Exicom Tele-Services: A Key Player in the Booming EV Sector

Incorporated in 1994, Exicom Tele-Systems Ltd manufactures EV chargers and Critical Power components.

Exicom Tele Services is an Indian company that has traditionally been known for its expertise in providing telecom infrastructure solutions, but what sets it apart now is its significant role in the rapidly growing Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem.Exicom is not just playing a part in the telecom industry but is also making strategic strides in the EV sector. Here’s why Exicom Tele Services is a top value pick for investors looking to capitalize on the booming EV market.

1. The EV Sector Boom: The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly, driven by the shift to clean energy. Exicom Tele Services is well-positioned to tap into this growth with its solutions in EV charging infrastructure, energy storage, and telecom integration.
2. Exicom’s Role in the EV Ecosystem:

  • EV Charging Solutions: Exicom provides both AC and DC fast charging infrastructure, meeting the rising demand for accessible charging stations.
  • Energy Storage Systems: Exicom offers essential energy storage solutions for efficient charging and grid stability.

The acquisition of Tritium, a leading global provider of fast-charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs), marks a significant strategic move for Exicom Tele Services.

Tritium specializes in the development and manufacturing of DC fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. By acquiring Tritium, Exicom gains access to cutting-edge charging technology that will enhance its own EV charging solutions. This acquisition helps Exicom expand its capabilities in providing fast, reliable, and efficient charging stations—essential to meet the increasing demand for EV infrastructure as the market grows. Tritium is an international player in the EV charging market with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Australia. Acquiring Tritium allows Exicom to extend its reach beyond India and tap into global markets, particularly as the global push for electric vehicles and clean energy solutions continues to accelerate.

Key Highlights and Landmark Events

Largest Purchase Orders: Exicom received its largest purchase orders in history, totaling approximately Rs. 1,680 crores, within its critical power business.This includes supplying hybrid power systems, lithium-ion batteries, and services like annual maintenance contracts for over 10 years for the BharatNet program, aimed at connecting over 160,000 panchayats.

Product Development and Innovation:Exicom launched an integrated DC fast charging technology with energy storage at the Bharat Mobility Show. The company is investing in liquid-cooled charging technology at its R&D center in Brisbane, Australia, expected to launch in H2 of FY26.

International Markets: The acquisition of Tritium has opened a $10 billion addressable market13. Exicom aims to be among the top five DC fast charger manufacturers in key global markets by 2030.

Recent Performance and Challenges
Exicom Tele-Systems experienced losses in the recent two quarters primarily due to a combination of factors affecting both their EV charging and critical power businesses, as well as strategic decisions related to expansion.
EV Charging Business Performance: In the EV charging sector, sales were initially sluggish in the first half of calendar year 2024, with companies awaiting new models. However, Q3 saw a rise in demand, with Exicom’s revenue growing 38% year-on-year. Despite this growth, the company faced intense competition, leading to margin squeeze. To mitigate this, Exicom is focused on reliability, key customer retention and increasing its wallet share with those customers.

Critical Power Business Performance: The critical power business experienced a slowdown in Quarter 3, with sales decreasing by almost 60%. This was attributed to consolidation within telecom infrastructure companies, delays in PSU projects and the deferment of CAPEX by telcos after heavy investments in 5G networks. The telecom infrastructure spend usually happens in phases and is not consistent quarter-on-quarter. However, the company anticipates better growth in Q4 and stable revenues over the next three years, supported by large orders.

Acquisition of Tritium: A significant factor affecting profitability was the acquisition of Tritium. While this acquisition opened up a $10 billion addressable market and is central to Exicom’s global expansion strategy, it also brought short-term financial challenges. The first quarter after the acquisition was focused on restructuring the business, transferring assets and customer contracts, which took time and required investment. Tritium is still in a startup phase, and its costs have negatively impacted Exicom’s consolidated numbers. The company expects Tritium to achieve EBITDA breakeven in FY26.

Exicom Tele-Systems Limited’s stock price has corrected significantly from its all-time high and is now near its IPO price level. As of February 13, 2025, the stock price is ₹184.25. This is a substantial drop from its all-time high of ₹530.00, which was reached in July 2024. The 52-week high was also ₹530.00, occurring on July 2, 2024. The current price represents a decline of ₹345.75 from the 52-week high.
Given the current valuation and recent performance, Exicom’s stock is considered overpriced. However, the long-term forecast suggests potential for growth. Investors with a long-term horizon might find it interesting to monitor the stock, especially if it aligns with their risk appetite and investment strategy.
Disc: Just tracking. Not a buy/sell recommendation

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Note of caution - rating downgrade. I would be wary of being too adventurous.

