MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

21.05.2011

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

AVT NATURAL PRODUCTS LIMITED

 

 

Registered Office :

60, Rukmani Lakshmipathy Salai, Egmore, Chennai 600 008, Tamilnadu

 

 

Country :

India

 

 

Financials (as on) :

31.03.2010

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

12.03.1986

 

 

Com. Reg. No.:

18-012780

 

 

Capital Investment / Paid-up Capital :

Rs.76.142 Millions

 

 

CIN No.:

[Company Identification No.]

L15142TN1988PLC012780

 

 

Legal Form :

A public limited liability company. The company’s shares are listed on the Stock Exchanges.

 

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturer and Exporter of Natural Colours, Natural Flavours, Essential Oils and Antioxidants.

 

 

No. of Employees :

Not Available

 

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

Ba [53]

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

Satisfactory

 

Maximum Credit Limit :

USD 1970000

 

 

Status :

Satisfactory

 

 

Payment Behaviour :

Regular

 

 

Litigation :

Clear

 

 

Comments :

Subject is a well established company having satisfactory track. General financial position is good. Trade relations are reported as fair. Business is active. Payments are reported to be correct and as per commitments.

 

The company can be considered good for normal business dealings at usual trade terms and conditions.

 

NOTES :

Any query related to this report can be made on e-mail : infodept@mirainform.com while quoting report number, name and date.

 

 

ECGC Country Risk Classification List – June 30, 2010

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(01.04.2010)

Current Rating

(30.06.2010)

India

A1

A1

 

Risk Category

ECGC Classification

Insignificant

 

A1

Low

 

A2

Moderate

 

B1

High

 

B2

Very High

 

C1

Restricted

 

C2

Off-credit

 

D

 

 

LOCATIONS

 

Registered Office :

60, Rukmani Lakshmipathy Salai, Egmore, Chennai 600 008, Tamilnadu, India

Tel. No.:

91-44-28584147

Fax No.:

91-44-28584147

E-Mail :

vsureshpcs@gmail.com

Website :

http://www.avt.com

http://www.avtnatural.com

Area :

 

Factory  :

  • 234/1 Mysore Trunk Road, Puduradevalu, Satyamangalam, Erode District 638401, Tamilnadu, India

 

  • SF 123/2 Narayapalli Cross, Bisibamanapalli (via), Hindupur-515331, Andhra Pradesh, India

 

  • HL No 1182 Harikura Village, Honavally, Hobli, Tummkur District, Karnataka, India

 

  • Village Chickeeda, District Chinchwada, Madhyapradesh, Inida

 

  • South Vazhakulam, Marampally PO, Aluva 638107, Kerala, India

Tel No :- 91-484-2677262/2677263

Fax No:- 91-484-2677512

 

  • C/o Mahesh Industries, PlotNo.17-18-19-20, Haveri Dist., Bydagi – 581106, Karnataka.

 

 

Branches :

  • 72/B, Chesney Estate, Ethiraj Salai, Chennai-600008, Tamilnadu, India

Tel No :- 91-44-28217342/28234570/28240764

Fax No:- 91-44-26447990

Email :- alex@avtspice.com

 

 

DIRECTORS

 

As on 09.09.2010

 

Name :

Mr. Ajit Thomas

Designation :

Chairman

Address :

22 Marshalls Road, Egmore, Chennai-600008, Tamilnadu, India

Date of Birth/Age :

7th May, 1954

 

 

Name :

Mr. Sam Manekshaw M.C.

Designation :

Director

Address :

Stavaka, Springfield, Coonoor-643101, Tamilnadu, India

Date of Birth/Age :

4th March, 1914

 

 

Name :

Mr. M. A. Alagappan

Designation :

Director

Address :

17, Chittranjan Road, Teynampet, Chennai-600018, Tamilnadu, India

Date of Birth/Age :

6th December, 1943

 

 

Name :

Mr. Shyam B. Ghia

Designation :

Director

Address :

18, Carmichael Road, Mumbai-400026, Maharashtra, India

Date of Birth/Age :

22nd November, 1947

 

 

Name :

Mr. Habib Hussain

Designation :

Director

Address :

29/2 Pycrofits Garden Road, Chennai-600006, Tamilnadu, India

Date of Birth/Age :

1st February, 1953

 

 

Name :

Mr. M. S. A. Kumar

Designation :

Managing Director

Address :

House No. 7/4168 Alagappa Nagar, Kakkahad, Cochin 682030, Kerala, India

Date of Birth/Age :

