Semiconductor shortage to persist – Motherson Sumi

Update on Indian Equity Market:
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Excerpts of the Interview with Mr VC Sehgal, Chairman of Motherson Sumi with CNBCTV18, dated 15th September 2021:

A lot of struggling semiconductors manufacturers are coming back on stream. However, with the uncertainty and guidance from manufacturers, the company expects this issue to persist beyond Q2CY22.
The sophistication required and the manufacturing processes of these semiconductor chips are extremely complex, the current structural barriers faced by these manufacturers can’t be removed overnight.
Demand has picked up for the entire sector, however, there’s a rise in inventory for OEMs as manufacturers wait for semiconductors to be supplied to complete the production and deliver the automobiles.
OEMs like Motherson Sumi are agnostic towards the engine that is fitted into the automobile, whether EV or ICE. However, the shift towards EV is value accretive for the company.
PLI scheme is more focused on technology transfer and development than actual production, however, these schemes coupled with the EV push by the government will result in robust demand for OEMs.
Raw Material price hikes and other margin pressures are a function of cycles and thus the company is not planning to take any aggressive steps to counter it. Right now the focus is only on delivering on the pent-up demand as fast as possible.

Asset Multiplier Comments:
Semiconductor shortage is an issue that’s going to persist for the upcoming quarters and is universal. The Auto and Ancillary Sector has to bear the brunt until things get better.
Motherson Sumi by the virtue of its product portfolio is indifferent to the ICE/EV competition, thus it is better placed for robust growth ahead once the supply side issues subside.

Consensus Estimates (Source: market screener website):
The closing price of Motherson Sumi was ₹224/- as of 16-September-2021. It traded at 32x/20x/17x the EPS estimate of ₹ 7/₹ 11/₹ 13 for FY22E/23E/24E
The consensus price target is ₹ 256/- which trades at 19x the EPS estimate for FY24E of ₹13/-
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