diamond power infrastructure ltd Management discussions


The Company is principally engaged in starting out as a fledgling ACSR conductor manufacturing facility in 1970. Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd. (DPIL) has emerged as Indias largest and only integrated manufacturer of power transmission equipment. Our world class manufacturing facilities, a vastly experienced team of professionals and the ability to pioneer newer technologies have earned us a leadership position in the power transmission & distribution sector in India.

Global Market Overview:

The global wire & cable compounds market grew from $11.32 billion in 2022 to $12.58 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple countries, a surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions, causing inflation across goods and services, and affecting many markets across the globe. The wire & cable compounds market is expected to grow to $18.65 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 10.4%.

The growing construction sector is expected to propel the growth of the wire and cable compound market going forward. The construction sector refers to the sector of industry and trade that deals with creating, maintaining, and repairing infrastructures. Wire and cable compounds are used in the construction sector to provide wires with a high level of insulation and to stop moisture from getting inside power transmission or telecommunication cables. For instance, in January 2022, according to Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics, UK-based academic economists, by 2030, global construction production is expected to increase by 85% to $15.5 trillion, with China, the United States, and India taking the lead and contributing 57% of the increase. Over the next 15 years, the US construction market is going to expand more quickly than Chinas. Therefore, the growing construction sector is driving the growth of the wire & cable compound market.

India Outlook:

The consumer electrical industry consisting of wires and cables and FMEGs was estimated at approximately 161,500 million in Fiscal 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 11% till Fiscal 2027 to reach a market value of approximately 266,500 million. India Cable Management Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% during 2022-2028. The Company is positive about the growth prospects of the Wires & Cables (W&C) industry in the near future.

The rapid growth in transport infrastructure of the country including railways, metros, tunnels, bridges and roads along with the rising power generation in the country which would also support the exponential growth the country is witnessing in its digital infrastructure, positions India as the most lucrative market for cable management as it would hinder the entanglement of wires and cables that would connect and support the overall infrastructure of the country.

Furthermore, Indian railways which is now 80% electrified along with rising metro lines would have a significant contribution in the market expansion anticipated for coming years. In addition to it, as the country is moving forward towards Industry 4.0 with a fast pace as it is well supported and compatible with the Indias robust digital infrastructure, cable management would soon be applied in smart factories to prevent entanglements of wires and cables that are essential to connect the cyber-physical systems and their seamless functioning.

The market is expected to be driven by factors such as the growth in renewable power generation in India, the expansion and revamping of Transmission & Distribution infrastructure in India, and increasing investments in metro railways. Increased investments in smart grid projects and up-gradation of power transmission and distribution systems are also estimated to propel the demand for wires & cables globally. Significant investments in smart grid technology have resulted in an increasing need for grid interconnections. Additionally, rising investments in underground cables and the growth of renewable energy are set to escalate the adoption of wires and cables. Wire and cables demand is directly dependent on the growth of the manufacturing industry and infrastructure in the power, telecommunications, residential and commercial sectors. Thus, the governments initiatives on various fronts like power, housing, infrastructure and digitization are sure to generate a lot of business for the wire and cable industry in the foreseeable future. Likewise, with the governments emphasis on pushing renewable energy to the forefront, the industry is now looking forward to supplying cables for solar and wind power applications in addition to oil and gas, railways and other specialized segments. Wires and cables are deployed across an extensive range of applications which include consumer electronics, utilities, material handling, automotive, and entertainment/leisure amongst others. Growing inclination toward the expansion of prevailing grid networks coupled with lack of efficient electric infrastructure will propel the industry outlook over the forecast timeline.

The Clean energy is being increasingly to replace fossil-based energy solutions. Electrical Vehicles (EVs) being one of them. It has been a certain time since the discovery of the technology and its application is gaining momentum worldwide. The Market size of

EVs is growingly very rapidly, backed by government subsidies and initiatives for faster adoption of EVs. It is projected a Year-on-Year CAGR of 49% for the EV market in India during 23-30. The Indian market is expected to record a conservative sale of 1 cr. units per annum by 2030. As of January, 23,2023, India had 5354 public EV charging stations and 20.65 lakh EVs. Hence the ration of EV stations to the number of EVs was 1:393, which is very high as compared to other countries. India is likely to have nearly 10,000 public charging stations by end of 2025, however to achieve its electrification targets, the Country may require nearly 20.5 lakh charging stations by 2030. This situation presents an opportunity as well as a challenge for the industry. While the scope of development is huge for vast capacity expansion and addition, the requirements need expedition in efforts and investments. The Country requires the government and the industry to create an ecosystem by not only supplying the infrastructure but planning the development and integration of the same in a way that the current sporadic and concentrated pattern could be diffused across the nation. The Wire and cables industry needs to buckle up itself for a huge demand needs to be catered, from supplying the construction of EVs infrastructure to its integration within the National Grid of India.

