somany home innovation ltd Management discussions


Economic environment

GLOBAL

In the recent past, the world has witnessed several waves of challenges ranging from the pandemic to the Russia-Ukraine conflict yet the world has emerged even more resilient._The global economy is facing an extended period of inflation owing to supply-side disruptions and an increase in energy prices due to the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war. Central banks across the globe hiked key policy rates to further curtail demand and tame inflation. The combination of the high cost of living and tighter financial conditions is exerting significant pressure on the economic outlook.

Global growth moderated from 5.9% in 2021 to 3.4% in 2022. The emerging and developing economies fared better than the advanced economies. The opening of the Chinese economy towards the end of the year came as a ray of hope for the world.

Outlook

Uncertainty about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, its broader consequences and the recent collapse of banks are key concerns for the global economy._Median income levels are being significantly reduced due to inflation, currency depreciation and insufficient investment in human resources in the service industry and the private sector. In addition, the economic outlook for Emerging_Markets_and Developing Economies (EMDEs) is generally stronger than that of advanced economies, but it varies greatly across different regions.

Stronger fiscal measures will help to revive the global economy and support the development agenda. Multilateral cooperation will accelerate the green energy transition and prevent fragmentation.

INDIA

Indias economy has reached a significant milestone of becoming the fifth-largest economy in the world. Despite the global headwinds, the Indian economy remained resilient, largely owing to strong domestic demand, favourable government policies, and continued private and government investments. The GDP of the country is estimated to have grown by 7.2%, retaining its status as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. Inflation remained a cause of concern and the RBI tightened monetary policy to tame the surging inflation in the country. The factors which will lead to a healthy growth trend are full economic reopening in 2022, which is leading to a cyclical recovery in consumption; pickup in private capex with healthy balance sheets of corporates and financial sector players; and acceleration in government capex. The agriculture sector is estimated to grow by 3.5% in FY 2022-23. The Indian agriculture sector has emerged as the net exporter in recent years with agriculture exports touching US$ 50.2 billion in FY 2022-23. The service sector rebounded in FY 2022-23, registering an estimated growth of 9.1% against 8.4% in FY 2021-22.

The country reported record GST collection during the year under review. The total gross collection for the year stood at H18.10 lakh crore with an average gross monthly collection of H1.51 lakh crore. The gross revenues in FY 2022-23 were 22% higher than that last year.

Source: Economic Survey of India 2022-2023. Source: Ministry of Finance

Outlook

The Economic Survey of India has projected a 6.5% growth rate for the Indian economy for the FY 2023-24 despite higher interest rates and weaker external demand will continue to weigh on investment and exports this year for the country owing to resilient domestic demand. Indias growth potential has become even more significant since the pandemic with the economy poised for sustained growth and increased job creation which in turn will lead to a virtuous cycle of more jobs, higher income, higher saving, and higher investment. Further, the economy is witnessing a resilient job market, especially from the non-IT sectors, offsetting the slowdown in IT hiring.

The industry is also constantly innovating in terms of product offerings, which is expected to further fuel the demand for sanitaryware in India in the coming years.

The demand is further expected to increase substantially with the rising investment in commercial spaces and various projects including airports, hospitals, hotels, and residential projects. Additionally, the luxury housing segment and hotels are creating a demand for expensive, high-end sanitaryware products, which is contributing to the revenue generated by this segment.

FAUCET

The Indian faucet market is valued at_around H12,000+ crore in FY 2022-23, growing by 18-19% over the past few years. The growth is attributed to several factors, including the rising number of homeowners, increased disposable income, and a growing focus on improving the aesthetic appeal of bathrooms. Additionally, Indian consumers, particularly those in the middle and high-income groups, are being influenced by global trends in interior design and want premium good-looking faucets which are driving the replacement market demand. The market is also expected to benefit from the introduction of a variety of products with advanced technologies and sleek designs.

