Saturday, August 7, 2010
» Indian IT hit by US visa bill
Headwinds from US continue to blow southwards for the Indian IT industry. The US Senate has passed a bill to raise the H1B visa fees. The H1B visa (work visa for US) fees have been nearly doubled from US$ 2,000 to US$ 4,500. The Indian IT industry derives nearly 45-50% of its revenues from its onsite work resources. As per NASSCOM, this will increase the annual visa cost for the Indian IT industry by US$ 200-250 m annually. This will reduce the cost arbitrage that India offers to its clients in US. However, Indian IT firms cannot afford to miss the US markets. It is after all worth almost US$ 30 bn. But it will certainly impact their costs. Interestingly, India's working in the US already pay over US$ 1 bn annually in social security for which we do not get any benefits.
» A homegrown competition to Visa, Mastercard
90% of the time when anyone uses their credit card, they will be using the services of Visa or Mastercard. Whenever 'plastic money' is used at ATMs, malls or for online payments, banks have to pay facilitation fees to these giants for the processing of such transactions.
Well, these two American heavyweights may soon be facing a new competitor. IndiaPay, a new government backed payment processing platform will be launched in the next two years. This new service will help bring down transaction costs significantly. Its development is also being promoted by major Indian and foreign banks in India, as well as the banking regulator. Currently, around 40 m credit and debit cards are in circulation in India. This is only set to boom in the next few years. So, it looks like 'Visa Power' and 'for everything else there is Mastercard' will soon be replaced by a new 'desi' flavor.
Well, these two American heavyweights may soon be facing a new competitor. IndiaPay, a new government backed payment processing platform will be launched in the next two years. This new service will help bring down transaction costs significantly. Its development is also being promoted by major Indian and foreign banks in India, as well as the banking regulator. Currently, around 40 m credit and debit cards are in circulation in India. This is only set to boom in the next few years. So, it looks like 'Visa Power' and 'for everything else there is Mastercard' will soon be replaced by a new 'desi' flavor.
» The biggest hurdle to FDI in India
If India has to grow by 10% plus on a sustainable basis, there has to be considerable development in the country's infrastructure and industry. This also requires substantial long term foreign capital. Thus making foreign direct investments (FDIs) all the more important. But the challenges for this capital to keep pouring in are immense. And one such challenge is land acquisition.
Take the POSCO project in Orissa for example. The state government has been ordered to stop buying land for South Korean steelmaker POSCO's proposed plant. It must be noted that five years ago POSCO signed an initial pact with the Orissa state government to build a plant with a capacity of 12 m tonnes a year at an investment of more than US$ 10 bn. This has now hit a roadblock due to tough forest laws and stiff opposition from the local people. These issues are not new. They have hampered several projects in the past. One needs to look no further than the Tata Nano fiasco in Singur, West Bengal for evidence of this. Thus, the government will have to ensure that problems such as these do not get out of hand lest FDIs begin to slowdown or halt in the future.
Take the POSCO project in Orissa for example. The state government has been ordered to stop buying land for South Korean steelmaker POSCO's proposed plant. It must be noted that five years ago POSCO signed an initial pact with the Orissa state government to build a plant with a capacity of 12 m tonnes a year at an investment of more than US$ 10 bn. This has now hit a roadblock due to tough forest laws and stiff opposition from the local people. These issues are not new. They have hampered several projects in the past. One needs to look no further than the Tata Nano fiasco in Singur, West Bengal for evidence of this. Thus, the government will have to ensure that problems such as these do not get out of hand lest FDIs begin to slowdown or halt in the future.
Orissa appeals against halt order on POSCO
Saturday August 7,2010, 02:00 PM
MUMBAI (Reuters) - The chief minister of Orissa has appealed to the prime minister to allow South Korea's POSCO<005490.KS> to continue work on a giant iron ore project after the environment ministry ordered a halt.
Stopping work at this stage on a proposed $12 billion plant would be counterproductive and affect the investment climate in the country, Naveen Patnaik said in a letter to the prime minister, according to a senior state official, who asked not to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media.
POSCO, the world's third-largest steelmaker, wants to mine iron ore in the Khandadharnear region of Orissa and signed a memorandum of understanding in June 2005 for the plant, which was to be built in three phases by 2016, with production scheduled to begin by the end of 2011 at the completion of the first phase.
But the project, touted as India's biggest foreign direct investment, has been repeatedly delayed due to protests by farmers who fear losing their land and livelihood.
On Friday, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said the state had been directed to stop all work on the project, including land acquisition, as a special committee had found it violated the forest rights act that seeks to protect forest land and settlers.
Ramesh, who has scrapped or delayed clearance for some 100 mining projects, wants to protect India's remaining forest land as part of a strategy to fight climate change.
But that could mean giving up mining about a quarter of the country's mineral reserves.
POSCO required 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) of land in the eastern state, of which 2,900 acres is forested. Final clearances for acquiring the forested land had been given, but there has been little progress in land acquisition because of the protests.
Top steelmaker ArcelorMittal is also battling delays from allocation of mining licences and protests by villagers in eastern India.
POSCO announced in January it planned to invest more than $7 billion in a new plant in southern India.
MUMBAI (Reuters) - The chief minister of Orissa has appealed to the prime minister to allow South Korea's POSCO<005490.KS> to continue work on a giant iron ore project after the environment ministry ordered a halt.
Stopping work at this stage on a proposed $12 billion plant would be counterproductive and affect the investment climate in the country, Naveen Patnaik said in a letter to the prime minister, according to a senior state official, who asked not to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media.
POSCO, the world's third-largest steelmaker, wants to mine iron ore in the Khandadharnear region of Orissa and signed a memorandum of understanding in June 2005 for the plant, which was to be built in three phases by 2016, with production scheduled to begin by the end of 2011 at the completion of the first phase.
But the project, touted as India's biggest foreign direct investment, has been repeatedly delayed due to protests by farmers who fear losing their land and livelihood.
On Friday, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said the state had been directed to stop all work on the project, including land acquisition, as a special committee had found it violated the forest rights act that seeks to protect forest land and settlers.
Ramesh, who has scrapped or delayed clearance for some 100 mining projects, wants to protect India's remaining forest land as part of a strategy to fight climate change.
But that could mean giving up mining about a quarter of the country's mineral reserves.
POSCO required 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) of land in the eastern state, of which 2,900 acres is forested. Final clearances for acquiring the forested land had been given, but there has been little progress in land acquisition because of the protests.
Top steelmaker ArcelorMittal is also battling delays from allocation of mining licences and protests by villagers in eastern India.
POSCO announced in January it planned to invest more than $7 billion in a new plant in southern India.
Solar power gets its day in the sun with national mission support
Saturday August 7,2010, 03:27 AM
After the recent release of the guidelines to operationalise the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, the solar energy industry is shining bright with optimism. As new players scramble to make the first moves, the incumbents are determined to stay ahead. While some industry players are scouting overseas for technology, others are hunting for land back home. Every company seems keen to stake a claim to its share of the limelight. All eyes are on the first grid-connected 5-mw solar thermal plant by Acme Tele Power, expected to come up in Rajasthan by September.
The solar mission envisages setting up of 1,300 mw of solar power, including 1,100 mw of grid-connected solar power, 100 mw small-grid and 200 mw off-grid power generation, by 2013. The overall target is to set up 20,000 mw by 2022 in three phases, up from 12 mw of grid connected interactive solar power as on end-June 2010.
Government support has fuelled a spate of initiatives in this sector. RPG Group's power utility CESC is developing a 200-mw solar power project for Rs 2,000 crore near Bikaner in Rajasthan, for which it has acquired 300 acres. Kalyani Group flagship Bharat Forge (BHARATFOR.NS : 336.1 +1.85 ) is planning to install 100 mw of solar power. 40 mw of solar power is being set up by Adani Power in Gujarat. Yash Birla Group's Birla Power Solutions is targeting 125 mw of solar power in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Meanwhile, public sector NTPC has targetted generating 300 mw solar power by March 2014. Referring to the indicative list, Anil Lakhina, chairman and managing director, Forum for the Advancement of Solar Thermal, an industry association, says: "The profile of players is impressive. It's time for serious business now."
Committed to help the industry achieve grid parity by 2022, the mission has named NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam to buy power from private developers. For the first year (2010-2011), the Central Regulatory Electricity Commission has fixed the rate for photo-voltaic at Rs 17.91 per unit and for solar thermal at Rs 15.31 per unit. Besides, the power ministry will contribute "relatively cheaper" 1,000 mw of thermal power for bundling with "relatively expensive" solar power to be sold to distribution utilities in order to reduce its cost for end-consumers.
Rajasthan is a favourite destination for solar power producers. Naresh Pal Gangwar, CMD, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation says: "Rajasthan is scoring not only because of good solar radiation and the number of sunny days, but also because of availability of unutilised land in desert areas at cheap rates." Eleven projects with a total capacity of 66 mw cleared by the Centre are expected to come up in in the state in the next year and a half.
Existing solar players are consolidating and expanding. While Tata BP Solar is planning to increase its photo-voltaic cell manufacturing capacity to 180 mw from 84 mw, Moser Baer (MOSERBAER.NS : 64.55 -2.15 ) is expanding capacity to 190 mw from 100 mw. Rajiv Arya, CEO, solar business, Moser Baer India says: "These are exciting times. The government has done its job. It's now up to us to make the most of it to usher in a solar revolution in the country."
Each company is charting its own course. SunBorne Energy, a solar thermal power developer planning solar power plants of 50 mw each in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan to begin with, is focusing on indigenous technology. James Abraham, MD & CEO, SunBorne Energy says: "We are keen to add value and cut costs by using indigenous technology."
It's also time to test radical ideas. Norway's Scatec Solar has just set up a 8.7-kWp photo-voltaic power plant and a mini-grid to provide energy to 70 houses in Rampura, Jhansi in Bundelkhand. While Development Alternatives, an NGO, did the groundwork, Bergen Group of Companies executed the project. Rajinder Kumar, CMD, Bergen says: "We need to look at replicating and scaling up such pilot projects."
It's not only manufacturers and developers who are getting their act together. Services providers too are working overtime to tap into the emerging opportunity. While Germany's TUV Rheinland is setting up its seventh worldwide lab for testing solar modules and systems in Bangalore at an investment of 2 million euros, 3TIER, a renewable energy information provider, has launched its proprietary solar prospecting and assessment tools for developers to assess availability and variability of solar radiation in India.
Solar energy events in the country, too, are witnessing renewed interest from industry players from across the world. The recently concluded three-day Solarcon India 2010 in Hyderabad attracted the who's who of the solar PV industry. Says Priyadarshini Sanjay, MD, Mercom Communications India, a subsidiary of clean energy communication consultancy Mercom Capital Group: "The sentiment has improved a lot since the last event and industry players want the government to set even more ambitious targets."
Observers expect the improved sentiment to light up the second edition of Intersolar India, an international solar industry exhibition to be held in in Mumbai December. Conferences are being supplemented by workshops too. The Confederation of Indian Industry is holding workshops on 'Setting up a Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plant' in Delhi and on 'Enabling Financing of Solar Power Projects' in Mumbai this month.
While older conferences get better global traction, first-timers too are riding the optimistic sentiment to book their slot in the newly expanded space. Belen Gallego, founder and director of UK-based CSP Today, is gung-ho about her 1st Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Summit to be held in September in Delhi. Seeing the kind of draw solar energy is getting, even renewable energy events like the Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference (DIREC-2010) to be held in October in Delhi and the International Congress on Renewable Energy (ICORE-2010) to be held in December in Chandigarh are focusing more on solar energy.
