Q3 FY18 Results Update and Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is ITC's Vision and Mission?

Answer:
Vision:
Sustain ITC’s position as one of India’s most valuable and admired corporations through world-class performance, creating growing value for the Indian economy and the Company’s stakeholders.

Mission:
To enhance the wealth generating capability of the enterprise in a globalising environment, delivering superior and sustainable stakeholder value.

 

Q2. How does the Company effectively manage a highly diversified business portfolio? What is the Company's Corporate Governance structure?

Answer: ITC's 'Strategy of Organisation' is crafted in a manner that enables focus on each business while harnessing the diversity of the portfolio to create unique sources of competitive advantage. Please refer to the following link http://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/values/corporate-governance-structure.aspx for details of ITC's 3-tier Governance Structure.

 

Q3. What is the Company's shareholder value creation track record?

Answer: ITC has been a consistent performer in terms of shareholder value creation. During the period 1995/96 to 2016/17, Total Shareholder Returns have clocked compound annual growth rate of 23.6% significantly outperforming the Sensex (10.9%).

 

Q4. (a). Why has reported Gross Revenue from sale of products and services declined by 27% in Q3 FY18 as compared to Q3 FY17?

Answer: Consequent to the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) with effect from 1st July 2017, Central Excise [other than National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) on cigarettes], Value Added Tax (VAT) etc. have been replaced by GST. In accordance with Indian Accounting Standard - 18 on Revenue and Schedule III of the Companies Act, 2013, GST, GST Compensation Cess, VAT, etc. are excluded from Gross Revenue from sale of products and services for applicable periods. In view of the aforesaid restructuring of indirect taxes, Gross Revenue from sale of products and services and Excise Duty for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December, 2017 are not comparable with the previous periods.

 

Q4. (b). What is the growth in Revenue for the quarter on a comparable basis?

Answer: On a comparable basis, Gross Sales Value (net of rebates/discounts) stood at Rs. 16746.20 crores representing a growth of 6.3%. Gross Sales Value includes GST, GST Compensation Cess, Service Tax, VAT, Luxury Tax etc., as applicable for the reported periods.

 

Q5. Please provide a brief overview of Q3 FY18 results.

Answer: The Company delivered steady performance during the quarter despite a challenging operating environment marked by severe pressure on legal Cigarette industry volumes and limited trading opportunities in Agri Business. While the FMCG industry witnessed progressive recovery during the quarter from the transitional impact of GST rollout, overall demand conditions remained subdued. On a comparable basis, Gross Sales Value (net of rebates/discounts) stood at Rs. 16746.20 crores representing a growth of 6.3%. EBITDA at Rs. 3904.50 crores registered a healthy growth of 10.1% during the quarter. Exceptional Items during the quarter represent reversal of provisions for earlier years of Rs. 412.90 cr. (Rs. 270 cr. post tax) in respect of Tamil Nadu entry tax based on a favourable order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court. Profit Before Tax at Rs. 4629.55 crores and Net Profit at Rs. 3090.20 crores registered growth of 17.1% and 16.8% respectively during the quarter. Earnings Per Share for the quarter stood at Rs. 2.54 (Q3 FY '17: Rs. 2.18). Total Comprehensive Income (TCI) for the quarter stood at Rs. 3177.06 crores representing a growth of 27.8%.

 

Q6. (a). Why has 'Consumption of Raw Material etc. (net)' increased by Rs. 204 crores during Q3 FY18 as compared to Q3 FY17?

Answer: Consumption of Raw Material etc. (net) includes excise duty on changes in Finished Goods Inventory. Excluding the same and Agri commodity revenue which declined during the quarter (See Question no. 24), comparable growth is 4.8%.

 

Q6. (b). Why has 'Other Expenditure' declined by Rs. 62 crores from Rs. 1753 crores in Q3 FY17 to Rs. 1691 crores in Q3 FY18?

Answer: Other Expenditure for Q3 FY18 is lower by 4% Vs. Q3 FY17 mainly due to lower Rates & Taxes partly offset by higher marketing investments, repairs and maintenance and contract processing charges.

 

Q7. What is the rationale for the Company's investments in the FMCG space?

Answer: ITC's entry into a wider range of FMCG products in recent years is in line with its strategy of creating multiple drivers of growth. The Indian FMCG industry is expected to grow rapidly driven by increasing affluence, urbanisation and a young workforce on the one hand and relatively low levels of penetration and per capita usage on the other. The Company seeks to participate in the exciting growth prospects of the FMCG industry by leveraging its institutional strengths namely, deep consumer insight, proven brand building capability, manufacturing excellence, deep and wide distribution network, packaging and printing knowhow, agri-commodity sourcing expertise and cuisine knowledge.

 

Q8. Please provide an overview of the Company's progress in the new FMCG businesses. What is the Company's goal in the new FMCG businesses?

Answer: The FMCG industry witnessed further deceleration in growth rate during 2016/17 with demand conditions remaining subdued for the fourth successive year. The much anticipated pick-up in consumption expenditure on the back of good monsoons in 2016, low inflation and implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission did not play out fully. The incipient recovery in demand witnessed during the middle of the year was adversely impacted by the cash crunch especially during the third quarter. Further, the industry had to contend with sharp escalation in the cost of major commodities in the midst of heightened competitive intensity, leading to compression in margins.

The Company’s FMCG-Others Segment Revenue growth in 2016-17 was relatively subdued due to reasons as aforestated. While most categories recovered progressively after severe disruption in operations in the initial period of the cash crunch, the impact on the Lifestyle Retailing and Education & Stationery Products Businesses was more amplified and prolonged. This, inter alia, led to heavy discounting, advancement of ‘end of season sales’ and rebalancing of inventory pipelines by trade in these Businesses. Consequently, Segment Revenue at Rs. 10511.83 crores grew by 8.0% over the previous year. Segment Results also reflect the impact of sustained investment in brand building and gestation costs of new categories viz., Juices, Dairy, Chocolates and Coffee, sharp increase in input cost (particularly of Wheat, Maida, Sugar, Cashew, Soap Noodles) besides deceleration in sales momentum due to the cash crunch.

