Rain Industries Limited
Value Pick Dark Horse to buy for long term
Investment Summary
Rain Industries Limited (RAIN) reported a challenging Q3 FY2025 with significant declines in revenue and profitability. The company’s carbon and cement businesses faced headwinds from global industrial slowdowns and regional regulatory changes. However, strategic investments in alternative raw materials, energy storage, and advanced materials offer long-term growth potential.
Given the current financials, the high leverage remains a concern, but the company is actively reducing debt. Market share expansion and operational optimizations are key near-term strategies.
Key Financial Metrics
- Market Cap: ₹4,901 Cr.
- Current Price: ₹146
- 52-Week High / Low: ₹220 / ₹130
- Stock P/E: N/A
- Book Value per Share: ₹211
- Dividend Yield: 0.69%
- ROCE: 1.90%
- ROE: -10.2%
- Debt: ₹8,518 Cr.
- Reserves: ₹7,032 Cr.
Financial Performance Highlights
- Sales: ₹15,799 Cr.
- Operating Profit Margin (OPM): 2.00%
- Quarterly Sales Variation: -5.43%
- Sales Growth (3Yrs): 20.1%
- Profit After Tax: ₹ -1,395 Cr.
- Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 1.21
- Interest Coverage Ratio: 0.9x
- Free Cash Flow (FCF): ₹285 Cr.
Q3 FY2025 Financial & Business Performance
Revenue and Profitability
- Sales growth contracted -19% YoY
- Net Loss of ₹1,395 Cr
- ROCE at 1.90% and ROE at -10.2%
- Gross margins fell by 200 bps YoY
Segment Performance
Carbon Business
- Coal Tar Pitch (CTP) margins impacted
- Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) segment faced volume pressures
- Market recovery expected in specialty pitch and graphite electrode demand
Cement Business
- Impacted by rising costs and regulatory challenges
- Government infrastructure push expected to drive demand
Future Growth Plans & Expansions
Operational Optimization
- Maximize production at low-cost plants
- Alternative feedstock usage in carbon distillation
- Strengthening position in battery material supply chains
- Exploring strategic joint ventures
New Product Development
- Energy Materials technology center in Hamilton, Canada
- LionCoat(R) Battery-grade Carbon Precursor Materials
- Expanding advanced carbon materials for EVs
- Supply chain integration strategy
Capital Expenditure & Financial Strategy
Capex and Asset Management
- No major new plant expansions
- Focus on optimizing existing assets
- Minimal capex in 2025
- Investments in high-margin specialty products
Debt Reduction Plan
- $50M debt repayment scheduled for April 2025
- $200M cash generation in 9M FY25
- Evaluating asset sales
- Exploring refinancing options
Competitive Landscape & Risks
Key Competitors
- Carbon Products: Himadri Speciality Chemicals, Rain Carbon Inc.
- Cement Business: UltraTech, ACC, Shree Cement
- Battery Anode Materials: Dominated by Chinese suppliers
Key Risks
- High debt burden
- Regulatory risks in India
- Raw material volatility
- Global economic slowdown
- Foreign exchange risks
Valuation & Investment Thesis
Current Valuation
- Current P/B Ratio: 0.69x
- Potential undervaluation if turnaround materializes
- Debt overhang limits near-term upside
Investment Potential
- Long-term growth in energy storage materials
- Strategic positioning in specialty carbon products
- Potential re-rating catalyst: Debt reduction
- Operational efficiency improvements
Conclusion
Rain Industries is navigating a difficult business environment with declining profitability and high leverage. However, its strategic focus on energy storage materials, specialty chemicals, and global cost optimization can drive long-term recovery. The stock presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for patient investors willing to endure near-term volatility.