Investing Reflections On India

MRO Tek operates in the computer hardware industry within the networking and communications segment.  It manufactures digital modems and converters and aims to cater to 3g/broadband demand. The company has reported a consistent decline in revenues and operating profits over the last five years, representing a decline in competitiveness – it reported operating losses on revenues of about 25cr in the last financial year.  However, it had a net cash position of about 16cr as at 30 th September, 2011. The business operates in a fast-changing field where new technology renders business models obsolete.  This, perhaps, is the reason for the company’s massive revenue decline.  It is also exposed to the risks of delayed launches and large gestation periods of own products, which could be lethal in such a dynamic industry.

Sam Industries operates in three business segments i.e. Soy Products, Welding and Real Estate. It is a supplier of soy products including de-oiled cakes oil etc., welding products and invests in real estate ventures including housing construction and sale. The company has reported erratic revenues and profits over the last five years – reporting a net operating loss of 3cr on revenues of 24cr in the last financial year.  However, it had minimal net debt as at last financial year end. The soy business is exposed to the risks of fluctuating soy seed prices, which is dependent on monsoon conditions.  The welding business is exposed to the cyclical metal industries.  The real estate venture appears to indicate a lack of focus and is subject to the risks of interest rate cyclicality, high competition, execution delays etc. Management does not declare dividends despite lack of profitable growth in its core businesses.  Instead they have made unwarranted forays into real es