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CSTL - Clean Chemistry at Work
CSTL - Clean Chemistry at Work
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Focus Charts 4
Investment Thesis 5
Foray into HALS 9
Financials 11
Company Background 12
Industry Overview 14
Raw Materials 19
Manufacturing Facilities 20
Research & Development 21
Valuation 22
Key Risks 22
Board of Directors 24
Financial Tables 26
RECENT REPORTS
India Specialty
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Chemicals
JM Financial Institutional Securities Limited Page 2
2 September 2021
Current Price Target (12M) 1,820 Net Sales 4,193 5,124 6,332 8,439 10,571
Upside (%) 22% Sales Growth (%) 6.6 22.2 23.6 33.3 25.3
EBITDA 1,853 2,590 3,180 4,114 5,155
EBITDA Margin (%) 44.2 50.5 50.2 48.7 48.8
Key Data – CLEAN IN Adjusted Net Profit 1,396 1,984 2,372 3,078 3,882
Current Market Price INR1,498 Diluted EPS (INR) 13.1 18.7 22.3 29.0 36.5
Market cap (bn) INR161.7/US$2.2 Diluted EPS Growth (%) 43.0 42.1 19.6 29.8 26.1
Free Float 19% ROIC (%) 67.0 72.5 66.5 65.1 65.3
Shares in issue (mn) 106.2 ROE (%) 45.5 45.0 36.2 33.4 30.8
Diluted share (mn) 106.2 P/E (x) 114.0 80.2 67.1 51.7 41.0
52-week range 1,784/1,422 P/B (x) 46.5 29.5 20.7 14.9 11.0
Sensex/Nifty 57,552/17,132 EV/EBITDA (x) 85.1 60.5 48.8 37.3 29.2
INR/US$ 73.0 Dividend Yield (%) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Source: Company data, JM Financial. Note: Valuations as of 1/Sep/2021
Price Performance JM Financial Research is also available on: Bloomberg - JMFR <GO>, Thomson Publisher & Reuters, S&P Capital IQ,
% 1M 6M 12M FactSet & Visible Alpha
Absolute -9.5 0.0 0.0 You can also access our portal: www.jmflresearch.com
Please see Appendix I at the end of this report for Important Disclosures and Disclaimers and Research Analyst Certification.
Relative* -17.3 0.0 0.0
*To the BSE Sensex Krishan Parwani Dayanand Mittal We acknowledge the support
krishan.parwani@jmfl.com dayanand.mittal@jmfl.com of Prashanth Kamath in the
Tel: (91 96) 62095500 Tel: (91 96) 19388870 preparation of this report
Focus charts
Exhibit 1. CSTL’s revenue is likely to register ~28% CAGR over FY21- Exhibit 2. CSTL’s EBITDA is likely to demonstrate a 26% CAGR over
24E FY21-24E
Exhibit 3. CSTL’s PAT is likely to register a 25% CAGR over FY21-24E Exhibit 4. CSTL’s ROCE (pre-tax) likely to remain above ~70% over
FY21-24E despite aggressive capex
Exhibit 5. Among the largest producers globally of certain specialty chemicals in terms of
manufacturing capacities as of 31Mar’21
Product Global market size (Volume) Company Global Position Company India Position
MEHQ 12,500 MT Largest in the world Largest in India
BHA 9,000 MT Largest in the world Largest in India
Guaiacol 60,000 MT Third Largest in the world Second Largest in India
Anisole 34,000 MT Largest in the world Largest in India
4-MAP 7,200 MT Largest in the world Largest in India
DCC 7,000 MT Among Largest in the world Largest in India
L-Ascorbyl Palmitate 450 MT Second Largest in the world Second largest in India
Source: CSTL DRHP
Investment Thesis
With focus on process innovation using its in-house catalytic technologies, CSTL has become
a global market leader for 4 specialty chemicals (within 17 years of incorporation). Its recent
foray into HALS is slated to further enhance its product suite of stabilisers and help it
compete with global majors (such as BASF, Clariant, and Adeka). We believe its clean and
sustainable chemistries make it a viable and long-term supplier to customers. We expect
CSTL’s revenues/EBITDA/PAT to register 28%/26%/25% CAGR over FY21-24E on the back of
higher capacity utilisation of existing facilities and ramp-up of additional capacities. We
initiate coverage on CSTL with a BUY and Sep’22 TP of INR 1,820/share (based on 55X
Sep’23E EPS). Our valuation premium (compared with other listed Indian specialty chemicals
companies) is justified as CSTL’s in-house developed clean catalytic processes act as a key
entry barrier and provide long-term growth visibility, in our view. Moreover, its ROCEs of
~70% are likely to sustain despite aggressive capex plans, in our view.
