Is Ramky Infrastructure (NSE:RAMKY) Using Too Much Debt?

Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously said that 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' When we think about how risky a company is, we always like to look at its use of debt, since debt overload can lead to ruin. As with many other companies Ramky Infrastructure Limited (NSE:RAMKY) makes use of debt. But the real question is whether this debt is making the company risky.

When Is Debt A Problem?

Debt is a tool to help businesses grow, but if a business is incapable of paying off its lenders, then it exists at their mercy. If things get really bad, the lenders can take control of the business. While that is not too common, we often do see indebted companies permanently diluting shareholders because lenders force them to raise capital at a distressed price. Of course, debt can be an important tool in businesses, particularly capital heavy businesses. The first step when considering a company's debt levels is to consider its cash and debt together.

Check out our latest analysis for Ramky Infrastructure

What Is Ramky Infrastructure's Net Debt?

You can click the graphic below for the historical numbers, but it shows that Ramky Infrastructure had ₹16.5b of debt in March 2023, down from ₹21.2b, one year before. However, it also had ₹8.63b in cash, and so its net debt is ₹7.88b.

How Strong Is Ramky Infrastructure's Balance Sheet?

We can see from the most recent balance sheet that Ramky Infrastructure had liabilities of ₹25.6b falling due within a year, and liabilities of ₹5.41b due beyond that. On the other hand, it had cash of ₹8.63b and ₹4.30b worth of receivables due within a year. So its liabilities outweigh the sum of its cash and (near-term) receivables by ₹18.1b.

This deficit isn't so bad because Ramky Infrastructure is worth ₹30.4b, and thus could probably raise enough capital to shore up its balance sheet, if the need arose. But it's clear that we should definitely closely examine whether it can manage its debt without dilution.

We use two main ratios to inform us about debt levels relative to earnings. The first is net debt divided by earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), while the second is how many times its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) covers its interest expense (or its interest cover, for short). The advantage of this approach is that we take into account both the absolute quantum of debt (with net debt to EBITDA) and the actual interest expenses associated with that debt (with its interest cover ratio).

Even though Ramky Infrastructure's debt is only 2.3, its interest cover is really very low at 0.82. This does have us wondering if the company pays high interest because it is considered risky. In any case, it's safe to say the company has meaningful debt. It is well worth noting that Ramky Infrastructure's EBIT shot up like bamboo after rain, gaining 59% in the last twelve months. That'll make it easier to manage its debt. When analysing debt levels, the balance sheet is the obvious place to start. But it is Ramky Infrastructure's earnings that will influence how the balance sheet holds up in the future. So when considering debt, it's definitely worth looking at the earnings trend. Click here for an interactive snapshot.

Finally, while the tax-man may adore accounting profits, lenders only accept cold hard cash. So it's worth checking how much of that EBIT is backed by free cash flow. Happily for any shareholders, Ramky Infrastructure actually produced more free cash flow than EBIT over the last three years. There's nothing better than incoming cash when it comes to staying in your lenders' good graces.

Our View

The good news is that Ramky Infrastructure's demonstrated ability to convert EBIT to free cash flow delights us like a fluffy puppy does a toddler. But we must concede we find its interest cover has the opposite effect. All these things considered, it appears that Ramky Infrastructure can comfortably handle its current debt levels. Of course, while this leverage can enhance returns on equity, it does bring more risk, so it's worth keeping an eye on this one. The balance sheet is clearly the area to focus on when you are analysing debt. But ultimately, every company can contain risks that exist outside of the balance sheet. We've identified 2 warning signs with Ramky Infrastructure (at least 1 which is concerning) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

Of course, if you're the type of investor who prefers buying stocks without the burden of debt, then don't hesitate to discover our exclusive list of net cash growth stocks, today.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.