vascon engineers ltd Management discussions


Company Overview

Vascon Engineers Ltd, established in 1986, is one of the leading Construction Engineering Company in India with presence in Real Estate business having an asset light model and Clean Room Partition manufacturing business. With a strong track record of 38 years, your Company has created a number of projects of eminence and splendor on a timely basis. The Company has executed over 200 projects with a construction area of over 50 mn Sq ft and is known for maintaining high quality standards and timely execution of projects. Your Company has a track record of successful & timely execution of Landmark projects such as Ruby Mills (Mumbai), Suzlon One Earth (Pune), Symbiosis College (Pune), IGI Airport Multilevel Car Parking (New Delhi), and also received its 1st Redevelopment project in Mumbai and many more.

Global Economy

The global economy was under tremendous pressure amid the adverse changes that occur simultaneously due to the pandemic, Russias invasion of Ukraine and the abrupt tightening of monetary policy in order to control rising inflation. Global GDP is expected to decelerate sharply in the second half of 2023, with a continuation of weakening in 2024. Inflationary pressures remain, and tight monetary policy is projected to have a significant impact on activity.

After the global economy grew to 3.1% in 2022, the economy saw a substantially slow rate to 2.1% in 2023, amid the global cues, monetary policy tightening and recovering to 2.4% in 2024. Tight global financial conditions and reduced external demand are projected to weigh on development in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Inflation has been persistent, but it is expected to progressively drop as demand weakens and commodity prices moderate, assuming that longer-term inflation expectations stay stable.

Global growth could be less than projected if banking sector stress becomes more pervasive, or if persistent inflationary pressures drive tighter-than-expected monetary policy. Weak growth prospects and increased risks in the short term worsen a long-term decline in potential growth, which has been worsened by the pandemics simultaneous shocks. This tough situation shows plenty of policy challenges. Recent bank failures necessitate a fresh focus on global financial regulatory reform. Global collaboration is also required to expedite the renewable energy transition, combat climate change, and provide debt relief to the growing number of debt- burdened countries. At the national level, sustainable policies must be adopted to contain inflation and ensure financial and macroeconomic stability, as well as reforms that lay the foundation for a robust, environmentally friendly, and inclusive development path.

Indian Economy

The year 2022 was noteworthy for India as it was the 75th year of independence, a significant turning point in Indias history, and it also surpassed China to become the worlds 5th largest economy. Amidst the global economic turmoil of FY23,

the Indian economy outperformed by its resilient performance which was largely driven by domestic consumption in all the sectors ranging from consumer goods to commodity to infrastructure. Post lifting up the ban, the domestic economic activities stabilized since April-2022. Urban demand quickly recovered and remained robust throughout the year, aided by pent-up spending and discretionary spending during the festival season, while above-normal monsoons aided rural demand.

India is anticipated to experience GDP growth of 6-6.8% in FY24, depending upon the trajectory of global economic and political shifts. The survey 2022-23 estimates a baseline GDP of 6.5% in FY24. Credit growth to MSME has been exceptionally rapid, averaging more than 30% between January and November of 2022.

Another growth driver for the Indian economy in FY23 was central government capex, which increased by 63% between January and November 2022. Inventory backlog decreased dramatically to 33 months in Q3 FY23. Export growth accelerated in FY22 and the first half of FY23, causing production gears to shift from mild acceleration to cruise mode. Growth in FY24 is expected to be rapid, driven primarily by robust loan disbursement and a stronger capital investment cycle in India as a result of improved corporate and banking sector balance sheets.

The major growth outlook for the Indian economy will be primarily determined by a few factors, including (i) the ongoing surge in COVID-19 infections in China, which has had limited health and economic consequences for the rest of the world, resulting in continued normalization of supply chains; (ii) inflationary impulses from Chinas reopening have proven to be neither significant nor persistent; and (iii) recessionary tendencies in major advanced economies (AEs) have triggered.

The shift in borrower financing preferences from the volatile bond market to banks has also had an impact on the increase in total bank lending. The Central Governments capex climbed by 63% in the first eight months, a major growth driver for the Indian economy in FY23.

