CNL - Creative Newtech
📢 Recent Corporate Announcements
Creative Newtech Limited (CNL) has signed a strategic pan-India distribution agreement with PDRL, a leader in the Indian DroneTech space with a 60% market share in drone software. The partnership focuses on distributing indigenous drone components and software across agriculture, defense, and enterprise sectors. PDRL currently supports over 120 OEMs and has a proven track record of 30 lakh flight operations. This move aligns CNL with high-growth government initiatives like the Drone Shakti Mission and Drone Didi Scheme, potentially creating a significant new revenue vertical.
- Strategic partnership with PDRL, which holds an estimated 60% share of India's drone software market.
- PDRL is trusted by 120+ OEMs and has completed more than 30 lakh flight operations over six years.
- Distribution covers flagship QCI-compliant products including Ag++ Flight Controller and AeroGCS software suite.
- Direct alignment with government programs such as Drone Shakti Mission and Mukhyamantri Shetkari Drone Yojana.
- CNL will leverage its nationwide network to drive adoption in agriculture, logistics, and defense sectors.
Creative Newtech Limited (CNL) has secured two significant government contracts from the Government of Maharashtra with a combined value of ₹54.15 crore. The first order, worth ₹7.67 crore, involves deploying 600 body-worn camera systems for the Motor Vehicles Department (RTO). The second, larger order of ₹46.48 crore is for the supply of 2,677 disaster management and emergency response kits. These wins signal a strategic expansion into high-value government and enterprise technology programs, diversifying the company's revenue stream beyond traditional IT distribution.
- Total combined order value of ₹54.15 crore from the Government of Maharashtra.
- ₹7.67 crore contract for 600 body-worn cameras including system integration and maintenance.
- ₹46.48 crore contract for the supply of 2,677 disaster management and emergency response kits.
- Strategic use of STQC-certified brands Matrix and Sparsh for surveillance ecosystem deployment.
- Expansion of the enterprise business segment through structured delivery and B2B integrated partners.
Creative Newtech reported a strong 40.20% YoY growth in total income for Q3 FY26, reaching ₹876.47 crore. While EBITDA grew by 27.01% to ₹18.93 crore, margins saw a slight contraction of 22 basis points to 2.16%. Net profit (PAT) increased by 14.38% YoY to ₹9.55 crore, supported by new distribution partnerships in high-growth sectors like surveillance and cybersecurity. The company is transitioning towards a brand-led growth model and plans to launch its own brand to improve long-term profitability.
- Total Income grew 40.20% YoY to ₹876.47 crore in Q3 FY26.
- EBITDA increased 27.01% YoY to ₹18.93 crore, though margins dipped 22 bps to 2.16%.
- PAT rose 14.38% YoY to ₹9.55 crore for the quarter.
- Signed multiple distribution agreements with brands like Kaspersky, Corsair, and Dahua to diversify the portfolio.
- 9M FY26 performance shows a 41.47% YoY revenue growth and 14.94% PAT growth.
Creative Newtech Limited (CNL) reported a robust 40.20% YoY growth in standalone total income to ₹876.47 crore for Q3 FY26. While standalone PAT grew by 14.38% to ₹9.55 crore, consolidated performance was notably stronger with PAT rising 36.91% YoY to ₹23.37 crore. The company faced slight margin compression, with standalone EBITDA margins dipping 22 bps to 2.16%. Growth was driven by strategic expansions into surveillance, cybersecurity, and gaming through new distribution agreements with brands like Kaspersky and Corsair.
- Standalone Total Income rose 40.20% YoY to ₹876.47 crore in Q3 FY26.
- Consolidated PAT surged 36.91% YoY to ₹23.37 crore, reflecting strong group-level performance.
- Standalone EBITDA increased 27.01% YoY to ₹18.93 crore, though margins contracted slightly to 2.16%.
- Signed multiple new distribution agreements with global brands including EIZO, Kaspersky, and Corsair.
- Successfully migrated to the BSE Main Board, enhancing visibility for institutional investors.
