>BATA INDIA

Sales Growth Below Estimate; Downgrade To Hold 


Revenue growth of Bata India (BIL) slowed to 17% in 2QCY12 compared to 30.6%/22.6% in 1QCY12/CY11, respectively, at Rs5,065mn, 4.1% lower than our estimate. It seems BIL was geared up for slower growth, which is visible from the fact that inventory days reduced to 96 in 2QCY12 from 102/108 in 2QCY11/CY11, respectively. Following buoyant performance in CY11/1QCY12, the stock price increased 42.9% over the past six months. Third quarter is generally a weak quarter for BIL due to the monsoon season. In such a scenario further re-rating seems difficult until BIL resumes its earlier growth trajectory. Following limited upside from current levels, we downgrade the stock to Hold from Buy. We maintain our estimates and the TP of Rs1,008 based on 16x CY13 EV/EBITDA. 


Slower pace of growth: BIL opened 108/145/61 stores in CY10/CY11/1QCY12, which drove its revenue up by 22.6%/30.6% in CY11/1QCY12, respectively. Compared to 68/145 new outlets in 1HCY11/CY11, BIL has opened over 100 outlets in 1HCY12. However, with high base and lower demand, tentatively due to the monsoon season as per the management, revenue growth moderated to 17% in 2QCY12. Inventory days increased to 108 in CY11 from 99 in CY10 on account of lower demand and aggressive expansion in 4QCY11. However, BIL appears to be prepared for lower growth which can be seen from the fact that inventory days reduced to 96 in 2QCY12 from 102/108 in 2QCY11/CY11, respectively. We expect the valuation to be capped until BIL resumes its high-growth trajectory. BIL incurred a capex of Rs34mn in 1HCY12, mainly to increase retail outlets. 


Better gross margin drove operating margin: BIL witnessed a drop in gross margin from 3QCY11 to 1QCY12, and even after that it was able to report better operating margin due to lower employee costs. However, with a better product mix, BIL was able to improve its gross margin by 99bps to 51.5% in 2QCY12, which led to a 86bps increase in operating margin. Following aggressive expansion, lease rent as a percentage of sales increased by 213/186bps to 10.6%/9.1% in 1QCY12/1HCY12, respectively. It would be difficult for BIL to improve operating margin from the current levels if the pace of revenue growth moderates in 2HCY12. 


Valuation: We expect the valuation of BIL, which trades at CY13E P/E of 23.5x and EV/EBITDA of 14.3x, to be capped until revenue growth resumes its earlier trajectory.
RISH TRADER