With key government initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission aiming to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024 and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, which targets universal water supply coverage in urban areas, the water management sector is set to experience significant growth.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, as of 2024, 15.03 crore (77.83%) rural households have been provided with tap water connections, and this number is rapidly increasing.
In this evolving landscape, the water management sector is gaining increasing attention as India focuses on improving water supply, conservation, and infrastructure.
Let’s take a closer look at the water-related stocks to watch in January 2025, along with key financial highlights that make them stand out in a rapidly evolving market.
Top Water Sector Stocks in January 2025 – Based on 5Y CAGR
Note: The best water stocks listed here are as of December 31, 2024. The stocks are sorted based on their 5Y CAGR, with a debt-to-equity ratio of less than 1, positive year-to-date returns, and a positive net profit margin.
Overview of Best Water Sector Stocks in India
Shakti Pumps (India) Ltd, established in 1982, is a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient pumps, specialising in solar-powered and electric pumps. The company had an outstanding order book of around ₹1,800 crore as of the quarter ending September 30, 2024.
In the third quarter, Shakti Pumps (India) launched its new product, the Simha Universal Drive, and expanded its manufacturing capabilities with the inauguration of a Power Electronics products manufacturing plant.
Key Metrics:
- Earnings Per Share (EPS): ₹12.3
- Return on Capital Employed (ROCE): 27.35%
The company specialises in manufacturing cast iron products, fabricated products, and water treatment equipment. The company’s order book remains strong at ₹873 crores, with expectations to exceed last year’s $33 million revenue.
As per news reports, Jash Engineering Ltd’s CMD expects the company to begin FY26 with an order book of ₹900 crore. For the current fiscal year, the company plans to commission new plants in Chennai and Pithampur.
Key Metrics:
WABAG is a leading global player in water treatment, specialising in sustainable solutions for water recycling, desalination, and wastewater management.
For the quarter ending September 30, 2024, the company’s order book has reached over ₹146 billion, the highest in its history, with a balanced mix of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) projects both in India and internationally.
Key Metrics:
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Indian Hume Pipe Company Ltd
The Indian Hume Pipe Co. Ltd. (IHP), established in 1926, specialises in manufacturing various types of pipes, including Prestressed Concrete and Steel Pipes, and executing turnkey water supply and sewerage projects.
In a recent development, the company secured a letter of intent for an EPC project worth ₹858.88 crore from Tapi Irrigation Development Corporation in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.
Key Metrics:
However, the list of top water stocks does not end here, as there are a few more recently listed companies with strong fundamentals that are on investors’ radar.
Overview of Newly Listed Water Stocks
The recently listed companies—Enviro Infra Engineers Ltd,Ion Exchange (India) Ltd, and Roto Pumps Ltd—are making significant strides in the water management sector.
Enviro Infra Engineers Ltd, specialising in water management, has a market cap of ₹5,299.43 crore, with a notable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.8 and a healthy net profit margin of 14.69%.
Ion Exchange (India) Ltd, focused on environmental services, has a market cap of ₹7,875.54 crore and a relatively strong debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, along with a solid net profit margin of 8.19%.
Lastly, Roto Pumps Ltd, with a market cap of ₹1,771.08 crore in industrial machinery, showcases a robust debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27 and a net profit margin of 14.04%.
Water Treatment Stocks in India
India has the fifth-largest water and wastewater treatment market globally, valued at around $11 billion. This market is projected to expand to over $18 billion by 2026.
Few Indian companies are actively contributing to the wastewater management sector, including Jash Engineering and Taylormade Renewables.
Taylormade Renewables Ltd (TRL), founded in 2010, recognised the growing importance of wastewater treatment, particularly in hazardous waste management, TRL expanded its services to address this critical issue. The company is renowned for its patented technologies in renewable energy and wastewater treatment, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.
Jash Engineering Ltd. is another prominent player in this space, with a clear vision of becoming a market leader in India and a top contender globally in the water control gates industry.
Water Infrastructure Companies in India
India’s water infrastructure market is vital to meeting the country’s growing water needs and improving water quality and availability. Among the key players in this sector are SPML Infra Limited and Felix Industries Ltd., both of which contribute significantly to water treatment, wastewater management, and sustainable water solutions.
SPML Infra is a leading infrastructure development company with over four decades of experience. The company specialises in water transmission systems. The company provides turnkey solutions on an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) basis.
Felix Industries is a key player in environmental conservation, focusing on water processing, purification, and recycling. Felix specialises in water and wastewater recycling systems. The company’s focus on innovative solutions aligns with global water sustainability efforts, helping industries optimise their water usage.
Conclusion
The water management sector in India is poised for growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable water solutions and infrastructure development. However, investors should carefully evaluate their personal financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon before making investment decisions. Seeking advice from a financial advisor can help ensure that investments align with long-term objectives and risk preferences.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.