cords cable industries ltd Management discussions


Global Economy

The global economy seems to be at the cusp of a slowdown in 2023, with growth projected to decline to 2.1 percent. The combined effects of monetary tightening and stricter credit conditions are expected to exert pressure on economic activity throughout the latter part of the year and into 2024. This deceleration might be particularly prominent in advanced economies, where growth is expected to plummet from 2.7 percent in 2022 to 1.3 percent in 2023.

Furthermore, several emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) are anticipated to experience a more pronounced slowdown, particularly those grappling with heightened fiscal and financial vulnerabilities. Many of these economies are forecasted to see growth diminish to 2.9 percent in 2023, down from 4.1 percent in 2022, attributed to global financial conditions and elevated debt levels.

While global headline inflation is estimated to decrease from 8.7 percent in 2022 to 7.0 percent in 2023 due to decreased commodity prices, core inflation is projected to decrease more gradually. For the most part, inflation may not return to target levels before 2025.

Initial indicators in early 2023 initially suggested the potential for a gentle economic landing, characterized by lower inflation and stable growth. However, these prospects may have become less certain due to persistent high inflation and recent turbulence in the financial sector. Noteworthy reports from organizations such as the United Nations, the OECD, McKinsey, and the IMF highlight diverse growth projections for 2023, underscoring the need for readiness in an evolving global economic landscape. The United Nations report proposes that the global growth slowdown in 2023 might be less severe than earlier anticipated. This is attributed to improved household spending in the United States and the European Union, China s potential recovery, and the sustained outlook for India. Global growth is now anticipated to ease from 3.1 percent in 2022 to 2.3 percent in 2023 (up from the 1.9 percent forecast in January). The OECD s Economic Outlook anticipates a moderation in global GDP growth from 3.3 percent in 2022 to 2.7 percent in 2023, followed by a rebound to 2.9 percent in 2024. McKinsey s Global Survey on economic conditions advises businesses to brace for an impending slowdown in global economic growth. Goldman Sachs foresees global growth of approximately 1.8 percent in 2023, influenced by tightening financial conditions in the United States. J.P. Morgan s midyear update notes resilient spending in the first half of the year, but also highlights a moderation in growth and an ongoing shift in dynamics.

Worth mentioning is that Asian economies are broadly expected to be the main drivers of global growth in 2023, benefiting from ongoing reopening efforts and milder inflationary pressures compared to other regions. Thereby, the global economy displays signs of improvement, though the upturn remains fragile, accompanied by notable downside risks. While the United Nations report points to a potentially less severe global growth slowdown in 2023, businesses should prepare for an environment of decelerating global economic growth in the foreseeable future.

Indian Economy

India s economy has displayed remarkable resilience amidst global uncertainties, achieving a robust 7.7% YoY growth in the first three quarters of FY 2022/23. The National Statistical Office (NSO) reports an 8.7% real GDP growth in 2021-22, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 1.5%. While, the ongoing recovery seems to be driven by rural consumption, urban consumption is also poised for a resurgence, particularly in contact-intensive services. Investment activity receives a boost from capacity utilization, government-driven capital expenditure, and strengthened bank credit. The momentum in merchandise and services exports remains strong. The manufacturing focus, government incentives, digitization, and global technology trends are the expected key drivers of this growth. Additionally, the geopolitical factors seem to enhance India s attractiveness as an investment destination.

While a well-vaccinated population helps mitigate health-related risks, the inflation outlook remains uncertain due to global geopolitics and commodity prices. Although reduced excise duties have moderated domestic petroleum prices, global crude oil prices continue to stay elevated. By and large, India s strong macroeconomic indicators lay a solid foundation for growth, with widespread vaccination, supply-side reforms, robust exports, and fiscal flexibility acting as growth catalysts. The anticipated rejuvenation of the private sector is also bolstered by a resilient financial system.

The IMF predicts India s growth at 5.9% in FY 2023-24 and an average of 6.1% over the next five years. A positive outlook is maintained for the Indian economy, with investments expected to drive sustainable growth. FY 2023-24 growth is projected at 6.0%-6.5%, even as the global economy faces challenges. Averaging a growth rate of 6.7% until 2031, driven by manufacturing and services, S&P Global foresees India becoming the world s third-largest economy by 2027. India s decade-long average GDP growth of 5.5% solidifies its status as the fastest-growing economy.

