maxwell industries ltd Management discussions


ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

The outlook for the global economy took a positive turn early in the year. Inflationary pressures began to ease, with global energy prices back at levels last seen prior to the invasion of Ukraine. In addition, base effects from the rise in energy prices following the invasion are now coming off, putting further downward pressure on inflation for the rest of this year. Prices of other commodities as well as global food prices have also eased.

However, domestic inflationary pressures remain relatively elevated in a number of economies, in particular those with tighter labour markets, although even there inflation probably already passed its peak around the second half of last year with headline inflation expected to continue falling this year, and potentially reaching central banks targets by 2024.

Nevertheless, some positive growth momentum is expected this year from the relatively smooth reopening of the Chinese economy following the lifting of Covid-related restrictions in December last year. The pressure on global supply chains has eased significantly in recent months, while shipping costs have dropped too. This should help alleviate some inflationary pressures and improve supply capacity. Global trade remains relatively weak, although we would expect it to recover this year as trade flows normalize with the reopening of the Chinese economy and a recovery in global growth, while we expect geopolitical tensions to continue to exert some pressure on trade flows over the medium term. Consumer demand is also expected to pick up this year, with excess savings money saved during the pandemic when spending on certain services was not possible still relatively high in China and Europe which could potentially be deployed once confidence returns.

INDIAN ECONOMY OVERVIEW

The Indian economy is expected to grow at a healthy pace in the coming year, supported by a number of factors like supply-side reforms and regulatory simplification, which will make it easier for businesses to operate and invest. Strong export growth, as global demand for Indian goods and services continues to rise, will also boost the economy. Budgetary space to increase capital spending, which will boost infrastructure development and job creation, is another factor that will support economic growth.

Inflation is expected to fall in the coming year, to 5% in 2023 and 4% in 2024. This is due to a number of factors, including the governments focus on containing inflation, the decline in global commodity prices, and the improvement in the supply chain.

The gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for FY 2022-23 reached a new high of 18.10 lacs crore. This indicates a robust resurgence in the countrys economic activities.

Overall, the outlook for the Indian economy is positive. The governments reforms and initiatives are expected to boost economic growth and create jobs. Inflation is expected to fall, and the GST collection is expected to remain strong.

INDIAN TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

"India, known as one of the worlds leading contributors to the global textile industry, has emerged as a key player in the sector. With its status as the largest exporter of cotton and the second-largest producer of fibers worldwide (after China), Indias influence on the textile market is substantial. Over the years, the countrys garment and textile exports have consistently grown, showcasing its steady expansion in the industry.

The Indian textile industry has exemplified a remarkable journey from "Resilience to Resurgence," owing in large part to the effective handling of the pandemic by Indian authorities. The sector has showcased resilience in overcoming challenges and has now positioned itself for a period of resurgence and renewed growth."

THE EVOLUTION & GROWTH OF INNERWEAR MARKET IN INDIA

"In recent times, the innerwear segment in India has experienced an unprecedented surge in growth, driven by the increasing demand for stylish, sensuous, and high-quality products. What was once considered a basic necessity has now transformed into designer wear, focusing on both style and comfort. Particularly, the womens innerwear, or lingerie, market in India has reached a highly promising phase, witnessing a surge in demand for fashionable, sensuous, and premium innerwear.

The Indian lingerie industry has shed its hush-hush image and evolved into a more open and confident segment. Women are openly expressing their preferences and seeking the most attractive and innovative pieces with a sense of self-assurance. This shift has created an opportunity for brands to experiment with designs, cuts, colors, and styles, allowing for greater creativity and variety. Additionally, alongside the emphasis on innovation, conscious brands and consumers alike have started exploring eco-friendly options within the innerwear range.

Notably, the innerwear category has become a significant revenue generator for both established brands and startups, including those operating in the e-commerce space. The market has witnessed remarkable sales figures, showcasing the strong consumer interest and the potential for further growth in the sector."

OPPORTUNITIES

The Indian innerwear market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The growth of the market is attributed to a number of factors, including:

Attractive demographics with a large youth population:

India has a large and young population, which is the primary target market for innerwear brands. The youth are more fashion-conscious and are willing to spend on innerwear products.

Shift in market demand from unbranded products to proven branded products:

There is a growing trend of consumers shifting from unbranded to branded innerwear products. This is driven by a number of factors, including increasing awareness about the benefits of branded innerwear, celebrity endorsements, and the availability of branded products at affordable prices.

Premiumisation trends with consumers up-trading from economy to higher value premium and luxury products:

There is a growing trend of consumers up-trading from economy to higher value premium and luxury innerwear products. This is driven by a number of factors, including increasing disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and the availability of a wide range of premium and luxury innerwear products.

Work from home and hybrid work trends driving demand for comfort wear products:

The work from home and hybrid work trends have led to an increase in the demand for comfort wear products, including innerwear. This is because consumers are looking for comfortable and stylish innerwear that they can wear throughout the day.

