Investing Reflections On India

Cheviot is in the business of manufacturing jute sacking products for packaging (e.g. food grains, sugar etc.) and selling of jute yarn to domestic and export markets. The company has reported stable revenues and profits in the last five years apart from the last financial year, which was abnormally good as a result of higher jute yarn realisations in overseas markets on the back of short supply that lasted only the first six months of the last financial year.   The company has reported average operating profits of about 28cr on revenues of about 180cr in the last five years. It generated the above results with no net debt and owned liquid securities approximating 100cr in market value as at 31 st March, 2011. The business is primarily exposed to the risks of cheap imports from Bangladesh and removal of favourable government policies on jute packaging requirements (due to the industry’s large labour force) because of its high price relative to alternative packaging mate

Rubfila is in the business of manufacturing and supplying heat resistant thread rubber, which is used in basic products such as diapers, socks, fishing, food, furniture, catheters, hosiery, toys etc. The company had reported erratic financial performance prior to 2008.   It’s reported high growth in revenues and profits since then – generating about 4cr in operating profits on about 80cr of revenues.   It’s last reported financial position (as at 31 st March, 2010), however, is a complete disaster – with negative equity and about 23cr in net borrowings. It’s net worth had turned negative in the past as a result of operating losses and was referred to the BIFR.   It’s business is subject to the risks of rubber price spikes, cheap imports, better credit terms by competitors etc.   It’s operations are located in the state of Kerala, which is plagued by frequent labour disputes, strikes etc., which poses a long-term risk to profitable business operations. Management, unsurp