Smooth sailing for SCI on diversification buzz

Shipping Corporation of India gained 3.46% to Rs 232 at 11:48 IST on BSE, on reports the company is likely to invest $600 million to $800 million for its foray in shipyards. .

Meanwhile, BSE Sensex was down 7.65 points or 0.04% to 18,131.84.

On BSE, 42,361 shares were traded in the counter. The scrip had an average daily volume of 2.01 lakh shares in the past one quarter.

The stock hit a high of Rs 237 and a low of Rs 227.80 so far during the day. The stock had a 52-week high of Rs 332 on 3 January 2007 and a 52-week low of Rs 151 on 5 March 2007.

The mid-cap scrip had underperformed the market over the past one month till 6 February 2008, declining 26.04% compared to the Sensex's decline of 13.10%. It had outperformed the market in the past one quarter, declining 0.38% compared to Sensex's decline of 4.82%.

The company's current equity is Rs 282.30 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

The current price of Rs 232 discounts its Q3 December 2007 annualized EPS of Rs 25.05, by a PE multiple of 9.26.

Looking at a joint venture set-up, SCI is likely to finalise its partner in the next few months. Looking at a joint venture set-up in the shipbuilding sector, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is likely to finalise its partner in the next few months, reports suggest. The company may fund the investment in shipbuilding by a mix of debt and equity, reports suggest.

SCI's net profit declined 22% to Rs 176.78 crore on 11.5% fall in net sales to Rs 915.27 crore in Q3 December 2007 over Q3 December 2006.

The company provides shipping services including freight, charter hire, liner, container, break bulk and related services. The company operates and manages a fleet of line vessels, tankers, bulk carriers, passenger vessels and off shore vessels