bhatia communications & retail india ltd share price Management discussions


This section shall include discussion on the following matters within the limits set by the listed entitys competitive position:

1. Industry structure and developments.

2. Opportunities and Threats.

3. Segment–wise or product-wise performance.

4. Outlook

5. Risks and Concerns

6. Internal control systems and their adequacy

7. Discussion on financial performance with respect to operational performance.

8. Material developments in Human Resources / Industrial Relations front, including number of people employed.

9. Details of significant changes (i.e. change of 25% or more as compared to the immediately previous financial year) in key financial ratios, along with detailed explanations therefor, including: i. Debtors Turnover ii. Inventory Turnover iii. Interest Coverage Ratio iv. Current Ratio v. Debt Equity Ratio vi. Operating Profit Margin (%) vii. Net Profit Margin (%) or sector-specific equivalent ratios, as applicable.

10. Details of any change in Return on Net Worth as compared to the immediately previous financial year along with a detailed explanation thereof.

This Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Actual results, performances or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. This report should be read in conjunction with the included financial statements and the notes.

Industry Structure and Developments

Global Economic

The year 2022 began with cautious optimism as the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continued to subside. However, the global economy still had to struggle with several headwinds in the form of increasing inflation, geopolitical tensions, Russia-Ukraine conflict and a tightening monetary policy. To control the inflationary pressure, central banks of various countries increased the interest rate, which impacted the bond market. Major international banks faced the heat from the tightened monetary policy, as it placed them on a shaky ground, further deteriorating their performance, including the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Moreover, the anticipated growth rate has also contracted from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.8% in 2023 because of these events. Central banks of a host of countries have launched a robust fight against rising inflation. The fight is starting to pay off, but central banks must continue their efforts. As a result of a weaker global demand and the implementation of tighter monetary policies, global inflation is anticipated to decrease from an average of 8.7% in 2022 to 7.0% in 2023. Despite efforts to control inflation, core inflation rates persistently remain high in most regions. The combination of supply chain bottlenecks, generous Government spending, tight labour markets and a commodity shock – triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine – have together contributed to this trend. The persistent volatility around high inflation, rising recession risks and monetary policy uncertainty has led to significant fluctuations in financial markets. However, both inflation and core inflation are showing signs of improvement as a result of concerted efforts.

Outlook

Despite challenges faced, the world economy is projected to grow at 3.0% in 2024. Advanced economies is anticipated to grow from 1.3% in 2023 to 1.4% in 2024. Conversely, emerging market and developing economies are projected to have more promising economic prospects, with an average growth rate predicted at 3.9% in 2023 and an anticipated increase to 4.2% in 2024. In order to balance the goals of boosting economic output and controlling inflation, macroeconomic policies to be thoughtfully calibrated. Effective coordination between monetary and fiscal policies is projected to mitigate the potential of an extended and severe economic downturn. It is in the best interest of all the countries to engage in stronger international collaboration to mobilise resources and avoid further disruptions

Indian Economy

The year 2022-23 witnessed India maintaining a steady trajectory of economic recovery, continued from 2021-22. The resilience of Indian economy owes it to a host of factors, including the widespread administration of the Covid-19 pandemic vaccinations. Moreover, an optimistic business environment and robust industrial output have provided strong momentum for the growth of Indias economy. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global rose to 57.8 in December 2022 from 55.7 in November 2022. The PMI average for the third quarter of the fiscal stood at 56.3. The fourth quarter PMI averaged to 58.7 rising to a 31 month high. Several indicators including total GST collections, digital transaction volume, electricity demand, rail & air passenger and freight traffic, petroleum product consumption, and coal production have pointed towards a positive recovery trajectory. Private consumption has rebounded, and overtaken export stimuli as the primary growth driver. This increase in private consumption has further augmented production activity, resulting in higher capacity utilisation across various sectors.

These combined factors have resulted in growth in GDP to 7.2% in FY 2022-23, positioning India as one of the fastest growing economies globally. The country is well-placed to weather global spillovers compared to other emerging markets.

Indias economy is well-positioned to weather global spillovers compared to other emerging markets. This is partly due to the countrys sizeable domestic market and a steady increase in the capital expenditure of the Government. This has also contributed to an increase in employment. The ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been instrumental in generating employment opportunities directly in rural areas, while also creating avenues for rural households to diversify their income streams. Despite food scarcity across the globe, initiatives such as ‘PM-Kisan and ‘PM Garib Kalyan Yojana have played a crucial role in ensuring food security in the country and helping the Indian economy to remain immune to these challenges.