Increased awareness among women about intimate wear products:

There is a growing awareness among women about the importance of wearing comfortable and stylish intimate wear. This is driven by a number of factors, including increasing disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and the availability of a wide range of intimate wear products.

Trends in more women stepping out for work and participating in the formal workforce, driving both- demand for women innerwear and higher discretionary/disposable incomes:

The number of women stepping out for work and participating in the formal workforce is increasing. This is leading to an increase in the demand for women innerwear, as women are looking for comfortable and stylish innerwear that they can wear to work. The increase in disposable incomes of women is also contributing to the growth of the market.

Overall, the Indian innerwear market is expected to grow at a healthy pace during the forecast period. The growth of the market is being driven by a number of factors, including attractive demographics, increasing awareness about the benefits of branded innerwear, premiumisation trends, work from home and hybrid work trends, and increased awareness among women about intimate wear products.

THE FUTURE OF THE INDIAN TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN 2023 AND BEYOND

For the textiles and apparel sector, the Budget proposes allocation of 900 crore for Amended Technology Up gradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for 2023-2024 as against 650 crore for 2022-2023.

USEFUL MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE INDIAN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

"The recently announced Union Budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 reflects the governments priorities for the textiles sector in India. This budget lays the groundwork for sustained growth in the years to come, while also maintaining fiscal prudence. The budget focuses on three fundamental aspects, often referred to as the 3Cs: CAPEX, Consumption, and Credit."

The Union Budget 2023 captures the spirit of employment generation and has several provisions to promote the textile sectors growth in India. The allocation of funds and the launch of new schemes will create a positive impact on the industry, increase production, and boost exports.

RISK AND CONCERNS

The Company is exposed to various types of risks associated with business of the Company, which will be internal as well as external risk. One of the key risks faced by the Company in todays scenario is the fluctuations in the price of raw material. Any increase in prices of raw materials could create a strain on the operating margins of the Company. We operate in a highly competitive market with competitors who may have better ability to spend more aggressively on advertisement and marketing and more flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions.

Further, there are regional or smaller competitors who have certain advantages over us. An increase in the amount of competition that we face could have a material adverse effect on our market share and sales.

The Company has in place Risk Management procedure to identify and evaluate the risk on a regular basis.

The Company has the Risk Management committee, who brain-storm on the various risks associated with the Company. The details of risk committee have been mentioned in the Corporate Governance report.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND ADEQUACY

The Company has implemented adequate procedure and internal controls which provide reasonable assurance regarding reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statement. The Company has a regular check on expenses including capital expenditure. The Management considers and takes appropriate action on the recommendations made by the Statutory Auditors, Internal Auditors and the Audit Committee of the Company.

In addition, the software solutions such as SAP, Distributor Management System, field assistance and number of other robust system provides the Company to control over various business processes, increases productivity, better inventory management, promotes quality, reduced material cost, effective human resources management, reduced overheads boosts profits, plan its sales, production and monitor and control the processes in case any deviation.

HUMAN RESOURCE & INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

As on March 31, 2023 the Company had 1010 people (340 Employees + 670 Workers) working directly and indirectly with the Company. The industrial relations in all units of the Company continue to be cordial. The skills, experience and passion of our people facilitate deeper customer understanding and engaging relationships and strengthen our brand value as a preferred employer. We continue to step up efforts to accelerate our value-based growth strategy and the overall development of human capital. We nurture our people by investing in their empowerment through learning and development, wellness, and safety besides providing contemporary workplace facilities.

HIGHLIGHTS OF COMPANY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

(Rs In Lakhs)

Particulars

2022-23 2021-22
Revenue from operation 20,063.97 18,297.74
Profit before Interest & finance charge, Depreciation & Income Tax 1,435.54 923.17
Less : Finance Cost 911.84 950.30
Less : Depreciation 306.22 384.82
Profit/(Loss) Before exceptional item and Tax 217.48 (411.95)
Profit /(Loss) for the year (excluding OCI) 663.68 (221.32)
Profit/(Loss) for the year (including OCI) 648.47 (217.98)

Key Financial Ratios

Particulars

2022-23 2021-22 Change (%)
Return on Net Worth (%) 4.29% (1.63%) 5.92%
Return on Capital Employed (%) 6.00% 3.00% 3%
Basic EPS (after exceptional items) in Rs 0.80 (0.27) 396.30%
Debtors Turnover 3.16 3.03 4.29%
Inventory Turnover 1.42 1.28 10.94%
Interest Coverage Ratio 1.24 0.56 121.16%
Current Ratio 1.58 1.36 16.18%
Debt Equity Ratio 0.57 0.75 (24.00%)
Operating Profit Margin (%) 6.29% 3.66% 2.63%
Net Profit Margin (%) 3.31% (1.21%) 4.52%

 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
For VIP Clothing Limited

SUNIL J. PATHARE

Place: Mumbai

Chairman and Managing Director

Date: May 26, 2023

DIN: 00192182