Screener data will show poor growth because they show the CAGR numbers. But you have to take numbers in two lots. Those before 2018 and those after 2020. Auto industry went into a big slump from 2018-2020, and post Covid cycle seems to have turned, though its still marred by chip shortage.
In you look at numbers for 2016-17-18, sales were 153 cr-184 cr - 226 cr. Nearly 20 % CAGR. And OP was 42-59-74 cr. Again more than 20% CAGR.
Besides this, margins have been maintained at around 30%. They have not screwed the balance sheet. Dividend payout at 20-25% has been decent.
And the bet of course is on the auto industry growth aided by a strong trend of premiumisation. Look at all the hot selling cars. Most of them are in the 15-20 lacs bracket, most of them crossovers like Creta, Taigun, Kushaq, Seltos, Venue, etc. All these contains lots of premiumisation features and again a lot of them have loads of chrome plating. I tend to view the reviews of various cars on you tube and the first thing the presenter talks about is the chrome plating stuff and premium features. So I guess the theme of premiumisation is well and truly on and is going to stay. I think in previous years, the premiumisation theme was not so prominent. A car usually meant a car. No frills. Only a few cars provided premium features. Plus preference was for the budget cars. Nowadays, there is a huge preference for the higher end cars.
In my analysis the company ticks the boxes of management quality, business quality. Now need to see what kind of growth they can show. Million dollar question is can they walk the talk? If they do, at current juncture it seems attractive to me.
My strategy is to allocate a little lower than normal percentage now and then scale up if it crosses 500-510 in terms of price action. That will only happen if market participants feel company is on to something, or if numbers start coming through.
In the peer analysis provided in the IDBI initiating coverage report, only Galva Deco Parts has higher growth rate than SJS, but it is into losses. Data provided shows growth rate between 2014-2020 at 15%. Plus it has one of the best return ratios, and margin, and growth combinations in the comparative universe.
But the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Hence now that we are seeing some sectoral tailwinds, esp in the PV segment with waiting periods stretching months in some instances, we need to see growth in next few quarters and how it pans out. Near term, I think the Exotech and export segment should help.
The chart is the most interesting part of the whole equation. We have here a double bottom at around 350 levels. (rounded off). Stock price went down from around 450 in Jan 22 and went down to post another bottom at 350. Subsequent rally took it well over 450 mark and since June 22, it has formed a daily flag sort of formation with flag pole extending from 377 to 498. Breakout point would be closing above 480-485 with volumes and if that flag breakout pattern is successful, target can be close to 600 .