Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO Review: Should You Apply or Skip?

Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO Review
Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO Review

Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO Review : The Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO is set to open for subscription from January 7 to January 9, 2025. This IPO is one of the year’s initial offerings, making it a noteworthy event for investors. In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth review of this IPO to help you decide whether to apply or not. We’ll analyze the IPO details, company background, financial performance, and the potential for listing gains or long-term returns. To make it relatable, I’ll include personal insights and observations for a better understanding.

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Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO Review
Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO Review

Understanding InvITs and Their Purpose

Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) like the Capital Infra Trust are specialized entities regulated by SEBI. They pool money from investors to fund infrastructure projects, such as roads, highways, and bridges. InvITs distribute a significant portion of their profits as dividends, making them attractive for steady income seekers.

In my experience, InvITs are ideal for investors looking for regular returns rather than capital appreciation. While you won’t see rapid share price growth, the consistent dividends can add stability to your portfolio. I recall investing in a similar trust a few years ago, and though the returns weren’t spectacular, the dividends helped cover some monthly expenses.


Grey Market Premium (GMP): A Key Indicator

Before diving into an IPO, investors often consider the Grey Market Premium (GMP) as a preliminary indicator of potential listing gains. For the Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO, GMP activity is currently subdued, reflecting limited demand. This isn’t unusual for InvIT IPOs, as they generally attract conservative investors.

In the past, I’ve seen how a low GMP can influence short-term enthusiasm. For instance, during a previous IPO with low GMP, I hesitated to invest and later realized the listing gains were minimal. If you’re eyeing this IPO for quick gains, this is an essential factor to weigh.


Company Background and Operations

The Capital Infra Trust was incorporated in September 2023. It’s not a traditional company but a trust operating under SEBI regulations for InvITs. The trust primarily focuses on road and highway projects across 19 states in India. It has contracts with notable entities like NHAI, MMRDA, and CPWD.

What makes this trust stand out is its specialization. With 26 projects under its belt, including 11 completed and 15 under construction, the trust has shown a steady execution track record. The AAA credit rating adds a layer of confidence for risk-averse investors.

I’ve always believed that understanding a company’s operations can help make informed decisions. A relative of mine, who works in the road construction sector, shared how such projects are often long-term and predictable, which aligns well with the trust’s objectives.


Financial Performance

Financial performance is a critical aspect to evaluate. Here’s a snapshot of Capital Infra Trust’s key financials:

  • Assets: The trust’s assets grew from ₹2,500 crore in FY22 to ₹4,900 crore in FY24, showcasing a solid expansion.
  • Revenue: Revenue showed volatility, dropping from ₹1,981 crore in FY22 to ₹1,143 crore in FY24. This decline raises questions about the consistency of income streams.
  • Profit Margins: Margins have been inconsistent—6% in FY22, rising to 20% in FY23, and dropping again to 8% in FY24. For FY25 (up to September), the margin is around 14.5%.

This erratic pattern might deter growth-focused investors. Personally, I prefer steady financials, as unpredictability makes planning difficult. If you’re considering this IPO, ensure your risk appetite aligns with these fluctuations.


Strengths and Risks

Strengths:

  1. Steady Dividends: Expect dividend yields between 7% to 10%, based on past trends. This could appeal to retirees or conservative investors.
  2. Strong Backers: The trust is sponsored by Gawar Construction, a reputable name in the infrastructure sector.
  3. Diverse Portfolio: With 19 states covered, the trust isn’t overly reliant on one region or project.

Risks:

  1. Low Growth Potential: Share price appreciation is minimal in InvITs compared to traditional equities.
  2. Revenue Volatility: Fluctuating revenue might affect dividend payouts.
  3. Limited GMP Activity: Lack of grey market enthusiasm suggests modest listing performance.

IPO Details

Here are the key details of the Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO:

  • Issue Period: January 7–9, 2025
  • Price Band: ₹99 to ₹100 per share
  • Lot Size: 150 shares
  • Total Issue Size: ₹578 crore
    • Fresh Issue: ₹77 crore (to fund loans for special-purpose vehicles and repay debt)
    • Offer for Sale (OFS): ₹501 crore (by promoters reducing their stake)
  • Listing Date: January 14, 2025
  • Investor Quotas:
    • QIB: 75%
    • HNI: 25%

Should You Apply?

Whether to invest in this IPO depends on your goals:

For Listing Gains:

If you’re looking for short-term profits, this IPO might not be ideal. The low GMP and lack of excitement around InvIT IPOs make substantial listing gains unlikely. I recall a similar IPO in 2023 where minimal listing gains disappointed many speculative investors.

For Long-Term Investment:

Long-term investors seeking stable income can consider this IPO. With dividend yields around 7%–10%, it’s comparable to fixed deposits but with slightly higher risks. I know friends who rely on such investments for predictable returns, complementing their retirement plans.

However, if you’re hoping for double-digit growth in share price, this might not be the right fit. Diversifying into traditional equities alongside InvITs could balance your portfolio.


Personal Takeaway

In my personal investment journey, I’ve learned that understanding your goals and risk tolerance is crucial. InvITs like Capital Infra Trust are best suited for income-focused investors. If I were to invest, it would be for the dividends rather than the listing or long-term capital gains.

Before deciding, consider your financial objectives and consult a financial advisor if needed. If you’ve had prior experiences with similar IPOs, reflect on those outcomes to guide your choice.


Conclusion

The Capital Infra Trust InvIT IPO offers a stable income opportunity for conservative investors. With a specialized focus on infrastructure projects, AAA credit rating, and steady dividend potential, it has its merits. However, the limited growth potential and revenue fluctuations may not appeal to everyone.

If you decide to apply, ensure you’ve assessed the risks and aligned them with your financial plan. Share your thoughts in the comments—will you invest in this IPO, or are you steering clear?

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