smc credits ltd share price Management discussions


Economic Review Global Economy

The Financial Year 2021-22 was fairly a year of recovery from the adverse impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian economy successfully faced the challenges posed by the second and third waves of the pandemic, thanks to successful implementation of vaccination program, untiring services of the front line warriors, fiscal and monetary policies, stimulus measures of Reserve Bank of India, central and state governments which gave a much-needed cushion for the stability of the economy.

According to the second advance estimates of Indias Gross Domestic Product (GDP) published by the National Statistical Office for the financial year 2021-22, GDP growth in the first and second quarter was 20.1% and 8.4% respectively. In the third quarter, the GDP growth slowed down to 5.4%. In the fourth quarter, India witnessed third wave of infection but remained largely unaffected owing to vaccination of large proportion of population. Indias GDP growth in Financial Year 202122 is estimated at 8.7%, compared to a contraction of 6.6% in Financial Year 2020-21. The Index of Industrial Production grew 11.3% against an 8.4% contraction in Financial Year 2020-21. The consumer and business confidence was resilient with improvement in general economic situation, household incomes, and spending. The economic recovery continued its positive momentum throughout the festive season.

The Economic Survey 2021-22 stated that the total consumption is estimated to have increased by 7.0% in Financial Year 2021-22 with Government consumption contributing the larger pie. Private consumption, on the other hand, is also expected to have improved significantly to its prepandemic output levels. The macro-economic indicators suggest that the Indian economy is well on its way to achieve its pre-pandemic growth levels in the current Financial Year 2023.

By mid FY22, inflation started to rise across most countries. Major global central banks initially deemed rising inflation as transitory, largely attributing it to temporary supply chain disruptions. Global markets remained awash with liquidity, inflating most asset classes. For most of FY22, major central banks continued with their accommodative monetary policy stance in order to support growth. In addition, governments and financial regulators provided a slew of measures to alleviate the impact of the pandemic and cushion the shock to various sectors of the economy.

As a part of rehabilitation measure to reduce the stress caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the government has extended the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme till March 31, 2023 to provide credit support to small and micro organizations with expansion of guarantee cover by Rs. 50,000 crores to total cover of Rs. 5 lakh crores. It also provisioned additional credit of Rs. 2 lakh crores for Micro and Small Enterprises to be facilitated under the Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises. It further accelerated the MSME performance with an outlay of Rs.6000 crores over five years.

The headline CPI inflation edged up to 6.0 per cent in January 2022 and 6.1 per cent in February, 2022 breaching the upper tolerance threshold. Pick-up in food inflation contributed the most in headline inflation. The geopolitical crisis of Russia-Ukraine war, which started in the last week of February 2022, is casting uncertainty over the global economy, with increased volatility in crude prices and inflationary trends across commodities. The consequential financial sanctions and political pressure from the war are causing unpredictable and undesired implications on the global financial system and our economy due to rising crude oil and other commodity prices leading to higher inflation.

Impact of Covid-19

The IMF now expects the inflation rate to remain elevated for a longer period of time than previously anticipated. Inflation has been anticipated to be 6.1% for developed nations and 6.8% for emerging and developing economies in 2022.This has resulted in a downward revision of the April WEO (World Economic Outlook) prediction to a growth rate of 3.6% in 2022 and 2023, with both Russia and Ukraine anticipated undergoing significant GDP declines in 2022. The IMF has revised downward the medium-term outlooks for all groups, with the exception of commodity exporters, who have benefited from the rise in oil and food prices. It would take longer for the aggregate output of advanced economies to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Moreover, the disparity between advanced countries and Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) that arose in 2021 has been predicted to persist, revealing some long-term scarring from the pandemic. As a result of the crisis, EMDEs may be able to acquire vacated Russian and Ukrainian markets. In consequence, their GDP growth rate has been anticipated to increase and stabilise at 4.4% in 2023, following a decline to 3.8% in 2022. In the near future, many governments would need to diversify their energy sources and increase efficiency wherever possible in order to mitigate the impact of growing energy prices. The countries most hurt by an interruption in supply from Russia and Ukraine would profit from an increase in OECD output, the absence of protectionism, and multilateral logistics help.

FINANCIAL SERVICES - NBFC SECTOR

Over the past few years, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have played a prominent role in the Indian financial system. They provide financial inclusion to the underserved section of the society that does not have easy access to credit. NBFCs have revolutionized the Indian lending system and have efficiently leveraged digitization to drive efficiency and provide customers with a quick and convenient financing experience. The plethora of services include vehicle financing, MSME financing, home financing, microfinance and other retail segments The Government has consistently worked on the governance measures to strengthen the systemic importance of the NBFCs. As of January 31, 2022 there were approximately 9,495 NBFCs registered with Reserve Bank of India (RBI), of which 49 deposit accepting NBFCs.

