Cube Highways Trust plans Rs 5,000-cr IPO this month; eyes broader investor base

Synopsis

Cube Highways Trust is set to launch a substantial Initial Public Offering worth Rs 5,000 crore this month, intending to broaden its base of investors. With a portfolio encompassing 27 operational highway assets throughout India, the trust emphasizes disciplined growth and reliable distributions. This strategic initiative aims to improve liquidity and expand ownership opportunities.

Cube Highways Trust is planning to launch its Rs 5,000-crore initial public offering, comprising entirely an offer-for-sale component, this month, as it looks to broaden its investor base and improve liquidity, people familiar with the matter said.

The proposed issue is structured entirely as an offer for sale (OFS), according to the draft papers.

Cube Highways Trust (Cube InvIT), which owns a portfolio of highway assets across India, had 27 operational assets spanning 8,754 lane kilometres across 12 states and one Union Territory as of March 31, 2026, with an average residual concession life of 18 years.

In a message to unitholders in the FY26 annual report, its Chief Executive Officer Vinay C Sekar said the trust's strategy remains focused on disciplined acquisitions, predictable distributions, financial prudence and operational efficiency.

About 85 per cent of the portfolio comprises toll road assets that benefit from traffic growth and inflation-linked toll revisions, and the remaining 15 per cent consists of annuity assets backed by contracted payments from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Cube InvIT declared a distribution per unit of Rs 13.77 for FY26, taking total distributions for the year to Rs 1,851 crore.

Its net debt stood at Rs 17,768 crore at the end of March, while its net debt-to-enterprise value ratio was 46.82 per cent. Moreover, assets under management rose to Rs 36,842 crore, supported by nine acquisitions during the fiscal year.

The trust has also signed commitment letters for four highway projects with a combined enterprise value of about Rs 7,300 crore, which would expand its portfolio to 31 assets across 13 states and one Union Territory. It has also secured a right of first offer on three sponsor assets, providing an additional pipeline for future growth.

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