Value Buy - Kernex Microsystems

· Kernex Microsystems is engaged into manufacturing of Networked Anti-Collision Devices (ACD) for Indian Railways and had installed over 2,500 kms. in Indian Railways since 04 – 05.

· These ACDs are supplied by the company to Railways, through Konkan Railways, under its exclusive Technology and Production Tie-up.

· Railways Board, after review of ACD Pilot Project in North Frontier Railways, set by the company, declared it to be completed, commissioned and proved to be successful. According to Railway Safety Plan, ACD Systems will be deployed in the entire Indian Railway Network by 2013 and survey over 10,000 kms is in progress.

· Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has cleared deploying thee ACDs under Railway Safety Plan, in its 08 – 09 budget. This was pending for quite a long time, which finally saw light of the day.

· The total outlay by Railways on these ACDs, till 2013 – 14 is estimated to be about Rs.3,500 crores, taking cost escalation and design changes into consideration and for about 56,000 kms., covering all routes of Indian Railways. So, annual flow of orders to the company, could be about Rs.400 crores.

· For FY 07, total income of the company was at Rs.29.68 crores, of which Rs.6.90 crores came via bank interest and provisions written back. Due to this, EPS for the year, was at Rs.5.61. The income of Rs.21.80 crores from its core business is purely of maintenance of ACDs supplied earlier by the company, which is about 15% annually, of cost of equipment.

· Even in first nine months of FY 08, total operational income of about Rs.15 crores is purely from AMC of ACDs supplied by the company to Railways, earlier. Even this activity would give an EPS of about Rs.5 to the company.

· The present paid-up equity of the company is at Rs.12.50 crores, which got raised due to 1 bonus share, issued on every 10 shares held, by the company. Of this, promoters holding is 58% while 42% is held by the public.

· The EBITDA margin of the company on these ACDs are over 40% and costs about 35% to 40% against similar devices, if imported. Also, any supply of ACDs gives an assured AMC of 15%, every year, to the company, on equipments supplied. ACDs supplied by the company in 05 – 06 is enabling the company to earn an AMC revenue of Rs.20 crores, annually, by which EPS of about Rs.5 is being earned.

· Once this supply will start to Railways, the performance of the company, would come in new orbit with EBITDA in excess of Rs.50 crores, depending upon the quantum of order flow from Railways. Even bottomline could be close to Rs.25 crores, giving an EPS of Rs.20 as the company has least interest and depreciation burden.

· The company is also aiming to capture the major segments of medium to light density Rail routes in developing countries, as the ACD system is efficiently suited and cost effective. The company is hopeful of securing ACD orders from countries like Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam.

· Even continuous upgradation keep happening in ACDs as R&D is the main focus of the company. This would keep demand of improved version products in place, which shall assure continuous and assured business to the company.

· The company also makes Advanced Railway Signal Systems, for which major trust has been given by Railways in its recent budget. This could be another area of growth for the company.

· The company is also developing “Multi Section Digital Axle Counter” in collaboration with Altpro, Zerob, Croatia and Indian Railways has requirement of about Rs.600 crores, in the next five year for this product.

· The company also makes Auto Driving Devices for Metro Railway, which would be developed once Indian Market for the same is developed.

· The company is a debt free company and Rs.99 crores, raised by the company from IPO is still available with the company.

· With expectation of these Railway orders, working of the company would improve sharply from FY 09. Since the sector enjoys a very high PE multiple, share had potential to cross Rs.500 mark in the next 10 – 12 months. Long term prospects are extremely bright.


· Share at Rs.220 is a safe bet which can give a return of 100% in the next 12 months and a consistent return of 40% to 50%, annualized, over the next 2 – 3 years.