Strong competitive edge based on in-house catalytic technology: CSTL has a sharp
competitive edge due to its robust focus on: a) process innovation and b) development of
newer/clean chemistries, based on in-house catalytic technology. Some of these
technologies have been developed and commercialised for the first time globally. This,
along with i) significant scale of operations (largest manufacturer globally of 4 products
and among the largest for 3 products) and ii) backward integration (for commodity
chemicals such as Phenol), has enabled CSTL to be one of the fastest growing and among
the most profitable specialty companies globally.
Clean technologies to make CSTL a sustainable and long-term supplier: Using clean
technologies, CSTL has been able to eradicate the need of polluting reagents that result
in toxic effluents. For instance, for the production of BHA, it does not use dimethyl
sulphate (which is used in traditional manufacturing). As a result, the company’s BHA is
sulphur-free. Similarly, for the production of DCC, it does not use carbon disulphide and
hence its DCC is sulphur-free. Further, for the production of 4-MAP, it does not use
aluminium chloride. Hence, there is minimal effluent generation. Such practices have not
only helped the company keep its ETP costs significantly low (at ~0.6% of sales) but made
it a sustainable and a long-term supplier.
Largest manufacturer globally for four functionally critical specialty chemicals: Within 17
years of incorporation, CSTL has grown to be the largest manufacturer globally of a)
MEHQ, b) BHA, c) Anisole and d) 4-MAP (in terms of manufacturing capacities) as of
31Mar’21. The company is also among the largest for three other products that it
manufactures (i.e. Guaiacol, DCC, L-Ascorbyl Palmitate). Some of these products are
mission critical and are used in parts per million (ppm) quantities. If these products are not
used, there could be performance-related issues.
Exhibit 8. MEHQ’s usage in the production of 4HBAGE (used in paints and coating materials)
Input Output
Exports contribute to 65-70% of revenue a major chunk coming from China: CSTL’s
customers comprise manufacturers in India and other regulated international markets
including China, Canada, Europe, USA, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. Key customers include
Bayer, SRF, Gennex Laboratories, Nutriad International NV and Vinati Organics. Some of
its customers have been associated with the company for over 10 years. In FY18, FY19,
FY20, and FY21, revenue generated from its top 10 customers represented 54.6%,
50.5%, 44.8%, and 47.8% of revenue from operations, respectively. During the same
period, revenue generated from customers outside India represented 67.6%, 72.3%,
68.8%, and 67.9%, of its revenue from operations, respectively, with a significant
portion generated from China (~37% in FY21).
Exhibit 9. Performance chemicals sales likely to inch up to ~73% of Exhibit 10. Exports to remain steady at ~69% as % of overall sales
overall sales by FY24E
Veratrole introduced in place of idle liquid anisole capacity: In 1QFY22, CSTL doubled its
Anisole vapour capacity, as per management. It was further highlighted that the company
has commenced production of Veratrole (a pharma and agro intermediate product) in
place of its liquid phase anisole capacity, which became idle after the commissioning of
the new vapour-based anisole capacity.
Capex guidance of INR 1bn-1.1bn for FY22 and more for FY23-24: During the 1QFY22
post-results conference call, management highlighted that the company has acquired 17
acres of land for the expansion of Unit-4; for this, it is trying to get environment
clearances by Dec’21-Jan’22. Management guided for capex of INR 1.0-1.1bn FY22;
capex intensity is likely to increase in FY23-24 for its new product portfolio. Asset turns
on the incremental capex should remain at 2.3x-2.7x. All capex is slated to be incurred
through internal accruals.
