duncan engineering ltd Management discussions


1. Industry Structure and Development

India has a diverse industrial landscape, and the pneumatic products industry is an important part of it. The industry is composed of several players, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and service providers. Indias pneumatic products industry has grown significantly in recent years, driven by a strong demand from various industries such as automotive, manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.

Duncan offers a wide range of pneumatic products, including Solenoid operated Directional control valves, Linear and Rotary actuators, and valve Automation Systems. These cater to various applications such as compressed air systems, control systems, automation systems, and others.

Indias pneumatic products industry has been experiencing steady growth due to various factors, such as the increasing demand for automation in industries, the rise in manufacturing activities, and the growth of the automotive and construction sectors. Additionally, the Indian governments initiatives to promote manufacturing and industrial development have contributed to the growth of the industry.

In terms of market segmentation against Duncan Engineering product lines, the Power sector is the largest consumer of Duncan pneumatic products in India. The manufacturing sector and construction industry are also significant users of pneumatic products. Moreover, the process sector is expected to be a potential market for Duncan pneumatic products in the coming years, as there is a growing demand for indigenous pneumatic products.

To support the growth of the pneumatic products industry, the Indian government has introduced several initiatives, including the Make in India campaign and the National Manufacturing Policy. These initiatives aim to promote local manufacturing, increase investments, and develop infrastructure to support the growth of the manufacturing sector in India.

In conclusion, Indias pneumatic products industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand from various industries, government initiatives, and a favorable business environment. The industrys diverse players and range of products offer ample opportunities for growth and development.

2. Opportunities and Threats

A. There are several opportunities for pneumatics and valve automation products in India:

i. Growing Industrial Sector: India has a rapidly growing industrial sector, with increasing automation and use of process control systems. This provides a significant opportunity for the growth of pneumatics and valve automation products, as they play a crucial role in controlling and regulating various industrial processes.

ii. Infrastructure Development: The Indian government has announced several large-scale infrastructure development projects, such as smart cities, highways, and ports. This presents a significant opportunity for the growth of pneumatics and valve automation products, as they are an essential component of modern infrastructure.

iii. Healthcare Sector: The healthcare sector in India is growing rapidly, with increasing investments in medical infrastructure and technology. Pneumatics and valve automation products are essential components of advanced medical equipment, which presents an opportunity for growth in this sector.

iv. Energy Efficiency: There is an increasing awareness of the need for energy efficiency in India, and pneumatics and valve automation products can play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption in industrial processes.

v. Automotive Sector: The Indian automotive sector is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for vehicles and associated components. Pneumatics and valve automation products are critical components of automotive manufacturing processes, which presents an opportunity for growth in this sector.

vi. Agriculture Sector: India has a large agricultural sector, which presents an opportunity for the growth of pneumatics and valve automation products. These products can be used to automate various agricultural processes, such as irrigation and crop harvesting.

vii. Government Initiatives: The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote local manufacturing and increase investments in the manufacturing sector. This presents an opportunity for the growth of pneumatics and valve automation products, as they are essential components of various manufacturing processes.

In conclusion, Indias growing industrial sector, infrastructure development, healthcare sector, focus on energy efficiency, growing automotive and agriculture sectors, and government initiatives provide significant opportunities for the growth of pneumatics and valve automation products in the country.

B. Threats for pneumatics and valve automation products in India:

There are several threats for pneumatics and valve automation products in India:

i. High Competition: The pneumatics and valve automation products market in India is highly competitive, with several domestic and international players. This can make it challenging for new entrants to establish themselves in the market.

ii. Economic Uncertainty: India is a developing country with a volatile economy, which can create uncertainty for businesses operating in the country.

iii. Technological Obsolescence: Pneumatics and valve automation products require constant innovation and upgradation to stay relevant in the market. Failure to do so can lead to technological obsolescence and loss of market share.

iv. Price Sensitivity: The Indian market is highly price-sensitive, and customers often prioritize affordability over quality. This can create challenges for companies that are focused on producing high-quality pneumatics and valve automation products.

v. Lack of Skilled Workforce: The availability of skilled workforce is a significant challenge for many businesses in India, including those in the pneumatics and valve automation industry. Companies may struggle to find skilled technicians and engineers, which can impact product quality and innovation.

vi. Regulatory Challenges: The Indian regulatory environment can be complex and challenging to navigate, with several compliance requirements and bureaucratic procedures. This can create delays and increase costs for companies operating in the pneumatics and valve automation industry.

