tci finance ltd Management discussions


Industry Structure and Developments Business Environment

TCI Finance Limited (TCIFL or the Company), is a non-deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) registered with RBI and classified as an NBFC-non deposit taking Company. TCIFL engaged in the business of financial services. NBFC Sector is passing through a critical phase at this juncture. Recent failures of certain large Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), severe liquidity strain confronting the sector and the consequent financial stability concerns have brought NBFC regulations back into focus.

INDUSTRY AND ECONOMIC SCENARIO

While the post pandemic global economy continues to be affected by geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures, India continues to remain a bright spot in the world economy. As per IMF, it will alone contribute 15% of the global growth in 2023 driven by its demographic dividend, pent-up demand growth, digital infrastructure and commitment to fiscal consolidation. Overall, India is expected to close FY 2022-23 with a GDP growth of 7%, which is the fastest amongst all the major economies. It is projected to further grow by 6.1% in FY 2023-24 - in contrast, the projected global growth rate for same period is only 2.9%.

In line with its global peers, RBI also undertook several rate hikes during the year to keep the inflationary pressures in check. Despite this, the industry demonstrated strong credit growth of 15% YoY in March 2023, driven by the overall improvement of the economy and pent-up post-Covid demand. This growth was also evidenced by several high frequency indicators including the Purchasing Manager Index readings, buoyant tax collections, healthy vehicle and tractor sales among others.

The overall NBFC sector benefited from resurgent domestic economic activity leading to strong momentum in disbursements and bolstering higher business growth. Asset quality indicators have also been improving steadily for NBFCs on the back of higher collections and lower than anticipated slippages on overall book including restructured book. Notably, most major players are focusing on growing their Retail AUM. As per ICRA, the NBFC-Retail AUM is projected to have grown at 16-18% in FY 2022-23 and expected to further grow at a healthy 12-14% in FY 2023-24. However, margins will be an area of focus as they are expected to remain under pressure in FY 2023-24 which may moderate slightly.

The overall outlook for industry remains positive as India treads on its growth trajectory leading to higher credit demand. The growth in credit is expected to be broad based across products and segments with key risks being elevated interest rates and inflation.

Opportunities

Reports from the World Bank indicate that Non Banking Financial Institutions act as critical pillars contributing to macroeconomic stability and sustained economic growth and prosperity, due to their ability to finance firms and individuals at a reasonable cost, reduce volatility by providing multiple sources to finance and park funds and enable creation of a competitive environment characterized by a diverse array of products. This has been proven time and again in developed markets.

NBFCs continue to play a critical role in making financial Services accessible to a wider set of Indias population and are emerging as strong intermediaries in the retail finance space. Going forward, one should expect NBFCs to further strengthen their presence in retail finance and grow at a reasonably healthy pace.

Your company is committed to addressing the changes boosted by its strength in market position, agile execution capabilities, robust early warning systems and extensive use of analytics for risk mitigation and resource allocation. It will ensure to take advantage of the tailwinds that may emerge during the course of the year.

Threats

Even though there are many opportunities provided to NBFCs for its growth and improvement, yet there are some challenges that are faced by NBFCs in India.

The biggest challenge before NBFCs is that they are facing stiff competition from banks and financial institutions, due to their ability to raise low cost funds which enables them to provide funds at much cheaper rate. More stringent capital adequacy norms have been stipulated by RBI for NBFCs which is making difficult for them to give cheaper finance. On the flip side, weak credit profiling of borrowers amid a gradual economic recovery remains one of the biggest threat. Beyond the immediate liquidity challenges, the key challenge for the NBFCs would be to prevent a sharp deterioration in the delinquency levels subsequent to the expiry of the moratorium period.

Segment-wise or product-wise performance of the Company

The Company is a NBFC. It is engaged in the business of financing which is the only segment in the Company. Hence, the results for the year under review pertain to only financing activity.

The Companys total Revenue from Operations during the year were Rs. 0.07 Lakhs and the net loss is Rs. (251.03) Lakhs as against Rs. (3296.58) lakhs respectively in the previous year.

Outlook

The Company being an investment company seeks opportunity in the capital market. The Volatility in stock indices represents both an opportunity and challenge for the company. We continue to see significant opportunities in the market for long term.

The company carries shares and securities in its books. The effect of mark to market thereon have been taken into account for the year. The Company believes that it has taken into account the impact of known events arising out of COVID-19 pandemic in the preparation of financial results resulting out of fair valuation of these investments. However, the impact assessment of COVID-19 is a continuing process given its nature and duration. The Company will continue to monitor for any material changes to future economic conditions.

Risks and concerns

The Company recognizes that risk is an integral and unavoidable component of business and is committed to managing the risk in a proactive and effective manner. The Company is an NBFC Company registered under RBI and categorized as a Loan Company. In todays challenging and competitive environment, strategies for mitigating inherent risks in accomplishing the growth plans of the Company are imperative. The common risks for the Company are financial risks, credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, etc.

Risk mitigation is also an exercise aiming to reduce the loss or injury arising out of various risk exposures. The Company adopts a systematic approach to mitigate risks associated with accomplishment of objectives, operations, revenues and regulations. The Company believes that this would ensure mitigating risks proactively and help to achieve stated objectives. The NBFC industry in general faces the risk of re-entry and new entry of players and existence of several unorganized regional players increasing the competition which mainly affects the asset quality. This is further characterized by captive NBFCs floated by other business houses. The ever existing systemic and delinquency risks and fluctuations in interest rates and risk weight make the companies more vulnerable. Deployment of funds in sensitive and volatile sectors increases the risk exposure while concentration risk increases dependency.