The Indian government s policy initiatives, investments in technology and energy, and strategic planning position the country for continued economic growth. The Union Budget 2022-23 sets the stage for growth through public investment, inclusive development, productivity enhancement, and financing avenues. Tax and regulatory measures provide clarity and support growth.

Overall, India s resilient economy is fortified to navigate challenges. Strategic investments, policy initiatives, and proactive measures ensure sustained economic prosperity amidst global dynamics and oil price fluctuations.

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT (Wires and Cables Industry)

The Indian wires and cables industry is poised for significant growth, and by some estimates, it s projected to cross the Rs. 1,000 billion mark in FY 23. This growth is driven by substantial government investments in infrastructure. Notably, initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya scheme) and Power for all are set to accelerate demand for wires and power cables. These schemes focus on rural household electrification and transmission and distribution (T&D) efficiencies. Besides, commercial establishments and public utilities are expected to contribute to the demand for cabling. The expansion of renewable energy capacities is expected to fuel the need for solar cables and elastomeric cables.

In metropolitan areas (Tier I cities), the demand, especially, for underground cables is expected to grow due to space limitations for tower installations and heightened demand from infrastructure projects such as metro networks etc. Over the past five years, the wires and cables industry in India has exhibited a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 13.68%, reaching Rs. 788 billion in Fiscal 2021. The industry is projected to sustain this growth trajectory, with an anticipated CAGR of around 14.50% in value terms, reaching approximately Rs. 1,550 billion by Fiscal 2026. The wires and cables market constitute nearly 40% of the electrical industry and is experiencing a CAGR of 15% primarily due to the expansion of the power and infrastructure sectors. Even globally, the wires and cables market witnessed an estimated size of $183.14 billion in 2020 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2021 to 2028. The industry is anticipated to reach a substantial worth of $236.1 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 8.00%.

The remarkable growth is underpinned by government investments in areas such as smart cities, metro railways, airport modernization, power, and hydrocarbon sectors. The wire and cable industry s prospects are interconnected with several sectors, including power, telecommunications, railways, real estate, steel, cement, and infrastructure.

OPPORTUNITIES

Demand Drivers, and Opportunities in the Wire and Cable Industry

The wires and cable industry in India is experiencing rapid expansion driven by the government s resolute dedication to infrastructure development and increased investments across various sectors. This robust growth in the wires and cables market is fuelled by a confluence of factors, including heightened government expenditure on infrastructure, initiatives to promote renewable energy, urbanization, industrialization, emerging technologies, and the government s unwavering focus on the infrastructure sector.

Few of the Sectoral Opportunities:

Hydrocarbons: Specialized cables and wires play a crucial role in the demanding conditions of the oil and gas sector, where many times they must withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments. The hydrocarbons sector, encompassing oil exploration, drilling, and refining, relies heavily on these durable cables. As this sector experiences growth, the demand for such resilient cables is anticipated to rise significantly.

Railways and Metro Rails: Ambitious expansion and modernization of railways and metro rail networks demand extensive cabling. The government s strategic focus on high-speed rail networks and metro rails unveils significant prospects for the wires and cable industry.

Power: The power sector remains a substantial consumer of cables and wires. The government s drive towards universal electrification, exemplified by initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya scheme) and Power for All, is poised to fuel demand for building wires and power cables.

Metals: The metals sector presents another opportunity for the wires and cable industry in India, with the demand for cables used in the mining and processing of metals expected to increase.

Fertilizers and Chemicals: Similarly, the fertilizers and chemicals sector mandates cables and wires resilient enough to thrive in challenging environments. The expected growth in this sector is likely to drive demand for these specialized cables.

Airports Modernization and Expansion: The modernization and expansion of airports entail substantial cabling needs. The government s commitment to revamp existing airports and establish new ones augments opportunities for the wires and cable industry.

Smart Cities: The government s strategic focus on smart city development paves the way for considerable growth prospects in the wires and cable industry. The evolution of smart cities demands substantial cabling for diverse applications like smart grids, intelligent homes, and advanced transportation systems.