In conclusion, high competition, economic uncertainty, technological obsolescence, price sensitivity, lack of skilled workforce, and regulatory challenges are significant threats for the pneumatics and valve automation products industry in India. Company must navigate these challenges effectively to succeed in this market.

3. Segment wise or product-wise performance

The companys business activity falls within a single primary business segment viz., "General Engineering Products". Details of its performance is given under the head, Discussion on financial performance with respect to operational performance.

4. Outlook

Next few fiscal years are going to be crucial for the Company as it look to expand its product basket in pneumatics. New Product Development (NPD) is one of priorities of the Company. The company will concentrate on allocating its resources to develop an experienced team of professionals and work on a roadmap to introduce new products in market. Customization remains as one of core strengths of the Company, so it will continue to customize its products to cater the needs of customers. The Company is also looking putting focused approach on exports in coming fiscal year by putting dedicated team at work.

With increasing emphasis on automation, quality control, safety and efficient & renewable energy, fluid power technology should continue to expand in India. Factors such as rapid industrialization in emerging economies, automation and growing demand for industrial material handling equipment are expected to drive the pneumatic market across the world. With significant global capital spending expected in pharmaceutical and its allied industries in the wake of pandemic, these industries are likely to witness significant growth in the upcoming period.

However, the industry is also likely to face some challenges, including high competition, price sensitivity, regulatory challenges, and technological obsolescence. Companies in this industry must navigate these challenges effectively to succeed in the market.

Overall, the outlook for pneumatics and valve automation products in India in fiscal year 2022-2023 is positive, with significant growth opportunities in various sectors. However, the company must remain agile and innovative to stay ahead of the competition and capitalize on these opportunities.

5. Risks and Concerns

Risk, which is the manifestation of business uncertainty affecting corporate performance and prospects, is an integral part of business. The Company follows a defined and exhaustive risk management process, which is integrated with its operations. This enables the Company to identify, categorise and prioritise operational, financial, and strategic business risks. To address the identified risks, the Company continues to spend significant time, effort, and human resources to manage and mitigate such risks.

6. Internal Control Systems and their adequacy

The Company has adequate internal control systems, which includes internal financial controls, the efficacy of which is continuously monitored and updated when required internally. The internal Auditors monitor the compliance of the same.

The Companys internal control system ensures that assets are safeguarded, established regulations are complied with and pending issues are addressed promptly. The Audit Committee reviews reports presented by the internal auditors on a routine basis. The committee makes note of the audit observations and takes corrective actions, if necessary. It maintains constant dialogue with statutory and internal auditors to ensure that internal control systems are operating effectively.

7. Discussion on financial performance with respect to operational performance

A. Analysis of the profit and loss statement

i. Revenues: Revenues from operations registered a 25.69 % growth from Rs. 5576.81 Lakh in FY 21-22 to Rs. 7009.52 Lakh in FY 22-23.

ii. Margins: EBITDA for the year was Rs. 1456.29 Lakh as against Rs. 983.36 Lakh in FY 21-22. EBITDA margin of the Company increased to 20.78 % from 17.63 % in FY 21-22. The net profit margin of the Company was Rs. 990.35 Lakh in FY 22-23 compared to Rs. 624.47 Lakh in FY 21-22. The margins for the year were increased by 58.59 %.