Foray into Hindered Amine Light Stabilisers (HALS) would help create a bucket of
stabilisers: CSTL has recently announced (click here) that it has successfully developed key
products in HALS series using in-house R&D capabilities, at lab and pilot scale. Based on
several industry reports, the HALS market was valued at USD 1.0bn in CY20 and is
estimated to witness ~7-8% CAGR over CY20-26 and reach USD 1.5bn by CY26. Besides
providing an opportunity of substituting imports, the HALS series would further enhance
CSTL’s offerings of stabilisers.
Low working capital cycle on strong competitive positioning: During FY19-21, CSTL’s
inventory days (of sales) has been 30-40 days, receivable days (of sales) came in at 50-60
and payable days (of sales) were 20-40. Hence, its working capital cycle (days of sales) has
been quite low at 50-70. Going forward, its working capital cycle is also likely to come
down to ~40 days over FY21-24E, mainly on account of a reduction in inventory days.
ROCE (pre-tax) to remain above ~70% over FY22-24E: Due to its low working capital
cycle and strong EBITDA margins of 45-50%, its ROCE has been robust at 56-57% over
FY20-21. Going forward, despite its aggressive capex of INR ~3.4bn over FY22-24E, its
ROCE is likely to remain above ~70% over FY21-24E and ROE is likely to remain above
~30% over FY22-24E.
Exhibit 12. ROCE (pre-tax) chart likely to remain above ~70% over Exhibit 13. Working capital days to stabilize
FY21-24E despite aggressive capex
HALS are derivatives of 2,2,6,6-tetra methyl piperidine. Fibers and tapes often made of
polyolefin obtain resistance to aging by adding a HALS. They a) do not absorb UV radiation;
b) are generated rather than consumed during the stabilisation process; and c) are very
efficient stabilisers for polymers, especially polyolefins. Due to their high efficiency and
longevity, these are the most effective additive for the light stabilisation of polyolefins. When
combined with UV absorbers, they provide synergistic effects; they can also increase the
lifespan of floating solar panel systems.
Based on several industry reports, the HALS market was estimated at USD 1.0bn in CY20 and
is estimated to witness a 7-8% CAGR over CY20-26 and reach USD 1.5bn by CY26.
Currently, key players in the HALS market are Clariant, Adeka, BASF and Solvay, among
others. There are no Indian players manufacturing these products, at present. As a result, all
domestic demand is met through imports. Some products that BASF India imports are HALS
326 (~USD 17/kg), HALS 292 (~USD 8/kg), and HALS 770 (~USD 6/kg). Hence, after the
successful ramp-up of HALS, CSTL could substitute imports and also become one of the first
Indian exporters of these products.
The starting point for HALS is acetone and it usually requires 3-4 steps. Exhibit 14
demonstrates the final step in manufacturing HALS 770. We believe that CSTL’s process
could be different than mentioned below and use a catalyst developed in-house (as done for
MeHQ, Guaiacol, BHA, 4-MAP, and Anisole production).
Source: Industry, JM Financial, *Note: above reaction is for representation purpose only. Clean’s manufacturing process could be different
Veratrole traditionally is made by reacting Catechol with Di-methyl sulphate in the presence
of Sodium Hydroxide (caustic soda) and water (Exhibit 15). Since the traditional method uses
sulphur based ingredients, there could be sulphur based impurities (sodium sulphate) in
Veratrole, per our understanding. Veratrole also comes out as a by-product of Guaiacol’s
production (reacting Catechol with Methanol).
However, CSTL’s management highlighted that it produces Veratrole from Guaiacol. This
method of manufacturing Veratrole (1,2- Di methoxy benzene) is a catalytic reaction of
Guaiacol (click here). Hence, Veratrole production would be a strategic forward integration of
Guaiacol (which it makes from Anisole). Moreover, using this process generates less effluents
compared to the traditional process and Veratrole produced using this method is unlikely to
contain any sulphur based impurities given Sulphur based reagents are not used. This again
demonstrates CSTL’s ability to come up with newer processes on a commercial scale and
differentiate based on these.