The housing market witnessed a significant decline in inventory which went overhang for 33 months in Q3FY23 as compared to same period last year. The Survey notes states that the Indian Economy has moved on after its encounter with the pandemic, staging a full recovery in FY22, ahead of many well-developed nations and rising towards the growth path in FY23. Despite many hurdles faced by India in the post Covid era, India has also had the problem of bringing down inflation, which has been exacerbated by the European crisis. Government and RBI actions, together with a drop in commodity prices worldwide, have finally succeeded to reduce retail inflation below the RBIs maximum tolerance level in November 2022.

As a result, global growth is likely to slow in 2023 and to stay largely modest in the years ahead. Slowing demand is expected to lower global commodity prices and boost Indias CAD in FY24. A downside risk to the Current Account Balance, however, arises from a rapid rebound driven mostly by domestic demand and, to a lesser extent, exports.(Source)

Indias Economic Resilience and Growth Drivers

Indias story is very dynamic and capable for coming years. Despite global uncertainty and economic crises, India has fared well and demonstrated great resilience. With an average annual growth rate of 5.5% over the last decade, India has already become the worlds fastest growing economy, with plans to more than four-fold its present annual GDP of close to USD 3.5 trillion to USD 7 trillion by 2027 and USD 10 trillion by 2030.

According to the IMF, India is a “glorious opportunity” and a significant contributor to global expansion, accounting for “15 % of the worlds GDP in 2023.”

Over the next few years, India will need to maintain and increase its upward trajectory and some of the growth drivers that will lead to attain the USD 10 Trillion target which will include the following areas:

1. To promote and growth in the Business:

Indias expansion in the following years will necessitate significant capital spending by both the public and private sectors, both in traditional industries and in R&D. The government is still dedicated to structural reforms, and there are several chances to increase investments and deepen collaborations. According to UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) 2022, India is the 7th most popular global destination for FDI flows. The government has been particularly aggressive in promoting a healthy ecosystem of effective regulatory processes, long-term and pro-industry efforts and programmes. India must continue to prioritize FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), and also prioritize DI (Domestic Investment).

2. States government being growth drivers

States governments are going to become major economic drivers to assist nation to reach its goal of becoming a USD 10 trillion economy by 2030. To dramatically restructure Indias development, states government must team up and benefit from each other. State governments should promote a more favorable policy environment, and the states job should be to emerge as a facilitator of private investment and growth.

3. Climate change and Sustainable Development Growth (SDG) 2030 goals

The global fight against global warming has reached a turning point. India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, and the country has refocused on ESG, renewables, green economy, electric transportation, green hydrogen, and has directive laws in place to meet SDG 2030 targets. Going ahead, India must significantly increase the use of renewables in electricity generation while also innovating to become the most competitive worldwide producer of alternative energy such as green hydrogen.

4. Manufacturing and Exports

India being a challenging country, and aid for businesses is critical, particularly for scaling up DI. India requires strong, globally competitive manufacturing as well as a tripling of exports. While India has grown at a rate of roughly 6% per year on average over the last few years, with a GDP of USD 3.4 trillion, our contribution to mercantile trade remains a measly 1.8%. Agriculture value addition- The expansion of agricultural infrastructure and supply chains, as well as increased R&D and exports from the food processing sector, would provide not just better resilience but also a more equitable allocation of resources to Indias rising population.

5. Industry 4.0 and government policies:

The government has been focusing on Industry 4.0 in order to achieve the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and has taken steps to that end by expediting bilateral FTAs, encouraging domestic manufacturing through Production link incentives, PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, and others. The government must maintain a favourable attitude towards businesses and the determination to implement rules that make doing business in India not just easy but also enjoyable. The government should prioritise the promotion of trust-based governance at all levels.

Outlook: 2023-24

Residing on the Outlook for 2023-24, the Economic survey articulates that the Indias recovery from the Pandemic was comparatively rapid and the growth in coming years will be supported by the solid demand from the domestic market and rise in the reserves. It will be aided by the healthy financials, incipient signs of a new private sector capital formation cycle are much more visible and most importantly to recompense for the private sectors reluctance in capital expenditure, the government has increased capital expenditure significantly.