The pandemic impacted the NBFCs operations, leading to decline in disbursements across the sectors. However, the support and focus of the Government through various liquidity measures such as repo rate cut, targeted long-term repo operations, special liquidity scheme and partial credit guarantee scheme, kept the sector afloat. The total credit outstanding from the NBFCs for Financial Year 2020-21 stood at Rs.23.75 trillion and is expected to grow more in the Financial Year 2021-22. This growth was mainly led by growth in the housing, auto, gold and other retail segments which stood resilient even in the previous fiscal year. While the disbursement and AUM trends improved in the second and third quarters of Financial Year 2021-22 due to the limited impact of the third wave of the pandemic. The disbursement growth would have to remain healthier for a sustained AUM growth. Besides, bank credit growth to the NBFC sector improved significantly to 14.6% in February 2022 from 7% a year ago.

Impact of Covid-19 on Housing Finance and Non-Bank Finance Companies

Housing Finance companies [HFCs] and Non-Bank Finance Companies [NBFCs] have been impacted by COVID-19 by way of operational disruptions, subdued collections, and requirement of creating additional provisions to meet the post-COVID uncertainties. The financial year saw equity fund raise by all major players in the financial sector, including private sector banks, to keep up the capital adequacy cushion in the post COVID scenario. However, since opening up of the economy from August 2020 onwards, all major players have seen their collection efficiencies gradually returning to pre-COVID levels. Adapting to the restrictions of the imposed lockdowns, Banks, NBFCs and HFCs are ramping up their digital initiatives in order to keep up the loan book growth and to attend to the customer requirements.

INDIAN ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

The Indian economy consolidated its recovery, with the majority of its components surpassing prepandemic activity levels. Imminent obstacles include heightened global risks resulting from slowing growth, increased inflation, supply disruptions due to geopolitical spill overs, and financial market volatility resulting from synchronised monetary tightening. The Provisional Estimates of Annual National Income report predicted Indias real GDP growth for FY 2022 at 8.7%. On the supply side, real gross value added (GVA) rose by 8.3% in FY 2022, with its key components, notably services, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

With the fast ebbing of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Q4FY 2022, high frequency indicators showed mixed signs of recovery. Urban demand reflected in domestic air traffic rebounded, while passenger vehicle sales, rural demand for two-wheelers & tractors slowed by the end of the year FY 2022. Merchandise exports grew double-digits for the thirteenth consecutive month in March 2022 and reached US$ 417.8 billion in FY 2022, surpassing the target of US$ 400 billion. All import categories have risen faster, resulting in a goods trade deficit of US$ 192 billion in FY 2022, or 6.1% of GDP.

It is anticipated that the nation has produced a record 314.51 million tonnes of food grains in FY 2022, which is 3.77 million tonnes more than the amount produced in FY 2021. The production of food grains in FY 2022 has been 23.80 million tonnes greater than the average of the preceding five years. This record output of so many crops is the consequence of the farmer-friendly policies of the government as well as the tireless hard work of the farmers and the dedication of the scientists.

In CY 2021, the Indian equity market outperformed not only its Asian peers but also the developed market. In the fourth quarter of FY 2022, however, Indian stocks have remained under pressure, echoing unfavourable global trends. In terms of increased volatility, Indian equities followed global markets, but significantly outpaced their developing and developed market peers. The Nifty 50 Index and the NIFTY 500 Index both increased by 18.9% and 21% in FY 2022. In FY 2022, the Nifty Midcap 50 and Nifty Small cap 50 Indexes increased by 20.9% and 18.4%, respectively. Inflation climbed up to 7% in March, hitting the maximum tolerance threshold. The majority of the inflation was caused by a significant increase in food and energy prices. The RBI increased the policy repo rate by 50 basis points to 4.90% to combat inflation. The Reserve Bank of India anticipated that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate will be 5.7% in FY 2022 and 5.5% in FY 2023 (new base 2012=100).

The average daily absorption (via fixed and variable rate reverse repos) under the LAF (liquidity adjustment facility) was Rupees 7.5 lakh crore in March, down from Rupees 7.8 lakh crore in January-February 2022. Reserve money grew by 10.9% (y-o-y) on April 1, 2022 (adjusted for the cash reserve ratio adjustment). As of March 25, 2022, M3 and bank credit by commercial banks climbed 8.7% and 9.6%, respectively. In FY 2022, Indias foreign exchange reserves rose by US$ 30.3.