Exhibit 16. Catalytic reaction of Guaiacol gives highest yield of Veratrole (1,2- Di methoxy
benzene)
Financials
Expect Revenue/EBITDA/PAT CAGR of 28%/26%/25% over FY21-24E: We expect CSTL’s
revenues to register a 28% CAGR over FY21-24E and reach INR 10.5bn by FY24 on the
back of higher capacity utilisation of existing facilities and ramp-up of additional
capacities on stream. Its EBITDA margins are likely to stabilise at 49% (vs. 51% in FY21)
despite additions of newer products due to benefits flowing in from a) shift to the vapour
phase anisole, b) lower performance bonus of executive directors, at 4% of PBT FY22
onwards (vs. 10% of PBT earlier); and c) commissioning of solar plant. Hence, EBITDA is
likely to witness a robust 26% CAGR over FY21-24E and reach INR 5.1bn by FY24, while
PAT is likely to demonstrate a 25% CAGR over FY21-24E and reach INR 3.9bn by FY24.
Exhibit 17. CSTL’s revenue are likely to witness 28% CAGR over Exhibit 18. CSTL’s EBITDA is likely to demonstrate a 26% CAGR over
FY21-24E FY21-24E
Exhibit 19. CSTL’s PAT is likely to register 25% CAGR over FY21-24E Exhibit 20. CSTL’s ROCE is likely to remain above ~70% over FY22-
24E
Company Background
CSTL manufactures functionally critical speciality chemicals such as Performance Chemicals
(i.e. MEHQ, BHA and AP), Pharmaceutical Intermediates (i.e. Guaiacol and DCC) and FMCG
Chemicals (i.e. 4-MAP and Anisole). Within 17 years of incorporation, the company has
grown to be the largest manufacturer globally of MEHQ, BHA, Anisole and 4-MAP in terms
manufacturing capacities (as of 31Mar’21)
The Company’s name was changed to ‘Clean Science and Technology Private Limited’ in
2006, to reflect its vision of focusing on sustainable chemistry led by innovative technology
and lower effluents. The company continues to exemplify its name by designing and
implementing ‘clean’ chemistries based on catalytic technology developed in-house. As a
result, most of its current production processes are either zero liquid discharge or release only
water as discharge. CSTL’s continued focus on process innovation, product identification,
catalyst development, significant scale of operations as well as strategic backward integration
measures have all contributed to their success as one of the fastest growing and the most
profitable specialty chemical companies globally.
CSTL’s products are used as polymerisation inhibitors, intermediates for agrochemicals and
pharmaceuticals, anti-oxidants, UV blockers, and anti-retroviral reagents, which are
functionally critical in a wide range of industries, including in the manufacture of paints and
inks, agro-chemical, pharmaceuticals, flavours and fragrance, food and animal nutrition
(feed), and personal care (cosmetics) products.
The company broadly classifies its products into the following segments: i) Performance
Chemicals, comprising MEHQ, BHA and Ascorbyl Palmitate; ii) Pharmaceutical Intermediates,
comprising Guaiacol and DCC; iii) FMCG Chemicals, comprising 4-MAP and Anisole; and iv)
Other Products, comprising acetic acid, tertiary butyl toluene, ortho cresol and para cresol,
that are generated as by-products of its manufacturing processes.
Products:
Monomethyl ether of hydro quinone (MEHQ): CSTL commenced manufacturing MEHQ in
FY08, and was the largest manufacturer of MEHQ globally, in terms of manufacturing
capacities as of 31Mar’21. MEHQ is used as a polymerisation inhibitor in acrylic acids,
acrylic esters, and super absorbent polymers, and is therefore primarily used in the
monomer industry, as well as a pre-cursor for the agrochemical industry. CSTL is the
largest manufacturer of the world (in terms of manufacturing capacities) accounting for
55% of the global capacity. Other competitors in the industry are Solvay and Camlin Fine
Science.
Guaiacol: CSTL commenced manufacturing Guaiacol in FY08, and was the third largest
manufacturer of Guaiacol globally, in terms of manufacturing capacities as of 31Mar’21.
