Cantabil Retail India Limited (CANTABIL) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

February 11, 2025

National Stock Exchange of India IN Consumer Discretionary Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods earnings 52 min

Earnings Call Speaker Segments

Operator

operator
#1

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to Cantabil Retail India Limited Q3 and 9 Months FY '25 Earnings Conference Call hosted by Marathon Capital. [Operator Instructions] Before we begin, there's a brief disclaimer. The presentation which Cantabil Retail India Limited has uploaded on the stock exchange and their website, including the discussions during this call, contains or may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning Cantabil Retail India Limited business prospects and profitability, which are subject to several risks and uncertainties, and the actual results could materially differ from those in such forward-looking statements. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. With this, I now hand the conference over to Mr. Vijay Bansal, CMD Cantabil Retail India Limited. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

Vijay Bansal

executive
#2

Good evening, everyone. On behalf of Cantabil Retail India Limited, I welcome everyone to the Quarter 3 and 9 Months FY '25 Earnings Conference Call of the company. Joining me on this call is Mr. Deepak Bansal, Whole-Time Director; Mr. Basant Goyal, Whole-Time Director; Mr. Shivendra Nigam, CFO; Ms. Poonam Chahal, CS; and Marathon Capital, our Investor Relations advisers. I hope everyone had an opportunity to look at our results. The presentation and result release have been uploaded on the stock exchanges and our company website. We are pleased to report a historical quarterly performance for Q3 FY '25, setting various benchmarks. The record SSG of 17.7% achieved during the quarter reflects the robustness of our brand. The achievement of a historical high in quarterly revenue and PAT despite a challenging market environment is a testament of our customer centric approach and its potential for sustained growth and market leadership. The government's strategy to boost consumer demand through direct tax cuts, rate cuts by RBI is anticipated to produce desirable results and overall revival in consumer sentiment is expected to benefit companies in the retail sector. We are committed to capitalize on these emerging opportunities and solidifying our position as a leader in the fashion apparel sector. Let me conclude by reiterating our key focus area, improving SSG, increasing retail presence, improving efficiencies. I now hand over the call to Mr. Shivendra Nigam for giving update on the financial and operational performance for the quarter. Thank you.

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#3

Thank you, sir, and a warm welcome to everyone. Coming to the financials, stand-alone performance highlights for Q3 FY '25. Revenue from operations, for Q3, revenue for financial year Q3 FY '25 grew by 28% to INR 223 crores as compared to INR 174.5 crores in Q3 FY '24. EBITDA for Q3 FY '25 grew by 28% to INR 72.5 crores as compared to INR 53.9 crores in Q3 FY '24. EBITDA margin for Q3 FY '25 stood at 32.5% as compared to 30.9% in Q3 FY '24. PAT for quarter 3 FY '25 grew by 43% to INR 34.4 crores as compared to INR 24.1 crores in Q3 FY '24. PAT margins for Q3 FY '25 stood at 15.4% as compared to 13.8% in Q3 FY '24. Stand-alone performance highlights for 9 months FY '25. Revenue from operations for 9 months FY '25 grew by 19% to INR 502 crores as compared to INR 421.3 crores in 9 months FY '24. EBITDA for 9 months FY '25 grew by 24% to INR 146.4 crores as compared to INR 117.9 crores in 9 months FY '24. EBITDA margin for 9 months FY '25 stood at 23.2% as compared to 28% in 9 months FY '24. PAT for 9 months FY '25 grew by 19% to INR 52.3 crores as compared to INR 43.9 crores in 9 months FY '24. PAT margin for 9 months FY '25 stood at 10.4% as compared to 10.4% in 9 months FY '24. On the expansion front, the company accelerated its store expansion strategy by opening 43 stores net during 9 months FY '24. The company operates as of 31st of December 576 retail exclusive outlets, out of which 443 stores are company-owned and 133 are franchisee stores. The retail area around 7.4 lakh square feet as on 31st December 2024. We will now begin the question-and-answer session. Thank you.

Operator

operator
#4

[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of [ Amansukh Sakhuja ] from Ambit. Sir, it's Arnav Sakhuja.

Arnav Sakhuja

analyst
#5

So I just wanted to ask, so are we still on track to achieve the earlier growth forecast that we've forecasted to FY '25? Or have there been any revisions to this?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#6

Sir, your voice is not clear. Can you please be a little loud, please? Hello?

