lkp securities ltd share price Management discussions


MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENTS

The broking segment, especially retail broking, has become increasingly dynamic. Entry of new players, digitisation & disruption, regulations have changed the way business has been shaping up. Brokers are now restructuring their business strategy to diversify revenue streams. Value added services, including wealth management, research, advisory, AMC and financial planning has been the focus to ensure maximum customers engagement and enrich wealth creation journey of clients. Fund based activity, including margin funding and loan against shares, is expected to enable sustained contribution to earnings. Thus, while brokerages have witnessed an increase in topline, share of pure broking income has been sliding in the overall pie. Revenue growth for the broking industry was moderate in FY23 of approx. 30000 crore and the same is estimated be flatfish in FY24 with consolidation in industry benefiting some traditional brokers. The Nifty 50 index declined by 1.76% and S&P BSE Sensex declined by 0.48%.

We believe the industry is moving towards fee for service model wherein a customer is charged fee as per services availed instead of a standard or fixed charge. With financial savings rising and lower interest rates, equity as an asset class will continue to remain attractive. Capital market businesses are currently in a sweet spot in the journey or transition of business model. While we expect discount brokers to continue with growth ahead, however revenue growth is largely dependent on client additions as scope for higher pricing remains difficult. Hence, earnings growth from pure brokerage income to remain limited.

OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS

With the increase in size and importance of Indias financial sector relative to its overall economy, the equity broking industry is set for an increased volumes over the next few years. Further, since equities are expected to do well over the longer term, we will likely see increased investor participation.

Ability to onboard clients and complete their KYC journey digitally has been a big boost for the industry. Extensive use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning capabilities are imperative to create a vital differentiator across the entire value chain of the business. The digital brokerages today garner a dominant share in the industry with their service offerings to clients using digital trading platforms. Facilitated by seamless DIY registration, ease of transacting, offering an open architecture with integration of 3rd party products, the industry is experiencing a surge in retail investor participation, which, in turn, is boosting the overall trading volumes.

Despite the abundance of opportunities, the wealth management industry in India faces several challenges. The entry of new players has led to stiff competition for customers, thereby exerting greater pressure on fees and services. Furthermore, stringent regulations have increased compliance costs and subjected the industry to additional scrutiny from regulatory bodies.

Acquainted of the situations the Company is making conscious efforts to increase investor participation and has plans to increase its overall market share by targeting profitable segments. The Company is also focusing on efficient use of technology to become a cost efficient performer in the market. The Company will continue to focus on technology, drive client acquisition, increase its business partner network, provide efficient trading tools and value added research advice to its clients. The overall strategic focus is to create product and service differentiators across all segments.

SEGMENT WISE / PRODUCT WISE PERFORMANCE

The Company offers research based equity advisory and trading services to individuals, corporates and retail clients. With presence in more than 150 cities in India through network of branches and franchisees, it has helped the Company achieve a de-risked business model and a wide spread presence.

OUTLOOK

In 2023, the market situation has changed significantly. RBI has already implemented a rate pause in response to a consistent decline in inflation and the expectation of further softening. Barring an unexpected inflation spike, it is unlikely that RBI will increase rates again this year. With the rate increase in early May 2023, the US Federal Reserve appears to have reached the apex of its cycle of rate increases during this time. Bond yields have already begun to decline globally, including in India, and this trend is expected to continue.

The broking industry is growing immensely with negligible penetration in tier II, III and beyond geographies where about 60% of the countrys population resides. With these geographies accessible largely through digital means, a significantly large market share will be up for grabs between the top 10 digital players. The Company is pushing hard to demonstrate its capabilities to harness this opportunity over the last few years. With its strong understanding of these markets supported by its best-in-class digital products, the Company will aggressively take a dominant market share amongst these players.

