Product Quantum (Rs. Cr) Long Term Rating Short Term Rating
Bank Loan Ratings 120.00 ACUITE BBB | Stable | Reaffirmed -
Total Outstanding 120.00 - -
Total Withdrawn 0.00 - -
 
Rating Rationale

­Acuité has reaffirmed its long-term rating of ‘ACUITE BBB’ (read as ACUITE triple B) on Rs.120.00 Cr. bank facilities of Magpie Hydel Construction Operation Industries Private Limited (MHCOIPL). The outlook is ‘Stable’.

Rationale for rating reaffirmation
The rating reaffirmation reflects MHCOIPL established operational track record and the extensive domain expertise of its promoters within the hydropower generation segment. The rating also factors in moderation in average Plant Load Factor (PLF) across all three operational units in FY2025 (Prov.), primarily attributable to reduced output at the Poonch facility due to scheduled maintenance during peak generation season.

The rating derives additional comfort from MHCOIPL’s moderate financial risk profile, supported by a healthy net worth, low gearing levels, and satisfactory debt coverage indicators. Liquidity remains adequate, supported by healthy cash accruals, a well-managed working capital cycle, and healthy cash and bank balances.
However, these strengths are partly offset by moderation recorded in operating revenue to Rs. 67.35 Cr. in FY2025 (Prov.) from Rs. 85.82 Cr. in FY2024, the absence of a long-term power purchase arrangement, which adds to the uncertainty of revenue generation, the risk of under recovery of fixed costs in the event of any decline in power demand, and the susceptibility of power generation to hydrological risk.


About the Company
­Incorporated in 2003, Magpie Hydel Construction Operation Industries Private Limited (MHCOIPL) is engaged in generation of hydroelectric power. The company is an independent power producer in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The company has three hydro power plants in Kashmir with of with total generation capacity of 35 MW. Sale of power is made through bilateral agreements or through exchange. MHCOIPL 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.
 
Unsupported Rating
­Not Applicable
 
Analytical Approach
Acuitè has taken a standalone approach to arrive at the rating of Magpie Hydel Construction Operation Industries Private Limited (MHCOIPL).
 
Key Rating Drivers

Strengths

­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.


Weaknesses

­Susceptibility to fluctuation in power prices and uncertainty of offtake
The company sells power to open market customers where the power prices are market determined. The operating income and profitability of the company is susceptible to the volatility in the power prices in open market. Further, the company also sells power through bilateral agreements which are short term in nature, usually for 1-3 months. The ability of the company to acquire such bilateral agreements on a recurring basis will remain a key rating sensitivity.

Susceptibility of power generation to hydrological risks
The hydro power plants of MHCOIPL are located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and are not able to generate to their full capacity on account of low hydrology during the month of September to March. The peak PLF at all the three plants combined remained during the months of March to September and the lowest PLF during October to February. The generation is highly dependent on adequate flow of water from melting of ice and rainfall. Any adverse natural calamity in the location of the power plant may adversely impact the generation levels, thereby leading to stretched liquidity and financial flexibility.

Rating Sensitivities
Any significant deterioration in generation levels
Any significant decline in power tariff due to lower power demand resulting in deterioration of the financial risk profile, particularly the liquidity position.
 
Liquidity Position
Adequate
­The liquidity of the company is adequate marked by healthy net cash accruals generation to meet its debt service obligations and efficient working capital operations. The net cash accruals of the company stood at Rs. 29.88 Cr. in FY2025(Prov.) as against maturing debt obligation of Rs. 17.22 Cr. during the same period.
MHCOIPL maintained cash and cash equivalent of Rs. 19.21 Cr. which includes around Rs. 12-15 Cr. of Cr. unutilised term loan receipts and fixed deposits of Rs. 18.22 Cr. as on 31st March 2025(Prov.) further supporting the liquidity position of the company.
Acuite believes that the liquidity of the company is likely to remain adequate over the medium term on account of healthy cash accruals against its debt service obligations.
 
Outlook: Stable
­
 
Other Factors affecting Rating
­None
 

Particulars Unit FY 25 (Provisional) FY 24 (Actual)
Operating Income Rs. Cr. 67.35 85.82
PAT Rs. Cr. 19.39 28.56
PAT Margin (%) 28.79 33.28
Total Debt/Tangible Net Worth Times 1.02 0.89
PBDIT/Interest Times 4.51 5.60
Status of non-cooperation with previous CRA (if applicable)
­Not Applicable
 
Any other information
­None
 
Applicable Criteria
• Default Recognition :- https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-52.htm
• Infrastructure Sector: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-51.htm
• Application Of Financial Ratios And Adjustments: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-53.htm

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument

Date Name of Instruments/Facilities Term Amount (Rs. Cr) Rating/Outlook
17 Apr 2024 Term Loan Long Term 69.21 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 5.45 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Proposed Long Term Bank Facility Long Term 32.36 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Covid Emergency Line. Long Term 12.98 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Reaffirmed)
18 Jan 2023 Term Loan Long Term 5.24 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Assigned)
Term Loan Long Term 77.31 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Assigned)
Term Loan Long Term 14.20 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Assigned)
Proposed Long Term Bank Facility Long Term 3.86 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Assigned)
Covid Emergency Line. Long Term 19.39 ACUITE BBB | Stable (Assigned)
­

Lender’s Name ISIN Facilities Date Of Issuance Coupon Rate Maturity Date Quantum
(Rs. Cr.)
Complexity Level Rating
J&K Bank Not avl. / Not appl. Covid Emergency Line. 25 Mar 2021 Not avl. / Not appl. 31 Mar 2026 5.54 Simple ACUITE BBB | Stable | Reaffirmed
Not Applicable Not avl. / Not appl. Proposed Long Term Bank Facility Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. 24.17 Simple ACUITE BBB | Stable | Reaffirmed
J&K Bank Not avl. / Not appl. Term Loan 18 Mar 2016 Not avl. / Not appl. 30 Sep 2030 56.07 Simple ACUITE BBB | Stable | Reaffirmed
J&K Bank Not avl. / Not appl. Term Loan 09 Oct 2024 Not avl. / Not appl. 09 Oct 2039 34.22 Simple ACUITE BBB | Stable | Reaffirmed

Contacts

About Acuité Ratings & Research

© Acuité Ratings & Research Limited. All Rights Reserved.www.acuite.in