B. Analysis of the Balance Sheet

i. Sources of funds: The capital employed by the Company increased to Rs. 4809.85 Lakh as on 31st March 2023 from Rs. 3784.89 Lakh as on 31st March 2022 owing to internal accruals.

The net worth of the Company increased 26.57 % to Rs. 4641.04 Lakh as on 31st March 2023 from Rs. 3666.87 Lakh as on 31st March 2022.

ii. Applications of funds: Fixed assets (gross) of the Company increased 2.02 % from Rs. 3165.66 Lakh as on 31st March 2022 to Rs.3229.47 Lakh as on 31st March 2023.

iii. Working capital management: Total Current Assets of the Company increased by 42.85 % from Rs. 3242.95 Lakh as on 31st March 2022 to Rs. 4632.62 Lakh as on 31st March 2023. Current Assets included current investment and cash and bank balance of Rs. 2883.98 Lakh in FY 22-23 compared to Rs. 1571.00

Lakh in FY 21-22 due to the deployment of funds into short term Investments.

Inventories, including raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods, among others, increased to Rs. 1054.28 Lakh on 31st March 2023 from Rs. 936.22 Lakh as on 31st March 2022 due to higher production. Trade receivables as at 31st March 2023 were Rs.595.68 Lakh compared to Rs. 578.88 Lakh as at 31st March 2022.

8. Human Resources and Industrial Relations

The Company employed 168 officers and workmen as on 31st March 2023. Increase in the value of human capital through the development of individual and collective competencies helped the Company stay in step with market developments and requirements. The Company has a policy to regularly run programs and projects on skill development and upgradation of employee competence. Programmes of knowledge sharing were conducted; employees are encouraged to attend external programs as required to enhance their perspective of emerging standards. Several innovative ideas received from employees were implemented, resulting in enhance quality, cost optimisation and productivity.

The Company generally enjoys cordial relationship with its staff and workers. The Company management has entered into wage revision agreement with the recognised workers union on September 24, 2021, for a period of 3 years effective from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024.

9. Key Financial Ratios

A. 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 is given below:

Sr. No. Particulars FY 2022-2023 FY 2021-2022 % Change

Explanation

1. Debtors Turnover 11.94 9.62 24% -
2. Inventory Turnover 3.83 3.68 4% -
3. Interest Coverage Ratio 10.79% 11.78% -8% -

4. Current Ratio

3.08% 2.45% 26%

Current ratio has improved to 3.08 primarily on account of increase in value of inventories & investment.

5. Debt Equity Ratio 0.02 0.02 17% -
6. Operating Profit Margin (%) 20.78 % 17.63% 18% -

7. Net Profit Margin (%)

14% 11% 26%

Net profit ratio has increase mainly due to increase in profit and revenue during the year.

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

Sr. No. Particulars

FY 2022-2023 FY 2021-2022 % Change

Explanation

1. Return on Net Worth 21% 17% 25% Net Worth ratio has increase mainly due to increase in profit and revenue during the year.

10. Disclosure of Accounting Treatment:

Where in the preparation of financial statements, a treatment different from that prescribed in an Accounting Standard has been followed, the fact shall be disclosed in the financial statements, together with the managements explanation as to why it believes such alternative treatment is more representative of the true and fair view of the underlying business transaction.

The Accounts for the year have been prepared as per Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS). The current year and previous year figures have been re-stated accordingly. No treatment different from that prescribed in Ind AS has been followed by the Company.

11. Cautionary Statement

This statement made in this section describes the Companys objectives, projections, expectation, and estimations which may be ‘forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable Securities Laws and Regulations. Forward looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events. The Company cannot guarantee that these assumptions and expectations are accurate or will be realised by the Company. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the statements or implied due to the influence of external factors which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company assumes no responsibility to publicly amend, modify or revise any forward looking statements based on any subsequent development, information, or events.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Duncan Engineering Limited

Akshat Goenka

Arvind Goenka
Place: Noida Managing Director Non Executive Director
Date: 16.05.2023 DIN: 07131982 DIN: 00135653