ATL - Allcargo Termi
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Consolidated revenue grew 4% YoY to INR 733 Cr in FY24 from INR 706 Cr in FY23. Q1 FY25 revenue grew 5% YoY to INR 190 Cr. The business is primarily driven by CFS operations, which saw an 8% volume growth to 613,000 TEUs in FY24, though revenue growth was dampened by a 4.5% decline in realizations per TEU.
Geographic Revenue Split
Operations are concentrated in India across major port locations including Mumbai (JNPA), Chennai, Kolkata, Mundra, and Dadri. While specific % splits per region are not disclosed, the company operates 6 CFS and 1 ICD facility with a total capacity of 839,000 TEUs, with significant exposure to the JNPA port which is noted as a high-competition zone.
Profitability Margins
Gross margins improved by 100 bps to 34% in FY24. However, Adjusted PAT margins declined from 11.0% in FY23 to 8.7% in FY24. The decline is attributed to realization pressure and higher operating costs in the SML subsidiary. Operating margins are projected to recover to 11-12% in FY25 due to INR 4-6 Cr in lease rental savings.
EBITDA Margin
EBITDA margins contracted by approximately 461-480 bps to 10.2%-10.5% in FY24 compared to the previous year. This contraction was driven by lower fixed overhead absorption at Speedy Multimodes Ltd (SML) and intense pricing competition which reduced realizations from INR 12,450 per TEU to INR 11,882 per TEU.
Capital Expenditure
Annual maintenance and growth capex is budgeted at INR 30-45 Cr. Specific project-based capex includes INR 10 Cr for the New Mundra CFS, INR 25 Cr for the Farukhnagar-ICD, and INR 5 Cr for Chennai expansion, totaling INR 40 Cr in planned deployment to reach the 1 million TEU target.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
The company maintains a comfortable financial risk profile with a 'Stable' outlook. Adjusted debt to adjusted net worth stood at 0.17x in FY24. Interest coverage remains robust at 8.38x (adjusted) despite a decline from 18.23x in FY23. Borrowing is minimal as the company utilizes an asset-light financial lease model.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
As a service-based logistics provider, the primary 'raw' costs are Lease Rentals (representing INR 35-40 Cr in annual outflows) and Direct Operating Expenses related to cargo handling, stuffing, and de-stuffing.
Import Sources
Not applicable as ATL is a service provider; however, its business volume is 100% dependent on EXIM (Export-Import) trade flows through Indian ports like JNPA, Mundra, and Chennai.
Key Suppliers
Key service and infrastructure providers include TransIndia Real Estate Limited (TREL), which leases standalone CFS facilities at JNPA and Chennai to ATL, and various port authorities.
Capacity Expansion
Current installed capacity is 839,000 TEUs (increased from 530,000 TEUs following the 85% stake acquisition in SML for INR 102 Cr). The company aims to expand to 1,000,000 laden TEUs within the next 3 years through expansions in Mundra, Chennai, and JNPA.
Raw Material Costs
Direct operating costs and lease rentals are the primary drivers. Lease rental re-negotiations at JNPA are expected to save INR 4-6 Cr (approx. 0.5-0.8% of revenue) in FY25, directly impacting the bottom line.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Capacity utilization is approximately 80%. Efficiency is measured by TEU throughput, which grew 8% YoY in FY24 and 7% YoY in Q2 FY26 (reaching 168,000 TEUs for the quarter).
Logistics & Distribution
Distribution is handled via rail-linked ICDs and port-side CFS. The company is expanding its footprint with a 59.48-acre land parcel in Mundra to enhance its distribution reach.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
9-10%
Growth Strategy
The company will achieve its 1 million TEU target by expanding capacity at JNPA, Mundra, and Chennai, and operationalizing the Jhajjar ICD. It utilizes an 'asset-right' model to minimize debt while scaling. Diversification into rail-linked ICDs is intended to capture higher-margin multi-modal traffic and reduce reliance on port-side CFS competition.
Products & Services
Import and export cargo stuffing/de-stuffing, customs clearance, container storage, bonded warehousing, and ancillary value-added services at CFS and ICD facilities.
Brand Portfolio
Allcargo Terminals Limited (ATL), Speedy Multimodes Ltd (SML).
New Products/Services
Multi-modal logistics solutions and rail-linked ICD services (Jhajjar/Farukhnagar) are expected to contribute to a more stable and higher-margin revenue mix over the medium term.
Market Expansion
Expansion into the North India hinterland via the Jhajjar ICD and increasing footprint in the Western corridor through the 59.48-acre Mundra land acquisition.
Market Share & Ranking
ATL is positioned among the top performers in the Indian CFS industry with a presence at major ports, though it faces intense competition from both organized and unorganized players.
Strategic Alliances
Maintains a strong relationship with the Allcargo Group and TransIndia Real Estate Limited (TREL) for infrastructure leasing and capital flexibility.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is shifting toward multi-modal logistics and DPD. While DPD poses a threat to traditional CFS volumes, the overall container traffic at major ports is expected to grow at 9-10%, providing a tailwind for well-positioned players like ATL.
Competitive Landscape
Intense competition from numerous organized and unorganized CFS operators, particularly at JNPA, leading to sustained margin pressure.
Competitive Moat
Moat is derived from 'Allcargo' brand parentage, established positions at key ports, and an asset-light model that allows for capital flexibility. However, the moat is challenged by low entry barriers and high competitive intensity in the CFS segment.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to India's GDP and global EXIM trade volumes. A downturn in global trade directly impacts container volumes handled at facilities.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward integrated logistics providers and digital tracking solutions is driving ATL's investment in 'asset-right' technology-backed services.
Geopolitical Risks
Global supply chain disruptions or changes in trade agreements could impact the volume of containers arriving at Indian ports, affecting ATL's throughput.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Operations are subject to Customs Act regulations, port authority tariffs, and EXIM policies. Regulatory changes favoring Direct Port Delivery (DPD) have historically pressured CFS margins.
Taxation Policy Impact
Effective tax rate is approximately 25-30% based on a PAT of INR 45 Cr on PBT of INR 63 Cr in FY24.
Legal Contingencies
ATL is facing a claim from VSSC (via TSLSA) for approximately INR 13.53 Cr plus interest related to damages sustained to cargo machinery during transit. This is a joint claim against ATL and Aspinwall.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Volatility in EXIM trade volumes and regulatory shifts toward DPD could impact revenue by 5-10% if volumes do not offset realization declines.
Geographic Concentration Risk
High concentration at major Indian ports; any localized labor strike or port disruption at JNPA would significantly impact consolidated volumes.
Third Party Dependencies
Significant dependency on TransIndia Real Estate Limited (TREL) for leasing core operational land and facilities.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Risk is mitigated by ongoing digital investments to improve customer interface and operational tracking.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Receivables quality is generally stable, but the company monitors exposure to subsidiary companies to ensure liquidity is not constrained.