Robust Loan Book Growth and Strategic Lending Drive PFC’s Stellar Q2FY24 Results
Company Overview:
PFC Ltd is a government Non-deposit-taking NBFC company primarily focused on providing finance to the power, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. Additionally, it offers consultancy services to the power sector, facilitating the development of ultra mega power projects and independent transmission projects.
Strong Loan book growth – 19% QoQ & disbursement grew 2.5x
In Q2FY24, PFC achieved an impressive 19% QoQ growth in its loan book, reaching 4,50,000 Cr as of September 30, 2023. The YoY growth is noteworthy, driven by a consistent increase in disbursements, particularly in H1FY24, where disbursements grew 2.5x compared to the previous year, standing at around 55,500 Cr. This growth is primarily attributed to lending in the distribution sector and towards renewable energy projects.
Yield expansion moderate, while rise in funding cost pull down margins
The yield in H1FY24 stood at 9.92%, showing a moderate 7bps increase from Q1FY24. However, a simultaneous 11 bps rise in the cost of funds to 7.41% led to a 3.11% YoY decline in Net Interest Income (NII) (+6.44% QoQ). Despite this, the Net Interest Margin (NIM) for the quarter stood at 3.37%, and the interest spread at 2.51%, both within the company’s target range.
Asset quality improved & CRAR sustained above 24% reflect strong capital position
Maintaining the highest level of asset quality, PFC added no new NPA in the last six years, with an NNPA ratio standing at 1%, the lowest in six years. GNPA levels have also decreased from 4.75% in H1FY23 to 3.67% in H1FY24. As of September 2023, the Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) stands at a robust 24.86%, marking a 57 bps increase from Q2FY23 levels.
Hedging portion has improved to minimise exchange risk – INR depreciation
PFC has enhanced its hedging strategies, minimizing exchange risks associated with INR depreciation. The company booked a foreign translation loss of Rs 119 Cr in Q2FY24, with 83% of the foreign currency portfolio hedged for exchange risk, compared to 68% in Q2FY23. Additionally, 100% of U.S. dollar exposure maturing in the next five years has been hedged.
On going projects worth INR 16,497 Cr in stage 3
Presently, the company has 22 stressed projects in stage 3, totaling INR 16,497 Cr. Notably, 13 projects worth INR 13,899 Cr have been successfully resolved under NCLT. Two projects in advanced stages include the Lanco Amarkantak project and the Dans Energy project, with resolution plans finalized and documentation processes underway.
Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) Scheme: Bolstering Financial Discipline in Discoms
In the realm of government initiatives, the Late Payment Surcharge (LPS) scheme spearheaded by the company has made significant strides. With a sanctioned corpus of 70,500 Cr, an impressive 31,500 Cr has already been disbursed. Notably, this scheme has achieved remarkable success, evidenced by a substantial 50% reduction in legacy dues owed by discoms to generation companies. Moreover, it has facilitated the clearance of current dues, thereby enhancing the financial discipline of discoms. The LPS scheme emerges as a pivotal instrument in fostering fiscal responsibility among discoms.
Revamped Distribution Sector (RDSS): Catalyzing Modernization and Financial Health
On another front, the Revamped Distribution Sector (RDSS) stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to modernizing discoms and fortifying their operational efficiencies and financial health. Aligned with the national electricity plan, which envisions approximately 33 lakh Cr of investments in the power sector by 2032, the RDSS is strategically positioned. As a key player, the company is actively contributing to this vision, ensuring that discoms evolve into robust entities capable of meeting the challenges of the evolving energy landscape. The RDSS is a holistic approach toward the sustainable development of the power sector.
Medium to Long-Term Growth Outlook: Tapping into a Multifaceted Opportunity
Zooming out to assess the broader landscape, the medium to long-term growth outlook reveals a vast opportunity for the company. As per the national electricity plan, a staggering 33 lakh Cr of investments are slated for the power sector by 2032. PFC currently holds the mantle as the largest lender for the renewable sector, having bolstered 25% of the current installed renewable capacity. With an eye on the future, the company anticipates maintaining this significant share in energy transition financing within the power sector. This foresight positions the company as a pivotal player in driving sustainable growth and development.
Striving for 500 Gigawatts by 2030: PFC’s Ambitious Renewable Energy Vision
Looking ahead, PFC is steadfast in its commitment to achieving a monumental milestone – 500 gigawatts by 2030. Currently boasting a formidable 187 gigawatts, the company has already disbursed a substantial 1 lakh Cr in funding to the renewable sector, commanding a noteworthy 25% market share in the current installed renewable capacity. The ambitious pursuit of 500 gigawatts underscores PFC’s pivotal role in steering the renewable energy trajectory. As a stalwart in the sector, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of renewable energy in the country.
Valuation and Key Ratios
Currently company Trading at 1.14x of its book value at Rs 283 per share at current market price 320. PFC’s trailing twelve months ROE and ROCE stand at 20.4% and 9.08%, respectively. The Interest Coverage Ratio at 1.58x reflects the company’s solvency.
Q2FY24 Result Highlights: Standalone
➡️ In Q2Y24, Interest income grew 12.1% YoY (+5.6% QoQ) to 10,692 Cr while interest expenses grew 22.5% YoY (+5.1% QoQ) to 6,963 Cr
➡️ As a result, NII grew 6.4% QoQ but declined 3.1% YoY to 3,729 Cr due to higher cost of funds.
➡️ Other income grew 101.1% YoY and 60x QoQ to 1,096 Cr includes dividend income of 1,074 Cr and fees & commission income of 20.3 Cr.
➡️ PPOP increased by 22.6% YoY (+27.6% QoQ) to 4,686 Cr supported by operating leverage benefit and healthy growth in other income.
➡️ PAT surged 28.3% YoY (+27.9% QoQ) to 3,847 Cr, supported by lower provisions, operating leverage benefit, and robust growth in other income.
➡️ EPS for the quarter stood at 11.6 Rs, a significant improvement from the previous quarter 9.1 Rs and Q2FY23.
conclusion
PFC Ltd demonstrates robust financial performance with significant loan book growth, prudent asset quality management, and strengthened hedging strategies. Despite a margin challenge, the company maintains a healthy capital position. The successful resolution of stressed projects and impressive Q2FY24 results further underscore PFC’s resilience and strategic positioning in the non-deposit-taking NBFC sector.