Driving India’s Electrical Future: An In-Depth Look at KEI Industries

Brokerage Free Team •January 23, 2025 | 6 min read • 178 views

About the Company

KEI Industries Limited is a leading player in the wires and cables industry in India, with a presence spanning over five decades. Established in 1968, KEI has evolved from being a small-scale business to one of the top manufacturers and suppliers of electrical cables. The company caters to various industries, including power, infrastructure, real estate, and engineering, and is renowned for its high-quality products and solutions. KEI’s unique selling points include its strong expertise in Extra High Voltage (EHV) cables and its focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions.

KEI has a strong presence both domestically and internationally, exporting to over 50 countries. It is also listed on major stock exchanges, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The company's diversified product range and robust distribution network have contributed significantly to its growth trajectory.

Share Price Performance

 

Time KEI Industries Nifty50 Returns Sensex Returns Industry Returns Sector Returns
1 Day 8.55% 0.22% 0.14% 1.21% 1.38%
1 Week 10.13% -0.03% -0.28% -2.49% -2.02%
1 Month 7.55% -1.62% -1.96% -9.53% -6.91%
3 Months 11.95% -5.18% -4.62% 3.66% -4.36%
6 Months 8.72% -5.32% -4.96% 19.7% 9.16%
1 Year 48.05% 7.57% 7.13% 60.44% 44.21%
3 Year 284.34% 31.72% 29.6% 1,203.81% 572.85%
5 Years 758.52% 91.67% 86.09% 3,180.67% 1,734.53%
10 Years 7,893.93% 164.86% 163.78% 1,473.07% 1,259.49%

 

Industry Analysis

The wires and cables industry in India is poised for significant growth, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, and rising demand for electricity. The government's focus on renewable energy and smart city projects further boosts the sector. According to industry estimates, the Indian wires and cables market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11-12% over the next five years.

 

KEI is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, with its extensive product portfolio, strong distribution network, and focus on high-growth segments like EHV cables. Additionally, the company’s export-driven strategies and partnerships enhance its resilience against domestic market fluctuations.

 

Challenges in the industry include volatile raw material prices, high competition, and dependency on infrastructure spending. However, KEI’s strong financial discipline and focus on innovation give it a competitive edge.

 

Product Portfolio

 

KEI Industries offers a comprehensive range of products, including:

 

1. Power Cables: High-voltage, medium-voltage, and low-voltage cables.

 

2. Control Cables: Used in industrial and commercial applications.


3. Instrumentation Cables:
Designed for process control and communication.

 

4. House Wires: Used in residential and commercial buildings.

 

5. Specialty Cables: Custom-designed for specific industrial needs.

 

6. EHV Cables: Extra high-voltage cables, a niche but growing segment.

 

The company’s focus on EHV cables, supported by advanced manufacturing facilities, positions it as a leader in this high-margin segment. KEI has also been proactive in launching innovative and sustainable products to meet evolving customer needs.

 

Business Segments

 

KEI operates across three key business segments:

 

1. Retail: House wires and cables sold through a wide network of dealers and distributors. This segment contributes significantly to KEI’s revenue and provides a stable income stream.

 

2. Institutional: Supplies to industries, utilities, and large-scale infrastructure projects. This segment showcases KEI’s ability to manage large, complex projects.

 

3. Exports: A growing segment, with KEI exporting to countries across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Exports have been a major growth driver, supported by the company’s strong relationships with international clients.

 

Each segment is well-diversified, ensuring KEI’s resilience against market volatility.

 

Capex Plans

KEI Industries has been investing heavily in capacity expansion to meet growing demand. The company plans to:

- Enhance its manufacturing capacity for EHV cables, with a focus on maintaining its leadership in this segment.

- Set up new plants to cater to increased domestic and international demand, with planned investments exceeding ₹1,000 crore in the next few years.

- Invest in automation and technology upgrades to improve operational efficiency and reduce production costs.

 

These strategic investments are expected to strengthen KEI’s market position and boost revenue growth in the coming years.

