When it would have been reasonable to break even, we continued to report growth
PORTS & SHIPPING

When it would have been reasonable to break even, we continued to report growth


Capacit'eInfraprojects (CIL) embarked on its journey in 2012 and has emerged as one of the most attractive representatives of India’s super high-rise and high-rise building construction segments. In a short span, the company has earned the distinction of being a preferred name in the construction of high-rise andsuper high-rise buildings, townships, commercial and IT/ ITES, institutional and retail across India. Rohit Katyal, Executive Director and CFO, Capacit'eInfraprojects, shares more….

Name one major challenge faced in FY2018-19. How did the company approach the same?
We grew despite the weakening business cycle, which was a validation of how we had selected to grow the business since inception. During the first half of FY2018-19, the company reported a 34 per cent growth in revenues and 21 per cent increase in profit-after-tax over the corresponding period of the previous year. The second half proved more challenging following the collapse of a large Indian non-banking finance company, which slowed credit disbursal, enhanced systemic caution, moderated credit for the construction and real-estate sectors and resulted in a virtual liquidity paralysis within the Indian economy.

During this phase, when it would have been reasonable to break even, the company continued to report growth: Revenues grew 34 per cent and profit-after-tax strengthened 21 per cent compared to the corresponding period. Of the profit generated during theentire year, 52 per cent was generated in the second half; besides, 50 per cent of the order book accretion during the year under review transpired in the second half, an index of the company’s focus on business sustainability.

At Capacit’e, we continued to strengthen our business during this challenging phase with a distinct focus on controls, checks and balances. We always believed that enduring competitiveness is generated from the ability to estimate costs accurately and eliminate process waste. 

What is one decision you consider the biggest contributor to the company’s growth in FY2018-19?
In FY 2018-19, we kept our focus on acquiring challenging projects that would test our capabilities and competence. We have done that with encouraging results, thanks to our intellectual capital and strong work ethics. We also laid emphasison diversifying our portfolio and have been successful in acquiring projects like retail malls, healthcare facilities and IT parks. In India, the public sector will be a major driver for building construction sector in years to come and we have already equipped ourselves to cater to this market. 

Name one single factor that you avoided, which could have otherwise impacted the company’s topline and bottomline.
As a philosophy, we will not take any projects below our internal margin benchmarks. Every project has the right price and sometimes the cutthroat competition undermines this fact. This can be detrimental to the client, to the project and ultimately to the contractor in the long run. As a conscious effort, we have and will stay away from such a price and would keep our focus on providing efficient construction services to any quality-conscious client who would understand the concept of ‘Right Price’.

Going forward, what are your plans for the company’s growth in FY2019-20?
In India, with the prospects of spatial expansion being limited, the only way that existing metro cities can grow is through progressive verticalisation. And this global trend of verticalisation will play out in India in a bigger way, strengthening the relevance of Capacit'e’s business model, focus and competence.

To add to this reality, the quantum of urban residential shortage in India is estimated at 18.78 million and only expected to increase. There is a healthy growth concurrently coming out of the non-residential structure. It took India 60 years to emerge as a $1 trillion economy, and the country is now expected to emerge as a $5 trillion economy by 2025. With this, we believe that a number of adjacent business opportunities—commercial, retail, logistics and IT sectors—will emerge. This development will make it possible for a specialised player like Capacit'eInfraprojects to enter new segments by leveraging its demonstrated competence.

