The Rise of Private Capex in India

Introduction
In a remarkable turn of events, India’s Q1 FY24 GDP growth has surged to an impressive 7.8%. A beacon of hope in a challenging economic landscape, this growth is attributed to the promising signs of revival in private sector investments. In this blog, we’ll explore what private capex is, why it matters, and the factors that have influenced its resurgence.

What is Private Capex?
Private capex, short for private capital expenditure, encompasses the investments that businesses make in acquiring, upgrading, and maintaining assets such as property, technology, and equipment. These investments are crucial drivers of economic growth and productivity because they create jobs and enhance operational efficiency.

Measuring Private Capex
Tracking private capex involves various methods, including:

• Financial Statements: Monitoring capex through income statements and balance sheets.
• Surveys: Gathering data from businesses regarding their investment plans.
• Government Data: Analyzing trends in private capex using government-provided data.
  Factors that Affected Private Capex

Private capex in India experienced a significant downturn, influenced by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, political uncertainty, and rising interest rates. In 2021-22, it accounted for 36% of gross fixed capital formation, down from 42% in 2019-20.

Reasons for the Resurgence of Private Capex
Several factors have contributed to the revival of private capex:

• Government Initiatives: In FY23, government capex surged by 22.9%, reaching an all-time high of ₹13.3 trillion. This relentless push from authorities fueled optimism in India’s private capex revival.
• Rise in Corporate Investments: Businesses have transitioned from ‘maintenance capex’ to ‘discretionary capex,’ significantly increasing their investments. Year-on-year, capex rose by 21% to ₹7.6 trillion in FY23.
• Credit Growth: Indian banks have ample capital reserves, leading to a robust credit growth of 15.6% in May 2023. This abundance of funds has empowered businesses for growth.

Which Sectors Will Benefit?
The resurgence of private capex offers opportunities across various sectors:

• Industrials: Companies like Larsen & Toubro and BHEL stand to benefit.
• Discretionary Consumption: Keep an eye on companies such as Interglobe Aviation, M&M, and Jubilant Foodworks.
• Credit Growth: Consider potential gains in banks like Axis Bank and SBI.

Conclusion

The resurgence of private capex in India is not just a statistic; it’s a testament to the nation’s resilience and determination to thrive. As the private sector continues to invest and grow, it creates a ripple effect that boosts economic growth, employment, and prosperity. The future looks promising, with opportunities aplenty for businesses and investors alike to capitalize on this economic revival.

Explore Infra Tracker smallcase to view companies which can potentially benefit from a rise in private capex.

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