Arnav Sakhuja

analyst
#7

Am I audible now?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#8

Question was not clear, actually.

Arnav Sakhuja

analyst
#9

Am I audible now?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#10

Yes, a little bit. Yes.

Arnav Sakhuja

analyst
#11

So my question was that are we still on track to achieve the growth guidance that we've spoken about in previous calls? Or have there been any revisions to this?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#12

What I understood is overall, there is any revision on the quarter -- annual target. What the question is?

Arnav Sakhuja

analyst
#13

Yes, yes. That's the question.

Deepak Bansal

executive
#14

So yes, there is no revision in the annual targets. So the outstanding number of Q3 reflects our points. And overall, the growth what we predicted earlier as far as last year concerned, about 18% to 20%, that has been there in terms of overall revenue targets.

Arnav Sakhuja

analyst
#15

Okay. And so just one more question. So of the 20 new stores that we've opened this quarter, are some of these specifically ladies and kids stores? Or is it -- what is the mix of that, are some menswear stores?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#16

We have opened like 2 ladies and kids store in there. So in the total, we opened 26 stores. So 6 were the closures, and net open 20 stores. So -- but I'm thinking about the 26 stores we opened. So in these 26 stores, 7 are the men's stores, men's and ladies are the 10 stores, ladies and kids are the 2 stores, 6 are the family stores and 1 is exclusive ladies store.

Operator

operator
#17

[Operator Instructions] Next question is from the line of Rajesh Sharma from Anand Rathi.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#18

Congrats on a good set of numbers.

Operator

operator
#19

Rajesh, can you speak a little louder please?

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#20

Yes. Am I audible now?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#21

Yes.

Operator

operator
#22

Slightly better.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#23

So I just have 2 questions. So for Q3, our EBITDA margins were 32.5% and for the 9 months, we had a 29.2% margin, whereas 26.4% was there in FY '24. And can we consider that we will be able to achieve our earlier EBITDA margins, which was within the range of 29% to 30%, which we used to achieve in FY '22 and around '23?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#24

Yes. So absolutely, as we say, we are perfectly hopeful what the numbers have been achieved in FY '23, that is 30% of the EBITDA margin, last year, slightly dip was there. But very confident probably this year, we will be near to that EBITDA margin, which will be 28% to 30%.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#25

Okay. And how are we seeing the current season, Q4 and the revenue guidance for the next 2 years?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#26

So our Q3 number for SSG was 17% and our SSG for the 3 quarters come to be around 6.4% now. And we hope to maintain the same kind of SSG in the Q4. So we will be closing this year with the -- around 5% to 6% SSG for the whole year. So demand side is good in the Q4 also, and we will be closing with the numbers we have expected.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#27

Okay. And -- yes, that's all from my side -- and sorry, last question. How many store additions are we considering this year in this Q4?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#28

So Q4, we are planning that new store addition will be something like 28, 29 stores. So in the whole year, we expect to be like doing some 70 to 72 new stores, net new stores.

Operator

operator
#29

Next question is from the line of Bhargav from Ambit Asset Management.

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#30

Congratulations for a great set of numbers. Sir, my first question is that what is the inventory days as on December now?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#31

Which days Bhargav ji? Sorry, inventory days?

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#32

Inventory?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#33

Yes, yes. So overall, my inventory as on the balance sheet date, [ FG ] is INR 250 crores to be precise, INR 249 crores because this inventory is slightly on a higher side due to winter. So overall inventory days as of now is approximately 120 days, but overall target is same. I'm very sure we are closing approximately 115 days by the end of the financial year.

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#34

[Foreign Language]

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#35

[Foreign Language]

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#36

[Foreign Language]

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#37

[Foreign Language] because ticket size high know, where all winter inventory of December is piled up, but overall 115 days is the target, and we are very sure we are closing approximately that number only.

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#38

And where do we expect to end this in March [Foreign Language]

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#39

Sorry, March?

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#40

March '25 any guidance on the inventory, what is the...

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#41

Sir, 115 days [Foreign Language] that's the target. [Foreign Language] probably INR 249 crores FG as of now, we are traveling. It would be reduced approximately INR 15 crores to INR 20 crores by the end of the financial year, would be approximately 115 days of my overall annual target.

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#42

And is it possible to share what has been the operating cash flow post working capital in 9 months?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#43

My operating cash flow for the 9 months?

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#44

Yes. December?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#45

The operating cash flow [Foreign Language] Sorry?

