Sector Update | 17 January 2013
Capital Goods
T&D Equipment: Industry structure under transformation
Demand environment to improve in FY14, but profitability eroded
Green energy corridors / intra-state transmission network / substation automation projects are likely to contribute
incrementally to order intake in FY14/FY15. Several of these projects will necessitate technology upgradation by Indian
companies.
The tough stance taken by governments globally against aggressive imports is likely to curb competitive intensity. We
believe that industry profitability will now be determined by rivalry amongst existing players, as the threat of imports /
new entrants has reduced.
After significant erosion in the last few years, industry profitability is stabilizing at lower levels. There are no signs of
improvement, yet.
We maintain Neutral on the T&D Equipment sector, and prefer Crompton Greaves over ABB / Siemens.
PWGR's order awards to plateau, but few green
shoots emerging
Power Grid (PWGR) ordering is likely to plateau, as most
of the 12th Plan (FY12-17) projects have already been
tendered out. However, there exist upside possibilities
from (i) green energy corridors (investment plan:
INR400b), (ii) intra-state transmission projects (as
strengthening of the sub-transmission network in the
states is an important part of the chain and several states
are forming JVs / MoUs with PWGR), and (iii) substation
automation (particularly post the blackouts in July 2012).
We expect project awards to accelerate in FY14/FY15.
Several of these projects will necessitate technology
upgradation by Indian companies.
15-19% in FY09 to 7-8%. This is a function of increased
competitive intensity, resulting in 25-30% decline in
transformer prices. With product prices bottoming out
and prices of raw material (CRGO electrical steel) easing,
margins are showing signs of stabilization. On the back
of PWGR ordering, the demand for MVA power
transformers is up ~2x from 2008 levels, while the
demand for distribution transformers continues to be
at 2008 levels. We believe that power products should
see improved demand environment, given that several
SEBs have raised tariffs over the past 18 months. The
financial restructuring proposals of SEBs will also lead
to improved liquidity.
PWGR ordering: Quarterly trend
Competition from imports to wane, but domestic
competition could intensify
In the recent months, governments across the globe
have taken a tough stance towards aggressive
equipment imports, imposing anti-dumping duties /
stringent conditions. Such actions, in our opinion, have
set a strong precedent. Several Chinese and Korean
players have announced plans to set up local
transformer manufacturing capacities in India - while
this provides a level playing field for domestic players,
it also increases domestic capacity and the incumbents
could retaliate through further capacity expansions
which could permanently alter the industry structure.
Source: PGWR
Profitability stabilizing after significant erosion;
still no signs of improvement
Profitability in power products has eroded over the last
3-4 years, with EBIT margins declining from a peak of
Our view:
Competitive intensity in the Indian T&D
equipment sector remains high. We believe that low
product prices would keep margins under pressure at
least in the near to medium term. We maintain
Neutral
on the T&D sector, with preference for Crompton
Greaves over Siemens / ABB.
Satyam Agarwal
(AgarwalS@MotilalOswal.com) +91 22 3982 5410
Deepak Narnolia
(Deepak.Narnolia@MotilalOswal.com) +91 22 3982 5126
Investors are advised to refer through disclosures made at the end of the Research Report.