1st January, 1953

 

 

KEY EXECUTIVES

 

Name :

Mr. Dileepraj P

Designation :

Company Secretary

 

 

Name :

Mr. Manu P. Sam

Designation :

Company Secretary

 

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS / SHAREHOLDING PATTERN

 

As on 31.03.2011

 

Names of Shareholders

No. of Shares

Percentage of Holding

(A) Shareholding of promoters and Promoter Group

 

 

1. Indian

 

 

Individuals / Hindu Undivided Family

30000

0.39

Bodies Corporate

5269667

69.21

Sub Total (A) (1)

5299667

69.60

 

 

 

(B) Public Shareholding

 

 

1. Institutions

 

 

Financial Institutions  / Banks

2400

0.03

Sub Total (B) (1)

2400

0.03

 

 

 

2. Non Institutions

 

 

Bodies Corporate

217410

2.86

Individual shareholders holding nominal share capital up to Rs. 0.100 million

1570907

20.63

Individual shareholders holding nominal share capital in excess of Rs. 0.100 million

455546

5.98

 

 

 

Non Residents

 

 

Clearing Members

2455

0.03

Foreign Nationals

200

0.00

Hindu Undivided Family

27154

0.36

NRI

38457

0.51

Trusts

4

0.00

Sub Total (B) (2)

68270

0.90

(B) = (B) (1) + (B) (2)

2314533

30.40

 

 

 

Shares held by custodians and against which depository receipts have been issued  (C)

--

--

 

 

 

Total (A) + (B) +(C)

7614200

100.00

 

 

BUSINESS DETAILS

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturer and Exporter of Natural Colours, Natural Flavours, Essential Oils and Antioxidants.

 

 

Products :

Oleoresin – 130190.45

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

No. of Employees :

Not Available

 

 

Bankers :

  • State Bank of India, Commercial Branch, 232, NSC Bose Road, Chennai 600001, Tamilnadu, India
  • Bank of Baroda, Chennai-600001, Tamilnadu, India
  • South Indian Bank Limited, Chennai-600001, Tamilnadu, India
  • Citi Bank

 

 

Facilities :

Secured Loan [Rs. in million]

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

Term Loan

 (Secured by equitable mortgage of immovable

properties and hypothecation of all movable

assets, present and future, save and except

inventories and bookdebts, and subject to prior

charges created in favour of Banks on specific

assets for securing working capital facilities)

49.360

67.015

Working capital Facilities

(Secured by hypothecation of inventories and

book debts and second charge on present and

future movable and immovable block of assets

of the company)

373.316

305.688

Total

422.676

372.703

 

Unsecured Loan [Rs. in million]

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

Public Deposit [repayable within 1 year Rs. 3.018 million]

16.849

10.186

Total

16.849

10.186

 

 

 

Banking Relations :

--

 

 

Auditors :

 

Name :

Suri and Company

Chartered Accountants

Address :

8, Rutland Gate Fourth Street,  Chennai-600006, Tamilnadu, India

 

 

Associates/Subsidiaries :

  • AVT Natural Pte. Limited, 17, Phillip Street, # 05-01, Grand Building, Singapore – 048695
  • Heilongjiang AVT Bio Products Limited, Shuangyashan State Farm, Baoshan District, Shuangyashan City, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • AVT Ingredients Limited, 174 Thambu Chetty Street, Chennai-600001, Tamilnadu, India.

Tel No :-91-44-25231892

  • A V Thomas and Company Limited, 109 Sydenhams Road, Chennai-600003, Tamilnadu, India

Tel No :-91-44-25384390

  • Nelamalai Agro Industries Limited, 27 MC Nichols Road, Chennai-600031, Tamilnadu, India

Tel No :- 91-44-29216332

  • Rusch AVT Medical Limited, 59, Rems Street, Kilapur, Chennai-600010, Tamilnadu, India

Tel No :- 91-44-26448588

  • Daip Tradepool Limited, 2984 Taramani Link Road, Chennai-600042, Tamilnadu, India

Tel No :-91-44-22411958

  • AV Thomas Exports Limited, A-8 Dhandeeswarrar Nagar, 3rd Cross Street, Valacherry, Chennai-600042, Tamilnadu, India

Tel No:- 91-44-22430082

 

  • AVT Industrial Products Limited
  • AV Thomas and Company Limited
  • AV International Limited
  • The Sheveroy Estates Limited
  • The Highland Produce Company Limited
  • The Kalpetta Estates Limited
  • The Rajagiri Rubber and Produce Company Limited
  • The Midland Rubber and Produce Company Limited
  • The Nelliampathy Tea and Produce Company Limited
  • AVT McCormick Ingredients Limited
  • Midland latex Products Limited