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#46

Whatever is ready, sir. I'm okay with it.

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#47

We can take it separately, Bhargav ji. However, my operating cash flow for the 9 months is still on a better than EBITDA, which is approximately INR 90 crores-plus from the operations only.

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#48

And this is post working capital, right?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#49

After netting off the working capital, including Ind AS number. I'm giving you the numbers what we have been presented.

Bhargav Buddhadev

analyst
#50

And in terms of number of stores doing more than INR 1 crores, is it possible to share what is the number?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#51

Right now, Bhargav ji, it's not ready made, but the earlier guidance was same. However, I can take it separately with you.

Operator

operator
#52

[Operator Instructions] Next question is from the line of Darshil Jhaveri from Crown Capital Partners.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#53

Congratulations on a great set of results, sir. Sir, just I was hoping that if we could give a guidance for how the next 2 years will pan out for us, sir?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#54

So overall, we are targeting to have a same-store sales growth always been important. So we are very sure we are delivering the 5%, 6%, what the earlier guidance is there. There is no change in the budget, no change in the guidance. Going forward, same 15%, 18%, 19% of the total growth with 6% to 7%, 5% approximately on the same-store sales growth. The same guidance -- overall team is working on the same guidance.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#55

Okay. So 18%, 20% for like overall revenue for the upcoming few years?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#56

Yes, correct.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#57

Yes. Okay. And in that, we'll be able to maintain our EBITDA margin, sir?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#58

Should be better off, just as the earlier question is asked. We have set our benchmark as the highest one for the FY '23. So this year, probably we are closing that. And definitely, we are going to maintain that margins.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#59

Okay. Okay. That's helpful, sir. And sir, just wanted to know currently, like how do you see the industry currently panning out, are there any lower demand or anything on ground you go? Anything you could see that changing or some shift is happening that would -- you could tell us, sir? Or how is the consumer sentiment on the ground?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#60

Consumer sentiments are good. In Q3 also, we noticed the consumer sentiments were upbound. So in Q4 also, we are hopeful that the numbers will be as per the guidance and as per the expectations. And winter season also going well. Wedding season also going well. There are a number of weddings this quarter. So numbers will be as per the expectations in Q4.

Operator

operator
#61

Next question is from the line of Aditya Sen from RoboCapital.

Aditya Sen

analyst
#62

Sir, how many stores are we planning to open in the next 2 years?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#63

So we are planning to open 75 new stores every year. So if we combine the 2 years, so we will be planning to open 150 new stores.

Operator

operator
#64

Next question is from the line of Varun Thakkar from FYERS Asset Management.

Varun Thakkar

analyst
#65

Sir, I just had a question about the store economics. You have just opened about 26 new stores this quarter. I wanted to know what are the peak revenue numbers that you are looking to achieve from these stores? And what is the usual payback period for such stores?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#66

Correct. So considering the investment what we are making in the new stores because earlier we also -- we are now opening slightly bigger stores. So my -- the number for the 9 months for opening the store size is approximately 700 plus, 726 exactly. 1,700, sorry, 1,700 plus. So I'll keep it 1,700 plus and my CapEx cost is coming approximately INR 1,700 to INR 1,800 per square feet. And at the same time, we have approximately INR 2,200 to INR 2,400 of the investment in my inventory. So broadly, overall, approximately INR 4,500 approximately, we are investing in opening COCO store. And considering the maturity of that stores because my second year approximately INR 120 lakhs is my average revenue for the store, which in the bigger store is slightly more. So that has been coming in the second year, you can say maturity. So on these basis of competition, approximately 2 to 2.5 years is the payback period, average payback period for the stores.

Varun Thakkar

analyst
#67

Is it the same for the franchisee-owned stores?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#68

Franchisee-owned stores is not much opening now because companies’ sizes are bigger. So we are mostly opening the company-owned stores. So on a net basis, only 2 stores have been opened in the franchisees. So franchisee viability is slightly on a push -- they are -- as per our calculation, getting the payback period approximately 3 to 3.5 years.

Varun Thakkar

analyst
#69

All right. And just wanted a guidance about the overall operating margins. Do you think this high base is achievable? Or are we going to be looking at a 25% to 26% on a long-term basis?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#70

So as I just said our benchmark has been set, and we are targeting those numbers only. So going forward, my gross margin is to be maintained. This quarter, if you have seen, we have delivered better gross margin by 1%. So when we are maintaining approximately 56% to 57% of the gross margin, we'll come back to 28% to 30% of the EBITDA margin and 10% to 11% of the PAT margin. And these are the numbers, sustainable long-term numbers. It should be better off. But for next 2 financial year, we are being targeting those numbers.

