Amara Raja Batteries Limited: Charging Up for the Future

Company Overview

Established in 1985 as a joint venture between the Amara Raja Group and Johnson Controls Inc., ARBL has emerged as a frontrunner in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries. The company has diversified its product offerings by assembling lithium battery packs and producing chargers, catering to clients across various sectors, including Piaggio, Mahindra, Omega SEKI, Indus Towers, and BSNL.

Industry Analysis

• The Indian government aims to achieve 30% EV adoption by 2030, primarily driven by the electrification of two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and commercial vehicles
• The lithium-ion battery industry in India is predicted to grow from 2.9 GWh in 2018 to about 132 GWh by 2030, at a CAGR of 35.5%
• The global industrial batteries market is projected to reach $28.1 billion in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.2%

Historical Performance

• Revenue growth at a CAGR of 11% from INR 6,059 Cr. in FY18 to INR 10,386 Cr. in FY23
• Net profit expansion at a CAGR of 10% over the same period
• Stable EBITDA margin around 15-16% and ROE consistently in the range of 20-22%

Strategic Initiatives and Growth Drivers

1. Lithium Cell Manufacturing Facility: ARBL plans to commence operations at its lithium cell manufacturing facility by FY26, initially focusing on NMC cell chemistry. The facility is projected to achieve an asset turnover ratio of 1-1.2x at optimal utilization, with potential to reach 1.4-1.5x through productivity improvement initiatives
2. Investment in Advanced Battery Technology: ARBL invested $40 million in Log9, a Bengaluru-based deep-tech battery startup. This investment will increase Log9's monthly battery pack production capacity from 3,000 to 24,000-27,000 units
3. Comprehensive Distribution Network: ARBL boasts a robust network comprising 23 branches, 39 distribution points, over 500 Amaron Franchisees, more than 100,000 Points of Sale, 1,000 Power Zone Retail stores, and 2,000 extensive service hubs across India
4. Export Expansion: The company has initiated shipments to North America and aims to expand battery exports to over 80 countries by FY28

Financial Analysis and Valuation

Based on our analysis, we project ARBL's FY26 EPS at INR 57.37 and assign a multiple of 20x. This results in a target price of INR 1,147, implying a 27% upside potential within the next 12-18 months.

Recommendation

We recommend a "Buy" rating for Amara Raja Batteries Limited, considering its strong market position, strategic initiatives, and growth prospects in the rapidly expanding EV and lithium-ion battery markets in India. The company's diversified product portfolio, investment in advanced battery technologies, and extensive distribution network further strengthen its investment case.