Guaiacol is a pre-cursor to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients (‚APIs‛), and is
primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry in the production of cough syrups. It is also
used as a key raw material for Vanillin, a food and flavor enhancer. The Guaiacol market
is estimated to be around 60,000 MT per annum. Solvay is the largest producer of
Guaiacol globally, and CSTL is the third largest producer of Guaiacol in the world and the
second largest producer in India (in terms of manufacturing capacities). Camlin Fine
Sciences is the largest producer of Guaiacol in India.
Butylated Hydroxy Anisole (BHA): CSTL commenced manufacturing BHA in FY15, and was
the largest manufacturer of BHA globally, in terms of manufacturing capacities as of
31Mar’21. BHA is used as an anti-oxidant in the food and feed industry, in animal feed
and nutrition. The company manufactures sulphur-free BHA in India. Globally there are
three large manufacturers involved in manufacturing of BHA viz., Solvay, Camlin Fine
Sciences Limited (CFSL) and the Company. Some of the other manufacturers of BHA
include Industrial Técnica Pecuaria, S.A. (ITPSA), VDH Chem Tech Pvt. Limited, among
others. CSTL is the largest producer in the world of BHA (in terms of manufacturing
capacities).
Industry overview
With an increase in awareness of the ill-effects of certain chemicals on humans and the
environment, there is a growing trend in the chemicals industry to shift towards what is
known as ‚green chemicals‛ or more accurately ‚sustainable chemistry‛ (environmentally
friendly products). These are products which are bio-degradable and which show a significant
reduction in environmental impact when applied. It is not necessary that all green chemicals
would be bio-degradable; there are green products in market which are produced with least
effluents, or natural extracts.
The global MEHQ market was valued at USD 121.9mn in 2019 and expected to record a
growth of 5.8% between 2019 and 2025. On a volume basis, the demand of MEHQ was
around 12.5 KT witnessing a CAGR of 5.2%.
161.2
160
152.4
144.2
140 136.3
128.9
121.9 121.9 121.9
120 115.3
109.3
100
CY15 CY17 CY19 CY21E CY23E CY25E
Source: CSTL DRHP
Application of MEHQ
Polymers & Monomers: MEHQ is also widely used as a polymerization inhibitor in the
manufacturing of various monomers such as acrylics, methacrylics and other acrylates, vinyl
acetate monomers, etc., along with unsaturated polyesters. MEHQ is also used as a stabilizer
for cosmetics, liquid detergents, and cellulose materials. Polymers are finding new
applications, due to which, their demand is increasing day by day.
Exhibit 23. Global BHT & BHA Anti-Oxidants Market (USD mn)
500
405
388
375 372
356
327 341
301 313
278 289
267
250 276 290
251 263
229 240
209 218
191 200
183
125
The key raw materials used to manufacture Vanillin Products are Guaiacol and Guethol.
Synthetic Vanillin has been further segmented into Lignin Vanillin, Guaiacol Vanillin and Ethyl
Vanillin. Guaiacol Vanillin currently represents the biggest segment. Given the favourable
growth of Global Vanillin market in coming years, the Guaiacol market is expected to witness
a consistent demand in future. Guaiacol is used as a key starting material to produce APIs like
Guaifenesin, Carvedilol, Ranolazine and Methocarbamol.
The Guaiacol market is estimated to be around 60,000 MT per annum. Solvay is the largest
producer of Guaiacol globally, and CSTL is the third largest producer of Guaiacol in the world
and the second largest producer in India (in terms of manufacturing capacities). Camlin Fine
Sciences is the largest producer of Guaiacol in India.
200
100
0
CY15 CY17 CY19 CY21E CY23E CY25E
Source: CSTL DRHP
CSTL is the largest manufacturer in the world (in terms of manufacturing capacities)
accounting for 45% - 55% of the global capacity. Other key competitors in the industry
include Solvay, Atul Limited, and Westman Chemicals Private Limited, (Mithila Rasayan Private
Limited). The players in the global anisole market have been focusing on improving the
manufacturing processes and technologies in order to increase their margins.