The Indian government has recently allocated a significant amount of funds towards policies such as ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal and ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to provide piped water to rural homes and improve housing conditions. This presents a great opportunity for the faucet market in India. As the income level of Indians continues to rise, there will likely be a greater focus on building and improving homes, creating a promising market for the faucet industry.

TILES

India is the worlds second-largest producer and consumer of ceramic tiles, following China. The tiles market in India is around H35,000 crore. When it comes to value, the collective contribution of organised players accounts for approximately 40%, which amounts to around H14,000 crore. In terms of volume, the market size is approximately 900 million sq. m. with organised players contributing about 25%, equivalent to around 240 million sq. m.

Some of the major factors driving demand for ceramic tiles in the country include expansion in the construction sector with an increase in premium and luxury residential units, a rise in consumer expenditure, and growing urbanisation in the country.

PLASTIC PIPES AND FITTINGS

The plastic pipes and fittings industry faced significant challenges in the year under review because of a fall in the PVC raw material prices. But the industry seems well-positioned to overcome this on the back of raw material prices stability and improved demand. In addition to it,_government investments in infrastructure, construction, industrial production, irrigation, and the replacement of ageing pipes are going to boost sales. The current pipes market in FY 2022-23 is estimated at H22,000 crore.

The future of the Indian plastic pipes market is promising and is expected to reach a market value of H55,000-60,000 crore by FY 2024-25. Despite the pandemic and fall of PVC raw material prices in FY 2022-23, the plastic pipes sector in India has been performing well with a significant increase in the use of CPVC pipes in plumbing and piping applications in the construction industry._The governments ‘Jal Jeevan Mission initiative to provide tap water to all rural homes in India will further boost the demand for PVC pipes and fittings. Indirect policies, such as anti-dumping duties and the National Infrastructure Pipeline will also benefit the sector. While there are macroscopic difficulties and uncertainties, such as global trade and supply shortages, the industry is expected to boom in the coming years.

Business review

Our Building Products Segment comprises sanitaryware, faucets, premium tiles, and plastic pipes and fittings businesses.

Having an unmatched edge in design and innovation, as well as an extensive distribution and retail network, has enabled us to fortify our leadership position in the bathroom segment in India. Our extensive product portfolio spanning a range of price points, helps us to cater to diverse consumer segments. Our sanitaryware and faucets distribution network is supported by 525+ brand stores and 31,000+ retail touchpoints nationwide, complemented by 390+ distributors and a service network of 660+ technicians across 710+ districts to ensure robust after-sales support. These key strengths have given us a competitive advantage, allowing us to maintain a dominant market position in the industry.

We have a range of premium tiles to tap the growing demand for high-end tiles used in residences, offices and malls.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

SANITARYWARE AND FAUCET BUSINESS

Strengthened SKUs and product range

• Launched 30+ new SKUs in sanitaryware and 50+ new SKUs in faucets

• Introduced 27 new SKUs in the shower segment such as shower arms and hand showers

• 48 SKUs under the Queo F-Forza range were launched in three colours namely Gold, Rose Gold and Chrome Black

• Two new over counter basins, Ellipse Basin and Easy Clean Basin with self-clean technology were launched - the first of its kind in India

• Introduced seven new EWC One-piece water closets along with six new EWC wall mounted water closets

• Launched 3PVD ranges along with new drains and accessories

• Queo contact-free faucets were launched which are activated by water flow and driven by an integrated infrared sensor technology ensuring maximum hygiene

Expanded distribution and retail presence

• 200+ brand stores across India were added to increase sales from exclusive channels

• Launched a new Lacasa Store in Kochi

Strategic marketing initiatives

• Created highly experiential display setups for Hi-Aim, Queo WOW, Acetech Reflect, Queo distributor and product launches, and airport displays

• Launched Shop-in-Shop Modules and product-focused display units to enhance the customer experience of the products in Tier 2 and 3 towns

• Retail concept design and production of 600+ stores fixtures and 210+ stores executed under the screen integration project

Engagement programmes with key influencers

• Launched Plumber Loyalty App-Plumber No. 1 with registration soaring high in Q4 with total registered plumbers to the tune of 26,000

TILES

• Introduced 114 New SKUs

• Launched its 1st TVC ‘Go Larger Than Life for extra-large slabs featuring Tamannaah and Khali in five major languages

• Launched ‘Broken Not Waste a digital campaign, where the brand partnered with Ashwika Foundation and Delhi Street Art to install mosaics made of broken and old tiles in Surjit Wasu Memorial School and Harcourt Butler School, Delhi.

