Suraksha Diagnostic Ltd IPO Analysis 2024: Should You Subscribe?

Suraksha Diagnostic Ltd (SDL) launched its initial public offering (IPO) on November 29, 2024, with bidding set to close on December 03. This is a pure offer for sale (OFS), which means that the company will not receive any proceeds from the offer and all proceeds from the sale will go to the Selling Shareholders. 

The IPO is trading flat in the grey market, showing no premium, and received a muted response on the first day. Investors should get a clear understanding of both potential rewards and risks before subscribing. This IPO analysis provides a comprehensive review to help make an informed decision.

Suraksha Diagnostic IPO Details

• Issue Details: Mainstream
• Issue Size: Rs 846.25 crore
• OFS: Rs 846.25 crore
• Price Band: Rs 420 – Rs 441
• Lot size: 34 shares
• Listing Date: December 06, 2024

Suraksha Diagnostic IPO Subscription Status

As of 5 p.m. on the opening day, the IPO of Suraksha Diagnostic Ltd saw an overall subscription rate of 0.11 times. Retail investors led with a subscription of 0.20 times their allotted shares, followed by non-institutional investors at 0.04 times. Qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) were yet to subscribe to their reserved portion.

Overview of Suraksha Diagnostic Ltd

SDL offers pathology, radiology, and medical consultation services primarily in West Bengal. Its network consists of a central reference laboratory, 8 satellite labs, 49 diagnostic centres, and 166 sample collection centres (as of June 2024), ensuring strong regional market coverage.

SDL operates on a "Hub and Spoke" model, with 13 Hub centres and 36 Spoke centres. Hub centres are larger facilities that provide advanced diagnostic services, including a wide range of pathology and radiology tests, while Spoke centres are smaller, strategically located units offering basic tests and medical consultations.

Suraksha Diagnostic Key Strengths

• Impressive Growth: SDL demonstrated robust growth in FY24, with operating revenue increasing by 15% and net profit surging by 281%. While FY23 experienced a dip in both revenue and margins due to the tapering of COVID-related income and higher initial costs from new centre ramp-ups, the latest results highlight a strong recovery in margins.
• Robust Margins: SDL achieved an impressive EBITDA margin of 34% in FY24, significantly outperforming the industry average, reflecting strong operational efficiency and cost management.
• Resilient Business Model: SDL's business model shows resilience, with a solid customer retention rate of 52%, indicating a strong base of repeat customers. The B2C segment remains the key revenue driver, accounting for approximately 94% of total revenue.
• Strategic Partnerships: SDL has cultivated long-standing relationships with leading medical technology vendors like HORIBA, Schiller Healthcare, Boston Ivy, Siemens Healthineers, Wipro GE Healthcare and Phillips India, positioning the company well for sustained growth in the healthcare sector.

Suraksha Diagnostic Risk Factors

• Geographic Concentration: A significant portion of SDL's revenue is derived from West Bengal. Any disruption or loss of business in this region could negatively impact the company's performance. In Q1FY25, West Bengal accounted for 95.34% of the total revenue.
• Credit Rating Downgrades: CRISIL has previously downgraded SDL’s credit ratings. Any downgrade in the future could adversely affect the company's operations and financial standing.
• Suspension of Securities: Some securities belonging to members of the Promoter Group have been suspended from trading on a recognized stock exchange in the past, which may impact investor perception and business stability.
• Intense Competition: The diagnostics industry in India is highly competitive, and SDL’s ability to compete effectively with other healthcare service providers is crucial. As of FY24, the company's market share in its major market of East India was 1.15-1.30%, which could impact its financial performance if competition intensifies.

Suraksha Diagnostic Valuation & Recommendation

From a valuation perspective, the IPO is priced aggressively, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 99.5x based on FY24 earnings, which is significantly higher than the industry average.

SDL has had inconsistent financial performance, with a setback in FY23 but signs of strong recovery in recent months. The company plans to expand using a hub-and-spoke model, focusing on West Bengal, where 70% of its capex will likely be directed. It has also established hubs in Patna and Guwahati and is exploring a public-private partnership in Meghalaya, which offers promising growth opportunities in underserved markets.

While the diagnostic sector in India is poised for growth, SDL's current valuation appears inflated compared to its listed competitors, which may limit short-term upside potential. Moreover, much of the company's future success hinges on successful execution, especially as it expands into new geographies and faces growing competition in the eastern region. 

Given these factors, it is advisable for investors to closely monitor the company's financial performance and operational execution in the next couple of quarters before making investment commitments.

For a deep dive into other IPOs, explore: IPO Corner on Liquide