The Company continued to make investments during the year towards enhancing brand salience and consumer connect while simultaneously implementing strategic cost management measures across the value chain. Several initiatives were also implemented during the year towards leveraging the rapidly growing e-commerce channel with a view to enhancing the reach of the Company’s products and harnessing digital and social media platforms for deeper consumer engagement.

In 2016-17, three Company-owned units were commissioned to cater to the requirements of the Branded Packaged Foods and Personal Care Products Businesses. Significant progress was also made during the year in constructing several state-of-the-art owned Integrated Consumer Goods Manufacturing and Logistics facilities across regions to secure capacity and enable the FMCG-Others Businesses to rapidly scale up in line with long-term demand forecast. Currently, over 20 projects are underway and in various stages of development - from land acquisition/site development to construction of buildings and other infrastructure.

The FMCG Businesses comprising Branded Packaged Foods, Personal Care Products, Education and Stationery Products, Lifestyle Retailing, Incense Sticks (Agarbattis) and Safety Matches have grown at an impressive pace over the past several years. Today, the Company’s vibrant portfolio of brands represents an annual consumer spend of nearly Rs. 14000 crores in aggregate. These brands have been built organically by the Company over a relatively short period of time - a feat unparalleled in the Indian FMCG industry. In terms of annual consumer spend, Aashirvaad and Sunfeast are today over Rs. 3500 crores and Rs. 3000 crores respectively; Classmate, YiPPee! & Bingo! are over Rs. 1000 crores each and Vivel, Mangaldeep & Candyman are over Rs. 500 crores each. These world-class Indian brands support the competitiveness of domestic value chains of which they are a part, ensuring creation and retention of value within the country.

The Company’s FMCG brands have achieved impressive market standing in a relatively short span of time. Today, Aashirvaad is No. 1 in Branded Atta, Classmate is No. 1 in Notebooks, Sunfeast is No. 1 in the Cream Biscuits segment, YiPPee! is No. 2 in Noodles, Bingo! is No. 2 in Snack foods, Engage is No. 2 in Deodorants and Mangaldeep is No. 2 in Agarbattis.

The Indian FMCG market is at an inflection point and the Company continues to remain extremely agile and responsive to the emerging trends shaping the future of the industry. Some of the noteworthy consumer trends include the emergence of health and wellness products as a key consumer need; increasing preference for products rooted to ‘Indianness’ and with regional/cultural connects; rising importance of high quality, hygienic and environmentally sustainable products; increasing need for customised products and bespoke experiences; growth in demand for ‘on-the-go’ consumption formats and rising influence of social media and digitalisation on consumer preferences and shopping behaviour. Similarly, the FMCG market construct is likely to undergo rapid change driven by exponential growth in middle and rural India and the emergence of relatively new channels such as Modern Trade and e-commerce.

The Company seeks to rapidly scale up the FMCG Businesses leveraging its institutional strengths viz. deep consumer insight, proven brand building capability, a deep and wide distribution network, strong rural linkages and agri-commodity sourcing expertise, packaging know-how and cuisine knowledge. In addition, the Company continues to make significant investments in Research & Development and focus on consumer insight discovery to develop and launch disruptive and breakthrough products in the market place.

 

Q9. Please provide a revenue split of the FMCG-Others Segment.

Answer: The Branded Packaged Foods Businesses represent the largest component of this segment, accounting for ~76% of Segment Revenue. The Personal Care Business and Education and Stationery Products Business account for ~8% and ~7% each of Segment Revenues respectively.

 

Q10. What are the new FMCG categories that the Company is likely to enter over the short to medium term?

Answer: With aspirations to become the No.1 FMCG player in India, the Company continuously evaluates opportunities to grow in the FMCG space.

The choice of category is guided by its growth prospects, profitability profile and the ability of the Company to effectively leverage its institutional strengths with a view to achieving leadership status within a reasonable time frame. Synergies with existing categories in terms of overlap of distribution reach, brand extension possibility, procurement efficiencies etc. are considered while choosing new categories.

Chocolates, Dairy, Tea & Coffee, processed, frozen foods and fresh fruits & vegetables are some of the interest areas in this context.

 

Q11. What is the margin profile of the Branded Packaged Foods Business?

Answer: The Branded Packaged Foods Businesses of the Company comprise ‘Confections’, ‘Staples, Snacks and Meals’ and ‘Dairy & Beverages’. These Businesses have evolved over a period of time and are currently at different stages of their lifecycles. As such, the revenue dimensions, cost structures and profitability profiles of each of these businesses are distinct from the other. For example, EBIT margin is in the high single digit range for the Staples business (first full year of launch: 2002/03) while the same is in the low single digit range for the Snack Foods business (first full year of launch: 2007/08) representing upfront investments towards category development and brand building.

Overall, the mandate for each category is to achieve best-in-class margins within a reasonable period of time.

 

Q12. What is the margin profile of the Personal Care Products Business? When will it break-even?

Answer: The Personal Care Products Business presently comprises the ‘Personal Wash’, ‘Fragrancing Products’, ‘Skin Care’ and ‘Antiseptic Liquid’ categories. The Company continues to make significant investments in this Business primarily in the area of brand building, R&D and product development towards competing effectively with incumbent players comprising firmly entrenched MNCs and domestic companies.

Presently, each category is operating at industry benchmarked gross margins. With enhanced scale and consumer connect, each category is expected to earn best-in-class EBIT margins progressively over the medium-term.

