Zinka Logistics Solution Ltd IPO Analysis 2024: Should You Subscribe?

Liquide -

Zinka Logistics Solution Ltd (Zinka) launched its initial public offering (IPO) on November 13, 2024, with bidding set to close on November 18. The IPO is trading flat in the grey market, showing no premium, and received a muted response on the first day.

Investors should get a clear understanding of both potential rewards and risks before subscribing. This IPO analysis provides a comprehensive review to help make an informed decision.

Zinka Logistics Solution IPO Details 

  • Issue Details: Mainstream
  • Issue Size: Rs 1,114.72 crore
  • Fresh Issue: Rs 550 crore
  • OFS: Rs 564.72 crore
  • Price Band: Rs 259 – Rs 273
  • Lot size: 54 shares
  • Listing Date: November 21, 2024

Zinka Logistics Solution IPO Subscription Status

As of 6 p.m. on the opening day, the IPO of Zinka Logistics Solutions Ltd saw an overall subscription rate of 0.24 times. Retail investors led with a subscription of 0.52 times their allotted shares, followed by qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) at 0.25 times. Non-institutional investors had subscribed just 0.02 times their allocation.

Overview of Zinka Logistics Solution Ltd

Zinka is a leading digital platform for truck operators, hosting 963,345 truck operators on its platform in FY24. Its BlackBuck application provides tools for managing toll and fuel payments, monitoring fleets through telematics, finding loads on its marketplace, and accessing vehicle financing.

The company partners with FASTag banks and oil marketing companies (OMCs) to offer secure tolling and fueling solutions, generating revenue through commissions based on transaction values.

Zinka Logistics Solution Key Strengths

  • Market Leadership: As of FY24, Zinka is India's largest digital platform for truck operators, managing over 413.34 million transactions during FY24. It served 27.52% of the country's truck operators, handling 32.92% of all tolling payments for commercial vehicles.
  • Leading FASTag Distributor: In FY24, Zinka dominated as the principal distributor of FASTags, capturing 32.92% of the market share in GTV payments for tolling. The Gross Transaction Value reached Rs 14,793.67 crore, marking a 48% growth year-over-year.
  • Robust Revenue Growth: Zinka's revenue surged by 69% year-over-year to Rs 297 crore in FY24. This growth was fuelled by an increase in average monthly transacting truck operators, boosting commission income, subscription fees, and service fees.
  • Rapid Customer Growth: The number of annual transacting truck operators on Zinka's platform rose to 963,345 in FY24, from 482,446 in FY22. Notably, 85.52% of truck operators who began transactions in FY23 remained active into FY24.
  • Extensive Distribution Network: As of June 30, 2024, Zinka’s offerings were available across 628 districts, encompassing 80% of India's districts and including all major transportation hubs, as well as 76% of the toll plaza network in India.

Zinka Logistics Solution Risk Factors

  • Weak Financial History: Despite turning profitable in Q1 FY25, largely due to exceptional gains, Zinka and its subsidiaries, TZF Logistics Solutions and BlackBuck Finserve, have historically struggled with losses and negative operating cash flows. There is uncertainty about sustaining this recent profitability.
  • Dependence on Key Partnerships: A substantial portion of Zinka’s revenue is linked to strategic partnerships in payment processing and vehicle financing. Notably, a FASTag partner bank represented 33.51% of its total revenue in FY24. The loss of such critical partnerships could severely impact the company's operations.
  • Supplier Reliance: Zinka is highly dependent on a few suppliers for its vehicle tracking solutions. In Q1 FY25, the top supplier accounted for 80.71% of total purchases for these solutions. Any disruption in the supply chain could pose significant risks to business continuity.
  • High Employee Attrition: Zinka has experienced significant employee turnover, with attrition rates of 37% in Q1 FY25 and 41% in FY24, which could affect stability and growth.

Zinka Logistics Solution Valuation & Recommendation

Assessing Zinka’s value on a P/E basis may not be ideal due to its history of negative earnings. Its post-issue EV/Sales ratio works out to approximately 15x at the upper range of the price band. For comparison, international peer Corpay, while not a direct match but operating in a similar industry, currently trades at a cheaper EV/Sales multiple of around 8x.

Zinka, which boasts India’s largest digital platform for truck operators via the BlackBuck app, presents financial concerns. Despite a shift to profitability in the recent first quarter, the company has historically suffered from continuous losses and negative cash flows.

Although the company’s strong market presence and favourable industry dynamics may make this issue look appealing initially, the inherent risks currently outweigh the potential benefits. Given these factors, long-term investors are advised to monitor the company’s performance closely over the next two quarters before considering an investment.

For a deep dive into other IPOs, explore: IPO Corner on Liquide