Capacit'eInfraprojects (CIL) embarked on its journey in 2012 and has emerged as one of the most attractive representatives of India’s super high-rise and high-rise building construction segments. In a short span, the company has earned the distinction of being a preferred name in the construction of high-rise andsuper high-rise buildings, townships, commercial and IT/ ITES, institutional and retail across India. Rohit Katyal, Executive Director and CFO, Capacit'eInfraprojects, shares more….Name one major challenge faced in FY2018-19. How did the company approach the same?We grew despite the weakening business cycle, which was a validation of how we had selected to grow the business since inception. During the first half of FY2018-19, the company reported a 34 per cent growth in revenues and 21 per cent increase in profit-after-tax over the corresponding period of the previous year. The second half proved more challenging following the collapse of a large Indian non-banking finance company, which slowed credit disbursal, enhanced systemic caution, moderated credit for the construction and real-estate sectors and resulted in a virtual liquidity paralysis within the Indian economy.During this phase, when it would have been reasonable to break even, the company continued to report growth: Revenues grew 34 per cent and profit-after-tax strengthened 21 per cent compared to the corresponding period. Of the profit generated during theentire year, 52 per cent was generated in the second half; besides, 50 per cent of the order book accretion during the year under review transpired in the second half, an index of the company’s focus on business sustainability.At Capacit’e, we continued to strengthen our business during this challenging phase with a distinct focus on controls, checks and balances. We always believed that enduring competitiveness is generated from the ability to estimate costs accurately and eliminate process waste. What is one decision you consider the biggest contributor to the company’s growth in FY2018-19?In FY 2018-19, we kept our focus on acquiring challenging projects that would test our capabilities and competence. We have done that with encouraging results, thanks to our intellectual capital and strong work ethics. We also laid emphasison diversifying our portfolio and have been successful in acquiring projects like retail malls, healthcare facilities and IT parks. In India, the public sector will be a major driver for building construction sector in years to come and we have already equipped ourselves to cater to this market. Name one single factor that you avoided, which could have otherwise impacted the company’s topline and bottomline.As a philosophy, we will not take any projects below our internal margin benchmarks. Every project has the right price and sometimes the cutthroat competition undermines this fact. This can be detrimental to the client, to the project and ultimately to the contractor in the long run. As a conscious effort, we have and will stay away from such a price and would keep our focus on providing efficient construction services to any quality-conscious client who would understand the concept of ‘Right Price’.Going forward, what are your plans for the company’s growth in FY2019-20?In India, with the prospects of spatial expansion being limited, the only way that existing metro cities can grow is through progressive verticalisation. And this global trend of verticalisation will play out in India in a bigger way, strengthening the relevance of Capacit'e’s business model, focus and competence.To add to this reality, the quantum of urban residential shortage in India is estimated at 18.78 million and only expected to increase. There is a healthy growth concurrently coming out of the non-residential structure. It took India 60 years to emerge as a $1 trillion economy, and the country is now expected to emerge as a $5 trillion economy by 2025. With this, we believe that a number of adjacent business opportunities—commercial, retail, logistics and IT sectors—will emerge. This development will make it possible for a specialised player like Capacit'eInfraprojects to enter new segments by leveraging its demonstrated competence.

Next Story
Real Estate

Della, Hiranandani & Krisala unveil Rs 11 billion themed township in Pune

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Della Resorts & Adventure has partnered with Hiranandani Communities and Krisala Developers to develop a Rs 11 billion racecourse-themed township in North Hinjewadi, Pune. Based on Della’s proprietary CDDMO™ model, the hospitality-led, design-driven project aims to deliver up to 9 per cent returns—significantly higher than the typical 3 per cent in residential real estate.Spanning 40 acres within a 105-acre master plan, the mega township will feature an 8-acre racecourse and international polo club, 128 private villa plots, 112 resort residences, a ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Hansgrohe unveils LavaPura Element S e-toilets in India

Hansgrohe India has launched its latest innovation, the LavaPura Element S e-toilet series, introducing a new standard in hygiene-focused, smart bathroom solutions tailored for Indian homes and high-end hospitality spaces.Blending German engineering with minimalist aesthetics, the LavaPura Element S combines intuitive features with advanced hygiene technology. The series is designed for easy installation and optimal performance under Indian conditions, reinforcing the brand’s focus on functional elegance and modern convenience.“With evolving consumer preferences, smart bathrooms are no lon..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

HCC Net Profit Stands at Rs 2.28 Billion for Q4 FY25

Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) reported a standalone net profit of Rs 2.28 billion in Q4 FY25, a sharp increase from Rs 388 million in Q4 FY24. Standalone revenue for the quarter stood at Rs 13.30 billion, compared to Rs 14.28 billion in Q4 FY24. For the full fiscal year, the company reported a standalone net profit of Rs 849 million, down from Rs 1.79 billion in FY24. Standalone revenue for FY25 was Rs 48.01 billion, compared to Rs 50.43 billion in the previous year.Consolidated revenue for Q4 FY25 stood at Rs 13.74 billion, and for FY25 at Rs 56.03 billion, down from Rs 17.73 billion i..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?