Forensic Analyst, Trudence Capital Advisors

Nitin Mangal

Forensic Analyst

Trudence Capital Advisors

Trudence Capital Advisors Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst, holding SEBI registration number INH000015747. Our firm is dedicated to providing independent and unbiased research on Indian mid to large-cap companies. Trudence Capital is known for its counter-consensus views, with a focus on forensic research and on-ground primary investigations. Our research approach is thorough, involving detailed analysis of accounting practices and governance, alongside extensive channel checks.

Independent & Unbiased Research

Forensic Accounting

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A.G.E. analysis is one of our proprietary evaluation tool where we look to provide a 360 degree view on a particular company. Using our in depth experience, we aim to provide a qualitative and quantitative overview of Accounting, Governance and Earnings. It is a quick forensic check on company's balance sheet strength and governance using our very own expertise and research framework.
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<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/vmart-retail-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1987:1" rel="noopener">Vmart Retail (VMART IN)</a> operates a chain of retail departmental stores in India, principally the Tier II and Tier III cities across the northern, eastern and western geographic regions of the country. The company engages predominantly in value-apparel retailing, while less than 10% of revenue also comes from kiranas, home furnishing, toys etc.
V-Mart has come a long way since its inception, and has lately put its foot on the aggressive expansion. The company has doubled its number of stores and total retail space within a span of five years, as it looks to tap the new cities and markets. However, the operational performance especially since F18 has been unsatisfactory to say the least. Revenue growth, margins and return ratios are all heading southwards. Even some of the key metrics such as transaction size, revenue and EBITDA per sq. ft., same store sales growth have deteriorated, and hence it seems that the operating leverage is not playing in favor of the company. The company also faces trouble from expensive recruitment and declining conversion rates.
V-Mart has not only been a victim of poor operational performance lately, but there are few accounting concerns as well seen in the balance sheet. V-Mart has been growing its inventory to a great extent the last 5 years which is why its cash conversion cycle has been elongated, unlike its peers. But more importantly, since the accounting/ valuation of inventory is done through FIFO method, (unlike the peers which use the weighted average method), increase in inventory has actually boosted the profitability.
Another accounting concern was noticed with respect to Ind AS 116- Leases, which is highly crucial for companies like V-Mart that have a leasing business model. The transition impact of Ind AS 116 has significantly lowered the PBT of the company, while generally it should more or less be the same. Upon deep dive, we have found that depreciation reported by the company is thought to be higher due to the estimates of useful lives.
Nonetheless, a bright spot was found with respect to FCFs that have been positive regularly lately, also giving importance to the peer comparison of important fundamentals, where V-Mart has emerged relatively stronger.


A.G.E. analysis is one of our proprietary evaluation tool where we look to provide a 360 degree view on a particular company. Using our in depth experience, we aim to provide a qualitative and quantitative overview of Accounting, Governance and Earnings. It is a quick forensic check on company's balance sheet strength and governance using our very own expertise and research framework.

Vmart Retail (VMART IN) operates a chain of retail departmental stores in India, principally the Tier II and Tier III cities across the northern, eastern and western geographic regions of the country. The company engages predominantly in value-apparel retailing, while less than 10% of revenue also comes from kiranas, home furnishing, toys etc.
V-Mart has come a long way since its inception, and has lately put its foot on the aggressive expansion. The company has doubled its number of stores and total retail space within a span of five years, as it looks to tap the new cities and markets. However, the operational performance especially since F18 has been unsatisfactory to say the least. Revenue growth, margins and return ratios are all heading southwards. Even some of the key metrics such as transaction size, revenue and EBITDA per sq. ft., same store sales growth have deteriorated, and hence it seems that the operating leverage is not playing in favor of the company. The company also faces trouble from expensive recruitment and declining conversion rates.
V-Mart has not only been a victim of poor operational performance lately, but there are few accounting concerns as well seen in the balance sheet. V-Mart has been growing its inventory to a great extent the last 5 years which is why its cash conversion cycle has been elongated, unlike its peers. But more importantly, since the accounting/ valuation of inventory is done through FIFO method, (unlike the peers which use the weighted average method), increase in inventory has actually boosted the profitability.
Another accounting concern was noticed with respect to Ind AS 116- Leases, which is highly crucial for companies like V-Mart that have a leasing business model. The transition impact of Ind AS 116 has significantly lowered the PBT of the company, while generally it should more or less be the same. Upon deep dive, we have found that depreciation reported by the company is thought to be higher due to the estimates of useful lives.
Nonetheless, a bright spot was found with respect to FCFs that have been positive regularly lately, also giving importance to the peer comparison of important fundamentals, where V-Mart has emerged relatively stronger.

