Investing Reflections On India

Emmsons International is in the business of trading rice, wheat and other commodities. The company reported consistent growth in trading revenues and profits.   It reported operating profits about 50cr on revenues of about 1,350cr in the last financial year.   It operated with a relatively high debt load of 140cr. The business, however, generates weak operating cash flows as a result of heavy investment in its working capital. The business is exposed to the risks of commodity price rises, adverse government regulations on exports/imports, and adverse movements in foreign exchange – all of which directly impact its profits.

Lakshmi Energy is in the business of processing and distributing rice to domestic and export markets.   It is also engaged in generating biomass fuel. The company has reported growth in revenues and operating profits over the last five years reporting about 200cr in operating profits on about 1200cr of revenues in the last financial year (ending 30 th September, 2010).   It operated with a relatively high net debt load of 780cr as at that date. The business, however, generates weak operating cash flows as a result of high investment in its working capital. The business is subject to adverse changes in government regulations/policies on procurement pricing, non-Basmati exports etc.   It is monsoon-dependent, subject to adverse changes in foreign exchange rates (for exports) and prone to heavy competition in its operations. Dividends have been on a declining trend for the last five years (probably as a result of above cash flow problems).   Management appear to b...