Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ASHOKA) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

August 12, 2021

National Stock Exchange of India IN Industrials Construction and Engineering earnings 56 min

Earnings Call Speaker Segments

Operator

operator
#1

Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and a very warm welcome to the Ashoka Buildcon discussion on Q1 FY '22 results and future outlook call, hosted by Centrum Broking Limited. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Ashish Shah from Centrum Broking. Thank you, and over to you, Ashish.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#2

Yes. Thank you, Ali. A very good afternoon to everyone. On behalf of Centrum Broking, I welcome you all to the Ashoka Buildcon's Q1 FY '22 Results and Earnings Call. We have from the management, Mr. Satish Parakh, Managing Director; we have Mr. Paresh Mehta, the Chief Financial Officer of the company; and we also have representatives from the Stellar Investor Relations. Over to you, sir, for your opening remarks.

Satish Parakh

executive
#3

Thank you, Ashish. Good afternoon, everyone. We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone on our earnings call for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. I hope you all and your dear ones are safe and healthy. Along with me, I have Mr. Paresh Mehta, our Chief Financial Officer, on the call. Before I take you through the operational performance highlights, I would like to brief you on the key industry updates. Last fiscal year, the road infrastructure industry defied COVID-19 by delivering a stellar performance on the back of robust project awarding and record construction with a relaxation in lockdown in the second half. The second wave of COVID-19 was marginally slowed the growth momentum during the quarter. Awarding activity remained muted in Q1 FY '22, particularly from April to May, primarily due to the increase of COVID-19 cases. However, with NHAI's robust order pipeline and a steady stream of funds from budgetary outlays, borrowings and TOT route, the ordering activity to remain buoyant for FY '22. In terms of construction, the pace of highway construction has slowed amid rising COVID-19 cases. In April to June, highway construction totaled 2,824 kilometers, up 25% from corresponding last year. Despite the constraint posed by COVID-19, the pace of construction in the quarter was faster than Q1 FY '20. During April, June '21, '22, the highway construction rate was 25.37 kilometers per day compared to 23.29 kilometers per day in April June '19, '20. A number of industry-friendly measures, including better cash flow to the contractors gave the execution momentum going during the quarter. We believe with an improved COVID-19 situation, an accelerated vaccination drive, enhanced ordering activity FY '22 execution target of 40 kilometers per day set by the government can be achieved. On the toll collection front, toll collection began to improve in second half of FY '21 as economic activity began to recover. The second wave of COVID-19-led restrictions affected the toll collection in month of April and May. As the number of COVID instances decreases and lockdown is relaxed, we are seeing a modest improvement in the toll collection from the second week of June. The traffic is expected to improve further going forward due to declining COVID-19 instances, optimistic GDP growth, record high FDI and positive growth in core sector indicators. In 2022, we anticipate modest double-digit growth in toll collection related to the lower base of FY '21. Now coming to the company's performance. The second wave of COVID-19 had a less severe impact on business operations than the first wave. April and May saw a modest slowdown in execution momentum. But as the overall general situation improved, the execution began to pick up. At present, we are operating at 100% efficiency level. The execution of all 8 HAM projects is processing well. In terms of equity investment, the total equity requirement of all 10 HAM projects, including PIM, is INR 1,317 crores, of which we have already invested INR 814 crores as of June 2021. Our incremental equity requirements of FY '22 and FY '23 are INR 184 crores and INR 141 crores, respectively. Now coming to the order book. In the month of July, we won projects worth INR 1,031 crores, which includes an order of IRCON International Limited of INR 431 crores for supply, erection, testing and commissioning of electromechanical system. And also an order worth INR 600 crores from Zodaic Helotronics Private Limited for construction of 600-bed super speciality hospital, medical college and residential quarters. With this, the total inflow of fiscal 2022 stands at INR 2,980 crores. The company's total order book as on June 30, 2021 stands at INR 9,472 crores. The order book excludes Zodaic Helotronics and IRCON International worth INR 1,031 crores. Including this order book stands at INR 10,503 crores. The breakup of this order book is as of June 30, 2021. Road projects comprise around INR 6,133 crores, which is 65% of our total order book. Among the road projects, HAM projects are about INR 3,135 crores, and EPC are INR 2,998 crores. Power T&D and others comprise of INR 1,317 crores, which is 14% of total order book. EPC building segment comprises of INR 1,235 crores, which is 13% of total order book. And railway stands at INR 722 crores, which is 8% of order book. And EPC work from CGD business comprises of INR 65 crores. With this, I hand over the call to Paresh Mehta for financial results, Q4 FY '21.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#4