 

Q13. What are the Company's targets in the FMCG-Others space? What does the Company envision in terms of revenue and profits in this segment, over the medium and long-term?

Answer: ITC’s endeavour is to become the No.1 FMCG player in India driven by the existing portfolio as well as entry into new categories. In this regard, the Company is aiming for revenue of Rs. 100,000 crores from the new FMCG businesses by the year 2030.

Over the medium term, the Company seeks to grow revenues of each category within the FMCG-Others segment at a rate which is well ahead of industry. With enhanced scale and consumer connect, each category is expected to earn best-in-class EBIT margins, progressively over the medium-term.

 

Q14. Would ITC contemplate acquisitions in order to achieve its vision in the Other FMCG segment?

Answer: ITC examines prospects for inorganic growth that arise from time to time not only in this business segment but also in the other businesses. The Company continues to evaluate opportunities to grow its businesses through Acquisitions and Joint Ventures and is guided by considerations such as strategic fit, valuation, financial viability, ease of integration etc.

The Company’s ‘Savlon’ and ‘Shower to Shower’ brands, acquired earlier, have been leveraged to strengthen its position in the personal care space by expanding its existing product portfolio and gaining access to newer consumer segments and markets. The offerings have garnered significant consumer franchise and are well poised for rapid growth.

The Company’s ‘B Natural’ brand, acquired earlier, was leveraged to foray into the fast growing Juices category. B Natural range of juices, currently available in many exciting variants, has garnered impressive consumer traction in a relatively short span of time and is well poised for rapid growth.

The Company’s recently acquired ‘Charmis’ brand has been leveraged to launch moisturising skin cream during Q2 FY18.

 

Q15. Please provide an update on the Company's progress in the FMCG-Others Segment during the quarter.

Answer: Comparable growth, based on Gross Sales Value (which includes adjustments only for taxes that are excluded from reported Gross Revenue), stood at 16.2% during the quarter. Such robust growth was driven by the Branded Packaged Foods, Personal Care and Education and Stationery Products businesses. Performance of the Lifestyle Retailing Business, however, remained impacted due to the ongoing restructuring of retail and trade footprint. It may be recalled that the base quarter (Q3 FY17) had witnessed reduced consumer offtake and trade pipelines in the wake of adverse liquidity conditions. However, it is pertinent to note that the Company's FMCG-Others businesses were relatively less impacted as compared to industry peers during the said period. Market standing stood enhanced across major categories, particularly in atta, potato chips, premium cream biscuits, noodles and deodorants. Segment Results recorded a positive swing of Rs. 67 cr. over Q3 FY17 on the back of enhanced scale and market standing, product mix enrichment and cost management initiatives.

The Branded Packaged Foods Businesses posted healthy growth in revenue led by snacks, atta, biscuits and noodles.

• In the Staples, Snacks and Meals Business, 'Aashirvaad' atta continued to perform well consolidating its leadership position across markets.
  
  The 'Bingo!' range of snack foods recorded acceleration in growth led by 'Tedhe Medhe' and 'Yumitos' potato chips. The Tedhe Medhe range was augmented with the launch of 'Pudina Twist' - a variant tailored to suit regional taste and preferences. The recently introduced Bingo! 'No Rulz' - a-first-of-its-kind offer comprising four different shapes of the product in a single pack - was rolled out nationally during the quarter gaining impressive consumer traction.

• In the Confections Business, 'Sunfeast' biscuits posted healthy growth led by 'Dark Fantasy Choco Fills', 'Mom's Magic' and 'Sunfeast Marie'. Portfolio premiumisation continued in the Confectionery category with the share of 'Re.1 and above' products increasing further during the quarter. The Business launched innovative products - 'Candyman Crunchy Peanut Butter Candy' and 'Candyman Clear Candy' in ripe & green mango variants, which have received encouraging response from consumers.


• In the Dairy and Beverages Business, B Natural juices continued to grow strongly leveraging a portfolio of differentiated products including a wide range of 'Not from Concentrate' variants that are made directly from fruit pulp thereby providing consumers more nutritive value and a natural tasting experience. During the quarter, the Business launched 'Mixed Fruit & Dry Fruits' - an innovative variant that blends the nutritive value of dry fruits with mixed fruit juice - especially created for the winter season. The product has received positive response from consumers. During the quarter, the Business expanded its presence in the Dairy segment with the launch of two innovative variants of 'Sunfeast Dairy Whitener' in select markets while 'Aashirvaad Svasti' ghee continued to gain traction in launch markets.


• During the quarter, the 'Fabelle' chocolates portfolio was augmented with the launch of two delectable variants of centre-filled chocolate bars - 'Hazelnut Mousse', & 'Dark Choco Mousse'. Available across chocolate boutiques in ITC Luxury hotels, premium gourmet food outlets & exclusive Fabelle outlets in select cities/malls, the products have received excellent response from discerning consumers.

The Personal Care Products Business sustained its high growth trajectory, with revenues growing significantly ahead of industry, driven by robust performance of Personal Wash and Fragrancing Products. The Personal Wash portfolio was augmented during the quarter with the addition of an innovative range of ‘gel + creme’ - soaps & shower gels, infused with almond cream & natural ingredients like ‘Ashwagandha’, ‘Brahma Kamallam’ and ‘Frangipani’. In the Fragrancing Products category, the recently launched ‘Engage On’ & ‘Engage On+’ range of pocket perfumes recorded strong growth leveraging its unique value proposition combining convenience and affordability. Product portfolio under the Engage brand was augmented during the quarter with the introduction of an innovative range of premium perfumes. Launched in four variants - ‘Yin’, ‘Yang’, ‘Femme’ and ‘Homme’ - the exquisite fragrances designed in France are available across leading retail outlets and have been well received by consumers. In the health & hygiene segment, the Savlon range of products comprising antiseptic liquid, soaps and handwash continue to gain increasing consumer franchise and enhance market standing. During the quarter, the Business launched a new brand campaign for Savlon - ‘Bharosa Maa Sa’ - reinforcing the core brand promise of performance power and the healing touch of mothers.