PLASTIC PIPES AND FITTINGS

• Commenced commercial production from the second plant in Isnapur, Hyderabad, helping grow our capacity to 48,000 tonnes per annum

• Forayed into bath fittings (PTMT faucets and other accessories) to provide customers with a one-stop solution for all their plumbing requirements

• Collaborated with RWC as their exclusive partner for India to introduce and market multilayer composite pipes and push to connect fittings on joint brand name of Truflo SharkBite.

Outlook

For our bathware business, we are confident of retaining our market share on the back of a well-crafted growth strategy that we have adopted. The first is to continue to launch innovative products across segments and categories. Secondly, we will continue to build the brand Hindware. Thirdly, to consistently expand our distribution and reach as we believe there is still significant opportunity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Our fourth area of emphasis is on strengthening our luxury brand Queo brand. All these efforts are underlined by our strong influencer programmes for key stakeholders such as architects and plumbers, amongst others, and strong 360-degree integrated marketing campaigns for all our brands.

For our plastic pipes and fittings business, despite the persisting macroeconomic challenges, we are confident to remain the fastest-growing brand in this segment. Our focus is to prioritise expansion strategy, including brownfield and greenfield initiatives, distribution, and sustainable goals to shape our actions across short, medium, and long terms.

Consumer appliances business

Industry review

For the year under review, the growth of the retail and consumer durables sector was muted due to inflationary pressures caused by exceptionally high commodity prices, increased logistics costs, and parts shortages. But the vast untapped market for appliances, steady growth from Tier 3 cities and beyond, the shift in the way people live after the COVID-19 pandemic, premiumisation trends, pent-up demand, and policy initiatives are going to drive the growth of this segment which is expected to reach US$ 21.18 billion by 2025.

The integration of AI in the consumer appliances and electronics industry has unlocked a vast range of opportunities, considering the enormous scale of the consumer durable market. It is projected that the home automation products industry will reach a value of US$ 8.6 billion by 2027 due to increasing internet penetration, particularly with the rise of connected home appliances.

Growth drivers

Prudent policy push in key sectors

The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which covers 14 sectors, is expected to offer several advantages. It will enable domestic manufacturers to enhance their global competitiveness, attract investments in advanced technology, and integrate India into the global value chain. Additionally, the scheme is likely to benefit the MSME sector in the country.

Rise in nuclear families

The market for household consumer durables is being propelled by the rise of dual-income nuclear families and the impact of women, who seek to make household tasks less time-consuming and more pleasant.

Convenience of purchase

With many financial institutions offering EMI facilities on consumer appliance purchases, customers are buying products without worrying about upfront payment.

Rise in household incomes

A recent study conducted by McKinsey suggests that India will experience a significant rise in the number of high-income households soon. By 2030, India is projected to rank third in the world, following the US and China in terms of the number of high-income households.

Changes in consumer behaviour

India is experiencing a growing adoption of smart and interconnected devices, particularly among the tech-savvy younger generation, who are driving the demand for tech-led products. With the increasing demand for convenience-led products such as washing machines, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and others, the market for household appliances and consumer electronics is experiencing growth.

Business review

Through our brand Hindware Smart Appliances, we have established ourselves as a significant player in the consumer appliances industry in India. We offer a wide array of products which include kitchen appliances such as chimneys, cooktops, dishwashers, sinks, water purifiers, built-in microwaves and hobs. Furthermore, we have air coolers, ceiling fans, pedestal fans, and kitchen and furniture fittings, designed to cater to the changing demands of Indian consumers.