Operator

operator
#71

[Operator Instructions] Next question is from the line of Neel Shah, individual investor.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#72

Congratulations on good set of numbers. Just a follow-up question to an answer which you just gave. Any particular recalibration or strategy leading to this margin expansion on the gross margin front or EBITDA margin?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#73

Nothing like this, that there is -- we are mostly as a company who are working on the basics and KPIs. So there is no change this month. So these are the margins slightly because the cost is fixed in nature. The more we are getting the better same-store sales growth, EBITDA margin is definitely going to improve, which we are reflecting in our results as well. So overall guidance it says, there is no much changes in the margins and the strategy as well.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#74

What I meant was also on the gross margin, if you rightly mentioned about 100 bps expansion. Was it on account of any composition changes in merchandise or anything specifically? Or was it only this quarter specific?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#75

So if you have seen, there is a slight percentage increase in our ASP, which is probably there's a slight correction of the prices. So basically, those are the reasons, 60% to 61%, only 1%. So broadly, these are the numbers which is going to be maintained.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#76

And sir, sorry, at the cost of repetition, just reconfirming what is the new store targets which you're planning to open in FY '26?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#77

FY '26. So this year, as of now, we are opening approximately 75 stores, 70 to 75 stores this financial year. Going forward, 70 -- between 70 to 80 stores is the target.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#78

And this all will be COCO driven predominantly?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#79

Majorly, it would be COCO driven.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#80

And indicative relative CapEx would be how much broadly?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#81

So as I just said, approximately 1,700 square feet is my area going forward as well, which is having approximately INR 1,700 to INR 1,800 per square feet of the CapEx. So on this basis, if you say approximately INR 20 crores in terms of store expansion CapEx going forward.

Operator

operator
#82

[Operator Instructions] Next follow-up question is from the line of Rajesh Sharma from Anand Rathi.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#83

So I have a couple of questions. So I wanted to ask what would be your revenue category-wise, men, women, kids and accessories?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#84

So my men's category revenue is 81%. Ladies category is 12%. Kids and accessory both are 4%.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#85

Okay. And so in the South India, we have -- our presence is almost negligible. And do we have any further plans of increasing our footprint over there?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#86

Not in the near future, if not right in the next year. But next to next year, we are planning to go to South India.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#87

Okay. And sir, regarding the new stores that we are opening, what would be the average store size?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#88

Average store size is 1,700 square feet plus.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#89

Okay. And would we be also looking at opening larger stores, more than 2,000 square feet, something like that?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#90

So we are opening larger stores also. So some stores are below 1,700 and some are above 1,700. So the stores which are above 1,700 are naturally in the range of 2,000 to 2,500 square feet.

Rajesh Sharma

analyst
#91

Okay. And sir, the last question. So how would be financing the opening of these new stores? Would there be any spike in borrowings? Or would we have sufficient internal accruals for this?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#92

We have sufficient internal accruals. So we are not planning to take any debt for funding the expansion. It can be easily funded through the internal accruals.

Operator

operator
#93

Next question is from the line of Palash from Nuvama Wealth.

Palash Kawale

analyst
#94

Sir, you mentioned about opening the large-sized stores. So would all the stores that you would be opening are large size now or there would be smaller sized stores also?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#95

Smaller-sized stores are also there. So we -- average store size is 1,700 square feet. And a company average is 1,276 square feet is company average, but the new store average is 1,700 square feet, which we are opening. So this is a mixed stores, the new stores which are coming, they are smaller in size also, but predominantly are bigger in size.

Palash Kawale

analyst
#96

Okay. And sir, a lot of value retail players have been growing very aggressively and posting very strong number. So like would you consider them as your competition or it's a totally different category for you? What are your thoughts on this?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#97

It's a totally different category because ASP of the value brand is around INR 500, and we are working on the average selling price of INR 1,100. So our ASP is almost double what those people are selling. So we consider our -- to be into the mid-premium segment and the brands which have an ASP of INR 500 are in the value segment. So customer profile, customer targeting is different.

Palash Kawale

analyst
#98

So sir, which -- like who do you consider your competition?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#99

Competition, if you consider the direct competition, then it's like Peter England brand is there, who has a very similar kind of the ASP.