The manufacturing industry too is experiencing robust growth due to growing capacity utilization, the PLI scheme, and the ‘Make in India initiative, generating more business opportunities for Wire & Cable players.

Company Outlook:

A Brand DICABS is a familiar name in the industry and owing to our past legacy and we plan to gain energy from the same. We are not only focusing on continuing the qualitative attributes that helped us the first time but also looking to reconnect with our past partners and customers. DICABS has been fortunate to have a strong connection with major industrial players because of qualitative products matching with the quantitative requirements. The factory, being located in the State of Gujarat which is largest industrially growing state and has immense opportunities in Solar and Wind power, has mammoth demand of various products of Company. The Indian Government vision of unified nationwide smart grid, one that connects power generated from various resources and transmits it across the nation through an interconnected grid, is already in place. The Company is a major player in Power industry for more than 15 years. Our USP is our quality which is paramount for any businesss success in the current scenario and step with the infrastructural development of the Country. The First Quarter results of the financial year 23-24 ended with profits which itself proves that the future of the Company will be bright and will meet the expectations of all Stakeholders.

Opportunities and Threats:

The new Management of the Company is well equipped with the vision to take Company towards high growth with optimum utilization of resources of the Company in proper manner. New management is taking diligent efforts to boost the capacity utilization of the Company which remained under-utilized/ unutilized since inception of takeover due to absence of working capital. The Company is in the process of hiring qualified professionals to stimulate the vision of new management towards the Company. The Company is well placed to encash the opportunity in terms of ease of doing business and the relaxations provided by the government which will accelerate the business of the Company in terms of the revenue.

The Company had been into NCLT under CIRP process and there were no business operations almost for half a decade. The new Management of the Company is trying to streamline the business activities of the Company.

Strengths:

Strong demand for power cables in India due to increasing infrastructure development and industrialization. Established reputation and brand image/ recognition in the market. Ability to leverage government initiatives such as "Make in India" and "Digital India" to increase business opportunities across the country. Presence of raw materials such as copper and aluminum in India, reducing dependence on imports.

Weaknesses:

Strong competition from domestic and international players in the market.

Commodity Pressure- Volatility or Steep Increase in commodity prices lead to increase in Cost of production and diminishing profit. Limited access to advanced technology and equipment, leading to potential quality issues. Power disruptions: Any impact on power distribution and electricity delivery can impact the demand for electrical products. Availability of stable and quality power supply continues to be an important factor for the industrys growth prospects.

Geopolitical crisis: Volatility in the commodity and foreign currency markets may impact raw material availability due to geopolitical challenges in different geographies around the world.

Opportunities:

Growing demand for renewable energy technology such as wind and solar power, which require power cables for transmission. Increasing government investment in infrastructure development projects such as smart cities, highways, and railways. Growing demand for electric vehicles, which require charging infrastructure and power cables. Potential to expand internationally to new markets in Asia and Africa. Potential for government incentives for businesses that invest in research and development.

Threats:

Increasing competition from low-cost manufacturers in China and other countries.

Potential for changes in government policies, geopolitical situation and regulations that could impact the industry. Technological disruption from alternative forms of energy transmission such as wireless power transmission. Potential for economic downturns or global crises that could impact demand for power cables. Brand Positioning impact due to the competitors.

Business, Operations & Financial Performance

The Indian Wire &Cable industry is estimated to have grown in low teens in FY23 to H680-730 billion in size, contributing to 40-45% of the Indian electrical industry. Sectors like Power, Railways, Infrastructure, Oil & Gas, Telecom, Real Estate, Renewables, Defence, Automobiles, etc. are the largest demand drivers for the industry. The organised players command a lions share of the market, at around 70%, while unorganised players largely dominate the rural geographies.

Megatrends driving growth in the W&C industry The Indian W&C market is projected to grow to H900-950 billion by FY26, on the back of several megatrends.

