Bata India Limited (BATAINDIA)

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Summary from August 2024

Communication Details • Date of communication: August 13, 2024 • Transcript availability: On the company's website • Compliance: SEBI regulations • Key participants: • Gunjan Shah (MD and CEO) • Anil Somani (CFO) • Udit Gajiwala (Moderator from YES Securities)

Company Performance • Sales decline: 1% due to heat wave, elections, and wedding season • Strong brand performance: • "Floats" treated as a start-up with significant investments • "Power" brand showing double-digit growth • Store expansion focus: • Franchises in tier three to five towns • Enhancing customer experience • Growth in e-commerce and omni-channel sales • Improved inventory management

Brand Expansion and Marketing • Nine West brand expansion: • Current presence in 50 stores, aiming for 70 • E-commerce performance: • Enhancements planned for successful offline brands • Marketing investments: • Increased significantly with successful campaigns

Financial Overview • Sales down by 1.4%, gross margins flat • One-time gain from land monetization • Expense management: • IT project costs charged off • Overall expenses expected to align with sales growth

Q&A Highlights • Fastest growth channels: Franchise and e-commerce • Same-store sales growth: Slightly negative, aiming for mid to high single digits • Manufacturing mix: Shift to 25% in-house manufacturing • Employee costs: 15% increase attributed to tech investments

Market Trends • Key trends: • Sneakerization, casualization, and fashion driving sales • Casual and sneaker segments: • Currently 50-55% of business, expected to grow to 60-65% in three years

Future Plans • Store openings: • 120-140 new stores, primarily in Tier 3 and lower markets • Evolite brand: • Gaining traction in the mass market • Nine West licensing agreement: • Strategic fit in high fashion premium segment

Conclusion • Positive consumer response in tier 3 towns • Strong traction from new store openings • Closing remarks by Nitin Bagaria, thanking participants and YES Securities team.

Summary from June 2024

Communication Details • Date of communication: June 3, 2024 • Recipients: BSE, NSE, Calcutta Stock Exchange • Transcript availability: On Bata's website • Management present: CEO Gunjan Shah, CFO Anil Somani, moderated by Varun Singh (ICICI Securities)

Key Highlights from the Earnings CallGrowth Drivers: • Premium segments (Red Label, Comfort, Power) outperformed overall growth. • Significant sales increases in the Floats category. • Retail expansion included 24 new stores (target was 40).

Strategic Focus: • Enhancing distribution network and marketing investments. • Strong performance in e-commerce and omni-channel sales. • Launch of new products, including Nine West and more Power EBO stores.

Financial Performance: • Gross margins maintained despite challenging market conditions. • FY'24 growth at 2.4%, with optimism for future growth due to operational efficiencies from a new ERP system.

Marketing and Operational Efficiency • Ongoing marketing initiatives and successful ERP implementation aimed at improving operational efficiency. • Focus on leveraging fixed costs and driving top-line growth.

Analyst Questions and InsightsDemand Trends: • Demand pickup noted in March; growth driven by e-commerce and franchise channels. • Gross margin variability linked to seasonal factors and product mix.

Product and Channel Performance: • Sneaker market segmentation discussed; focus on casual and lifestyle sneakers. • Premium products (priced above 2,000) growing faster than lower-end products.

Expense Management: • Increase in other expenses attributed to marketing, IT, and freight costs. • Full ERP expense charged off in the current financial year.

Future Outlook • Focus on portfolio additions catering to casualization and comfort. • Aim for consistent double-digit revenue growth despite market challenges. • No operational disruptions from BIS implementation; successful ERP integration reported.

Store Opening Strategy • Majority of new stores will be franchise-based (80-20 ratio). • Emphasis on enhancing distribution quality and penetration.

Strategic Interventions • Three key strategies to stimulate growth: • Enhance product trendiness and reduce complexity in offerings. • Drive foot traffic through innovative promotions. • Improve store staff performance metrics.

Conclusion • Gunjan Shah expressed eagerness for future interactions and thanked participants for their engagement.

Summary from February 2024

Communication Details • Date of communication: February 9, 2024 • Transcript availability: On the company's website • Hosted by: ICICI Securities • Key management present: Gunjan Shah (MD and CEO), Anil Somani (CFO)

Company Performance HighlightsMarket Environment: Operating in a muted demand environment. • Portfolio Evolution: Focus on premium categories and successful franchising. • Digital Expansion: Rapid growth in e-commerce and omni-channel capabilities. • Supply Chain Improvements: Outsourcing non-core operations and closing an underperforming factory. • Technology Initiatives: ERP and merchandising projects on track for commercialization. • Future Growth Outlook: Optimistic about mass market and new store concepts.