Budgeted Capex has rose to 3x in last 7 years from FY16-FY23 and re strengthening the Capex cycle. Significant structural changes have increased the Indian economys efficiency and openness, as well as ensuring financial discipline and improved compliance within government.

As per the IMF World Economic Outlook data it says that the growth will be declining from 3.2% to 2.7% in 2023. Slower economic growth production combined with uncertainty will reduce trade growth for Indian economy. It is evident that the WTOs lower prediction for global trade growth, which has been reduced from 3.5% in 2022 to 1.0% in 2023.

Inflationary pressures may extend the tightening cycle, causing borrowing costs to remain “higher for longer.” In such a situation, the world economy may have modest growth in FY24. But there are two silver linings to the prospect of slower global growth: oil is going to stay lower, and Indias CAD will be better than currently forecast. The external situation will remain manageable broadly.

External threats to CAB (Current Account Balances) has originated from the variety of origins. The current commodity prices have remained above pre-conflict level which has already fallen from their highest level. High domestic consumption in the context of rising commodity prices would exacerbate Indias overall import duty and lead to negative trends in the current account deficit. They may be worsened by slowing export growth as a result of slowdown in consumption at Global level.

The current state of Real Estate Sector in India

Despite geopolitical worries, an imminent global recession, rising interest rates, and construction prices, the Indian real estate sector has seen a V-shaped rebound, roaring ahead with expansion and exhibiting astonishing tenacity throughout. The industry demonstrated its prowess by posting a 68% YoY growth in FY2022 and a 19% increase in investment since FY21, clearly emphasizing its investment potential in India and abroad. The governments sustained attention was visible in increased financial expenditures to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Smart Cities, both of which have a strong emphasis on ESG and sustainability in the built environment.

As the sector continues to embrace technology, it will see a dramatic shift in the consumer and investor experience, as well as developers embarking on the creation of sustainable structures employing technology. AI and robotics will bring about a new paradigm for designing sustainable structures and achieving economies of scale.

• The real estate sector is one of the largest contributors to Indian GDP, and it is expected to contribute 18% by 2030 as more areas like warehouses, logistics, industrial parks, data centers, student housing, co-living, and senior assisted living fuel and usher in a period of boom.

• The real estate industry is one of the oldest and most well- known in the world. In terms of direct, indirect, and induced consequences in all sectors of an economy, it is one of the 14 key sectors. In India, the real estate sector is the second-largest job creator after agriculture, accounting for roughly 5-6% of the Indian GDP. In the future, the real estate sector is expected to expand and contribute up to 15-18% of Indian GDP by 2030.

• Residential, retail, commercial, and hotel real estate segments in Amrit Kaal are projected to demonstrate decent growth, as they are well positioned for additional growth by an improving corporate climate and demand for office space, urban and semi-urban housing.

• By 2030, the Indian real estate market is anticipated to reach the USD 1 trillion level, with affordable housing contributing significantly to the expansion.

The budget for 2023-2024 in India was released amid highly promising economic prospects. In comparison to other major economies, India is predicted to develop at a strong pace of 7% this year. The Indian economy has advanced from 10th to 5th largest economy in the world. In just 9 years, the per-capita income has doubled to Rs 1.97 lakh.

The economic stimulus from infrastructure

A 33 % rise in infrastructure investment capital spending, or Rs. 10 lakh crore for 2023-24, or 3.3 % of GDP, will have a big positive impact on the economy and generate new employment possibilities. Real estate development is anticipated to follow the local economys growth.

For tier II and tier III cities, it suggests additional commercial, residential, and retail growth. Additionally, municipalities will be able to produce additional revenue, which will have a collective effect on the real estate market.

