Godrej Consumer Products' consolidated net grows 59% in Q4 FY2018

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), a leading emerging markets FMCG company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

4Q FY 2018 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY:

• 4Q FY 2018 consolidated constant currency sales increased by 6%* year-on-year

-   India business sales growth of 7%* year-on-year, led by 6% volume growth

-   International business sales growth of 6% year-on-year, on a constant currency basis

• 4Q FY 2018 consolidated constant currency EBITDA increased by 14%
• 4Q FY 2018 consolidated net profit and EPS (without exceptional items) increased by 12%
• The board has declared an interim dividend of 700% (INR 7.00 per share)

*Comparable growth assuming GST in the base quarter sales

Commenting on the financial performance of 4Q FY 2018, Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson, GCPL, said, “During fiscal year 2018, our focused strategy and balanced portfolio enabled us to deliver competitive, profitable growth, despite tough operating conditions in a few of our categories and geographies. Our constant currency sales increased by 9%* and EBITDA increased by 12%, led by robust gross margin expansion. We continue to make healthy investments in strengthening our brands and enhancing our capabilities for sustainable future growth."

She added, "In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, we had a mixed performance with relatively softer sales growth, while sustaining robust EBITDA growth. Our India business delivered a competitive 7% comparable growth, driven by a volume growth of 6%. Our secondary sales growth was higher at 10%. The performance in our international portfolio was relatively muted due to the weakness in Indonesia and Africa. However, we expect to see a strong turnaround in growth rates in fiscal year 2019. We are planning for significant new launches and go-to-market initiatives across clusters. Overall, we are confident of delivering a stronger performance in fiscal year 2019."

Godrej further said that the group remains focused on becoming more agile, increasing the pace of innovations, enhancing its go-to-market approach and investing in its key talent, to continue to outperform the market and deliver industry-leading returns.

*Comparable growth assuming GST in the base quarter sales

BUSINESS REVIEW – INDIA

Performance Highlights

• 4Q FY 2018 India sales increased by 7%* to INR 1,329 crore
• 4Q FY 2018 Adjusted EBITDA increased by 22% to INR 383 crore
• 4Q FY 2018 net profit increased by 18% to INR 295 crore

Category Review

Household Insecticides

Household Insecticides had a subdued quarter with a sales decline of 5%* due to an adverse season in January-February 2018. However, our average growth rates are back to double digits for March-April 2018. Our recent launch in Personal Repellents is scaling up well, with double-digit market share in out of home segment. Towards the end of the quarter, we also launched a higher efficacy liquid vapouriser under the Goodknight brand.

Soaps

Soaps continued its strong, double-digit growth momentum and delivered a growth of 19%*. This was led by strong double-digit volume growth. This robust growth was driven by effective micro-marketing initiatives, variants-led strategy and strong on-ground execution. It was supported by healthy brand investments driving growth in Godrej No. 1 and Cinthol. We have also continued to gain market share during the quarter.

Hair Colours

Our Hair Colours business grew by 3%, following 33% growth in 3QFY18, driven by channel up-stocking post GST led MRP cuts. However, sales growth in 2HFY18 stood at 18%. Godrej Expert Rich Crème continues to improve penetration and gain market share.

Air Fresheners

Godrej aer continues to maintain its leadership position in the overall Air Care market and gain share, aided by innovations and strong execution.

BUSINESS REVIEW – INTERNATIONAL

Indonesia

Our Indonesia business sustained its robust margin expansion and regained all lost market share in Household Insecticides, with exit market share of over 50%. Constant currency sales declined by 6% during the quarter. Our growth was partially impacted by inventory reduction with key modern retail channel partners. The recently launched premium range of Hit Expert is receiving encouraging traction. Our adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 370 bps, despite higher A&P investments (up 160 bps year-on-year). This was led by rationalised trade promotion spends and Project PI (a cost savings initiative).

Africa, USA and Middle East

 Our Africa, USA and Middle East business had a relatively weak quarter with constant currency sales growth of 7% led entirely by volume. Sales in the quarter was impacted by continuing sluggishness in Kenya; the business excluding Kenya grew in double-digits in constant currency terms. Our adjusted EBITDA margin declined by 400 bps year-on-year due to scale de-leverage and upfront investments to scale up the business.

 Latin America

We saw a recovery in performance in our Latin America business with 28% constant currency sales growth.  Our adjusted EBITDA margin declined by 270 bps year-on-year due to an increase in marketing and sales promotion investments.

 Europe

Our Europe business delivered a healthy sales growth of 11% in constant currency terms. The performance was led by strong growth in our own brands. Our adjusted EBITDA margin declined by 230 bps year-on-year due to a one-time reversal of A&P provisions in the base quarter.