Financial PerformanceRevenue Growth: Modest increase of 0.4%. • Gross Margin: Increased to 56%. • EBITDA Decline: 10% drop due to marketing and IT investments. • Profit Before Tax: 29.5% decrease compared to the previous year.

Key Metrics and StrategiesFreshness Metric: Increased to 34%, with a target of 40%. • Product Pricing: 30% of products priced under 1000p; commitment to both premium and mass market. • Marketing Strategy: Increased spend to 4% of top line, focusing on digital influencer campaigns.

Brand PerformanceKey Brands: Red Label, Comfit, Floatz (15% of revenue); Hush Puppies (20% of revenue). • BIS Implementation: Prepared for market turbulence due to new standards.

Pricing and Margin DynamicsAverage Selling Price (ASP): Increase due to product/channel mix, not price hikes. • Channel Mix Impact: Growth in non-company owned channels may dilute margins. • Rental Costs: 100 basis point impact due to expiration of COVID-related concessions.

Future InitiativesNine West Brand Rollout: Entering 50 Bata stores with a focus on premium pricing. • Sustainable Growth: Aiming for profitable growth without specific margin guidance. • Marketing Spend: Expected to increase to around 3% of sales over time.

Conclusion • Focus on continued investment in brand and technology, with optimism for future growth despite current challenges.

Summary from November 2023

Communication Details • Date of communication: November 14, 2023 • Transcript of Q2 FY24 earnings call held on November 9, 2023 • Signed by: Nitin Bagaria, AVP-Company Secretary & Compliance Officer • Hosted by: Axis Capital with key management members including Gunjan Shah (MD & CEO) and Anil Somani (CFO)

Key Highlights from the Conference CallPerformance Overview • Expansion of points of sale to 2,150 • Strategic alliance with Global Brand 9 West • Growth of Sneaker Studios to over 600 stores • Successful casual footwear line, Floatz, supported by manufacturing investments

Technology and Operations • Technology upgrades on schedule, including ERP system expected in Q4 • Focus on retail excellence with a target of 500 franchise stores by FY25 • Plans to enhance product offerings in multi-brand distribution

Sales and Marketing • Strong double-digit growth in digital sales • Omni-channel model accounts for 4-5% of retail turnover • Ongoing marketing campaign "Every Walk is a Ramp Walk"

Financial Performance • Revenues down by 1%, but EBITDA grew by 12.8% • Implementation of automated inventory management tools • Launch of voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for operational agility

Q&A Session InsightsSame-Store Growth (SSG) • Low single digits negative for the quarter; positive growth expected without festive shift

Expansion and Strategy • Focus on sneakerization strategy and enhancing the Power brand • Plans for store renovations and expansions for underperforming brands like Hush Puppies

Market Segments • Premiumization expected to outpace overall growth • Anticipated rebound in the mass segment as consumer spending stabilizes

Growth in Tier 2 and Lower Markets • Franchise expansion with 120 new stores, primarily in Tier 3 and below • Strategy to refresh 20% of product portfolio each season • Leveraging omni-channel strategy for broader product access

Future Outlook • Commitment to sustainable and profitable growth • Targeting double-digit growth in the medium term • Focus on expanding franchise and multi-brand outlet strategies along with online sales

Summary from August 2023

Communication Details • Date: August 17, 2023 • Transcript availability: Compliant with SEBI regulations, available on the website • Key participants: • Gunjan Shah (MD & CEO) • Anil Somani (CFO) • Moderator: Gaurav Jogani (Axis Capital)

Conference Call Agenda • Business overview • Strategy highlights • Financials • Q&A session

Key Highlights • Expansion to nearly 2,100 points of sale • Significant technology investments • Sneaker Studios extended to 565 locations • Strong sales of new product, Floats • Focus on comfort and style brands • Renovation of 40 stores and addition of 29 franchise stores • E-commerce growth with new initiatives

Supply Chain and Digital Initiatives • Implementation of Warehouse Management System (WMS) • Cost efficiency improvements • Expansion of digital presence and partnerships (e.g., ONDC) • Effective marketing campaigns, especially in the school segment

New Initiatives • Launch of "floatz" banner and shoe insurance program (Bata Shoe Care) • Automated application for Landlord Connect • Pilot of Power Activewear apparel line in 60 stores • Digital receipts goal of over 90%