 

  • Address :- All Companies above, wherein addresses are not mentioned operated from their head quarters at 22 Marshals Road, Egmore Road, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. Tel No :-91-44-28553249

 


 

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

 

As on 31.03.2010

 

Authorised Capital :

No. of Shares

Type

Value

Amount

 

 

 

 

7,990,000

Equity Shares

Rs.10/-each

Rs.79.900 millions

1,000

12% Redeemable Cumulative Preference shares

Rs.100/-each

Rs.0.100 million

3,000,000

7% Redeemable Cumulative Preference shares

Rs.10/-each

Rs.30.000 millions

 

Issued, Subscribed & Paid-up Capital :

No. of Shares

Type

Value

Amount

 

 

 

 

7,614,200

Equity Shares

Rs.10/-each

Rs.76.142 millions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note : Of the above shares, 38,07,100 Equity shares were allotted as fully paid-up bonus shares by capitalization from General Reserve and Share Premium Account.


 

FINANCIAL DATA

[all figures are in Rupees Millions]

 

ABRIDGED BALANCE SHEET

 

Particulars

 

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

31.03.2008

SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS

 

 

 

1] Share Capital

76.142

76.142

76.142

2] Share Application Money

0.000

0.000

0.000

3] Reserves & Surplus

417.923

379.363

335.885

4] (Accumulated Losses)

0.000

0.000

0.000

NETWORTH

494.065

455.505

412.027

LOAN FUNDS

 

 

 

1] Secured Loans

422.676

372.703

314.373

2] Unsecured Loans

16.849

10.186

13.047

TOTAL BORROWING

439.525

382.889

327.420

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

43.199

39.199

29.079

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

976.789

877.593

768.526

 

 

 

 

APPLICATION OF FUNDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED ASSETS [Net Block]

365.193

282.270

215.984

Capital work-in-progress

0.000

28.674

8.860

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT

28.227

28.227

28.227

DEFERREX TAX ASSETS

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS, LOANS & ADVANCES

 

 

 

 

Inventories

289.492

306.906

217.388

 

Sundry Debtors

341.299

242.243

296.364

 

Cash & Bank Balances

21.634

23.004

30.041

 

Other Current Assets

2.682

1.353

0.924

 

Loans & Advances

96.905

86.488

130.693

Total Current Assets

752.012

659.994

675.410

Less : CURRENT LIABILITIES & PROVISIONS

 

 

 

 

Sundry Creditors

81.266

35.277

--

 

Other Current Liabilities

7.307

6.691

58.753

 

Provisions

80.070

79.604

101.202

Total Current Liabilities

168.643

121.572

159.955

Net Current Assets

583.369

538.422

515.455

 

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

976.789

877.593

768.526

 


PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT

 

 

PARTICULARS

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

31.03.2008

 

SALES

 

 

 

 

 

Income

829.733

874.542

868.572

 

 

Other Income

3.509

5.188

5.237

 

 

TOTAL                                     (A)

833.242

879.730

873.809

 

 

 

 

 

Less

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (-) / Decrease (+) in stock

19.677

(69.599)

44.732

 

 

Materials Consumed

267.725

312.178

352.787

 

 

Purchases

69.961

141.843

15.231

 

 

Employee Cost

101.366

94.965

81.513

 

 

Other Expenditure

211.981

228.408

188.983

 

 

TOTAL                                     (B)

670.710

707.795

683.246

 

 

 

 

 

Less

PROFIT BEFORE INTEREST, TAX, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION (A-B)      (C)

162.532

171.935

190.563

 

 

 

 

 

Less

FINANCIAL EXPENSES                         (D)

32.287

33.811

24.339

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFIT BEFORE TAX, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION (C-D)                                       (E)

130.245

138.124

166.224

 

 

 

 

 

Less/ Add

DEPRECIATION/ AMORTISATION                     (F)

29.049

24.601

21.542

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFIT BEFORE TAX (E-F)                               (G)

101.196

113.523

144.682

 

 

 

 

 

Less

TAX                                                                  (I)

36.000

43.320

51.972

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFIT AFTER TAX (G-I)                                  (J)

65.196

70.203

92.710

 

 

 

 

 

Add

PREVIOUS YEARS’ BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD

32.998

39.520

27.989

 

 

 

 

 

Less

APPROPRIATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer to General Reserve

40.000

50.000

50.000

 

 

Dividend

22.843

22.843

26.650

 

 

Tax on Dividend

3.794

3.882

4.529

 

BALANCE CARRIED TO THE B/S

31.557

32.998

39.520

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share (Rs.)