Our strategy is largely focused on devising new innovative launches to strengthen the current product portfolio, foray into new markets in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities through our retail presence and strengthen our omni-channel distribution network for robust growth.

We have also diversified our sourcing within our country and reduced our persistent reliance on imports.

We have expanded our distribution network and are building our brand through customer experience which has been a key focus for us. The opening of new kitchen galleries and customer experience stores, along with a focus on digital channels such as Amazon, are expected to further strengthen our market presence.

During the year, under the 50:50 joint venture with Groupe Atlantic, we commenced trial production of heating appliances from our state-of-the-art 5.7-acre manufacturing plant.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

Addition of a new 5.7-acre plant for production of heating appliances

• Commenced trial production from our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Telangana

Strengthened existing product categories to reach out to a larger audience

Kitchen appliances

• Strengthen the kitchen appliances category with the introduction of a total number of 53 Chimneys, 45 cooktops, 13 hobs and 1 induction cooktop

• Introduced BLDC motor technology in Chimneys and 4D Flame technology in hobs

Water Purifiers

• Launched Obelius, an under-the-sink water purifier

Cooling Segment

• Two personal air coolers and three desert air coolers in Powerstorm series with 5500 CMM high air delivery were launched. Additionally, introduced a window air cooler.

Heating segment

• Launched portable water heater called Kweik, along with tankless water heaters called Storm and Whizz. These tankless instant water heaters heat water in just 5 seconds

• Introduced two new models of square mold storage water heaters, namely Hindware Amelio and Alivio with varying capacities.

Strengthened distribution and retail presence

• Successfully launched 56 kitchen galleries The first ‘Hindware Universe was launched to meet the growing demand of consumers

• Installed more than 200 Kitchen SIS (Shop-in-Shop) across India

Branding and marketing Initiatives

• Major re-branding exercise was done for a unified one-brand under ‘Hindware Smart Appliances to leverage Hindwares long legacy

• Launched print and digital campaigns to promote MaxX silence range of chimneys

Outlook

At Hindware Home Innovation Limited, our strategic focus is to be among the top 5 players in the categories in which we are present in the next 5 years. We aim to reach our goal by continuing to expand our distribution and retail network to service existing markets, enter newer markets and launch innovative products to add conveniences to our customers lives.

Retail

Indias furniture market, which was valued at US$ 23.33 billion in FY 2020-21 is expected to reach US$ 32.75 billion by FY 2026-27. Despite the adverse effects of COVID-19 on offline channels, online channels remained resilient, and they are anticipated to expand significantly over the next few years. The democratisation of online furniture and home d?cor categories is indicative of growing consumer comfort with e-commerce shopping. Notably, there has been an integration of brick-and-mortar with online shopping with several leading players exploring digitalisation.

Business review

Our retail business segment focuses on providing specialised home interior products under the brand name ‘EVOK. We sell through various channels such as franchise-based retail stores, our owned large-format retail stores, and online e-commerce platforms. Our brand has a robust online presence through our website (www.evok.in) and we also sell our products on leading multi-brand furniture marketplaces such as Pepperfry, Urban Ladder, Flipkart, and Amazon. We currently have 34 franchise-based retail stores and operate two display and sales stores in Delhi and Faridabad, which are Company-owned.

Our products are functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing to cater to the evolving preferences and lifestyle choices of consumers.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

• Committed to expanding our physical presence, and as of now, we have successfully established and are operating over 34 stores

• Emphasised on minimising overheads to achieve higher profitability and moving from cash burn to cash earn

• Collaborated with Dalmia Group (Hippo Store) as an SIS operation with the first SIS opening in Noida

Outlook

We will continue to focus on the franchise model to deliver a much better ROI and offer innovative and practical solutions, making sure our range of furniture is versatile and practical. Furthermore, we will prioritise profitability improvement by improving operational efficiency and decreasing costs through various measures we plan to undertake such as streamlining store operations and minimising waste in the supply chain.

