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Financial Management

Sales Forecasting – Tata Consumer Products Limited – 2024

Tata Consumer Products Limited is a leading consumer goods company having presence in the food and beverages segment in both the Indian markets as well as in the international markets. Tata Consumer Products Limited is the largest salt brand in India i.e. Tata Salt and is the second largest tea company in India with its brands like Tata Tea and Tetley being dominant in the market and trusted by consumers consistently.

Tata Consumer Products operates in categories such as tea, coffee, water, and foods. Some of its well-known brands include Eight O’Clock Coffee, Himalayan natural mineral water, and Tata Salt. 90% of total revenues come from the branded food & beverages business & the rest 10% comes from the non-branded business of the company.

Before we analyze the sales forecasting of the company, we must understand their average revenue mix across products and geographies.

Sales Forecasting of the Company

We have analyzed the revenue clocked in the by company YOY for the last 10 years for sales forecasting for the next few years. For more details, you can view the presentation.

Tata Consumer Products sales forecasting

Tata Consumer Products – Overview of the revenue growth

A perusal of the revenue growth rates YOY reveals that Tata Consumer Products Limited has an inconsistent growth curve with negative growth rates of -16% in FY 2016 and very high growth rate of 32% in FY 2020. Thus, we cannot generalize the growth story of the company as there are no proper patterns, therefore, the sales forecasting of the company has to be done keeping in mind such aberrations and normalizing the deviations by understanding the reasons every year for their revenue from operations.

Decline in sales for FY 2016

In FY 2016, the company had reported a negative sales growth rate of -16%. This was primariliy on account of supply chain issues, such as disruptions in sourcing raw materials or distribution challenges, that had impacted the company’s ability to meet consumer demand and fulfill orders promptly. However, over the last few years, the company has invested in expanding its distribution centres to avoid any such decline in future.

Exponential growth numbers in FY 2020

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the company had managed to record its highest sales growth numbers with a record-high growth of 32%. In the year 2020, Tata Consumer Products Limited had bought out its JV partner PepsiCo in Nourish Co Beverages, therefore a large portion of the sales of the bought out entity was now being fully reported in the books of the company.

Moreover, the company had completely revamped its entire distribution network during FY 2020 pushing the sales to a record high. The company had also partnered with quick commerce operators like Zomato for faster delivery and better penetration of its products. 39 new Starbucks outlets opened in India. A combined impact of all these reasons along with some others, helped the company to achieve high sales numbers and exponential growth in FY 2020.

High growth numbers in FY 2021

Even after an exceptional year for Tata Consumer Products Limited i.e. the year 2020, the company again managed to report very high sales growth of over 20%. On 10th February, 2020, the consumer business of Tata Chemicals was merged with Tata Global Beverages Limited and Tata Consumer Products Limited was formed. Thus, this synergy was responsible for such a high growth in revenue in the year 2021. The focus of the company was in exploring both organic and inorganic opportunities in the segment and also in expanding its business through e-commerce for better sales volumes.

Growth rate of 10% in the last year

In the last year i.e. 2023, the company has reported a sales growth of 10% which is primarily driven by the introduction of innovative products by the company such as Sampann brand, energy drinks, etc. the focus has been given to the Indian food business as it is accounting for 76% of the worldwide business of the company. The company had also launched two new brands – Gofit and Simply better. The distribution system is now yielding returns and is responsible for better sales volumes of the company.

Sales Forecasting – Arithmetic Growth rate

As per our analysis, if the growth of the company occurs at a steady pace and rises in arithmetic way then the growth rate for the next 5 years will be 7.41%. The company will be moving ahead of its peers if it able to clock this growth rate.

Sales Forecasting – Geometric Growth rate

As per our analysis, if the growth rate of the company is characterized by a slow growth in the initial stages and a rapid growth during the later stages, then the growth rate for the next 5 years will be 5.94%. This is a very reasonable estimate of the sales forecasting given the strengths of the company.