Creative Newtech Limited (CNL) reported a robust 40.2% YoY increase in total income to ₹876.47 crore for Q3 FY26, driven by strong performance in its Market Entry and Brand Business segments. EBITDA grew by 27.01% to ₹18.93 crore, although EBITDA margins contracted slightly by 22 bps to 2.16%. Net profit stood at ₹9.55 crore, marking a 14.38% YoY growth. The company also announced several high-profile distribution partnerships in cybersecurity, surveillance, and gaming to diversify its portfolio and enhance its 'Make in India' alignment.
- Total Income surged 40.20% YoY to ₹876.47 crore in Q3 FY26.
- PAT increased 14.38% YoY to ₹9.55 crore, while 9M FY26 PAT reached ₹21.95 crore.
- EBITDA grew 27.01% YoY to ₹18.93 crore, despite a slight margin compression to 2.16%.
- Secured 7+ new distribution agreements including Kaspersky, Corsair, and Dahua.
- Successfully listed on the BSE Main Board, enhancing visibility and liquidity.
Creative Newtech Limited (CNL) reported a strong 41.4% YoY growth in revenue from operations, reaching ₹867.98 crore for the quarter ended December 2025. Net profit increased by 14.4% YoY to ₹9.55 crore, while 9-month revenue of ₹1,833.24 crore has already surpassed the total revenue of the previous full financial year. The company also announced a strategic global expansion by approving the incorporation of step-subsidiaries in the USA, China, and Dubai. These new entities will operate under its 77.5% owned subsidiary, Secure Connection Limited (Hong Kong).
- Revenue from operations grew 41.4% YoY to ₹867.98 crore in Q3 FY26 compared to ₹613.65 crore in Q3 FY25.
- Net profit for the quarter stood at ₹9.55 crore, up 14.4% from ₹8.35 crore in the same period last year.
- Brand Business segment revenue more than doubled YoY to ₹111.70 crore from ₹53.40 crore.
- 9-month FY26 revenue of ₹1,833.24 crore has already exceeded the full-year FY25 revenue of ₹1,638.55 crore.
- Board approved international expansion with new step-subsidiaries in the USA, China, and Dubai (FZCO).
Creative Newtech Limited (CNL) reported a strong performance for Q3 FY26, with standalone revenue growing 41.4% YoY to ₹867.98 crore. Net profit for the quarter increased by 14.4% YoY to ₹9.55 crore, supported by a massive 109% jump in the Brand Business segment. Beyond financials, the company is aggressively pursuing global growth by approving the incorporation of step-down subsidiaries in the USA, China, and Dubai. For the first nine months of FY26, the company has already surpassed its total revenue for the entire previous fiscal year (FY25).
- Standalone Revenue for Q3 FY26 grew 41.4% YoY to ₹86,797.98 Lacs from ₹61,365.40 Lacs.
- Standalone Profit After Tax (PAT) increased 14.4% YoY to ₹954.76 Lacs.
- Brand Business segment revenue more than doubled to ₹11,169.95 Lacs compared to ₹5,339.95 Lacs in the previous year's quarter.
- 9-month FY26 standalone revenue reached ₹1,83,324.26 Lacs, exceeding the full FY25 revenue of ₹1,63,854.80 Lacs.
- Board approved international expansion via new step-subsidiaries in the USA, China, and Dubai (FZCO) through its Hong Kong subsidiary.
Creative Newtech Limited has filed its compliance certificate for the Structured Digital Database (SDD) for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The company confirmed that it has a robust system in place to track Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) in accordance with SEBI regulations. During the quarter, the company identified 1 specific event that required capturing and successfully recorded it in the database. No non-compliance issues were reported, reflecting the company's commitment to internal controls and governance.
- Confirmed 100% compliance with SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations for the quarter.
- Successfully captured 01 required UPSI event in the Structured Digital Database.
- Maintained a non-tamperable internal database with an audit trail capability of 8 years.
- Reported zero instances of non-compliance or required remedial actions during the period.
Creative Newtech (CNL) has secured a Pan-India distribution partnership with EIZO Private Limited, a subsidiary of Japan's EIZO Corporation, a leader in high-end visual solutions. The agreement focuses on mission-critical imaging technology, including surveillance cameras with a range exceeding 5 kilometers. This partnership strengthens CNL's existing surveillance portfolio, which already includes two of India's four STQC-certified brands. Additionally, EIZO has indicated a long-term intent to explore local manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative, with CNL providing market access and operational scale.
