Mixed Signals for Tejas: Tejas Networks, a Tata Group company in the telecom equipment space, is presenting a confusing picture for investors. Despite reporting a net loss of Rs. 44.87 crore in the December quarter (compared to Rs. 15.15 crore loss last year), the company’s topline saw impressive growth of 103.96%, reaching Rs. 559.96 crore. This mixed bag has analysts divided, with some urging caution and others still recommending “Buy.”
Brokerage House Sees Opportunity: MK Global Financial, a brokerage firm, released a report recommending buying Tejas Networks shares. They highlight several factors driving their optimism:
- Government Push: They see significant potential due to the Government of India’s focus on local manufacturing and the PLI scheme, which benefits Tejas.
- Increased Spending: Large-scale investments in BSNL, BharatNet, and Railways offer further growth opportunities.
- New Client Acquisition: Referrals from TCom and TCS can open doors to new clients, expanding Tejas’ reach.
- Geopolitical Advantage: The global shift away from Chinese telecom equipment might be a windfall for Tejas.
Read More: IPO Market Buzz: Four Companies to Launch Public Offers This Friday
Challenges Remain: While the long-term outlook appears promising, MK Global acknowledges near-term concerns. Tejas missed margin estimates in Q3 due to a shift towards lower-margin products. However, they anticipate margin improvement starting from Q4.
Revised Target Price: Based on their analysis, MK Global revised their target price for Tejas to Rs. 1,025-1,050 (up 19%). This translates to a Dec-24E P/E of 21x, indicating their potential for significant future growth.
Stock Struggles: Despite the bullish report, Tejas shares have been on a downward spiral. The stock fell by around 8% on Tuesday and has declined 15% in just 5 days. The recent loss can be attributed to the disappointing earnings report and concerns about rising inventory (Rs. 2,683 crores), leading to increased working capital.
Investor Dilemma: Tejas Networks presents a complex case for investors. While the long-term prospects seem exciting, short-term issues and stock price volatility add a layer of risk. Ultimately, the decision to buy, sell, or hold needs to be made considering individual risk tolerance and investment goals.