Sales Forecasting – Linear Regression method

Linear regression is a statistical method used for modeling the relationship between a dependent variable (in this case, sales) and one or more independent variables (such as time or other factors that influence sales). It is commonly used in sales forecasting to predict future sales based on historical data. By employing linear regression for sales forecasting, businesses can make informed decisions regarding inventory management, production planning, and resource allocation. However, it’s important to remember that no forecasting method is perfect, and the accuracy of predictions can vary depending on the quality of the data and the assumptions underlying the model. We have analyzed the sales forecasting by the linear regression method as depicted above.

Sales Forecasting – Based on the future plans of the company

As per the official website of the company in their future plans section, Tata Consumer Products Limited has highlighted that it will be unlocking synergies post-merger of Tata Global Beverages Limited and the consumer business of Tata Chemicals. In India, the company will be investing in its core brands and expanding distribution. In the international market, the company will be focusing on USA, UK and Canada for non-black tea and coffee portfolio in these strong markets.

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Financial Management

Simplified Financial Statement Analysis – Profitability Ratio – Nestle India – Latest 2023

We have conducted a financial statement analysis of Nestle India and carefully studied its profitability ratios post the ban on one of its dominant products – Maggi noodles in 2015 which was lifted in the year 2016 and in 6 months the market share of maggi noodles in its segment had again become 57%. Here is a detailed look at the profitability ratios over the last 8 years audited financial statement analysis.

In India, giants like ITC, H.U.L., Colgate, Cadbury, and Nestle have long held sway in the FMCG sector, enjoying a formidable position bolstered by formidable entry barriers, including high import duties. This advantageous landscape allowed these companies to command premium prices for their offerings, resulting in generous profit margins. However, the winds of change have swept through the sector over the past decade with the gradual liberalization of the economy. As competition intensified, FMCG companies found themselves locked in a fierce battle for market share. Consequently, profit margins have been subjected to erosion amidst this cutthroat environment

About the Company

Nestle India Limited is a subsidiary of Nestle S.A., a multinational food and beverage company headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. It is one of the leading food and beverage manufacturers in India, offering a wide range of products across various categories including dairy, beverages, prepared dishes and cooking aids, chocolates, confectionery, and infant nutrition. The product portfolio includes well-known brands such as Maggi, Nescafe, KitKat, Milky bar, Nestea, Nestle Milk, and Nestle Dahi (Yogurt), among others. These brands cater to a wide range of consumer preferences and are household names in India.

Surviving the Maggi Ban in 2015

In the year 2015, Nestle India faced a huge setback when one of its star products maggi noodles was banned on account of high levels of lead contained in them. However, the story of the comeback from them has been commendable. This comeback was built on the solid foundation of their brand loyalty, sensitization via better advertising and extensively investing in the product to ensure it meets all standards. In this period, Nestle India also improved its supply chain management which was also crucial during the supply chain issues faced in the Russia-Ukraine war scenario.

Financial Statement Analysis

We have completed a comprehensive financial statement analysis of Nestle India, meticulously examining its ratios and the results are as under:-

Profitability ratio Nestle India

To download the full report, click here.

Sales Growth

As discussed above, the sharp rise in the sales from 2015 to 2016 was on account of the ban being lifted on maggi noodles in the year 2016. The consistently rising sales of Nestle India is due to the pricing and mix growth by introduction of new high margin products with strong growth witnessed through e-commerce as well as out-of-home channels. The company is reporting an average YOY sales growth of roughly 11% every year which is an excellent boost in terms of the top line of the company.

Profitability Ratio – Gross Margin

Over the period from the fiscal year ending December 2022 to the fiscal year ending December 2023, there has been a notable and substantial rise in gross margin growth. This growth is particularly striking given that despite a significant increase in sales amounting to Rs. 2,229 crores, there has been a tangible reduction in direct costs by Rs. 153 crores in actual terms. The gross margins of the company have been consistently around 53% which shows excellent cost management and supply chain strength since during the last 8 years, there have been stress periods of COVID affected years as well as later on the raw material supply issues caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Profitability Ratio – EBITDA

As discussed above, since the gross margins have grown in the last year, it has reflected in the EBITDA margins as well. The EBITDA margins of Nestle India have been consistently around 23% over the last 8 years. This is a very crucial indicator of operational efficiency as even during the COVID affected years, the company has been able to record 23% EBITDA margins YOY.

