narbada gems jewellery ltd Management discussions


This report covers the operations and financial performance of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2022. The Company operates in one segment which is Jewellery manufacturing. Your Board of Directors places herewith the Management Discussion and Analysis Report on the business of the Company as applicable to the extent relevant.

GLOBAL PANDEMIC

The Pandemic has left everyone affected globally one way or the other. It has caused huge disruptions in terms of economic activity as well as the loss of human lives. Nationwide shutdowns, economic slowdown have impacted various industries. Gems & jewellery is one of those many industries that have suffered majorly due to it as domestic demand and exports sharply crashed. One wave after the other is not letting this industry recover properly.

The production, export, and supply were aligned to encounter the desired goals. Conversely, the outspread of coronavirus took everyone by shock. The jewelry business dipped significantly. The high-value diamond pieces and the high-end chunky jewelry widely popular in the Middle East and far-east agonized a huge downfall.

The lockdown period instigated the feeling of uncertainty. The uncertain economic future caused an imbalance in the sale and export in the context of the gems and jewelry industry. During the Lockdown, our workers and artisans returned to their native places due to the global pandemic and it took considerable time to convince them to return back to work. Sales were adversely affected due to overall public sentiments. Further due to ongoing Covid, majority of the travel for festivals and other religious purposes was impaired, marriages were postponed or became low-key affairs thereby, the light Jewellery purchases were at a lower ebb of the cycle.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW:

Indias gems and jewellery export sector is one of the largest in the world. The market size of the global gems and jewellery sector is likely to expand to US$ 103.06 billion till 2023. The Government of India is aiming at US$ 70 billion in jewellery export in the next few years until 2025. Indias Gems and Jewellery sector has been contributing in a big way to the countrys foreign exchange earnings (FEEs). The government has viewed this sector as a thrust area for export promotion.

Indias gems and jewellery exports reached US$ 39.14 billion in 2021-22, a 54.13% rise from the previous year. India ranks first among the top exporters in cut & polished diamonds, and second in gold jewellery, silver jewellery and lab-grown diamonds. Cumulative FDI inflows in diamond and gold ornaments stood at US$ 1,213.05 million between April 2000-March 2022. India has signed an FTA with the UAE which will further boost exports and is expected to reach the target of US$ 52 billion. In the Budget for FY 2022-23, the Government has reduced custom duty on cut and polished diamond and colored gemstones from 7.5% to 5% and NIL respectively.

The Government has undertaken various measures recently to promote investment and upgrade technology and skills to promote ‘Brand India in the international market. The Government has permitted 100% FDI in the sector under the automatic route. It is expected that the positive impact of polarization on the organized sector is likely to be visible operationally within a couple of years that would go a long way in improving the margin and turnover for the industry in general and the Company. With availability of further funds, the growth is likely to be accelerated in coming years.

MARKET SIZE:

The Indian Gems and Jewelry Market stood at USD 78.50 billion in FY 2021 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 8.34% in the forecast years, FY2023 - FY2027, to achieve a market value of USD 119.80 billion by FY 2027.

India majorly exports cut & polished diamonds, lab-grown synthetic diamonds, colored gemstones, synthetic stone, plain and studded gold jewellery, silver & platinum jewellery, imitation jewellery and articles of gold, silver and others. Western Region is key exporting hub for the gems and jewellery industry contributing almost 77% of the total exports in 2021-22.

The global estimated market size of the gems and jewellery sector is expected to reach over US$ 480 billion by 2025 even though there can be times of slow growth post-pandemic.

INVESTMENTS/ DEVELOPMENTS:

The Company has launched an extension to its already ongoing exclusive jewellery collection, "Vilandi"

Flat Polki Diamond Jewellery Collection". The Company is making good progress towards the strategic choices outlined earlier this year, specifically by introducing the development of our new product offering with stunning designs and several varieties in the category of heavy Royal Necklaces. The Company offers Flat Diamond Jewellery heavily studded with colorful Ruby, Emerald and other precious gemstone which makes the person feel royal due to its uniqueness and vibrant designs.

The Company has newly started 18-karat gold jewelry which offers a good balance between durability and purity. Considering the business dynamics, it is far more popular as it has been mixed with more durable metals to make it in itself far more durable which makes it a very attractive proposition. This will further assist in reaching out to masses and serve public at large thereby help in increasing margin and capture the untouched market.

The Company is in the process of setting up additional manufacturing capacity at Basheerbagh, Hyderabad in a premises owned by the promoters for future growth of the Company to cater to growing demand. The new factory will be more technology oriented and shall be a state of art facility with well -planned layout and use of high end tech tools for the designing section. The unit specializes in Gold ornaments studded with flat diamond and colour gemstones. The said facility of the Company will be well equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and technology by using Computer Aided Design (CAD and Computer aided model manufacturing (CAM), increasing the overall capacity and enhanced finishing of the products. The management is hopeful that production capacity will be increased to three times. However, the Challenge faced by the Company is shortage of skilled labour. But the Company is trying hard to overcome the Challenge and therefore, will invest in the training centres for improving labour skills.