Building and Industrial Automation: The burgeoning building and industrial automation sector introduces promising prospects. The demand for specialized cables and wires, capable of withstanding harsh conditions, is projected to surge in line with sectoral expansion. Water and STP: Water and sewage treatment plants necessitate specialized cables engineered to endure extreme conditions. As these plants witness growth, the demand for these specialized cables is expected to escalate.

Few of the Market Drivers:

The strategic focus on infrastructure projects and government investments remains pivotal drivers for the wire and cable market in India. Investments in smart grid projects and enhancements of power transmission and distribution systems are poised to generate global demand for wires and cables. The ongoing expansion of power transmission & distribution networks, coupled with investments in real estate and transportation, further enhance the industry s growth prospects.

Renewable Energy Boost: India s ambitious renewable energy targets have significantly propelled the wire and cable industry s growth trajectory. The expansion of power transmission & distribution networks, combined with investments in transportation and real estate, fortifies the sector s bright future.

Urbanization and Industrialization: Historically, urbanization and industrialization have been consistent growth engines for the Indian wire and cable industry. The substantial growth in sectors like infrastructure, power generation, telecom, transmission & distribution, oil & gas, railways, metro rails, metals, hydrocarbons, fertilizers, chemicals, airports, smart cities, industrial automation, water, and STP stems from the burgeoning urbanization and industrialization trends in developing nations. Emerging Technologies: Emerging technologies such as cloud-based data sharing, 5G spectrum, robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 are catalysts driving the wire and cable industry s growth. These innovations heighten the demand for secure, efficient, and high-performance cables and wires, aligning seamlessly with the evolving technological landscape.

Governments Infrastructure Focus: The government s dedicated attention to infrastructure projects across various sectors provides an impetus for substantial growth. The convergence of factors such as infrastructure development, renewable energy, and electrification schemes amplifies the growth potential for the industry. Thereby, collectively, the alignment of these sectoral opportunities and market drivers positions the wires and cable industry for a promising and prosperous future. Sources: https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/ global-economic-outlook-five-charts-1, https:// www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2023/04/11/ world-economic-outlook-april-2023, https:// www.conference-board.org/topics/global-economic-outlook, https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2022/01/11/global-recovery-economics-debt-commodity-inequality, https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/ Articles/2022/07/26/blog-weo-update-july-2022, https:// www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/world-economic-situation-and-prospects-june-2023-briefing-no-172/, https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/economic-outlook-mid-year-2023-global-gdp-slowing, https:// www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/04/04/ indian-economy-continues-to-show-resilience-amid-global-uncertainties, https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/ insights/economy/asia-pacific/india-economic-outlook.html, https://www.reuters.com/world/india/sp-sees-indian-economy-growing-by-average-67-2031-amid-short-term-challenges-2023-08-03/, https:// www.morganstanley.com/ideas/investment-opportunities-in-india, https://industrialoutlook.in/e-p/wires-cables-conductors/wire-and-cables-industry/, https:// www.wirecable.in/2023/02/industry-trends-driving-innovation/, https://engmag.in/wire-and-cable-industry-to-register-significant-growth-in-next-five-years/, https:// www.tndindia.com/emerging-growth-drivers-for-the-wire-and-cable-industry/

Company Overview

Cords Cable Industries Limited (CORDS) stands out as a specialized Control & Instrumentation cable company and a distinguished player offering a comprehensive range of cable products across multiple sectors and industries. With a history spanning over three decades, CORDS boasts a rich reservoir of experience and has established a robust brand identity, especially, in the B2B sector. The expertise and spectrum of offerings encompasses the design, development, and manufacturing of an extensive cable portfolio, including Instrumentation, Control, Power, Thermocouple Extension/Compensating, and Communication cables, among others.

Our cables, meticulously designed and manufactured, adhere to rigorous international standards including EN, BS, IEC, and VDE, ensuring top-tier quality for applications spanning and serving across pivotal sectors and industries including, oil & gas, hydrocarbons, airports, railways, metro rail, smart cities, and the power sector, and fostering seamless connectivity.