Thank you, sir. Good afternoon, everyone. The results presentation and the press release for the quarter have been uploaded on the stock exchanges and on the company's website. I believe you all may have gone through the same. Now I would disclose the financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, starting with the consolidated results. The total income for Q1 FY '22 grew by 65% year-on-year to INR 1,310 crores as compared to INR 792 crores in the Q1 FY '21. EBITDA stood at INR 424 crores in Q1 FY '22 with a margin of 32.3%. PAT is at INR 80 crores in Q1 FY '22, PAT margin is 6.1%. Coming to the standalone numbers. The total number of Q1 -- total income for Q1 FY '22 stands at INR 1,059 crores as compared to INR 621 crores in corresponding quarter last fiscal, registering a growth of 71%. EBITDA for the quarter was at INR 167 crores with an EBITDA margin of 15.8%. The company reported profit after tax of INR 101 crores in Q1 FY '22 with a margin of 9.6%. During Q1 FY '22, BOT division recorded a toll collection of INR 208 crores as against INR 133 crores in FY 1 -- Q1 FY '21 and INR 262 crores in Q4 FY '21. Total consolidated debt as on June 30, 2021 stood at INR 6,241 crores, of which project debt is INR 5,715 crores. The standalone debt is at INR 526 crores, which comprises of INR 138 crores of equipment loans and INR 388 crores of working capital loans. During quarter, we have made the payment towards redemption of INR 150 crores of NCD with interest payment of INR 18.2 crores. Further to this, we still have issued new NCDs amounting to INR 250 crores post June 30, 2021. With this, we now open the floor for question and answers.

Operator

operator
#5

[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of Vibhor Singhal from PhillipCapital.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#6

Yes. Congrats on a great performance yet again. Sir, given that we have clocked a very strong performance in this quarter, would you like to give some guidance for this year as to what is the kind of top line that we are looking in this year and with what margin?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#7

We expect to close the year by at least 25% above last year's turnover with a general EBITDA margins to tune of 12.5% to 13% without other income and to the tune of approximately 15%, 15.5%, with including other incomes. So that's the target, which we keep ourselves for.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#8

Okay. So sir, 25% kind of growth, so we are looking to cross, let's say, INR 4,700 crores of top line for the year?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#9

Exactly.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#10

Sure, sir. Sir, my second question is on the debt front. So the stand-alone debt has risen in this quarter. If I understand it correctly, is it because we have borrowed to repay the NCD in this quarter and which -- that would probably be replenished in Q2, as you said, that we have replaced with another NCD?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#11

That's the reasonable question, because on the year-end, we have used our cash credit to pay off the NCD and immediately after the first week of July, the NCD, which ACL raise of INR 250 crores was returned back to Ashoka Buildcon. So your assumption is right that NCD -- the stand-alone debt as on year-end -- as on quarter end is optically higher only for that bit.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#12

Okay. So at the end of Q2, we can expect it to again fall by say around INR 150 crores to INR 200 crores?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#13

It should fall back and [Technical Difficulty] of course, to the execution level also is there. If the execution is better, or if -- it will accordingly change marginally.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#14

Sure, sir, definitely. And sir, how is the payment cycle looking at in terms of payment from various government bodies, NHAI or the other state government projects, specifically our power distribution projects that we have in the state of Jharkhand and basically Gujarat of course also? So what is the payment status from these projects? Are they delayed, on time? If you could give some color.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#15

As far as power projects are concerned, we have definitely improved our collections during this quarter. And -- but Bihar, we have received our certain old dues, which are there on SD account. We see future in Jharkhand for the payments. We expect that they should be coming in by this quarter end, by September end, substantial payment should come on that account also. There is some allocation of funds for these states to be happening. Jharkhand is definitely running through a tight phase but I think so within a quarter time, they should also be able to pay us.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#16

Okay. And sir, the other payments cycle from NHAI and other state governments...

Paresh Mehta

executive
#17

That is quite smooth. NHAI is really prompt and active payment. They have began [Technical Difficulty].

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#18

Sorry, sir, your voice is...

Paresh Mehta

executive
#19

Yes. Can you hear me now?

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#20

Yes, sir. Actually your voice was breaking. I'm sorry to say that.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#21

Okay. Okay. Okay. Yes. So with the extension of the [ multi-payable ] scheme by NHAI, definitely, NHAI is keeping the pace of execution with their payment schedule in time. So there is no worries on NHAI account.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#22

Sure, sir. Sir, lastly, if you could just quantify what is the receivable from Bihar and Jharkhand state governments for the par credits as of now?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#23

See, approximately, Bihar would be to the tune of around INR 98 crores and Uttar Pradesh would be around INR 93 crores and Jharkhand around INR 36 crores.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#24

So Jharkhand is running how much?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#25

INR 36 crores.