Discussion on financial performance

Service Income

( in Lakhs)

Nature of Services

FY 2022-23 FY 2022-21 Change

Revenue from operations (description of business activity)

1,545.64 - 1,545.64

Other income

26.29 5.00 21.29

Total Business Income

1,571.93 5.00 1,566.93

 

Particulars

For 2022-23 For 2022-21

Revenue From Operation

1,545.64 -

Earnings before Depreciation, Interest, Taxes & Amortization (EBDITA)

(2,339.01) (278.00)

Earnings before Depreciation, Taxes and Amortization (EBDTA)

(2,404.17) (969.62)

Profit before tax (PBT)

(4287.86) (2540.33)

Profit after tax (PAT)

(4287.86) (2540.33)

Further, the Companys Other Income increased from 26.29 Lakhs to 5.00 Lakhs whereby Other Expense has Increased from 269.32 Lakhs to 1,775.56 Lakhs. Also, the Depreciation has Increased from 1,570.42 Lakhs to 1,883.69 Lakhs.

Operating Expense:

Staff cost

Employees Remuneration & Benefits has marginally increased from 13.69 Lakhs to 302.57 Lakhs and this staff cost also includes Directors Remuneration.

Financial charges

Interest & Financial Charges have decreased from 691.91 Lakhs to 65.16 Lakhs as compared to previous year which shows decrease of 90.58% in actual terms which is in-line with reduction in debts and the Companys Operating Expenses have also increased from 973.92 Lakhs to 3976.10 Lakhs which is in line with increase in Operating revenue.

Details of significant changes (i.e., change of 25% or more as compared to the immediately previous financial year) in key financial ratios and any change in Return on Net Worth, along with detailed explanations thereof. NOT APPLICABLE

Segment wise performance:

Since, the Company operates its business under one segment only, the report on segment wise performance is not furnished.

Risk and Concern:

The wire and cable industry has vast potential in growth in coming years but it has some challenges also, the increasing price rise and competition from Chinese imports. The wire and cable industry is experiencing volatility in raw material prices, as the price of copper continues to increase, profit margins are squeezed and they become uncompetitive in the international market. Country is experiencing an all-time high price of fuel its direct impact on domestic transportation, in result wire and cable transportation has increased. Also, a large section of the industry is still unorganized; there is a lack of quality product offerings from these players due to non-compliance with the product guidelines. Slowdown in the Indian economy due to global developments could adversely impact growth in the short-term envisage a risk

The new management of the Company shall review the existing risk management policy and lay down defined risk management mechanism covering the risk mapping and trend analysis, risk exposure, potential impact and risk mitigation process. Management is yet to set up exercises to be carried out to identify and evaluate, manage and monitor various risk.

Human Resources

The Company trust & believes that employees are its most valuable assets and continuously strives to help them to realize their full potential. At DICABS, Human Resource function looks after employee recruitment, training, performance management, emotional and mental well-being, financial wellness, and stress management. Additionally, for the past 9 months, the Company is in the process of finalizing the Key Personnel team. All Senior professionals are having a vast industrial experience for around 20 -25 year from the core areas of operations. The Company believes in employee empowerment and works to create a happy and healthy work environment. People have been and will continue to be the Companys core strength. As this is being a first year after the Change of Management, the Company has its thrust to do a lot work for the wellbeing of the employees of the Company.

Investors Update

The Company was admitted in Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) on 24th August, 2018. The Honble National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Ahmedabad bench, vide its order dated 20th June, 2022 approved the Resolution Plan submitted by the Successful Resolution Applicant, i.e., New Management of the Company.

A new Board of Directors of the Company was constituted on 17th September, 2022, being a Trigger date and a new management was put in place. As a good corporate governance practice, it has been decided to comply with the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (LODR) Regulations, 2015.

After taking over the new Management of the Company, a First Annual General meeting of the Company was held on 14th December, 2022. The necessary compliance of the same were filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, The Bombay Stock Exchange Limited and The National Stock Exchange Limited.

In pursuance of the NCLT Order dated 20th June, 2022, the Company has filed the necessary Listing application with both the Stock Exchanges for Reduction of Existing Share Capital from Rs. 269.71 Cr. To Rs. 2.69 Cr. (2697106 Equity Shares of Rs. 10 each). The Company has received the in-principal approval from the National Stock Exchange Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange Limited vide their letters dated 16th March, 2023 and 2nd June, 2023, respectively. The Corporate Actions of depositories namely NSDL and CDSL are also completed.

Further the Company has also filed the necessary Listing application with both the Stock Exchanges for Listing of New 50000000 Equity shares of Rs. 10 each, aggregating to Rs. 50 Crores, allotted to the new promoters of the Company in pursuance of the NCLT order dated 20th June, 2022. The said applications are pending for in-principal approval from both the Stock Exchanges.

For and behalf of the Board of Directors
Maheswar Sahu (Retd IAS)

Date: 29th July, 2023

Chairman

Place: Ahmedabad

DIN: 00034051