The Companys technology-based platforms play a key role in facilitating business from self-serviced segments, and provide a larger base for cross-selling financial products. Its strategy continues to be built on improving and fortifying research content, investing in technology for trading platform as well as human resources. The Company during the financial year under review has made substantial investments in people, processes and technology and continues to focus on delivering steady performance. The Company has taken into consideration the changes in the capital market and brokerage segment and is well prepared to overcome challenges and perform sustainably.

risks and concerns

The very nature of the Companys business makes it subject to various kinds of risks. The Company encounters market risk, credit risk and operational risks in its daily business operations. Further the stock broking industry has witnessing intense competition, falling brokerage rates and the entry of several big players. The Capital market industry in which your Company is operating is subject to extensive regulation. The Company evaluates the technological obsolescence and the associated risk and makes investment accordingly.

Risk management is a key element of our business strategy and is integrated seamlessly across all of its business operations. The objective of the risk management process is to optimize the risk-return equation and ensure prudent financial management; along with meticulous compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations applicable to all its business activities. A strong risk culture is designed to help reinforce resilience by encouraging a holistic approach to the management of risk throughout the organisation. The Company invests in technology and cyber security measures, conducts regular risk assessments, and maintains business continuity plans. The Company has invested in people, processes and technology to mitigate both external and internal risks.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY

The Company has an adequate system of internal controls to ensure accuracy of accounting records, compliance with all laws & regulations and compliance with all rules, procedures & guidelines prescribed by the management. An extensive internal audit is carried out by independent firm of Chartered Accountants. An internal team of inspection also regularly visits branches for ensuring regulatory compliance. The Board/Audit Committee reviews the overall risk management framework and the adequacy of internal controls instituted by the management team. The Audit Committee reviews major instances on a quarterly basis and actions are taken on the same. It also focusses on the implementation of the necessary systems and controls to strengthen the system and prevent such recurrence. The internal processes have been designed to ensure adequate checks and balances and regulatory compliances at every stage. Internal audit team carries out a risk-based audit of these processes to provide assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls for prevention, detection, reporting and remediation of frauds. Post audit reviews are also carried out to ensure follow up on the observations made.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Share Capital

The paid up equity share capital of the Company as on March 31, 2023 stands at Rs. 15,67,71,684/- divided into 7,83,85,842 fully paid up equity shares of Rs. 2/- each.

Net Worth

The Net Worth of the Company stands at Rs. 6,511.52 Lakhs.

Secured Loans

The Company has secured borrowings of Rs. 728.42 Lakhs in the current year.

Total Income

During the year total income was reported at Rs.7,789.65 Lakhs.

Finance Cost

The finance cost of the Company stands at Rs. 263.58 Lakhs.

Tax Expense

The Company has incurred a tax expense of Rs. 127.97 Lakhs in the current year.

HUMAN RESOURCES

During the year under review there has been no material development on the Human Resource/Industrial Relations front during the year. The Company places significant importance to its human capital. As on March 31, 2023 there are 385 employees employed by the Company. The Companys focus is on recruitment of good talent and retention of the talent pool. The Company has been paying special attention to improve the skill set of the employees through various training programs. All employees are encouraged and motivated to get themselves certified in relevant industry standard certifications such as CFP, NCFM, NISM, BSEC & AMFI. The Company invests in its employees through training and development programmes, provides competitive compensation and benefits, and fosters a positive work culture.

KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS

The key financial ratios and details of significant changes in these ratios, to the extent applicable, as required by SEBI Listing Regulations are given below:

Key Financial Ratios

Financial Year 2022-23

Financial Year 2021-22

(i) Debtors Turnover

1:3.29

1:4.23

(ii) Interest Coverage Ratio

1:2.69

1:8.52

(iii) Current Ratio

1:1.53

1:1.29

(iv) Debt Equity Ratio

1:0.11

1:0.16

(v) Operating Profit Margin (%)

7.20%

21.07%

(vi) Net Profit Margin (%)

4.06%

14.25%

Cautionary statement

Statements in this Management Discussion and Analysis describing the Company’s objectives, projections, estimates and expectations may be ‘forward looking’ within the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. Actual results may differ from those expressed or implied. Investors are advised to exercise due care and caution while interpreting these statements.