Housing affordability continues to be a focus

The PM Awas Yojana and the expanded Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) would provide housing for all people, significantly boosting the real estate market. The central government would increase funding for PM Awas Yojana by 66% to Rs 79,000 Crores in order to close this affordability gap. The credit-linked subsidy programme through 2027

Improved air connectivity

A budget of Rs 3,100 crore will be spent on the construction of 50 more airports, helipads, water aerodromes, and sophisticated landing fields to improve regional transport connectivity. Around the suggested sites, land values could increase, raising the value of nearby properties.

Mission Smart Cities

Multiple Indian cities could be transformed by a new programme to create “sustainable cities of tomorrow” with a substantial allocation of Rs 16,000 Crores, which will boost their quality of life and provide integrated infrastructure, mobility, and urban sustainability. Such neighborhoods will eventually be able to increase the value of their property potential as such.

Apart from the above infrastructure segment, the government is also focusing on few other emerging segments where the real estate and infra sector can see an uptick in the future

Co - working Space

In Tier I and Tier II cities, the young professional population, hybrid work model, digital start-ups, and freelance culture have sparked a desire for co-working space, which now make up about 20% of the office market. By the end of 2023, the market for co-working spaces in India is expected to reach 50 Mn Sq. Ft.

Data Centers

Data centers have been classified as infrastructure assets, and by the end of 2024, 681 MegaWatts of additional capacity will be required. This will also increase demand for real estate.

Warehousing

The National Logistics Policy will provide the construction sector with a boost by outlining a tech-enabled, economical, and integrated logistics industry. Make in India is receiving more attention, and e-commerce is expanding, thus storage is set to develop as multi-modal logistics parks and industrial corridors expand.

Financial Performance with respect to operational performance

COMPANY PERFORMANCE

The company witnessed strong execution backed by return of gradual normalcy. In FY23 all the projects were operating at optimum level enabling faster project execution. Company believes that the execution will continue to gather momentum going forward. Company has also reduced its debt substantially. As on March 2023, the net debt has come down to Rs. 11.84 Crores from Rs. 58.72 Crores in March 2022. In addition, the company has received a rating upgrade during the FY 202223.

The EPC segment during the quarter witnessed a fast-track execution of the projects. EPC segment revenue stood at Rs. 654.05 Crores for FY 2022-23, major projects namely the Maharashtra State Police Housing, PWD, Raipur Hospitals that Kaushambi, Vedanta, Pune MRDA, and Bijnor are running smoothly. Post the resumption of normal business activities, the pandemic had no material impact on our execution. The order book is close to Rs. 2,127 Crores in FY 2022-23. We envisage the EPC segment to deliver strong performance going forward.

The real estate segment after various headwinds in the recent past is gaining momentum. There is gradual recovery in the demand as the economy moves towards normalcy. Companys real estate revenue stood at Rs. 94.01 Crores for FY 202223. A quick update on the ongoing projects; Forest Edge B is 100% sold; Windermere is 100% sold and Vascon Good Life is sold at 63%; Tulip Phase III is 50% sold.

GMP business continues to deliver sustainable performance with revenue of Rs. 251.87 Crores for FY 2022-23 and healthy gross margins of 32%. EBITDA stood at Rs. 25.19 Crores for FY 2022-23

Consolidated Financial Performance

• Total Consolidated Revenue stood at Rs. 1,030.43 Crores against Rs 710.07 Crores in FY 2021-22

• EBITDA stood at Rs. 128.01 Crores as against Rs. 75.58 crore in FY 2021-22

• Profit after tax stood at Rs. 99.41 Crores as against Rs.35.92 crores in FY 2021-22

• As on March 31,2023, Total consolidated debt stood at

Rs. 134.78 crores as against Rs. 157.16 crores on March 31, 2022

• Net worth Rs. 911.77 Crores as on March 31, 2023 compared to Rs. 811.36 crores as on March 31, 2022

Working Capital Management

• Current assets as on March 31, 2023 stood at Rs. 1,273.40 Crores compared to Rs 1,176.86 crores as on March 31, 2022.

• Current ratio as on March 31, 2023 stood at 1.96 times

compared to at 1.86 times as on March 31, 2022.

• Inventories stand at Rs. 472.54 Crores as on March 31, 2023 as against Rs. 514.42 crores as on March 31, 2022.

