WESTLIFE - Westlife Food
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Consolidated sales reached INR 2,491.99 Cr in FY 2024-25, a growth of 4.2% YoY. In Q2 FY26, revenue was INR 641.86 Cr, up 3.8% YoY. On-premise sales (Dine-in & Takeaway) grew 5% YoY in Q2 FY26, contributing 58% of total revenue, while off-premise channels remained stable.
Geographic Revenue Split
Westlife operates exclusively in West and South India across 72 cities. The store network reached 450 restaurants by Q2 FY26, with 58% of sales coming from on-premise dining across these regions.
Profitability Margins
Gross margins improved to an all-time high of 72.4% in Q2 FY26 (up from 69.7% YoY) due to supply chain efficiencies. However, Net Profit Margin for FY 2024-25 fell sharply to 0.5% from 2.9% in the previous year, and Profit After Tax for FY 2024-25 was INR 12.15 Cr, an 82.4% decline from INR 69.21 Cr due to subdued demand and operating deleverage.
EBITDA Margin
Operating EBITDA margin stood at 13.2% for FY 2024-25, down from 15.8% YoY. For Q2 FY26, Operating EBITDA was INR 75.85 Cr with a margin of 11.8%, a 4.1% YoY decline in absolute EBITDA value as higher operating expenses offset gross margin gains.
Capital Expenditure
The company opened 47 new stores in FY 2024-25 (up from 41 in FY 2023-24) and 8 new stores in Q2 FY26. While specific INR Cr for future CapEx is not totaled, the target to reach 580-630 restaurants by CY2027 implies sustained investment in network expansion.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
Total borrowings stood at INR 308.1 Cr as of March 31, 2025. The Debt-Equity ratio is stable at 0.4x, and the Interest Coverage Ratio is 1.9x, indicating a manageable debt profile despite a 20% decline in debtors turnover.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Food and Paper costs represent the primary raw material expense, accounting for 27.6% of total sales (INR 177.14 Cr) in Q2 FY26, down from 30.3% YoY.
Import Sources
Not specifically disclosed, but the company emphasizes a robust domestic supply chain and 'responsible sourcing' practices to manage environmental and community impacts.
Key Suppliers
The company operates under a Master Franchise Agreement with MCD Global Franchising Limited (McDonald's) and McDonald's India Private Limited for the use of the McDonaldβs System.
Capacity Expansion
Current capacity is 450 restaurants across 72 cities as of Q2 FY26. The company plans to expand the network to 580-630 restaurants by CY2027, representing a planned increase of approximately 29-40% in store count.
Raw Material Costs
Raw material costs (Food & Paper) were INR 177.14 Cr in Q2 FY26. Gross margins reached 72.4% due to sustained supply chain efficiencies, which helped offset the impact of a 2.8% decline in Same-Store Sales Growth (SSSG).
Manufacturing Efficiency
Restaurant Operating Margin (ROM) was 19.4% in FY 2024-25, down from 21.8% YoY. Efficiency is driven by digital integration, with 75% of sales now coming through digital channels (Apps and Self-Ordering Kiosks).
Logistics & Distribution
Not disclosed as a specific percentage of revenue, but managed through the integrated supply chain that supports 450 restaurants across 72 cities.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
7-9%
Growth Strategy
Growth will be achieved through 'Vision 2027' which targets 580-630 stores. The strategy includes a 'Meals Strategy' to drive brand relevance through menu innovation and an 'Omnichannel Strategy' to integrate all touchpoints into a single platform. The company aims for mid-to-high single-digit SSSG by focusing on core dayparts and digital sales, which currently have 3 million Monthly Active Users.
Products & Services
Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) products including burgers, wraps, fries, beverages, and desserts sold through McDonald's and McCafΓ© branded outlets.
Brand Portfolio
McDonald's, McCafΓ©.
New Products/Services
Continuous menu architecture refinement and targeted trials are used to gain market share; however, specific revenue contribution % for new launches is not disclosed.
Market Expansion
Targeting 580-630 restaurants by CY2027, focusing on deepening penetration in West and South India and expanding the 'McSmart' value platform to attract budget-conscious customers.
Market Share & Ranking
The company reported a modest gain in market share in the Western fast-food category during FY 2024-25, despite a -2.9% SSSG, by outperforming the broader market decline.
Strategic Alliances
Master Franchise Agreement (MFA) with MCD Global Franchising Limited, renewed on September 1, 2022, granting rights to operate McDonald's restaurants in the territory.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The organized Western fast-food sector is projected to grow at double-digits over the next five years. WFL is positioning itself to capture this through a versatile model spanning multiple dayparts and digital-heavy sales (75% of total).
Competitive Landscape
Competes in the organized QSR sector against other Western fast-food brands. WFL focuses on 'affordability metrics' and 'brand health' to differentiate.
Competitive Moat
Moat is built on 'Strong brand equity' of the McDonald's brand, a robust supply chain that delivers 70%+ gross margins, and a massive digital footprint (47 million app downloads). These are sustainable due to the long-term Master Franchise Agreement and high barriers to entry in QSR logistics.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to discretionary consumer spending; tough market conditions led to a -2.9% SSSG in FY 2024-25 and a significant 83% drop in Net Profit Margin.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward digital ordering (75% contribution) and a preference for 'value platforms' like McSmart during inflationary periods.
Geopolitical Risks
Not explicitly detailed, but the company notes that external factors beyond its control can materially affect financial conditions and cash flows.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Operations are governed by food safety protocols, legislative obligations for restaurant operations, and SEBI Listing Regulations for corporate governance.
Environmental Compliance
The company publishes a Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) and focuses on 'environmental stewardship' and 'responsible sourcing' as part of its risk management.
Taxation Policy Impact
Effective tax rate for FY 2024-25 was approximately 6.9% (INR 8.98 million tax on INR 130.45 million PBT).
Legal Contingencies
The company reports no significant or material orders passed by regulators, courts, or tribunals that would impact its status as a going concern or future operations.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Subdued consumer demand impacting SSSG (potential 2-3% revenue volatility), food safety incidents (reputational risk), and operational complexities in a dynamic consumer preference environment.
Geographic Concentration Risk
100% of revenue is concentrated in West and South India, making the company vulnerable to regional economic downturns or regulatory changes in those specific states.
Third Party Dependencies
High dependency on McDonald's Corporation for franchise rights and brand usage; royalty fees represent 5.6% of sales.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Risk of falling behind in digital experience; mitigated by 75% digital sales and ongoing investments in 'One McDonaldβs' omnichannel platform.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Debtors turnover ratio declined by 20% to 137.2x, suggesting a slight slowdown in receivables collection, though absolute risk remains low for a cash-heavy QSR business.