CARE has downgraded the ratings assigned to the bank facilities of Exicom Tele-Systems Limited (Hereinafter referred to as ETSL) to CARE BBB/CARE A3 while assigning ‘Negative’ outlook and removed from ‘Rating Watch with Developing implications (RWD)’.
The ratings were placed on rating watch with developing implications due to the lack of clarity over the funding pattern of acquisition and its overall impact on the credit risk profile of the company. The ratings have now been removed from rating watch after the finalization of acquisition deal on September 10, 2024, which has been funded through a mix of debt (84%), internal accruals (4) and IPO proceeds (13%).
The downgrade in the ratings of ETSL factors in significant deterioration in the operational and financial performance of the company during 9MFY25 (refers to the period from April 01, 2024 to December 31, 2024). The company reported increased losses at operating level during Q3FY25 (refers to the period from October 01, 2024 to December 31, 2024), attributable to higher fixed overheads in recently acquired Tritium group of entities and slower-than-expected ramp up in its operations. Further, the primary business of the company i.e. Critical Power Segment also remained subdued during the quarter with delays in receipt of PSU **
****(Pu
blic-Secor Undertaking) projects and older inventory being offloaded at lower margins. Furthermore, significantly lower cash accruals coupled with elevated debt repayment obligations led to significant deterioration in debt coverage indicators and overall financial risk profile. The ratings continue to remain constrained vulnerability of margins to raw material prices and foreign exchange rates.**
However, the ratings continue to derive strength from promoter’s extensive experience in power electronics industry, its longstanding relationship with some of the big telecom companies resulting in steady revenue stream over the years and reputed clientele. The ratings also favourably consider ETL’s diversified product portfolio, strong research and development capabilities developed by the group leading to constant improvement and customization of its products. Moreover, the group has recently been awarded purchase order worth Rs.1,680 crore as part of Bharat Net Connectivity Project in the critical power segment. Going forward, execution of recently awarded orders of Rs.1,680 cr. under Bharat Net Project under the domestic critical power segment extends substantial revenue visibility starting from Q1FY26. Furthermore, improvement in performance of overseas operations under the new management shall be a key monitorable for a positive and sustainable turnaround of operations of the company.

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Their large telecom business adss some revenue certainity but obviously it’s the chargers that will be the decider. Tritium is acually a very renowned brand that was horribly executed but this has also resulted in the stock becoming essentially a call option. Either they success by far and give you multi-fold returns or it’s a total disaster. So yes, I like this company and am invested at 250 levels, but invest money that you are ready to lose. Management guided for positive standalone numbers so I will be watching that very closely.

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They have also launched new products recently and the management is confident about it’s demand.

New Charging Products Launched in January 2025

  1. Harmony Boost
  • Features: This EV charging solution integrates solar power, grid input, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to deliver fast charging of up to 400kW per plug. It is designed to reduce dependence on grid power while maximizing the use of renewable energy.

  • Environmental Adaptability: The system features advanced IP65 liquid-cooled batteries and power electronics, ensuring high reliability, low maintenance costs, and increased longevity in harsh conditions like high dust, temperature, and noise.

  1. Harmony Dispenser Unit
  • Features: This high-power, distributed EV charging product is available in various configurations for power levels up to 400kW per plug. It offers intelligent power sharing between multiple plugs, catering to the varied charging requirements of different EVs while increasing the overall efficiency of the charging station.

Management Guidance

  • Vision and Commitment: Mr. Anant Nahata, Managing Director of Exicom, emphasized the company’s commitment to contributing to India’s green mobility revolution. He highlighted that the Harmony Boost addresses the need for clean energy integration, effective load balancing, enhanced scalability, cost savings, and a superior charging experience.

  • Future Plans: Exicom aims to continue solving current and future challenges for EV users, charge point operators, and the larger EV charging ecosystem in India and globally. The company also plans to expand its global footprint through strategic collaborations and product launches.

Strategic Collaborations and Expansion

  • ChargeZone Partnership: Exicom has partnered with ChargeZone to develop and deploy over 500 high-power EV charging stations across India, integrating renewable energy solutions.

  • New Hyderabad Facility: Exicom plans to start production at its new facility in Hyderabad by May 2025, increasing its capacity by 3X for both chargers and battery packs. This facility will also serve as an export base for its products.

  • Global Reach: The company aims to expand its presence in North America, the Middle East, and Australia, with plans to enter Brazil and secure local government certifications in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

These initiatives and product launches demonstrate Exicom’s dedication to advancing sustainable and efficient EV charging solutions, both in India and globally.

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