearly 2% following its announcement of securing a substantial order from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The contract, valued at ₹36.36 crore (excluding GST), involves critical retrofit work on RS-1 trains, aiming to enhance both performance and longevity.
This order has prompted renewed interest from analysts and the investor community, with many considering this an ideal time to invest in stocks like RITES, given the company’s recent strides in the public infrastructure sector.
Details of the new order
The contract was formally awarded to RITES through a letter of acceptance (LOA) received on November 5, following a DMRC tender initiated on September 26. RITES secured the contract by emerging as the lowest bidder in this competitive tender process. This three-year project centres on modifications and upgrades to RS-1 trains for DMRC, enhancing both efficiency and durability.
As a purely domestic deal with no related party transactions, the project reflects RITES’ consistent role in supporting large-scale transport infrastructure in India.
Financial boost and recent performance
This contract win is timely for RITES, particularly as the company navigates a challenging financial period. In the June quarter, RITES reported a notable drop in profit and revenue. Net profit fell by 24.4% to ₹90.4 crore from ₹119.6 crore a year earlier, while revenue declined by 10.8% to ₹486 crore from ₹544.3 crore.
Moreover, the company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) fell by 34.5% to ₹105.8 crore, with EBITDA margins narrowing significantly to 21.8%, down from the previous year’s 29.8%.
Despite this recent financial dip, RITES’ shares have shown resilience and growth on the market, bolstered by recent contract wins and investor confidence in its long-term potential. At 12:06 pm on the day of the announcement, RITES shares traded 1.5% higher at ₹299.10 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
Since the beginning of this year, the stock has gained 18%, far exceeding the Nifty’s 10% rise. Over the last 12 months, RITES’ share price has surged by 33%, compared to a 23% gain for the Nifty during the same period.
Impact on investment sentiment
This new order further strengthens RITES’ portfolio, positioning it as a key player in India’s public sector rail and transport projects. Analysts note that this recent order aligns with RITES’ strategy of securing long-term infrastructure contracts, which can provide stable revenue streams and enhance the company’s value proposition.
As interest in the infrastructure sector grows, many consider it a prudent move to invest in stocks that demonstrate resilience and potential for growth, such as RITES.
Conclusion
RITES’ latest contract with DMRC marks a significant milestone, and signals continued growth in its role as a crucial infrastructure partner in India. Despite recent challenges, this project reinforces the company’s market position and serves as a positive indicator for potential investors.
With shares trending upwards and substantial contracts underway, RITES remains a strong option for those looking to invest in stocks within the public infrastructure sector.
For android only