CMI Ltd – A wire to connect to growth

8-Jan-2018 : Headquartered in Delhi, CMI Ltd is engaged in manufacturing cables for various industries such as Railways, Oil & Gas, Telecommunications, Energy, Industrial, Power, Petrochemicals etc. CMI Ltd is present in the entire value chain of the wire and cable industry, starting from design, development and manufacturing to marketing and distribution of cables. Its comprehensive product portfolio includes electric cables for Railways, Metro Projects, Utilities, Buildings, Data Transmission, Instrumentation, Submarine cables, Control Cables, Special cables and Extra High Voltage cables. CMI Ltd is one of the few approved vendors to supply signaling cables to Railways.

 

CMI Ltd

 

As per IEEMA Annual reports, the Indian Wire and Cable market is expected to increase from estimated 39200 crore in 2015-16 to 68561 corers in 2019-20. Over the years many factors have contributed to the growth of the Indian wire and cable industry, especially the growing investments in railways, power, telecom and metro projects. In the next couple of years, there are few factors that will drive the growth of the wire and cable industry e.g. increased investment in Indian Railways and metro projects, expansion and revamping of T&D infrastructure, growth in renewable power generation, higher CAPEX on telecom sector, growing focus on smart cities.

CMI Ltd may be a potential beneficiary of the increased investment in railways as it is one of the few approved vendors of the Indian Railways. The Indian Railways target to electrify all its broad gauge track by fiscal year 2022. Indian Railways prepared an action plan to electrify 38000 R-km in five years, for an estimated cost of Rs 32,591 crore. Even if we keep aside this factor, CMI Ltd has substantial order book of Rs 3 billion at the end of Q1 FY 2018, which gives revenue visibility of the next nine months.

In February 2016, CMI Ltdacquired the manufacturing plant of General Cable Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of US based general cable corporation. The plant in Baddi has an installed capacity to potentially generate 3-4 times the FY-16 revenue of CMI Ltd. Thus, CMI Ltd doesn’t need any immediate CAPEX to serve the increased demand of Wire and Cable in the coming years.

CMI Ltd.’s past performance was also quite impressive. In the last financial year, its revenue increased by 56%, EBIDTA increased by 58%. However, the profit declined from 106 crore to 30 crore primarily because of high depreciation and finance cost (as it acquired Baddi plant). At the end of FY-2017, the debt equity ratio is hovering around 0.65, which is quite comfortable. EBIDTA margin for the financial year 2017 was 14%. However, this may decline to some extent because of high working capital loan.

As on the date of writing this note, the market price of the stock is Rs 290, which is available at a PE of 12. Even if we consider tax reversal in the last financial year, this stock is available at a discount in comparison to the other cable companies like KEI, Finolex Cables etc. Thus, we believe that there is substantial headroom for the stock price to increase.  We expect the stock to achieve Rs 396 in the next 12 months.

NSE Code : CMICABLES

BSE Code : 517330

Written by Research Analyst (SEBI Registered) Suvendu Manna

Disclaimer : The research analyst has position in the stock as on the date of writing this article.

I, Suvendu Manna, Research Analysts, authors and the names subscribed to this report, hereby certify that all of the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect my views about the subject issuer(s) or securities. We also certify that no part of my compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendation(s) or view(s) in this report. 

Other Disclosures:

This report is a view of the Research Analyst as mentioned above and not a solicitation for purchase or sale. This report is solely meant for personal use and not for circulation. The information and opinion contained herein have been compiled or arrived at, based upon information obtained in good faith from sources believed to be reliable. Such information has not been independently verified and no guarantee, representation of warranty, express or implied, is made to its accuracy, completeness or correctness.

The securities discussed and opinions expressed in this report may not be suitable for all investors, who must make their own investment decisions, based on their own investment objectives, financial positions and needs of specific recipient. This may not be taken in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment by any recipient. The recipient should independently evaluate the investment risks. The value and return on investment may vary because of changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates or any other reason. We accept no liabilities whatsoever for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in projections. Forward-looking statements are not predictions and may be subject to change without notice.

This report is not directed or intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other Jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law.