• Loan & Other Financial Assets stood at Rs. 427.85 Crores in FY 2022-23 compared to Rs. 364.22 crores in FY 2021-22.

• Current liabilities stood at Rs. 647.54 crores on March 31, 2023 compared to Rs. 630.83 crores as on March 31, 2022.

• Cash and bank balances was at Rs. 122.94 Crores as

on March 31, 2023 compared to at Rs. 104.04 crores as on March 31, 2022.

Key Ratios

• Debtors turnover: The Companys debtors turnover stood at 68 days in FY 2022-23 as compared to 91 days in FY 2021-22;

Inventory turnover: Inventory turnover stood at 228 days FY 2022-23 as against 343 days in FY 2021-22; major inventory is related to Real Estate Division and it also includes inventory for project which are not yet launched

• Interest coverage ratio: The Companys interest coverage ratio stood at 9.08 times in FY 2022-23 against 2.65 times in FY 2021-22;

• Current ratio: The Companys current ratio stood at 1.96 times in FY 2022-23 compared to 1.87 times in FY 2021-22

• Debt to Equity ratio: Debt to Equity Ratio stood at 0.15x

• Operating profit

• Net profit: Company reported the profit of Rs. 99.41 Crores in FY 2022-23 as compared to Rs. 35.92 Crores in FY 2021-22

• Return on net worth: The return on net worth stood at 0.11% in FY 2022-23

ENGINEERING PROCUREMENT & CONSTRUCTION

REAL ESTATE ONGOING PROJECTS:

Redevelopment Project - Residential Project in Santacruz, Mumbai

In 2022, Company signed their first ever Redevelopment project based in Santacruz Mumbai, with the own share of 77,673 Sq.ft. area (Own Share) with the expected revenue of ~Rs 250 Crores from the redevelopment project and it is expected to complete within 24-30 months.

Tulip Phase 3 - Residential Project in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

In 2022, the Company launched Phase-III of the Tulip, in first half of FY23, where the company own the 49 unit of the project and out of 49 units, the company sold 44 units within the first month of launch.

Forest Edge - Residential Project in Kharadi, Pune

In 2019, Company launched Phase-II of Forest Edge- First- ever Health Tech Home in Pune, spread over ~3.4 acres. Forest edge is an advanced lifestyle project comprising 2 BHK apartments, and modelled as Health Tech Homes. It is one of its kind in Pune.

Forest County- Residential Project in Kharadi, Pune

Forest County, a residential Project with a total saleable area of 0.18 msft, located in the most rapidly developing area of Pune - Kharadi. Launched two-towers consists of 132 units comprising 2 and 3 BHK apartments with sizes of 1,150 sqft to 1,685 sqft.

Windermere - A Signature Luxury Residential Project in Koregaon Park, Pune

Windermere - A Signature Luxury Residential Project, is a thoughtfully designed, premium quality home at Koregaon Park, Pune, with the total site area of 4.75 acres, which is developed in 2 phases. The total saleable area of the project is ~0.42 msft. The project comprises apartments of 3,000 Sq.ft, 3,800 Sq.ft & 8,500 sq. ft with its own private swimming pool. The project offers the latest amenities such as renewable energy system, architectural design that ensure good ventilation and maximum natural light, water, conservation through maximum recycling organic waste management, rain water harvesting, etc. The Project is certified as platinum rating project from The Indian green building council (ICBG) green home the project is designed as a five-star rated Eco - housing project.

Vashon Goodlife - First Ever Value Housing Project in Katvi, Talegaon

Vascon Goodlife - Value Housing Project, spread across 10 acres of land, offering 1RK, 1BHK and 2BHK homes aims at providing not just affordable, but value homes with a strong focus on nurturing learning and growth making it a first-of-its kind learning infrastructure in a residential project. The project boasts of amenities for all age groups, such as library, study rooms in each tower, online education room with computers

Citron - Phase II, Wagholi, Pune

Citron is a modern lifestyle Residential Project at Wagholi, Pune. Citron Phase II, launched a 15 story L-shaped building comprising 1BHK & 2 BHK apartments, with an endeavor to offer the best-in-class housing, to ultimately become the landmark project of Wagholi.

