Dear Value Pickr Community,
I’d like to share my research on DRC Systems India Ltd (NSE: DRCSYSTEMS), a lesser-known, Gujarat-based IT company that seems significantly undervalued given its fundamentals, ongoing expansion, and recent strategic moves. I’m invested, but this is intended as a discussion starter — not a recommendation.
Company Overview
DRC Systems provides IT services and software product development, with a growing global footprint. It focuses on eLearning platforms, blockchain applications, and AI-based solutions.
Why DRC Systems Caught My Attention
• Strong Fundamentals for Its Size
• Market Cap: ~₹350 Cr
• RoA: ~20% | RoE: ~28%
• Debt-Free with consistent profitability and asset-light model.
• Current P/E: ~19.4–23.5 — significantly lower than peers like Persistent Systems (P/E ~50) or Mastek (P/E ~30).
• Clear Growth Signals in FY25
• Q3 FY25 Revenue: ₹16.95 Cr, up 25% YoY
• PAT dropped to ₹3.55 Cr (due to one-time hiring & product dev costs), but margins should recover as new projects ramp up.
• Management commentary suggests $7–20 million in new international contracts (primarily US and Europe). Given software’s high margins, this could boost PAT to ₹50–100 Cr over the next 4–6 quarters.
• Significant Hiring Momentum
• Added 68 new postings in a single month (~23% workforce expansion), including:
• 41 hires in the US (Salesforce, SAP, Java, etc.)
• 25 in India, with several roles tied to Open edX and eLearning.
• One US role mentioned experience with Wells Fargo — while speculative, it may signal preparation for a US banking client or vendor engagement in the BFSI sector.
• Investing in High-Growth Segments
• Committed ₹26 Cr to developing:
• AI-based computer vision for attendance tracking (eLearning)
• Blockchain-based document platforms
• Skill India-aligned eLearning solutions built on Open edX
• These product areas tap into sectors (education, governance, BFSI) projected for high growth over the next 5–10 years.
• International Footprint Expanding
• Operations via DRC Systems USA LLC and UAE-based EZMS LLC FZ
• Reported 25% QoQ increase in platform users (Q1 FY25)
• Participated in GITEX 2024 (Dubai) and building Africa & US partnerships for product deployments
Valuation Snapshot
1. Current Case:
- Estimated PAT: ₹16 Cr
- P/E Assumption: 19.4 to 23.5
- Implied Market Cap: ₹350 Cr
- Implied Price per Share: ₹26 to ₹30
2. Moderate Case:
- Estimated PAT: ₹50 Cr
- P/E Assumption: 40
- Implied Market Cap: ₹2000 Cr
- Implied Price per Share: ₹150
3. Bullish Case:
- Estimated PAT: ₹100 Cr
- P/E Assumption: 45
- Implied Market Cap: ₹4500 Cr
- Implied Price per Share: ₹340
Note: Even at a conservative ₹50 Cr PAT and 30 P/E, the stock could re-rate to ~₹110/share (3–4x upside).
Risks to Consider
• Execution risk: Scaling from 300 to 368 employees rapidly to fulfill new contracts may challenge delivery timelines.
• Short-term margin pressure: Q3 FY25 PAT fell ~30% due to upfront hiring and R&D spend. This may persist one more quarter.
• High debtor days (151): May strain cash flows if payment cycles are stretched.
• Low promoter holding (22.4%) adds governance and volatility risk.
• Industry competition: Faces stiff competition in AI and EdTech from better-funded players like TCS and Zoho.
Why I’m Tracking Closely
Despite near-term margin pressure, I believe DRC Systems has laid the groundwork for strong PAT growth, especially if the international contracts materialize. The fundamentals (debt-free, high RoA), coupled with platform scalability, provide a favorable risk-reward setup at current valuations.
I’ve also been monitoring hiring patterns, job postings, and platform developments via LinkedIn and Google Alerts. The company’s digital footprint aligns with management’s growth claims — a rare positive sign in micro-caps.
Disclaimer: I am personally invested in DRC Systems. This post is for discussion only and not investment advice. Please do your own due diligence before making any decisions.