- Exclusive Pan-India distribution for EIZO’s advanced imaging and surveillance portfolio.
- Technology includes ultra-high sensitivity cameras capable of monitoring distances over 5 kilometers.
- Targeting high-growth sectors including defense, air traffic control, smart cities, and healthcare.
- Strategic alignment with 'Make in India' for potential future local manufacturing.
- CNL currently manages a portfolio of 20+ global brands across online and offline channels.
Creative Newtech Limited (CNL) has informed the exchanges that its trading window for dealing in company securities will be closed starting January 1, 2026. This closure is in compliance with SEBI Insider Trading regulations ahead of the declaration of financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The window will remain closed for all designated persons until 48 hours after the results are officially announced. The specific date for the board meeting to approve these results is yet to be determined and will be communicated later.
- Trading window closure effective from January 1, 2026.
- Closure pertains to the financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
- Trading restriction ends 48 hours after the declaration of quarterly results.
- Applies to all designated persons as per SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.
Creative Newtech Limited has announced a change in its trading symbol on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) from "CREATIVE" to "CNL". This change was initiated to ensure uniformity across both NSE and BSE, as the symbol "CREATIVE" was already in use by another entity on the BSE. The new symbol "CNL" is an abbreviation of the company's name and is consistent with its existing branding and corporate communications. This update is purely administrative and does not affect the company's business operations, financials, or corporate structure.
- Trading symbol on NSE changed from "CREATIVE" to "CNL" effective following NSE approval.
- The change ensures a uniform symbol across both NSE and BSE exchanges.
- The symbol "CREATIVE" was unavailable on BSE as it was already assigned to another listed entity.
- The new symbol "CNL" reflects the abbreviated form of Creative Newtech Limited.
- Administrative update with no impact on company operations or corporate structure.
Creative Newtech Limited (CNL) has officially changed its trading symbol from "CREATIVE" to "CNL" on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). This decision follows the company's recent listing on the BSE Main Board, where the previous symbol was already in use by another entity. The move is intended to ensure uniformity across both exchanges and align with the company's existing corporate branding. This change is purely administrative and does not impact the company's business operations, financials, or corporate structure.
- Trading symbol changed from "CREATIVE" to "CNL" on the National Stock Exchange.
- Change driven by the company's recent listing on the BSE Main Board.
- Ensures a consistent market presence and avoids investor confusion across exchanges.
- The new symbol "CNL" aligns with the company's abbreviated name and existing branding.
- Administrative update with zero impact on underlying business operations or fundamentals.
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Consolidated revenue grew 58.30% YoY to INR 659.59 Cr in Q2 FY26. The Market Entry Specialist segment grew 55.8% from INR 366.46 Cr (Q2 FY25) to INR 570.97 Cr (Q2 FY26). The Brand Business segment grew 86.9% from INR 44.95 Cr (Q2 FY25) to INR 84.03 Cr (Q2 FY26).
Geographic Revenue Split
CNL operates in 13 countries across Asia Pacific, Dubai, and the Middle East. While specific percentage splits per region are not disclosed, the company is aggressively expanding manpower in these international hubs to drive future growth.
Profitability Margins
Blended gross margins for H1 FY26 were 3.88%. PAT margins have shown a downward trend from 1.87% in FY24 to 1.55% in FY25, and further to 1.28% in H1 FY26. Q2 FY26 PAT margin was 2.87% compared to 3.17% in Q2 FY25, impacted by higher material and logistics costs.
EBITDA Margin
EBITDA margin for Q2 FY26 was 4.05%, a decrease of 16 bps from 4.21% in Q2 FY25. EBITDA increased 52.28% YoY to INR 26.72 Cr. The standalone distribution business EBITDA margin is significantly lower at approximately 0.2% to 2.58% depending on the product mix.
Capital Expenditure
Not explicitly disclosed in INR Cr; however, the company is making strategic investments in technology, local manufacturing, and partnerships to support 'Make in India' initiatives.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
CRISIL Ratings maintains a 'Stable' outlook. Interest coverage ratio was 2.83 times in H1 FY26, down from 4.47 times in FY25. Bank limit utilization was 67% for the 12 months ended October 2025.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Consumer electronic components and finished goods (IT hardware, imaging, lifestyle, and security products) represent the primary cost, with total raw material expenditure reaching INR 927.84 Cr in H1 FY26.
