The IPO listing of Western Carriers (India) made its debut on the Indian stock exchanges today, but it started with a slight hiccup as shares opened at a discount.

Western Carriers (India) began its journey on the bourses today with a debut price of Rs 171 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), representing a slight discount of 0.58% from its IPO price of Rs 172 per share. Similarly, the listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was also at a discount, with shares opening at Rs 170, down by 1.16% from the issue price. While this initial listing might seem lukewarm, it is important to note that discounted debuts do not always reflect long-term potential.

Western Carriers (India) IPO, valued at Rs 492.88 crore, was open for subscription from September 13 to September 19, 2024, with a price band of Rs 163-172 per share. The offering was a combination of a fresh issue of 2.33 crore shares worth Rs 400 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 0.54 crore shares amounting to Rs 92.88 crore.

The IPO witnessed overwhelming investor demand, being subscribed 31.69 times overall. The issue received bids for a whopping 63.57 crore shares against the 2 crore shares that were available. Retail Investors showed strong interest, subscribing to the issue 26.92 times. Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) subscribed 46.68 times, and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) were also active participants, subscribing to the IPO 28.81 times.

IPO Details
The IPO proceeds from the fresh issue, amounting to ₹400 crore, are earmarked for multiple strategic purposes. Prepayment or scheduled repayment of a portion of the company’s outstanding borrowings, which is expected to strengthen its balance sheet.

Capital expenditure, with an emphasis on acquiring commercial vehicles, specialized 40-foot containers, standard 20-foot shipping containers, and reach stackers to support the company’s growing logistics operations.

General corporate purposes, ensuring sufficient working capital for continued growth and expansion. With these strategic plans, Western Carriers (India) aims to expand its asset base and enhance operational efficiency, ultimately driving future profitability.

The minimum application size for retail investors was set at 87 shares, requiring an investment of Rs 14,964. The IPO was managed by JM Financial Limited and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited as the lead managers, while Link Intime India Private Ltd served as the registrar for the issue.

Established in March 2011, Western Carriers (India) Limited has grown into a prominent player in the logistics sector. The company operates as a multi-modal, rail-centric, 4PL (Fourth-Party Logistics) asset-light provider, offering a diverse range of customized logistics solutions. These services encompass road, rail, water, and air transport, along with a suite of value-added offerings such as warehousing, chartering, and stevedoring services.

Catering to a broad spectrum of industries like metals, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, engineering, oil and gas, and retail, Western Carriers counts several top-tier companies among its clientele, including Tata Steel, Hindalco, JSW Steel, HUL, and Cipla.

One of the key advantages of Western Carriers is its asset-light business model, which allows it to adapt flexibly to changing market conditions. By combining rail and road transportation, the company effectively manages the supply chains of its clients, ensuring seamless movement of goods. Additionally, Western Carriers plays a vital role in facilitating increased imports, exports, and production for leading metals and resource companies in India.

In terms of financial performance, Western Carriers (India) has demonstrated steady growth. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, the company reported a 3% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, indicating consistent business expansion. More impressively, its Profit After Tax (PAT) surged by 12%.

Although Western Carriers (India) started its trading journey with a slight discount, the overall demand and robust subscription numbers suggest a positive outlook for the stock. The company’s strategic focus is on leveraging an asset-light model, expanding its logistics infrastructure, and serving a diversified client base across various sectors.

Story first published: Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 10:30 [IST]