Rama Telecom IPO Review: ₹11.91 Cr in Receivables and Low Operating Cash Flow Raise Flags

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Rama Telecom is launching its INR 25.13 crore SME IPO on NSE Emerge. The Kolkata-based company offers end-to-end networking solutions in the telecom and datacom sectors, with a sharp focus on optical fiber infrastructure. While financials show a strong growth trajectory, the business concentration and IPO pricing demand a closer look.

Rama Telecom IPO Review

🔹 1. Rama Telecom IPO Review: Snapshot

  • Issue Size: INR 25.13 crore (100% Fresh Issue; 36.96 lakh shares)
  • Price Band: INR 65–68 per share
  • Lot Size: 2,000 shares (INR 1.30–1.36 lakh minimum)
  • Open/Close Dates: 25–27 June 2025
  • Listing: NSE Emerge
  • Promoter Stake Pre/Post: 100% → 72% (approx.)
  • Lead Manager: Affinity Global Capital Market

🔹 2. What the Business Does

Rama Telecom provides customized end-to-end networking solutions, particularly in the telecom and datacom sectors. Its services include optical fiber installations, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), trenching, and other infrastructure-related executions. The company primarily caters to public sector clients such as Indian Railways, IOCL, AAI, and BSNL, but also works with private players like Airtel and Jio.

Its activities are largely execution-driven, involving real groundwork and project handling, not merely trading. The core edge lies in its specialization in optical fiber networks, experience with government procurement, and adaptability in difficult terrains. With India’s broadband and 5G expansion push, the underlying market shows strong structural growth.

🔹 3. Financial & Valuation Overview

MetricFY23FY24FY25
Revenue 33.1037.1941.76
PAT 1.082.615.53
EBITDA Margin %4.9811.0219.15
ROCE (%)18.7329.3337.06
D/E Ratio0.400.490.30
Figures in INR Crore until specified

Rama Telecom IPO Analysis: Rama Telecom’s topline has grown steadily (~13% CAGR), but it’s the profit jump that stands out — PAT has grown 5x in just two years. Margins have expanded sharply, with EBITDA margin improving from ~5% to ~19%. These shifts suggest operational leverage and scale benefits, though part of the FY24 profit spike may be IPO-timed.

ROE and ROCE are well above SME benchmarks (>30% in FY24), which is impressive. Debt levels are low and manageable, supporting a clean balance sheet. The IPO valuation at the upper band implies a P/E of ~11.6x FY24 earnings — reasonable compared to peers in infra-services space trading at 15–18x. No red flags on cash flows, though receivables need monitoring due to government-heavy exposure.

🔹 4. Rama Telecom IPO Review: Strengths

  • Government Projects: Proven delivery of high-tech projects for Indian Railways, Petroleum, and Airports on time.
  • Pan India Operations: Projects executed across multiple states of India, showcasing our logistical reach and adaptability.
  • 20 Years of Industry Experience: Established in 2004, led by a promoter with 28 years of sector experience, for deep domain knowledge and stability.
  • Client Relationships: Long term relationships with clients like Indian Railways, Airtel, Jio, IOCL for reliability and repeat business.
  • Advanced Technical Skills: Expertise in IP-MPLS, SCADA, OFC and other mission critical telecom infrastructure in sensitive environments.
  • Skilled and Stable Workforce: Majority of the employees have more than 10 years of tenure, for consistency, efficiency and knowledge retention.
  • Public Tendering: Fully aware of complex government tendering process, compliance, documentation and financial instruments like bank guarantees.
  • On Time Delivery: Known for meeting strict project deadlines including PMO monitored projects with quality execution and minimal delays.
  • National Policies: Aligned with Digital India, BharatNet and railway modernization programs.
  • Technological Adaptability: Evolved from legacy telecom systems to next gen networks like FTTH and 5G, for future readiness.

🔹 5. Rama Telecom IPO Review: Risks

  • Top 5 Customers: Top 5 customers accounted for 68.86% of revenue in FY25; losing them would impact operations and profitability.
  • Working Capital: Net working capital increased to INR 15.02 crore in FY25; inadequate funding will impact operations and growth.
  • Government Payments: INR 1.43 crore EMD and INR 1.64 crore Security Deposit blocked in FY25, extending cash conversion cycle.
  • Regional Revenue: Telangana and West Bengal contributed 34.96% of FY25 revenue; regional instability is a big risk.
  • Volatile Cash Flows: FY25 operating cash flow was INR 12.15 lakhs despite strong operating profit, due to receivables and inventory rise.
  • Contingent Liabilities: Unprovided liabilities in financials may materialize; no prior devolvement but future impact can be adverse.
  • Litigation: 20 cases pending with INR 2.21 crore in dispute, including tax issues; adverse outcome will strain cash flows.
  • Trade Receivables: Receivables reached INR 11.91 crore in FY25; delayed payments from Indian Railways is affecting liquidity.
  • On-Demand Loans: INR 5.00 crore loans are repayable on demand; sudden recall will impact working capital.
  • Unaudited Fund Utilization: IPO proceeds not vetted by any institution; misallocation risk lies with management discretion.
  • GST Disputes: FY25 notices claim INR 60.53 lakhs in unpaid GST in West Bengal, showing compliance and reputation risk.
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🔹 6. Final Verdict: May Consider for Listing Gains

Rama Telecom ticks many boxes on profitability, margins, and low leverage. But the recent profit jump, high PSU dependency, and modest scale warrant caution. For long-term investors, visibility on post-IPO growth and client diversification is needed. Momentum investors may find short-term upside if SME sentiment stays strong.

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