GMP TECHNICALS - CLEAN ROOM PARTITION BUSINESS

As a part of backward integration your Company had acquired GMP technical solutions, an integrated provider of engineering services, in August 2010. GMP is one of the largest manufacturers of Clean Room Partitioning Systems and Turnkey Solution Provider.

Over the last few years, your Companys resilient efforts were towards stabilization of GMP Business, resultant, the GMP division has achieved an EBITDA positive during the last fiscal, overcoming all the hurdles faced by the company. During FY 22-23, GMP Technical contributed Rs. 251.87 Crores to consolidated revenue as against Rs. 194.29 Crores in the last fiscal and the gross profit of Rs. 79.78 Crores with an EBIT margin of 8%. Your Company continues to focus towards sustainable improvement and achievement of marquee projects like those from Tata Group demonstrating Companys ability and preparedness. Going forward, GMP division to further value add towards the profitability of the Company.

STRENGTH, OPPORTUNITIES, STRATEGY

Strengths

• Robust Order Book with diversified clientele both in public as well as private sector

• Focus on one segment i.e. building segment, with an inhouse design team and focus on cutting-edge technology have enabled Vascon to scale up in this space

• Experienced management team with proven track record in terms of execution capabilities and strict control over processes Opportunities

• Government impetus on Infrastructure development through construction of airports, healthcare facilities, modernization on railways, development of smart cities, construction of factories to push Atmanirbhar Bharat yojana, Housing for all, amongst others. This initiative to provide huge opportunities in the infrastructure sector going forward and Vascon is well-prepared to capitalize on this growth opportunity both in EPC and Real Estate Segment

• Organized and branded real estate industry witnessed faster than expected turnaround in customer sentiments Strategy

• Focus on core business that is Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) and Real Estate Development business

• Vascon continues to focus on improving operational efficiencies and strengthening of Balance Sheet through cash flow generation via monetization of identified noncore assets to improve liquidity and achieve higher growth

THREATS, RISKS, CONCERNS

In EPC business, delay in projects execution, stall of projects due to unprecedented natural calamity, non-payment by developers, steep cost escalation in inputs affects the execution of projects and results in significant cost overrun.

In Real Estate business financing, uncertainty on monetary and fiscal policy, changes in government regulations, foreign direct investments, approval processes, environment clearances and legal hassles & proceedings affects the execution project and results in significant cost overrun.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Employees are the foundation of the business and essential to its ongoing success. With its strong HR policies and practices, the Company aims to create a climate that will help it draw in and keep the greatest people while ensuring employee wellbeing. The company runs a lot of programs for skill development and learning to increase staff capacities. Vascon makes use of a broad range of knowledge, credentials, abilities, professional experience, culture, geography, and industry expertise.

In order to assure readiness, the company places a high priority on health and safety management and regularly holds drills and dummy training sessions. It has embraced the highest levels of international standards, guarantees that all safety instructions are followed, and employs additional measures in accordance with legislative demands. As on March 31, 2023,

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM

The Company has deployed a vigorous Internal Controls and Audit mechanism to facilitate an accurate and fair presentation of its financial results. The internal audit system has been continuously monitored and updated to ensure that assets are safeguarded, established regulations are complied with and pending issues are addressed promptly. The Audit Committee reviews reports presented by the internal auditors on a routine basis. The Committee makes note of the audit observations and takes corrective actions, if necessary. It maintains a constant dialogue with statutory and internal auditors to ensure that internal control systems are operating effectively.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company has developed a robust risk management framework. It has been identified as one of key enablers to achieve the companys objectives. Increased competition, pressures on cost and deliveries, forex & commodity price variations, impact of recessionary trends on the award of jobs and manpower attrition are some of the major risks faced by the industry. Measures such as advanced quantitative tools, global sourcing, standard operating procedures, and operational excellence initiatives have been implemented so as to protect the profitability of the business.