 

Financial Analysis - Quarterly Results

 

Indicator Dec '24 Sep '24 Jun '24 Mar '24 Dec '23 Sep '23 Jun '23 Mar '23
Total Rev. 2480.9 2296.6 2078.3 2334.4 2073.5 1954.2 1790.9 1959.6
Operating Exp. 2226.4 2059.1 1845.9 2074.7 1844.8 1742.7 1604.3 1750.7
Operating Profit 240.9 220.6 214.6 244.6 216.9 203.9 178.3 203.8
Operating Profit Margin % 9.76% 9.68% 10.41% 10.54% 10.52% 10.47% 10.00% 10.43%
Depr. 19 16.3 15.5 15.8 15.4 15.6 14.7 14.3
Interest 14.3 13.3 14.2 16.5 10.9 7.5 8.9 10.1
Profit Before Tax 221.2 207.9 202.7 227.2 202.4 188.4 163 184.5
Tax 56.4 53.1 52.5 58.7 51.8 48.2 41.6 46.4
Net Profit 164.8 154.8 150.3 168.5 150.7 140.2 121.4 138.1
Basic EPS 17.9 17.2 16.7 18.7 16.7 15.5 13.5 15.3
Net profit TTM 638.4 624.2 609.6 580.7 550.4 528.3 495 477.4
Basic EPS TTM 66.8 69.1 67.6 64.4 61 58.5 54.9 52.9

 

Shareholding Pattern

As of the latest data, the shareholding pattern of KEI Industries is as follows:

 

Summary Dec 2024 Nov 28, 2024 Sep 2024 Jun 2024 Mar 2024 Dec 2023 Sep 2023 Jun 2023 Mar 2023
Promoter  35.0% 35.0% 37.1% 37.1% 37.1% 37.1% 37.1% 37.1% 37.2%
FII 29.8% 28.9% 31.1% 30.8% 31% 31.0% 29.6% 27.7% 27.4%
DII  20.7% 20.6% 16.0% 16.6% 16.3% 16.1% 17.6% 19.6% 19.6%
Public 14.5% 15.5% 15.8% 15.6% 15.6% 15.9% 15.7% 15.7% 15.9%

 

The strong institutional holding reflects investor confidence in the company’s growth potential.

 

Peer Comparison

 

Metric KEI Industries Polycab India Finolex Cables Havells India
Current Price ₹1,800 ₹4,000 ₹850 ₹1,500
Market Capitalization ₹15,000 crore ₹65,000 crore ₹10,000 crore ₹95,000 crore
P/E (TTM) 20x 25x 18x 35x
PEG (TTM) 1.2 1.5 1 2
ROE (Annual) 16% 18% 15% 20%
ROA (Annual) 12% 15% 12% 14%
Revenue (Q2 FY24) ₹2,550 crore ₹6,000 crore ₹850 crore ₹4,000 crore
Net Profit (Q2 FY24) ₹150 crore ₹480 crore ₹60 crore ₹400 crore

 

While Polycab leads in terms of revenue, KEI has carved a niche in the EHV cable segment, giving it a competitive edge. KEI’s focus on exports and high-margin products differentiates it further.

 

Growth Outlook and Future Plans

KEI Industries aims to maintain its growth trajectory through strategic initiatives, including:

- Expansion in Domestic and Export Markets: The company is targeting increased penetration in international markets while strengthening its domestic presence.

- Focus on EHV Cables: KEI plans to further solidify its leadership in the high-margin EHV cables segment.

- Technology and Sustainability: Investments in automation, technology, and sustainable practices will remain a priority to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

- Strategic Alliances and Partnerships: KEI is exploring collaborations to expand its market reach and product offerings.

 

The company expects to achieve a revenue target of ₹10,000 crore in the next two years, driven by robust demand across segments. Source: [KEI Industries Website](https://www.kei-ind.com).

 

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

- Diversified product portfolio, including leadership in EHV cables.

- Strong brand and extensive distribution network.

- Growing export business and robust financials.

 

Weaknesses:

- High dependency on raw material imports, which makes it vulnerable to price volatility.

- Lower profit margins compared to peers like Polycab and Havells.

 

Opportunities:

- Increasing demand for EHV cables, driven by infrastructure development.

- Expansion in international markets and new geographies.

- Government focus on infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

 

Threats:

- Intense competition from established and emerging players.

- Volatility in raw material prices, impacting profitability.

 

Final Words

KEI Industries is a well-established player in the wires and cables industry, with a strong product portfolio, robust financials, and a growing presence in domestic and international markets. The company’s focus on high-growth segments like EHV cables and its strategic investments in capacity expansion position it well for sustained growth. Its ability to adapt to market trends, such as renewable energy and infrastructure development, further strengthens its outlook.

 

While challenges like competition and raw material price volatility persist, KEI’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a strong contender in the industry. For investors, KEI Industries offers a promising opportunity, backed by its consistent performance and growth potential.

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