Suven Pharma: Small Molecules, Big Moves!

Brokerage Free Team •February 20, 2025 | 6 min read • 1029 views

About Suven Pharmaceuticals

Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited (SPL) is a prominent Indian Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in New Chemical Entities (NCEs). With over 33 years of research and development experience, SPL offers end-to-end solutions across the drug lifecycle, from process research and development to commercial manufacturing. The company's headquarters are located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To be a preferred partner for global pharmaceutical companies by providing innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions in drug development and manufacturing.

Vision: To become a global leader in the CDMO sector by leveraging expertise in process chemistry, formulation development, and regulatory compliance, thereby addressing the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

Business Segments and Product Offerings

Suven Pharmaceuticals operates through several key business segments:

  1. Formulation Development and Analytical Services: Specializing in the development and analysis of solid orals, pellets, and liquid formulations, ensuring products meet global regulatory standards.

  2. Process Research: Focusing on efficient, safe, and cost-effective production processes for drug substances and intermediates.

  3. Custom Synthesis: Providing partners with access to novel molecules and facilitating the production of drugs through tailored synthesis solutions.

  4. Clinical Supplies Manufacturing and Packaging: Delivering clinical trial supplies that comply with regulatory requirements and timelines.

These services cater to a diverse clientele, including global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, supporting their NCE development and commercialization efforts.

Geographical Presence

While headquartered in Hyderabad, India, Suven Pharmaceuticals serves a global market. The company's world-class manufacturing facilities and research centers are strategically located to meet the needs of international clients, ensuring efficient supply chain management and regulatory compliance across various regions.

Industry Trends

The global pharmaceutical CDMO market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several factors:

  • Outsourcing by Pharmaceutical Companies: To optimize costs and focus on core competencies, many pharmaceutical companies are outsourcing drug development and manufacturing processes.

  • Rise of Specialty and Complex Generics: There's an increasing demand for specialized generics that require advanced manufacturing capabilities.

  • Growth in Biologics and Biosimilars: The biologics segment is expanding, leading to a higher demand for CDMO services specializing in these complex products.

  • Stringent Regulatory Norms: Tighter regulations are prompting pharmaceutical companies to partner with CDMOs that have robust compliance and quality assurance systems.

  • Increased R&D Investments: Global pharmaceutical companies are investing more in research and development, leading to a surge in demand for CDMO services.

Market Size and Market Share

The global CDMO market is projected to reach approximately $200 billion by 2024, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6-8%. Suven Pharmaceuticals, with its specialized focus on NCEs and strong client relationships, holds a niche yet significant position in this expanding market. In India, Suven competes with major CDMO firms such as Divi’s Laboratories and Laurus Labs, distinguishing itself through its expertise in complex chemistry and high-value intermediates.

Key Financial Metrics

Market Cap ₹ 32,735 Cr. Book Value ₹ 77.7 Face Value ₹ 1.00 Return over 5years 640.33%
Current Price ₹ 1,286 Dividend Yield - Promoter holding 50.10% Price to book value 16.6
High / Low ₹ 1,360 / 597 ROCE 18.80% Return over 10years - Return over 1year 85.34%
Stock P/E 117 ROE 14.10% Industry PE 29.2 Return over 3years 126.32%
OPM 35.80% Profit after tax ₹ 279 Cr. Debt to equity 0.02  

These robust financial metrics underscore Suven's operational efficiency and strong market position.

Price Performance

Over the past three years, Suven Pharmaceuticals' stock has delivered substantial returns to shareholders, driven by consistent earnings growth and an expanding portfolio of global contracts. However, recent market corrections and broader economic factors have introduced some volatility in the stock's short-term performance.

Time Suven Pharma Nifty50 Returns Sensex Returns Industry Returns Sector Returns
1 Day 7.56% -0.2% -0.34% 0.21% 0.18%
1 Week 19.02% -0.68% -0.64% -0.89% -1.16%
1 Month 15.58% -1.36% -1.23% -5.14% -5.5%
3 Months -2.5% -2.68% -2.45% -4.78% -4.74%
6 Months 29.17% -6.86% -5.9% -2.53% -2.46%
1 Year 85.34% 3.45% 4.09% 17.77% 17.75%
3 Year 126.32% 32.48% 30.86% 96.35% 94.3%
5 Years 640.33% 88.75% 83.14% 266.66% 260.32%
10 Years 640.33% 157.3% 156.87% 399.63% 395.79%

Financial and Fundamental Analysis

Indicator CAGR 3 Yrs CAGR 5 Yrs TTM Mar '24 Mar '23 Mar '22 Mar '21 Mar '20
Total Rev. Ann. 1.8% 23.3% 1040.5 1080.1 1374.6 1508 1024 851.9
Operating Exp. Ann. 2.6% 24.4% 605.4 615.1 747 740.2 569.2 448.6
Operating Profit Ann. -2.4% 19% 371.7 409.9 583.1 580 440.5 385.2
OPM Ann. % -4.1% -3.5% - 37.95% 42.42% 38.46% 43.02% 45.21%
Total Exp. Ann. 3.2% 24.9% - 671.3 795.2 785.6 610 494.3
EBIDT Ann. 0.7% 22% - 465 627.6 767.8 454.8 403.3
EBIDT Ann. margin % -1% -1.1% - 43.05% 45.66% 50.91% 44.41% 47.34%
Interest Ann. -6.7% 21.5% 8 7.4 5.4 6.2 9.1 21.8
Depr. 15.6% 33.5% 53.4 48.8 42.8 39.1 31.6 23.9
PBT Ann. -0.4% 21% 373.7 408.8 579.4 722.5 414 357.6
Tax Ann. -0.4% 16.4% 92.5 104 146.8 164.4 105.3 87.5
PAT Before ExtraOrdinary Items Ann. -0.4% 22.8% - 304.8 432.6 558.1 308.7 270.1
Net Profit Ann. -0.4% 22.8% 281.2 304.8 432.6 558.1 308.7 270.1
NPM Ann. % -0.9% 0.6% - 29.73% 32.52% 42.27% 30.56% 32.39%
EPS Adj. latest Ann. -0.3% 22.8% - 12 17 21.9 12.1 10.6

