KPIL - Kalpataru Proj.
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Consolidated revenue grew 32% YoY to INR 6,529 Cr in Q2 FY26. Segment growth was led by T&D (up 51% YoY), Urban Infra (up 65% YoY), Oil & Gas (up 21% YoY), and Buildings & Factories (up 20% YoY). Railways grew 9% YoY to INR 210 Cr as the company focuses on closing existing projects.
Geographic Revenue Split
International markets contribute 40-42% of the total order book, with projects spanning 30+ countries and a global footprint in 75 countries. Domestic operations account for the remaining 58-60%, with a strategic shift toward high-margin domestic T&D and PGCIL projects.
Profitability Margins
Consolidated PBT margin improved by 110 bps YoY to 4.9% in Q2 FY26. PAT for FY24 stood at INR 533 Cr on a total operating income of INR 16,760 Cr. Margins are expected to firm up as older, low-margin contracts are replaced by newer orders quoted at current commodity prices.
EBITDA Margin
EBITDA margin was 9.4% in FY25, up from 9.2% in FY24. The margin for Q1 FY26 was 8.5% (standalone), showing a marginal improvement from 8.4% YoY. Profitability is driven by better execution and a diverse business mix, despite pressure from commodity prices.
Capital Expenditure
Planned annual capex for FY26 is estimated between INR 600 Cr and INR 700 Cr. This investment is directed toward expanding EPC capabilities and maintaining the 240,000 MTPA tower manufacturing capacity in Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
The company maintains a 'CRISIL AA/Stable/A1+' and 'CARE AA/Stable' rating. Interest coverage ratio improved to 3.3x in FY25 from 3.1x in FY24. Gross debt stood at INR 3,314 Cr as of Q2 FY26, with a reduction in long-term borrowings by INR 6 Cr YoY.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Key raw materials include steel (for towers and B&F), aluminum and copper (for T&D conductors), and cement. While specific % of total cost is not disclosed, commodity price pressure is cited as a primary factor impacting the 9.11% PBILDT margin in FY24.
Import Sources
Sourced from domestic markets like Gujarat and Chhattisgarh where manufacturing plants are located, and international markets to support projects in 30+ countries including Brazil and Sweden.
Key Suppliers
Not specifically named, but the company engages with large-scale commodity suppliers for steel and aluminum to support its 240,000 MTPA manufacturing capacity.
Capacity Expansion
Current installed capacity for transmission tower structures is 240,000 MTPA as of March 31, 2024. Expansion is focused on diversifying into Data Centers, Airports, and Urban Infra like Metro Rail to leverage the INR 65,475 Cr order book.
Raw Material Costs
Raw material costs are managed through selective bidding and quoting in alignment with current commodity prices. FY24 margins of 9.11% were pressured by high commodity prices, but softening prices in FY25 are expected to improve profitability.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Efficiency is driven by in-house manufacturing of transmission towers and a project execution cycle of 2.0-2.5 years. The company is executing 250+ projects across 5 continents simultaneously.
Logistics & Distribution
Distribution costs are linked to the global footprint in 75 countries. The company uses its manufacturing hubs in India to supply international turnkey projects, optimizing logistics through strategic plant locations.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
20%
Growth Strategy
Growth will be achieved through a record order book of INR 65,475 Cr (3.5x revenue visibility), a massive INR 7,500 Cr oil and gas order in Saudi Arabia, and expansion into high-growth areas like Data Centers and Metro Rail. Liquidity is bolstered by a INR 1,000 Cr QIP and the INR 450 Cr expected from the VEPL stake sale.
Products & Services
Turnkey EPC services for power transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines, water supply and irrigation systems, metro rail, flyovers, airports, and commercial/residential buildings.
Brand Portfolio
Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), Linjemontage (Sweden), Fasttel (Brazil), Shree Shubham Logistics (SSLL).
New Products/Services
Expansion into Data Centers and Urban Mobility (Metros/Airports). Urban Infra revenue grew 65% YoY in Q2 FY26, indicating these new segments are becoming significant contributors.
Market Expansion
Targeting the Middle East (specifically Saudi Arabia) and Latin America. The company recently secured a large-scale oil and gas order in Saudi Arabia valued at ~INR 7,500 Cr.
Market Share & Ranking
KPIL is one of the largest specialized EPC companies in India and a leading global player in the T&D sector with 4+ decades of experience.
Strategic Alliances
Amalgamation with JMC Projects has integrated civil construction capabilities. JVs exist for specific projects like Kurukshetra Expressway Private Ltd (KEPL).
External Factors
Industry Trends
The T&D industry is growing due to global energy transition and grid modernization. KPIL is positioning itself by shifting from pure T&D to a diversified infra player including Water and Urban Infra, which now make up 14% and 4% of the order book respectively.
Competitive Landscape
Key competitors include other large EPC firms like L&T and KEC International. KPIL differentiates through its global footprint and specialized tower manufacturing.
Competitive Moat
Moat is built on a 40-year execution track record, presence in 75 countries, and a massive 240,000 MTPA manufacturing capacity. These high entry barriers in T&D EPC make the moat sustainable against smaller players.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to government infrastructure spending and interest rates. A rise in interest rates impacts the cost of the INR 3,314 Cr gross debt, potentially reducing PBT margins.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy integration is driving demand for KPIL's T&D and Green Energy evacuation projects.
Geopolitical Risks
Operations in 30+ countries expose KPIL to regional instabilities. However, 42% of international orders are backed by multilateral funding, which protects against sovereign default risks.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Compliance with NHAI standards for road projects and international engineering standards for T&D projects in 70+ countries. Termination of the KEPL concession agreement occurred due to force majeure (farmer agitation).
Environmental Compliance
ESG profile supports credit risk; focus on reducing GHG emissions and waste generation in EPC operations. ESG commitment is critical for accessing foreign capital markets.
Taxation Policy Impact
The company is subject to standard Indian corporate tax rates; an income tax search in August 2023 and GST search in October 2023 are noted, though management expects no material impact.
Legal Contingencies
KEPL received two arbitration awards in its favor against NHAI, which are currently being challenged. Income tax and GST searches from 2023 remain a monitorable factor for credit profile impact.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Working capital intensity (264 days receivables) and high exposure to subsidiaries (INR 1,989 Cr) are key risks. A delay in the VEPL stake sale would impact the planned debt reduction strategy.
Geographic Concentration Risk
While global, 58-60% of revenue is from India. International exposure is diversified across 30 countries, reducing single-country risk.
Third Party Dependencies
Dependency on government entities (PGCIL, NHAI) and multilateral agencies for project approvals and payments.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Low risk in civil construction, but the company is adopting digital transformation in project management to handle 250+ live projects efficiently.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Counterparty risk is mitigated by focusing on PGCIL and projects funded by multilateral agencies. However, delays in payment release from state-level water projects remain a critical monitorable.