Established track record of operations and experienced management
Incorporated in 2003, Magpie Hydel Construction Operation Industries Private Limited (MHCOIPL) is a part of M & Co Group which is engaged in various segments like construction of hydel power plant and generation of power. The company is promoted by Mr. Nazir Mir, Mr. Mudasir Mir and Mrs. Masooda Mir who have over two decades of experience in constructing and operating hydel power projects. The company sells the power generated to open market customers through exchanges or through bilateral agreements.
Acuité believes that the experienced management and its relationships with customers are expected to support the regular addition of new clientele under its bilateral tie-ups and a healthy off-take of generated power.
Steady power generation and healthy tariff realisations
The company operates three power plants at Poonch, Bandipora, and Tangmarg, with a total generation capacity of 35 MW. The average PFL of Bandipore and Tangmarg plant has remained steady, however the average PLF of Poonch plant has recorded a moderation on the account of maintenance during the peak season resulting in loss of 4 million units in FY2025 (Prov.) The Poonch plant recorded an average PLF of 55.22% in FY2025 (Prov.), and 58.09% in FY2024. The Bandipore plant recorded an average PLF of 39.86% in FY2025 (Prov.) and 39.68% in FY2024. The average PLF for the Tangmarg plant stood at 21.96% in FY2025 (Prov.) and 24.17% in FY2024. Further, the per unit realisation stood healthy in FY2025 (Prov.). The average realisation price stood in the range of Rs. 6.33- 7.17 per unit. However, MHCOIPL recorded overall de-growth in the revenue to Rs. 67.35 Cr. in FY2025 (Prov.) as against Rs. 85.82 Cr. in FY2024 which can be attributed to low sale price on Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and increased units banked with the state government. Further, the company recorded revenue of Rs. 18.22 Cr. in 2MFY25. Acuite believes that the operations of the company will remain susceptible to the volatility of the PLF due to hydrological risks and price realizations being susceptible to market dynamics based on demand-supply situations.
Moderate financial risk profile
MHCOIPL’s financial risk profile is assessed as moderate, supported by a healthy net worth, low gearing, and above-average debt protection metrics. The company’s tangible net worth declined to Rs. 104.53 Cr. as on March 31, 2025 (Prov.), compared to Rs. 109.36 Cr. as on March 31, 2024, primarily due to the buyback of shares. Historically, MHCOIPL pursued a moderately aggressive financial policy, evident from peak gearing levels of approximately 8.55 times as on March 31, 2020, which is typical for hydropower projects during their early operational phase. However, current gearing levels have improved significantly, standing at 1.02 times as on March 31, 2025 (Prov.), vis-à-vis 0.89 times as on March 31, 2024.
The company availed a fresh term loan of Rs. 148 Cr. in October 2024 for upcoming hydroelectric, renewable energy, and infrastructure initiatives. A drawdown of Rs. 34.22 Cr. was completed in December 2024 to fund land acquisition in Gulmarg and associated preliminary expenditures. The full drawdown of the term loan is expected by December 2027.
The debt protection metrics of the company stood comfortable with DSCR of 1.43 times in FY2025(Prov.) as against 1.39 times in FY2024. The interest coverage ratio stood at 4.51 times in FY2025(Prov.) as against 5.60 times in FY2024.
Acuite believes that the financial risk profile of MHCOIPL would improve over the medium term on account of expected healthy accrual generation and gradual repayment of term loans.