Rajneesh Khattar, vice-president, Exhibitions India Group, which is managing DIREC-2010 says: "Thanks to the National Solar Mission, the response from solar power industry is overwhelming and it bodes well for the economy." Adds Jagat S Jawa, director general, Solar Energy Society of India, which is organising ICORE-2010: "Solar is not just the flavour of the season, but is hopefully going to be a permanent favourite." Now, all eyes are focused on achieving the modest target of the first phase of the National Solar Mission. Its achievement opens the gate to attempting the ambitious overall target.
Source: Indian Express Finance
After the recent release of the guidelines to operationalise the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, the solar energy industry is shining bright with optimism. As new players scramble to make the first moves, the incumbents are determined to stay ahead. While some industry players are scouting overseas for technology, others are hunting for land back home. Every company seems keen to stake a claim to its share of the limelight. All eyes are on the first grid-connected 5-mw solar thermal plant by Acme Tele Power, expected to come up in Rajasthan by September.
The solar mission envisages setting up of 1,300 mw of solar power, including 1,100 mw of grid-connected solar power, 100 mw small-grid and 200 mw off-grid power generation, by 2013. The overall target is to set up 20,000 mw by 2022 in three phases, up from 12 mw of grid connected interactive solar power as on end-June 2010.
Government support has fuelled a spate of initiatives in this sector. RPG Group's power utility CESC is developing a 200-mw solar power project for Rs 2,000 crore near Bikaner in Rajasthan, for which it has acquired 300 acres. Kalyani Group flagship Bharat Forge (BHARATFOR.NS : 336.1 +1.85 ) is planning to install 100 mw of solar power. 40 mw of solar power is being set up by Adani Power in Gujarat. Yash Birla Group's Birla Power Solutions is targeting 125 mw of solar power in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Meanwhile, public sector NTPC has targetted generating 300 mw solar power by March 2014. Referring to the indicative list, Anil Lakhina, chairman and managing director, Forum for the Advancement of Solar Thermal, an industry association, says: "The profile of players is impressive. It's time for serious business now."
Committed to help the industry achieve grid parity by 2022, the mission has named NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam to buy power from private developers. For the first year (2010-2011), the Central Regulatory Electricity Commission has fixed the rate for photo-voltaic at Rs 17.91 per unit and for solar thermal at Rs 15.31 per unit. Besides, the power ministry will contribute "relatively cheaper" 1,000 mw of thermal power for bundling with "relatively expensive" solar power to be sold to distribution utilities in order to reduce its cost for end-consumers.
Rajasthan is a favourite destination for solar power producers. Naresh Pal Gangwar, CMD, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation says: "Rajasthan is scoring not only because of good solar radiation and the number of sunny days, but also because of availability of unutilised land in desert areas at cheap rates." Eleven projects with a total capacity of 66 mw cleared by the Centre are expected to come up in in the state in the next year and a half.
Existing solar players are consolidating and expanding. While Tata BP Solar is planning to increase its photo-voltaic cell manufacturing capacity to 180 mw from 84 mw, Moser Baer (MOSERBAER.NS : 64.55 -2.15 ) is expanding capacity to 190 mw from 100 mw. Rajiv Arya, CEO, solar business, Moser Baer India says: "These are exciting times. The government has done its job. It's now up to us to make the most of it to usher in a solar revolution in the country."
Each company is charting its own course. SunBorne Energy, a solar thermal power developer planning solar power plants of 50 mw each in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan to begin with, is focusing on indigenous technology. James Abraham, MD & CEO, SunBorne Energy says: "We are keen to add value and cut costs by using indigenous technology."
It's also time to test radical ideas. Norway's Scatec Solar has just set up a 8.7-kWp photo-voltaic power plant and a mini-grid to provide energy to 70 houses in Rampura, Jhansi in Bundelkhand. While Development Alternatives, an NGO, did the groundwork, Bergen Group of Companies executed the project. Rajinder Kumar, CMD, Bergen says: "We need to look at replicating and scaling up such pilot projects."
It's not only manufacturers and developers who are getting their act together. Services providers too are working overtime to tap into the emerging opportunity. While Germany's TUV Rheinland is setting up its seventh worldwide lab for testing solar modules and systems in Bangalore at an investment of 2 million euros, 3TIER, a renewable energy information provider, has launched its proprietary solar prospecting and assessment tools for developers to assess availability and variability of solar radiation in India.
Solar energy events in the country, too, are witnessing renewed interest from industry players from across the world. The recently concluded three-day Solarcon India 2010 in Hyderabad attracted the who's who of the solar PV industry. Says Priyadarshini Sanjay, MD, Mercom Communications India, a subsidiary of clean energy communication consultancy Mercom Capital Group: "The sentiment has improved a lot since the last event and industry players want the government to set even more ambitious targets."
Observers expect the improved sentiment to light up the second edition of Intersolar India, an international solar industry exhibition to be held in in Mumbai December. Conferences are being supplemented by workshops too. The Confederation of Indian Industry is holding workshops on 'Setting up a Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plant' in Delhi and on 'Enabling Financing of Solar Power Projects' in Mumbai this month.
While older conferences get better global traction, first-timers too are riding the optimistic sentiment to book their slot in the newly expanded space. Belen Gallego, founder and director of UK-based CSP Today, is gung-ho about her 1st Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Summit to be held in September in Delhi. Seeing the kind of draw solar energy is getting, even renewable energy events like the Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference (DIREC-2010) to be held in October in Delhi and the International Congress on Renewable Energy (ICORE-2010) to be held in December in Chandigarh are focusing more on solar energy.
Rajneesh Khattar, vice-president, Exhibitions India Group, which is managing DIREC-2010 says: "Thanks to the National Solar Mission, the response from solar power industry is overwhelming and it bodes well for the economy." Adds Jagat S Jawa, director general, Solar Energy Society of India, which is organising ICORE-2010: "Solar is not just the flavour of the season, but is hopefully going to be a permanent favourite." Now, all eyes are focused on achieving the modest target of the first phase of the National Solar Mission. Its achievement opens the gate to attempting the ambitious overall target.
Source: Indian Express Finance
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Gujarat Reclaim (CMP=867)- For Long Term Investors
19 Jul 2010, E.T
Gujarat Reclaim & Rubber Products (GRRP) is likely to see an increase in demand for its recycled rubber with natural and synthetic rubber prices soaring. Being the industry leader, its expansion plans are likely to offer great growth opportunities as acceptance of recycled material increases. Considering its attractive valuations, stable financials and growth prospects, long-term investors can consider this stock.
Business: Established in 1974, GRRP is into processing and reclaiming rubber from scrap of tyres and its components or other rubber products for different applications in both tyre and non-tyre rubber products. Nearly two-thirds of its sales go to tyre manufacturers. It has plants at Ankleshwar, Panoli and Solapur with a total capacity of 45,000 tonnes with full capacity utilisation.
GRRP supplies to leading tyre manufacturers such as Ceat, MRF, Apollo Tyres, JK Tyre and Bridgestone. More than half of its revenues come from exports. The company has also set up a power plant in Ankleshwar for captive consumption. The reclaimed rubber industry in India is a mix of 125 small and medium-scale manufacturers.
Growth drivers: At a time when natural rubber prices are ruling at their all time high, the demand for reclaimed rubber is on rise. The company is not only expanding capacities, but also plans to raise prices gradually.
In December 2009, the company added 6,000 tonne capacity at its Panoli plant, full benefits of which will be available in FY11. The company also has plans to expand its existing plants apart from setting up new units in strategic locations. The company is currently in the process of tying up Rs 63 crore loan to fund these expansions, which could come up over the next couple of years.
The price of reclaimed rubber stagnated at around Rs 35 per kg in the past two years after steadily rising in the last decade. With sharp rise in natural rubber prices, the demand for reclaimed rubber is likely to increase enabling the producers to increase the prices.
In the past three years, the proportion of reclaimed rubber in tyres has gone up from 3% to 5%, which is expected to increase to 10% within five years.
Financial: The first nine months of FY10 were stagnant for the company, but the fourth quarter registered a sharp 58% jump in net sales with a 54% jump in profits. The lower base effect and additional capacity at Panoli plant were the key reasons behind the spurt. In the past 5 years, the net sales of the company grew at a CAGR of 25.5% while the net profit grew at 26.2%.
The company has a healthy track record of generating cash flows and paying dividends. In the past three years, the company has consistently brought down the debt-equity ratio to below 0.45 as on March 2010. The company’s return on capital employed has averaged at around 40% in the past five years.
Valuations: At the current market price the stock is trading at a P/E of 8.6. The company is expected to generate earnings per share of Rs 125 for FY11, which translates in a one year forward P/E of 6.9. Low liquidity, however, remains a key concern as the scrip had an average daily traded volume of 480 shares in the past one month.
Gujarat Reclaim & Rubber Products (GRRP) is likely to see an increase in demand for its recycled rubber with natural and synthetic rubber prices soaring. Being the industry leader, its expansion plans are likely to offer great growth opportunities as acceptance of recycled material increases. Considering its attractive valuations, stable financials and growth prospects, long-term investors can consider this stock.
Business: Established in 1974, GRRP is into processing and reclaiming rubber from scrap of tyres and its components or other rubber products for different applications in both tyre and non-tyre rubber products. Nearly two-thirds of its sales go to tyre manufacturers. It has plants at Ankleshwar, Panoli and Solapur with a total capacity of 45,000 tonnes with full capacity utilisation.
GRRP supplies to leading tyre manufacturers such as Ceat, MRF, Apollo Tyres, JK Tyre and Bridgestone. More than half of its revenues come from exports. The company has also set up a power plant in Ankleshwar for captive consumption. The reclaimed rubber industry in India is a mix of 125 small and medium-scale manufacturers.
Growth drivers: At a time when natural rubber prices are ruling at their all time high, the demand for reclaimed rubber is on rise. The company is not only expanding capacities, but also plans to raise prices gradually.
In December 2009, the company added 6,000 tonne capacity at its Panoli plant, full benefits of which will be available in FY11. The company also has plans to expand its existing plants apart from setting up new units in strategic locations. The company is currently in the process of tying up Rs 63 crore loan to fund these expansions, which could come up over the next couple of years.
The price of reclaimed rubber stagnated at around Rs 35 per kg in the past two years after steadily rising in the last decade. With sharp rise in natural rubber prices, the demand for reclaimed rubber is likely to increase enabling the producers to increase the prices.
In the past three years, the proportion of reclaimed rubber in tyres has gone up from 3% to 5%, which is expected to increase to 10% within five years.
Financial: The first nine months of FY10 were stagnant for the company, but the fourth quarter registered a sharp 58% jump in net sales with a 54% jump in profits. The lower base effect and additional capacity at Panoli plant were the key reasons behind the spurt. In the past 5 years, the net sales of the company grew at a CAGR of 25.5% while the net profit grew at 26.2%.
The company has a healthy track record of generating cash flows and paying dividends. In the past three years, the company has consistently brought down the debt-equity ratio to below 0.45 as on March 2010. The company’s return on capital employed has averaged at around 40% in the past five years.
Valuations: At the current market price the stock is trading at a P/E of 8.6. The company is expected to generate earnings per share of Rs 125 for FY11, which translates in a one year forward P/E of 6.9. Low liquidity, however, remains a key concern as the scrip had an average daily traded volume of 480 shares in the past one month.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Small units to get more bank funds
MUMBAI:Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will soon have access to adequate funds with the initiative taken by the central government to increase the credit availability to the sector.
