HPL Electric: In-Depth Fundamental Analysis and Future Stock Predictions After a ₹144 Crore Order Win on September 12

HPL Electric & Power Ltd has been a dominant player in India’s electrical equipment manufacturing sector for over four decades. Specializing in key product verticals such as metering solutions, modular switches, switchgear, LED lighting, and wires & cables, HPL has made its mark across diverse customer segments, including power utilities, government agencies, and retail and institutional buyers. The company exports its products to over 42 countries, solidifying its global presence.

Recently, HPL Electric has gained momentum in the stock market. After a 2% surge on September 13, 2024, shares closed at ₹596, driven by a significant ₹144 crore order win for smart and conventional meters. Despite this surge, the stock slipped slightly by 0.53% after the rally, presenting investors with both opportunities and risks. Let’s delve deeper into HPL Electric’s financials, growth potential, and the outlook for its stock.

HPL Electric’s Growth Potential and Market Presence

HPL holds a dominant position in several product categories. The company commands a 50% market share in on-load change-over switches, 20% in the domestic electric meters market, and 5% in the low-voltage switchgear market. Additionally, HPL ranks as the 5th largest LED manufacturer in India. This well-established market presence, combined with its strong distribution network of 900 authorized dealers and 45,000+ retailers, underscores the company’s strong footing in the industry.

HPL has also outlined ambitious expansion plans, aiming to increase its retailer count to 100,000 by March 2025. This aggressive expansion strategy should further solidify its market presence and fuel future growth.

Order Book and Financial Performance

As of September 2024, HPL boasts an impressive order book of ₹1500+ crore, with 82% of these orders stemming from the metering products segment and 18% from the consumer and industrial segment. This diversified order book provides both stability and growth prospects in the near term.

In Q1FY25, HPL Electric delivered impressive financial results:

  • Net sales surged by 25% year-on-year to ₹390 crore.
  • Net profit skyrocketed by 159% year-on-year to ₹16 crore.
  • EBITDA jumped 42% year-on-year to ₹54 crore.

These robust numbers highlight the company’s ability to capitalize on increasing demand and execute efficiently in its operations.

Fundamental Financial Analysis of HPL Electric

The provided chart showcases HPL Electric’s performance across several key metrics from March 2018 to March 2025 (predicted):

Fundamental Analysis

Sales, Net Profit & Operating Profit

  • Sales: HPL Electric’s sales have steadily increased from ₹1,036 crore in March 2018 to a predicted ₹1,689.79 crore by March 2025.
  • Operating Profit: The company’s operating profit has also grown significantly, projected to reach ₹220.16 crore in March 2025, up from ₹110 crore in March 2018.
  • Net Profit: Similarly, net profit is expected to jump to ₹50.89 crore in March 2025, after a series of ups and downs over the years.

Operating Profit Margin (OPM):

HPL’s OPM has shown consistent improvement over the years, rising from 10.62% in March 2018 to 13.14% in March 2024, with a slight dip to 13.03% predicted for March 2025. This improvement in margins reflects the company’s ability to control costs while expanding its revenue base.

Earnings Per Share (EPS):

The company’s EPS is expected to grow significantly, reaching ₹7.83 in March 2025 from ₹4.27 in March 2018. This growth indicates better returns for shareholders over the coming years.

Return on Equity (ROE):

HPL’s ROE has shown a recovery after a dip in 2021. It is projected to rise to 6.11% in March 2025, a significant improvement from the 1.05% low in March 2022. This suggests that the company is becoming more efficient in generating profits from its equity base.

Asset Distribution:

The chart highlights that most of HPL’s assets are tied to other assets (₹1,403 crore), followed by fixed assets, which stands at ₹461 crore. CWIP(Capital Work In Progress) stands at ₹10 crore.

Liability Distribution:

The company has a relatively balanced liability distribution, with ₹627 crore in borrowings, ₹764 crore in reserves, and ₹419 crore in other liabilities. Its equity capital is valued at ₹64 crore, which indicates a conservative capital structure with a focus on long-term stability.