Vibhor Singhal

analyst
#26

INR 36 crores, sorry.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#27

Sorry, sorry, sorry INR 136 crores. All put together [indiscernible] is INR 30 crores. That's what I was trying to say. Again, in prospective from Bihar around INR 198 crores; from Jharkhand, INR 136 crores; and from Uttar Pradesh, INR 250 crores. The first number, which I said were noncurrent, that is more than 6 months old, which other payments of -- in routine are coming in time. Current liabilities, our debtors are intact, not a problem.

Operator

operator
#28

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Seetharaman from Spark Capital.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#29

Sir, can you give us an idea about the order inflow for the rest of the year that you foresee, for the overall FY '22 and FY '23, you foresee across the sectors?

Satish Parakh

executive
#30

See, as of now, we have bagged around INR 3,000 crores and another INR 4,000 crores is our target for this year, which includes highways and railways and building vertical, which we have now started.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#31

Okay. So INR 4,000 crores for the rest of the year?

Satish Parakh

executive
#32

Yes.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#33

Okay. And on the margin side, do you expect the margin to dip considering that the -- since you're going to take the building contracts, generally, the EBITDA margin in those contracts lower compared to the road contract? So overall, do you expect the margins to dip?

Satish Parakh

executive
#34

Overall margins will remain same, whether it is building, roads, railways or -- margins almost will remain same. EBITDA may change, but net margins are going to be same because there's no CapEx or any less CapEx for new buildings.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#35

Okay. And what is the CapEx that you expect for FY '22 and '23?

Satish Parakh

executive
#36

For CapEx -- yes, you can speak.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#37

Yes. So actually, this year, we are not expecting a CapEx of more than INR 25 crores, INR 30-odd crores which is planned. So based on new projects, which will be coming in, we may decide to do CapEx, but then that will overflow into the '23 -- '22, '23 year requirement.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#38

Okay. Okay. And what did you mention the FY '22 and '23 equity, please, the equity investment? I just missed that.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#39

That was INR 184 crores for '22.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#40

It's not clear, actually. It just got cut.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#41

INR 184 crores. 1-8-4.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#42

INR 184 crores, okay, for FY '22? Okay.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#43

And '22, '23, INR 141 crores.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#44

Again it's INR 184 crores and?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#45

INR 141 crores.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#46

INR 184 crores and INR 141 crores.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#47

This is the total requirement for the current project set of projects.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#48

Okay.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#49

Yes.

Operator

operator
#50

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Ankita Shah from Elara Capital.

Ankita Shah

analyst
#51

Sir, I wanted to understand your strategy on diversification. What is the ideal mix of business segments that you are looking at? And what would be the key focus area going forward?

Satish Parakh

executive
#52

Yes. The key focus will always remain highways and railways. So 70% of our order book, 70%, 75% will be highways and railways. And we are becoming a full range EPC player in buildings, power and other segments. So that would comprise around 30%.

Ankita Shah

analyst
#53

Okay. And within buildings, what kind of building projects are...

Satish Parakh

executive
#54

These are basically EPC contracts. So it could be residential, it could be warehousing, it could be hospitals. So this all basically we had been doing 2 decades back, which we have restarted now. So there is a huge opportunity in this segment also.

Ankita Shah

analyst
#55

Okay. So in the balance, INR 4,000 crores of inflow target that you're looking at, you're expecting -- what is the kind of pipeline do you expect?

Satish Parakh

executive
#56

Around INR 3,000 crores, we expect from railways and highways, and around INR 1,000 crores to INR 1,500 crores in the building books.

Ankita Shah

analyst
#57

Okay. Got it. And sir, on margins for the quarter, I mean would you like to highlight on what were the key issues that led to a drop in margins in this quarter? Was it because of the increase in raw material prices? Or is there something else also that has impacted?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#58

No. If you see the past few quarters where the margins have looked robust, these were mainly on account of projects coming to an end and certain contingencies getting released from the budget and contributing to the higher margins. The margins today, which we have and which we expect for the coming quarters, would be in the range of 12%, 12.5%, which we believe is the standard margin guidance, which we have been always giving. Unless there is an event like a project closure and contingencies or a bonus being accounted for, at least the margin continue to remain at 12%, 12.5%.

Operator

operator
#59

The next question is from the line of Jiten Rushi from Axis Capital.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#60

Congratulations on good set of numbers. Sir, my question is on revenue breakup. Can you give us a revenue room between floors, HAM EPC, railways, power CGD for the quarter and comparable Y-o-Y?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#61

So the road execution was INR 816 crores against INR 475 crores last year. The power [ condition ] was INR 38 crores against INR 34 crores last year. The railway was INR 98 crores against INR 36 crores last year. And then [ miscellaneous ] works are there approximately of INR 20 crores. These are the major breakup of...