8.56

9.22

12.18

 

 


KEY RATIOS

 

PARTICULARS

 

 

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

31.03.2008

PAT / Total Income

(%)

7.82

7.98

10.61

 

 

 

 

 

Net Profit Margin

(PBT/Sales)

(%)

12.20

12.98

16.66

 

 

 

 

 

Return on Total Assets

(PBT/Total Assets}

(%)

9.06

12.05

16.23

 

 

 

 

 

Return on Investment (ROI)

(PBT/Networth)

 

0.20

0.25

0.35

 

 

 

 

 

Debt Equity Ratio

(Total Liability/Networth)

 

1.23

1.11

1.18

 

 

 

 

 

Current Ratio

(Current Asset/Current Liability)

 

4.46

5.43

4.22

 

 

LOCAL AGENCY FURTHER INFORMATION

 

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 31.03.2011

 

Particulars

Three Months Ended 31.03.2011

[Unaudited]

Accoounting Year Ended 31.03.2011

[Unaudited]

Income

 

 

a) Net Sales / Income from Operations

536.400

1384.100

Expenditure

 

 

(a) (Increase)/decrease in Stock in Trade

(0.900)

55.500

(b) Consumption of Raw Materials

251.600

604.300

(c) Purchase of traded goods

43.900

55.000

(d) Employees Cost

44.900

141.000

(e)Pwer and Fuel

34.500

80.900

(f) Depreciation

6.800

32.000

(g) Other Expenditure

65.700

205.500

Total Expenditure

446.500

1174.200

Profit / (Loss) From Operations before other Income Interest & Exceptional Items

89.900

209.900

Other Income

0.800

1.300

Profit/(Loss) before Interest and Exceptional items

90.700

211.200

Interest

12.600

43.300

Profit / (Loss) after interest before Exceptional items

78.100

167.900

Provision for Taxation

 

 

- Current

26.900

56.500

- Differed

0.000

4.500

Net Profit/(Loss) From Ordinary activities after Tax

51.200

106.900

Extraordinary Items

0.000

0.000

Net Profit/(Loss) for the period

51.200

106.900

Paid Up Equity Share Capital ( Face Value of the share Rs.10/- each )

76.100

76.100

Reserves (Excluding Revaluation Reserves)

--

--

Public Share Holding

 

Before Extraordinary Items

 

 

-Basic and Diluted

6.72

14.04

After Extraordinary Items

 

 

-Basic and Diluted

6.72

14.04

Average of Public Share Holding

 

 

- Number of Shares

2314533

2314533

- Percentage of shareholding

30.40

30.40

Promoters and Promoter group share holding

 

 

a) Pledged / Encumbered

 

- Number of Shares

0

0

- Percentage of share (as a % of the total shareholding of promoter and promoter group)

0

0

- Percentage of shares(as a % of the total share capital of the company)

0

0

b) Non-encumbered

 

- Number of Shares

5299667

5299667

- Percentage of Share (as a % of the total shareholding of promoter and promoter group)

100

100

 - Percentage of Share (as a % of the total share capital of the company)

69.60

69.60

 

Notes :

 

  1. The company operates in solvent extracted products which is the primary reportable segment therefore, segment reporting is not applicable.

 

  1. The previous period’s figures has been grouped wherever necessary to conform to current period’s classifications.

 

  1. The company has certain unexpired foreign currency derivative contracts to the tune of US $ 9.6 million as on 31.03.2011 which were entered into hedge the risk of changes in foreign exchange currency rates on future export sales against existing long term export contracts. The mark to market negative variation of currency position as on 31.03.2011 of Rs.11.200 million has not been considered as loss o foreign currency derivatives,. As the hedge transactions have been entered into based on firm export sale contracts and as per the costing systems of the company, such hedge transaction will only results in current profit for the relevant period of execution of the contract. On the principal of ongoing concern, such hedge transaction will not result in losses requiring recognition as on this date.

 

  1. The above result were reviewed by the audit committee and approved at the meeting of Board of Directors of the company held on 29.04.2011.

 

  1. The statutory auditors have carried out a limited review of the above financial results.

 

  1. The consolidated figures for the year includes the figures of wholly owned subsidiary company AVT Natural Pte. Limited, singapore and its subsidiary in china, Heilongjiang AVT Bio Products Limited.