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) here on Tuesday, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the government was trying to remove obstacles in the growth path of the MSMEs.
“The Prime Minister's task force on MSME has submitted its report in January and has recommended an agenda for immediate action to cover all areas including credit, marketing, labour, technology, skill development and taxation. The Prime Minister's Council on MSME will now be regularly monitoring the implementation of the recommendations,'' he said.
It is estimated that in terms of value, the MSME sector accounts for about 45 per cent of the manufacturing output and around 40 per cent of the total exports of the country.
It employs an estimated 60 million people spread over 26 million registered and unregistered enterprises. There are 1.5 million registered units, out of which 95 per cent are micro enterprises and about 4.7 per cent are small enterprises.
However, unlike larger companies, the MSME sector does not have access to alternative avenues of raising capital, “despite its commendable contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), exports and employment,'' he said.
The Finance Minister pointed out that there were a host of problems relating to registration and credit rating which needed to be sorted out before successful listing. “There has been a general grudge that commercial banks mainly give priority to the corporate sector with better credit rating and provide credit at below prime lending rates.
But with the switch over to lending on the basis of base rate from July 1, their lending would be transparent and hopefully the small scale and medium size enterprises would get more banking funds at favourable rates.''
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing and development of industry in the small scale sector and to co-ordinate the functions of the institutions engaged in the promotion and financing or developing industry in the small scale sector. NABARD has also undertaken similar initiatives focusing on rural enterprises.
Non-availability of skilled manpower is one of the key hurdles faced by MSME units and Mr. Mukherjee said that to promote skill development, the Prime Minister's Council on National Skill Development laid down the core governing principles for operating strategies for skill development. The Council has a mission of creating 50 crore skilled persons by 2020 and the National Skill Development Corporation which started functioning in October 2009, has targeted creating 15 crore skilled manpower.
“As a political entity, we have a responsibility to create awareness in the small scale sector and MSMEs. They are not aware of the facilities available to them. We should create an awareness campaign as the entire paradigm of development has changed and inclusive growth to participative growth,'' said Mr. Mukherjee.
via:HINDU
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) here on Tuesday, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the government was trying to remove obstacles in the growth path of the MSMEs.
“The Prime Minister's task force on MSME has submitted its report in January and has recommended an agenda for immediate action to cover all areas including credit, marketing, labour, technology, skill development and taxation. The Prime Minister's Council on MSME will now be regularly monitoring the implementation of the recommendations,'' he said.
It is estimated that in terms of value, the MSME sector accounts for about 45 per cent of the manufacturing output and around 40 per cent of the total exports of the country.
It employs an estimated 60 million people spread over 26 million registered and unregistered enterprises. There are 1.5 million registered units, out of which 95 per cent are micro enterprises and about 4.7 per cent are small enterprises.
However, unlike larger companies, the MSME sector does not have access to alternative avenues of raising capital, “despite its commendable contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), exports and employment,'' he said.
The Finance Minister pointed out that there were a host of problems relating to registration and credit rating which needed to be sorted out before successful listing. “There has been a general grudge that commercial banks mainly give priority to the corporate sector with better credit rating and provide credit at below prime lending rates.
But with the switch over to lending on the basis of base rate from July 1, their lending would be transparent and hopefully the small scale and medium size enterprises would get more banking funds at favourable rates.''
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing and development of industry in the small scale sector and to co-ordinate the functions of the institutions engaged in the promotion and financing or developing industry in the small scale sector. NABARD has also undertaken similar initiatives focusing on rural enterprises.
Non-availability of skilled manpower is one of the key hurdles faced by MSME units and Mr. Mukherjee said that to promote skill development, the Prime Minister's Council on National Skill Development laid down the core governing principles for operating strategies for skill development. The Council has a mission of creating 50 crore skilled persons by 2020 and the National Skill Development Corporation which started functioning in October 2009, has targeted creating 15 crore skilled manpower.
“As a political entity, we have a responsibility to create awareness in the small scale sector and MSMEs. They are not aware of the facilities available to them. We should create an awareness campaign as the entire paradigm of development has changed and inclusive growth to participative growth,'' said Mr. Mukherjee.
via:HINDU
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
BOC India strikes all-time high on delisting plan
BOC India was locked at 20% upper limit at Rs 287.45 at 12:35 IST on BSE, after the company's overseas parent said it plans to delist equity shares of BOC India from the stock exchanges in India.
The company made this announcement during trading hours today, 15 June 2010.
The stock hit a high of Rs 287.45 so far during the day, which is a record high for the counter. The stock hit a low of Rs 239 so far during the day. The stock had it a 52-week low of Rs 140.05 on 6 July 2009.
The company's equity capital is Rs 85.28 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.
Linde Holdings Netherlands, a part of the promoter group of BOC India, has proposed to voluntarily delist the equity shares of the BOC India from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE). The total holding of the foreign parent in BOC India is 89.48%.
The delisting will be done in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009. The floor price for the purpose of the delisting offer is Rs 225.29.
BOC India's net profit jumped 372.8% to Rs 23.83 crore on 61.4% rise in net sales to Rs 255.28 crore in Q1 March 2010 over Q1 March 2009.
The company made this announcement during trading hours today, 15 June 2010.
The stock hit a high of Rs 287.45 so far during the day, which is a record high for the counter. The stock hit a low of Rs 239 so far during the day. The stock had it a 52-week low of Rs 140.05 on 6 July 2009.
The company's equity capital is Rs 85.28 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.
Linde Holdings Netherlands, a part of the promoter group of BOC India, has proposed to voluntarily delist the equity shares of the BOC India from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE). The total holding of the foreign parent in BOC India is 89.48%.
The delisting will be done in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009. The floor price for the purpose of the delisting offer is Rs 225.29.
BOC India's net profit jumped 372.8% to Rs 23.83 crore on 61.4% rise in net sales to Rs 255.28 crore in Q1 March 2010 over Q1 March 2009.
MMTC jumps 22% on bonus, stock-split plan
MMTC surged 22.3% to Rs 34,887 at 11:12 IST after the company said its board will consider bonus issue and stock split on 29 June 2010.
The stock hit a high of Rs 37,999 and a low of Rs 34,230.15 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 40,000 on 14 December 2009 and a 52-week low of Rs 25,600 on 13 July 2009.
The large-cap state-run trading company has an equity capital of Rs 50 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.
The board will also consider audited financial results for the year ended March 2010 on the same day.
MMTC's net profit rose 147.60% to Rs 98.95 crore on 253.50% increase in net sales to Rs 17230.05 crore in Q4 March 2010 over Q4 March 2009.
The stock hit a high of Rs 37,999 and a low of Rs 34,230.15 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 40,000 on 14 December 2009 and a 52-week low of Rs 25,600 on 13 July 2009.
The large-cap state-run trading company has an equity capital of Rs 50 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.
The board will also consider audited financial results for the year ended March 2010 on the same day.
MMTC's net profit rose 147.60% to Rs 98.95 crore on 253.50% increase in net sales to Rs 17230.05 crore in Q4 March 2010 over Q4 March 2009.
Godawari Power & Ispat (GPIL) Power & steel to lift numbers
15 Jun 2010, 0009 hrs IST,Abhineet Singh,ET Bureau
Godawari Power & Ispat (GPIL) is one of the few small-cap steel companies that have run ahead of the Sensex despite the recent correction in metal stocks. In the past one year, its stock price has appreciated by nearly 60% against a 15% rise in the Sensex during the period.
Raipur-based GPIL is an integrated steel manufacturer and has a dominant presence in the long-product segment, especially mild steel wires. Besides, the company produces sponge iron, steel billets and sells surplus power from its heat recovery-based power plant.
The stock is currently on a declining trend in line with the movement in steel stocks. However, the selloff doesn’t seem to be directly related to its financial performance, as the company continues to show a strong revenue and profit growth. In the March ’10 quarter, the company’s revenues were up 37% to Rs 254 crore while net profit jumped two-and-a-half times to Rs 22.6 crore.
Going forward, operating margins are expected to improve, as the company plans backward integration through mining of iron ore and coal.
It is also venturing into value-added steel products and is setting-up an iron ore pelletisation plant to convert ore fines into pellets, which can be used as a raw material for making sponge iron as replacement of sized-iron ore. The company is currently implementing a 0.6-million-tonne iron ore pelletisation plant at its existing unit and plans to set up a similar unit in a joint venture in Orissa.
The company is also focusing on efficiency improvement in its manufacturing operations. The company has achieved about a 75% recovery of waste heat from flue gas of sponge iron kiln and utilisation, which is nearly three times the industry average. This has enabled it to produce more power without incurring additional costs and has helped improve operating margins.
The company plans to set up a 2-mt cement plant at a cost of Rs 628 crore and has acquired 1,235 acres of land in Chhattisgarh. The company may need to raise debt to fund the project, which may stretch its balance sheet in the medium term.
At its current market price,(CMP=210) the stock is trading at a P/E multiple of around 11 and looks attractive. With a low debt on its book, the company can go for further capex without straining its finances. Improving margins in both steel and power segments will add to the earnings in the forthcoming quarters.
Via: E.T
Godawari Power & Ispat (GPIL) is one of the few small-cap steel companies that have run ahead of the Sensex despite the recent correction in metal stocks. In the past one year, its stock price has appreciated by nearly 60% against a 15% rise in the Sensex during the period.
Raipur-based GPIL is an integrated steel manufacturer and has a dominant presence in the long-product segment, especially mild steel wires. Besides, the company produces sponge iron, steel billets and sells surplus power from its heat recovery-based power plant.
The stock is currently on a declining trend in line with the movement in steel stocks. However, the selloff doesn’t seem to be directly related to its financial performance, as the company continues to show a strong revenue and profit growth. In the March ’10 quarter, the company’s revenues were up 37% to Rs 254 crore while net profit jumped two-and-a-half times to Rs 22.6 crore.
Going forward, operating margins are expected to improve, as the company plans backward integration through mining of iron ore and coal.
It is also venturing into value-added steel products and is setting-up an iron ore pelletisation plant to convert ore fines into pellets, which can be used as a raw material for making sponge iron as replacement of sized-iron ore. The company is currently implementing a 0.6-million-tonne iron ore pelletisation plant at its existing unit and plans to set up a similar unit in a joint venture in Orissa.
The company is also focusing on efficiency improvement in its manufacturing operations. The company has achieved about a 75% recovery of waste heat from flue gas of sponge iron kiln and utilisation, which is nearly three times the industry average. This has enabled it to produce more power without incurring additional costs and has helped improve operating margins.
The company plans to set up a 2-mt cement plant at a cost of Rs 628 crore and has acquired 1,235 acres of land in Chhattisgarh. The company may need to raise debt to fund the project, which may stretch its balance sheet in the medium term.
At its current market price,(CMP=210) the stock is trading at a P/E multiple of around 11 and looks attractive. With a low debt on its book, the company can go for further capex without straining its finances. Improving margins in both steel and power segments will add to the earnings in the forthcoming quarters.
Via: E.T
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Local content to shine in solar photo-voltaic projects
The Ministries of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Power plan to make it mandatory for solar power developers to source crystalline silicon-based modules from domestic manufacturers.
However, they can import solar cells for manufacturing these modules for the photovoltaic (PV) projects.
This provision will be in the soon-to-be notified guidelines by the Ministries for implementation of the solar power projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).
