Capital expenditure (capex) is a key number that investors watch. It tells them how forward-looking a company is, and how invested it is in its future. Such spending is essentially,  a bet on upcoming growth. 

Capex growth forecasts by analysts is thus a useful proxy for future bullishness, and helps justify current valuations. These forecasts tell us which companies are making the biggest bets on expansion and growth. Higher forecasts suggest good financial health, and also indicate the company's confidence and commitment to long-term growth.

In this edition of Chart of the Week, we look at a screener of stocks with high Forecaster capex growth estimates. The bubble chart circles represent the size of capex growth estimates. We also look at the individual sectors poised for high capex growth in the coming year and identify the biggest contributors.

Better-than-expected Q1 results and capex plans for FY25 suggest a turnaround in Software & Services

Happiest Minds and Zensar Tech have the highest capex growth estimates in the software and services sector for FY25

Five of the 25 stocks in our chart belong to the software & services sector. This expansion in the IT sector comes after around two years of slowing growth and disappointing numbers. IT firms reported better-than-expected results in Q1FY25 because of the rise in the number of deal wins. This came after major central banks have already cut or hinted at a probable rate cut i.e. lower borrowing rates starting this year, as inflation comes down in major global economies. 

Happiest Minds Technologies leads with an estimated capex growth of 2,751.9% for FY25, the highest forecast among the Nifty500 stocks. The estimated capex for FY25 is Rs 294 crore compared to Rs 10.3 crore in FY24. This aligns with the aspirations of the company’s Chairman, Ashok Soota, who says that FY25 will be their best year in terms of revenue growth since the IPO.

In Q1FY25, the company acquired PureSoftware and Macmillan Learning and added 1,250 employees. These acquisitions strengthen its presence in key verticals like BFSI, Healthcare, and Education. The company also looks forward to ramp-up orders from the Generative AI segment. It expects to achieve $1 billion in revenue by 2031, driven by organic growth initiatives, strategic acquisitions, and new technology capabilities in Gen AI and bioinformatics.

Zensar Technologies follows with a capex growth estimate of 863%, while Mphasis and Birlasoft are expected to incur capex growth of 406% and 250%, respectively. Another software & services firm, Just Dial started this year on a positive note, with net profit growth of 69.3% YoY to Rs 141 crore in Q1FY25. Trendlyne’s Forecaster expects Just Dial to have an estimated capex of Rs 51 crore in FY25, signifying growth of 273% on a YoY basis. 

Metals & mining sector companies plan to fulfill capex with internal accruals

Maharashtra Seamless has the highest planned capex growth estimates in the mining sector for FY25

In the metals and mining sector, Maharashtra Seamless stands out with the highest capex growth estimate of 1,395% for FY25. The company had taken debt for a Telangana plant and rig acquisition, but prepaid it in full in October ‘22 and June ‘23 respectively through internal accruals. For FY25-26, the company plans to spend over Rs 800 crore from their cash in hand and internal accruals.

Another major player, Jindal Stainless, is expected to grow its capex by 252% in FY25. The company has announced a total expansion capex of around Rs 5,400 crore. They are also partnering with a Singapore entity to set up a 1.2 million tons per annum stainless steel weld shop in Indonesia, where JSL will hold a 49% stake with an outlay of around Rs 700 crore.

Close behind are Lloyds Metals & Energy and Welspun Corp., with capex growth estimates of 245% and 222%, respectively, in FY25. Lloyds Metals has announced plans to remain debt-free even though the company intends to execute a capex of Rs 33,000 crore. The company has delivered a 55%+ return on employed capital in the past two years.

Transportation sector companies are spending heavily to keep up with India’s growth in the coming years

Three transportation sector firms have high planned capex growth for FY25

Forecaster estimates that InterGlobe Aviation (Indigo) will incur a capex of around Rs 15,000 crore, signifying a growth of 1,253% YoY. CEO Pieter Elbers aims to double Indigo’s fleet size by 2030 from around 350 aircraft at present to 600 aircraft. The company plans to add 10 new destinations and approximately 6,000 employees in FY25. It also aims to add one new aircraft per week to expand its domestic and international operations. For this, Indigo placed an order for 500 aircraft with Airbus in June ‘23, setting a new record for the largest aircraft order in the history of commercial aviation.

Another transportation company, JSW Infrastructure, is expected to incur capex growth of 642% in FY25. The company has planned a capex of Rs 2,500 crore in FY25 to expand its cargo handling capacity. Joint MD and CEO, Arun Maheshwari, said, “By 2027, the company anticipates a 50% increase in capacity to 258 million tonnes with an investment of Rs 14,000 crore.” He also highlighted that the company will fund these expansion plans and new projects with internal accruals, leveraging a strong balance sheet with low debt.

Solar EPC firms to gain from India’s plan to lower carbon footprint by 2030

Solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy plans to capitalise on India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil-based energy, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint by 45% by 2030. Reduced solar prices and overcapacity in the Chinese market have also worked in favour of  EPC players in building their captive solar power plants. Forecaster expects Sterling and Wilson’s capex to surge by 1,469% in FY25.

Similarly, battery manufacturer Amara Raja Energy & Mobility is expected to incur capex growth of 284% in FY25. Meanwhile, Forecaster estimates Patanjali Foods and Eris Lifesciences to incur 10x capex costs compared to last year to fund their growth ambitions. 

It is evident that companies have become more cautious about debt-driven spending after enduring a prolonged high-interest rate environment. In the past year, many companies have significantly ramped up their debt repayments to reduce their finance costs. Now, they are taking a more conservative approach and are looking to fund their growth aspirations with the cash they have on hand