Bharat Electronics
Cluster: Apple Green
Recommendation: Buy
Price target: Rs1,525
Current market price: Rs1,108
Sound as a BEL(L)
Key points
- Growing addressable market: The healthy increase in the capital outlay of the defence budget and the government's efforts to reduce dependence on imports for critical equipment and security systems has considerably increased the size of the addressable market for the defence equipment manufacturers. With its wide range of product portfolio, R&D capabilities and a proven track record, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) is well poised to effectively tap the same.
- Civilian orders and export business to aid overall growth: BEL has taken steps to improve its market share in the civilian market, especially the fast-growing broadband access equipment and telecom segments. It has bagged some prestigious large civilian contracts recently including the Rs500-crore order from MTNL. In exports market also, it is expanding its reach and has set an aggressive revenue target of $24 million in FY2007 (up from $13.7 million in FY2006).
- Scope for positive surprises: With the recent modernisation and expansion of its manufacturing facilities as well as its technical capabilities, BEL is actively looking at tapping the huge opportunity in the contract manufacturing service space. The additional capacities shall also make it the preferred contender for any foreign supplier looking at partnering with a domestic entity as per the offset clause for any contract worth over Rs300 crore from the defence sector.
- Attractive valuations: BEL's net revenue and earnings are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.4% and 14.1% respectively, over FY2006-08E. The current valuations do not capture the improved growth outlook and the free cash & cash equivalents of Rs385 per share expected by the end of FY2008. We recommend a Buy on BEL with the price target of Rs1,525.