Risk management

In an ever-changing and unpredictable business landscape, it is crucial to establish a sturdy system that methodically evaluates both external and internal risks to our enterprise. We at Hindware Home Innovation Limited, implement rigorous measures to effectively tackle such risks.

The Board of Hindware Home Innovation Limited consistently offers direction and updates it yearly to enhance the process of identifying potential risks and the subsequent measures taken to alleviate them.

Risk management overview

Under the Boards oversight, we have an Audit Committee that is accountable for monitoring the efficacy of our risk management procedure, including detecting emerging risks.

Key dimensions

• We at Hindware Home Innovation Limited have a robust process that dynamically incorporates the identified risks. They are then measured and reported against criteria that are established against set criteria considering the propensity of occurrences and the prospective impact on the Company.

• To create the Companys risk profile, we conduct a scenario analysis of the external environment so that strategy, fundamental operations and various other engagement strategies are formulated while taking into consideration emerging risks.

• The resulting strategies formulated from the intellectual exercise is subjected to periodic review by the Audit Committee before the final review and approval by the Board.

• On an annual basis, the Directors conduct a thorough evaluation of the Companys ability to operate and remain financially stable over the long term. This assessment considers the major risks that the Company faces, such as changes in market conditions, regulatory compliance, technological advancements, and financial performance. By conducting this review, the Directors can identify any potential risks or challenges that may impact the Companys long-term viability and develop strategies to mitigate or manage them effectively. This process is an important aspect of ensuring the ongoing success and sustainability of the Company.

Key risks and their mitigation process

We at Hindware Home Innovation Limited have classified our risks into three categories namely: external, operational and financial. The mitigation strategy is as follows:

External risk

Nature Key Risks and their Definition Mitigation Strategy
Economic, political and market risk The business may be negatively affected by a decrease in macroeconomic activity, disturbances in the global market, and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, an increase in inflation and interest rates could also have an impact on consumer demand. Diversification of our business model across multiple segments helps to reduce dependence on any segment. This approach can provide several advantages, including survival in fluctuating market conditions, reduced costs, improved efficiency, expanded customer base, and connecting new opportunities.
Competition risk Growing competition could impact pricing power and erode profitability We are aware of the latest industry trends and consistently implement measures to enhance our competitive edge. Our focus on research and innovation is unwavering, enabling us to stay ahead of our competitors and meet the changing demands of our customers. Moreover, our omnichannel distribution system enables us to cater to a vast consumer base throughout the country.
Consumer risk Consumer preferences are always in flux. Failure to adapt to changing consumer preferences may result in a decreased uptake of products or services. To stay current, we rely on our robust customer feedback mechanism to comprehend their distinct requirements and customise our products accordingly.