The response to the new range is very encouraging and Company is receiving good number of sale orders across Country and abroad, and has started dispatching export orders. This will provide a boost to the top line and bottom line.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES:

Government wants to make the gem and jewellery sector self-reliant. Therefore, this will be a focus area both for domestic growth and for export promotion. The Budget 2022 has paved the road for the sector to grow and expand Indias footprint in the global gem and jewellery trade.

The sector contributes 7 per cent to the GDP and employs around 50 lakh people. The proposed policies in the Budget, including reduction in import duty on Cut and Polished Diamonds to 5 per cent from the earlier 7.5 per cent, extension of emergency credit line guarantee scheme for MSMEs up to March 2023, acceptance of personal surety bonds in place of bank guarantee for import of gold, will help facilitate exports through e-commerce ensuring that small retailers, are aimed at making the sector self-reliant. Some of the important highlights are mentioned below-

A. The government has reduced the customs duty on colored gemstones from 7.5% to 5%.

B. India has signed an FTA with the UAE which will further boost exports and is expected to reach the target of US$ 52 billion.

C. The Government has permitted 100% FDI in the sector under the automatic route, wherein the foreign investor or the Indian company do not require any prior approval from the Reserve Bank or Government of India. The Government has made hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery and artefacts and a period of one year is provided for its implementation.

D. India has 10 special economic zones (SEZ) for gems & jewellery. These zones have more than 500 manufacturing units, which contribute 30% to the countrys total exports.

E. Gold Monetization Scheme enables individuals, trusts and mutual funds to deposit gold with banks and earn interest on the same in return.

F. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Organized Indias biggest and second-biggest trade shows, IIJS Premiere, and IIJS Signature for the promotion of export and trade.

ROAD AHEAD:

The Company fulfills the royal aspirations of the brides with exclusive heritage jewellery and also accentuates the feeling of Royalty to people who adorn such jewellery. The Company has newly started 18-karat gold jewelry which offers a good balance between durability and purity. Considering the business dynamics, it is far more popular as it has been mixed with more durable metals to make it in itself far more durable which makes it a very attractive proposition. This will further assist in reaching out to masses and serve public at large thereby help in increasing margin and capture the untouched market.

In the coming years, growth in Gems and Jewellery sector would be largely contributed by the development of large retailers/brands. Also, the relaxation of restrictions of gold import is likely to provide a fillip to the industry.

The demand for jewellery is expected to be significantly supported by the recent positive developments in the industry. Further the Company is planning to implement omni-channel approach with focus on digital strategy to boost sales.

Plans to Modify/ Enhance the product Offering: The Management focus to enhance the product offering to the customers, hence new product innovation is one of the integral plan of the company.

Strategizing the Marketing & Business Development:

a. Customer Acquisition Policy: Customer acquisition is important for businesses of any age and size. The goal of this process is to create a systematic, sustainable customer who can sell the Companys products in the long term.

b. The credit policies are kept dynamic based on client profiles to allow credit to the parties which vary from 45- 60 days depending on the retention margin on the products. So, before adding a new customer, a due diligence is done to understand, the credit worthiness of the client.

c. Business Development Policy: A Business Development Policy is being evolved to cater to ever changing market preferences, but with a focus on growth and how to achieve it. Its a long-term plan that outlines strategies for steady and sustainable business growth over the coming years.

Its scope covers both the marketing and sales functions, as they are interlinked in the Jewellery Industry.

The Companys marketing team at present is catering to the following category of buyer group: National Chains – Retail Chains having National level presence, Local Chains – Retail Chains having regional/local level presence, Family Jewellers – Well known Family jewellers having 1 or 2 stores, Distributors and Exports.

The Company is developing new collections to provide a wide range of collection to its customers and we expect the new collections will help us to penetrate the market. The strategy of the Company is to target multiple sales channels, online selling of products and to explore overseas market as the products are contemporary and have a large audience.

The various initiatives taken by the Company in formulating strategies and implementation on all sphere of business activities will result in a sustainable revenue and profit growth over a period of time.

In order to meet the rising need for long term financial resources due to increase in almost all raw material prices and in order to scale up the operations, the Company requires long- term working capital funds for the business. In this regard, the Company brought in a further issue capital of issuing share warrants convertible into equity shares on preferential basis. This would boost its financial resources, facilitate ease of operations and enhance its business on the whole.

CHALLENGES FACED BY THE INDUSTRY:

It is a tough time for the gems and jewellery sector in India, with the rough patch to continue until both business sentiment and consumer confidence revives. It is estimated that the high gold and silver prices will keep retail demand low, even though the investment demand would continue to remain positive. The fear of the pandemic has created a subdued environment for rituals, traditions, festivals and occasions.