OUTLOOK

Elevated worldwide price pressures on important food commodities, such as edible oils, and in animal and poultry feed as a result of global supply constraints create a significant degree of uncertainty over the future of food prices, necessitating continual monitoring. International hurdles have slowed Indias economic progress, yet the country has remained resilient in the face of such obstacles. The Reserve Bank of India projected that the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate has been expected to be 6.7% in FY 2023. The majority of the inflation was attributable to a substantial increase in food and energy prices. To combat inflation, the RBI lifted the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 50 basis points to 4.90% with immediate effect. The future course of the pandemic and the uncertainties about the pace of monetary policy normalisation in major advanced economies also weigh on the outlook. Taking all these factors into consideration, RBI has been projecting the real GDP growth for FY 2023 at 7.2%, with Q1 at 16.2%; Q2 at 6.2%; Q3 at 4.1%; and Q4 at 4.0%, with risks broadly balanced.

With the broad-based surge in prices of key industrial inputs and global supply chain disruptions, input cost push pressures appear likely to persist for longer than expected earlier. Manufacturing sector firms polled in the Reserve Banks industrial outlook survey expect higher input and output price pressures going forward. With the waning effect of the third wave and expanding vaccination coverage, the pick-up in contact-intensive services and urban demand has been expected to be sustained.

The governments emphasis on capital expenditure coupled with initiatives such as the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme would stimulate private investment activity in the context of improving capacity utilisation, deleveraged corporate balance sheets, increased bank credit consumption, and favourable financial conditions. Moreover, the escalation of the geopolitical situation and the accompanying increase in international crude oil and other commodity prices, the tightening of global financial conditions, the continuation of supply-side disruptions and significantly weaker external demand pose downside risks to the outlook.

Industry Structure and Developments

NBFC INDUSTRY

The Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) constitute a significant host of institutions that offer almost all banking services except for issuing self-drawn checks and demand drafts. As financial intermediaries, they are able to solicit funds from the public, whether directly or indirectly, and execute loans to parties having repayment capacity. This segment to which NBFCs provide services includes wholesale/retail merchants, small and medium-sized businesses, and sole proprietors. NBFCs are considered as an extension of banks, frequently offering financial help with a customercentric focus., The pandemic has tested the resilience of NBFCs, but so far, the sector has emerged stronger with reasonable balance sheet growth, increased credit intermediation, higher capital, lower delinquency ratio and enlarged liquidity cushions. After the pandemic, initiatives such as a moratorium and asset categorization pause improved financial conditions and provided NBFCs time to weather the shock and channel loans to productive sectors to recover growth. Many NBFCs uses strong credit risk assessment frameworks to assure credit quality. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced scale-based regulation to enhance the regulatory oversight over the sector effective October 2022. To further strengthen the supervisory tools applicable to NBFCs, the Reserve Bank issued Prompt Corrective Action Framework for NBFCs effective October 2022. The PCA Frameworks purpose is to allow Supervisory intervention at the appropriate time and to require the Supervised Entity to initiate and implement corrective measures in a timely manner in order to restore its financial health. This recent amendment of the Factoring Regulation Act can incentivise all NBFCs to boost the MSME sector. Many NBFCs have used the pandemic to reinvent their business models, realising the power of data analytics and big data in business applications. In this regard, many have tied up with FinTech firms to leverage on technological innovations. The recent action has been taken by the RBI to supersede the boards of NBFCs that have failed to repay their debts. This action demonstrates the vigilance with which RBI monitors the sector in order to safeguard the interests of stakeholders and prevent negative consequences on the financial system. As per RBI report NBFCs credit growth grew from 7.2% YoY in FY 2020 to 9.7% in FY 2021. Moreover, NBFCs credit to GDP ratio also improved from 50.6% in FY 2020 to 54.8% in FY 2021.

NBFC balance sheet growth remained healthy in FY 2022 (up to September) due to increased investments. NBFCs income growth slowed as both NBFCs-ND-SI (Systemically important nondeposit taking non-banking financial company) and NBFCs-D (NBFCs accepting public deposit) reported decreased incomes in FY 2021. The sector has used technology to rationalise spending and mitigate pandemic concerns. Net profits of NBFCs-ND-SI improved after the first wave of COVID-19, and their cost-to income ratios declined. NBFCs-D saw a moderation in income due to minor growth in fund-based income. Increasing interest payments, cost-to-income ratio, and other expenses led to a drop in profitability. Net profits of NBFCs during H1FY 2022 fell due to lower fund- based income.