The Business continued to leverage innovative brand campaigns - 'Vivel Ab Samjhauta Nahin' and 'Savlon Swasth India Mission' - towards deepening consumer engagement. Savlon Swasth India Mission, anchored on the 'Healthier kids, Stronger India' proposition was launched last year and has since covered more than 3700 schools benefitting over 1.7 million children. The unique and innovative ‘Healthy Hands Chalk Sticks’ initiative, rolled out as part of the Mission received international acclaim winning seven Cannes Lions in 2017 for creative excellence in advertising and communication. Building on the success of the 'Healthy Hands Chalk Sticks', the Business launched 'Savlon ID Guard' initiative during the quarter. The initiative leverages Savlon multi-use handwash sachet to enhance convenience and induce children into the habit of washing hands and has been piloted in 32 schools and will be rolled out to over 1000 schools in the ensuing months.

‘Charmis’ moisturising skin cream, launched during the previous quarter, also received encouraging response in launch markets.

During the quarter, state-of-the-art owned integrated consumer goods manufacturing facilities at Panchla (West Bengal) and Kapurthala (Punjab) commenced operations. Steady progress is being made towards development of other such facilities which are expected to be commissioned in the near to medium term.

Please refer to the FMCG - Others section in the Report of the Directors & Management Discussion and Analysis for the financial year ended 31st March 2017 and Media Releases on quarterly results for further details.

 

Q16. Please provide an update on the Cigarettes business.

Answer: Legal cigarette industry volumes remained under severe pressure due to sharp increase in tax incidence and intense regulatory pressures.

The sharp upward revision in GST Compensation Cess announced by the GST Council at its meeting on 17 July 2017 exacerbated the situation. While the intention of the Government was to correct an apparent anomaly in cigarette taxation under the new tax regime announced earlier on account of the removal of the cascading effect of Excise Duty which existed in the pre GST regime, the upward revision resulted in significantly higher tax incidence on cigarettes compared to the pre GST scenario which is not in keeping with the fundamental principle of revenue neutrality. In fact, the combined impact of increase in Excise Duty announced by the Union Budget 2017 and the revision in GST Compensation Cess as aforestated resulted in an incremental tax burden of over 20% on the Company. It is pertinent to note that the cumulative growth in tax incidence on cigarettes, after cognising for the latest increase in Cess rates, stands at a staggering 202% since 2011-12, i.e. the last 6 years.

As reported in the previous quarter, the Business also had to contend with additional costs due to non-availability of Additional Duty Surcharge credit on transition stocks and the unanticipated revision of GST Compensation Cess w.e.f. 18 July 2017 which impacted pipeline stocks.

It is apprehended that the sharp increase in tax incidence as aforestated will severely undermine the legal cigarette industry and adversely impact tobacco farmers. According to an independent study conducted by Euromonitor International, India is today the 4th largest market for illegal cigarettes in the world. It is estimated that nearly 68% of the tobacco consumed in the country remains outside the tax net on account of evasion. The proliferation of these tax-evaded products has resulted in losses exceeding Rs. 9000 crores per annum to the Exchequer, according to an independent study conducted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

As reported earlier, the significant decline in legal cigarette volumes and the consequent reduction in the utilisation of Indian Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco has adversely impacted the livelihoods of over 45 million tobacco farmers, farm workers and others dependent on the tobacco sector. Besides, the soft demand for Indian FCV tobacco has prompted consecutive reductions in the authorised tobacco crop size in 2015-16 and 2016-17. This, in turn, has also led to lower exports of tobacco. In fact, since 2013-14, annual earnings of the tobacco farming community has shrunk by more than Rs. 1,500 crores due to drop in offtake of tobacco for the manufacture of domestic legal cigarettes.

It is pertinent to note that although legal cigarettes account for only about 11% of total tobacco consumption in the country, they contribute over 87% of tax revenue from the tobacco sector. Unfortunately, the taxation policy of the country is largely cigarette-centric and based on western models of tobacco taxation. The Company continues to engage with policy makers for a tobacco taxation policy that is non-discriminatory, helps combat the problem of illegal cigarettes and addresses the issues of all stakeholders, particularly the tobacco farmers, the Exchequer and consumers. Such a policy will not only facilitate maximisation of the revenue potential of tobacco even in a shrinking basket of tobacco consumption but also address the tobacco control and health objectives of the Government.

The Company’s writ petition challenging the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules. 2014 (“2014 Rules”) was allowed by the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka by its Judgment and Order dated 15 December 2017, which held the 2014 Rules to be unconstitutional. The Government has since filed a Special Leave Petition in which the Hon’ble Supreme Court, by an Order dated 08 January 2018, stayed the Judgment and Order of the Karnataka High Court. The 2014 Rules, which came into force with effect from 01 April 2016, had increased the warning size to 85% on both sides of the packages (from the previous regime of 40% of the front panel), with more gruesome images.

Please refer to the FMCG - Cigarettes section in the Report of the Directors & Management Discussion and Analysis for the financial year ended 31st March 2017 and Media Releases on quarterly results for further details.

 

Q17. Is the pressure on volumes similar across the different segments i.e. King Size filters, Longs, Regular filters and filter cigarettes of 'length not exceeding 65 mm'?

Answer: While all segments are witnessing pressure on volumes, the sub 65 mm segment is relatively less impacted.

 

Q18. What is the Company's view on cigarette volume trends over the medium to long term?