 

  1. Number of Investors for the quarter ended 31.03.2011, Received – 3, Disposed – 3, Pending – Nil, [At the beginning]

 

OPERATIONS

 

During 2009-10, the Sales dropped to Rs.829.700 Millions from Rs 874.500 Millions of 2008-09. Profit After Tax dropped by 7.12 % from Rs 70.200 Millions in 2008-09 to Rs 65.200 Millions in 2009-10. Spice Oleo sales and Value Added Beverages Sales were lower due to reduced global demand. Marigold Oleoresins, key ingredient in Eye Health Care and the company's main product line was not impacted as the demand compression did not occur in this segment. The company experienced margin pressures in all 3 product categories. Cost push in labour, power and fuel prices coupled with lower product prices dented the operating margins. With the increase in Agricultural commodity prices and increase in cost of cultivation, Marigold Farmers are demanding higher flower prices. Southern India experienced adverse weather conditions for Marigold crop growing resulting in lower flower output and lesser volumes through the plant. Thus margin pressures coupled with lower volumes resulted in 7.12% drop in PAT.

 

FUTURE PROSPECTS

 

The "Critical Global Strategic Partnership Agreement" signed with Kemin Health, L.C. (Kemin), Des Moines, Iowa,

USA last year for supply of Marigold Oleoresin is progressing as planned. Future volume of this product is expected to register around 5 to 10% annual growth rates. Kemin and AVT are working together in further strengthening the Lutein (Eye care ingredient from Marigold Oleoresin) supply chain in anticipation of the emerging global competition. Spice Oils and Oleoresins demand is bouncing back with the start of the global economic recovery. The company will continue its focus on "niche food safe" platform to increase the sales. The importing countries' thrust on Food Safety will result in higher sales for this product group in future years. Value Added Beverages - Decaffeinated Teas - will grow at a faster rate with addition of more customers and higher volumes. They expect to fill the second extraction plant volumes during next 3 to 5 years. Instant Teas is another product they are focusing on. 2010 Crop Season is progressing well. Good Summer showers and timely rains from South West Monsoon is helping the crop growth. They increased flower prices to meet the expectations of Farmers. They strengthened the Agricultural Operations Management systems. To mitigate risk of single season, the company now cultivates in Monsoon season as well apart from Summer. Thus they expect good flower output during 2010-11 thereby ensuring higher capacity utilization of the plant. 

 

PERFORMANCE OF SUBSIDIARY COMPANY

 

AVT Natural Pte. Limited, Singapore together with its subsidiary, Heilongjiang AVT Bio-Products Limited, China has recorded sales of Rs 71.500 Millions and profit of Rs 2.041 Million in the period ended December 2009 against the sales of 84.300 Millions and a profit of Rs 0.956 Million during the period ended December 2008. They expect improved performance in sales and profits of the subsidiary company in 2010 from their Chinese operation due to increase in growing areas and higher flower output. Pursuant to section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956, the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, Director's Report and the Auditors Report for the period ended 31st December 2009 for AVT Natural Pte. Limited, Singapore, an overseas subsidiary of the company and its Chinese Subsidiary, Heilongjiang AVT Bio-Products Limited, have been attached.

 

WIND MILL

 

The Company had set up a windmill project 600 KWWTG, Kokkampalayam Village, DharapuramTaluk, Erode District, Tamil Nadu. The wind mill has started its commercial operation with effect from 27 September 2008. The wind mill has generated 13,70,520 units in the year 2009-10. This output is as per their projections.

 

CLOSURE OF PLANT

 

During the year 2009-10, the company had closed its plant located at Hindupur. The said plant which was processing various grades of marigold flower, cultivated in and around that area and that the plant was running only 4 to 5 months a year depending on the flower arrival. With the introduction of the Hybrid seeds at Sathyamangalam and Hassan cultivation area, the company was able to meet its requirement of' Xanthophyll' from these two areas. The Hindupur plant was set up in a lease hold land and its lease period had already expired, is being vacated by the company.

 

Management Discussions and Analysis Report

 

BUSINESS PROFILE

 

AVT Natural Products Ltd (AVT NPL) operates in the business segment of "Solvent Extraction". There are 3 product categories they currently operate in the market:

 

• Marigold Extracts for Poultry pigmentation, Eye care and Food Coloring

• Spice Oils and Oleoresins for Food coloring and flavoring.

• Value Added Beverages through removal Caffeine from Black Tea using different solvent systems like Ethyl Acetate and Methylene Chloride.