Palash Kawale

analyst
#100

And sir, like do you track the data about how they are growing? Or are you gaining any market share? If you could throw some light on this, like how the competitors are growing and how we are growing?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#101

Market share is easily trackable in the FMCG industry. But in the garment industry, the market share is not easily trackable because there is unorganized sector also. So it's tough to say about the market share.

Operator

operator
#102

Next question is from the line of Madhur Rathi from Counter Cyclical Investments.

Madhur Rathi

analyst
#103

Sir, I wanted to understand, do we have plans to open some new stores or new brands like INR 1,100, INR 1,200 value kind of segment going forward? Or are we planning to stick with Cantabil right now?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#104

Sir, the brand Cantabil established in 2000, it is in 2025, it is brand Cantabil, it is going forward only brand Cantabil. We are -- as said, Deepak ji said, we are operating in a particular ASP. So there is no -- we are not opening any value kind of competition, nothing like that. It is only Cantabil [Foreign Language].

Madhur Rathi

analyst
#105

Okay. So what I wanted to understand was right now, our stores are performing very well. But like sooner or later, you see some kind of brand fatigue in the clothing kind of segment where some of our competitors have faced it as well. So sir, I wanted to understand going forward, are we trying to at least protect our turf as well as create something new, which will extend this -- our brand presence and competitive advantage going forward. So I wanted to understand on that front.

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#106

Okay. So once again, so as I just explained, there is a segment, right? We are positioning ourselves as a mid-premium segment. There is a mid-segment, value segment, as Deepak ji said, there is a segment of having INR 400 to INR 500 of ASP then there is another segment which are having INR 2,000, INR 2,500 plus segment. Now the largest segment what we are serving is INR 1,200 ASP, which has been allowed. So we are there. We have a INR 45 lakh plus of the customer database to whom we are serving. So this is quite the largest and which we are serving. So we are in the same way, same operation, mix can be there in terms of current fashion, other factors. But overall, the ASP what we have been operating, that would have been there, right? And as the competition side, as Deepak just mentioned, there is difficult because Cantabil is such a brand. Now any brand if you take, one may be very good in the formal, few brands is very good in the segment. Within one roof, hardly you will find in any brand who will be serving such huge -- deep range in terms of whether it's a formal, whether it's a casual. So we are operating in our segment, and this is a mid-premium segment where we are operating. And going forward also, the same segment will be maintained.

Madhur Rathi

analyst
#107

Sorry, I wanted to understand on the mid-premium segment only. Do we plan to do some expansion brands or something else for that front?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#108

No, we are not planning to acquire new brands. We will be going with our own brand.

Operator

operator
#109

Next question is from the line of Lovish from Banyan Capital Advisors.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#110

Congratulations on the great set of numbers. My first question is regarding the SSG that we have reported. What is the reason behind such a drastic improvement? Because earlier, we were lagging and now it's a sudden movement. And then we are also forecasting that it will settle down around at 5%, 6%. So what's the reason behind why it's increased drastically in 3Q?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#111

Major reason is the wedding dates. There were a large number of wedding days this time as compared to the last year. And in summertime also, there were not much wedding. So there was the accumulation of the weddings in the Q3. And so there was a great uptick in the demand. So this is the major reason for the growth -- same-store sales growth. Simultaneously, we have made good changes in our new collection also. So new collection picked up very well this time. And these 2 reasons combined made the good SSG.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#112

Got it. But we expect the SSG to come down. So why are we expecting this because if there is a sudden improvement, so can it sustain at these high levels? Or will it come down to around 4%, 5%?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#113

So our yearly SSG now is 6.4%. So we expect the same kind of number between 5% to 6% would be yearly figure.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#114

Got it. My second question is that you mentioned that you closed 6 stores in 3Q. Now if I remember correctly, you had closed only 4 stores in FY '24. So what's the reason behind the increase in store closures this quarter?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#115

So earlier, when we are talking about 4 number, that year also, it was 8 closures, 4 were relocations and 4 were the closure. So out of this total number, 7 -- total till now 12 stores approximately has been closed, 7 was recloser and 6 was relocation and 6 was the closure. The net closure, if I'll say for 9 months is 6 closures.