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#62

So CGD is included in this INR 20 crores basically?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#63

Yes. CGD is a small number, approximately INR 6 crores in this quarter compared to INR 2 crores in last year.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#64

Okay. And sir, on the balance sheet numbers, if you can help me with debtors, creditors, retention, unbilled and mobilizing advances?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#65

So as I said, total debtors for certain states, which we had explained. But coming to the total debtor position, would be at INR 1,312 crores, against which there is an advance of INR 381 crores. And accordingly, the total payment position of debtors, INR 1,312 crores and INR 381 crores.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#66

INR 381 crores is what? Mobilization...

Paresh Mehta

executive
#67

Advances.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#68

Okay. And sir, what would be the creditors unbilled revenue retention and mob advances?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#69

Unbilled would be around to INR 650 crores. And retention, which is part of the total debtors, is around INR 307 crores.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#70

Okay. So in INR 1,312 crores, INR 307 crores is included, right, sir?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#71

Right, right. Creditors can help you later on.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#72

And mobilization advances outstanding?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#73

As I said, that is approximately INR 381 crores, total advance is including all.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#74

INR 381 crores. Okay, got it, sorry. Got it. My bad. Sorry. Okay. And sir, on the project front. So what about the land status at the Tumkur project III and IV? And as last time, we were seeing that there were some advanced stages of land acquisition. So what is the status now? And when can we expect the appointed date for these projects?

Satish Parakh

executive
#75

Yes. So Tumkur III is around 94% available. We have also done financial closure for Tumkur III. So these works have already started. [indiscernible] around 65%, and we expect another 2 months, it should cross 80%.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#76

So basically, sir, what was the rate of interest for financial closure in III? And which bank and when do we expect the appointed date, sir?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#77

So Punjab National Bank is the financier for both these projects. I mean, in the sense, the [ SC ] for PS3 [indiscernible] PS4 is in process, unless land is available, bankers will not issue this that it is done until it will be done. And secondly, approximately in the range of 9% is the rate of interest at which we have closed the -- yes, we are closing the...

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#78

Okay. And sir, so basically, appointed, we'll receive this week only this for the Tumkur-Shivamogga Package III. And sir, on the other projects like NTPC, solar project. So what is the status, whether the work has started and the recently, 1 project in Maldives, when do we expect the work to start? And so like obviously, the quarter has been good in terms of awarding activity inflows. So when can we expect these projects to contribute to the revenue and the NTPC solar projects?

Satish Parakh

executive
#79

Yes. So NTPC solar project has started now. Land has been acquired and part of it has been handed over. Balance part would be handed over and then the project will begin. So this actually include purchasing land and handing over to NTPC. So that part is getting done, and it will get started in end of Q2 or start of Q3. Actual physical activities will start on the ground. As far as Maldives is concerned, Q3 is what we expect to start because it has to be -- the process has to be cleared by Exim Bank. And then once that is done, then the project starts.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#80

Okay. So sir, in Maldives, we'll get any mobilization advance also?

Satish Parakh

executive
#81

Yes, we have mobilization advances clauses in Maldives project. We have 20% advances.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#82

Yes. Okay. 20%. But these are interest-bearing, sir?

Satish Parakh

executive
#83

These are not interest bearing.

Operator

operator
#84

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Parikshit Kandpal from HDFC Securities.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#85

I joined the call a little late. I just wanted to know about monetization update for the portfolio [indiscernible]?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#86

So just to give a clarification. I mean as far as the monetization process is concerned, it is quite seriously be pursued. On all the assets under the ACL portfolio, that is the 10 HAM assets, 5 BOT assets and 1 annuity asset, investors are doing the diligence and they are almost on the verge of completing the diligence process. And we are -- we would immediately go into the share purchase agreement process. So this all process is going on with an intention to give exit to SBI Macquarie it will be in this financial year.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#87

You're looking much more like one-off because of COVID it hasn't got delayed like towards the end of the financial year?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#88

So definitely, there is impact of COVID because sharing of information and data collection become slightly difficult when the second wave also came in this April, May. But both the investor and investee both are seriously working on getting the process over.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#89

And just on the GST part on the HAM side, so now that is again about contention [indiscernible] so how are you still assuming that when they're evaluating the valuation of the HAM projects?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#90

You're very right. And these are some of the reasons which kind of delay the process of evaluation and SPA drafting. We are trying to sort that out in such a way that the investor is -- because he's giving a value today. So he's made a little on that account. So -- and we're also pursuing this with NHAI on how they're going to actually take steps to ensure that the GST collection is fair for all the projects which have been bid in the past.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#91

So when is the notification expected sir from NHAI on [indiscernible] notification?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#92

It's soon enough because they had promised a couple of weeks back that they should be coming out soon enough. So I think so within a week's time or 10 days' time, I think they should come out with the clarity how they are going to treat -- the treatment application of GST on HAM or either annuity projects.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#93

Just on -- so just to refresh memory from last time, I mean we have been in -- we will also be looking at exiting the -- whenever this monetization happens, we will also monetize in our state. That process is continuing, right?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#94

