SKF India Limited (SKFINDIA)

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Summary from February 2024

SKF India Limited Analyst Meeting Summary

Meeting Overview • Date: February 21, 2024 • Organized by: Kotak Securities Limited • Key Speaker: CFO Ashish Saraf

Business SegmentsIndustrial (50%) • Key areas: Railways, wind, metals, heavy industries • Railways contribute ~8% to overall business • Strong market share in passenger and locomotive segments (>40%) • Focus on increasing freight segment share (10-15%)

Automotive (40%) • Engagement with major EV players (Ola, Ather) • Market share improvements in two-wheelers • Challenges from Japanese and Korean manufacturers

Exports (10%) • Limited visibility in wind energy sector • Exports increased by 8%, targeting Southeast Asia

Manufacturing and Localization • 60% of products manufactured locally • Capital expenditure plans increased from INR 100 crores to INR 150 crores • Localization rates: Automotive (90-95%), Industrial (35-40%) • Focus on enhancing manufacturing capabilities and cost management

Pricing and Margins • Higher pricing due to inflation and energy costs in Europe • Current margins around 15%, stable traded margins • Issues with counterfeit products and reliable suppliers • Long-term growth target of 10-12%, aligned with GDP growth

Growth Outlook • Projected growth rate of 10-12% driven by GDP growth (6-7%) and inflation (4-5%) • Commitment to maintaining dividend payout of 40-50% of earnings • Focus on market share gains despite competition

Sector-Specific InsightsWind Energy: Challenges with pricing; limited growth expected in 2024 • Railways: Focus on passenger services; involvement in Vande Bharat project • Manufacturing: Limitations in producing large bearings; regional localization emphasized

Capital Expenditure and Investment Strategy • Capex typically takes 1-2 years from approval to production • Investment decisions based on market demand and technical requirements • Focus on regional manufacturing for India and Southeast Asia

Performance Metrics • Revenue breakdown: Industrial (50%), Automotive (30%), Railways (7%), Heavy Industry (5%), General Machinery (8%) • Aftermarket sales yield better margins than original equipment sales • Industrial aftermarket around 25%, automotive aftermarket approximately 11%

Challenges and Strategies • Addressing operational challenges post-SAP implementation • Renewing contracts with end-users to regain market share • Focus on improving distribution and incentivizing channel partners

Conclusion • SKF India aims for sustainable growth through strategic investments, localization, and a focus on profitability while navigating market challenges.

Summary of HDFC Conference Call

Service Revenue Overview • Mix of sectors: railway, aftermarket services, textiles • Challenges in textiles due to political uncertainties and sluggish exports • Expected growth: Industrial segments to grow faster than automotive

Aftermarket and Railway Performance • Aftermarket projected to grow at a double-digit rate • Railway segment contributes 7% to overall industrial revenue

Profitability and Transfer Pricing • Profitability concerns from traded goods and transfer pricing impacts • Projected margins between 50%-60%, stabilization expected as pricing actions slow

Management Changes and Strategic Shift • Manish to continue as MD while transitioning to a new role in the Americas • Strategic shift towards a regionalized supply chain post-COVID

Talent Pool and Business Segments • Emphasis on promoting talented individuals from India to global positions • Aftermarket constitutes 11% of total business with contributions from automotive and industrial sectors

Summary from August 2023

SKF India Limited 62nd Annual General Meeting Summary

Meeting OverviewDate: August 2, 2023 • Format: Video conferencing • Chairman: Mr. Gopal Subramanyam • Key Participants: Board of Directors, statutory auditors, Company Secretary Mr. Ranjan Kumar • Documentation: Annual Report for FY ending March 31, 2023, shared prior to the meeting; transcript to be available on the company website.

Financial Performance HighlightsNet Sales Revenue: Increased by 38% to INR 4,305 crores for FY2022-23. • Growth Factors: Disciplined cash flow management, operational efficiency, customer-centric innovation. • Market Context: India’s growth rate at 7.2% despite global challenges (COVID-19, inflation).

