Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is one of the largest defence PSUs engaged in the
design, development, manufacture, repair, overhaul, upgrade and servicing of a
wide range of products including, aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines, avionics,
accessories and aerospace structures. The company has a strong order backlog of
Rs. 52,000 cr. as of July 2020 which is expected to go substantially over the next
few years as the company is likely to get many new orders in the coming years
including orders for 83 LCA.
Long and credible history of development, manufacturing and maintenance,
repair and overhaul ("MRO") services: HAL is one of the premier defence PSU in
India along with BRL and has over the years showcased research, design and
development capabilities with the successful development of military aircraft and
helicopters such as the Ajeet, Marut, HPT-32, Kiran and Advanced Light
Helicopter. Other than the indigenous aircraft and helicopters HAL has also
manufactured aircrafts under license including the MiG 21FL/M/BIS, MiG-27,
Dornier 228, Su-30 MkI, Hawk Mk 132 aircraft etc. HAL has also upgraded
several aircrafts including the MiG-21 BIS, MiG-27 Upgrade and Jaguar in order
to enhance their combat capabilities and performance.
Strong order backlog and Government thrust on make in India to benefit
company: Currently the company has an order backlog of ~`52,000cr which is
expected increase substantially over the next few years as the company is likely to
get many new orders including orders for 83 LCA Mark 1A worth `39,000cr which
is expected to go for cabinet approval very soon. The company also has various
other projects in the pipeline including Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and the
company is likely to fetch some orders for the same in FY2021. These projects will
ensure order flow for the company over the next couple of years. Post the LCA
Mark 1A and the LUH, company is expected to get orders for LCA Mark II
followed by the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Moreover the
company will keep getting orders for upgrades of existing aircrafts which will
ensure a constant flow of orders for the company.
Outlook & Valuation: At The floor price, it is offered at 11.5xFY2020 EPS of `
86.7, which is reasonable considering the growth prospects. Considering the
strong pipelines of orders and given the Government’s thrust on make in Indian
especially for defence sector, we are positive on the future outlook of the company
and rate it as SUBSCRIBE.