Yes. So it will definitely depend on how the investor is looking at. As we had already communicated in the past, investors are typically looking out for 100% acquisition of SPVs. So end of the day, probably we will also get into the same process of monetizing.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#95

Including BOT and HAM both?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#96

Yes, the whole portfolio. As I said, I mean the investors are looking at the whole portfolio, BOT and HAM and annuity.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#97

So this could be with multiple platforms or multiple investors like some people may pick and choose.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#98

It could be. Yes. Yes. Yes, it could be.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#99

Just on the guidance part, sir, how much of the EPC revenue you're looking to book in FY '22 now?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#100

I could not follow you the question, sir.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#101

For FY '20, what kind of growth we are looking on the EPC [indiscernible]?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#102

On the EPC business, we are targeting a growth of at least 25% this year because you see that pandemic typically has a lesser impact this -- the second wave was not so much of an impact. I believe -- and we believe that the third wave also will not be having so much impact. So I think we'll achieve this kind of a target based on the order book also available with us now.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#103

Just last thing, sir, what is the acceptances sitting on the book now?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#104

Sorry?

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#105

So I was just wanting to know how much the total interest bearing debt? So the debt somewhere you have given in the presentation, so you spoke about the mobilization advance I'm saying that how much is the expenses which are sitting on our book?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#106

You want to rate? Because interest debited in the -- for the stand-alone debt is around INR 16-odd crores. So you're looking at...

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#107

I want the total interest-bearing liabilities on the books. So including mobilization advance and debt and acceptances.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#108

Approximately INR 6,500 crores. So this is INR 6,240 crores, which is the debt on the books and mobilization advance of approximately INR 200-odd crores on projects like Bundelkhand and NTPC.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#109

Creditor support and also that including that, I was asking more on the stand-alone side. So how much is acceptances mobilization advance and the working capital?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#110

So exactly. It's around INR 225 crores on mobilization advance and stand-alone debt of around INR 500 crores.

Operator

operator
#111

Okay. No acceptances are there on the books?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#112

No other debt. So another debt, which at ACL, which we have recently taken after 1st July is INR 250 crores of NCD, which will also carry fast.

Operator

operator
#113

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Seetharaman from Spark Capital.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#114

Sir, can you give us the O&M expenses for the HAM projects on a yearly basis?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#115

Probably, you can take a separate because each project will have a different kind of a structure because some are [indiscernible] payments, some are asphalt payment. So probably you can take it off-line. We can give a data of on each project, what is the whole expense.

Seetharaman R

analyst
#116

Okay. Okay. And what is the reason for refocusing on building contracts?

Satish Parakh

executive
#117

Hello? Yes, there's a huge opportunity in this segment, and we understand EPC. We basically are EPC player. So wherever EPC opportunity is there, definitely we're going to buy.

Operator

operator
#118

The next question is from the line of Parvez Qazi from Edelweiss Securities.

Parvez Qazi

analyst
#119

Congratulations on a great set of numbers. Sir 2 questions from my side. One, what would the stand-alone level cash? And what was the equity that we infused in this quarter? And second, what is the kind of competitive intensity that we are seeing across segments like roads, [ park ], building, railways, et cetera?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#120

So the stand-alone cash is approximately is small about INR 8 crores only. This is one. Second question, could you repeat?

Parvez Qazi

analyst
#121

What was the equity that we infused in this quarter?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#122

In this quarter, we infused what you call it is approximately INR 11 crores for Q1.

Parvez Qazi

analyst
#123

And the competitive intensity across segments?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#124

Competitive intensity continues to be there. There are a large number of players coming in for BOT as well as EPC cash contracts. So -- but it is comparatively less in the HAM projects. But the intensity is there.

Parvez Qazi

analyst
#125

And sir, lastly, what is the land status on the EPC project that we have won the Kharar-Chandigarh corridor?

Satish Parakh

executive
#126

Yes. So Kharar one already 3G is at advanced stage and maybe by end of Q2, 100% 3H will be done.

Operator

operator
#127

The next question is from the line of Anupam Gupta from IIFL.

Anupam Gupta

analyst
#128

Just a couple of questions. Firstly, for the BOT portfolio, what sort of support will we need to give in this year also because first quarter was in the toll collection?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#129

So other than the Sambalpur project, which requires a bit of support, the projects are managing on their role in spite of a bit of decline in the traffic. They will be able to serve the debt and on its own expenses.

Anupam Gupta

analyst
#130

So Sambalpur, how much would support the...

Paresh Mehta

executive
#131

Around INR 40 crores.

Anupam Gupta

analyst
#132

INR 40 crores, as loans to them, right?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#133

Yes.