Import Sources
Sourced globally from principal brands; specific countries include those in the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East where the company has established distribution hubs.
Key Suppliers
Key principal suppliers include Honeywell, Cooler Master, Olympus, Samsung, Lexar, Fujifilm, Viewsonic, GoPro, Philips, and Transcend.
Capacity Expansion
Not a traditional manufacturer; however, CNL is expanding its 'Market Entry Specialist' portfolio into surveillance, drones, and data center solutions to diversify from low-margin IT distribution.
Raw Material Costs
Raw material costs accounted for approximately 95.6% of total income in H1 FY26 (INR 927.84 Cr out of INR 970 Cr revenue). Costs are managed through high-volume procurement and established relationships with 25+ principals.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Focusing on local manufacturing partnerships to capitalize on 'Make in India' demand, aiming to improve supply chain agility and reduce logistics lead times.
Logistics & Distribution
Logistics costs are a key headwind, contributing to the 16 bps compression in EBITDA margins in Q2 FY26.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
100%
Growth Strategy
CNL aims to achieve a PAT of INR 60 Cr for FY26 (up from INR 25.56 Cr in FY25) by expanding into high-margin segments like drones and data centers, increasing the Brand Business EBITDA from 15% to 21%, and leveraging 'Make in India' sourcing.
Products & Services
IT peripherals, imaging products, lifestyle gadgets, security surveillance systems, drones, and data center solutions.
Brand Portfolio
Honeywell, Samsung, Lexar, Fujifilm, Viewsonic, GoPro, Philips, Transcend, and Cooler Master.
New Products/Services
Expansion into drone components and data center solutions; management expects these to contribute to a target PAT margin of 4.5-5% within three years.
Market Expansion
Expanding presence in 13 countries, specifically targeting Asia Pacific and Middle East markets with dedicated country heads.
Market Share & Ranking
Not disclosed; however, the company is a listed player on the NSE with a 30-year track record in the IT distribution space.
Strategic Alliances
Maintains relationships with 25+ global brands (principals) and is building a technical team to partner with smaller brands in the component space.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is shifting toward 'Make in India' and high-tech segments like drones and data centers. CNL is positioning itself as a 'Market Entry Specialist' to move beyond simple distribution into value-added supply chain roles.
Competitive Landscape
Faces intense competition from both domestic and multinational distributors in the consumer electronics space, leading to thin operating margins of 2.5-4.0%.
Competitive Moat
Moat is based on 30 years of promoter experience and established relationships with 25+ global principals. This is sustainable but faces pressure from low-barrier competitors in the distribution space.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to consumer electronics demand cycles and global supply chain stability. Demand recovery in Q2 FY26 supported a 58.3% revenue jump.
Consumer Behavior
Strong demand recovery in consumer electronics and a shift toward surveillance and lifestyle tech are driving volume growth.
Geopolitical Risks
Trade barriers or changes in import duties on electronics could impact the 'Market Entry Specialist' business margins and sourcing costs.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Subject to government regulations on electronics imports, tax laws, and 'Make in India' manufacturing standards. Compliance is managed by a dedicated Chief Compliance Officer.
Taxation Policy Impact
Effective tax rate was approximately 26.5% in H1 FY26 (INR 4.47 Cr tax on INR 16.86 Cr PBT).
Legal Contingencies
Secretarial audit noted minor delays in filing transcript of earnings calls (3 days) and Monitoring Agency Reports (45 minutes). No major pending litigation values disclosed.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Operating margins are highly vulnerable to changes in operating costs; a decline in margins leading to cash accruals below INR 15 Cr is a key downward rating factor.
Geographic Concentration Risk
While expanding internationally, the company remains reliant on its Indian distribution network and a few key overseas hubs.
Third Party Dependencies
High dependency on 25+ principal brands; any change in strategy by a principal customer can adversely impact the credit profile.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
High risk in consumer electronics; mitigated by a quick cash conversion cycle (63 days) and limited inventory risk through strong vendor relationships.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Mitigated by a diversified clientele and an aggressive receivables management system, with receivables at 26 days.