Financial Performance • 2% growth driven by same-store sales • EBITDA increased from 23 to 25 • Year-over-year decline noted

Q&A Session Insights • Revenue growth challenges despite increased points of sale • Margin decline attributed to inventory optimization and early sales • Apparel line targeting athleisure products • Focus on diversifying sourcing and enhancing manufacturing capabilities in India • Management's strategy for franchise vs. company-owned stores

Future Outlook • Optimism for recovery in the mass segment • Plans for further store additions and innovative offerings • Ongoing efficiency initiatives to reduce costs • New merchandising software expected to improve inventory management

Conclusion • Management remains optimistic about future growth and encourages further inquiries.

Summary from May 2023

Communication Details • Date of communication: May 22, 2023 • Transcript availability: Confirmed for the company website • Key participants: • Gunjan Shah (MD and CEO) • Anil Somani (CFO) • Nitin Bagaria (Company Secretary) • Moderator: Nikita Jain (Batlivala & Karani Securities)

Key Highlights from the Conference CallMilestones Achieved: • Surpassed 2,000 points of sale • Expanded to over 700 cities • Growth of Sneaker Studios to over 500 stores • Product Performance: • New product line performing well • Strong growth in e-store and omni-channel business • Strategic Focus: • Portfolio expansion and retail excellence • Marketing investments and digital commerce enhancement • High Net Promoter Score indicating customer satisfaction

Financial PerformanceGrowth Metrics: • 17% top-line growth, returning to pre-COVID volume levels • Generated INR 726 crores in cash • Improved return on capital to 20% • Market Strategy: • Plans to enter apparel market with competitive pricing • Expansion of clothing collection and testing kiosks

Premiumization StrategyProduct Pricing: • Decrease in products priced below INR 1,000 from 50% to 35%-40% • Focus on maintaining presence in sub-INR 1,000 market • Franchise Contribution: • Significant profitability from franchise stores with improved EBITDA margins

Challenges and ConcernsDistribution and Revenue Growth: • Discrepancy between distribution growth (7% CAGR) and revenue growth (4%) • Demand pressures in lower-priced segments affecting performance • Working Capital and Margins: • Efficient inventory growth aligned with revenue • Temporary margin suppression due to technology and marketing investments

Future OutlookDividends and Expansion: • Current payout aligns with policy; optimistic about growth as inflation stabilizes • Franchisee Expansion: • New stores primarily opened by existing franchise partners • Ongoing efforts in contract manufacturing and diversifying sourcing

Closing Remarks • Management expressed confidence in premiumization strategy and future growth potential. • Encouraged further inquiries from participants.

Summary from February 2023

Communication Details • Date of communication: February 20, 2023 • Transcript availability: Confirmed for the company website • Call date: February 15, 2023 • Participants: • Gunjan Shah (MD and CEO) • Nikita Jain (Moderator) • Nitin Bagaria (Company Secretary)

Company Performance HighlightsGrowth Areas: • Significant growth in the Juniors segment • Successful penetration of Floatz footwear • Record expansion in franchise stores • Financials: • 7% year-over-year revenue increase • EBITDA growth outpacing PAT due to lower interest income • Challenges: • Distribution business facing challenges • Increased expenses (INR 700 crores annually vs. INR 500 crores pre-COVID)

Product Segment InsightsRevenue Contribution: • Products below INR 500: Decreased to 22% • Higher-priced segments (above INR 1,000): Growing, especially above INR 2,000 • ERP Implementation: • Phased approach starting with finance module in nine months

Store Expansion StrategyStore Growth: • 19-20% increase in store numbers, but only 8% sales growth • Focus on franchise stores in smaller towns as a long-term strategy • Store Additions and Closures: • Net addition of one COCO store; 12-14 stores added, 17 closed (mostly unprofitable)

Future Plans and Market StrategyStore Openings: • Plans to add around 170 stores • Product Development: • New product lines including Floatz and apparel • Premiumization Strategy: • Focus on enhancing value and style offerings

Cost Management and EfficiencyCost Savings: • Flexi Manpower contributing to a 15% productivity increase • Transition to third-party logistics expected to yield benefits • Material Costs: • Some declines in key raw materials noted

Growth OutlookFuture Growth Expectations: • Aiming to return to pre-COVID CAGR levels • Three to five-year strategy in place for growth

Closing Remarks • Gunjan Shah emphasized balancing cost savings with strategic investments for future growth.