An official source said, “This is to ensure that the domestic industry gets a boost. The decision has been taken after consultations with all the stakeholders. The intent is to encourage both new technology and the domestic manufacturing sector.” It is desirable that more units are set up in the country to allow competition in the first phase of the Mission (from November 2009-March 2013), the official said. In Phase I, the target is to set up 1,300 MW of solar power, out of which 1,100 MW will be grid-connected and 200 MW off-grid. Industry players such as Tata BP Solar and Moser Baer, that are manufacturers of cells as well as modules, have been expressing concern on allowing import of solar cells.
The players argue that there is enough cell capacity in India at present to cater to the requirement under Phase-I of the Mission.
Tata BP, Moser Baer, Indo Solar, XL Telecom & Energy and Solar Semiconductor have been traditionally manufacturing and exporting solar cells and modules to Europe, Japan and the US. The players are slated to have a total capacity of 750 MW by the year end.
Stating that all cell and modules produced in India are available for sale in India in line with the WTO agreement, the industry officials said, “Domestic manufacturers have no export obligation forcing them to sell abroad. If they have been selling abroad so far, it is because of the non-existence of a proper grid-connected solar market in India. Mandatory domestic content should not be limited only to Phase-I but for the entire JNNSM projects covering Phase II and Phase III as well. This will ensure that the Indian PV manufacturing capacity expands in line with the rising targets of the Mission.”
The Government will notify the guidelines for the next phases after the guidelines for the first phase are announced.
However, they can import solar cells for manufacturing these modules for the photovoltaic (PV) projects.
This provision will be in the soon-to-be notified guidelines by the Ministries for implementation of the solar power projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).
An official source said, “This is to ensure that the domestic industry gets a boost. The decision has been taken after consultations with all the stakeholders. The intent is to encourage both new technology and the domestic manufacturing sector.” It is desirable that more units are set up in the country to allow competition in the first phase of the Mission (from November 2009-March 2013), the official said. In Phase I, the target is to set up 1,300 MW of solar power, out of which 1,100 MW will be grid-connected and 200 MW off-grid. Industry players such as Tata BP Solar and Moser Baer, that are manufacturers of cells as well as modules, have been expressing concern on allowing import of solar cells.
The players argue that there is enough cell capacity in India at present to cater to the requirement under Phase-I of the Mission.
Tata BP, Moser Baer, Indo Solar, XL Telecom & Energy and Solar Semiconductor have been traditionally manufacturing and exporting solar cells and modules to Europe, Japan and the US. The players are slated to have a total capacity of 750 MW by the year end.
Stating that all cell and modules produced in India are available for sale in India in line with the WTO agreement, the industry officials said, “Domestic manufacturers have no export obligation forcing them to sell abroad. If they have been selling abroad so far, it is because of the non-existence of a proper grid-connected solar market in India. Mandatory domestic content should not be limited only to Phase-I but for the entire JNNSM projects covering Phase II and Phase III as well. This will ensure that the Indian PV manufacturing capacity expands in line with the rising targets of the Mission.”
The Government will notify the guidelines for the next phases after the guidelines for the first phase are announced.
SBI to lend Rs 20,000 cr for 3G funding
State Bank of India (SBI) will be lending Rs 20,000 crore for telecom companies to pay for licences for the Third Generation (3G) mobile services.
“The rate of interest will be decided in one-to-one talks with the operators to whom we will be lending,” said Mr O.P. Bhatt, Chairman, told newspersons after inaugurating a SBI branch at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here on Saturday.
The 3G funding would impact the liquidity of the bank in a big way.
“As on March 31, 2010, we have Rs 40,000 crore liquidity. About 50 per cent of this would go for 3G funding,” Mr Bhatt said.
The telecom operators who won the licences for 3G bandwidth would have to pay about Rs 68,000 crore to the Government.
On the business focus, he said the first focus of the bank would be in retail – home loans and auto loans in particular – followed by the corporate sector. “We are expecting a 20 per cent credit growth this year,” he added.
“The rate of interest will be decided in one-to-one talks with the operators to whom we will be lending,” said Mr O.P. Bhatt, Chairman, told newspersons after inaugurating a SBI branch at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here on Saturday.
The 3G funding would impact the liquidity of the bank in a big way.
“As on March 31, 2010, we have Rs 40,000 crore liquidity. About 50 per cent of this would go for 3G funding,” Mr Bhatt said.
The telecom operators who won the licences for 3G bandwidth would have to pay about Rs 68,000 crore to the Government.
On the business focus, he said the first focus of the bank would be in retail – home loans and auto loans in particular – followed by the corporate sector. “We are expecting a 20 per cent credit growth this year,” he added.
Insurers face Rs 450-crore hit
BS REPORTER / Mumbai May 23, 2010, 23:39 IST (Business Standard)
Private insurers led by Reliance General are expected to take a hit of around Rs 450 crore from the Air India Express plane crash in Mangalore. The companies had earned a premium of around Rs 110 crore from Air India this year.
This was the first time that private insurance companies had provided a comprehensive cover to the country's national carrier. Earlier, public sector players led by New India Assurance provided the cover.
Apart from Reliance General, HDFC Ergo, Iffco Tokio and Bajaj Allianz were part of the consortium. Like any large risk, the general insurance companies had reinsured the risk, with Sumitomo being the lead reinsurer, a first for the company. ICICI Lombard had also participated as a reinsurer.
Insurance industry sources said that the claim would arise from both hull and liability cover taken by the airline. Insurers and reinsurers are likely to see a claim of $90 million to $100 million (Rs 395 to 450 crore). The crash would lead to a hull loss of $50 million (Rs 225 crore). Though payout towards liability depends on the profile of the passengers, industry sources said it could be of the order of $40 million (Rs 180 crore).
When asked to comment, a company spokesperson said: “The Reliance General-led consortium is the insurer for Air India’s fleet of aircraft. However, as a policy, we do not comment on individual policy details or specific customer claims.”
Apart from the private players, General Insurance Corporation, the designated Indian reinsurer and the world’s fifth largest player in the aviation space, is also likely to face a hit. It had reinsured 14 per cent of the risk of $8.59 billion (around Rs 39,000 crore), while ICICI Lombard’s share was 3 per cent. A senior GIC executive said that the reinsurer's liability from the accident will be around $6 million (around Rs 27 crore).
Private insurers led by Reliance General are expected to take a hit of around Rs 450 crore from the Air India Express plane crash in Mangalore. The companies had earned a premium of around Rs 110 crore from Air India this year.
This was the first time that private insurance companies had provided a comprehensive cover to the country's national carrier. Earlier, public sector players led by New India Assurance provided the cover.
Apart from Reliance General, HDFC Ergo, Iffco Tokio and Bajaj Allianz were part of the consortium. Like any large risk, the general insurance companies had reinsured the risk, with Sumitomo being the lead reinsurer, a first for the company. ICICI Lombard had also participated as a reinsurer.
Insurance industry sources said that the claim would arise from both hull and liability cover taken by the airline. Insurers and reinsurers are likely to see a claim of $90 million to $100 million (Rs 395 to 450 crore). The crash would lead to a hull loss of $50 million (Rs 225 crore). Though payout towards liability depends on the profile of the passengers, industry sources said it could be of the order of $40 million (Rs 180 crore).
When asked to comment, a company spokesperson said: “The Reliance General-led consortium is the insurer for Air India’s fleet of aircraft. However, as a policy, we do not comment on individual policy details or specific customer claims.”
Apart from the private players, General Insurance Corporation, the designated Indian reinsurer and the world’s fifth largest player in the aviation space, is also likely to face a hit. It had reinsured 14 per cent of the risk of $8.59 billion (around Rs 39,000 crore), while ICICI Lombard’s share was 3 per cent. A senior GIC executive said that the reinsurer's liability from the accident will be around $6 million (around Rs 27 crore).
Monday, May 10, 2010
Four Indian state-run banks will get 15 billion rupees
dt: 10-may-2010
Four Indian state-run banks will probably get 15 billion rupees ($330 million) as part of their recapitalization, the Press Trust of India reported, citing unidentified people that it didn't identify. The government may give Vijaya Bank 7 billion rupees, while UCO Bank may get 3 billion rupees. Central Bank of India (CBOI IN) and United Bank of India may get 2.5 billion rupees each, the news agency said. No timeframe was given in the report.
The stocks of Vijaya Bank Ltd. gained 3 percent to 56.25 rupees. Uco climbed 2.2 percent to 71.85 rupees. Central Bank rose 1.1 percent to 149 rupees, while United Bank advanced 1.6 percent to 80.9 rupees. today
Four Indian state-run banks will probably get 15 billion rupees ($330 million) as part of their recapitalization, the Press Trust of India reported, citing unidentified people that it didn't identify. The government may give Vijaya Bank 7 billion rupees, while UCO Bank may get 3 billion rupees. Central Bank of India (CBOI IN) and United Bank of India may get 2.5 billion rupees each, the news agency said. No timeframe was given in the report.
The stocks of Vijaya Bank Ltd. gained 3 percent to 56.25 rupees. Uco climbed 2.2 percent to 71.85 rupees. Central Bank rose 1.1 percent to 149 rupees, while United Bank advanced 1.6 percent to 80.9 rupees. today
Friday, April 16, 2010
Gold adulteration with Iridium & Ruthenium
Your wedding jewellery may not be as pure or as precious as you think it is. Goldsmiths across India have taken to adulterating the precious metal
with iridium and ruthenium, and are getting away with it, as until recently the metals failed to show up on all purity checks. It's an alchemist's dream, and the practice is becoming increasingly commonplace if you go by the stocks of the 'duplicate' metals at even the smallest of karigar workshops.
Both iridium and ruthenium belong to the platinum family of metals, and when mixed with gold, do not form an alloy but sit tight in the yellow metal. What makes the adulteration even more alarming is that the metals do not replace silver and copper, which are added to the gold during the jewellery-making process to harden the soft, malleable yellow metal. As Saumen Bhaumik, general manager (Retailing) at Tanishq put it, ''The two metals manage to camouflage as gold.''
TOI tested three pieces of jewellery, and all had some amount of either iridium or ruthenium lurking inconspicuously with the gold. A 22-carat gold bangle bought in 2003 from a century-and-a-half-old jeweller—who has since then expanded from Mumbai to other parts of the country—when tested at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, had 3% iridium in it. A gold chain bought from a shop in Bangalore in 2002 when tested at another city-based centre had 2.39% ruthenium, while a pair of earrings from Kerala was found to be adulterated with 4.65% of iridium.
On an average, a piece of jewellery or a bar of gold contains nearly 5-6% of the adulterant, and manufacturers—wholesalers and retailers across India—are aware of how rampant this notorious practice is. Consumers, however, are the biggest losers as they have been kept in the dark. ''Most machine-made jewellery contain these adulterants. Overnight, these manufacturers hit the jackpot,'' said Suresh Hundia, president of The Bombay Bullion Association (BBA).
The situation came to head when several refineries across India noticed that the gold bought from the market, which when melted, contained a high percentage of adulterants. ''Some refineries complained that a blackish substance kept floating in the aqua regia (mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, which can dissolve gold). Moreover, if they bought 1kg of gold, they were losing 50-60gm after refinement. At the time, they didn't know where the rest of the gold was getting lost,'' said a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) official.
