Bharat Forge

Production loss to be minimal despite semi-conductor Shortage: Bharat Forge

 

Update on Indian Equity Market:

On Monday, markets ended higher with Nifty closing 34 points higher to close at 16,130, TATASTEEL(3.7%), BAJFINANCE (3.4%) M&M (2.4%) were the top gainers on the index while MARUTI (-2.6%),SHREECEM (-2.3%) and EICHERMOT (-2.3%) were the top losers for the day. Among the sectoral indices,  METAL  (1.5%), OIL & GAS (0.9%) and  FINANCIAL SERVICES (0.4%) were the top gainers, while MEDIA (-1.4%),  PSU BANK (-1%) and AUTO (-0.9%) were the top losers.

 

Excerpts of an interview with Baba Kalyani, CMD of Bharat Forge on CNBCTV18 dated 13th August 2021:

 

  • Despite mounting input cost inflation, Company managed to expand its margins by 100 bps sequentially and posted robust growth on both Revenue and Net profit Fronts in Q1FY22
  • Semi-Conductor shortage is a universal phenomenon that’s affecting industries and businesses across the world. In the case of OEMs, most of them have taken adequate steps to address this issue. 
  • In the short term, everyone is suffering some loss in production, however, the company expects no adverse impact on production in the medium-long term. The company reiterated that the situation was outside the control of anyone and its a matter of when and not if the issue will be resolved,
  • He stated that the industry has resorted to rationing of semiconductors to produce higher-value products. This will impact the supply in the short term. 
  • A lot of Passenger vehicle manufacturers have resorted to reducing the production of lower end passenger cars against higher value cars that offer better realisations.
  • Cost Reduction was the company’s important priority in the past 2 years and the company has optimised costs through downsizing, IoT and WC Management, to produce the best margins this company has seen.
  • The company has a strong balance sheet and healthy cash balance, the company plans to take forward its growth through inorganic acquisitions aimed at future technologies like e-mobility, renewables etc as the company gears itself for the future.

 

Asset Multiplier Comments:

 

  • The Semi-Conductor shortage will be dealt with sooner rather than later, barring any major disruptions, OEM and the entire Auto and Ancillary sector is recovering well.
  • Bharat Forge has managed to improve its margins and its plans to grow across all segments through strategic investments as it gets ready for the future are on the right track.

 

Consensus Estimates (Source: market screener website): 

  • The closing price of Bharat Forge was ₹803/- as of 16-August-2021.  It traded at 45x/29x /26x the EPS estimate of ₹18/₹ 28/₹ 31 for FY22E/23E/24E.
  • The consensus price target is ₹ 900/- which trades at 30x the EPS estimate for FY24E of ₹ 31/-

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”

Growth opportunities ahead across all segments – Bharat Forge

Update on Indian Equity Market:

On Wednesday, markets ended lower with Nifty closing 105 points to close at 15,635. PowerGrid (3.9%), SBILIFE (1.8%), and NTPC (1.6%) were the top gainers on the index while TATA MOTORS (-2.6%), ADANIPORTS (-2.4%), SHREECEM (-2.0%) were the top losers for the day. Among the sectoral indices,  MEDIA (-2.1%),  REALTY (-1.7%), and AUTO (-1.3%) were the top losers, and there were no Sectoral gainers.

 

Excerpts of an interview with Mr. Baba Kalyani, CMD of Bharat Forge on CNBCTV18 dated 7th June 2021 :

 

  • Greenshoots have been seen in recovery over Q4FY21 despite lockdown, the industry is coming back to pre-covid levels but the management expects another quarter for things to fully recover.
  • Oxygen shortage affected steel supply due to the 2nd COVID wave in Q4, but significant recovery has been seen. The semiconductor supply shortage is still an issue but there’s no reduction in demand for chassis and powertrains.
  • Exports have seen tremendous growth across all segments over FY19 levels, and the company is benefiting from shifting from traditional supply chains in East Asia to India and the rest of the world.
  • There is a huge Commodity Upcycle, especially in metals. However, the company is poised to directly pass on the hikes to its customers.
  • The Company is expanding its capacities in the renewables sector, in order to reduce its reliance on Oil and Gas and focus on sustainable growth ahead.

 

Asset Multiplier Comments:

  • Bharat Forge like most Industrial manufacturing has already seen the worst of its days due to the pandemic, and recovery seems to be well on track.
  • Increased Government Expenditure, Focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat will help the company’s topline across all verticals in years ahead.

 

Consensus Estimates (Source: market screener website): 

  • The closing price of Bharat Forge was ₹757/- as of 09-June-2021.  It traded at 42x/ 30x the consensus EPS estimate of ₹ 18/ 25/-  for FY22E/23E respectively.
  • The consensus price target is ₹ 800/- which trades at 32x the EPS estimate for FY23E of ₹ 25/-.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”