india nippon electricals ltd Management discussions


Economy Overview Global Economy

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted businesses globally and disrupted economic growth since 2020. Businesses across the world suffered supply chain interruptions even as demand for products and services declined a situation that worsened with government mandated closures. By 2021, just when most of these effects were significantly reduced and the world economy was struggling to recover from the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine crisis emerged. Before the war, supply-demand imbalances and government aid during the pandemic had led to inflation across nations and necessitated tightening of the monetary policy. Recent lockdowns in China are expected to cause new bottlenecks in global supply networks. In 2022 and 2023, the IMF forecasts a worldwide economic expansion to stabilise at 3.6%, down from 6.1% in 2021. The future of the global economy remains uncertain as geopolitical tensions persist, commodities prices stay elevated, and withdrawal of monetary accommodation gains momentum. Both capital outflows and rising commodity prices exacerbate inflationary pressures in emerging nations.

Indian Economy

The Indian economy was poised for a recovery following the second wave of the pandemic, with steady resurgence in both industry and services sectors. Repeated COVID-19 variant breakouts, however, led to disruptions in the supply chain, and, more lately, a high inflation rate has created challenges for policymaking. A major increase in infrastructure spending was undertaken to restore medium-term demand, and substantial supply-side reforms were enacted to position the economy for long-term growth. In FY 2021-22, the NSO?s second advance estimates reported that the GDP had increased by 8.7%.

A survey conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects growth rate to decline to 7.2% in FY 2022-23 and to 6.5% in FY 2023-24. Although international impediments too are contributory factors in slowing India?s economic progress, the country has remained resilient in the face of multiple obstacles. The RBI has projected the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate at 5.7% in FY 2021-22 and 5.5% in FY 2022-23 (new base 2012=100). To combat inflation, the RBI raised the policy repo rate by 50 basis points to 4.90%. Additionally, the Union Budget for FY 2022-23 included growth-oriented features with an emphasis on building long-term strength by leveraging private investment, while ensuring policy stability and inclusivity. Significant positives include the 35% rise in capital expenditure, large infrastructure projects such as construction of 25,000 kilometres of roads and highways; 100 cargo terminals; Project GatiShakti, the 5G network; laying of bre optic cables; and the latest PLI programmes. Moreover, reduction in steel prices is expected to cheer the entire manufacturing sector just as government assistance for research and development in the fields of renewable energy, green transportation, and semiconductors will benefit the automotive industry.

Source: SIAM press release, Steel prices set to bend on weak season after a two-year rally (crisil.com)

Industry Overview

Global Auto Vehicle Market

Building on a resilient economic recovery, globally, the automobile manufacturing industry is accelerating into a reimagined future. While original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), component suppliers, and consumers have responded effectively to major concerns such as supply chain restrictions following the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, a robust end-user demand has translated into production growth. Consumer confidence, lower interest rates, and positive employment statistics have contributed to a robust market for durable goods, especially vehicles. World auto production grew by 3.1% to 80.14 million units in 2021 as compared with 77.71 million units produced in 2020. In Europe, political pressure for compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) norms and the race to a low-carbon economy have strained business models, but presented opportunities to test out new mobility services. In 2021, Europe registered a negative year over year (YoY) production growth of about 3.6%, while regions like South America, Africa, and Brazil recorded double digit growth of about 17.5%, 16.4% and 11.6%, respectively.

Global auto sales increased to 82.68 million units in 2021 as compared with 78,774,320 units sold in 2020. The demand for passenger vehicles grew from 53.92 million to 56.4 million units in 2021, while orders for commercial vehicles grew from 24.86 million to 26.29 million units during this period. The outlook for 2022 appears more positive than the previous year, but does not indicate a risk-free future. The global auto sector is accustomed to being demand-driven, but despite the gradual improvement, supply-side issues may continue to affect the market in 2022. Market forecasts for 2022 remain cautiously positive, with sales of light vehicles expected to increase moderately. There are indications that the semiconductor supply chain will show signs of stability in the second half of 2022, with brighter times ahead for the industry.

Source: Global economy and automotive industry outlook 2022 - Wallenius Wilhelmsen, KPMG report, 2022 and the global sales picture - Just Auto (just-auto.com)

Indian Automobile Industry

According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the automobile industry manufactured 22.93 million vehicles in FY 2021-22, compared with 22.65 million vehicles in FY 2020-21, recording a YoY growth rate of 1.23%. The two-wheeler vehicles segment dominated the market in terms of volume due to India?s young population and an expanding middle class. An increased interest by firms to explore rural markets contributed to the expansion of the sector. India is a major exporter of automobiles, and exports are anticipated to rise rapidly in the near future. In FY 2021-22, India exported 5.62 million vehicles as compared with 4.13 million vehicles in the previous year, registering a YoY growth of 36%.