The practice was especially rampant between 2004 and 2006, when there were few checks and balances. Traditional jewellers who checked the purity of gold by rubbing it on a touch-stone, said Bhavesh Sonawala from National Refineries Private Limited, ''had no clue about either iridium or ruthenium''. There was also very little awareness on hallmarking. (Hallmark is a purity certification of gold articles in accordance with Indian Standard specifications.) To add to the problem, XRF machines that are used to test the purity of gold were not calibrated to identify iridium and ruthenium. It was only after an alert from the trading community that BIS conducted a survey in markets across the country and found an extensive use of iridium and ruthenium in gold. ''In 2006, we issued a circular to all hallmarking centres to re-calibrate their XRF machines to look for iridium and ruthenium,'' said the BIS official. The results of this survey were never made public. That is when the BBA also started checking for iridium and ruthenium ''So, even hallmarked gold sold between 2001 and 2006 could be of dodgy quality,'' said a member of city-based hallmarking centre.
Several jewellers believe that the damage has already been done. During this period, tonnes of gold had already exchanged hands and consumers were unknowingly investing in 'spurious' jewellery.
By then, the word had spread, and the demand for iridium and ruthenium began to climb. When plotted on a graph, prices of gold, iridium and ruthenium could be seen moving along the same path. For instance, on January 12, 2004, international rate for gold stood at $142.56 for 10gm; the same quantity of iridium was priced at $27.97 and ruthenium at $13.83. In two months, iridium shot up to $73.95 and ruthenium was selling at $21.86—both for 10gm each. All the three metals touched their all time high in February-March 2007; gold was priced at $311.44, iridium was $144.69 and ruthenium was being sold at $273.3.
''This was largely because there was an unprecedented demand for both iridium and ruthenium from all kinds of people dealing in gold across India,'' explained B H Mehta, proprietor of Varsha Bullion and Elemental Analab Hallmarking centre, a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-approved hallmarking centre.
Even now, as per data from the BBA, only 46% of gold sold in India is hallmarked; the percentage is even lower in tier two cities and villages, which make up close to 70% of India's gold consumption. It is paradoxical, but both iridium and ruthenium have now become such high-priced substances that buyers get both these adulterants tested too, just to ensure that the metals are not adulterated with another cheaper substance.
with iridium and ruthenium, and are getting away with it, as until recently the metals failed to show up on all purity checks. It's an alchemist's dream, and the practice is becoming increasingly commonplace if you go by the stocks of the 'duplicate' metals at even the smallest of karigar workshops.
Both iridium and ruthenium belong to the platinum family of metals, and when mixed with gold, do not form an alloy but sit tight in the yellow metal. What makes the adulteration even more alarming is that the metals do not replace silver and copper, which are added to the gold during the jewellery-making process to harden the soft, malleable yellow metal. As Saumen Bhaumik, general manager (Retailing) at Tanishq put it, ''The two metals manage to camouflage as gold.''
TOI tested three pieces of jewellery, and all had some amount of either iridium or ruthenium lurking inconspicuously with the gold. A 22-carat gold bangle bought in 2003 from a century-and-a-half-old jeweller—who has since then expanded from Mumbai to other parts of the country—when tested at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, had 3% iridium in it. A gold chain bought from a shop in Bangalore in 2002 when tested at another city-based centre had 2.39% ruthenium, while a pair of earrings from Kerala was found to be adulterated with 4.65% of iridium.
On an average, a piece of jewellery or a bar of gold contains nearly 5-6% of the adulterant, and manufacturers—wholesalers and retailers across India—are aware of how rampant this notorious practice is. Consumers, however, are the biggest losers as they have been kept in the dark. ''Most machine-made jewellery contain these adulterants. Overnight, these manufacturers hit the jackpot,'' said Suresh Hundia, president of The Bombay Bullion Association (BBA).
The situation came to head when several refineries across India noticed that the gold bought from the market, which when melted, contained a high percentage of adulterants. ''Some refineries complained that a blackish substance kept floating in the aqua regia (mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, which can dissolve gold). Moreover, if they bought 1kg of gold, they were losing 50-60gm after refinement. At the time, they didn't know where the rest of the gold was getting lost,'' said a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) official.
The practice was especially rampant between 2004 and 2006, when there were few checks and balances. Traditional jewellers who checked the purity of gold by rubbing it on a touch-stone, said Bhavesh Sonawala from National Refineries Private Limited, ''had no clue about either iridium or ruthenium''. There was also very little awareness on hallmarking. (Hallmark is a purity certification of gold articles in accordance with Indian Standard specifications.) To add to the problem, XRF machines that are used to test the purity of gold were not calibrated to identify iridium and ruthenium. It was only after an alert from the trading community that BIS conducted a survey in markets across the country and found an extensive use of iridium and ruthenium in gold. ''In 2006, we issued a circular to all hallmarking centres to re-calibrate their XRF machines to look for iridium and ruthenium,'' said the BIS official. The results of this survey were never made public. That is when the BBA also started checking for iridium and ruthenium ''So, even hallmarked gold sold between 2001 and 2006 could be of dodgy quality,'' said a member of city-based hallmarking centre.
Several jewellers believe that the damage has already been done. During this period, tonnes of gold had already exchanged hands and consumers were unknowingly investing in 'spurious' jewellery.
By then, the word had spread, and the demand for iridium and ruthenium began to climb. When plotted on a graph, prices of gold, iridium and ruthenium could be seen moving along the same path. For instance, on January 12, 2004, international rate for gold stood at $142.56 for 10gm; the same quantity of iridium was priced at $27.97 and ruthenium at $13.83. In two months, iridium shot up to $73.95 and ruthenium was selling at $21.86—both for 10gm each. All the three metals touched their all time high in February-March 2007; gold was priced at $311.44, iridium was $144.69 and ruthenium was being sold at $273.3.
''This was largely because there was an unprecedented demand for both iridium and ruthenium from all kinds of people dealing in gold across India,'' explained B H Mehta, proprietor of Varsha Bullion and Elemental Analab Hallmarking centre, a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-approved hallmarking centre.
Even now, as per data from the BBA, only 46% of gold sold in India is hallmarked; the percentage is even lower in tier two cities and villages, which make up close to 70% of India's gold consumption. It is paradoxical, but both iridium and ruthenium have now become such high-priced substances that buyers get both these adulterants tested too, just to ensure that the metals are not adulterated with another cheaper substance.
Monday, March 22, 2010
RBI to issue polymer notes of Rs 10
23 Mar 2010, 0252 hrs IST, ET Bureau
MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India will soon issue 100-crore polymer notes of Rs 10 denomination to improve their longevity and to thwart counterfeiters.
These notes will initially be introduced by RBI in five cities. This was disclosed by RBI governor D Subbarao while speaking at the Foundation Stone laying function for the Bank Note Paper Mill at Mysore. Globally, currency authorities in many advanced economies such as Canada and Australia have already tried their hands in polymer currencies.
The governor said polymer notes were more environment friendly. “Considering the relatively long life of polymer notes and their amenability to re-cycling, the ‘carbon footprint’ of polymer notes vis-Ã -vis paper banknotes is likely to be on the plus side. Regardless, this is one of the issues that we will study during the pilot phase, and will embark on polymer notes on a long-term basis only if the cost-benefit calculus is decidedly positive in all dimensions,” he added.
This year India will print around 17 billion pieces of paper currency. “Producing our own paper is decidedly cheaper, and a check against counterfeiting,” he said. India’s demand for banknote paper — 18000 MT per year — is huge in international terms, and on the supply side there are just 3/4 large producers. “This situation exposes us to vulnerabilities of a suppliers market in terms of price, quantity and timelines, something that we should avoid or minimise,” Mr Subbarao said. He noted that major countries like the US, Japan, China, Brazil, Russia and countries in the euro area and even smaller countries like South Korea, Indonesia, Iran and Pakistan make their own bank note paper.
Giving his analysis of the trend in counterfeiting he said: “By an international metric, the incidence of counterfeit notes in India is not alarming,” adding that counterfeiting per se is a matter of serious concern for the government and RBI.
While Australia detected seven pieces of counterfeit notes per million notes in circulation (2008-09), in Canada it was 76 (2008). In New Zealand, there are 0.71 counterfeits per million notes in circulation (2008-09), whereas in Switzerland it was 10. As for the euro, there was roughly about one counterfeit per 14,600 bank notes in circulation (2008).
In India, fake notes reported as detected by banks and fake notes found in remittances received by RBI in 2008-09 amounted to eight for every one million notes in circulation. The data, however, does not include the counterfeits that are seized by the police, Mr Subbarao clarified.
MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India will soon issue 100-crore polymer notes of Rs 10 denomination to improve their longevity and to thwart counterfeiters.
These notes will initially be introduced by RBI in five cities. This was disclosed by RBI governor D Subbarao while speaking at the Foundation Stone laying function for the Bank Note Paper Mill at Mysore. Globally, currency authorities in many advanced economies such as Canada and Australia have already tried their hands in polymer currencies.
The governor said polymer notes were more environment friendly. “Considering the relatively long life of polymer notes and their amenability to re-cycling, the ‘carbon footprint’ of polymer notes vis-Ã -vis paper banknotes is likely to be on the plus side. Regardless, this is one of the issues that we will study during the pilot phase, and will embark on polymer notes on a long-term basis only if the cost-benefit calculus is decidedly positive in all dimensions,” he added.
This year India will print around 17 billion pieces of paper currency. “Producing our own paper is decidedly cheaper, and a check against counterfeiting,” he said. India’s demand for banknote paper — 18000 MT per year — is huge in international terms, and on the supply side there are just 3/4 large producers. “This situation exposes us to vulnerabilities of a suppliers market in terms of price, quantity and timelines, something that we should avoid or minimise,” Mr Subbarao said. He noted that major countries like the US, Japan, China, Brazil, Russia and countries in the euro area and even smaller countries like South Korea, Indonesia, Iran and Pakistan make their own bank note paper.
Giving his analysis of the trend in counterfeiting he said: “By an international metric, the incidence of counterfeit notes in India is not alarming,” adding that counterfeiting per se is a matter of serious concern for the government and RBI.
While Australia detected seven pieces of counterfeit notes per million notes in circulation (2008-09), in Canada it was 76 (2008). In New Zealand, there are 0.71 counterfeits per million notes in circulation (2008-09), whereas in Switzerland it was 10. As for the euro, there was roughly about one counterfeit per 14,600 bank notes in circulation (2008).
In India, fake notes reported as detected by banks and fake notes found in remittances received by RBI in 2008-09 amounted to eight for every one million notes in circulation. The data, however, does not include the counterfeits that are seized by the police, Mr Subbarao clarified.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
More Satyams in a new Telengana?
10 Mar 2010, 0745 hrs IST, Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar, ET Bureau
Carving small states (Jharkhand , Chattisgarh and Uttrakhand ) out of larger ones (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh ) has so far proved an economic success . Not only have the new states grown faster economically, even Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have experienced much faster growth after the separation, though not Madhya Pradesh. This appears to strengthen the case for creating more small states such as Telengana.
Yet a short visit I made to Andhra Pradesh showed dramatically that a separate Telengana could result in problems that other newly-created states have not experienced. The biggest is a problem of land ownership, and this could conceivably create new Satyams. In Hyderabad, some, though by no means all, businessmen talk with trepidation. The fears are highest among the Andhras, folk from the coastal districts, who fear they will be adversely affected and maybe even forced to flee by the local folk or mulkis.
One such businessman told me, “My driver, a local mulki, said to me, quite gently, that when I left Hyderabad after the separation of Telengana, could I please gift my car to him?” Another businessman trumped this with a better story. “My domestic servants”, he said, “requested me to hand over my house to them as and when I leave!”