Equity Analyst - Asia Consumer Sector, Investory

Devi Subhakesan

Equity Analyst - Asia Consumer Sector

ASIA CONSUMER: INSIGHTS AND INVESTMENT IDEAS

Investory

Investory is a Singapore-based boutique independent equity research firm founded in January 2017 with a primary focus on consumption themes across Asia-Pacific.

We aim to generate investible ideas based on consumption trends and outlook. We screen our ideas on several parameters - product potential, long-term growth and management commitment being the most critical.  We follow a fundamental analysis approach in our stock selection process and are not restricted by market cap.

We aspire to grow into a leading source of unbiased research, free of conflict of interest, for investors yearning for independent and disciplined analysis. 

We also undertake bespoke research mandates to support our Institutional clients’ investment needs.

Our team comprises of professionals with extensive experience in the Asian equity markets, in areas ranging from research, servicing institutional clients and investment management.

Private Capital Markets

Tatas, India's leading Conglomerate business group, is <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-02/tata-said-near-deal-to-buy-alibaba-backed-indian-online-grocer?sref=SVEekGzB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> in talks to acquire 80% stake in the country's leading Online grocery vertical Bigbasket, where <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a> holds upto 30% of ownership stake. India's Retail sector has been a hot bed of M&amp;A activity (and litigations) involving  the big and mighty over the recent months. India's nascent online grocery retail nearly doubled in sales this year thanks to COVID-led disruptions in physical retail. Existing online verticals, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a> backed Bigbasket and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/softbank-group-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:315:1" rel="noopener">Softbank Group (9984 JP)</a> backed Grofers were reportedly planning a fresh round of  fund raising to build up infrastructure to cater to the swelling demand and counter rising competition. However, all's not been well with overseas fund raising in India. In the detailed note below, we look at (1) Reported deal specifics and valuation (2) Likely Rationale behind the deal (3) India's nascent online grocery landscape and (4) how COVID and consolidation have been impacting India's e-grocery sector.

Tatas, India's leading Conglomerate business group, is reportedly in talks to acquire 80% stake in the country's leading Online grocery vertical Bigbasket, where Alibaba Group (BABA US) holds upto 30% of ownership stake. India's Retail sector has been a hot bed of M&amp;A activity (and litigations) involving  the big and mighty over the recent months. India's nascent online grocery retail nearly doubled in sales this year thanks to COVID-led disruptions in physical retail. Existing online verticals, Alibaba Group (BABA US) backed Bigbasket and Softbank Group (9984 JP) backed Grofers were reportedly planning a fresh round of  fund raising to build up infrastructure to cater to the swelling demand and counter rising competition. However, all's not been well with overseas fund raising in India. In the detailed note below, we look at (1) Reported deal specifics and valuation (2) Likely Rationale behind the deal (3) India's nascent online grocery landscape and (4) how COVID and consolidation have been impacting India's e-grocery sector.

BABA Backed BigBasket to Go to TATAs: Round 2 of India Retail Sector M&A

India

Spencer's Retail Limited operates as a supermarket. The Company retails consumer goods such as food, beverages, sauces, breads, cookies, vegetable, fruit, dishwashing soaps, toilet cleaners, foil wraps, baby needs, kitchen utensils, apparels, footwear, jewellery, and other related accessories. Spencer's Retail serves customers in India.

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Spencer's Retail Ltd (SPENCER IN)

Forensic Analysis: V-Mart Retail Ltd

V-Mart has grown aggressively over the recent years, but the said growth has not augured well for the company, yielding questionable returns along...

Nitin Mangal

BABA Backed BigBasket to Go to TATAs: Round 2 of India Retail Sector M&A

Alibaba backed India eGrocer, BigBasket, to be sold to Tatas. Reported valuation multiples imply a discount vs last round of funding. Despite...

Devi Subhakesan

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