Operator

operator
#116

Next question is from the line of Arpan Rathore from Inside Advisory.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#117

Congratulations on a very good set of number. I have a couple of follow-up questions from what my other -- some others have already asked. First is, you mentioned that the men's segment would be around 81% and balance is ladies, kids and accessories. So there seems to be a huge opportunity to expand on ladies and kids wear and especially when kids wear segment and ladies wear segment, there are no credible brands available. So what is our strategy towards capitalizing on that gap and capture that market share by giving a credible Cantabil, kid's section or a Cantabil women's section. Any strategy or any thoughts towards that? That was my first question.

Deepak Bansal

executive
#118

So right now, we are opening around the store size of 1,700 square feet, and the company's average store size is 1,276 square feet. So larger stores have a collection of kids and ladies with them. And we are also opening ladies and kids exclusive stores. So we have right now around 50 ladies and kids exclusive stores. So the ladies and kids exclusive store, we also plan to open around 15 to 18 stores every year. So definitely, the contribution of the ladies and the kids category is going to increase in future because we are opening bigger stores, family stores and the ladies and kids exclusive stores as well.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#119

So incrementally, we can assume that there would be a gradual shift, say, maybe 2%, 3% more towards kids and ladies year-on-year basis?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#120

Yes, you're right.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#121

Okay. Second question was on inventory provisioning. So what is our policy towards slow-moving inventory? Do we take a routine quarterly provision? How does it work?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#122

So sir. We are having a policy of provisioning a strong policy up to -- there are 3 kinds of category of them merchandise. Number one, what we are keeping is a fresh store. So 1.5 year is broadly 1 year and 1.5 years because we are almost keeping 2 seasons as well at the store. So 1.5 year is there in the store, 1.5 years to 3 years and more than 3 years, right? Then we have a super factory outlet. So we are making 100% provisioning for super factory outlet or any defective or something kind of material is there, clear policy. Then anything above -- which is hardly 3%, 4%, 50% more than 3 years, we are making the provisioning. And 1.5 to 3 years, we started making a provisioning of 10%. So up to 1.5 years, no provisioning, all is1.5 to 3 years, 10% provisioning, more than 3 years, 50% provisioning, super factory outlet, 100% provision.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#123

Okay. Another question is on considering we come under the discounted model, our stores are always -- there is a discount which is offered. And alongside there is this end of season sale, which this time around, it started a little early or the announcement started a little early. So it started from Q3 -- Q3 and it's currently going on plus we have competition from the likes of, say, V-Mart, V2, Bazaar, Style Baazar and all. So will it have an impact in, say, for quarter 4?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#124

Considering the prices of the V2, V-Mart and the value formats, we are not into the competition with them because our ASP is around INR 1,100 and then their ASP is quite less compared to us. And the [ USS ] period starts in December only. And by January only the discount percentage tend to increase because we have this Lohri and the Republic Day festivals that time. So discounting and bundle offers are the same what we were offering last year. And this year also the same kind of offers are there. So that's why gross margins are maintained. And so similar things we plan to go in the next year as well.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#125

Okay. And my last question is more to do with manufacturing capacity. Two questions to that. Are we planning to add new capacities? And secondly, because of the Bangladesh crisis wherein the manufacturing has been impacted, especially garments, do we see any opportunity in terms of export considering that we have our own manufacturing facilities? And similar question then are we planning to open up stores overseas, neighboring countries?

Unknown Executive

executive
#126

So as far as manufacturing is concerned, we have a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in our Bahadurgarh, which has a capacity of producing 15 lakh garment, right? And through our own fabricator, like our own manufacturing, we are supplying 60% of our requirement through own factory as well as fabrication, and balance 40% is obviously FOB side, right? So my existing factory of 15 lakhs can go up to 18 lakhs. So there is no plan of establishing another factory. However, through job work, these supplies is to be filled. So overall, going forward also, 60% of my supplies is to be maintained by factory as well as my fabricator and 40% FOB from Ludhiana and accessory is to be there. So this is the plan as of now and going forward will be maintained. As far as Bangladesh manufacturing is concerned, we have not been emphasizing much on this as of now. Our requirement is being done indigenous only. And yes, as far as expansion front, we have 2 stores in Nepal as well. So going forward, any of the good opportunity, we are going to explore.

Operator

operator
#127

Next question is from the line of Shrinjana Mittal from RatnaTraya Capital.