Strategic FocusIntelligent and Clean Growth Strategy: Targeting high-growth segments like electric vehicles and renewables. • Local Presence: Emphasis on employee development and community initiatives, particularly in education and sustainability.

Managing Director's InsightsCentennial Milestone: Commitment to innovation and sustainability. • New Purpose Statement: "Together, we re-imagine rotation for a better tomorrow." • Financial Performance: 17.5% organic growth and increased cash flow despite macroeconomic challenges. • Customer Collaboration: Partnership with Mahindra for energy-efficient components.

Localization and Sustainability EffortsManufacturing Localization: Successful production of bearings in India for a cement OEM. • Employee Investment: Focus on training and well-being. • Climate Goals: Decarbonization by 2030, net-zero emissions by 2050, with current improvements in energy efficiency and renewable energy sourcing. • CSR Initiatives: Investment of 109 million INR benefiting local communities.

AGM Resolutions and VotingStatutory Audit: No qualifications or adverse remarks for FY2022-2023. • Voting Process: Remote e-voting available from July 30 to August 1, 2023. • Resolutions Discussed: Ordinary resolutions on financial statements, dividend declaration, director reappointment; special resolutions on related party transactions and auditor remuneration.

Shareholder EngagementQuestions Raised: Concerns about transportation for future meetings, stagnant net profits, promoter holding, and strategies for electric/hydrogen vehicles. • Responses: Commitment to innovation and market adaptability, particularly in electric vehicles.

ConclusionChairman's Closing Remarks: Thanked participants and announced extended voting period. • Meeting Closure: Officially declared closed with appreciation for continued support.

Summary from March 2023

SKF India Limited Analyst Meeting Summary

Company Performance and Outlook • Stable growth despite global volatility. • Focus on profitable growth in industrial (50%) and automotive (42%) segments. • Addressing inflation through price increases and strategic management.

Financial Strategies • Approved credit line of INR 250 crores to a sister entity. • Estimated market-linked interest rate around 9%. • Target manufacturing margins of 17% to 20%.

Growth and Market Penetration • Projected overall growth target of 12% for the coming year. • Strong growth in passenger and commercial vehicles; challenges in two-wheeler sector. • Automotive aftermarket expected to contribute 5-6% of overall revenue.

Capital Expenditure (Capex) Strategy • Anticipated capex of INR 100-150 crores to enhance competitiveness. • Investments in sectors with growth potential, including heavy industries and railways. • Emphasis on leveraging existing capabilities in partner entities.

Localization and Manufacturing • 58% of manufacturing currently localized; efforts to increase this. • Challenges in industrial manufacturing due to product variety and lower volume sales. • Focus on localizing production to improve margins and mitigate inflation impacts.

Revenue Distribution and Market Share • Automotive accounts for 40% and industrial for 50% of revenue. • Passenger vehicles contribute approximately 6% and commercial vehicles around 5%. • Expansion of automotive aftermarket reach, currently at 12% of domestic sales.

Competitive Landscape • SKF maintains a premium pricing strategy amidst inflation. • Focus on creating customer value to justify pricing. • Strong ties with OEMs like Bajaj; efforts to strengthen other relationships.

Challenges and Opportunities • Slowdown in two-wheeler segment; positive trends in passenger and commercial vehicles. • Ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit products affecting brand reputation. • Focus on profitable growth, especially in the wind sector.

Future Outlook • Moderate growth rate of over 10% anticipated, driven by infrastructure-focused sectors. • Continued focus on increasing exports, currently modest compared to competitors. • Strategic investments aimed at localizing production and enhancing profitability.

Concall Insights from Kotak MF and SKF

Investment Depreciation Inquiry: Concerns raised about potential depreciation of investments. • Response from Ashish Saraf (SKF): Current import percentage at 42%, mainly from Europe and China; localization efforts ongoing. • Business Portfolio Rationalization: SKF rationalizing portfolio to sustain margins; predicting localization and investment numbers is challenging. • Market Focus Shift: Industrial growth in India expected to outpace automotive growth; target localization levels of 70% to 80%. • Localization Complexity: Determining exact localization percentages is complex. • Financial Strategy: INR 250 crore credit line considered financially sensible for operations.