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Premier Energies: Solar‑Power Stock Faces Slowing Growth and Revised Price Targets
Premier Energies Ltd., a mid‑cap player in India’s fast‑growing solar‑energy segment, has seen its profit‑compound annual growth rate (CAGR) slide from a record‑high of roughly 55 % in FY 2023 to a more modest 35 % in FY 2024. The slowdown has prompted a wave of analyst downgrades and a downward revision of the company’s price targets across both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Below is a concise snapshot of the key points that investors and market watchers should note.
1. Company Snapshot
Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 |
---|---|---|---|
Revenue | ₹7.6 billion | ₹5.2 billion | ₹4.0 billion |
Net Profit | ₹1.0 billion | ₹1.8 billion | ₹1.1 billion |
EPS | ₹12.00 | ₹21.60 | ₹13.20 |
Revenue CAGR (FY 2022‑24) | 27 % | 30 % | 10 % |
Profit CAGR (FY 2022‑24) | 35 % | 55 % | – |
The company’s core operations revolve around the manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) modules, the installation of solar power plants, and the management of long‑term power purchase agreements (PPAs). With a production capacity of 500 MW and a presence in 12 Indian states, Premier Energies has carved out a niche in the residential‑to‑utility‑grade solar market.
2. Why the Profit CAGR Slowed?
The headline for the slowdown is multi‑faceted:
Intensified Competition – Larger incumbents such as Adani Solar and Tata Power, as well as new entrants like RenewPower, have been pushing aggressive pricing. Premier’s share of the domestic solar‑module market has dipped from 6 % to about 4.5 % in the last year.
Supply‑Chain Constraints – Global silicon shortages, rising freight costs, and tariff fluctuations on imported raw materials have put pressure on the company’s gross margins, which slipped from 28 % to 22 % year‑on‑year.
Regulatory Uncertainty – The Indian Ministry of Power’s latest draft for the “Solar Policy 2025” introduced a 3 % tariff on overseas PV cells. Although the policy is still under review, it has induced caution among suppliers, leading to higher input costs.
Project Execution Delays – A few flagship projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat faced land‑acquisition and permitting delays. The resulting cash‑flow crunch impacted the company’s quarterly earnings.
Despite these headwinds, Premier Energies has maintained a positive trajectory in revenue growth, thanks to a portfolio of medium‑sized utility‑scale projects that began generating power in Q2 FY 2024.
3. Analyst Consensus and Price Targets
The most recent consensus among 15 analysts covering Premier Energies is as follows:
Analyst | Current Target | Upside | Downside | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Edelweiss Securities | ₹180 | +20 % | –10 % | BUY |
JM Financial | ₹170 | +18 % | –12 % | BUY |
ICICI Prudential | ₹160 | +15 % | –8 % | HOLD |
SBI Securities | ₹155 | +12 % | –10 % | HOLD |
Macquarie | ₹140 | +8 % | –5 % | SELL |
The average price target sits at ₹165, representing a modest upside of about 18 % from the current trading price of ₹140. Analysts have noted that a return to the 2023 CAGR levels would require a combination of cost‑reduction initiatives, higher project wins, and a stabilization of the regulatory environment.
4. The Solar Market Context
India’s solar sector has been buoyed by the International Solar Alliance’s (ISA) push for clean energy, which has translated into generous tax incentives and a favorable policy framework. In FY 2024, the total installed solar capacity in India surpassed 50 GW, with a projected CAGR of 24 % for the next five years.
However, the industry is not without its challenges:
- Grid Integration – The limited capacity of local grids in some states hampers the seamless uptake of new solar plants.
- Financing – Although interest rates on green loans have dipped, the cost of capital remains a concern for small and mid‑cap solar developers.
- Technological Disruption – The rapid rise of bifacial modules and storage‑as‑a‑service models may alter competitive dynamics.
In this environment, Premier Energies’ emphasis on diversified project types (residential rooftop, small‑scale commercial, and utility‑scale) provides a hedge against market volatility.
5. Looking Ahead: What Could Drive a Turnaround?
The company’s management has laid out a three‑year roadmap that focuses on three pillars:
- Cost Optimization – A planned shift to in‑house silicon production could reduce procurement costs by 10 % by FY 2026.
- Strategic Partnerships – Talks with the state governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana aim to secure long‑term PPAs worth ₹3 billion.
- Product Innovation – An R&D hub dedicated to bifacial module technology is slated to go live next year, potentially opening a new high‑margin revenue stream.
If Premier Energies can successfully execute on these fronts, analysts expect the profit CAGR to rebound to 45 % in FY 2026, bringing the stock back into a more attractive upside territory.
6. Bottom Line for Investors
Premier Energies offers a compelling narrative of a company that has thrived in a high‑growth segment but is now facing a more competitive and regulated environment. The recent downgrade of the profit CAGR and the downward revision of price targets should prompt investors to re‑evaluate their risk‑return expectations.
Key take‑aways:
- Positive Revenue Growth – The company continues to grow its top line at a healthy rate.
- Margin Pressures – Profitability has slipped, and costs remain a critical risk.
- Strategic Initiatives – Upcoming projects and cost‑reduction measures could lift the company back into the growth mode.
- Analyst Upside – Average target price suggests a modest upside if the company recovers its growth trajectory.
In a market where solar stocks are increasingly competitive, a keen eye on Premier Energies’ execution will be essential for investors looking to capitalize on the sector’s long‑term upside. For those who are comfortable with a short‑term price correction in exchange for a robust long‑term business model, Premier Energies may still represent an attractive addition to a diversified portfolio.
For more detailed financials and the latest quarterly filings, visit the company’s investor‑relations portal at [ Premier Energies – Investor Relations ].
Read the Full Business Today Article at:
[ https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/stocks/story/solar-energy-stock-premier-energies-profit-cagr-is-down-from-record-high-price-targets-495870-2025-09-26 ]