Profitability Ratio – EBT

From FY 2015 to FY 2016, there was a sharp rise in the interest cost of the company however, the interest component in the financial statement analysis has remained consistent since this rise and there has been no subsequent rise in the interest expenses. This is the driving force behind the company reporting 19% EBT margins YOY which is roughly 4% below the EBITDA margins every year.

Nestle India has invested very heavily in the fixed assets in the last 5 years since it is an established company to expand its manufacturing in India. Previously, the company announced investments aggregating Rs. 2,000 crore spanning from 2000 to 2020. In 2022, the company revealed plans for a further investment of Rs. 5,000 crore towards expansion, with the intention to complete the investment by 2025. And thus the net block of fixed assets has been rising since the last few years after depreciation.

Profitability Ratio – Net Profit Margin

The company boasts of very huge net profit margins YOY of roughly 14% owing to the dominance of the company in its segment, effective cost management and operational efficiency.

Latest News

The Chairman and MD of Nestle India has recently expressed concerns over the festival season not giving the expected results this year in the segment of daily use products as there were more takers for the luxury products. In 2023, while overall headline inflation witnessed a decline compared to 2022, the trajectory of food inflation remained erratic. There is considerable anticipation regarding the economic activity surrounding elections, with hopes that it may provide a modest boost to companies.

The company has announced its first ever stock split with record date set as 5th January, 2024 in the ratio of 1:10 approved by the Board of the company in October, 2023. Thus, the impact of this stock split will have to be considered for the financial statement analysis in the next year.

Nestle India is planning to expand its share in the coffee, chocolates and noodles segment by substantial expansion in the manufacturing capacity of these products. In light of the same, the company has also received an in-principle approval from IPICOL i.e. Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited for building a factory of about Rs. 900 crores for production of coffee, chocolates and noodles.

To know about the other FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever Limited, click here.

Categories
Financial Management

Financial Ratio Analysis – Profit and Loss Account – Hindustan Unilever Limited – 2023

We are presenting here the financial ratio analysis of Hindustan Unilever Limited that has been touted as India’ largest fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with dominance of over 90 years in the country. With over 50+ brands across 16 FMCG sectors, the company is a household name through its loyal customer base for brands such as Lux, Lakme, Brooke Bond, Kwality Wall’s. The financial ratio analysis of the Profit and Loss account of the company over the past 10 years reveals the financial health and the unruffled growth of the company in light of the competition from other large companies as well as fresh brands.

Financial ration analysis hindustan unilever limited

Financial Ratio Analysis – Sales Growth

As we have discussed above, Hindustan Unilever Limited is India’s largest FMCG company and thus a major portion of the volume of the sales in the FMCG sector of the country is being achieved by the company. There was a significant drop in the sales growth in the COVID affected year but since then the company has been reporting YOY increase in the revenue from operations. This is on account of better distribution centres and improved marketing and branding strategies amongst other reasons.

Financial Ratio Analysis – COGS% of Sales

COGS i.e. Cost of Goods sold is the aggregate of all direct costs incurred in the production process of the goods that the company is selling. It includes raw material costs, labour costs and overhead expenses. Every business strives to maintain a lower COGS percentage of sales to bolster profitability. Hindustan Unilever Limited’s consistent COGS percentage amidst fluctuating market conditions implies a commendable efficiency in production. Despite challenges such as fluctuating raw material supplies, their ability to control direct costs contributes to sustained profitability year-over-year.