Stock Analysis and Future Predictions

Currently trading at ₹596 as on 13/09/2024, HPL Electric’s price-to-earnings (PE) ratio stands at 71.4, which is considerably higher compared to peers like Crompton Greaves and Havells India. Despite this higher valuation, HPL’s stock remains attractive due to its growth potential, particularly in light of the recent ₹144 crore smart meter order and other upcoming projects.

Short-Term Outlook (3 months)

  • Target: ₹630-₹650
  • Stop-loss: ₹570

Given the stock’s recent surge and momentum, a short-term target of ₹630-₹650 is feasible. However, cautious investors might want to set a stop-loss around ₹570 to mitigate potential risks, especially considering the stock’s recent volatility.

Long-Term Outlook

  • Target: ₹700-₹750
  • Stop-loss: ₹550

With a growing order book, expansion plans, and improving financial performance, HPL Electric has significant potential for long-term investors. A target of ₹700-₹750 is achievable within the next 12-18 months, assuming the company continues its current growth trajectory.

Conclusion

HPL Electric & Power Ltd is a well-established player in the Indian electrical equipment market with significant growth potential. The company’s dominant position in key product categories, strong order book, and expanding distribution network make it an attractive investment option. Despite trading at a higher PE ratio than its peers, HPL’s strong financial performance and recent order wins suggest that the stock has room for further growth. Investors should keep a close eye on the stock’s performance, especially in the wake of its recent ₹144 crore order for smart meters.

With solid fundamentals and a clear growth strategy, HPL Electric is well-positioned to capitalize on India’s growing demand for electrical products, making it a stock worth watching for both short-term traders and long-term investors.

FAQs

What is driving HPL Electric’s recent stock surge?

HPL Electric’s stock recently surged due to the announcement of a ₹144 crore order for smart and conventional meters. The company’s strong financial performance, including a 159% YoY increase in net profit, also contributed to the stock’s rise.

How does HPL’s PE ratio compare to its peers?

HPL Electric’s PE ratio is currently 71.4, higher than peers like Crompton Greaves and Havells India. While this suggests a premium valuation, the company’s growth potential justifies this higher multiple.

What are HPL Electric’s growth plans?

HPL aims to expand its distribution network to 100,000 retailers by March 2025, up from the current 45,000+. This aggressive growth strategy should further cement its market presence and drive future sales.

What is HPL’s current order book value?

HPL’s current order book stands at over ₹1,500 crore, with 82% coming from the metering segment and 18% from the consumer and industrial segments.

How is HPL performing financially?

HPL delivered strong Q1FY25 results, with net sales rising by 25% YoY to ₹390 crore and net profit jumping by 159% to ₹16 crore. The company’s EBITDA also grew by 42% YoY to ₹54 crore.

What is the outlook for HPL Electric’s stock?

For the short term, a target of ₹630-₹650 is feasible, with a stop-loss at ₹570. Long-term investors can expect the stock to reach ₹700-₹750 in the next 12-18 months, provided the company continues its growth trajectory.

What are the risks associated with investing in HPL Electric?

HPL’s high valuation (PE of 71.4) relative to its peers could pose risks, particularly if the company fails to meet growth expectations. Additionally, any delays in order execution or macroeconomic factors could impact its stock performance.
Check out In-depth Fundamental Analysis of  TCS
Check out In-depth Fundamental Analysis of INFOSYS
Check out In-depth Fundamental Analysis of Adani Ports
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Always consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Anirban Paira brings over 6 years of robust experience in the banking industry, specializing in various loan segments including Retail, MSME, and Corporate Loans. Leveraging his extensive background, Anirban excels at delivering in-depth balance sheet analysis of listed companies, transforming complex financial data into actionable insights. Through his expertise, Equity Alchemy aims to empower investors and financial enthusiasts with clear, detailed, and visually compelling company analysis.

Sharing Is Caring:

Leave a Comment