113.8
108.3
103.2
105 98.3
93.6
89.1
84.9
81.1
74 77.4
70.7
70
35
0
CY15 CY17 CY19 CY21E CY23E CY25E
Source: CSTL DRHP
CSTL is the largest producer of 4-MAP in the world. Other manufacturers of 4-MAP include
Haining Sino Fine Chemical Company Limited (China) and Cosmos Nanjing (China).
40.2
38.8
37.4
36.1
34.9
36 33.7
31.4 32.5
29.4 30.4
28.4
24
12
0
CY15 CY17 CY19 CY21E CY23E CY25E
Source: CSTL DRHP
Ascorbyl Palmitate (‚AP‛) and Butylated hydroxyl anisole (‚BHA‛) have applications as
antioxidants in the Personal Care Industry. In cosmetic preparations, antioxidants have two
functions, that is, as the active ingredients and as protectors of other ingredients against
oxidation. Currently, the application of antioxidants in cosmetics is increasing.
12.9
12.2
11.6
12 10.9
10.3
9.8
9.2
8.8
8.3
7.9
8 7.5
0
CY15 CY17 CY19 CY21E CY23E CY25E
Source: CSTL DRHP
CSTL is the second largest manufacturer of Ascorbyl Palmitate (AP) in India (in terms of
manufacturing capacities). Other manufacturers include Shandong Huihai Pharma (China)
and Hongrui Fine Chemicals (China), Tianxin Pharmaceutical Company Limited (China), Yasho
Industries Private Limited (India), DSM Nutrition Products, Camlin Fine Sciences (India)Some of
the other small Indian players in the AP market include Archana Industries, Kawya Lab, S. R.
Bio Chem Private Limited, Medicare Industries, Kiama Organics. All these companies produce
AP in small to medium quantities.
Raw materials
The primary raw materials used in the manufacture of CSTL’s products include crude oil
derivatives such as phenol and other commodities such as hydrogen peroxide. The company
also uses acetone, cyclohexylamine, methanol, tertiary butyl alcohol, and acetic anhydride. Its
key raw materials are widely available, unlike conventionally used diphenols such as
hydroquinone and catechol that are susceptible to increased price volatility due to controlled
supply. CSTL’s competitiveness, costs and profitability depend, in part, on its ability to source
and maintain a stable and sufficient supply of raw materials, including phenol, hydrogen
peroxide, acetic anhydride, tertiary butyl alcohol, acetone, methanol, and cyclohexylamine at
acceptable prices.
The company procures its raw materials from the domestic and international market, relying
primarily on spot contracts. As the company typically does not enter into fixed-price
agreements, it is subject to the risk of increases in the prices of raw materials. The company
typically purchases raw materials based on the historical levels of sales, actual sales orders on
hand and the anticipated production requirements taking into consideration any expected
fluctuation in raw material prices and delivery delay.
In FY18, FY19, FY20, and FY21, the cost of material consumed represented 44.2%, 45.4%,
30.5%, and 26.9%, respectively, of its revenue from operations. Its imported raw materials,
largely comprising phenol and tertiary butyl alcohol, as a percentage of its total raw materials
purchased was 24.4%, 37.4%, 31.0% and 27.7% in FY18, FY19, FY20, and FY21,
respectively. During the same period, expenses towards raw materials imported represented
11.3%, 16.9%, 9.4%, and 7.7%, of its revenue from operations, respectively.
Manufacturing Facilities
CSTL has two certified production facilities in India strategically located at Kurkumbh
(Maharashtra), in close proximity to the JNPT port from where it exports majority of its
products. Each facility has an R&D laboratory, warehouse, and effluent treatment system that
treats effluent, to make its facilities zero liquid discharge facilities. Its facilities have dedicated
production lines for its products, with a combined installed capacity of 29,900 MTPA as of
st
31 Mar’21 and capacity utilisation rates of 71.9% for FY21.
Facility I: The manufacturing facility is located at Plot No. D-28, Kurkumbh Industrial Area,
st
Kurkumbh, Daund, Pune, Maharashtra, India, and commenced operations in FY08. As of 31
May’21, its Facility I comprised seven units.
Facility II: The manufacturing facility is located at Plot No. D-26/3, Kurkumbh Industrial Area,
st
Kurkumbh, Pune, Maharashtra, India, and commenced operations in FY19. As of 31 May’21,
its Facility II comprised four units.