Anupam Gupta

analyst
#134

Okay. And secondly, in the order book, apart from the 2 Tumkur-Shivamogga packages and NTPC, Maldives and the Kharar project, which are yet to start. Any other project it is slow moving or yet to start?

Satish Parakh

executive
#135

G-RIDE around INR 300 crores is yet to start now.

Anupam Gupta

analyst
#136

Okay. And every other project is running largely on track?

Satish Parakh

executive
#137

Absolutely.

Operator

operator
#138

The next question is from the line of Parikshit Kandpal from HDFC Securities.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#139

Sir, my question is on equity invested. So if you can just break it up in ACL, how much is our equity and [ ECL ] equity? And also debt? And in HAM portfolio, what is the equity and debt as of the first quarter?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#140

So in ACL, our total equity is including -- that is basically in the form of CCDs is to the tune of INR 1,900-odd crores of equity. The debt in ECL is approximately INR 1,000-odd crores from basically from ABL, INR 1,100 crores. This is after liquidating NCD of INR 150 crores as of 30th June. These numbers are as of 30th June.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#141

So this INR 1,900 crores about INR 800 crores is a SBI acquiring. So INR 1,100 crores is ours and about INR 800 crores is SBI Macquarie what is the debt in this portfolio?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#142

As I said, INR 1,100 crores. You're talking about debt by ACL?

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#143

No, no I am saying bank debt?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#144

Pardon?

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#145

Bank debt on this portfolio.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#146

Bank debt on this portfolio would be to the tune of around INR 5,600 crores, INR 5,700 crores.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#147

And what is the total equity invested in the HAM portfolio over and above that we have invested in HAM? So how much invested in HAM?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#148

So totally invested in HAM projects, up to this quarter end, would be around INR 650 crores.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#149

And you said how much will be the debt?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#150

Against that number of debt, I'll have to just look it out.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#151

So INR 5,700 crores includes the HAM debt, right? The banking debt?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#152

Yes, yes, yes. It includes all.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#153

For bank, I just wanted a breakup of the that on the HAM of the INR 5,700 crores.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#154

Yes, yes, yes. If you want to note it down, probably I can give the numbers.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#155

Yes, sure.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#156

In Kharar-Ludhiana, the debt is INR 530 crores.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#157

Okay. I don't want project wise.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#158

Okay. .

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#159

Okay. Okay. Okay you can tell no problem. Overall debt is fine, sir.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#160

Around INR 1,800 crores.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#161

In ECL portfolio, it's about -- in HAM, it is INR 1,800 crores?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#162

Yes, yes, yes. In HAM projects.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#163

INR 5,700 crores, INR 1,800 crores, balance is debt in the BOT portfolio.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#164

Right.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#165

Sorry, Okay. Total equity investment of about INR 2,550 crores, INR 1,100 is your share, INR 800 crores is the SBI Macquarie, and INR 650 crores in HAM it's about INR 2,500 crores of investment is there overall in the portfolio and debt of about INR 5,700 crores, right?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#166

Right, right.

Operator

operator
#167

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Ashish Shah from Centrum Broking.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#168

Sir, what is the status of the Bihar projects in terms of the appointed date and when do we expect work to resume there?

Satish Parakh

executive
#169

We are already -- both are working well. So we started well, and we have achieved the milestones also much ahead of schedule.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#170

Sure. Sure. And also just last bit on the interest cost. So there was some sequential dip in the interest cost. So any particular reason why that would have gone down?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#171

So basically, interest cost has gone down because good -- I mean, good payment schedule from NHAI basically. And also, a lot of arbitrage done during this period because good liquidity in the market. We could borrow funds at fine rates in the range of 5.5% instead of drawing our working capital, which is at around almost 8.5% to 9%. This kept the interest rates low -- interest cost low.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#172

So because our debt number actually is end up because of the NCD, which...

Paresh Mehta

executive
#173

Yes, that was really a few blip.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#174

Okay. Okay. So you're saying average debt would have been lower. It's only towards the end of the quarter.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#175

Yes, yes.

Operator

operator
#176

The next question is from the line of Rakesh Vyas from HDFC Mutual Fund.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#177

Sir, just for clarity, I think Parikshit wanted to understand. I got my numbers and also correct me if that is wrong. The overall infusion of money by either SBI Macquarie or Ashoka Buildcon into the road portfolio is INR 1,900 crores of equity and the INR 1,100 crores of support as debt to total interest INR 300 crore and INR 2,500 crores, which Parikshit was talking about.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#178

Right, right. So he put it in a different way. What he put up was probably the initial equity of around INR 1,900 crores, plus INR 650 invested in the HAM projects that's how the value he has tried to link it. And balance INR 300 crores is typically funding for these BOT projects in the past, any overrun or...