Operational risk

Nature Key risks and their definition Mitigation strategy
Product quality risk The inability to uphold the quality of a product can have negative consequences on sales, putting the market reputation at risk. Our position among the top five brands in numerous categories is evidence of our dedication to maintaining high-quality standards. We adhere rigorously to stringent quality regulations.
Technology risk The Companys competitive advantage may be reduced by the obsolescence of its technology. We maintain a constant focus on global technological advancements and allocate resources towards acquiring state-of-the-art technology to ensure that we provide top-quality products. By forging partnerships and alliances with world-renowned technology pioneers, we can maintain a competitive edge.
Employee risk Failure to both attract and retain employees has the potential to negatively impact our strategic goals for growth. Our Company creates an environment that supports and promotes equality, allowing our employees to thrive. We cultivate a culture of continuous learning to aid in the professional development of our staff as they advance in their careers.
Distribution risk The evolving purchasing habits of customers have the potential to endanger our distribution network, which could ultimately impact our profitability. Our organisation has taken a comprehensive approach to distribution, by expanding our reach through both traditional and digital channels. We have embraced digital technologies and invested in our online presence to ensure that our customers can easily access our products through multiple digital platforms. At the same time, we recognise the continued importance of our traditional distribution channels and have made efforts to strengthen and optimise these methods. This has enabled us to create a seamless omnichannel distribution system that provides our customers with a convenient and flexible purchasing experience.
Operating efficiency Failure to effectively utilise our logistics network, stores, and support units has the potential to negatively impact our profitability. We consistently review and assess the performance of our logistics network, implementing measures to enhance, automate, and evaluate our processes. Additionally, our adoption of the franchise store model has resulted in a more efficient and effective market presence.
Cyber security The possibility of cyber-attacks poses a threat to the continuity of our operations. Significant investments have been made towards the development of a resilient IT infrastructure, aimed at mitigating any potential cyber security risks and maintaining the integrity of our organisations data.
Business continuity risk Unforeseen events such as pandemics or major incidents have the potential to disrupt our day-to-day operations and cause a ripple effect on our overall performance. Following a thorough assessment of the market landscape, our senior management has taken multiple measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. We are continuously monitoring infection rates and adapting our response strategy to the ever-evolving situation.
Brand legacy As our customers interact with our brand through various mediums such as electronic, print, and social media, any incorrect or misleading perceptions of our Company have the potential to result in a decline in sales. Our Company places great importance on safeguarding the robust brand equity we have established through the years. To reach a broader audience and effectively convey our brand message, we utilise both traditional and digital communication channels.

Financial risk

Nature Key risks and their definition Mitigation strategy
Credit profile The inability to obtain short and long-term working capital at a favourable interest rate has the potential to hinder our capacity to fulfil our liquidity needs, which could negatively impact our operations. Our Company places a strong emphasis on enhancing our working capital requirements through the optimisation of our inventory and receivables cycles, as well as extending our payables cycle. Furthermore, we are actively pursuing initiatives to ensure that our Company has access to short- and long-term debt at competitive rates and can increase the maturity of new debts.
Credit rating risk A reduction in our credit ratings has the potential to impede our ability to secure additional financing and could negatively impact the interest rates and other commercial terms associated with such instruments. We maintain a consistent record of servicing our debt obligations in a timely manner and have established a positive reputation with our banks. Our regular engagement with lenders and rating agencies allows us to cultivate trust in our financial performance.
Currency risk Profitability may be negatively affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We safeguard our position by implementing appropriate hedging strategies when necessary. Our investment in forward and options contracts adheres to policies approved by the Board.
Legal risk Failure to comply with regulations may result in penalties and damage our reputation. We maintain a robust governance framework to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and existing rules. Our regular interaction and reporting to regulatory bodies promote transparency in our policies and decision-making processes.

Internal control

Our Company is dedicated to maintaining an efficient internal control environment that provides assurance on the secure and orderly conduct of operations, asset protection, fraud and error prevention and detection, as well as timely and accurate completion of accounting records and preparation of reliable financial information. Our internal control systems are designed to align with the Principles of Governance.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which includes Independent Directors, is responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of our Companys internal control systems. This includes assessing the annual plan, significant audit findings, adequacy of internal controls, and compliance with accounting policies and regulations.

Internal financial controls

Our internal control framework is aligned with industry-best practices for organisations that are similar in size, nature, and complexity. We regularly evaluate and test this framework to identify areas for improvement.

Risk management

Our Company has a comprehensive risk management framework that evaluates and analyses strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks. We also monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of risk mitigation and control measures. To systematically address major risks identified by our businesses and functions, we continually take necessary mitigating actions.

Cautionary statement

The Management Discussion and Analysis may contain forward-looking statements that describe our Companys objectives and predictions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. However, actual results may significantly differ from the forward-looking statements included in this document due to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties may include the impact of economic and political conditions in India, fluctuations in interest rates, and new regulations and government policies that may affect our Companys business and its ability to implement future strategies. Our Company does not assume responsibility for updating these statements.