Financial Ratio Analysis – Gross Margin

Gross margin is a key metric in indicating the efficiency of a company’s operations in generating profits from its sales revenue. Hindustan Unilever Limited has been recording consistent gross margins even amidst fluctuating market conditions implies a commendable efficiency in production. Despite challenges such as fluctuating raw material supplies, their ability to control direct costs contributes to sustained profitability year-over-year.

Financial Ratio Analysis – Other Expenses % of Sales

The percentage of other expenses in relation to sales is a pivotal metric shedding light on a company’s efficacy in handling non-production costs vis-à-vis its revenue. This metric serves as a cornerstone in the company’s cost management analysis, allowing scrutiny of any disproportionate or sudden spikes in expenses unrelated to sales. Hindustan Unilever Limited’s adept cost management practices are evident in the consistent decline of other expenses relative to sales. This underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining financial prudence and operational efficiency.

Financial Ratio Analysis – EBITDA Margin

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margin is used to evaluate a company’s operating profitability by measuring its ability to generate earnings from its core business operating activities excluding certain non-operating expenses. It is often used by investors and analysts to evaluate a company’s financial health and performance. The EBITDA margin of Hindustan Unilever Limited is consistently being maintained by the company.

Financial Ratio Analysis – Interest % of Sales

Interest% of sales measures the proportion of sales revenue that is used to cover interest expenses. It reflects on the effective debt management strategies of the company and is important for the risk profile of the company. The interest% of sales has been declining in the last 4 years in the accounts of Hindustan Unilever Limited and is an excellent sign of effective debt management of the company.

Financial Ratio Analysis – Depreciation % of Sales

The depreciation % of sales is a significant metric that offers insights into how effectively a company manages its depreciation expenses in relation to its sales revenue. This metric is crucial for analysing the company’s asset management efficiency and its impact on profitability. Hindustan Unilever Limited demonstrates sound financial management by maintaining a steady or decreasing depreciation percentage relative to sales over time. This indicates prudent asset utilization and effective capital expenditure planning.

Financial Ratio  Analysis – EBT Margins

EBT margins, or Earnings before Taxes margins, are a key financial metric used to assess a company’s profitability before accounting for taxes. It represents the proportion of earnings generated from operations relative to total revenue, excluding taxes. A higher EBT margin indicates better operational efficiency and profitability, as it shows that the company is able to generate more earnings from its core business activities. The EBT margin of Hindustan Unilever Limited is consistently being maintained by the company.

Financial Ratio Analysis – Net Profit Margins

Net profit margins, indicating the net income derived from operations as a percentage of sales, serve as a vital metric for assessing financial health. Ideally, as sales grow, maintaining or improving net profit margins signifies effective cost management. Hindustan Unilever Limited’s consistent net profit margins not only bolster investor and analyst confidence but also contribute to the company’s reserve strength, affirming its robust operational performance.

Financial Ratio Analysis – EPS Growth

Earnings per share i.e. EPS is a very crucial ratio that is often used by the investors and analysts in determining the share price growth. It is an important indicator of a company’s financial performance and growth trajectory. In the case of Hindustan Unilever Limited, we are witnessing positive EPS growth YOY which is a very good indicator of the company’s profitability.

Dividend Per Share (DPS)

Dividend per share (DPS) is a measure of the total dividends distributed by a company to its shareholders on a per-share basis. It’s calculated by dividing the total dividends paid out by the total number of outstanding shares. Investors often use DPS as an indicator of a company’s profitability and its commitment to rewarding shareholders. Hindustan Unilever Limited has announced dividends every year since the past 10 years and has been consistent in the payout ratio as well.

Retained Earnings %

Retained earnings as a percentage is a measure that indicates the proportion of a company’s net income that is retained and reinvested back into the business rather than distributed as dividends to shareholders. Over the past 4 years, Hindustan Unilever Limited has significantly reduced its retained earnings ratio which is an indicator that is pertinent since a higher percentage of retained earnings suggests that the company is retaining more of its profits for future growth opportunities rather than distributing them to shareholders and thus a lower percentage of retained earnings YOY suggests otherwise.

Download the financial ratio analysis from here.