GOKUL - Gokul Refoils
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
The group's revenue is primarily driven by edible oils, which contribute approximately 70-78% of total turnover, and castor derivatives, which account for the remaining 22%. In fiscal 2023, operating income grew by 5% due to higher realizations despite volume de-growth. However, fiscal 2024 saw a 4% de-growth in revenue due to a significant decline in realizations across product categories. For H1 fiscal 2025, the group achieved a revenue of INR 1,772 crore.
Geographic Revenue Split
While specific regional percentages are not disclosed, the group maintains a diverse geographic reach across domestic and global markets. Export performance was notably impacted in fiscal 2024, with a 15-20% decline in revenue during the first half of that year due to oversupply in global markets and a drop in international prices.
Profitability Margins
Operating margins have shown a downward trend, declining from 2.9% in fiscal 2022 to 2.7% in fiscal 2023. In the first half of fiscal 2025, the operating margin further moderated to 2.3%. This compression is attributed to the inability to fully pass on raw material price volatility in a highly competitive market.
EBITDA Margin
The group's operating profitability remains thin, currently at 2.3% for H1 fiscal 2025. CRISIL notes that sustained improvement in operating performance would require margins to remain above 4-5% at the group level, which is currently a challenge due to the commodity nature of the products.
Capital Expenditure
The group has stated that no major capital expenditure is planned over the medium term. This conservative approach is intended to support the financial risk profile and maintain liquidity, with current cash accruals of INR 35-40 crore per fiscal expected to cover existing low debt obligations.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
The group maintains a credit rating of CRISIL BBB+/Stable for long-term facilities and CRISIL A2 for short-term facilities. Bank limit utilization was reported at an average of 82% for the 12 months ended October 31, 2024, and 70% for the period ended September 30, 2023.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
The primary raw materials include mustard seeds, castor seeds, soyabean, and groundnut, which collectively represent the bulk of the cost of goods sold. The specific percentage of total cost for each is not disclosed, but edible oil production accounts for 70-78% of revenue, making seed procurement the dominant cost driver.
Import Sources
Raw materials are sourced both domestically and internationally. Domestic sourcing is centered around Gujarat and other oilseed-producing states in India. Global supply dynamics, particularly 'good production of crops' in international markets, significantly influenced realizations in fiscal 2024.
Key Suppliers
Specific supplier company names are not disclosed in the documents; however, the group relies on a diverse network of farmers and aggregators for seed procurement and global commodity traders for imported oils.
Capacity Expansion
Current installed capacity is not explicitly stated in MT, but the group is recognized as one of the top players in the domestic edible oil industry. No major capacity expansion is planned for the medium term as the focus remains on optimizing current utilization and branded sales.
Raw Material Costs
Raw material costs are highly volatile and susceptible to monsoon conditions and global crop cycles. In fiscal 2024, a significant decline in realizations (driven by lower raw material prices and oversupply) led to a 4% de-growth in revenue. The group employs prudent risk management policies to mitigate these fluctuations.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Efficiency is monitored through capacity utilization and bank limit usage. The group's ability to achieve INR 1,772 crore in revenue in H1 FY25 with an 82% bank limit utilization suggests high operational activity despite thin margins.
Logistics & Distribution
The group utilizes a diverse distribution network to reach its clientele across various geographic regions. Distribution is supported by its established brands like Gokul, Vivaan, Tandurast, and Rozana.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
15-20%
Growth Strategy
The group aims to achieve growth by increasing the share of branded edible oil sales, which currently stands at over 40%. Strategic initiatives are focused on enhancing market presence in both edible oils and industrial products like castor oil. Management expects to record revenue of over INR 3,500 crore in fiscal 2025 by stabilizing realizations and leveraging favorable monsoon conditions.
Products & Services
Refined oils (Mustard, Soyabean, Groundnut), Castor Oil, and Castor derivatives (industrial products).
Brand Portfolio
Gokul, Vivaan, Tandurast, and Rozana.
New Products/Services
The group is focusing on expanding its 'industrial products' sector, specifically castor oil derivatives, to complement its edible oil business. Expected revenue contribution from these derivatives is currently around 22%.
Market Expansion
The group is proactively implementing strategic initiatives to enhance its market share in the edible oil and industrial products sectors, targeting both domestic and international destinations.
Market Share & Ranking
The Gokul group is identified as one of the top players in the domestic edible oil industry, though its specific percentage of market share is not cited.
Strategic Alliances
The group operates through several key entities including Gokul Refoils & Solvent Ltd (GRSL), Gokul Agri International Ltd, and Gokul Overseas, which have significant operational and financial linkages.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is characterized by consolidation and intense competition. Current trends show a shift toward branded sales to capture better margins. The industry is currently recovering from a period of significant price declines caused by global crop surpluses.
Competitive Landscape
The group faces intense competition from both large organized players and unorganized local refiners in the edible oil segment.
Competitive Moat
The group's moat is built on the extensive experience of its promoters and its established brand presence (Gokul, Vivaan). However, this moat is challenged by the 'susceptibility of operating margin to volatility in raw material prices' and 'exposure to intense competition'.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
The business is highly sensitive to monsoon conditions, which dictate raw material (seed) availability and pricing. Favorable monsoons are expected to bolster operations in the current financial year.
Consumer Behavior
There is a growing consumer preference for branded and refined oils, which the group is addressing by ensuring branded oil accounts for more than 40% of its sales.
Geopolitical Risks
Trade environments are described as 'complex' and influenced by global business destinations. Oversupply in global markets, often driven by international trade dynamics, directly impacts the group's export realizations.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
The company operates under the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015. Operations are subject to food safety standards and pollution norms applicable to solvent extraction plants.
Environmental Compliance
Not disclosed in absolute INR values.
Taxation Policy Impact
The company reported a standalone Net Profit of INR 83.58 lakhs for H1 FY26 on a Profit Before Tax of INR 87.00 lakhs, implying a standard corporate tax application for the period.
Legal Contingencies
The documents state there are no 'Materially Significant related party transactions' that could lead to legal conflicts. No specific pending court case values (High Court/Supreme Court) are listed in the provided extracts.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
The primary uncertainty is the volatility of raw material prices, which can cause operating margins to fluctuate between 2.3% and 2.9%. A decline in net cash accrual below INR 20-25 crore is identified as a key risk to the credit profile.
Geographic Concentration Risk
The group has a diverse geographic reach, though it is heavily rooted in the Gujarat industrial belt for its manufacturing base.
Third Party Dependencies
The group is dependent on global crop production levels; oversupply in international markets can lead to a 15-20% drop in revenue as seen in recent cycles.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
The group is focused on 'strategic initiatives' to address an expanding industry, though specific digital transformation spends are not disclosed.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
The group maintains a 'diverse revenue profile' in terms of products and clientele, which helps mitigate counterparty credit risk. Liquidity is supported by unencumbered cash of INR 53 crore as of December 2024.