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#179

Okay. But effectively, the total money infused is INR 3,000-odd crores so far and portfolio has a total debt of almost INR 5,700 crores.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#180

Yes, right.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#181

Including the under construction project. So that clarifies. That is helpful. Second is just on the asset monetization I didn't get any clarity. So what we are essentially saying is that the completion of all -- this deal will probably happen by end of this fiscal or the end of this calendar?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#182

We are typically targeting end of this calendar.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#183

Okay. And if you could just provide some level of confidence that you have on this time line currently? I mean barring any third wave or any of those, I'm just trying to understand as to where we are in the overall process.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#184

Both the investor and the are engaged very highly. So confidence is quite high that it will happen.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#185

Okay. Good luck for that. So the Satishji, this building construction. So as you highlighted, a long time back, we used to do this. So I'm just trying to understand what brings us into this sector again essentially because have been looking more at linear projects in general, historically, and this is going to be more city-centric specific location kind of projects. So what is the capability that we have now rebuilt to pursue this, if you can talk about? I know we have done, but in India, we haven't much.

Satish Parakh

executive
#186

Yes. See, this is a very strategic decision. Buildings is throwing up good opportunities, and these are easier to execute than highway projects. And CapEx requirement is also low, and we understand buildings. All our top management in some part of their experience and done buildings. So building EPC is suddenly throwing up good opportunities. So we picked up -- so Maldives is a very prototype kind of construction 2,000 lines of flat of just repetitive nature, which will be completely mechanized kind of, plus what we have picked up in India is also hospital and residential buildings. EPC contract, financial taps are already there.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#187

So I was just coming to that. So in some of these, we have historically seen bad debts, et cetera, payment-related issues. So I'm just trying to understand on 2 fronts. One is it is easy to execute, but raw material inflation could have significant impact on margin profile. So are we looking only those projects where we have full pass-through of any raw material inflation or deflation per se? And secondly, how we should look at securing our payments in these projects? Because otherwise, we have historically earlier have seen many players getting into trouble?

Satish Parakh

executive
#188

Yes. So these are not basically what we have picked up is a private project in India. So financials are already tied up. And what we have picked up in Maldives is Exim Bank funded. So funding definitely has been concerned with us state governments, which we are typically avoiding. So whenever there is a funding line up where the execution is faster, those projects selectively, we are picking up. And a full setup has been put up for building vertical experienced team is already in place, highly experienced team, I would say.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#189

Great, sir. And lastly, so if you could just talk about as to what is the kind of overall order book that you will want to continue to pursue on a sustainable basis in building segment. Because once you enter this segment, you have to be looking at sustainability and growth as well. So I'm just trying to understand what is the focus that you have.

Satish Parakh

executive
#190

Our focus will remain high Building vertical will grow on its own. So we will be picking up this year, we are targeting around INR 2,500 crores, INR 3,000 crores. Out of it, INR 1,600 crore is what we have already picked up and another INR 200 crores, INR 300 crores miscellaneous what we are doing. So at INR 1,500 crores would suffice for this year. And looking at this progress and putting teams in place, this should be our sustainable target going ahead.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#191

Got it. And lastly, just out of curiosity, we haven't been winning new power T&D projects per se. So is the pipeline lacking? Or have we consciously decided to take a step back in that segment?

Satish Parakh

executive
#192

No. This -- actually, there is no opportunity in distribution for any of the states that are throwing up now. There are some smaller transmission projects coming up, which we are bidding. So power basically is not -- pipeline is not very strong.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#193

One clarification. The total debt is INR 5,300 crore on this HAM project. So that that's a correction.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#194

INR 5,300 crore is the total external debt on all projects put together?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#195

HAM projects, put together.

Rakesh Vyas

analyst
#196

Sorry. External debt is INR 5,300 crores on BOT and...

Paresh Mehta

executive
#197

HAM and BOT.

Operator

operator
#198

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Anupam Gupta from IIFL.

Anupam Gupta

analyst
#199

So just one clarification on the equity in hand, which you have said. You said INR 650 crore has gone in, whereas at the start of the call, which are said that you have invested INR 824 crores total. So why is the difference?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#200

So that difference is due to the The amount which is paid by the NHAI, which is retain at the SPV as an equity.

Anupam Gupta

analyst
#201

Okay, okay. Understand. And secondly sir, you talked about some time back doing work in the smart side. And I think there is a few tenders that are coming up in Maharashtra. So are you looking to bid for those? What sort of opportunity is that you can look at?

Satish Parakh

executive
#202

Yes, we are participating in smart city projects also. We have completed [ Kohima ] successfully.

Anupam Gupta

analyst
#203

What sort of size can this be, the tenders which are coming up, what sort of size you are targeting there?

Satish Parakh

executive
#204

There's a huge variation from every state. So the variation from INR 100 crores to INR 1,000 crores.