Is it really possible that a new Telengana will spark the mass exit of outsiders? No, says economist C H Hanumantha Rao. There is some fear among coastal Andhras, but not among people from other parts of India. Obviously mulkis will get a much larger share of government jobs, but not of business. The real fear of businessmen is not of physically being expelled. Rather, it is about land, in which businessmen have sunk enormous sums, and which they might now lose. Businessmen have a second, and more credible fear. They say that the Maoists who were tamed by Y S Rajashekhara Reddy will make a comeback in the new Telengana, since a small state will not have the resources to tackle the Maoist menace. That could affect business prospects and land values.
The big difference between a separate Telengana and other newly created states like Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Uttrakhand relates to the state capital. In the three earlier cases, the state capital remained with the original state. But Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, will go to Telengana. This horrifies coastal Andhras who claim to have created 90% of Hyderabad’s wealth.
A compromise could be to make Hyderabad and the surrounding Rangareddy district a Union territory housing the capitals of both Telengana and residual Andhra Pradesh. This solution worked when Haryana was carved out of Punjab. However, politicians leading the movement are dying to lay their hands on the lucrative land of Hyderabad, and will never give up this golden goose from which they hope to get a thousand golden eggs.
Vast amounts of land around Hyderabad have been grabbed in questionable ways. In a new Telengana, many existing landowners — including major industrialists — may lose enormous tracts of land worth thousands of crores. Illegal land grabbing has till now been very lucrative, but may become the kiss of death after Telengana’s creation. All Indians love land, but in Andhra Pradesh it is a veritable passio . Coastal Andhras have engaged in an orgy of land speculation in the last decade. This passion for land ultimately caused the fall of Ramalinga Raju of Satyam: He lost his company because of his forays into real estate, through Maytas and other channels.
Like many other Andhra businessmen, Raju borrowed enormous sums for buying land, and prospered as land prices went through the roof. But then prices collapsed with the onset of the global recession, catching many speculators — including Raju — with their pants down. As India emerged out of the recession, land prices started recovering everywhere. But with the announcement of a separate Telengana, real estate prices have fallen once again in Hyderabad and surrounding areas.
This has hit the state government’s finances. It had hoped to raise Rs 12,000 crore through land sales, a figure that now looks impossible. Far worse hit are thousands of land speculators, including a host of top businessmen. Nobody knows for sure who controls how much land in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts, since much of the land is occupied illegally or through dubious means. But the risk is clear: land debacles could create new Satyams.
The risk should not be exaggerated. Most businessmen who survived the Great Recession should be able to survive the separation of Telengana too. But some may collapse. Many politician-speculators will suffer too, and so are among the strongest opponents of division. However, division is inevitable : it is only a matter of time.
Many mulkis resent what they see as the obscene prosperity of outsiders, especially coastal Andhras, who dominate not only land and business but also professional jobs and government employment . In many states migration has occurred from poorer to richer areas, but in Andhra Pradesh farmers moved from the prosperous coastal areas into Telengana , a region that used to be part of princely Hyderabad under the Nizam, and was terrible backward in education, agriculture , roads and everything else.
The Andhras brought in improved farm practices, skills and capital. They helped develop Hyderabad and the rest of Telengana, which is no longer backward compared to the state as a whole. Public sector investment, especially in defence industries, brought in many new skills and services. And more recently the IT companies came roaring in, many run by coastal Andhras.
But although the newcomers greatly improved and enrichened Telengana, they also aroused resentment and accusations of quasi-colonialism. Being better educated, they dominated government jobs. Osmania Unversity’s students are at the fore of the Telengana agitation because they hope to dominate government jobs in the new state.
However, there is no reason to think that more land and jobs for mulkis will mean the expulsion of coastal businessmen. The real risk lies elsewhere: in the continuing fall of land prices, leading possibly to new Satyams.
via:E.T
Carving small states (Jharkhand , Chattisgarh and Uttrakhand ) out of larger ones (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh ) has so far proved an economic success . Not only have the new states grown faster economically, even Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have experienced much faster growth after the separation, though not Madhya Pradesh. This appears to strengthen the case for creating more small states such as Telengana.
Yet a short visit I made to Andhra Pradesh showed dramatically that a separate Telengana could result in problems that other newly-created states have not experienced. The biggest is a problem of land ownership, and this could conceivably create new Satyams. In Hyderabad, some, though by no means all, businessmen talk with trepidation. The fears are highest among the Andhras, folk from the coastal districts, who fear they will be adversely affected and maybe even forced to flee by the local folk or mulkis.
One such businessman told me, “My driver, a local mulki, said to me, quite gently, that when I left Hyderabad after the separation of Telengana, could I please gift my car to him?” Another businessman trumped this with a better story. “My domestic servants”, he said, “requested me to hand over my house to them as and when I leave!”
Is it really possible that a new Telengana will spark the mass exit of outsiders? No, says economist C H Hanumantha Rao. There is some fear among coastal Andhras, but not among people from other parts of India. Obviously mulkis will get a much larger share of government jobs, but not of business. The real fear of businessmen is not of physically being expelled. Rather, it is about land, in which businessmen have sunk enormous sums, and which they might now lose. Businessmen have a second, and more credible fear. They say that the Maoists who were tamed by Y S Rajashekhara Reddy will make a comeback in the new Telengana, since a small state will not have the resources to tackle the Maoist menace. That could affect business prospects and land values.
The big difference between a separate Telengana and other newly created states like Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Uttrakhand relates to the state capital. In the three earlier cases, the state capital remained with the original state. But Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, will go to Telengana. This horrifies coastal Andhras who claim to have created 90% of Hyderabad’s wealth.
A compromise could be to make Hyderabad and the surrounding Rangareddy district a Union territory housing the capitals of both Telengana and residual Andhra Pradesh. This solution worked when Haryana was carved out of Punjab. However, politicians leading the movement are dying to lay their hands on the lucrative land of Hyderabad, and will never give up this golden goose from which they hope to get a thousand golden eggs.
Vast amounts of land around Hyderabad have been grabbed in questionable ways. In a new Telengana, many existing landowners — including major industrialists — may lose enormous tracts of land worth thousands of crores. Illegal land grabbing has till now been very lucrative, but may become the kiss of death after Telengana’s creation. All Indians love land, but in Andhra Pradesh it is a veritable passio . Coastal Andhras have engaged in an orgy of land speculation in the last decade. This passion for land ultimately caused the fall of Ramalinga Raju of Satyam: He lost his company because of his forays into real estate, through Maytas and other channels.
Like many other Andhra businessmen, Raju borrowed enormous sums for buying land, and prospered as land prices went through the roof. But then prices collapsed with the onset of the global recession, catching many speculators — including Raju — with their pants down. As India emerged out of the recession, land prices started recovering everywhere. But with the announcement of a separate Telengana, real estate prices have fallen once again in Hyderabad and surrounding areas.
This has hit the state government’s finances. It had hoped to raise Rs 12,000 crore through land sales, a figure that now looks impossible. Far worse hit are thousands of land speculators, including a host of top businessmen. Nobody knows for sure who controls how much land in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts, since much of the land is occupied illegally or through dubious means. But the risk is clear: land debacles could create new Satyams.
The risk should not be exaggerated. Most businessmen who survived the Great Recession should be able to survive the separation of Telengana too. But some may collapse. Many politician-speculators will suffer too, and so are among the strongest opponents of division. However, division is inevitable : it is only a matter of time.
Many mulkis resent what they see as the obscene prosperity of outsiders, especially coastal Andhras, who dominate not only land and business but also professional jobs and government employment . In many states migration has occurred from poorer to richer areas, but in Andhra Pradesh farmers moved from the prosperous coastal areas into Telengana , a region that used to be part of princely Hyderabad under the Nizam, and was terrible backward in education, agriculture , roads and everything else.
The Andhras brought in improved farm practices, skills and capital. They helped develop Hyderabad and the rest of Telengana, which is no longer backward compared to the state as a whole. Public sector investment, especially in defence industries, brought in many new skills and services. And more recently the IT companies came roaring in, many run by coastal Andhras.
But although the newcomers greatly improved and enrichened Telengana, they also aroused resentment and accusations of quasi-colonialism. Being better educated, they dominated government jobs. Osmania Unversity’s students are at the fore of the Telengana agitation because they hope to dominate government jobs in the new state.
However, there is no reason to think that more land and jobs for mulkis will mean the expulsion of coastal businessmen. The real risk lies elsewhere: in the continuing fall of land prices, leading possibly to new Satyams.
via:E.T
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Investors can consider investing in Orient Paper
22 Feb 2010, 0331 hrs IST, Amriteshwar Mathur, ET Bureau
Orient Paper & Industries, a part of the GP & CK Birla Group, is a diversified player in products, such as cement (contributed 58% of the total segment sales in the current financial year), coupled with electric fans, paper and paperboard.
The company’s key market for cement includes Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and while it was adversely affected in the third quarter of FY10 by weak realisations, the operating environment for this division has shown signs of improvements over the past few weeks.
For instance, cement prices in Hyderabad have shown an uptick with prices currently at Rs 155 per bag levels, as compared to Rs 130 per bag in November 2009.
In addition, a revival in the residential construction sector should help improve demand for Orient’s products, such as electric fans, going forward. The stock currently trades at discount to other South-based diversified cement conglomerates.
CAPACITIES & EXPANSION PLANS: The company’s cement capacity was 3.4 million tonne at the end of March 2009, a rise of nearly 41.7% from two years earlier.
In addition, the company’s new kiln at Jalgaon, Maharashtra, had started commercial production in the third quarter of FY10, and Orient will also shortly bring on stream an additional 1 MT unit at Devapur, Andhra Pradesh. This would raise the company’s cement capacity to 5 MT.
Its other product segments include electrical consumer durables like electric fans, where it is one of the leading players in the organised sector, with a capacity of 3.5 million units at the end of March 2009, a rise of 35.7% from two years earlier. In addition, its paper and paperboard capacity was 171,000 tonne at the end of March 2009, unchanged for the past two years.
The company had invested nearly Rs 762 crore during March 2007- March 09 period, while its cash flow from operations during this period was Rs 768.8 crore.
FINANCIALS: Orient Paper’s operating profit margin declined 630 basis points y-o-y to 18.8 % in the third quarter of FY10, at a time when its net sales rose 2.6% to Rs 372.2 crore.
Pressure on its operating profit margins was due to its key cement division, where realisations declined nearly 8 % y-o-y to Rs 2,713.8 per tonne, while its despatches grew almost 5% yoy to 0.78 MT in the third quarter. Orient Paper, along with other players operating in the southern region, has been grappling with additional capacities coming on stream in this region over the past few months, coupled with signs of a slowdown in implementation of government-funded projects in Andhra Pradesh in the third quarter of FY10.
However, cement prices have shown signs of bouncing back over the past few weeks, In Orient Paper’s other divisions, such as electrical consumer durables, which include electric fans, the company benefited from a broad revival in demand, especially from the residential sector. As a result, segment profit of this division improved 168 % yoy to Rs 6.6 crore in the December 2009 quarter.
VALUATIONS : Orient Paper & Industries at Rs 47.6 per share, trades at nearly 5.8 times on a trailing four-quarter basis. Other diversified cement players in the South, such as India Cements, trade at 8.3 times, while Madras Cements trades at 6.7 times. Investors could consider investing in Orient Paper in a bid to take advantage of the long-term growth opportunities in the company’s various product segments.
Via:E.T
Orient Paper & Industries, a part of the GP & CK Birla Group, is a diversified player in products, such as cement (contributed 58% of the total segment sales in the current financial year), coupled with electric fans, paper and paperboard.