 

While Marigold Extracts for Eye care and Food coloring is manufactured in India, Poultry pigmentation product is manufactured in their China subsidiary. To achieve top line growth, AVT NPL is planning diversification in related fields.

 

INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT

 

Marigold

 

Like any other Agricultural Commodity, Marigold is also experiencing a major cost push through increased flower prices and higher processing costs. Prices of Finished Products from Marigold are not increasing proportionately to the input cost escalation. Therefore, the thrust has to be on cost reduction through improved efficiencies. They expect the Marigold prices in China to go up by 15 to 20% due to cost push and RMB / Yuan appreciation. They have a strong market presence in the Eye Care segment of prevention of Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Despite the fact that approximately 25 to 30 million people worldwide are affected by AMD, as per Industry experts, awareness of the condition is low. And as the generation of Baby Boomers gets older, they expect the incidence to be on the rise and triple by 2025 to close to 100 million people affected by AMD. They participate in this growing market segment through two Carotenoids - Lutein (through Kemin, Des Moines, Iowa) and Zeaxanthin (through Chrysantis, Chicago, Illinois). They have exclusive long term supply agreements with Kemin and Chrysantis.

 

Their core competency in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) based farming of Marigold flowers and Food Safety

based Processing is giving them the much needed differentiator in this crowded market place.

 

Spice Oils and Oleoresins

 

China is dominating the Paprika Oleo segment with its low costs of cultivation and processing and the business model driven by "scale". India is dominating product lines like Black Pepper and Turmeric wherein they have the origin advantage. Since importing countries' Governments are tightening the food safety laws, they are confident that their Niche/Focus strategy will pay dividends in future.

 

Value Added Beverages

 

They will continue to expand the customer base in Decaffeinated Teas using both Ethyl Acetate and Methylene Chloride solvent systems they have developed in house. Instant Teas is another product line they are currently exploring.

 

PERFORMANCE

 

During 2009-10, the Sales dropped to Rs.829.700 Million from Rs 874.500 Millions of 2008-09. Profit after Tax dropped by 7.12 % from Rs 70.200 Millions in 2008-09 to Rs 65.200 Millions in 2009-10. Spice Oleo sales and Value Added Beverages Sales were lower due to reduced global demand. Marigold Oleoresins, key ingredient in Eye Health Care and the company's main product line was not impacted as the demand compression did not occur in this segment. The company experienced margin pressures in all 3 product categories. Cost push in labour, power and fuel prices coupled with lower product prices dented the operating margins. With the increase in Agricultural commodity prices and increase in cost of cultivation, Marigold Farmers are demanding higher flower prices. Southern India experienced adverse weather conditions for Marigold crop growing resulting in lower flower output and lesser volumes through the plant. Thus margin pressures coupled with lower volumes resulted in 7.12% drop in PAT.

 

FUTURE OUTLOOK

 

The "Critical Global Strategic Partnership Agreement" signed with Kemin Health, L.C. (Kemin), Des Moines, Iowa, USA last year for supply of Marigold Oleoresin is progressing as planned. Kemin and AVT are working  together in further strengthening the Lutein (Eye care ingredient from Marigold Oleoresin) supply chain in anticipation of the emerging global competition. Spice Oils and Oleoresins demand is bouncing back with the start of the global economic recovery. 2010 Crop Season is progressing well. Good Summer showers and timely rains from South West Monsoon is helping the crop growth.

 

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Rs. in millions

Contingent Liabilities In Respect Of

31.03.2010

31.03.2009

a) Salestax demand disputed in appeals, against which Rs.71,40,702 paid and included under Advances           

15.286

15.286

b) Service Tax demand disputed in appeal

43.081

0.000

c) Outstanding Bank Guarantees/Letters of Credit

96.684

13.575

d) Capital Commitments not provided for (net of advances)

0.000

17.377

 

 

FIXED ASSETS :

  • Free Hold Land
  • Leasehold Land
  • Building
  • Plant and Machinery
  • Furniture and Fixtures
  • Vehicles

 

AS PER WEBSITE DETAILS

 

LOCATION

 

Kerala - the land of spices plays a significant role in the global spices market. Spices are important commercial crops from the point of view of both domestic consumption and export market.


Kerala is the first state to receive the monsoon showers each season, because of its proximity to the Arabian Sea - 118 inches of annual rainfall. The varying climates - from tropical to sub-tropical to temperate is further conducive for spice cultivation. Kerala spice trade dates back over three thousand years, and it is still among the world leaders in the production and export of spices .No country in the world produces as many kinds of spices as India with superior quality spices coming from Kerala. AVT Natural deals with a premium range of exotic spices that comes to the straight from Kerala, the spice haven of the world.


