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Sterling Tools LtdQ1 FY23

Sterling Tools Ltd Q1 FY23 Earnings Call Analysis

Revenue, margin, capex, fundraise and order book outlook from management commentary.

Price: 275P/E: 29.0Market Cap: ₹951 CrSector: Auto Components

Management growth scorecard

Revenue

Category 3

Margin

Category 2

Fundraise

No

Order

N/A

Capex

Yes

1 of 4 growth signals are positive — mixed outlook.

Full analysis

Revenue guidance

Category 3
  • Fasteners business revenue growth guidance for FY24 is expected between 17% to 20%, despite a muted industry outlook.
  • Volume growth contributes significantly, with 21% volume increase in FY23; product mix and price increases contribute around 7-8%.
  • Robust revenue growth plans extend to FY25 and FY26, driven by new product development and increased share of business.
  • EV component business aims to at least double revenue from FY23 levels (INR 171 crores), with capacity expansion underway (from 300,000 to 500,000 units per annum).
  • EV business growth supported by confirmed contracts from over 15 customers across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and LCVs.
  • Two-wheeler segment fastener revenue grew 36% in FY23; PVs 25%, CVs 62%, and farm equipment 36%.
  • Margin retention remains a priority; fasteners EBITDA margin guidance around 16% for FY24.
  • Growth expected to be volume-led with a combination of new products and market share gains.

Margin guidance

Category 2
  • Fasteners business revenue expected to grow 17%-20% in FY24; potential to reach full capacity revenue of INR 800+ crores with ongoing incremental capex (~INR 25-30 crores).
  • EV business revenue targeted to at least double from INR 170 crores in FY23, with capacity expansion underway (from 300,000 to 500,000 units annually).
  • EBITDA margins anticipated to improve: fasteners business margins around 16%; EV business margins expected to rise from 6.5-7% in FY23 to 8%-10% in FY24.
  • Consolidated EBITDA margins will likely exceed 13% in FY24 driven by margin improvements in both segments.
  • Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) in the EV business is strong at about 35%.
  • Overall earnings growth expected to be robust, supported by faster-than-industry revenue growth across segments and ongoing product development.

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Fundraise plans

No
- The company has a commercial paper facility approved by the Board but has decided **not to activate commercial paper borrowing at all** due to tight scheduling and unfavorable cost compared to current short-term borrowings (5.5%-7%). - No mention of plans to raise funds through equity in the provided transcript. - Incremental capex plans of INR 25-30 crores this year are funded internally, aimed at capacity expansion and new product capabilities, indicating no immediate external fundraising need highlighted. - No explicit announcements about future fundraising via debt or equity were disclosed in the transcript. In summary, Sterling Tools Limited is currently **not pursuing new debt via commercial paper** and has not indicated any new equity fundraising plans. They plan to fund capex through internal accruals.

Order book

  • Sterling Tools Limited has confirmed contracts with 15 customers in the EV segment, covering two-wheelers, three-wheelers (cargo and passenger), and LCVs.
  • Despite fluctuations in volumes due to market and regulatory factors, the company expects order volumes to increase as the industry stabilizes.
  • The company currently holds a 100% share of business with one of its largest customers.
  • Three-wheelers volumes have started picking up well, with good growth noted in Q4 FY23.
  • LCV volumes are expected to pick up from around Q3 FY24, currently selling in small quantities.
  • The company aims to at least double its EV business revenue from INR 170 crores in FY23 in the near future.
  • Sterling Tools anticipates a 2x growth potential in the EV business from current levels as new orders from multiple customers materialize.

Capex plans

Yes
  • Sterling Tools is increasing engineering spend to INR 6-7 crores, a 3x increase to strengthen engineering capabilities including headcount, testing, and validation.
  • A new Bangalore tech center has been opened for upgrading current products and developing new product lines.
  • Incremental capex of INR 25-30 crores planned this financial year to add capacity in the fastener business, including for specific products and balancing equipment.
  • The INR 30 crores capex is additional to previous capex plans aimed at growing beyond INR 800 crores in revenue and enabling manufacturing of new products.
  • Capacity expansion ongoing in the EV component business from 300,000 units to 500,000 units per annum.
  • Continuous investment planned to maintain the first-mover advantage and strengthen the EV product portfolio beyond motor control units.

How does Sterling Tools Ltd rank vs peers in Auto Components?

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1Sterling Tools Ltd
Rev 3Mar 2

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