Answer: As aforestated, the cumulative growth in tax incidence on cigarettes, after cognising for the latest increase in Cess rates, stands at a staggering 202% since 2011-12, i.e. the last 6 years. The additional tax burden caused by the increase in the Compensation Cess rates, as aforestated, will exacerbate the pressure on the entire legal cigarette value chain in the country. The legal cigarette industry is already reeling under a huge tax burden on account of the continuous increase in Excise Duties on cigarettes which has resulted in a 25% decline in legal cigarette industry volumes since 2012/13.

As highlighted earlier, the share of legal cigarettes in overall tobacco consumption is 11% in India. While this indicates room for growth in legal cigarette volumes going forward, this would largely depend on the taxation and regulatory policy on cigarettes adopted by the Government. Such growth potential was demonstrated during the period 2004/05 to 2006/07 and again, more recently, in 2009/10 and 2011/12 - years in which taxes / duties growth were moderate.

A stable, fair and equitable India-centric cigarette taxation and regulatory policy which recognises the unique tobacco consumption pattern in the country is critical to realising the full economic potential of the tobacco sector in India.

The Company continues to engage with the concerned authorities, both at the Central Government and State level, in this regard.

 

Q19. At what rate are Cigarettes taxed under the GST regime? What is the impact of GST on Cigarettes Business?

Answer: Cigarettes are exigible to tax under the GST regime at the peak rate of 28%. Additionally, a GST Compensation Cess which includes an Ad Valorem component and a Specific Tax component based on cigarette length, has also been imposed. The National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) component of Excise Duty continues to be levied as earlier based on the length of the cigarette.

Please see response to question no. 16 for impact of GST on Cigarette Business.

 

Q20. What would be the likely impact of the larger graphic health warnings on packs on the cigarette industry?

Answer: The 85% GHW is excessively large, extremely gruesome and unreasonable. There is no evidence that cigarette smoking would cause the diseases depicted in the pictures or that large GHW will lead to reduction in consumption. As reported last year, this inadequacy of evidence prompted an appeals court in USA to hold the US FDA’s proposal for introduction of similar GHW in that country as unconstitutional. It is pertinent to note that the global average size of GHW is only about 30% coverage of the principal display area. Further, over 100 countries representing 60% of the signatories to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) have not adopted GHW. In fact, the three countries that account for about 51% of the world’s cigarette consumption viz. USA, Japan and China, have not adopted pictorial / graphic warnings and have prescribed only text-based warnings on cigarette packages. Moreover, several major tobacco producing countries, including the USA, are either not parties to the FCTC or are very recent signatories. These countries have taken into consideration the interests of their tobacco farmers in deciding whether or not to adopt large or excessive pictorial warnings.

The excessively large GHWs prevent consumers from making an informed choice in a competitive market, since they are denied adequate information about the brand on the cigarette packages. The Company believes that such GHW also devalues the Intellectual Property Rights of brand owners and sub-optimises the large investments made over the years in creating and nurturing the brands. Additionally, studies by independent market research agencies show that consumers tend to prefer the smuggled brands of international cigarettes which do not carry the GHWs mandated by Indian Laws. The absence of GHWs on packages of such contraband cigarettes makes consumers perceive them to be a “safer alternative” notwithstanding the fact that the origins and age of such contraband stocks are not determinable. The absence of GHWs along with the significantly lower cost of these contraband cigarettes, due to reasons of tax evasion, only serve to accelerate the growth of the illegal cigarette segment.

 

Q21. Please provide an update on the Karnataka High Court order relating to 85% graphic health warnings on tobacco product packages.

Answer: The Company's writ petition challenging the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules. 2014 ("2014 Rules") was allowed by the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka by its Judgment and Order dated 15 December 2017, which held the 2014 Rules to be unconstitutional. The Government has since filed a Special Leave Petition in which the Hon'ble Supreme Court, by an Order dated 08 January 2018, stayed the Judgment and Order of the Karnataka High Court. The 2014 Rules, which came into force with effect from 01 April 2016, had increased the warning size to 85% on both sides of the packages (from the previous regime of 40% of the front panel), with more gruesome images.

 

Q22. What are the Company's plans in the 'other tobacco and nicotine products' space?

Answer: In recognition of the growing trend of consumers seeking alternative sources of nicotine like Electronic Vaping Devices (EVD), the Company expanded its EON brand of EVDs to several new markets in 2016-17. The rechargeable variant, 'EON Charge', launched in the previous year was extended to several new markets and a disposable variant, 'EON ZIP', was launched during the year. Initial consumer response to this variant has been positive. The market for this category is, however, at an embryonic stage globally and, as reported last year, the regulatory oversight is still evolving. Accordingly, the Company remains engaged with policy makers for an apposite regulatory framework for this emerging category.

In the Nicotine Gum category, the Business extended the KwikNic brand to several new markets and has received encouraging response from consumers.

 

Q23. Please provide an update on the Company's Hotels business (a) for Q3 FY18 (b) for FY17.

Answer: (a) Increase in ARR, robust growth in Food & Beverage revenue aided Segment Revenue to grow by 10% on a comparable basis during the quarter. Improvement in room rates and operating leverage aided faster growth of appx. 30% in Segment Results notwithstanding gestation costs of ITC Grand Bharat and the recently commissioned WelcomHotel Coimbatore.

Steady progress was made during the quarter in the construction of ITC Hotels at Hyderabad, Kolkata & Ahmedabad and WelcomHotels in Guntur and Bhubaneswar.

(b) The Company’s Hotels business remains amongst the fastest growing Indian hospitality chains with around 100 properties across the country under four distinct brands - ‘ITC Hotel’ in the Luxury segment, ‘WelcomHotel’ in the Upper-Upscale segment, ‘Fortune’ in the Mid-market to Upscale space and ‘WelcomHeritage’ in the Leisure & Heritage segment. The Business continues to focus on strengthening the equity and differentiation of the ITC Hotels brand anchored on unique and path-breaking ‘Responsible Luxury’ initiatives, culinary excellence and personalisation of guest services. The Business also extended several ‘Responsible Luxury’ themed culinary initiatives and promotions under the ‘Kitchens of India’ banner.