Internal Control Systems and their adequacy

Internal Control measures and systems are established to ensure the correctness of the transactions and safe guarding of the assets. The Management ensures adherence to all internal control policies and procedures as well as compliance with regulatory guidelines. The audit committee of the Board of Directors reviews the adequacy of internal controls. This has improved the management of the affairs of the Company and strengthened transparency and accountability. The Companys Internal Financial Control System is commensurate with the size, scale and complexity of its operations. The Company has in place policies and procedures required to properly and efficiently conduct its business, safeguard its assets, detect frauds and errors, maintain accuracy and completeness of accounting records and prepare financial records in a timely and reliable manner. Further, your Companys Internal Financial Controls (IFC) has been reviewed and actions have been taken to strengthen financial reporting and overall risk management procedures. Detailed procedural manuals are in place to ensure that all the assets are safeguarded, protected against loss, proper prevention & detection of frauds & error, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and all transactions are authorized, recorded and reported correctly.

The Internal Auditors monitor and evaluate the efficiency and adequacy of Internal Financial control system in the Company, its compliance with operating systems, accounting procedures and policies. To maintain its objectivity and independence, the Internal Auditors report directly to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board, all the significant audit observations and follow up actions thereon. Both Statutory Auditor on quarterly basis and Internal auditor on annually basis have sessions with the Audit committee. The Internal audit reports are placed before the Audit committee on annual basis and all findings and observation, if any are recorded thereon. The said observation and comments, if any of the Audit Committee are placed before the board. The Internal Auditor is a permanent invitee to the Audit Committee Meetings. The Audit Committee advises on various risk mitigation exercises on a regular basis.

The audit committee also reviews reports submitted by the management and audit reports submitted by internal auditors and statutory auditors on periodic basis. Suggestions for improvement are considered and the audit committee follows up on corrective action. The audit committee also meets companys statutory Auditor to ascertain, inter alia their views on the adequacy of internal control systems and keeps the board of directors informed of its major observations, if any, periodically.

Your Board is of the opinion that the Internal Financial Controls, affecting the Financial Statements of your Company are adequate and are operating effectively.

Discussion on Financial Performance with respect to operational performance

TCI Finance Limited follows accrual basis of accounting under the historical cost convention. It has adopted Indian Accounting Standards ("Ind AS") notified under section 133 of the Companies Act 2013 ("the Act") read with the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 from April 1, 2019 and the effective date of such transition is April 1, 2018. Your company is a small sized, BSE and NSE listed, Non Banking Financial Company (NBFC).

The Companys total Revenue from Operations during the year were Rs. 0.07 Lakhs and the net loss is Rs. (251.03) Lakhs as against Rs. (3296.58) lakhs respectively in the previous year.

The loss in the current year is mainly on account of provision for impairment of its investment in and loans granted to Mahendra Investment and Advisors Private Limited.

The Company is in the process of identifying various alternatives/ new areas to venture into for reviving the Company.

Material Developments in Human Resources/Industrial Relations

The Company always considers its human resources as a valuable asset and is committed towards their development for continuous growth. Focus on training to enhance the skill-sets of employees in line with the business and market requirements continued throughout the year and it confers rewards and recognition based on merit.

The employee relations have continued to be harmonious throughout the year. The Company has 4 permanent employees as on 31st March 2023.

Financial Ratios (%)

Ratios 2022 2023 Change (%)
Debtor Turnover 1.29 0.02 –98.22%
Inventory Turnover Not Applicable as there is no Inventory Not Applicable as there is no Inventory -
Interest coverage Ratio -20.05 -0.63% -96.85%
Current Ratio - - 0.00%
Debt equity Ratio -2.26 -1.69% -25.01%
Operating Profit Margin(%) -5417.74% -235243.95% 4242.11%
Net Profit Margin (%) -118528.73% -386198.02% 225.83%

Explanation

1. Debtor turnover: The reduction in the current year has been mainly on account of non recognition of interest on loans and investments granted to Amrit Jal Ventures Pvt Ltd for which provision for Impairment Loss has been created

2. Interest Coverage Ratio: The reduction in Profit has been mainly on account of provision for impairment of loans and advance and investments in Amrit Jal ventures Private Limited.

3. Debt Equity ratio: There has been a reduction in debt equity ratio in the current year on account of provision for impairment of loans and advance and investments in Amrit Jal ventures Private Limited

4. Operating Profit Margin: There has been a reduction in the operating margin on account of non recognition of income on loans and advance and investments in and granted to Amrit Jal Ventures Pvt Ltd

5. Net Profit Margin: There has been a negative Net profit margin on account of non recognition of income and provision of impairment loss on loans and advances and investments in and granted to Amrit Jal Ventures Pvt Ltd .

Return on Net Worth

The Company recorded a loss of Rs. 251.03 Lakhs for FY 2022-23 as compared to the loss of Rs. 3296.58 lakhs for FY 2022-23. The Net Worth of the Company Rs. (6285.31Lakh) as of 31st March 2023 as compared to Rs. (4674.59 Lakh) as of 31st March 2022. Due to adverse developments in the entities to whom the company has advanced loans / given guarantees / investments made, the Company had incurred these losses and adversely affect the future income from operations. These factors substantially affected the operations of the Company.

Cautionary Statement

Statements in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report describing the Companys objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or predictions may be "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable laws and regulations. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied. Important factors that could influence the Companys operations include economic and political conditions in which the Company operates, interest rate fluctuations, changes in Government/ RBI regulations, Tax laws, other statutes and incidental factors.