The NBFC sector has been anticipated to stay healthy due to the accelerated rate of immunizations and the broader economic recovery. The financial system has been transitioning from a realm dominated by banks to one in which non-bank intermediaries are gaining significance. The sectors developments in FY 2022 indicate even higher potential in the years to come.

Strong development potential exist for NBFC-IFCs as demand for infrastructure loans is anticipated to increase in tandem with the governments determination to revitalise economic growth by focusing on the infrastructure and rural sector. In the first nine months of FY 2022, both nonbanking financing firms (NBFCs) and banks experienced moderate annualised growth in infrastructure-focused loan books, according to ratings agency ICRA Ltd. It further anticipates that the asset under management (AUM) of non-banking financial companies (retail) would increase by 5% to 7% in FY 2022 and by 8% to 10% in FY 2023. Personal credit, microfinance, and gold loans are projected to be the key growth drivers within the NBFC-retail market, as other traditional asset segments, such as car finance and commercial credit, continue to face challenges due to supply shortages and asset quality concerns. While disbursement and AUM trends returned in Q2 and Q3 of FY 2022, the trend has been projected to continue in Q4 of FY 2022, as the third pandemic wave had little influence. In line with the trend observed over the past two years, the sectors liquidity has remained adequate, with most businesses retaining a three-month repayment buffer. ICRA further anticipates that the NBFC and HFC return on managed assets (RoMA) would approach the COVID-19 levels of 2.7% to 2.9% and 1.8% to 2% in FY 2023.

Indias Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) anticipates an increase in systemic interest rates and asset quality difficulties in certain areas due to the lagging impact of the pandemic, which would have a negative influence on the operating performance of NBFCs. The secured asset business for NBFCs may experience resurgence in FY 2023, with loan growth of 14%, compared to 7-8% in FY 2022. In the meantime, it was stated that NBFCs would need to reassess their funding options in light of imminent interest rate hikes. Even if the headline asset quality numbers may appear to be excessive, it has been anticipated that credit costs would normalise in FY 2023.

Industry Insights:

Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are used to enhance the mainstream banking system in the financial intermediation process and financial inclusion. NBFCs play a significant role in promoting inclusive growth by providing financial services to the less-banked customers as well as unorganised sector such as the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through efficiency and diversity. Since a large chunk of Indias population did not even have bank accounts a decade ago, the government has been encouraging financial inclusion. And one of the vital components of financial inclusion is adequate access to credit, which has created enormous prospects for the NBFC sector. This is a key factor that many NBFCs have been constantly focusing on improving their services through diversified offerings, technology adoption, strategic partnership, robust operational model, and regulatory compliance.

Diversified offerings:

NBFCs offer a wide range of financial products and services including personal loans, commercial vehicle finance, housing loans, infrastructure finance, gold loans, microfinance, money transfer, insurance, education funding, and many more customized finance solutions. Their strong focus on the unorganised and under-served population of the economy, helped them to create a niche market for themselves by identifying the needs of targeted customer segment.

Robust operational model and regulatory compliance:

Since NBFCs are focusing on lending to the unorganized segment, a robust risk management strategy is critical for short-term as well as long-term business sustainability. Even though technology has offered significant benefits in terms of operational efficiency, customer experience and cost savings, its crucial to implement strategies to manage various risks such as credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk and interest rate risk. Additionally, NBFCs need to comply with the regulatory policies based on their targeted segment and geographical location of operation.

NBFCs have become important constituents of the financial sector and have been recording higher credit growth than scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) over the past few years. NBFCs grew at a slower pace as the economy continued to weather the headwinds of COVID-19 pandemic and muted credit demand. However, NBFCs continued to disburse credit despite disruptions caused by the pandemic, albeit at a slower pace. Sequential easing of spread of NBFCs debentures over the corresponding G-sec yield along with increased retail participation in the NBFC debenture market augured well for the market and public perception regarding the sector. The retail sector benefitted from incremental credit disbursed by the sector, aided by their low GNPA ratios and by staying tuned to customer preferences. The profitability of the NBFCs improved compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year on account of steeper fall in expenditure than in income. Given the persistence of infections, the full effects of the lockdown and suspension of business on the asset quality of NBFCs will be evident gradually.

