Outlook Money Outlook Money, April 2018 | Page 65

Why Buy? Emami n Demand expected to revive for key brands Emami Poised For Double-Digit Growth n Direct reach expanded to 0.83 million outlets n Rural demand recovery likely in FY19 Watch Out For New launches and recovery in rural demand has put the firm in a sweet spot, says Malini Bhupta n High mentha prices may hurt margins n Higher ad sales to boost demand may hurt profitability n Deficit rainfall in FY19 could dent rural demand Financials Emami BSE Sensex Net sales (` crore) 3000 2,301 FY17 33006.27 28261.08 2000 2,391 FY16 FY15 2,030 `1056.85 0 FY16 FY15 20 Mar 2015 C Sensex values in points and M&M stock price in ` onsumer staples have outperformed the broader indices in FY18, just as it has in seven out of the last ten years. Analysts expect the new fiscal to see some recovery in sales as the impact of GST wears off and rural demand picks up. The Street feels that, among all consumer companies, Emami could deliver double-digit sales and profit growth over the next two years, thanks to innovative launches, direct reach expansion and recovery in rural demand. According to the company’s management, the fourth quarter has seen recovery in demand for Kesh King. However, the demand for Pancharishta has remained stagnant. While a prolonged winter has impacted sales of some of the company’s summer products, analysts believe a pick-up is expected 22 Mar 2018 Graphics: Praveen Kumar .G in FY19 first quarter. The brand was relaunched last year but is yet to see a significant increase in demand. According to Antique Stock Broking, “Emami witnessed recovery in performance of Kesh King during the fourth quarter of FY18. This was driven by upfront trade discounts as against deferred trade discounts earlier. However, Pancharishta is yet to witness any meaningful recovery in performance post the change in the packaging and marketing campaign. The management expects its initiatives to revive Pancharishta by the second quarter of FY19.” Trade channels have stabilised after the launch of GST and Emami plans to expand its direct reach, which increased to 0.83 million outlets compared to 0.73 million in March 2017. Also, a demand recovery is seen in rural India, which accounts for 50 per cent of 346 FY16 328 472 EPS (`) 739 FY17 `1006.7 FY17 FY15 OP (` crore) 1000 PAT (` crore) 655 510 FY17 15.26 FY16 14.44 FY15 20.78 OP: Operating profit; PAT: Profit after tax; EPS: Earnings per share; Source: Ace Equity sales. Jefferies, a foreign brokerage, said normal monsoon should lift sentiments and rural cash flows, thereby, aiding rural recovery. HDFC Securities believes that Emami is well-placed because of its leadership position in 70 per cent of its portfolio and its focus on high- margin categories. It also has new launches planned. On the downside, gross margins will come under pressure due to rising prices of mentha oil. Emami’s low-cost inventory of mentha has been exhausted in the third quarter. Hgher advertising spends during the fourth quarter of FY18 will also impact the company’s margins. Despite the short-term pressure, Antique Stock Broking expects the company to report sales and post-tax profit CAGR of 20 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively, over FY18-20. www.outlookmoney.com April 2018 Outlook Money 63