AVT Natural is located in the port city of Cochin, Kerala, India. Cochin is referred to as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' or 'the Spice Capital of the World'. Having been strategically located in Cochin, which is the home of spices, AVT Natural has strategic advantage of proximity to the source of raw material and logistic advantage of  import, export facilities owing to the sea, air and rail transport modes being within its reach. Cochin Port will soon get upgraded to a trans-shipment terminal. This enables Cochin port to berth mother vessels here itself instead of the current practice of moving to Colombo or Singapore by feeder vessels for trans-shipment. The freight charges and time delay in shipments are expected to come down substantially in days to come.

 

 

HISTORY

 

AVT Natural Products Ltd (AVT NPL) is a public limited company promoted by AV Thomas Group as a strategic diversification from the traditional plantation business of AV Thomas Group. AVT Natural formed in 1994 belongs to the renowned AVT Group of Companies and in the last 16 years has grown manifolds. It started Marigold cultivation on 200 acres of land that has since gone up to 35,000 acres producing 100,000 metric tones of flowers with the support of 30,000 loyal farmers. From producing feed grade Oleoresins in the initial years, AVT Natural today produces Nutraceutical grade products that meet global quality standards in food safety.

Their contract farming model ensures “Quality at Source”. Marigold business is an integrated project starting from seed development and going on to Oleoresin. The contract farming model followed by AVT Natural has been regarded as one of the best in the industry.

 

As part of their expansion plan, they have ventured into the world of food safe natural flavour and colour production. This has become immensely successful and popular in the global food ingredients industry. The various certifications attained by them speak volumes about their quality standards and food safety norms.

 

Group at Glance

 

A V Thomas group of companies consists of diversified businesses in Tea, Rubber, and Consumer products such as spices, food ingredients, leather and Healthcare products. They have grown from strength to strength in:

  • Manufacturing Capabilities
  • Technological Strengths
  • Export Marketing Capabilities
  • Domestic Retailing Strengths
  • Quality In International Business
  • Experience In Managing Joint Ventures

 

AVT Group – Business Units

 

Plantations : 15000 Acres(6070.28 HA) of Tea, Rubber, Coffee, and Spice Plantations in South India (5 companies)with 10 processing factories

 

Consumer Products:Tea, Coffee and Spices. One of the largest and popular brands in south India.

 

Leather Goods: AVT Leather manufactures a wide range of leather goods for well known brand names in the USA, Europe, The Far East and Australia.

 

Medical Appliances: Manufacture and Marketing of Rusch Foley Catheters and distributes  range of Imported Products  in India

 

Biotechnology: L.J. International Limited – Plant Tissue Culture. Product range covers more than 70 products comprising of Flower, Fruit, Forestry, Foliage and Medicinal plants which are exported to several countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Far East and Australia

 

Commodity Exports: Export of Spices, Natural Rubber, Coir Products and Food items.

 

Logistics: Licensed Custom Agents, Air and Sea Cargo agents, Ware Housing.

 

Trading and Agencies: Building  Materials, Rubber chemicals etc.

 

Food and Feed Ingredients –

  • AVT Integrated Spice Project
  • AVT Natural Products Limited
  • AVT McCormick Ingredients Private Limited

 

AVT Integrated Spice Project


The AVT Integrated Spice Project is situated 22 miles from the port of Cochin and spread over 22.2 acres of land. The Spice units in the complex include AVT McCormick Ingredients Limited, a 50-50 Joint venture between AVT Group of Companies and McCormick and Company Inc. USA and AVT Natural Products, a public limited company.

 

 

 


CMT REPORT (Corruption, Money Laundering & Terrorism]

 

The Public Notice information has been collected from various sources including but not limited to: The Courts, India Prisons Service, Interpol, etc.

 

1]         INFORMATION ON DESIGNATED PARTY

No records exist designating subject or any of its beneficial owners, controlling shareholders or senior officers as terrorist or terrorist organization or whom notice had been received that all financial transactions involving their assets have been blocked or convicted, found guilty or against whom a judgement or order had been entered in a proceedings for violating money-laundering, anti-corruption or bribery or international economic or anti-terrorism sanction laws or whose assets were seized, blocked, frozen or ordered forfeited for violation of money laundering or international anti-terrorism laws.