The Company is exposed to risk in exchange rate fluctuations as the Company is dependent on exports sales. However, the Company closely monitors and takes appropriate steps to reduce such risks.

During the Lockdown, our workers and people who work on jewellery designs and related work returned to their native place due to global pandemic and it took considerable time to convince them to return back to work. Sales were adversely affected due to overall public sentiments and the major sale events were seriously hampered due to lockdowns and related sentiments.

Like other industries, the gems and jewellery industry is also facing many challenges related to labour. These are mainly shortage of skilled labour, poor working conditions and pay. Manual methods of cutting, polishing, manufacturing and designing of gems and jewellery are steadily being substituted with high-end automation using machines and software. But India being a country where most of the consumer base highly believes in traditional methods of Jewellery making is a trustworthy one, it is still taking time to make them adopt to the change that automation in this industry is no less. Lack of educated labour is also a great challenge in this industry because, use of laser machines, operating computers and understanding modern techniques require systematic and practical training.

Considering the low wages in this industry, it is no surprise that young workers are not attracted towards it. In the last few years the rupee has been highly volatile against the dollar. A stable currency is necessary for developing countries, for smooth economic development and foreign inflows. Hence, it is important for the gems and jewellery industry as well, particularly considering its dependence on imports and exports. It will also help boost exports and maintain cost competitiveness in the international market.

RISKS AND CONCERNS:

The nature of the Companys business exposes it to several inherent risks and concerns. The Company strives to closely monitor the risks and to mitigate them by adopting suitable, pragmatic strategies:

a) Bullion Risk: The volatility in the gold prices exposes the Company to bullion risk as gold forms approximately 30% to 50% of the cost of the finished product.

b) Strategic risk: Those risks associated with operating in a particular industry and includes risks arising from demand changes, changes in customers preference, taste and industry changes.

These risks pose threats or opportunities which materially affect the ability of the organization to survive. The Company faces the fast changes in tastes and fashion for customers.

c) Labour availability Risk: Gems and jewels industry is a highly labour-bounded and export-oriented sector. The labour force shifted back to their native places due to Covid-19 and lockdown, which is resulted non- availability of Labour for few months.

d) Compliance risk: Those risks associated with the need to comply with Government Laws and regulations. They also apply to the need to act in a manner which stakeholders and customers expect. The Company being into manufacturing is clouded with much compliance for its operations and has been meticulous in its compliance regime.

e) Financial risk: Those associated with financial structure of the company, its transactions and the financial system in place. Being in jewellery line, the risks of theft and loss is always looming large.

f) Operational risk: Those associated with the companys operational and administrative procedures which inter alia include accounting controls, regulations, recruitment, IT systems, board composition, contractual risks and exposures, organizational risks and exposures.

The Company has in place a comprehensive risk management framework that helps in anticipating, identifying, and evaluating business risks and challenges across the Company and finding ways to mitigate the same.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY:

The Company has proper and adequate systems of internal controls in order to ensure that all assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorised use or disposition and that all transactions are authorised, recorded and reported correctly. Regular internal audits and checks are carried out to ensure that the responsibilities are executed effectively and that adequate systems are in place. The Management continuously reviews the internal control systems and procedures to ensure orderly and efficient conduct of business.

The emphasis of internal control will be further strengthened across functions and processes, covering the entire gamut of activities including manufacturing, finance, supply chain sales & distribution, marketing etc. Some significant features of the internal control systems are:

• Documenting Major Business Process including financial reporting, Computer Controlling, Security Checks and Top Committee level Plans

• A comprehensive information security policy and continuous upgrades to IT system with better firewall.

• Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, comprising independent directors, regularly reviews the audit plans, significant audit findings, adequacy of internal controls, compliance with Accounting Standards, as well as, reasons for changes in accounting policies and practices, if any.

• A well established multi-disciplinary Internal Audit team, which reviews and reports to management and the Audit Committee about the compliance with internal controls and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and the key process risks

• Monthly meeting of the top management committee to review operations and plans in key business areas

• Corporate policies on accounting and major processes.

• Well-defined processes for formulating and reviewing annual and long- term business plans.

HUMAN RESOURCES & INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS:

The Company considers its human resources as amongst its most valuable assets and continues to place emphasis on their development. It has been Companys constant endeavour to impart requisite training and thereby develop and hone the skills and talent of its personnel and enable them to realize their potential.

With the changing and turbulent business scenario, the Companys basic focus is to upgrade the skill and knowledge level of the existing human assets to the required level by providing appropriate leadership at all levels motivating them to face the hard facts of business, inculcating the attitude for speed of action and taking responsibilities.

