My Dear Stakeholders,
At the outset, it gives me immense pride to inform you that Welspun
Enterprises Limited (WEL) has doubled its revenue in FY23, recording its highest-ever
revenue since inception. This significant milestone is a testament to the robust strategy,
superior execution, unwavering resilience, and agility of the Company. Even in the face of
numerous challenges, the WEL team has demonstrated exceptional determination and
perseverance.
In line with our asset-light model, this fiscal the divestment of six
highway projects to Actis, aggregating to an asset value of over 9,000 Crore. We have
received ~90% of the consideration, while the balance will be realized in 2024, subject to
NHAI's approval. This transaction has demonstrated WEL's ability to bid, build
and exit world-class infrastructure assets and deliver value-accretive growth for its
stakeholders.
Reflecting our continued commitment towards maximizing shareholder
value, I am pleased to share that WEL has paid
7.50 per share interim dividend during the year, and has returned
235 Crore through buyback, in addition to being on track to return
1 per share as final dividend. It is heartening to note that over the past five years,
your
Company has returned more than 700 Crore, ensuring that investors
benefit from their trust in the Company.
EXECUTION EXCELLENCE
Your Company has continued its firm focus on accelerated execution
through the year across several projects such assaw the Varanasi-Aurangabad NH-2 project
and the Aunta-Simaria road project, which includes one of the widest extradosed bridge on
the River Ganga. It is encouraging to note that four of WEL's road projects achieved
Provisional Commercial Operation Date (PCOD) and/or Commercial Operation Date (COD), and
are generating healthy revenues.
In the promising water segment, WEL has made swift progress in the
execution of the Jal Jeevan
Mission project in Uttar Pradesh, which is part of the
Government's Har Ghar Nal Se Jal' scheme. I would like to mention that for
the prestigious Dharavi Wastewater Treatment Facility (WwTF) project, we have received the
land and requisite clearances to proceed, and the project is now under execution. On
completion, the Dharavi WwTF will be India's
treatment facility, with state-of-the-art technology and low footprint.
We are advancing well with exploration and development of India's
oil and gas resources through our Joint Venture Company, Adani Welspun Exploration Ltd.
Post the discovery of gas in one of the blocks, your Company is undertaking operations for
appraisal and early monetization of the acreage. I am confident that going forward, this
business will be able to generate sustainable value for our stakeholders and further
contribute towards promoting cleaner fuels for a better tomorrow.
Welspun World has always been committed to a greener world, and all our
actions have been towards envisioning a sustainable future. Besides adhering to highest
EHS standards, WEL has acquired Welspun New Energy Limited to explore opportunities in the
renewable energy and green hydrogen space. We expect that the global focus on these
sectors, along with the immense vision of the Government of India, would translate into a
huge business opportunity for us.
WEL continues to be recognized by distinguished authorities and
organizations for its dedicated focus on project management, execution and HSE. It gives
me immense pleasure to share that the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (Pkg 1) project, which was
delivered by WEL 11 months ahead of schedule, was conferred with a Gold Award for
Excellence in Projectmulti-tierwastewater Management by the Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways. In addition, your Company's Chikhli-Tarsod Highway Project was awarded with
the Unique Project of the Year' accolade by ASSOCHAM, for connecting people
from rural and urban landscapes, and empowering them with an improved way of life.
Additionally, WEL's commitment to responsible and sustainable
business practices remained unwavering across offices and project sites. We continued to
actively engage in various community development projects, educational programmes and
environmental conservation initiatives with an objective to balance the needs of the
present with those of the future.
As we embark on the new fiscal year, it gives me huge confidence that
we begin with a healthy order book of over
10,000 Crore. This strong order book is a testament to the confidence
our clients have placed in our capabilities and the trust they have in our ability to
deliver high-quality projects, in addition to providing WEL with a solid foundation for
future growth.
OUTLOOK
Our business strategy continues to remain centred on building a
diversified portfolio that not only drives revenues but also margins, on the back of an
asset-light business model. Additionally, our focus is to ensure that the diversification
in the portfolio de-risks our business and reduces dependency on any one specific
vertical, enabling long-term growth sustenance.
WEL has a robust zero-debt balance sheet, steady cash flows, and strong
tailwinds from the Government's continued impetus on the infrastructure sector. I
believe that we are positioned at a sweet spot to make the most of these opportunities and
enhance our order book with value-accretive orders.
I am confident that with our strong foundation, experienced leadership
and dedicated workforce, we will continue to adapt to changing market dynamics, identify
new growth opportunities and deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of our Board, our
shareholders, business partners, WEL team and all stakeholders for their unwavering
support and trust in our growth journey. I look forward to your continued engagement and
partnership in the years to come.
B K Goenka
Executive Chairman