The company is also in the process of setting-up a third facility adjacent to its existing facilities
at Kurkumbh (Maharashtra). Its third facility is being constructed at Plot No. D-25/1/1, MIDC,
Kurkumbh, Pune, Maharashtra, India, (‚Facility III‛), and is proposed to be used to
manufacture Anisole and certain Performance Chemicals, including MEHQ. Management
highlighted, during 1QFY22 post results conference call, one plant at this facility is already
commercialised.
The company has already acquired land located at Kurkumbh (Maharashtra) for its fourth
facility (‚Facility IV‛), where it intends to manufacture stabiliser and other intermediates for
application in pharmaceutical, flavours and fragrance and agriculture industries. Consistent
with past practice, it intends to add capacity in a phased manner to ensure that it utilises its
capacity at optimal levels.
Its R&D abilities have led to identification, design, and customization of catalysts that it uses
across its processes in order to improve yields, reduce effluents and increase cost
competitiveness. For instance, the company has designed, developed, and regenerate, a
catalyst for manufacturing Anisole from phenol and methanol. The catalyst is used in a
vapour-phase reaction that eliminates the use of conventional starting materials of DMS and
caustic soda that generate effluent. Through its catalytic production process for Anisole, the
company generates only water as the effluent discharged.
The company has broadly structured its R&D activities into three verticals: i) for existing
products and catalyst systems, to improve yields and selectivity in its existing product
portfolio; ii) for expanding its product portfolio in the stabiliser and additives business; and
(iii) for identifying products with high demand that only limited manufacturers produce
within India and globally. In particular, it focuses on speciality chemicals which find
applications in critical industries such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
It’s in house R&D units, situated in Facility I and Facility II have advanced technological
equipment to develop, test and evaluate products and have been recognized by the
Government of India’s Department of Scientific and Industrial Research as an in-house R&D
st
unit. As of 31 May’21, the company employed 36 personnel in relation to R&D. It also
intends to expand its R&D capabilities by setting-up a dedicated R&D unit at Facility III.
Valuation
We believe CSTL’s clean and sustainable chemistries would make it a sustainable and long
term supplier. We initiate with a BUY and Sep’22 TP of INR 1,820/share (based on 55x
Sep’23E EPS). Our valuation premium (compared with other listed Indian specialty chemicals
companies) is justified as CSTL’s in-house developed clean catalytic processes act as a key
entry barrier and provide long-term growth visibility, in our view.
Key risks
Significant proportion of its revenues is derived from sale of MEHQ: CSTL derives most of
its revenues from the sale of MEHQ. In FY18, FY19, FY20, and FY21, revenue from the
sale of MEHQ represented 46.8%, 49.8%, 44.4%, and 48.1% of its revenue from
operations, respectively. Accordingly, its revenues are dependent on the end-user
industries that use its products as an input. However, its revenue from the sale of MEHQ
may decline as a result of, amongst others, i) its customers’ failure to successfully market
their products or to compete effectively; ii) loss of market share, which may lead its
customers to reduce or discontinue the purchase of its products; iii) economic conditions
of the markets in which its customers operate; iv) increased competition; v) pricing
pressures; and vi) regulatory action, which could have an adverse effect on its business
and sales to its customers would decline substantially.
Dependency on its R&D capabilities and catalytic processes design: CSTL’s competitive
position in the specialty chemicals industry is primarily characterised by cost-efficiencies
and R&D improvements. Its ability to continue to design catalytic processes is a significant
factor in its ability to remain competitive. This depends on a variety of factors, including
meeting development, production, certification and regulatory approval schedules;
successful development and application of catalytic-technologies; captive production of
key raw materials; hiring and training of qualified personnel; identification of emerging
regulatory and technological trends in target end markets; and the level of demand for
new products. There can be no assurance that the company will be able to secure the
necessary technological knowledge through its own R&D or external sources, such as
technical assistance agreements or strategic acquisitions, that will allow it to continue to
develop its product portfolio or that the company will be able to respond to industry
trends by developing and offering cost effective products.