‘Club ITC’, the Company’s pan-ITC consumer loyalty programme continues to gain franchise amongst the premium clientele of ITC Hotels and Lifestyle Retailing Businesses. In 2016-17, the Business entered into a strategic partnership for integration of Club ITC with Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), global loyalty programme of Starwood, enabling members to redeem points at over 1200 hotels worldwide. The ‘Club ITC Culinaire’ dining loyalty programme is also gaining popularity.

The Company’s Hotels Business continues to receive accolades for its world-class properties and service excellence. ITC Grand Bharat was recognised as #1 amongst the ‘Top Resorts in Asia’ on the coveted Conde Nast Traveler U.S. Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year, while ITC Grand Chola was the winner in the ‘Sustainable Operations’ category at the HICAP Sustainable Awards.

The Food & Beverage segment continues to be a major strength of the Company with some of the most iconic brands in the country. The iconic ‘Bukhara’ restaurant at the ITC Maurya, New Delhi continues to receive international recognition and remains a favourite in India. Bukhara was recently ranked amongst the ‘Greatest Restaurants around the Globe’ by Conde Nast Traveler U.S., in addition to being recognised as a ‘Legendary Restaurant’ at the Times Food Awards. ‘Ottimo’, ‘EDO’, ‘Tian’ and ‘Pan Asian’ continued to win accolades at the Times Food Awards. The Company’s internationally acclaimed spa brand, ‘Kaya Kalp’, won several accolades at the Asia Spa Awards - while the spa at ITC Grand Bharat was adjudged the ‘Best Spa’ in the Resort category, the one at ITC Mughal received the ‘Hall of Fame’ award.

The Company’s Hotels Business continuously strives to reduce water and energy consumption and enhance the usage of renewable energy to meet its overall energy requirements. Such commitment to the Triple Bottom Line is manifest in the Business's 'Responsible Luxury' ethos and has enabled it to position itself as the greenest luxury hotel chain in the world. It is pertinent to note that over 50% of the total electrical energy consumption of the Business is currently met through renewable sources.

The Company remains committed to building world-class hotel properties in view of the long-term potential of the Indian hospitality sector. The Business made steady progress in the construction of luxury hotels at Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. In addition, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in Sri Lanka made good progress towards setting up a luxury hotel christened ‘ITC One' and a super-premium residential apartment complex, 'Colombo One - Private Residences’, situated at a strategic location in Colombo. Excavation and allied works have been completed and the main construction activity is underway.

The Business is progressing growth plans towards enhancing its presence in the Upper-Upscale segment under the WelcomHotel brand. WelcomHotel Coimbatore, a 103 key property, was commissioned on 1st October ’17 in the heart of the textile hub of India. Construction of WelcomHotels at Guntur and Bhubaneswar is making steady progress. As reported earlier, the Company has entered into a management contract with ‘WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach’ Mamallapuram. With this, nearly a 1000 rooms are under management contract and plans are on the anvil to expand presence through this route.

The ‘Fortune’ brand strengthened its leadership position and expanded its presence with the addition of two new hotels during the year. The number of operational hotels under the Fortune brand presently stands at 46 across 34 cities. The ‘WelcomHeritage’ brand remains the country’s most successful and largest chain of heritage hotels with 35 operational hotels.

The Company’s Hotels Business, with its world-class properties, globally benchmarked levels of service excellence and customer centricity, is well positioned to sustain its leadership status in the industry.

Please refer to the Hotels section in the Report of the Directors & Management Discussion and Analysis for the financial year ended 31st March 2017 and Media Releases on quarterly results for further details.

 

Q24. Please provide an update on the Company's Agri Business (a) for Q3 FY18 (b) for FY17.

Answer: (a) Performance during the quarter was impacted by shortage of leaf tobacco in Andhra Pradesh due to successive reductions in authorised crop size exacerbated by drought in 2016 which also affected quality, relative strength of the Indian Rupee vis-a-vis currencies of competing origins, lower export incentives and limited trading opportunities in other agri-commodities. During 2017-18, the surplus imported wheat of the previous year (refer point (b) below) was absorbed by the millers which resulted in lower trading opportunities for domestic wheat, thereby impacting Q3 FY18 performance over the same quarter in the previous year.

During the quarter, the Business forayed into the Fruits & Vegetables segment with the launch of a range of differentiated variants of potatoes - ‘Naturally Low Sugar’, ‘Natural Antioxidant’, ‘Baby Potatoes’ and ‘French Fry Potatoes’ - in select markets under the ‘Farmland’ brand. Farmland potatoes are distinguished by their even grading, superior quality & consistency, good taste along with the assurance of safety and nutrition value. The Business also launched dehydrated onion flakes under the ‘ITC Master Chef Smart Onions’ brand for the institutional segment. The product, a first-of-its-kind in India, offers convenience and consistent quality along with lower oil absorption. Plans are on the anvil to roll out the product in consumer packs in the ensuing months.

(b) Global production of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco registered a decline of 8.5% in 2016, with crop output in Brazil degrowing by nearly 20%. Indian FCV crop production declined for the second successive year, dropping by nearly 20% during 2016 to 217 million Kgs., mainly due to lower Andhra crop consequent to the Tobacco Board’s decision to reduce the authorised crop size by 50 million Kgs. over 2015. Consequently, FCV farm prices recorded a sharp increase in 2016-17.

Whilst the reduction in global FCV output as aforestated resulted in bringing down uncommitted inventory levels, Indian leaf tobacco exports were impacted by contraction in global demand, lower domestic crop production and significant currency devaluation in competing origins. Consequently, Indian leaf tobacco exports fell to an eight-year low of 200 million Kgs. thereby adversely impacting the earnings of the tobacco farming community.