Shrinjana Mittal

analyst
#128

Congrats on the great set of numbers. I just have one question. So you mentioned that the wedding -- because of higher number of wedding dates also, the same-store sales growth was a little bit on the higher side. So I just wanted to understand what portion of our business gets impacted. I'm guessing it's the suits part of the segment, right? So as a percentage of sales, what would be that portion which gets impacted due to higher wedding dates?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#129

So suit, blazer and waistcoat constitute 15% of the total sales. But there is uptick in demand in shirts also during the wedding season because that make only combo with the blazers and the suits and the waistcoat. So at the gross level, you can say 20% of the revenue is directly linked to the wedding wear.

Operator

operator
#130

Next question is from the line of Varun from Omkara Capital.

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#131

Sir, just wanted to check, you gave the store split number, right? So I'm sorry if I didn't get it right. We opened 20 stores in this quarter, right? So can you give me the split of what were menswear, womenswear and family stores?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#132

So out of this 20 -- 20 is a net number, out of 26 because 3 has been relocated and 3 has been closed, as I just said. So 26 bifurcation men's store was 7, men's and ladies was 12 -- 10. Ladies and kids was exclusive 2 and the family stores was 6, you can say. So this was the bifurcation.

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#133

Okay. And how are we seeing this trending going forward? In the last 9 months, how have we done?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#134

Sorry, your question -- can you please come back to the question again?

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#135

In the 9 months, we've opened 43 stores, right? So what has been the split there?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#136

Out of total stores opened in 9 months, right?

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#137

Yes.

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#138

Yes. So you can write 17 stores were the men's stores. And 20 was the ladies and men's stores. And the balance were ladies and kids, you can take ladies and kids stores are 9, and the balance are the family stores.

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#139

Okay. Got it. All right. And we will see the split changing going forward?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#140

The same thing we told. So where -- overall, we are opening the bigger stores, but where the good property is smaller, like if you say Maharashtra, there is not a much bigger size available. The men's store mainly we are opening. And overall target is to maintain slightly on a bigger stores, plus exclusive ladies and Kids stores.

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#141

All right. And when we look at these stores, is there any cost -- any kind of cost that we incur?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#142

Which one, sorry?

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#143

We've relocated some stores, right? So is there a cost that we incur on relocated?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#144

Yes. What is the relocation mean? Since we are having 9 years of lease period, now we have 600 stores. So every month, a couple of stores to be renewed. So if we are getting any better opportunity in the nearby stores, we close that store and open in the nearby. So that is being considered as a relocation.

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#145

Okay. So that has accounted for the...

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#146

So CapEx is required. Yes, CapEx is required in the relocation stores as well, mostly.

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#147

Okay. So is that accounted for when you say we'll be doing around INR 40 crores, INR 45 crores of CapEx in the next 2 years?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#148

Sorry, come back CapEx in relocated stores?

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#149

Yes, yes. Is that accounted for -- in the instant CapEx target that we have?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#150

Because my old stores has been closed and nearby, we are relocating the store. It's a new store. It's a new store been treated. So everything is new.

Varun Gajaria

analyst
#151

Okay. Go it. So this is accounted for, right?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#152

Everything is accounted. Everything. CapEx, inventory everything is accounted for, yes.

Operator

operator
#153

[Operator Instructions] Next follow-up question is from the line of Lovish from Banyan Capital Advisors.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#154

Just continuing on the SSG topic. I mean your peers in the apparel retail space have reported much lower numbers. So I mean, just wanted to understand what are we doing differently to report such high number?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#155

So it's majorly about the wedding wear season. So we had a good collection this time for the wedding wear category. And our store locations are also very prime what we opened last year; we opened this year. So these new stores have contributed really well for the -- like SSG that we opened last year. So -- and as I told combination of the wedding dates, and our new collection clicked very well. So that's why we are able to achieve good SSG.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#156

Just to confirm, what was the number that you mentioned that constitute a revenue from the wedding season?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#157

So 15% of our revenue come from the suit, blazer and the waistcoat category, but shirts demand also used to increase because any person buying suit, or the blazer have to buy shirt along with it. So around 20%, we think that wedding wear category contributes to the total sales.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#158

So this is for the full fiscal year or for 3Q only?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#159

This is for the full fiscal.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#160

And in 3Q, how much would it be, if you could just give a rough sense?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#161

Q3, it will be much higher. If a specific number you want, we can e-mail you.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#162

Sure. Okay. And just one last thing. The stores that you mentioned that you had closed, were these men's exclusive stores and then you relocated into ladies stores or family stores? And just give a sense of which stores were closed, which are the new stores that you relocated and...