 

2]         Court Declaration :

No records exist to suggest that subject is or was the subject of any formal or informal allegations, prosecutions or other official proceeding for making any prohibited payments or other improper payments to government officials for engaging in prohibited transactions or with designated parties.

 

3]         Asset Declaration :

No records exist to suggest that the property or assets of the subject are derived from criminal conduct or a prohibited transaction.

 

4]         Record on Financial Crime :

            Charges or conviction registered against subject:                                                              None

 

5]         Records on Violation of Anti-Corruption Laws :

            Charges or investigation registered against subject:                                                          None

 

6]         Records on Int’l Anti-Money Laundering Laws/Standards :

            Charges or investigation registered against subject:                                                          None

 

7]         Criminal Records

No available information exist that suggest that subject or any of its principals have been formally charged or convicted by a competent governmental authority for any financial crime or under any formal investigation by a competent government authority for any violation of anti-corruption laws or international anti-money laundering laws or standard.

 

8]         Affiliation with Government :

No record exists to suggest that any director or indirect owners, controlling shareholders, director, officer or employee of the company is a government official or a family member or close business associate of a Government official.

 

9]         Compensation Package :

Our market survey revealed that the amount of compensation sought by the subject is fair and reasonable and comparable to compensation paid to others for similar services.

 

10]        Press Report :

            No press reports / filings exists on the subject.

 


 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

MIRA INFORM as part of its Due Diligence do provide comments on Corporate Governance to identify management and governance. These factors often have been predictive and in some cases have created vulnerabilities to credit deterioration.

 

Our Governance Assessment focuses principally on the interactions between a company’s management, its Board of Directors, Shareholders and other financial stakeholders.

 

CONTRAVENTION

 

Subject is not known to have contravened any existing local laws, regulations or policies that prohibit, restrict or otherwise affect the terms and conditions that could be included in the agreement with the subject.

 

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.44.93

UK Pound

1

Rs.72.91

Euro

1

Rs.64.34

 

SCORE & RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

SCORE FACTORS

 

RANGE

POINTS

HISTORY

1~10

7

PAID-UP CAPITAL

1~10

6

OPERATING SCALE

1~10

6

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

 

--BUSINESS SCALE

1~10

6

--PROFITABILIRY

1~10

5

--LIQUIDITY

1~10

6

--LEVERAGE

1~10

5

--RESERVES

1~10

6

--CREDIT LINES

1~10

6

--MARGINS

-5~5

-

DEMERIT POINTS

 

 

--BANK CHARGES

YES/NO

YES

--LITIGATION

YES/NO

NO

--OTHER ADVERSE INFORMATION

YES/NO

NO

MERIT POINTS

 

 

--SOLE DISTRIBUTORSHIP

YES/NO

NO

--EXPORT ACTIVITIES

YES/NO

YES

--AFFILIATION

YES/NO

YES

--LISTED

YES/NO

YES

--OTHER MERIT FACTORS

YES/NO

YES

TOTAL

 

53

 

This score serves as a reference to assess SC’s credit risk and to set the amount of credit to be extended. It is calculated from a composite of weighted scores obtained from each of the major sections of this report. The assessed factors and their relative weights (as indicated through %) are as follows:

 

Financial condition (40%)            Ownership background (20%)                 Payment record (10%)

Credit history (10%)                    Market trend (10%)                                Operational size (10%)

 

 

RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

RATING

STATUS

 

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

>86

Aaa

Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability for timely payment of interest and principal sums

 

Unlimited

71-85

Aa

Possesses adequate working capital. No caution needed for credit transaction. It has above average (strong) capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Large

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Fairly Large

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

 

Satisfactory

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

 

Small

11-25

Ca

Adverse factors are apparent. Repayment of interest and principal sums in default or expected to be in default upon maturity

 

Limited with full security

<10

C

Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised

 

 

Credit not recommended

-

NB

                                       New Business

-

 

 

 

 

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL : This information is provided to you at your request, you having employed MIPL for such purpose. You will use the information as aid only in determining the propriety of giving credit and generally as an aid to your business and for no other purpose. You will hold the information in strict confidence, and shall not reveal it or make it known to the subject persons, firms or corporations or to any other. MIPL does not warrant the correctness of the information as you hold it free of any liability whatsoever. You will be liable to and indemnify MIPL for any loss, damage or expense, occasioned by your breach or non observance of any one, or more of these conditions

This report is issued at your request without any risk and responsibility on the part of MIRA INFORM PRIVATE LIMITED (MIPL) or its officials.