At the heart of our operations is the drive to deliver cost-effective and high-quality solutions catering to diverse electrical connectivity needs. We have carved a niche for ourselves by crafting custom cables tailored precisely to the unique specifications of our customers. This relentless dedication has garnered industry recognition and positioned us optimally for future growth. Our investments in infrastructure and engagement with diverse industries underscore a positive growth trajectory. The current annual production capacity of 65,000 core-cable-kilometres is distributed across two cutting-edge manufacturing facilities in Rajasthan, where the Kaharani unit contributes 35,000 core-cable-kilometres per annum and is complemented by the Chopanki unit s annual capacity of 30,000 core-cable-kilometres.

Whilst navigating the dynamic business landscape, our commitment remains unwavering in enhancing efficiency as we remain steadfast on rigorous cost control, proactive preventive maintenance, and the strategic optimization of our product mix. These initiatives align with our goal of achieving economies of scale and maintaining our esteemed reputation as a leading player, especially, in the Control & Instrumentation cable sector.

CORDS exemplifies a legacy of innovation and quality. Our persistent focus on customer-centricity and adaptability positions us to cater to the ever-evolving demands of diverse industries, solidifying our role as a trusted partner in connectivity solutions.

RISKS, THREATS, AND CONCERNS

Finance Cost Risk: Finance Cost risk arises from the potential of paying a high rate of interest on term loans and other funds, as well as non-fund-based facilities availed by the company from banks and financial institutions. The company endeavours to mitigate this risk by monitoring the interest rates offered by various banks and financial institutions and by considering the option to swap its long-term or short-term loans with the ones offering lower interest rates.

Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that the company may be unable to meet short-term financial demands. This typically arises from the challenge of converting a security or hard asset to cash without incurring a loss of capital or income in the process. To manage liquidity risk, the company ensures the availability of sufficient funds at all times to meet its liability obligations on or before the due dates.

Raw Material Availability and Price Fluctuations:

Occurrences of scarce availability and price volatility of company s basic raw materials, such as Copper, Aluminium, Steel, and PVC, can significantly impact company s profits. To mitigate these risks, the company endeavours to have diversification of suppliers, establishes Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with its suppliers, includes price escalation clauses for large orders, and employs hedging strategies for these raw materials on the commodity exchange.

Foreign Exchange Risk: Foreign exchange risk is a financial risk posed by an exposure to unanticipated changes in the exchange rate between two currencies. Company may import a part of its raw materials and is also engaged in export of its products. To mitigate this risk, the company resorts to forward booking wherever deemed appropriate.

Cybersecurity Threats Risks: Cybersecurity threats includes risks of cyberattacks and data breaches. To mitigate this risk, the company implements robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and data protection protocols.

Human Resource Risk: In the absence of quality human resources, the company may not be able to execute its growth plans. To mitigate this risk, the company places due importance to its human capital assets and invests in building and nurturing a strong talented pool to gain strategic edge and achieve operational excellence in all its goals.

FINANCIAL & OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

(INR in Lacs)

Particulars

FY23 FY22

Gross Sales

61697.47 51514.13

Net Income from Operations

52625.51 43799.24

Total Expenditure

Consumption of Raw Material

42097.06 34324.73

Manufacturing Expenses

2519.35 2117.82

Staff Cost

2542.96 2226.31

Administrative & Other expenses

1512.60 1309.00

OPBITDA

3953.54 3821.38

Depreciation & Amortisation

768.91 733.08

OPBIT

3184.63 3088.30

Finance charges (Net)

2349.29 2351.63

OPBT

835.34 736.67

Non-Operating Income /

139.21 122.79

Other Income

PBT

974.55 859.46

Current Year tax

306.17 261.76

Deferred tax (Assets)

(53.56) (38.86)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(8.62) (1.29)

PAT

713.32 635.27

During the year under review, Net Sales from Operations stood at Rs. 52,625.51 Lacs, as against Rs. 43,799.24 Lacs in FY 22. The Operational Profit, before making provision for Interest, Depreciation and Amortization, stood at Rs. 3,953.54 Lacs for FY 23 as against Rs. 3,821.38 Lacs in FY 22. Thereby, the total comprehensive income comprising profit / loss and other comprehensive income for the period is Rs. 713.32 lacs as against a PAT of Rs. 635.27 lacs earned in the previous year.

