Covid-19: InvITs may find it hard to meet 90% dividends distribution rule

Surplus generation will remain limited in Q1FY21 and NHAI compensation may take time, so till then, the liquidity buffer will be used for operating expenses and debt servicing, says Icra

Dividends from Infrastructure Investments Trusts (InvITs) may be one of the early ones to reflect the Covid-19 impact. InvITs distribute 90 per cent of the net cash flow to investors on a quarterly basis. Those with toll roads as assets, may feel the heat due to low collections.

“Surplus generation will remain limited in the first quarter, so dividend will get curtailed accordingly. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) compensation may take time, so till then, the liquidity buffer will be used for operating expenditure and debt servicing,” said Shubham Jain, vice president and group head, Icra.  

The road ministry