The company witnessed gross margins increase from 15.9 per cent in Q1 FY23 to 18.7 per cent in Q1 FY24. PDS earned an EBITDA of ₹67 crore with an EBITDA margin of 3.2 per cent. Profit after tax stood at ₹23 crore. Reported return on equity (ROE) and return on capital employed (ROCE) were 27 per cent and 37 per cent respectively, PDS said in a press release.
During the quarter, the company completed the acquisition of the Ted Baker Design Group business, acquiring employees and net working capital of the wholesale business. In the first 15 days, the business delivered ₹30 crore in topline with around 9 per cent bottom line. This acquisition is enabling the company to establish a proof of concept which is expected to translate into more such opportunities.
The company’s sourcing segment reported a topline of ₹2,031 crore with an EBIT of ₹45 crore. The segment reported a ROCE of 38 per cent. The manufacturing segment reported revenue of ₹117 crore with an EBIT margin of 3.5 per cent and ROCE of 6 per cent. With an aim to further enhance manufacturing capabilities, the company recently installed solar panels in its factory, Green Smart Shirts Ltd, Bangladesh. Thus, enabling the factory to generate clean energy for its use, in addition to translating into cost savings. The company has further invested in upgrading its premises to improve fire resistance ratings, which also helps in securing US customers.
“We believe that the forthcoming months may continue to present challenges, exerting an influence on our growth in the immediate period. However, our medium to long-term outlook is positive, and believe that the trajectory is expected to turn around in the latter part of the year. In spite of the headwinds, we are focusing on building our capabilities and service offerings while exploring strategic opportunities to position ourselves for growth,” said Pallak Seth, executive vice chairman.
“Our asset-light platform has proven valuable in navigating through the challenges confronted by the global fashion industry. While the quarter experienced subdued growth, we need to see it in the light of the ongoing macro-economic headwinds, production slowdown due to extended EID holidays during the quarter, and comparison to an exceptional Q1 FY23, which benefitted from post covid pent up demand. We are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and remain focused on delivering long-term value to our customers, employees, and shareholders,” said Sanjay Jain, group chief executive officer.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (DP)
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