Despite such challenging market conditions, the Company reinforced its leadership position as the largest Indian exporter of unmanufactured tobacco with further improvement in market standing. This was achieved through new business development and enhanced value delivery to existing customers by leveraging the Business’s expertise in crop development, superior leaf procurement processes and world-class processing facilities. The Business continued to provide strategic sourcing support to the Company’s Cigarette Business meeting all requirements at competitive prices.

During 2016-17, world wheat production increased by 16 million tonnes to about 751 million tonnes mainly due to higher production in Australia and Russia. While higher global production led to surplus inventory in the international markets, India had to contend with lower wheat crop availability during the year as the 2015 crop output (marketed in 2016) was adversely impacted due to unfavourable weather conditions. In order to alleviate the shortage of supplies and rising prices in the domestic market, the Food Corporation of India scaled down procurement levels and released higher quantum of wheat from its buffer stocks. In addition, the Government reduced Customs Duty on wheat leading to the import of over five million tonnes from Ukraine and Australia in 2016-17. The Business leveraged its wide geographical sourcing network, multiple sourcing models including imports, to secure supplies of critical grades with benchmark quality towards meeting the growing requirements for Aashirvaad atta. Substantial savings were delivered by the Business through efficient logistics management and other cost-optimisation initiatives. The Business also leveraged its strong network comprising suppliers, millers and customers to supply significant quantities of imported wheat in the domestic market.

The Business also leveraged its extensive sourcing network and associated infrastructure in key growing areas coupled with well entrenched farmer linkages to source high quality fruit pulp for the Company’s ‘B Natural’ brand. The key interventions in this area include strategic plantation development for key fruits, varietal segregation at source for improved colour and taste, customised fruit collection systems for identified fruits, establishing suitable processing protocols and product standardisation.

The Business provided strategic sourcing support to the Branded Packaged Foods Business for the launch of ITC Master Chef range of blended and ‘Super Safe’ spices. The Company’s range of ‘Super Safe’ spices adhere to stringent EU standards, which require the products to be tested for over 470 pesticide residues as compared to nine under Indian regulations.

Earlier this year the Company forayed into the Premium Frozen Prawns segment under the ‘ITC Master Chef’ brand. These high quality 'Super Safe' prawns are nurtured and harvested in world-class farms which adhere to extremely stringent international hygiene standards and leverage the Agri Business’s experience of over 40 years in exporting prawns to the most demanding markets in the world such as Japan, US, EU etc. The products have received encouraging response in the launch markets and will be progressively rolled out to target markets.

Please refer to the Agri Business section in the Report of the Directors & Management Discussion and Analysis for the financial year ended 31st March 2017 and Media Releases on quarterly results for further details.

Q25. Please provide an update on the Company's Paperboards, Paper and Packaging Segment (a) for Q3 FY18 (b) for FY17.

Answer: (a) Segment Results registered healthy growth due to higher volumes, imported pulp substitution and benign input costs. Segment Revenue, however, remained muted on account of subdued demand environment prevailing in the FMCG and legal Cigarette industry, surplus capacity in the domestic industry along with zero duty imports under Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN countries and cheap imports from China.

Operations of the Bleached Chemical Thermo Mechanical Pulp mill (BCTMP), recently commissioned by the Business, stabilised during the quarter with further improvement in capacity utilisation. Capacity expansion projects in the Value Added Paperboard and Decor segments are nearing completion.

(b) The Company sustained its leadership position in the VAP segment and consolidated its preferred supplier status amongst leading end-use customers and brands. The Business fortified its product portfolio by upgrading select variants and introducing value-added offers such as moisture resistant, grease resistant, medical grade peel-clean paper etc., thereby maintaining its lead over competition. The Specialty Papers portfolio was also expanded with the launch of new grades to service the needs of customers. The Business sustained its leadership position in the sale of eco-labelled products, volumes of which grew by appx. 8% during the year. The Business continues to be a leading quality player in Writing & Printing paper segment, leveraging strong forward linkages with the Company’s Education and Stationery Products Business. In the Specialty Papers segment, the Company sustained its leadership position in the pharma leaflets and thin printing segments.

In 2016-17, the Business clocked its highest ever saleable production of appx. seven lakh tonnes - a reflection of its relentless focus on operational excellence and quality. The Business continues to make investments in capacity augmentation, quality and efficiency enhancement, wastage reduction and productivity improvement, benchmarked with international standards.

The Company was recently chosen as the knowledge and implementation partner of National Green Highways Mission under National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), which has been entrusted with the task of planning, implementing and monitoring roadside plantations along one lakh kilometres of national highways. In this regard, the Company signed an agreement with the NHAI to green around 200 hectares of land along NH-44 and NH-40 on a pilot basis.

Capacity utilisation of India’s first Bleached Chemical Thermo Mechanical Pulp mill (BCTMP), recently commissioned by the Business, was progressively ramped up thereby reducing dependence on imported pulp. The Business has also commissioned a 36 MW high pressure energy efficient power plant at the Bhadrachalam unit which will reduce coal consumption and consequently, the Company’s carbon footprint.

The integrated nature of the business model comprising access to high-quality fibre from the economic vicinity of the Bhadrachalam mill, in-house pulp mill and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities along with clear market leadership in value-added paperboards and a robust forward linkage with the Education and Stationery Products Business strategically positions the Company to further consolidate and enhance its leadership status in the Indian Paperboard and Paper industry.

The Company’s Packaging and Printing Business is a leading provider of superior value-added packaging for the consumer packaged goods industry. The Business also provides strategic support to the Company’s FMCG Businesses by facilitating faster turnaround for new launches, design changes, ensuring security of supplies and delivering benchmarked international quality at competitive cost. The Business caters to the packaging requirements of leading players across several industry segments viz., Food & Beverage, Personal Care, Home care, Apparel, Consumer Electronics, Pharma, Liquor and Tobacco. With its comprehensive capability-set across multiple platforms, coupled with in-house cylinder making and blown film manufacturing lines, the Business continues to provide innovative solutions to several key customers in India and overseas.