Additionally, various initiatives by the Indian government and major automotive manufacturers like the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the automobile and auto component industries with a budget of 26,000 crore over the five-year period beginning in FY 2022-23, are expected to propel India as a global leader in the two-wheeler and four-wheeler markets by 2022. About 20 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have already been granted incentive approval in February 2022. The scheme will offer an incentive of up to 18% to promote new investments in the local supply chain of AAT products. This scheme will also serve to bolster the Make in India initiative for the automobile industry.

Rising commodity prices exerted substantial pricing pressure on the industry in 2021, resulting in several price rises across vehicle classes. In FY 2021-22, the Indian automobile sector sold 17.51 million vehicles, compared with 18.62 million vehicles in FY 2020-21, registering a YoY growth rate of 6.32%. The Indian automobile sector, having built a solid foundation in FY 2021-22 despite a semiconductor shortage that hampered output, is optimistic about reaching pre-crisis sales volume levels in FY 2022-23.

India?s Two-Wheeler industry

More than half of the country?s total fuel sales is consumed by the two-wheeler segment, that has a direct correlation with the price of petrol. Additionally, factors such as the shortage of semiconductors and high container fees have hampered manufacturing by OEMs. Production in the two-wheelers segment declined to 17.71 million in FY 2021-22 from 18.35 million in FY 2020-21. Demand for motorcycles and scooters was also impacted throughout the year by rural distress and rising ownership costs due to rising petrol prices. Even over the holiday season, sales of two-wheelers, particularly motorbikes, failed to gain momentum, leaving companies with a huge pile of unsold inventory. During FY 2021-22, sales of two-wheeler vehicles that represent the least expensive means of private transportation, declined by 11% annually, falling from 15.12 million in FY 2020-21 to 13.47 million vehicles.

India?s Three-Wheeler industry

The three-wheeler industrial segment is intimately associated with India?s robustly growing economy. In comparison with the previous year, three-wheeler sales grew from 219,446 in FY 2020-21 to 260,995 units in FY 2021-22, growing at an annual rate of 18.9%. Due to increased demand and need for conveyance of commodities to rural and semi-urban areas, sales by goods carriers are soon expected to return to pre-COVID levels. The cargo segment is expected to recover rapidly, especially in CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and EV (Electric Vehicle) variants.

EV Market

At the United Nations climate change conference (COP21), India had agreed to cut its carbon footprint by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030. It also pledged to boost the proportion of electricity derived from non-fossil fuels to 40% by 2030. To reach its goal, India needs to transition its power generation to renewable energy sources and move away from fossil fuel-based transportation. The move toward greener transportation mobility technologies can play a vital role in achieving the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) committed greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target. Government subsidies will certainly continue to favour low-emission vehicles, to boost electric vehicle production. Truly, India?s EV industry has experienced remarkable growth in the past few years. According to the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), High Speed Sales reached 231,378 units (Excluding Low Speed and 3 States - Madhya Pradesh, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh). In FY 2020-21, registration of EV sales touched 236,802 units, with the e-2W segment comprising more than 60% of the market. Remarkably, the low-speed segment represented 71% of e-2W sales. In FY 2021-22, the high-speed sector accounted for 61% of e-2W sales, thus reversing the previous trend. With the expansion of e-commerce, the e-3W (Cargo) segment accounted for 12% of the e-3W market, up from 4% in FY 2019-20. The e-bus and e-4W segments have also shown triple-digit growth from a low foundation.

Increasing fuel costs are causing a shift towards EVs, particularly in the lighter car categories, but this needs to be backed by an adequate charging infrastructure to sustain the ecosystem. As of March 2022, India has a total of 1,742 functioning public EV chargers, with 9 cities accounting for more than 50 percent: Surat, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. The limited number of viable models, particularly in the bigger vehicle classes, has hampered EV adoption in several markets, among other considerations. The robust pipeline of future EV model launches over the next two years (2022 and 2023) will provide consumers with more options. Supportive policies, drop in battery prices, availability of charging infrastructure, and supply chain localisation are essential aspects that need to be addressed besides adoption of market-specific solutions to fuel the rise of electric vehicles in India.