Operator

operator
#205

The next question is from the line of Jiten Rushi from Axis Capital.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#206

Sir, in terms of the revenue, so what target we are setting for the revenue from the older projects? I know you have won significant orders this quarter. So what would be the revenue from the older projects? Can you just highlight projects are about to start in a couple of quarters?

Satish Parakh

executive
#207

So as around 25% growth this year, which will be combined of old and new projects. Most of the older projects like VME and PS1, and will see COD by the end of Q3. [indiscernible] will see COD in Q2, VME in Q3, [indiscernible] again Q3, PS2 will see COD in Q4. So these all will be at advanced stage of completion. project will start in Q3, all the new projects will start.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#208

Yes. And sir, on the building front, again, I'm asking on it. So are we qualified to bid for government projects like hospital or other Central Vista project? So -- because so far, we have looked for a private project, which is a long gestation project and Maldives project. But if you're looking for an inflow of INR 2,000 crores plus, INR 2,500 every year. So how are we qualified to bid for projects?

Satish Parakh

executive
#209

So once we have started execution of these existing projects, Maldives and all this and [indiscernible] it definitely will build qualification. And for the fewer projects, we may have to take JV. Some of the projects, we have to take JV.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#210

Right now, year-end, you would be like?

Satish Parakh

executive
#211

We'll qualify on own.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#212

So right now in JV, how much can you build for any project like how much bid size you are targeting?

Satish Parakh

executive
#213

Every project will have a different combination depending upon the qualification condition [indiscernible] we have a complete vertical now [indiscernible].

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#214

Yes. And sir, what is the outstanding bid pipeline right now? Can you highlight segment-wise, if possible, EPC and buildings.

Satish Parakh

executive
#215

If you see like HAM and EPC, around INR 33,000 crores is what we are planning to participate in the next quarter.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#216

Q2, I am taking about.

Satish Parakh

executive
#217

Q1 -- by the end of Q2, we'll be participating around INR 33,000 crores of projects, which includes HAM and EPC.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#218

But sir, any current outstanding which we are expecting to open any time soon?

Satish Parakh

executive
#219

Nothing which is yet to open. So Q1, we've been a low kind of day activity. So Q2 is what we expect should make a on.

Jiten Rushi

analyst
#220

And sir, 1 last question, bookkeeping. What is the bank limit, nonfund and fund well utilization?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#221

So we have a total bank limit of around bank limit of INR 5,200 crores, of which approximately INR 800 crores is fund-based, of which INR 300 crores is Others are WCDL or otherwise which are already financing. So utilization in the fund base is to the tune of hardly 35%, 40% out of INR 800 crores total. And on the front, utilization is in the range of 60%. That is approximately INR 4,200 crores, INR 4,400 crores nonfunded.

Operator

operator
#222

The next question is from the line of Ashish Shah from Centrum Broking.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#223

Sir, just sort of clarifying once again, carrying forward from the INR 1,900 crores is the equity, including CCDs; INR 1,100 crores is the total debt from which includes this NCD financing that we would have done.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#224

Right.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#225

So what will happen after June is that the INR 150 crores, INR 160 crores or INR 170 crores, that number will come back. And we have to add INR 250 crores. So we have to basically add about net INR 100 crores to this number if you have to take it as on date.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#226

No. So INR 250 crores will get added and INR 250 crores will get reduced from ABS outstanding this money which has been raised in NCD and we repaired to ABS. So as of date, INR 250 crores would be the position.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#227

Okay. Sure. So the total will remain the same. So total INR 3,000 crores, INR 250 crores.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#228

Right, right.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#229

And the INR 5,300 crores is the total debt, including the for the HAM assets as well as for the BOT asset.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#230

Right. Right.

Operator

operator
#231

The next question is from the line of Parikshit Kandpal from HDFC Securities.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#232

So there's a lot of confusion. So this INR 3,000 crores, HAM EPC equity as all the contribution BOT and everything.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#233

Yes, yes. Yes.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#234

Okay. 2018 Well, I think earlier in the call that this number was like more on the higher side. So I was wondering why.

Paresh Mehta

executive
#235

Maybe you can take it offline also. I don't know where the mismatch is.

Operator

operator
#236

As there are no further questions, I now hand the conference over to Mr. Ashish Shah for closing comments.

Ashish Shah

analyst
#237

Yes. On behalf of Centrum Broking, I would like to thank all the participants for attending this call. Thank you to the management of Ashoka Buildcon for giving us the opportunity to host the call. Sir, any closing comments from your side?

Paresh Mehta

executive
#238

We thank all the participants for joining this call. And we are always available through our -- directly or through our Investor Relations stellar Investor Relations for any queries or updates they would like to have. Thank you.

Satish Parakh

executive
#239

Thank you, everyone.

Operator

operator
#240

Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Centrum broking that concludes this conference call for today. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines.

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