The company’s key market for cement includes Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and while it was adversely affected in the third quarter of FY10 by weak realisations, the operating environment for this division has shown signs of improvements over the past few weeks.
For instance, cement prices in Hyderabad have shown an uptick with prices currently at Rs 155 per bag levels, as compared to Rs 130 per bag in November 2009.
In addition, a revival in the residential construction sector should help improve demand for Orient’s products, such as electric fans, going forward. The stock currently trades at discount to other South-based diversified cement conglomerates.
CAPACITIES & EXPANSION PLANS: The company’s cement capacity was 3.4 million tonne at the end of March 2009, a rise of nearly 41.7% from two years earlier.
In addition, the company’s new kiln at Jalgaon, Maharashtra, had started commercial production in the third quarter of FY10, and Orient will also shortly bring on stream an additional 1 MT unit at Devapur, Andhra Pradesh. This would raise the company’s cement capacity to 5 MT.
Its other product segments include electrical consumer durables like electric fans, where it is one of the leading players in the organised sector, with a capacity of 3.5 million units at the end of March 2009, a rise of 35.7% from two years earlier. In addition, its paper and paperboard capacity was 171,000 tonne at the end of March 2009, unchanged for the past two years.
The company had invested nearly Rs 762 crore during March 2007- March 09 period, while its cash flow from operations during this period was Rs 768.8 crore.
FINANCIALS: Orient Paper’s operating profit margin declined 630 basis points y-o-y to 18.8 % in the third quarter of FY10, at a time when its net sales rose 2.6% to Rs 372.2 crore.
Pressure on its operating profit margins was due to its key cement division, where realisations declined nearly 8 % y-o-y to Rs 2,713.8 per tonne, while its despatches grew almost 5% yoy to 0.78 MT in the third quarter. Orient Paper, along with other players operating in the southern region, has been grappling with additional capacities coming on stream in this region over the past few months, coupled with signs of a slowdown in implementation of government-funded projects in Andhra Pradesh in the third quarter of FY10.
However, cement prices have shown signs of bouncing back over the past few weeks, In Orient Paper’s other divisions, such as electrical consumer durables, which include electric fans, the company benefited from a broad revival in demand, especially from the residential sector. As a result, segment profit of this division improved 168 % yoy to Rs 6.6 crore in the December 2009 quarter.
VALUATIONS : Orient Paper & Industries at Rs 47.6 per share, trades at nearly 5.8 times on a trailing four-quarter basis. Other diversified cement players in the South, such as India Cements, trade at 8.3 times, while Madras Cements trades at 6.7 times. Investors could consider investing in Orient Paper in a bid to take advantage of the long-term growth opportunities in the company’s various product segments.
Via:E.T
Sunday, February 14, 2010
This is more than just a 7%-10% correction
5 Minutes Wrap up, Thursday, 11 February, 2010 4:31 PM
This is more than just a 7%-10% correction
» The empire of Debt is crumbling
'This is more than just a 7%-10% correction', screams a headline on one of the financial portals. The man behind the quote is none other than the famous financial observer and trader Dennis Gartman. In a recent interview, Gartman has opined that it would be a mistake to aggressively buy stocks at the current juncture. He fears that a deep correction in stocks across the globe could happen anytime soon. And he has based his observation on the fact that unlike the previous correction in US equities a few months back, the correction this time around is far more spread out. In other words, it has engulfed practically the whole world and this, as per him is a dangerous sign. He further observes that confidence, which is so key to the functioning of any financial market has gotten badly affected with events like the Greece debt crisis. And this too, does not bode well for capital markets including equities.
If the fundamentals would have pointed to another direction, we would have certainly taken traders like Dennis Gartman with a pinch of salt. However, even in India, the fundamentals seem to be pointing towards a not very rosy picture from a 1-2 year perspective. Even after the recent correction of the order of 10%-12%, it has become difficult to justify investment into a fundamentally sound company, run by a credible management team. It is the price that such stocks are commanding that is worrying us. Thus, while we may not know whether this is more than just a 7%-10% correction, what we know with a far greater degree of confidence is the fact that a significant correction from the current levels would set us up nicely for attractive gains over the next 2-3 years.
via:EQM
This is more than just a 7%-10% correction
» The empire of Debt is crumbling
'This is more than just a 7%-10% correction', screams a headline on one of the financial portals. The man behind the quote is none other than the famous financial observer and trader Dennis Gartman. In a recent interview, Gartman has opined that it would be a mistake to aggressively buy stocks at the current juncture. He fears that a deep correction in stocks across the globe could happen anytime soon. And he has based his observation on the fact that unlike the previous correction in US equities a few months back, the correction this time around is far more spread out. In other words, it has engulfed practically the whole world and this, as per him is a dangerous sign. He further observes that confidence, which is so key to the functioning of any financial market has gotten badly affected with events like the Greece debt crisis. And this too, does not bode well for capital markets including equities.
If the fundamentals would have pointed to another direction, we would have certainly taken traders like Dennis Gartman with a pinch of salt. However, even in India, the fundamentals seem to be pointing towards a not very rosy picture from a 1-2 year perspective. Even after the recent correction of the order of 10%-12%, it has become difficult to justify investment into a fundamentally sound company, run by a credible management team. It is the price that such stocks are commanding that is worrying us. Thus, while we may not know whether this is more than just a 7%-10% correction, what we know with a far greater degree of confidence is the fact that a significant correction from the current levels would set us up nicely for attractive gains over the next 2-3 years.
via:EQM
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Start preparing for oil at $200 a barrel
7 Feb 2010, 0002 hrs IST, Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar, ET Bureau
The Kirit Parikh Committee is the third such committee to suggest decontrolling petroleum product prices. Probably politicians will again refuse to do so, and instead decree a modest increase in petrol and diesel prices.
Yet the key issue is not whether petrol and diesel prices should reflect today’s oil price of $75/barrel. It is that booming Asia will in a decade push oil to $200/barrel and maybe $300/barrel. India must prepare for a world of scarce, expensive oil instead of pretending that astronomical subsidies can ensure price stability.
Today, the “under-recoveries”, implicit subsidy, of oil companies is Rs 60,000 crore. The immediate price increases suggested by the Committee may cut this to Rs 30,000 crore. But if oil goes up to $200/barrel, the subsidy will rise astronomically up to Rs 500,000 crore, eroding funds for all other anti-poverty and development initiatives.
In the 1990s, oil cost $16-17/barrel. When it doubled to $35 by 2004, politicians refused to believe it was permanent, and decreed piecemeal price increases instead of price decontrol. When oil doubled again to $70/barrel by 2006, they cut excise and import duties and provided huge subsidies rather than raise prices proportionally. And when oil shot up to $147/barrel in mid-2008, they just closed their eyes and crossed their thumbs.
Luckily for them, the global financial crisis and Great Recession then sent oil crashing down to $40/barrel, saving them from facing up immediately to a future of scarce oil. But the global economy is now recovering, so that challenge must be faced.
The global recovery looks weak in Europe and North America, but is gathering steam in Asia. China and India look like powering ahead at 12% and 9% respectively in 2010-11. Other Asian countries are also buoyant. These developing countries are at a very energy-intensive stage of development.
Booming Asia is sucking in commodity imports from Africa and Latin America, fuelling booms there too. Slackness in rich countries has kept a lid on commodity prices, but the long-term trend is unambiguously upward.
China has already overtaken the US as the world biggest consumer of cars and emitter of carbon. India is following in China’s footsteps, one decade removed. So, even if oil consumption is muted in the West, even if rich countries drastically reduce carbon emissions (which is doubtful), oil consumption will rise stridently in developing countries.
The world’s old oilfields are in steep decline, and large new oil discoveries offshore in Brazil, Mexico and Africa are in deep waters that will take time to exploit.
Indian politicians say it is politically impossible to decontrol oil prices. They fear that freeing oil prices will stoke inflation, because of the impact on transport costs. But in countries with free oil pricing, like the US, inflation excluding food and energy has been less than 1% although oil prices have doubled in the last 12 months.
It is simply untrue that price decontrol leads to inflation. On the contrary it leads to efficiency, conservation and a switch to alternatives. It will also reduce the fiscal deficit, and that will tame interest rates and hence prices.
When I became a journalist in 1965, oil was decontrolled but steel was controlled on the ground that it was politically impossible to free a commodity so vital to the economy. But steel was decontrolled in the 1980s and proved no problem at all.
Why so? Because voters understand that commercial producers need to sell at market prices, but know that governments can subsidise goods indefinitely. As long as oil bears a political price, voters will resist any price increase. But if oil is decontrolled, voters will soon accept the realities of the market, as it already has for steel.
In 1974, when OPEC first flexed its muscle, the government doubled the price of petrol overnight. It was a big blow of course, but the economy adjusted to the reality of expensive energy. India adjusted again in the second oil shock of 1980.
We now face another huge energy crunch, and need to adjust to that reality too. After decontrol, we can replace the kerosene subsidy with solar and LED lanterns for the poor. Farmers should switch from diesel pumps to electric ones. Cooking gas cylinders can be replaced by piped gas. Buses can switch to compressed natural gas. The poorest can get cash transfers through smart cards to reduce their fuel bills.
We must stop massive subsidies for a non-renewable and polluting resource. Instead, we must prepare for the coming reality of oil at $200/barrel.
Via: E.T
The Kirit Parikh Committee is the third such committee to suggest decontrolling petroleum product prices. Probably politicians will again refuse to do so, and instead decree a modest increase in petrol and diesel prices.
Yet the key issue is not whether petrol and diesel prices should reflect today’s oil price of $75/barrel. It is that booming Asia will in a decade push oil to $200/barrel and maybe $300/barrel. India must prepare for a world of scarce, expensive oil instead of pretending that astronomical subsidies can ensure price stability.
Today, the “under-recoveries”, implicit subsidy, of oil companies is Rs 60,000 crore. The immediate price increases suggested by the Committee may cut this to Rs 30,000 crore. But if oil goes up to $200/barrel, the subsidy will rise astronomically up to Rs 500,000 crore, eroding funds for all other anti-poverty and development initiatives.
In the 1990s, oil cost $16-17/barrel. When it doubled to $35 by 2004, politicians refused to believe it was permanent, and decreed piecemeal price increases instead of price decontrol. When oil doubled again to $70/barrel by 2006, they cut excise and import duties and provided huge subsidies rather than raise prices proportionally. And when oil shot up to $147/barrel in mid-2008, they just closed their eyes and crossed their thumbs.
Luckily for them, the global financial crisis and Great Recession then sent oil crashing down to $40/barrel, saving them from facing up immediately to a future of scarce oil. But the global economy is now recovering, so that challenge must be faced.
The global recovery looks weak in Europe and North America, but is gathering steam in Asia. China and India look like powering ahead at 12% and 9% respectively in 2010-11. Other Asian countries are also buoyant. These developing countries are at a very energy-intensive stage of development.
Booming Asia is sucking in commodity imports from Africa and Latin America, fuelling booms there too. Slackness in rich countries has kept a lid on commodity prices, but the long-term trend is unambiguously upward.
China has already overtaken the US as the world biggest consumer of cars and emitter of carbon. India is following in China’s footsteps, one decade removed. So, even if oil consumption is muted in the West, even if rich countries drastically reduce carbon emissions (which is doubtful), oil consumption will rise stridently in developing countries.
The world’s old oilfields are in steep decline, and large new oil discoveries offshore in Brazil, Mexico and Africa are in deep waters that will take time to exploit.