Source: Global economy and automotive industry outlook 2022 - Wallenius Wilhelmsen, KPMG report

Indian Auto Component Industry

The burgeoning presence of global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the Indian auto components business has led to growth in the localisation of the components. Even though the performance of the automotive industry was below expectations, there are signs that vehicle demand will rebound in the coming months. This, along with the auto industry?s increased emphasis on deep-localisation and the government?s recent announcements of PLI schemes on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries and auto and auto components, will facilitate the creation of a cutting-edge automotive value chain and the development of India into an attractive alternative source of high-end auto components. For the period April 2021 to September 2021, the automotive component industry?s revenue was 1.96 Lac Crore (USD 26.6 billion), representing a 65% increase over the first half of the previous year. Despite slow vehicle sales due to supply side challenges, particularly in the first quarter, the auto component business experienced a stunning turnaround in FY 2021-22.

Exports of auto components increased from USD 9 billion as recorded for the nine months period in FY 2020-21 to USD 13.9 billion until December 2022. This growth of 54% was mostly attributable to a low base effect, coupled with the ongoing growth momentum in advanced nations and the consequent increase in the global demand for imports besides favourable commodity prices. In the total exports from India, Europe accounted for 31%, North America for 32%, Asia for 25%, Latin America for 5%, Africa for 5% and the rest of the world for 1% as of December 2022. In line with exports, imports increased by about 51% YoY from USD 9 billion recorded in December 2021 to an all-time high of USD 13.5 billion in December 2022. The increase in exports was, however, marginally more than the increase in imports due to higher growth rates in advanced economies, that served to improve the trade balance. Asia accounted for 64%, Europe for 27%, North America for 7%, and the rest of the world for 2% of the total imports recorded until December FY 2021-22. Most auto component makers have now recovered, and the investment cycle has begun. Despite concerns of another pandemic wave, the industry is cautiously optimistic about the Indian economy and automotive sector.

Company Overview

India Nippon Electricals Limited (hereafter referred to as ‘INEL, or ‘the Company?) is a major manufacturer of electronic ignition systems for the automobile sector, with a particular emphasis on two-wheeler (2Ws), three-wheeler (3Ws), small gasoline engines and portable gensets. INEL, founded in 1984, provides its products to India?s foremost automobile manufacturers. INEL enjoys a market leadership position in the electronic ignition system products. The Company continues to expand its product portfolio and capabilities with future technologies such as sensors, controllers, converters and engine control units etc., in addition to its offerings for internal combustion engines, the Company has recently entered the market for electric vehicles. Over the years, the Company has developed a range of high-quality, differentiated products, which has allowed it to establish a solid customer base in India and an expanding clientele abroad. The Company remains committed to increasing its aftermarket and export operations. INEL has built a presence in the international market, especially in North America, Japan, and Europe.

Expanding Product Offerings

INEL has proved to the two-wheeler industry its capacity to adapt to changing business practices and technology besides respond to customer needs in the areas of quality and service over the years. The Company?s product portfolio includes the following: Electronic Ignition System INEL is focusing on expanding the ignition system products globally and increasing its market share in domestic market.

INEL Controller Portfolio

Various types of controllers such as EGR Controller, Governor Control Unit, Immobiliser, DC-DC Controller, Radiator Fan Controller, ISG Controller and Body Control Module form INEL?s Controller Portfolio.

INEL Sensors Portfolio

Throttle Position Sensor, Speed Sponsor, Oil Level Sensor, TBAP Sensor, TMAP

Sensor, Coolant Temperature Sensor, Differential Pressure Sensor, RPAS Ultrasonic Sensor, Side Stand Sensor etc. are other products covered in the Company?s Sensors Portfolio.

E-Mobility Product Portfolio

The Company is continually developing its product line, which will facilitate INEL?s growth in the e-Mobility space. INEL will continue to prioritise the development of new products for segments of the electric vehicle market and grow the worldwide presence of existing goods to advance in tandem with the industry and be future prepared. Various e-Mobility components such as Immobiliser, HMI, Side Stand Sensor, TPMS, VCU/BCM, Motor Controller, DC-DC Converter are included in the e-mobility portfolio of the Company.