SEEKING LONG-TERM GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

NBFCs have played a vital role in bringing the economically underprivileged sections of society to the nations financial lifeline. FY 2021-22 was a year of repair and transition for all NBFCs.

Despite significant hardship in our macro environment owing to the COVID-19 impact, we are confident of a faster rural rebound, which will augur well for our business, going forward. The governments sector-specific support measures, strong fiscal stimulus by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), prospects of a good monsoon and harvest is expected to help revive the rural economy.

Another landmark policy initiative by the Government of India that is the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, designed to strengthen our indigenous skills, reduce dependence on imports and put more emphasis on local supply channels.

Capital Management

While adhering to the guidelines laid down by the RBI from time to time, the Company works towards maximising the returns on capital employed through an efficient capital management strategy.

SWOT ANALYSIS:- Strengths

• Simplified and prompt loan request appraisals and disbursements.

• Innovative resource mobilisation techniques and prudent fund management practices.

Weakness

• Regulatory restrictions - continuously evolving government regulations may impact operations.

• Uncertain economic and political environment.

Opportunities

• Use of digital solutions for business/collections.

Threats

• High cost of funds.

• Rising Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

• Restrictions on deposit-taking NBFCs.

• Competition from other NBFCs and banks.

Risks and Concerns

The Company like any other Company is exposed to specific risks that are particular to its business and the environment within which it operates. The Company is confident of managing these risks by maintaining a conservative financial profile, and by following prudent business and risk management practices.

Your Company has a well-defined risk governance structure which includes periodic reviews and close monitoring to enable building a sustainable business that takes care of the interests of all stakeholders.

ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SAFETY (EHS):

Your Company strives hard to maintain the highest standards to preserve and protect the environment and Safety, with the able support of its suppliers, customers, and stakeholders. The focus of the Company hinges around Environmental protection and occupational health and safety, as it strives for continuous improvement in all these parameters.

In recent times, The Company is going through COVID situation as witnessed globally. Many actions have been taken within organisation to align with expectations of management in following guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

We are committed to follow all guidelines of government in letter and spirit.

Segment wise Performance

The companys major source of earning is dividend income which comes from investments in shares and securities.

The highlights of the financial statement of your Company for the year ended 31st March, 2022 along with the previous years figures are given as under:

Particulars 31st March, 2022 31st March, 2021
(Amount in Rs.) (Amount in Rs.)
Profit before depreciation and taxation 3,36,57,356 3,02,57,130
Less: Depreciation 3,47,408 3,47,408
Provision for Tax
a) Current Tax 74,29,273 72,00,000
b) Deferred Tax (27,400) (2,22,57,644)
c) prior period tax - -
Profit after depreciation and taxation 2,59, 08,075 4,49,67,366

During the year under review your company achieved a profit of Rs. 2,59,08,075 as against Rs. 4,49,67,366 for the same period last year, showing a decrease of 42.39%.

Operations

During the year under review the company had a total revenue of Rs 3,36,57,356/- and earned a profit (after tax for the year) of Rs. 2,59, 08,075/-

Internal Control Systems

We have instituted the three lines of defence model, viz. (i) management and internal control measures, (ii) financial controls, risk management practices, security measures and compliance oversight, and (iii) a robust internal audit function providing the third level of defence.

The Company has proper and adequate system of internal controls to ensure that all its assets are safeguarded and protected against loss from unauthorized use or disposition of assets and that the

transactions are recorded and reported. The Company ensures adherence to all internal control policies and procedures as well as compliance with all regulatory guidelines.

The Company has an independent internal management assurance function which is commensurate with its size and scale. It evaluates the adequacy of all internal controls and processes; and ensures strict adherence to clearly laid down processes and procedures as well as to the prescribed regulatory and legal framework

Human Resources Policies

The Company has a friendly HR policy and taking care and redressing their all concern. For this Company the stakeholders are the biggest assets and for all-round development of all at levels various initiatives are taken in regular interval.

Industrial Relations

The company has maintained healthy industrial relations which were cordial during the period under review.

Acknowledgement

The Directors express their sincere thanks and gratitude for the guidance, support and cooperation extended by Banks, government authorities/ departments, and other private organizations.

Cautionary statements

Statements in this Management Discussion and Analysis describing the Companys objectives, projections, estimates and expectations may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. Important developments that could affect the Companys operations include a downtrend in the financial services industry, global or domestic or both, significant changes in the political and economic environment in India or key markets abroad, tax laws, litigation, labour relations, exchange rate fluctuations, interest and other factors. Actual results might differ substantially or materially from those expressed or implied. This report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included herein and the notes thereto.