The company was a dedicated torch and transistor battery manufacturing company in the past. However the company diversified into a new product range considering the market dynamics and doing so now marketing LAXAPANA brand zinc chloride & alkaline type AA and AAA batteries, CFL bulbs and safety wax matches and sanitary napkins under LILY brand name and also introduced a LAXPANA brand re-chargeable torch to the market.
Company Performance
Since the new product launch the company has achieved a remarkable revenue growth recording a significant revenue growth of 81% in FY14/15 with a PAT growth of 46% in the same year, however the company experienced a decline in profit margins due to new product development costs. With the realization of incremental revenues the margins are likely to improve over the next couple of years. Company NAV as at 30th Sep 2015 was Rs4.32. The ROE has improved to 8.7% in FY14/15 and remarkably improved to 20% during the first half of FY15/16.
The company is a relatively geared company where 45% of total assets were financed through borrowings. However the accumulation of positive operating cashflows will help the company to reduce the debt component gradually over the years to come.
According to the 1H results, the company is likely to achieve a revenue of Rs380mn for FY 15/16 and Rs540mn for FY16/17.Assuming a constant profit margin the estimated bottom line would be Rs33mn for FY15/16 and Rs47mn for FY16/17.
Opportunities and Challenges
The company's new product range is very much suited for modern day retail energy demand hence an investor can expect over 25% annual growth rate for the next few years. Probably the company will enter into the production of rechargeable batteries which goes in tandem with alkaline batteries.
However the new product range is to face stiff competition from both local as well as imported brands. Especially the imported brands will pose a significant challenge given their lower prices. However by offering a quality and durable product at a reasonable price should be enough to meet this challenge which is the focus of the company at the moment.
Valuations
Given the forecasted earning the share is currently trading at a forward PE of 9.3x @ a market price of Rs7.90 based on FY15/16 earnings and at a forward PE of 6.6x based on FY16/17 earnings. If the stock to trade at a 50% discount to sector PE the stock could be valued over Rs11.50 (based on FY16/17 earnings). Furthermore it is the company's policy to declare more than 50% of the profits as dividend so investors can expect a DPS of 50 cents for FY15/16 and a DPS of 70 cents for FY16/17.
Recommendation
Considering the huge growth potential of the stock backed by a high DY and low liquidity of the stock (only 39mn shares in issue) I recommend this is a BUY stock. The current depressed market may provide investors the golden opportunity to grab even for a lower price than the current price.
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