World-Class Manufacturing Facilities Assisted by an Internal R&D Centre

Three production plants of the Company are located in India, one each in Tamil Nadu (Hosur), Puducherry, and Haryana (Rewari District). INEL has a technological collaboration with Mahle Electric Drives Japan Corporation, Japan. The Company also has a Research and Development Centre recognised by the Government of India?s Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. All manufacturing facilities are accredited with ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) certification.

Financial Overview

Standalone Financial Snapshot (In Lacs)

Particulars FY FY YoY
2020-21 2021-22 Change
Gross Sales 48,030 56,303 17.22%
Net Sales 47,770 55,727 16.66%
Operating 3,604 3,799 5.41%
Profit
Depreciation 1,035 1,285 24.15%
Profit After Tax 4,070 4,026 -1.08%
(PAT)

The growth in car sales during FY 2021-22 had a positive influence on the Company?s financial performance. INEL recorded net sales worth 55,727 Lacs with 17% increase in FY 2021-22 as compared with 47,770 Lacs in FY 2020-21.

Operating profit decreased by 5.41% from 3,604 Lacs in FY 2020-21 to

3,799 Lacs in FY 2021-22. The Company continues to incur required costs and assist employees and their families. Other expenses also increased due to implementation of social distance norms.

The net profit decreased by 1.08% to 4,026 Lacs in FY 2021-22 due to reduced operating profit and greater depreciation and profit on sale of land. The profit of 137.99 Lacs recognised in FY 2021-22 was somewhat offset by reduced income tax expenditures, as the Company choose to follow the lower income tax rate under the Income Tax Act.

The Company has declared an interim dividend of 6.25 per share on face value of 5 per share which will be the final dividend for the year ended 31st March, 2022.

INEL is a zero-debt company with cash and liquid investments of around 634 Lacs as on 31st March, 2022.

Details of Key Standalone Financial Ratios that registered more than 25% change during FY 2021-22

Ratios FY FY YoY
2020-21 2021-22 Change
Debtors Turnover 4.84 4.90 1.24%
Inventory Turnover 7.88 8.47 7.49%
Interest Coverage Ratio - -
Current Ratio (x) 2.64 3.04 15%
Debt Equity Ratio - -
Operating Profit Margin (%) 7.54% 6.82% -0.72%
Net Profit Margin (%) 8.52% 7.22% -1.30%
Return on Net Worth – RoNW 9.04% 8.16% -0.88%

As of 31st March, 2022, the Company?s Balance Sheet shows no debt. Thus, the Interest Coverage Ratio and the Debt-to-Equity Ratio are not relevant.

In fiscal year 2021-22, the operating profit margin decreased from 7.54% to 6.82%. In fiscal year 2021-22, the net profit margin decreased from 8.52% to 7.22%. The drop in operating profit margin was primarily attributable to a shift in the sales product mix, a sharp increase in the price of steel and copper, and certain unabsorbed charges resulting from the COVID-19 lockout. Therefore, return on net worth decreased to 8.16% in fiscal year 2021-22 from 9.04% in fiscal year 2020-21.

COVID-19 Impact

The second wave of COVID-19 was expected to have a negative impact on demand for the Company?s products. The management has analysed the potential impact of the pandemic on the Company?s business operations and financial position and identified no significant negative impact on sustainability. Moreover, the Company is debt-free and has sufficient liquid assets to honour its payments and obligations as they become due. The administration will continue to monitor any major modifications to its COVID-19 effect assessment due to future economic conditions and future unpredictability.

Business Outlook

In terms of productivity, cost positioning, market positioning, and technological positioning, INEL has taken remarkable strides. Consequent to the timely introduction of numerous BS-VI goods with short lead times, cost management measures, and investment in state-of-the-art equipment, the Company?s performance has improved, resulting in more efficient manufacturing processes. The Company with a solid, debt-free balance sheet will benefit from the improving economic climate and investments in cutting-edge technologies. INEL will continue to capitalise on expansion of its factories and a diversified product range, investment in new line opportunities such as electric vehicles, besides capitalising on its expanding exports and aftermarket segments, with enhanced research and development capacities.

Risk and Mitigation

Industry Risk: Automobiles are a vital element of the Company?s operations, and their demand is determined by the state of the national economy. Consequently, any decline in vehicle demand or production will have a substantial effect on the Company?s operations.

Mitigation: The Company continually aims to expand organic revenue and broaden its customer base across vehicle segments. Even in a challenging climate, the Company is well positioned to surpass the industry?s growth due to its improved product mix, geographic presence in overseas markets, superior technology, comprehensive cost reduction system, and liquidity build-up.