Deepak Bansal

executive
#163

This is a mix of like mix of stores. So family stores are not into the much closer. Family stores [Foreign Language]. Majorly men's or the men's and ladies stores have got closed.

Lovish Soien

analyst
#164

And then those store closures are now leading to more family stores. Is that right?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#165

Yes, where we are closing, we try to open a bigger store in that locality. So yes, family stores are getting bigger in number.

Operator

operator
#166

Next question is from the line of Arpan Rathore from Inside Advisory.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#167

Just wanted to understand what was the price hike taken during the quarter or during the year?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#168

So if you can see our average price hike for the 9 months, my average ASP has been increased by 1.5% average ASP for the 9 months, right? We have given in the presentation as well. So this is the price. However, my Q3 was -- ASP was slightly on a higher side. So overall, 2% to 3% is the price impact this year on an average basis.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#169

Okay. And just a few bookkeeping numbers. What was the inventory debtors and creditors?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#170

So if I talk about annual inventory debtor and creditor number and just coming to the inventory...

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#171

9 months number. What was that as of 30th September -- 30 December 31st December.

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#172

31st of December, yes. 31st of December number, my overall FG inventory was INR 249 crores. However, including my investment in raw material, it is INR 286 crores is my inventory number. However, my trade receivable is INR 24 crores, and my creditor side is INR 63 crores. These are the exact balance sheet numbers.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#173

Okay. Any scope you see in terms of reduction of inventory?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#174

Yes. As I just told, this is the highest value inventory because of my winter season. Overall, I'm expecting to come it down to 115 days, maybe plus/minus 1 or 2 days. So it should have been come down from INR 249 crores to INR 230 crores in terms of FG. My debtors, it should be maintained at this level. It is not going to increase basically because of e-commerce realization and some B2B, these numbers are there. Otherwise, my trade receivables are not much higher. And my creditors should be not much going to increase because mostly we are operating maximum as MSME vendors who are paid on time within 45 days. So it should reduce or to be maintained at this level.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#175

And last question, how much was the online sales for 9 months?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#176

My online sales for the 9 months is approximately INR 33 crores.

Operator

operator
#177

[Operator Instructions] Next question is from the line of Neel Shah, individual investor.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#178

So just a couple of follow-up questions. You mentioned about the performance in Q3 was predominantly on account of in-season. Just wanted to check how was the performance of the winterwear because you were saying winterwear inventory was also there contributing to higher inventory. So how was the overall sales performance in the winterwear category for Q3?

Deepak Bansal

executive
#179

So winterwear performed well in the Q3 time because there was a good onset of the winter. And as I mentioned, there was a great demand in the Q3. So winterwear also picked up very well in that time.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#180

Okay. And a follow-up question to the CapEx question, which I asked earlier. Obviously, INR 40 crores, INR 45 crores, you mentioned about the store CapEx. In between, you're also talking about some CapEx on the corporate front, which was the corporate office. So where has that reached? And what is the balance CapEx on that front?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#181

So my total CWIP as on date, if we include, the total CWIP is approximately INR 35 crores, which is majorly being captured by this -- my new warehousing come office, right? For this -- it is going to be finished by next 6 to 8 months, which is required additional CapEx of INR 15 crores, right? The overall project will be closed I think somewhere in between June, July or maybe August. INR 15 crores more CapEx has been required. Land has already been capitalized in balance sheet. And this is what the going forward CapEx is required for my new plant -- new project.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#182

So basically, INR 45 crores on the store front plus INR 15 crores additional for the...

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#183

Not INR 45 crores, it is inclusive of this. My store front is required approximately INR 20 crores.

Unknown Attendee

attendee
#184

Okay. And the targeted related thing is targeted ROE for the coming year then, basically?

Shivendra Nigam

executive
#185

Same we are coming back to those numbers. So in terms of ROE, probably expected 24% to 25% and ROCE should end up with 36%, 38%.

Operator

operator
#186

Thank you very much. As there are no further questions, I will now hand the conference over to Mr. Deepak for closing comments.

Deepak Bansal

executive
#187

I would like to once again thank you all for joining us on this call today. We hope we have been able to answer your queries. Please feel free to reach out to our CFO or IR team for any clarification or feedback. Thank you all.

Operator

operator
#188

Thank you very much. On behalf of Cantabil Retail India Limited, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines. Thank you.

Deepak Bansal

executive
#189

Thank you. Thanks a lot.

Operator

operator
#190

Thank you, sir.

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