ReNew Energy plc(RNW) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 31% to INR 74.8 billion for the nine months ending December 31, 2026, with a more than sixfold increase in profit after tax [8][9] - Revenue increased by 48% for the first nine months of the fiscal year compared to the previous year, driven by increased megawatts and contributions from the manufacturing business [17] - Headline leverage decreased from 8.2x in December 2024 to 7x debt to EBITDA currently, with a trailing twelve-month EBITDA leverage of approximately 5.6x [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating capacity increased from 10.7 gigawatts to 11.8 gigawatts, a 19% increase after adjusting for the sale of 900 megawatts [5][17] - Manufacturing business contributed INR 10.8 billion to Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months, with an external order book of 900 MW [15] - The company sold 300 MW of solar assets this quarter, totaling 600 MW for the year, raising $275 million through capital recycling [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electricity demand in India rebounded sharply in December 2026, with expectations for power demand to return to normal levels in fiscal 2027 [5] - The financing environment remains favorable, with interest rates on a downward trend, benefiting the overall economic outlook [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting focus from wind projects to more battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar capacity to lower execution risk and improve cash flow predictability [7][13] - The strategic pivot aims to reduce capital expenditure and enhance revenue predictability, with a focus on balance sheet strength and reducing leverage [13][26] - The company plans to construct between 1.8 and 2.4 GW in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, with increased guidance for Adjusted EBITDA [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about India's growth projections remaining above 7% for fiscal 2026 and 2027, aided by a recent trade deal with the U.S. [4][5] - There is recognition of systemic issues in the industry, such as transmission project delays and curtailment, with ongoing discussions with government ministries to address these challenges [39][40] Other Important Information - The company received an A grade rating from LSEG and a score of 90.41 out of 100, placing it in the top quartile globally for ESG performance [10][23] - The company has achieved water positivity certification for two sites, marking significant progress in sustainability initiatives [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the revised strategy towards more solar and BESS projects? - Management explained that the decision to decrease wind capacity was driven by lower costs of BESS and solar, improved execution ease, and historical performance issues with wind [29][30] Question: What is the update on the take-private strategy? - Management stated that they cannot comment on specific topics regarding privatization and will disclose any relevant information as necessary [35] Question: Are there improvements in transmission project delays and curtailment? - Management acknowledged ongoing discussions with government ministries to address these issues, recognizing them as systemic losses that should not solely impact developers [39][40] Question: How is the manufacturing segment performing in terms of margins? - Management indicated that margins have held up well, with a temporary lull during monsoons, but demand has picked up again in the current quarter [43] Question: What is the target leverage ratio and timeline for achieving it? - Management aims to reduce leverage to 5.5x over time, with a target timeframe suggested to be between 2028 and 2030 [71][72]