In line with its strategy of consolidating its position as a ‘one-stop shop for packaging solutions’, during the year the Business invested in new product lines viz., rigid boxes and flexo corrugated packaging, and augmented capacity in the carton and flexibles packaging segments with the addition of state-of-the-art lines at its facility at Tiruvottiyur. With world-class technology across a diverse range of packaging platforms, best-in-class quality management systems and a distributed manufacturing footprint, the Business is well positioned to rapidly grow its external business while continuing to service the requirements of the Company’s FMCG Businesses.

Please refer to the Paperboards, Paper & Packaging section in the Report of the Directors & Management Discussion and Analysis for the financial year ended 31st March 2017 and Media Releases on quarterly results for further details.

 

Q26. Please provide details of the Company's Capital expenditure by Business.

Answer: The Company's Capex during the last two financial years is tabulated below:

 

Q27. Please provide an overview of the capex plan of the Company.

Answer: The Company’s capex plans are directed primarily towards capacity gearing, productivity enhancement, ensuring the highest standards in quality and environment, health & safety, and R&D.

One of the key elements of the capex plan going forward is to invest in setting up state-of-the-art owned integrated consumer goods manufacturing and logistics facilities across regions in line with long-term demand forecasts. Currently, over 20 projects are underway and in various stages of development - from land acquisition/site development to construction of buildings and other infrastructure.

In the Hotels Business, the Company is progressing the construction of new hotels in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. Besides, WelcomHotels Lanka Private Ltd. - a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company is in the process of setting up a luxury hotel christened ‘ITC One’ and a super-premium residential apartment complex, ‘Colombo One - Private Residences’ at a strategic location in Colombo.

The major items of capital expenditure in the Paperboards, Paper and Packaging segment going forward comprise paperboards & specialty paper capacity augmentation/machine rebuild at the Bhadrachalam and Tribeni units and capacity augmentation in Cartons and Flexibles packaging at the Tiruvottiyur unit.

Overall, the Company estimates capex of around Rs. 20000 crores over the next 5 years (excluding investments for inorganic growth and acquisition of trademarks, other intellectual property, etc.). However, this would depend on several factors such as pick-up in economic activity and improvement in demand conditions, timely acquisition of land at desirable locations, obtaining approvals from the concerned authorities in a timely manner etc.

 

Q28. Why has the Segment Capital Employed decreased by Rs. 440 crores from Rs. 22019 crores as at 31st December 2016 to Rs. 21579 crores as at 31st December 2017?

Answer: The decrease in Segment Capital Employed was primarily on account of incremental GST liability, higher trade payables partly offset by higher Net Fixed Assets (net of depreciation) towards capacity augmentation in FMCG businesses, ongoing investments in Hotels, and cost reduction related investments in Paperboards, Paper and Packaging business.

 

Q29. What are the dividend payout trends in recent years? What is the Dividend policy of the Company?

Answer: Dividend paid out by the Company for the last 5 years is given below:

Please refer to the following link for the Dividend Distribution policy of the Company.

http://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/policies/dividend-distribution-policy.pdf

 

Q30. Please explain the Company's 'Triple Bottom Line' philosophy.

Answer: Inspired by the opportunity to sub-serve larger national priorities, the Company redefined its Vision to not only reposition the organisation for extreme competitiveness but also make societal value creation the bedrock of its corporate strategy. This super-ordinate Vision spurred innovative strategies to address some of the most challenging societal issues including widespread poverty, unemployment and environmental degradation. The Company’s sustainability strategy aims at creating significant value for the nation through superior ‘Triple Bottom Line’ performance that builds and enriches the country’s economic, environmental and social capital. The sustainability strategy is premised on the belief that the transformational capacity of business can be very effectively leveraged to create significant societal value through a spirit of innovation and enterprise.

The Company is today a global exemplar in sustainability. The Company’s models of sustainable development have led to the creation of sustainable livelihoods for around six million people, many of whom belong to the marginalised sections of society. The Company has also sustained its position of being the only Company in the world of comparable dimensions to have achieved the global environmental distinction of being carbon positive (for 12 consecutive years), water positive (for 15 years in a row) and solid waste recycling positive (for 10 years in succession).

The Company’s strategy of adopting a low-carbon growth path is manifest in its growing renewable energy portfolio, establishment of green buildings, large-scale afforestation programme, achievement of international benchmarks in energy and water consumption. Today, over 48% of the Company total energy requirements are met from renewable energy sources - an outstanding performance given its large manufacturing base. Further, premium luxury hotels, several office complexes and factories of the Company are certified at the highest level by the US Green Building Council / Indian Green Building Council and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

The Company’s 14th Sustainability Report, published during the year detailed the progress made across all dimensions of the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ for the year 2016-17. This report is in conformance with the latest Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Guidelines - G4 under “In Accordance - Comprehensive” category and is third-party assured at the highest criteria of “reasonable assurance” as per International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000.

Please refer to the following link http://www.itcportal.com/sustainability/sustainability-report-2017/sustainability-report-2017.pdf for Sustainability Report 2017.

In addition, the Business Responsibility Report (BRR), annexed to the Report and Accounts 2017, maps the sustainability performance of the Company against the reporting framework suggested by Securities and Exchange Board of India.

 

Q31. Please provide an update of the Company's Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.

Answer: The Company's Social Investments Programme aims to address the challenges arising out of poverty, environmental degradation and climate change through a range of activities with the overarching objective of creating sustainable sources of livelihood for stakeholders.

The footprint of the Company's CSR programme can be viewed at a glance in the following chart: