HEG Share Price

HEG Ltd

HEG Limited, headquartered in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s foremost manufacturers of graphite electrodes. The company was incorporated in 1972 as Hindustan Electro Graphites Limited. Over nearly five decades of operations, HEG has established itself as a leading supplier of graphite electrodes in India and globally.

HEG operates an integrated graphite electrode facility in Mandideep, Madhya Pradesh. With an annual capacity of 80,000 metric tons, it is the world’s largest single-site graphite electrode plant. The company also operates three captive power plants with a total capacity of 76.5 MW to meet its energy requirements.

HEG manufactures and supplies graphite electrodes of two grades - High Power (HP) and Ultra High Power (UHP). These electrodes find application in electric arc furnace steelmaking and are critical consumables for steel manufacturers. The company has long-term agreements with leading steel producers globally.

Global Presence and Export Focus

HEG Ltd has a strong global presence, with exports accounting for around 80% of its revenues. The company’s electrodes are exported to over 45 countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Some of HEG’s marquee global customers include ArcelorMittal, POSCO, US Steel, Nucor and Thyssenkrupp among others. The company’s consistent product quality and customer focus has helped it become a preferred supplier to large steel mills worldwide.

HEG’s extensive global reach provides significant growth opportunities and revenue stability amidst domestic demand fluctuations. The company is focused on expanding its exports further by engaging with new customers and geographies.

Financial Performance

HEG Limited's recent financial performance has shown mixed results, reflecting challenges in its business environment and operational adjustments. Below is a summary of the company's key financial metrics:

Annual Performance (FY24 vs. FY23)

• Revenue: HEG reported total revenues of ₹23.95 billion in FY24, a slight decline of 2.9% from ₹24.67 billion in FY23.
  
• Net Profit: The company's net profit dropped significantly by 41.5%, from ₹5.32 billion in FY23 to ₹3.12 billion in FY24.
  
• Gross Profit Margin: The gross profit margin decreased from 28.2% in FY23 to 19.4% in FY24, indicating cost pressures.
  
• Net Profit Margin: The net profit margin also fell from 21.6% in FY23 to 13.0% in FY24.
  

Quarterly Performance (FY24)

• For the quarter ending September 2024, HEG recorded:

Net Sales: ₹567.6 crore, slightly lower than ₹614.17 crore in September 2023.
Net Profit: ₹82.28 crore, a decline compared to ₹95.98 crore in the same quarter last year.

Cash Flow Analysis

• HEG's cash flow from operating activities improved significantly to ₹6,122 million in FY24, compared to ₹1,133 million in FY23. And this reflects better cash management despite declining profitability

• Cash flow from investing activities was negative at ₹-1,843 million, which meant continued investments in assets or projects.

Profitability Trends

• Over the past five years (FY20-FY24), HEG's net profit has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 55.5%, though recent years have seen volatility due to market conditions and cost dynamics.

Operational Metrics

• HEG maintained a debt-free status with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.0x, showcasing financial prudence

• The company's current ratio improved slightly to 2.3x in FY24 from 2.2x in FY23, indicating adequate liquidity for meeting short-term obligations

Challenges and Outlook

The decline in revenue and profitability during FY24 reflects challenges such as increased costs and market dynamics impacting demand for graphite electrodes. But, the company's strong cash flow generation and debt-free balance sheet provide resilience.

HEG has historically demonstrated robust financial performance and operational efficiency, and its strategic investments may position it for a rebound as market conditions stabilize.

Some key aspects supporting HEG’s financial performance are

• Leading market position and long-term customer contracts providing revenue visibility
  
• State-of-the-art integrated manufacturing facilities ensuring cost efficiency
  
• Captive power plants securing low-cost and uninterrupted power supply
  
• Focus on technology and process improvements to optimize resource utilization
  
• Prudent working capital management
  

With demand growth for steel and electrodes expected to continue, HEG is well placed to deliver sustainable profitability and shareholder value.

Competitive Strengths

The HEG share price has positively been impacted due to the company’s strong competitive positioning. And this competitive positioning stems from the following key strengths.

Integrated Manufacturing Set-up: HEG’s 80,000 TPA plant at Mandideep, MP is the world’s largest single-location graphite electrode facility. The plant’s integrated design provides significant cost efficiencies and flexibility to adjust product mix as per demand. This kind of captive power generation offers reliability in operations.

Technology and Innovation Focus: The company has continuously upgraded its technology through collaborations with leading global providers like SGL Carbon. As a result, automation initiatives have improved process control while digitization is helping augment manufacturing productivity.

Strong Customer Relationships: By supplying high-quality products through long-term contracts, HEG has forged strong relationships with marquee steel producers globally. These durable customer ties provide revenue visibility.

Strategic Investments: HEG has created new revenue streams through investments in hydropower generation. The company owns 49% in Bhilwara Energy Ltd which has multiple hydel assets across India. This offers diversification from core operations.

Experienced Leadership: HEG’s senior management brings decades of industry experience, providing thought leadership for the company’s strategic growth and evolution amidst dynamic market conditions.

Growth Strategy

HEG is pursuing the following strategic priorities to drive its next phase of growth.

• Diversify product portfolio by entering new carbon-based segments like lithium ion batteries
  
• Expand international footprint by engaging with new steel mills and entering high-potential markets
  
• Pursue inorganic growth through acquisitions
  
• Continue investments in clean power generation through hydropower and solar assets
  
• Leverage digitization and Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance manufacturing productivity
  
• Maintain focus on financial discipline, cost optimization and working capital efficiency
  

The demand outlook for steel and graphite electrodes remains robust, backed by urbanization and infrastructure development. By leveraging its core strengths and executing its strategic growth plans, HEG is well positioned to deliver sustained value creation for shareholders.

Investment Rationale

For investors, HEG offers an attractive opportunity to benefit from the growth in steel and graphite electrodes, coupled with the company’s strong positioning.

• Market leader in graphite electrodes in India with growing global footprint
• State-of-the-art integrated facility ensuring cost competitiveness
• Long-term contracts with marquee steel producers provide revenue visibility
• Strong financial track record with healthy profitability and return ratios
• Diversification into hydropower generation offers new growth avenues
• Experienced management team to guide future growth strategy
• Strong balance sheet with low debt provides financial flexibility

Valuations also appear reasonable given the company’s growth prospects, capital efficiency and strong cash generation. HEG remains a key sector play in the materials space.