Raw Material Risk: The Company is subject to price fluctuations in raw materials, which comprise a large portion of its total costs. Any disruption in availability or significant increase in the price of raw materials will diminish margins.

Mitigation: To protect its margins against price volatility, the Company has cost compensation agreements with all its main clients, that allow it to pass on price increases.

Peer Risk: Lucrative development possibilities of the automobile and auto components industries continue to attract new competitors to the market, whereby the Company could experience heightened competition from its rivals.

Mitigation: The Company has strong and long-standing direct relationships with a multitude of worldwide OEMs. It has continued to invest in novel goods and improved quality control to maintain its competitive advantage. Consequently, INEL?s market share has increased despite the extraordinary COVID-19 pandemic.

Customer Concentration Risk: The Company provides and sells vehicle components to original equipment manufacturers in the Indian automobile sector. Any reduction in demand from original equipment manufacturers due to decline in demand from end users could impact the Company?s business.

Mitigation: The Company has continually built new clientele by delivering innovative items with the assistance of cutting-edge tools and a design centre. Additionally, INEL strives to boost its business with existing customers. In addition to satisfying domestic demand, the Company capitalises on the lucrative aftermarket and export markets.

Technology Obsolescence Risk: Failure or delay in obtaining the requisite level of technological sophistication or accurately gauging market needs could have a negative effect on the Company?s performance and financial condition.

Mitigation: With expanded R&D capabilities, the Company has continually supplied cutting-edge technology products. The Company engages in research and development to meet the market?s demand for new technologies and products, based on a precise grasp of market requirements. It has an in-house research and development centre to keep up with worldwide trends.

Human Resource

The Company believes that a committed talent pool is key to achieving outstanding business success. Human resources are the most important factor in the Company?s expansion plan, and the Company recognises and prioritises their contribution. Its HR policies are constantly geared toward attracting, retaining, and cultivating the best talent necessary for business?s expansion. The Company focuses on providing opportunities for growth and improvement of its employees? skill sets at all organisational levels. Regular trainings are provided for personnel at all organisational levels to ensure skill growth and self-growth. As part of the Employees Engagement Initiative, 25 people undertook the People Manager Workshop conducted by the Great Place to Work? (GPTW) Institute. During the year, we had 56 teams participating in 23 external competitions and winning 51 awards. INEL was awarded the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work? rating on its first application attempt. As of 31st March, 2022, the total number of employees on the Company?s payroll was 561.

Corporate Social Responsibility

INEL is committed to actively contribute to the development of a sustainable society and provide economic value. Multiple projects are conducted with improved governance and commercial ethics. A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee has been established to create and recommend a comprehensive CSR Policy to the Board. The objective is to positively impact the communities in which the Company operates and build its reputation as a dependable, credible, and responsible business partner. During the period under review, the Company spent 122.07 Lacs on CSR initiatives as against a CSR budget of 116.15 Lacs with a primary focus on skill development, promoting education in rural regions, conserving natural resources through tree planting around the factory, besides supporting measures for promotion of health care and sanitation, protection of heritage monuments etc. The Company has identified community-supporting projects and deepened its partnerships with them. Due to the friendly ties between employees and their families, the Company has never experienced any labour disputes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company supported the families of village mechanics whose shops were shuttered.

Internal Control Systems and Adequacy

The Company?s system of internal controls for business processes, operations, financial reporting, fraud prevention, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations is sufficient. The audit function of INEL provides reasonable assurance on the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, protection of assets, accuracy of financial records and reports, and the observance of applicable laws and regulations. The Company increases its internal control systems and information accuracy on a real-time basis by employing an ERP system that enables improved analysis and control. Regular internal audits and inspections guarantee that responsibilities are carried out successfully. The Audit Committee, in conjunction with management, conducts periodic reviews of the performance of statutory/internal auditors, the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems, and suggests improvements for strengthening the existing control system in the light of changing business requirements.

Cautionary Statement

Statements in this Management Discussion and Analysis section that describe the Company?s objectives, expectations, or make predictions may be forward-looking within the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. These forward-looking statements by the Company 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. The Company assumes no responsibility to publicly amend, modify or revise forward-looking statements based on any subsequent developments, information, or events. Thus, the Company?s actual performance/ results could differ from projected estimates made in the forward-looking statements. Discussion on the Company?s operation outcomes and financial condition should be read together with the audited, consolidated financial statements and notes to these statements as included in the Annual Report.