Chartered Speed, the Ahmedabad-based passenger mobility company, has received the crucial green light from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to raise ₹855 crore.
The public issue consists of a significant fresh issuance of shares valued at ₹655 crore, complemented by an offer for sale (OFS) of ₹200 crore. Promoters Pankaj Gandhi and Alka Pankaj Gandhi are divesting a portion of their holdings through the OFS.
Sebi's approval allows for a structured fundraising process, with at least 75% of the issue earmarked for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), a maximum of 10% for retail investors, and up to 15% for non-institutional investors (NIIs).
Business Operations
Chartered Speed operates a substantial bus fleet exceeding 2,000 vehicles, providing inter-city and intra-city transportation services across six Indian states. Its primary markets for inter-city routes include Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Assam, while intra-city operations are concentrated in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The company employs a dual business model, relying on both annuity-based revenue streams and ticket sales.
Use of Funds
Proceeds from the fresh issue are strategically allocated to bolster future growth and financial health. A substantial ₹98 crore is designated for investment in electric buses, signaling a commitment to sustainable mobility.
Furthermore, ₹396.4 crore will be directed towards the pre-payment or full/partial repayment of outstanding company borrowings, strengthening the balance sheet. The remainder will support general corporate purposes.
Financial Turnaround
Chartered Speed has demonstrated a dramatic financial turnaround. In the fiscal year ending March 2025 (FY25), the company reported revenue from operations of ₹666.7 crore, a remarkable 92% surge from ₹347.3 crore in FY24.
The company transitioned from a loss of ₹5.5 crore in FY24 to a robust profit after tax (PAT) of ₹70 crore in FY25. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) also saw a significant leap, rising to ₹210.80 crore from ₹49.92 crore, with margins expanding sharply from 14.38% to 31.62%.
Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors and SBI Capital Markets are managing the book-running, with MUFG Intime India serving as the issue registrar.