­To arrive at the rating of Hella Infra Market Ltd (HIML), Acuite has consolidated the financial and business of all the subsidiaries and associates of HIML. The consolidation takes into account the integrated nature of business of companies, cashflow fungibilities, operational linkages and common management.

­Sustained equity infusions supported by reputed investors and strong resource mobilisation ability
The group is backed by reputed investors like Tiger Global, Accel India, Evolvence India, Sacap Capital, etc who have been with the group since 2019 and extended support in the form of equity infusions in each of the fund raising rounds. On an overall basis, group has raised Rs 2,073 Cr. from FY20 to FY23 and Rs 2,050 Cr. in FY25 (including Rs. 900 Cr. against swap acquisition of tile companies in FY25). Further, the group has refinanced total debt of Rs. 1,700 Cr. in FY25, against which Rs 536 Cr. has been received till April 2025 and balance Rs 1,164 Cr. to be received in FY26. The group also received ~Rs 300 Cr. through 17% stake sale in RDC Concrete (India) Ltd during the period December 2023 to May 2024. Subsequently, these shares sold were replaced with shares of HIML. HIML also enhanced its working capital limits by Rs 242.5 Cr. in FY25 and has sanctions to enhance by another Rs 192.5 Cr. in FY26.

Diversified revenue streams with strong market position in key segments
The group is engaged in all sorts of construction materials with key focus on products which have a fragmented market, drive macroeconomic shifts and high export potential. The key focus is to establish a robust distribution system expanding at B2B levels and develop a strong brand. The group has secured strong domestic market positions, with being the largest manufacturer of ACC blocks and 2nd highest ranking in categories like Concrete and Tiles. Majority of the product portfolio expansion is on account of acquisitions including Equiphunt in 2020, RDC Concrete in 2021 and Shalimar Paints in 2022. The group has also ventured into new segments such as Bath & Fittings in 2020, Walling Manufacturing in 2023 and Wood Panel & Modular Kitchen in 2024. The extensive product range offers an edge over the competitors and allows to capture larger share of customers wallet through cross selling opportunities.

Strong growth in operating performance driven by increasing share of private labels
The operating revenues of the group has been growing at a strong pace with Rs 11,846.55 Cr. in FY23 to Rs 14,527.23 Cr. in FY24. In FY25, the revenues are estimated to have grown by ~20-25%. The group recorded a revenue of Rs 13,444 Cr. for 9MFY25. This growth in revenues is majorly attributable to the concrete segment (28% of FY24 revenue) which has grown at 48% in FY24, steel segment (20.4%) and chemical segments (19%). With increasing share of private labels in the revenue mix, the operating margins have also improved significantly from 6.4% in FY23 to 7.22% in FY24. Further, the margins are estimated to have improved to 7.60-7.80% in FY25 and with increasing economies of scale, margins are expected to improve further over the medium term. Currently, majority of revenue is driven from B2B channel mix (83.7% of FY24 revenue), however, the group has a constant focus on expanding its retail network as well through development of extensive distribution network.

­Dependence on external debt to support acquisitions, capex and working capital significantly impacted financial risk profile, expected to improve through equity infusions and debt refinancing
While the tangible net worth of the group stood improving at healthy levels to Rs 2,009.15 Cr. in FY24 as against Rs 1,857.42 Cr. in FY23, the significant dependence on external debt to support acquisitions, capex and working capital led to an increase in the gearing (including lease liabilities) from 1.52 times in FY23 to 2.17 times in FY24. Further, the debt protection metrics also stood low with debt service coverage ratios remaining below unity in FY23 & FY24. Moreover, the recent debt refinancing of Rs 1,700 Cr. and equity raise of Rs 2,050 Cr. in FY25 is expected to improve the financial risk profile significantly over the medium term. Further, the group has capex plans of Rs 1,500 Cr. over FY26-FY27 which is expected to be funded through mix of equity, internal accruals and debt. Moreover going forward, the company plans to reduce the high cost long term debt and enhance its working capital limits, which shall be a key rating sensitivity. Additionally, the management also proposes for raising funds through initial public offer. This being at a preliminary stage has not been factored in the rating, however, successful fund raising shall further improve the capital structure.

Intensive working capital requirements
The working capital operations of the company is intensive marked by high gross current asset days of 163 days in FY24 (151 days in FY23). This is mainly attributable to elevated debtor levels which stood at 132 days in FY24 as against 121 days in FY23. The receivable days is expected to remain in the range of 120 days over the medium term. Moreover, the creditor days have increased over the years which has provided marginal ease to working capital. The company sources materials from leading players like Ultratech, JSW Steel, etc. Further, since the company is majorly supplying materials directly from manufacturer and key materials such as concrete is perishable in nature, inventory maintenance is low at 10-15 days.

Limited track record and inherent challenges of construction business
The group has a relatively short operating track record as operations started in 2016. Also, the construction sector is fragmented with low entry barriers and numerous small players, hence exposes the company to intense competition risks. Further, growth in construction industry is vulnerable to the developments in infrastructure and real estate sector.