Peer Comparison

Stock Current Price Market Capitalization PE TTM Price to Earnings PEG TTM PE to Growth ROE Annual % RoA Annual % Piotroski Score Operating Revenue Qtr Revenue Growth Annual YoY % Net Profit Qtr Net Profit Annual YoY Growth % Dividend yield 1yr %
Suven Pharmaceuticals 1278.1 32535.95 116.52 -4.72 14.64% 13.32% 5 307.15 -19.72% 82.88 -26.99% 0.00%
Sun Pharmaceutical Itd 1668.85 400413.02 34.99 1.23 15.04% 11.20% 9 13675.46 11.97% 2912.98 13.01% 0.93%
Divi's Laboratories Ltd. 5979.7 158742.26 76.8 1.55 11.78% 10.34% 5 2319 0.89% 589 -12.25% 0.50%
Cipla Ltd. 1478.8 119430.09 23.94 0.69 15.43% 12.59% 8 7072.97 14.17% 1570.51 47.10% 0.88%
Torrent Pharmaceuticals 3084.9 104407.02 56.07 2.28 24.15% 10.99% 9 2809 11.59% 503 33.02% 1.04%
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories 1166.95 97375.45 18.13 6.61 19.74% 14.35% 5 8381.2 12.36% 1413.7 23.75% 0.69%
Mankind Pharma Ltd. 2341.45 96603.19 47.32 2.67 20.43% 15.98% 8 3230 19.57% 380.23 49.23% 0.00%

Suven's superior margins and return ratios highlight its competitive edge in the CDMO sector.

Shareholding Pattern

Summary Dec 2024 Sep 2024 Jun 2024 Mar 2024 Dec 2023 Sep 2023 Jun 2023 Mar 2023 Dec 2022 Sep 2022 Jun 2022 Mar 2022
Promoter  50.1% 50.1% 50.1% 50.1% 60% 60% 60% 60% 60% 60% 60% 60%
FII 10.8% 10.7% 9.8% 9.5% 10.1% 10.0% 9.5% 9.5% 8.1% 7.6% 8.5% 8.6%
DII  16.7% 17.0% 17.4% 17.3% 16.0% 14.1% 10.6% 11.4% 11.4% 10.9% 7.0% 6.6%
Public 22.4% 22.3% 22.7% 23.1% 13.9% 15.9% 19.9% 19.1% 20.6% 21.6% 24.6% 24.9%

The substantial promoter holding reflects strong confidence in the company's future prospects.

 

Promoters and Management Commentary

 

Promoters

Suven Pharmaceuticals is primarily promoted by the Jasti Kalidindi family, with Venkat Jasti at the helm, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic direction. The promoters collectively hold around 60% stake, reflecting their confidence in the company’s long-term growth.

 

Management Commentary & Strategic Vision

The management has consistently emphasized expanding Suven’s CDMO capabilities, strengthening R&D investments, and diversifying its customer base beyond existing partnerships.

 

In recent earnings calls and investor presentations, the leadership has outlined key strategic priorities:

 

 

 

1. Capacity Expansion & R&D Investments:

    • The company is investing in new manufacturing units to cater to increased demand for high-value intermediates and niche APIs.

    • Plans to allocate ₹400-500 crore over the next few years for capacity enhancement and process innovation.

 

2. Geographical & Client Diversification:

    • Currently, the U.S. and Europe contribute over 80% of revenues. The company aims to expand further into Japan and emerging markets.
    • Strengthening relationships with top global pharma companies while adding more mid-sized biotech firms to its client base.

 

3. Focus on High-Margin Products & Specialization:

    • Suven has a niche focus on high-margin complex molecules, differentiating itself from generic-heavy CDMOs.

    • Management aims to maintain EBITDA margins above 38-40% through specialized APIs and process optimization.

 

4. Inorganic Growth & Strategic Acquisitions:

    • Exploring potential acquisitions in the CDMO and contract research space to expand its service offerings.

    • Targeting firms with strong IP portfolios and complementary capabilities.



Financial Guidance & Future Outlook

  • Revenue Growth Target: 12-15% CAGR over the next 3-5 years, backed by new client acquisitions and capacity additions.

  • Sustained Profitability: Management expects to maintain net profit margins of 22-25%, supported by operational efficiencies.

  • Debt Management: The company aims to remain largely debt-free, ensuring financial stability and strategic flexibility.

 

Venkat Jasti, in a recent investor meet, emphasized:
"We are positioning Suven Pharmaceuticals as a premium CDMO player with a focus on specialized chemistry and high-value partnerships. Our strategic investments in R&D and capacity expansion will enable us to capitalize on global pharma trends and sustain long-term profitability."

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