Outlook

The outlook for India continues to remain bright, with an investment boom sparking sharp increases in factory output, bank lending and consumer purchases. Moreover, this economic expansion is anticipated to boost business confidence and serve as a catalyst for increased private sector investment. The resultant optimism and enthusiasm among investors are further set to fuel the growth of the Indian economy

Indian Consumer Durable Industry

In India, there is a rising demand for various consumer durable goods due to increasing disposable income and technological advancements. As a result, there is intense competition among the numerous consumer durable brands, present in the country. Multinational organisations recognise the immense potential for growth and development in India and therefore view it as a critical market to prioritise. As per a report by CRISIL Research, the consumer durables industry was valued at Rs. 2.4 Trillion in 2021. Out of this, mobile phones & PCs accounted for the largest share, to the tune of Rs. 1.5 Trillion, whereas large household appliances and other small appliances comprising the rest of the share. This indicates that India is a promising destination for short-term to medium-term expansion of consumer electronics expenditure worldwide. Consumer electronics market in India has attracted several significant investments in the form of FDI inflows and merger & acquisition by major players in the international market. The approval of the ‘Electronic Development Fund Policy under the ‘Make in India initiative aims to streamline a convoluted duty structure. Alongside this, the ‘Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) has been implemented to offer a subsidy of approximately 15% to 20% for CAPEX. This will encourage increased investment by consumer electronics manufacturers in production, distribution and research & development activities in the coming years. Furthermore, ‘Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS 2022), initiated by the Government of India, aims to strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem for electronic components and semiconductors in the country.

Major Growth Drivers

Rising Disposable Income

With the growing middle-class and rising disposable incomes, consumers are willing to spend more on electronic goods, including smartphones, laptops and home appliances.

Increasing Penetration of the Internet

The increasing penetration of the internet in India has led to a surge in online shopping, making it easier for consumers to purchase electronic goods from the comfort of their homes.

Government Policies

The Indian Government has implemented various policies to promote electronics manufacturing and increase foreign investment in the sector, which has led to a surge in demand for electronic goods in the country.

Technological Advancements

Rapid advancements in technology have led to the launch of new and innovative electronic products, such as smart home devices, wearables and virtual reality headsets, which have contributed to the growth of the electronics retail industry.

Urbanisation

The increasing urbanisation of India has led to a rise in demand for electronic goods as consumers in urban areas tend to have higher disposable incomes and a greater willingness to adopt new technologies.

Competitive Pricing

With the growing middle-class and rising disposable incomes, consumers are willing to spend more on electronic goods, including smartphones, laptops and home appliances.

Growing E-Commerce Industry

The growth of the e-commerce industry in India has led to a surge in demand for electronic goods as consumers can purchase them easily through online platforms.

Segment-Wise or Product-Wise Performance

Over the last few years, as a growth oriented company we have focused on diversifying into other consumer electronics products as we see a long run way for growth in sales of these products. This has helped us to only emerge as a multi-product brand but has also grow our profitability margins.

With an ambitious growth spree, the company has increased the number of multi product stores to 46 in 2023. This means that now 46 stores under our name sell electronic appliances such as Television, Refrigerator, Air Conditioners, Air Coolers, Washing Machines, and Microwaves, though our prime business still remains retail and wholesale distribution of mobile handsets, tablets, data cards and mobile accessories. Besides this, the conversion rate is at a whopping 98%.

Segment/ Product

Number of Stores

Total Stores

172

Owned Retail Stores

163

Franchised Stores

9

The total revenue of the company stood at INR 34474.43 Lac which was INR 25175.69 Lac in previous year. The company now owns a total of 172 store, out of which 163 are owned stores and 9 are franchised.

Outlook

Our Company over the last year has heavily invested time and efforts in diversifying the products sold through our stores and the result is that we have increased the total number of Multi Product stores. The stores of our company has been spread over the Gujarat covering almost every area even the rural and the remote areas. Also, the company has set its footing in Maharashtra this year. Our decision to invest in this growth spree roots from the fact that we are bullish on the demand of various consumer electronic items as the work from home culture spreads.

Risks and Concerns

Supply chain disruptions, mobilizing workforce and keeping up with demand poses a risk, as we expect a dramatic increase in demand when various companies release their 5G phones in India.

Many phone manufacturers offering lucrative offers and early-access deals directly to the consumer through its B2C channels can become difficult to compete with.

Rapidly increasing in the technology trends, less life line of the products, outdated ratio increases rapidly.

The continued maintenance and improvement of BHATIAs brand recognition and reputation are crucial to its future success. Failure to do so may impede the ability to maintain and expand its consumer base, leading to negative impacts on business operations, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.

Internal Control Systems and Their Adequacy

The Company has in place an adequate system of internal control commensurate with its size and nature of its business. These have been designed to provide reasonable assurance that all assets are safeguarded and protected against loss from unauthorized use or disposition and that all transactions are authorized, recorded and reported correctly and the business operations are conducted as per the described policies and procedures of the Company. The Audit Committee and the Management have reviewed the adequacy of the internal control systems and suitable steps are taken to improve the same

Discussion on Financial Performance with respect to Operational Performance

In FY2023, the companys revenue from operations grew to INR 34,474 Lac, an increase of 37% from FY 2022.

The company managed to maintain its strong profitability due to a strong foundation and loyal consumer base. The company with better inventory management, diversified product portfolio, improving conversion rate and new multi-product outlets, realized economies of scale i.e., the company was able to increase its sales without much increase in input costs.

Debtors Turnover Ratio is an accounting measure used to measure how effective a company is in extending credit as well as collecting debts. The companys collection of account receivables has been efficient over the years, as it caters to the B2C segment.

Inventorys turnover Ratio indicates the rate at which a company sells and replaces its stock of goods during a particular period. The companys higher Inventory Turnover ratio indicates the companys efficiency to convert its inventory quickly into Sales.