Subscribe to Maytas Infra, looks reasonable: India Infoline

October 3, 2007

Maytas Infra, a construction and infrastructure development company, is open for subscription with an initial public offering of 88.5 lakh equity shares of Rs 10 each for cash at a price to be decided through a 100 per cent book building process.

The issue will close for subscription on October 4, 2007. The company has fixed the price band between Rs 320 and Rs 370 per equity share.

India Infoline report on Maytas Infra IPO

Investment rationale

Diversified portfolio with pan India presence

MIL construction portfolio is diversified across six sectors including irrigation, roads and bridges, buildings and structures, power, oil and gas, and railways. Their infrastructure development projects are into power, road and port sectors. These 11 BOT projects are geographically widespread through 12 states in India.

Along with national presence they are exploring international opportunities in construction space; they have established a joint venture with Dhabi Contracting Est. in Dubai in December 2006.

Investment in infrastructure to witness a CAGR of 13.8%

India is the fourth largest economy in the world in GDP terms on the basis of purchasing power parity. Over the last decade, India has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a real GDP of 9.2% in FY07. Infrastructure has been a big contributor. This growth is visible in roads, bridges, airports, commercial buildings, townships, power systems, rural and urban development.

According to the Pre-Budget Memo 2006- 07 prepared by the Construction Federation of India, construction is the second largest employer after the agriculture sector. Currently, the construction industry in India, directly or indirectly, employs approximately 32mn workers, accounts for 40% of gross investment and 60% of infrastructure costs.

According to CRIS INFAC, investment in construction is expected to grow to approximately Rs 6,129 billion in 11th five year plan from Rs 3,213 billion in 10th five year plan at a CAGR of 13.8%. The construction segment constitutes a significant part of infrastructure development in the economy.

The infrastructure boom is also likely to help construction companies. Government initiatives in the form of developing national highways, golden quadrilateral, and setting up public –private partnerships and BOT models are likely to attract strong investment in the infrastructure sector.

Healthy order book position of 5.6x FY07 revenue

MIL has a healthy order book of Rs 35.8 billion, 5.6x FY07 revenues as of June 30, 2007, inclusive of its joint venture projects. On a standalone basis, the order book stands at Rs 26.9 billion, 4.2x FY07. It also includes higher-margin construction contracts in the power, oil and gas, infrastructure and railway sectors. MIL has also placed a bid for lift irrigation projects rather than for purely irrigation contracts. Irrigation construction contracts account for maximum contribution to the revenue.

Risk and concerns

Price fluctuations

MIL has contracts on fixed-price, lump-sum or item-rate basis, the company is exposed to price escalation in construction materials, fuel and equipment.

Controlling interest

MIL holds less than 50% of controlling interest in most of its SPV projects.

Single supplier

The Gautami power station and the KVK Nilachal power station rely on a single supplier, GAIL and Mahanandi Coal Fields respectively, for fuel as well as external operators for their operation and maintenance. Any disturbance in supply would affect their operations.

New entrance in infrastructure

MIL is very new in the infrastructure sector. It has completed only one road project till date in this vertical.

Government policies

A substantial part of MIL’s revenue has been from government projects. Any change in the political or financial policies will directly affect the company’s operating margins.

Recommendation

Based on an order book position of Rs 35.8 billion and an aggressive foray into the infrastructure sector with 11 BOT projects, MIL seems to be fundamentally strong. On a post issue basis, considering the EPS of Rs.9.4, the issue is available at P/E at 34.2x lower price band and 39.6x upper price band. The issue looks reasonable at both the ends compared with its peers. We recommend Subscribe.