In order to keep the employees skill, knowledge and business facilities updated, ongoing in house and external training is provided to the employees at all levels. The effort to rationalize and streamline the work force is a continuous process. The industrial relations scenario remained harmonious throughout the year. The overall Industrial Relations in the Company have been quite peaceful and cordial.

SWOT ANALYSIS:

Strengths:

1. Adequate manufacturing facilities across the jewellery hub for strengthening of design

2. Cost competitive logistics

3. Capable to venture into new markets and exploit various opportunities with the help of strong management team

4. Having huge customer base to explore new markets across the state

5. Customized service gives a unique identity to the company distinct from other players

6. Use of synergy optimization at various functional verticals gives a huge advantage

7. Advanced Technology strength to support business operations and expansion

8. Mandatory hallmarking will ensure the purity of Gold and hence, transparency can be maintained.

Weaknesses:

1. Operating in a stiff competitive environment with uncertain profit margins.

2. Unpredicted Gold price movements and its impact on margin of the products.

3. Low margin products

4. Limited line of business is the bottleneck to exploit untapped markets.

5. Frequent change in customer taste and preference for jewellery designs.

6. Mixture of organized and un-organized sector in Jewellery Industry affects profit margins drastically

Opportunities:

1. Growing preference for online platform

2. Tier II and III cities rising demand

3. Customers preference in choosing hallmarked products over products made by un-organized manufacturers.

4. Concentrating in one sector makes the company mature in the industry and gain efficiency in operations.

5. Scaling of economy resultant out of Brand/ Advertisement & Publicity / Procurement of Gold, Product Mix, designs, etc.

Threats:

1. Presence of Small and un-organized industry players affect a sustained growth in the industry.

2. Depending on bank finance and customer advances

3. Existing competitors

4. Penetration of large corporate jewellery traders cutting down margins.

5. Macro-economic factors such as Rupee fluctuations, enactment of new laws such as GST, KYC norms and global demand

6. Recession affects the industry growth in general.

7. Acute shortage of skilled labour increases the production cost significantly.

8. Highly fluctuating gold price movement acts as a hinderance.

9. Increasing duties and cess following GST implementation

10. Unpredictable Covid situation may lead to unavailability of Artisans/ workers.

PERFORMANCE DURING THE YEAR

The Company delivered a great performance in the Financial Year 2021-22 despite the pandemic-related disruptions during parts of the year. The COVID-19 pandemic, continued to be a global challenge, creating disruption across the world. The Company witnessed strong demand across its businesses achieving significant revenue uplift and ending the year on a strong note. The Company reported a Net Profit of Rs. 345.87 Lakhs as against Rs. 202.98 Lakhs earned during previous year registering growth of 70.40%.

FINANCIAL SYNOPSIS OF THE COMPANY:

Share Capital:

The Authorised Share Capital of your Company is Rs. 21,50,00,000/- divided into 2,15,00,000 Equity shares of Rs. 10/- each as on 31st March, 2022. The total Paid up capital of the Company stands at Rs. 21,15,73,100 divided into 2,11,57,310 Equity shares of Rs. 10 each as on date.

During the period under review, Preferential Issue of 91,00,000 Warrants of Rs. 17 each, convertible into equal Equity shares of Rs. 10 each with premium of Rs. 7 per share have been approved. In-Principle approval received from BSE Ltd. on 01.01.2021 and Warrants were allotted on 13.01.2021. Out of such warrants, on 30.03.2021 as first tranche, 26,23,000 Equity Shares were allotted to Promoters and Promoter group upon conversion and 5,00,000 Equity Shares were allotted to Non-Promoter/ Public upon conversion. Thereafter, 24,94,000 equity Shares were allotted to Promoters/ Non-Promoters on 23.11.2021 and remaining 34,83,000 Equity Shares were allotted on 24.05.2022. Hence, all warrants have been converted and listed at BSE Limited. The proceeds from the said issue were solely utilized to meet the working capital requirements of the business.

Secured Loans:

Secured Loan is Rs. 149.11 Lakhs during the financial year 2021-22.

Fixed Assets:

Fixed Assets (Net Block) is Rs. 117.95 Lakhs during the financial year 2021-22.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

Statements in the Management Discussion and Analysis describing Companys objective, projections, estimates and expectations may be "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Forward looking statements embedded in the Management Discussion and Analysis above is based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events. The Company cannot guarantee that these assumptions and expectations are accurate or will be realized. The Companys actual results, performance or achievements could thus differ materially from those projected in any such forward looking statements. The Company assumes no responsibility to publicly amend, modify or revise any forward-looking statements, on the basis of any subsequent developments, information or event.

For and on behalf of Board of Diectors
Sd/- Sd/-
Sanjay Kumar Sanghi (Ritesh Kumar Sanghi)
Managing Director Director
DIN: 00629693 DIN: 00628033
Date: 18.08.2022
Place: Hyderabad.