Astral Pipes posted a net profit of Rs. 96 Cr.

Astral Pipes posted a net profit of Rs. 96 Cr.

Astral posted consolidated revenue growth of 73.2% YoY in Q1FY23, majorly led by growth in plastic and adhesive. In the plastics segment, the company reported volume growth of 48.5% YoY, which was on par with the industry growth, indicating that Astral gained market share in the plumbing segment. The company’s gross margins fell by 717bps YoY due to a fall in PVC prices, leading to an inventory loss of Rs 25 Cr. The raw material and PVC prices are falling continuously and reached Rs 102/kg in July ’22 from Rs 120/kg in April-Jun 22. The company’s EBITDA margins fell by 433bps YoY due to a fall in its gross operating profitability. However, its reported PAT grew by 27.0% YoY at Rs. 96 Cr. as compared to sales due to a fall in operating profitability.

Volume expansion to boost growth:

Astral has reported volume growth of 10% in the piping segment, the highest among peers in the last 4 years. This reflects that Astral is gaining market share in the plumbing segment. The raw material and PVC prices have been falling continuously, which would help in improving the gross margins of the company after inventory is stabilised. Astral could deliver consolidated margins in the range of 17% to 18% in the upcoming quarters. Furthermore, Astral’s foray into valves, resins, sanitary ware, and tanks would add revenue growth in the upcoming years.

The company estimates that newly launched products and segments, including tanks, drain-pro, ball-valve, sanitary ware and faucets, and paint business, will be able to generate revenue of Rs 1,500 Cr over the next 5 years. Astral has invested Rs 1,000 crores in capex over the last five years, with the funds being used in the coming years. Therefore, the company is confident that it will be able to grow not only in its existing product portfolio but also accrue additional revenue of Rs 1,500 Cr in the next 4–5 years by leveraging its new products and categories. In April ’22, the company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling 51% stake in the operating business of Gem Paints Private Limited. ‘Gem’ paints have been manufacturing industrial and decorative coatings in South India.

Valuations:

The EPS was Rs. 4.42, compared to Rs.3.68 in June 2021. The ROCE and ROE were at 29.6% and 22.6%, respectively. The stock was trading at a P/E ratio of 94.3x. The company has an asset turnover ratio was 1.45x.The scrip is trading at Rs.2339, down by 6.65% on Friday.