SW Cement, a prominent player in the Indian cement industry, is gearing up for a significant public offering (IPO) valued at Rs 4,000 crore. The company has filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), seeking to raise funds through a combination of fresh equity and an offer for sale (OFS) by existing shareholders. The IPO proceeds will be strategically allocated to support JSW Cement’s ambitious expansion plans.
A substantial portion of the funds, Rs 800 crore, is earmarked for part-financing the establishment of a new integrated cement unit in Nagaur, Rajasthan. Additionally, Rs 720 crore will be used to prepay or repay existing borrowings, reducing the company’s debt burden. The remaining funds will be utilized for general corporate purposes. JSW Cement’s financial health appears solid, with a revenue from operations of Rs 6,028.10 crore in FY24, up from Rs 5,836.72 crore in FY23. However, the company’s net profit declined from Rs 104 crore in FY23 to Rs 62 crore in FY24. The cement industry in India is undergoing significant consolidation, with leading players like UltraTech Cement and Adani Group’s Ambuja Cement expanding their capacities through acquisitions and investments.
JSW Cement’s IPO is a strategic move to strengthen its position in the competitive market and support its growth ambitions. The company currently operates with an installed grinding capacity of 20.60 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and aims to increase its aggregate capacity to 60 MTPA. Its manufacturing units are spread across multiple states in India. The IPO will be managed by a consortium of leading financial institutions, indicating strong investor interest and confidence in JSW Cement’s future prospects. The successful completion of the IPO will bolster the company’s financial standing and provide the necessary resources to execute its expansion plans.