L&T Financial Triumph in Q2 2023–24
L&T has reported impressive financial results for Q2 2023–24, surpassing market expectations. Net profit increased by 45% year-on-year to reach Rs 3,223 crore, while consolidated revenue saw a 19% rise to Rs 51,024 crore.
EBITDA Margin Exceeds Expectations
L&T exceeded EBITDA margin expectations with a reported 11% margin, outperforming the anticipated 10.5%. However, it experienced a 40 basis point decline in EBITDA margin compared to the previous year due to aggressive pricing strategies.
Positive Outlook for Operating Margins
The company foresees improving operating margins in the coming months, driven by the completion of projects secured at competitive prices in 2022–23 and the initiation of new orders.
Reversal in Infrastructure Projects Operating Margins
L&T managed to reverse its trend of declining operating margins in its infrastructure projects segment, achieving a 5.4% operating margin in Q2FY24 compared to 5.1% in Q1FY24. However, YoY, the segment’s operating margin declined by 120 basis points.
Divestment Plans and Metro Performance
L&T has no significant updates on divestment plans. The company used a soft loan to repay the Hyderabad metro project debt, and the metro’s daily ridership increased to approximately 5.5 lakh passengers in Q2 2023 from 5 lakh in the previous quarter.
Venturing into Semiconductor Design
L&T is venturing into the field of fabless semiconductor chip design by establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary with an investment of up to Rs 830 crore. The focus will be on chip design to create patented products, avoiding semiconductor manufacturing due to global competition.