Solar Industries to acquire Omnia for USD 1.35 billion in cash to create a global, integrated explosives platform; FY28 EBITDA ~INR 6,800–7,000 crores, debt ~INR 10,000–11,000 crores
Earnings Call Transcript
Financial Performance
- All-cash USD 1.35 billion acquisition of Omnia Holdings Limited.
- FY28 consolidated revenue targeted around INR 30,000 crores.
- Standalone Solar top line ~INR 14,000 crores; EBITDA ~28–29%.
- Consolidated FY28 EBITDA target ~INR 6,800–7,000 crores.
- Africa revenue post-deal expected ~USD 0.9–1.0 billion.
- Debt post-acquisition FY28 ~INR 10,000–11,000 crores; EBITDA cover <2x.
- Equity issuance not planned.
Operating Update
- Omnia assets include nitric acid and ammonium nitrate facilities; 5,000-ton storage tank added.
- Integrated manufacturing and supply chain to strengthen security and flexibility.
- Agriculture segment is technology-driven; not a pure agriculture play.
- 100+ country distribution; growth opportunities across markets.
- Agreement to buy 100% stake; subject to approvals; completion pending.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
- Funding via Omnia cash surplus and Omnia debt; no equity issuance.
- Omnia FY26 PAT and depreciation cash generation ~USD 110 million.
- End-FY28 debt target: INR 10,000–11,000 crores; EBITDA coverage <2x.
- Equity dilution not planned.
- Structure to be finalized post approvals.
Capex
- Capex programme around INR 12,000 crores announced two years back.
- Capex program being pursued aggressively.
Outlook and Guidance
- FY28 revenue around INR 30,000 crores; EBITDA around INR 6,800–7,000 crores.
- Debt/EBITDA target under 2x.
- Margins around 18–20% pre-defense.
- Exports expansion via Omnia network; footprint to 100+ countries; manufacturing to 25+.
- Africa revenue uplift to USD 0.9–1.0 billion.
Q&A Highlights
- Value-chain integration across Omnia and Solar; synergy from ammonium nitrate/initiating systems.
- Funding: all-cash; debt on Omnia; no equity issuance.
- Equity issuance not planned.
- FY28 EBITDA guidance elaborated; debt positions discussed.
- Export potential: 100 countries; 25+ manufacturing; Africa plus new markets.
- Margins: explosives 18–19%; BME 13–14%; synergy may lift margins.
- Geography focus: India and Africa; Australia not in near-term plan.
Risks and Watchpoints
- Regulatory approvals required; completion pending shareholder/government approvals.
- Country risk and management of global operations.
- Integration and funding risks; timing of synergies.
- Execution risks in scaling across new geographies.