Your company in the last Financial Year obtained approval from prestigious domestic / global customers covering sectors like Hydrocarbon, Power, Fertilizers & Chemicals,

Cements, Metros, Water, Railways and infra projects and have obtained approvals from various customers like Ahmedabad Water supply, U.P. Jal Nigam, NCRTC Projects, SRF, Kutch Copper, Carbon Black, Adani Infra for Power, Control, Instrumentation and Communication cables. Besides, your Company has successfully obtained CE Marking Certification for our products and also obtained approval from Adnoc (UAE) for their products. Your Company has also executed large volume orders between Rs. 25 Cr. to Rs. 50 Cr. from prestigious customers like, L & T Hydrocarbon A/c IOCL Paradip, TPL A/c HRRL, Technimont, Ultratech Cement, Technip Paradeep, TPL-ONGC Kakinda, etc. Your Company s current focus is on increasing its business from various sectors including Pharma, Cement, Steel, Automobile industry apart from Hydrocarbons, Metros, Water Projects, Process Industry, Railways Signalling and Protection systems and infrastructure projects. Your Company also participated in various national and international electrical exhibitions including, ELECRAMA, ADIPEC Abu Dhabi and Nigeria Oil & Gas Abuja, Nigeria, etc.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN FINANCIAL RATIOS

During the year, on a standalone basis, there was no significant change i.e., which are more than 25% as compared to the previous year, in the financial ratios compared to the previous year. However, there is a slight change in Return on Net Worth as compared to the previous year which is summarized below:

Particular

Consolidated

Change in (%) Explanation (in case of significant change)
FY 2022-23 FY 2021-22

Debtor Turnover

4.45 4.33 2.77 N.A.

(no. of times)

Inventory

6.34 5.36 18.28 N.A.

Turnover

(no. of times)

Interest

1.41 1.36 3.68 N.A.

Coverage Ratio

(no. of times)

Current Ratio

1.60 1.54 3.90 N.A.

(no. of times)

Debt

0.12 0.11 9.09 N.A.

Equity Ratio

(no. of times)

 

Particular

Consolidated

Change Explanation (in case of
in (%) significant change)
FY FY
2022-23 2021-22

Operating

6.05% 5.87% 3.07 % N.A.

Profit

Margin (%)

Net Profit

1.36% 1.45% (6.21) % N.A.

Ratio (%)

Return on Net Worth (%)

4.58% 4.27% 7.26% This ratio has improved due to an increase in operating revenue and corresponding absolute increase in Net Profit After Tax (PAT).

SEGMENTAL OVERVIEW

The company operates under a single product segment i.e., Cables. The company mainly focuses on specialized instrumentation cable and control cables which differentiates it from most other wire & cable players in the country.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM & THEIR ADEQUACY

The system of Internal Control provides for maintenance of proper accounting records, reliability of financial information and assures its operations are effective and efficient, and its activities comply with applicable laws and regulations. The internal audit is carried out by a team headed by Chartered Accountant and covers key areas of company s business.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND HUMAN CAPITAL

The Company strives to provide the best working environment with ample opportunities to grow and explore. The Company maintained healthy, cordial, and harmonious industrial relations at all levels throughout the year. Every initiative and policy of the Company takes care of welfare of all its employees. The human resource development function of the Company is guided by a strong set of values and policies. Also, during the year under review the number of permanent employees on the rolls of Company is no(s) 219.

FUTURE OUTLOOK

The vision of CORDS is to be recognized as a leading global player, providing products and services, offering comprehensive solutions to the electrical, data and signal connectivity requirements of businesses, institutions as well as household users. It focuses on capturing new markets by developing customers in new and existing territories, to provide new cables for special applications like solar, marine, low temperature cables, cables for automobiles etc.

DISCLOSURE OF ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

In the preparation of the financial statements, the Company has followed the Accounting Standards referred to in Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013. The significant accounting policies which are consistently applied are set out in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Statement made in this report in describing the company s objectives, estimates and expectations are Forward looking Statement within the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. They are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events but the company, however, cannot guarantee that these assumptions are accurate or will be materialized by the company. Actual results may vary from those expressed or implied, depending upon the economic conditions, Government policies and/or other related factors.