None of its catalytic processes are patented and its intellectual property may not be
adequately protected: The Company’s continued commercial success depends in part on
its ability to protect its existing intellectual property and to obtain other intellectual
property rights. None of its catalytic processes are patented, and competitors may be able
to imitate these process technologies and erode or negate any competitive advantage the
company may have, which could harm its business and ability to continue to achieve
profitability. Further, there can be no assurance that any patent applications that the
company may make in the future will mature into granted patents, or that such patents,
if issued, will provide it with adequate proprietary protection or competitive advantages.
As a result, it cannot be certain that its technical knowledge will continue to remain
confidential. Some technical knowledge may be leaked, either inadvertently or wilfully, at
various stages of the manufacturing process. A significant number of its employees have
access to confidential processes and there can be no assurance that this information will
remain confidential.
Absence of long-term agreements with the majority of its customers: Although the
company has had repeat orders from customers and has developed long-term
relationships with certain customers, it typically does not sign long-term contracts with
them. In the absence of long-term contracts, there can be no assurance that its existing
customers will continue to purchase its products and any loss of its customers will have a
material adverse effect on its business. Customers with whom the company does not
have long-term agreements may choose to cease sourcing its products. In the event a
customer ceases to use us as its preferred supplier for their products, it cannot be assured
that it will be successful in marketing those products to another customer. This could lead
to a surplus of those products in its inventory. The company is also exposed to risks of
lower sales volume or lower price realisation on such volumes depending on prevailing
market conditions, as a result of such short-term arrangements.
Concentration risk: The company has developed strong and long-term relationships with
various multinational corporations that helped it expand its product offerings and
geographic reach. Accordingly, it is dependent on its arrangements with such
corporations and its business depends on the continuity of its relationship with these
customers. It is dependent on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of
its revenues. In FY18, FY19, FY20, and FY21, its top 10 customers represented 54.6%,
50.5%, 44.8%, and 47.9%, respectively, of its total revenues from operations in such
periods. Its largest customer represented 13.4%, 8.2%, 11.4%, and 13.3%, of its total
revenues from operations in the similar periods, respectively.
Kothanda Rama Lakshmanan P is the Vice president, R&D of the Company. He has been
associated with the Company since January 2018 and his employment with the Company
shall continue until terminated in accordance with the terms of his employment
agreement. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree (chemistry) from Manonmaniam
Sundaranar University and a bachelor’s of science degree (technology) from University of
Pratik Abhaykumar Bora is the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. He has been
associated with the Company since Jan’20 and has been promoted to the post of Chief
Financial Officer in Feb’21. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering (computer science
and engineering) from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad
and a master’s degree in business administration (capital markets) from Narsee Monjee
Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai. He has also cleared the Chartered Financial
Analyst Level 2 (USA) examination. Prior to joining the Company, he was associated with
Mirae Asset Capital Markets (India) Private Limited.
Mahesh Arvind Kulkarni is the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of the
Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya,
Bhopal and a law degree from University of Pune. He is a member of the ICSI. Prior to
joining the Company, he was associated with Tech Mahindra Limited.
Promoters
Ashok Ramnarayan Boob, Krishnakumar Ramnarayan Boob, Siddhartha Ashok Sikchi and
Parth Ashok Maheshwari are the Promoters of the Company
Parth Ashok Maheshwari is the Vice President of the Company. He holds a master’s
degree in business administration from Babson College and bachelors in technology
(chemical) from Savitribai Phule University, Pune. He has been associated with the
Company since Jun’14.
APPENDIX I
Definition of ratings
Rating Meaning
Buy Total expected returns of more than 10% for large-cap stocks* and REITs and more than 15% for all other stocks, over the next twelve
months. Total expected return includes dividend yields.
Hold Price expected to move in the range of 10% downside to 10% upside from the current market price for large-cap* stocks and REITs and
in the range of 10% downside to 15% upside from the current market price for all other stocks, over the next twelve months.
Sell Price expected to move downwards by more than 10% from the current market price over the next twelve months.
* Large-cap stocks refer to securities with market capitalisation in excess of INR200bn. REIT refers to Real Estate Investment Trusts.
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report.
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