The story of this chemical company started on November 7, 2003 in Pune. Back then, it was called ‘Sri Distikemi Private Limited’, a very traditional name compared to what we know it today as. The name was changed to ‘Clean Science and Technology Private Limited’ in 2006 after its shareholders decide to adopt a more ‘sustainable’ and ‘clean’ method to manufacture chemicals.
Clean Science and Technology has come up with an IPO, starting on July 7, 2021. In this piece, we analyze the company’s business model and its financial health to determine if it has potential in the markets.
Business Model
Clean Science and Technology is a speciality chemical manufacturer that produces chemicals used for ‘special’ purposes. These chemicals can be used in manufacturing a sunscreen lotion, medicine, or even a bag of chips. Based on segmental revenue, the company manufactures the following chemicals:
Performance Chemicals (~69% of total revenue) – Mequinol (MEHQ), Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA).
Pharmaceutical Intermediates (~16% of total revenue) – Guaiacol, DCC
FMCG Chemicals (~12% of total revenue) – 4 MAP, Anisole
Other Products (~3% of total revenue)
The company has two manufacturing facilities near Kurkumbh (Maharashtra) and is all set to open the third one very soon. The company has already bought land for setting up a fourth facility, which is expected to be operational by 2023-24. Currently, it has a capacity of 29,900 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with utilization at 71.94%.
Based on the table above, we get to know that the company is one of the LARGEST manufacturers of the list of speciality chemicals that they manufacture. The company earns most of its revenue from the sale of MEHQ, which is used in manufacturing acrylic fibres, paints and inks, adhesives, and super absorbent polymers.
Close to 69% of the company’s revenue comes from exports, and China is its largest customer. The company exports its products globally to Europe, the USA, China, Korea, Japan.
The top 10 customers contribute nearly 50% to the company’s total revenue. Key customers include Bayer AG, SRF Limited, Gennex Laboratories Limited, Nutriad International NV, and Vinati Organics Limited.
Financial Performance
The company has shown a healthy increase in revenue, profits, and asset value. Apparently, it seems that COVID-19 had a rather small impact on the company’s business, unlike other sectors. Rightly so, because the company manufacturers essential components used in the pharmaceutical industry, which saw a growth opportunity during the pandemic.
Looking at the vital financial ratios of the company, we know that the company saw a healthy rise in EBITDA Margins. It is also using its resources more efficiently as shown by the Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) figures. The company has given a healthy Return on Equity (ROE), which saw a decline during FY21 due to the impact of COVID-19
While comparing its performance with that of peers, we found that the company had the highest EBIDTA margin and Return on Net Worth (RoNW). Even though competitors such as SRF, Navine Flourine, and PI Industries have high revenue figures, they have not able to optimize costs and turn the figures into profit. Meanwhile, Clean Science and Technology has managed to give a bang for the buck (a good value for money), despite having a small market cap compared to its peers. Its business model seems rather sustainable and apt for international expansion.
IPO Details
The company traded at a Grey Market Premium of Rs 450 a day before its listing. Clearly, the company has caught the keen eye of investors, rightly so because of its attractive revenue model. Have you subscribed to the issue? Do you think the company can hit listing gains? Is it the right choice for long-term investment? Let us know in the comment section available on the marketfeed app.