Maintain ADD on Radico Khaitan - Miss in revenue; Beat in margin - HDFC Securities

Mr. Varun Lohchab, Head Institutional Research, HDFC Securities & Mr. Naveen Trivedi, Institutional Research Analyst, HDFC Securities

Radico delivered a mixed result as there was a miss in revenue but a beat in margin. P&A volume grew by 5% YoY, supported by exports while Popular volume declined by 1% YoY. Radico's overall volume growth of 1% YoY was slightly ahead of the industry, which declined by 1%. Excluding AP (4% mix vs. 8% YoY) and CSD (down 25% YoY, ~10% mix), domestic volume growth stood at 9% YoY. Gross margin was up by sharply 232bps YoY to 50.8%, supported by benign RM inflation and improved mix (IMFL mix grew to 81.7%). Radico continued to gain market share in most major states. We expect Radico to sustain a strong earnings show over the next few quarters, led by (1) recovery in the industry (the most impacted states are recovering), (2) market share gains supported by new launches, (3) stable ENA prices, (4) strong traction in exports, and (5) reducing interest cost. We maintain our EPS estimates for FY21/Y22/FY23. We value Radico at 20x P/E on Mar-23E EPS to derive a target price of Rs 546. Maintain ADD.

Premiumisation trend sustains: Net revenue grew by 6% YoY (+17% in 3QFY20 and +11% in 2QFY21), vs our estimate of 10% YoY growth. P&A volume grew by 5% YoY (+21% in 3QFY20 and +4% in 2QFY21) while Popular volume declined by 1% YoY (+11% in 3QFY20 and +5% in 2QFY21). IMFL/Non-IMFL revenue grew by 5/10% YoY. Key markets like Maharashtra, Karnataka, UP and Telangana have returned to growth, but a few large states remained under pressure. AP impacted most and its revenue mix declined to 4% (8% last year) as regional players are gaining share (most leading players impacted). Radico saw sequential improvement in volumes, highest ever monthly volumes in December 2020. Ban on BIO products in CSD gave a boost to premium brands. New launches as well expanding portfolio in newer markets will grow P&A portfolio.

Benign RM boosts margins: GM expanded by 232bps YoY to 50.8% (- 115bps in 3QFY20 and +91bps in 2QFY21), owing to benign RM inflation and improved product mix (higher IMFL mix, exports). S&D costs grew by 18% YoY as the company resumed investments in its brands. Employee costs declined by 5% YoY while other expenses remained flat YoY. EBITDA margin expanded by 238bps YoY to 18.2% (-151bps in 3QFY20 and +184bps in 2QFY21) vs expectation of 97bps YoY expansion. EBITDA grew by 22% YoY (HSIE 16%). PBT grew by 30% YoY while APAT grew by 29% YoY.

Call takeaways: (1) 8PM Premium Black volumes will be 1mn in FY21; (2) new UP excise policy will aid P&A growth and the company expects the policy to be emulated in more states of the country; (3) ENA remained stable on QoQ (7-8% down YoY), and the company expects prices to be stable in 4QFY21; (4) exports mix in revenue/volume stands at 7.5/6%; (5) net debt stood at Rs 2.5bn in December vs. Rs 3.8bn in March; (6) Radico is leader in CSD with 28% market share.

Shares of RADICO KHAITAN LTD. was last trading in BSE at Rs.485.95 as compared to the previous close of Rs. 495.2. The total number of shares traded during the day was 190901 in over 2035 trades.

The stock hit an intraday high of Rs. 507.6 and intraday low of 485.95. The net turnover during the day was Rs. 94541406.

Source : Equity Bulls

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