Indian politicians say it is politically impossible to decontrol oil prices. They fear that freeing oil prices will stoke inflation, because of the impact on transport costs. But in countries with free oil pricing, like the US, inflation excluding food and energy has been less than 1% although oil prices have doubled in the last 12 months.
It is simply untrue that price decontrol leads to inflation. On the contrary it leads to efficiency, conservation and a switch to alternatives. It will also reduce the fiscal deficit, and that will tame interest rates and hence prices.
When I became a journalist in 1965, oil was decontrolled but steel was controlled on the ground that it was politically impossible to free a commodity so vital to the economy. But steel was decontrolled in the 1980s and proved no problem at all.
Why so? Because voters understand that commercial producers need to sell at market prices, but know that governments can subsidise goods indefinitely. As long as oil bears a political price, voters will resist any price increase. But if oil is decontrolled, voters will soon accept the realities of the market, as it already has for steel.
In 1974, when OPEC first flexed its muscle, the government doubled the price of petrol overnight. It was a big blow of course, but the economy adjusted to the reality of expensive energy. India adjusted again in the second oil shock of 1980.
We now face another huge energy crunch, and need to adjust to that reality too. After decontrol, we can replace the kerosene subsidy with solar and LED lanterns for the poor. Farmers should switch from diesel pumps to electric ones. Cooking gas cylinders can be replaced by piped gas. Buses can switch to compressed natural gas. The poorest can get cash transfers through smart cards to reduce their fuel bills.
We must stop massive subsidies for a non-renewable and polluting resource. Instead, we must prepare for the coming reality of oil at $200/barrel.
Via: E.T
You can do National Electronics Funds Transfer deals till 7 pm
RBI has widened the scope of the National Electronics Funds Transfer (NEFT) for small-ticket online settlements by extending the transaction timings and facilitating speedier settlements.
In a notification posted on its website on Friday, RBI has said customers will now be able to use this facility for extended hours besides increasing the frequency of batches of settlements.
From March, customers will be able to conclude transactions from 9 am to 7 pm from the earlier deadline of 5 pm on week days. While on Saturday, the deadline will be extended by an hour from 12 pm to 1 pm. RBI has also decided to move to an hourly frequency of settlement of batches, and accordingly increased the number of batches of settlements from six to 11 on week days and from three to five on Saturday.
According to RIS Siddhu, general manager of PNB, the move will encourage more remittances through this system and we may see more cheques and drafts settling through this platform. The NEFT platform is offered by RBI essentially for retail customers to make online remittances of up to Rs 1 lakh per transaction.
While the settlement here at present is on a T+1 basis (that is the next day of the transaction.) RBI will now move to B+1 settlement system or an hourly settlement, which means the transaction will be settled in the next batch where each batch will have one hour duration.
What makes NEFT different from RTGS is that the former is more high value real time transactions while NEFT settlements are not instantaneous.
In a notification posted on its website on Friday, RBI has said customers will now be able to use this facility for extended hours besides increasing the frequency of batches of settlements.
From March, customers will be able to conclude transactions from 9 am to 7 pm from the earlier deadline of 5 pm on week days. While on Saturday, the deadline will be extended by an hour from 12 pm to 1 pm. RBI has also decided to move to an hourly frequency of settlement of batches, and accordingly increased the number of batches of settlements from six to 11 on week days and from three to five on Saturday.
According to RIS Siddhu, general manager of PNB, the move will encourage more remittances through this system and we may see more cheques and drafts settling through this platform. The NEFT platform is offered by RBI essentially for retail customers to make online remittances of up to Rs 1 lakh per transaction.
While the settlement here at present is on a T+1 basis (that is the next day of the transaction.) RBI will now move to B+1 settlement system or an hourly settlement, which means the transaction will be settled in the next batch where each batch will have one hour duration.
What makes NEFT different from RTGS is that the former is more high value real time transactions while NEFT settlements are not instantaneous.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
MARKET AT THE CLOSING. >>Thursday, January 21, 2010
As expected, the market lost ground today and declined to 17052 sensex level, it is a support zone but as it has lost previous up move by nearly 60% it looks weak. From 21st Dec , market was rising from level 16577 and today at 21st Jan, it is at 17050 level !! Of , 11th Jan was peak 17777. It may reach 16577 and take support or take support from this level too. Keep watching. Stay away from sensex stocks at this point but enter in to other real strong stocks, be stock specific.
L&T Q3 sales disappoint; stock down 5%
21 Jan 2010, 1424 hrs IST, ET Bureau
MUMBAI: Shares of engineering major Larsen & Toubro were beaten badly after its quarterly sales declined 6 per cent.
L&T's net sales fell to Rs 8139 crore in the December quarter, lower than the corresponding period a year ago. Its net profit grew 15 per cent to Rs 696 crore over the same period a year ago.
At 2:15 p.m., shares of L&T were down 5.2 per cent at Rs 1,550.10 on the NSE.
MUMBAI: Shares of engineering major Larsen & Toubro were beaten badly after its quarterly sales declined 6 per cent.
L&T's net sales fell to Rs 8139 crore in the December quarter, lower than the corresponding period a year ago. Its net profit grew 15 per cent to Rs 696 crore over the same period a year ago.
At 2:15 p.m., shares of L&T were down 5.2 per cent at Rs 1,550.10 on the NSE.
Kewal Kiran Clothing>>CRISIL assigns Fundamental grade ‘3/5’
21 Jan 2010, 1620 hrs IST, ET Bureau
MUMBAI: CRISIL (Independent Equity Research) has assigned Fundamental Grade ‘3/5’ to Kewal Kiran Clothing Ltd (KKCL), indicating the company’s fundamentals are ‘Good’. CRISIL Equities has assigned a valuation grade of ‘5/5’, indicating that the stock has a ‘Strong Upside’ to its Fundamental value of Rs 336 from the current market price of Rs 265. The grades are not a recommendation to buy/sell or hold, or a comment on the graded instrument’s future market price.
The assigned fundamental grading reflects the strong prospects of the branded readymade garment (RMG) industry in India and KKCL’s strong positioning in the sector. It also takes into account the company’s strong and experienced management, which has been instrumental in establishing brands such as ‘Killer’, ‘Lawman Pg3’ and ‘Integriti’ in the domestic market. The company also has a robust balance sheet characterised by low gearing and strong liquidity position. As of September 2009, KKCL’s gearing stood at 0.10x, with cash balance of Rs 0.99 billion. Additionally, the company’s ambitious plans in retail would enable it to tap the tremendous potential in the branded RMG market and would also enhance its brand visibility. However, the grading is tempered by high competition in the branded apparel industry, which is likely to impact KKCL’s product pricing. The company also faces the inherent industry risk of accurately predicting fashion trends and correctly timing the launch of new product variants.
From FY06 to FY09, KKCL’s revenues and PAT increased at CAGR of 19.0% and 7.0%, respectively. CRISIL Equities expects the company’s revenues to touch Rs 2.52 billion by FY12, registering a strong 3-year CAGR of 20.2% on the back of increasing volumes and realisations. KKCL’s PAT is expected to grow at a CAGR of 38.2% from FY09 to FY12, driven by revenue growth as well as higher margins due to lower selling expenses and increasing realisations. KKCL’s net margins are expected to improve from 9.8% in FY09 to 17.3% in FY10, before moderating to 15.0% by FY12. Due to rising profitability, CRISIL Equities expects the company’s earnings per share (EPS) to increase from Rs 11.6 in FY09 to Rs 30.7 in FY12. KKCL’s RoE is forecast to increase from 9.4% to 17.0% during the same period.
MUMBAI: CRISIL (Independent Equity Research) has assigned Fundamental Grade ‘3/5’ to Kewal Kiran Clothing Ltd (KKCL), indicating the company’s fundamentals are ‘Good’. CRISIL Equities has assigned a valuation grade of ‘5/5’, indicating that the stock has a ‘Strong Upside’ to its Fundamental value of Rs 336 from the current market price of Rs 265. The grades are not a recommendation to buy/sell or hold, or a comment on the graded instrument’s future market price.
The assigned fundamental grading reflects the strong prospects of the branded readymade garment (RMG) industry in India and KKCL’s strong positioning in the sector. It also takes into account the company’s strong and experienced management, which has been instrumental in establishing brands such as ‘Killer’, ‘Lawman Pg3’ and ‘Integriti’ in the domestic market. The company also has a robust balance sheet characterised by low gearing and strong liquidity position. As of September 2009, KKCL’s gearing stood at 0.10x, with cash balance of Rs 0.99 billion. Additionally, the company’s ambitious plans in retail would enable it to tap the tremendous potential in the branded RMG market and would also enhance its brand visibility. However, the grading is tempered by high competition in the branded apparel industry, which is likely to impact KKCL’s product pricing. The company also faces the inherent industry risk of accurately predicting fashion trends and correctly timing the launch of new product variants.
From FY06 to FY09, KKCL’s revenues and PAT increased at CAGR of 19.0% and 7.0%, respectively. CRISIL Equities expects the company’s revenues to touch Rs 2.52 billion by FY12, registering a strong 3-year CAGR of 20.2% on the back of increasing volumes and realisations. KKCL’s PAT is expected to grow at a CAGR of 38.2% from FY09 to FY12, driven by revenue growth as well as higher margins due to lower selling expenses and increasing realisations. KKCL’s net margins are expected to improve from 9.8% in FY09 to 17.3% in FY10, before moderating to 15.0% by FY12. Due to rising profitability, CRISIL Equities expects the company’s earnings per share (EPS) to increase from Rs 11.6 in FY09 to Rs 30.7 in FY12. KKCL’s RoE is forecast to increase from 9.4% to 17.0% during the same period.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
FIIs pump in Rs 8,100 cr in market in first fortnight of 2010
17 Jan 2010, 1810 hrs IST, PTI
NEW DELHI: Foreign fund houses infused a net Rs 8,191 crore ($1.7 billion) in the Indian stock markets during the first fortnight of 2010, signaling a good start for the year, in terms of fund inflow.
During the period, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were the gross purchaser of equities worth Rs 34,663.7 crore, while they sold stocks worth Rs 26472.1 crore, resulting in a net investment of Rs 8,191.70 crore.
According to data available with capital market regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), FIIs made a net investment of Rs 6,617.40 crore ($1.4 billion) in debt instruments, during the period under review.
Interestingly, during the said period, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex registered a gain of 0.51 per cent, while in the same period past year, the stock market barometer had gained 81 per cent.
In 2009, FIIs were net investors of Rs 83,400 crore in domestic equities, the highest inflow in the country in rupee terms in a single year. It came a year after overseas investors pulled out over Rs 50,000 crore.
NEW DELHI: Foreign fund houses infused a net Rs 8,191 crore ($1.7 billion) in the Indian stock markets during the first fortnight of 2010, signaling a good start for the year, in terms of fund inflow.
During the period, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were the gross purchaser of equities worth Rs 34,663.7 crore, while they sold stocks worth Rs 26472.1 crore, resulting in a net investment of Rs 8,191.70 crore.
According to data available with capital market regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), FIIs made a net investment of Rs 6,617.40 crore ($1.4 billion) in debt instruments, during the period under review.
Interestingly, during the said period, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex registered a gain of 0.51 per cent, while in the same period past year, the stock market barometer had gained 81 per cent.
In 2009, FIIs were net investors of Rs 83,400 crore in domestic equities, the highest inflow in the country in rupee terms in a single year. It came a year after overseas investors pulled out over Rs 50,000 crore.
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