We have taken a view that we want to be a dominant player in every industry that we are in which means the number one or number two in terms of size and in terms of profitability - Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman
[ in conversation with Tanvir Gill on 'The CNBC Conversation'.
Air date: 30 November 2022 ]
From the aluminum can in your hand to the fabric of your clothes, Aditya Birla Group touches your life in countless ways. This 7-decade-old conglomerate spans 36 countries, with a diverse workforce of over 100 nationalities. They're not just big; they're responsible, focusing on sustainable growth across metals, pulp and fiber, textiles, carbon black, cement, fashion, telecom, and more. Half of their business comes from overseas operations, across North America and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia accounting for 50% of the Group's revenues making them a true global leader.
This Indian titan, founded in 1857, isn't content with just being big (they're the cement king!). They're on a constant shopping spree, scooping up companies across the globe. From telecom (Vodafone Idea) to fashion (retail brands), they're everywhere. Their growth strategy? Strategic acquisitions that have made them a global conglomerate with a presence in 100 countries!
1. UltraTech Cement:
UltraTech Cement, India's largest cement company, boasts an annual capacity of 117.35 million tons. It leads globally in cement production while championing sustainability with white cement and ready mix concrete (RMC) manufacturing. Striving for sustainable development, UltraTech balances cement demand with environmental responsibility through innovative solutions.
UltraTech Cement, part of the Aditya Birla Group, plans to spend ₹32,400 crore over three years to expand its capacity to about 200 million tonnes per year. They've announced the launch of two new projects in Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu, adding 5.4 million tonnes to their capacity, totaling 151.6 million tonnes. With recent expansions and ongoing projects, UltraTech aims to increase its total capacity by 18.7 million tonnes, with plans for further growth, including the acquisition of Kesoram Cement, which would boost its grey-cement capacity to 198.2 million tonnes.
The cement industry is on course to increase capacity by 150-160 MTPA from FY25 to FY28, according to a Crisil Ratings report.
Key takeaway: UltraTech's robust liquidity facilitates its inorganic growth strategy, while the surge in infrastructure projects propels demand for cement, thereby bolstering the company's revenue.
2. Grasim Industries:
Grasim Industries Limited, the Aditya Birla Group's flagship, began in 1947 as a textile manufacturer in India. Now, it's a global leader in VSF, India's top chemicals player, and the largest cement producer, along with a strong presence in diversified financial services through subsidiaries like UltraTech Cement and Aditya Birla Capital. It also holds businesses like Jaya Shree Textiles, renowned for its Linen Club brand.
The stock has surged 39% in the past year and over 12% year-to-date in 2024, with positive returns every month this year. April saw a 4.6% rise, marking the 6th consecutive monthly gain. However, the company is yet to release its March quarter results for FY24.
Key takeaway: Grasim Industries' 5D strategy—Design, Develop, Disrupt, Distribute, and Delight—underpins its market leadership in sustainable textiles and chemicals. This focus on sustainability drives innovation and excellence, positioning Grasim as an industry frontrunner.
3. Hindalco Industries:
Hindalco Industries Limited is the biggest company in the world that rolls aluminium, and one of the largest in Asia that makes primary aluminium. It's also a major producer of copper, with one of the world's largest copper smelters located in India.
Hindalco's profits and market share are boosted by increasing worldwide demand for aluminum. The stock has gone up by 49% in the past year and 5% in 2024 so far. April saw a big surge of over 15%, following an 11% rise in March. However, it experienced declines of 13% in February and 5.7% in January 2024.
Key takeaway: With a careful valuation approach, Hindalco anticipates benefiting from the growing global demand for aluminum, which is expected to boost its profitability and market share.
4. Vodafone Idea:
Vodafone Idea Limited, a partnership between the Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group, stands as India's top telecom service provider with a customer base exceeding 408 million. Valued at Rs70,000 crore, the company offers a wide range of services including voice, data, mobile payments, IoT, advanced enterprise solutions, and entertainment services.
Vodafone Idea's subscriber base is expected to grow with fund infusion for expanding 4G services and rolling out 5G network infrastructure. Despite a 94% surge in the past year, the stock has declined by over 16% in 2024. April saw a marginal increase of 0.7% after three consecutive months of losses: 2.9% in March, 4.88% in February, and 10.3% in January. The stock peaked at ₹18.42 on January 1, 2024, rallying 106% from its 52-week low of ₹6.54 on May 5, 2023. The company is yet to release its March quarter results for FY24.
According to a top official from a large public sector bank, lenders will need comfort that the telecom player will be in a position to repay debt before taking a decision on extending loans. The company will need to raise about Rs 25,000 crore through loans.
Key takeaway: VI's vision is evidenced by its strategic fund infusion aimed at expanding 4G services and deploying 5G network infrastructure, which is expected to significantly enhance its subscriber base.
5. Aditya Birla Capital:
Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL), previously named Aditya Birla Financial Services Limited, stands as a major player in India's financial services sector, holding all financial services businesses within the Aditya Birla Group.
Aditya Birla Capital's expansion into digital financial services has significantly boosted its growth potential recently. Over the past year, the stock has surged by over 44%, and in 2024 so far, it has risen by more than 40%. April witnessed a substantial increase of almost 33%, following a slight decline of 4.5% in March. Earlier in the year, it climbed by 7.3% in February and nearly 3% in January. However, the company is yet to release its financial results for the March quarter of FY24.
Key takeaway: Aditya Birla Capital's digital initiative, ABCD (Aditya Birla Capital Digital), is driving growth by expanding into digital financial services.
6. Century Textile:
Starting as a single-unit textile entity in 1897, Century Textiles and Industries Ltd has evolved into a commercial powerhouse diversifying into various industries. As a member of the Aditya Birla Group, it leads in cotton textiles and also excels in the Pulp and Paper as well as Real Estate sectors.
Key takeaway: Transforming into a powerhouse, Jaya Shree Textiles turns dreams into tangible returns, weaving success one thread at a time.
7. Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC:
Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited (ABSLAMC) was established in 1994, with Aditya Birla Capital Limited and Sun Life (India) AMC Investments Inc. as its promoters and major shareholders. ABSLAMC primarily serves as the investment manager for Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund, a registered trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
Additionally, ABSLAMC offers various alternative investment strategies, including Portfolio Management Services, Real Estate Investments, and Alternative Investment Funds. As one of India's leading asset managers, ABSLAMC caters to approximately 7.98 million investor folios across 290+ locations nationwide, managing a total AUM of Rs. 3,247 billion as of December 31, 2023, encompassing Mutual Fund (excluding domestic FoFs), Portfolio Management Services, Alternative Investment Funds, Offshore, and Real Estate offerings.
Key takeaway: Ranked as the 4th largest mutual fund and operating as a profitable AMC franchise, they empower your wealth journey with expert guidance and innovative solutions.
8. Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail:
ABFRL, a part of the Aditya Birla Group, is India's premier fashion powerhouse with a revenue of Rs. 12,418 Cr. and 10.8 million sq.ft. retail space. It boasts a network of 3,977 brand stores and presence in 33,535 multi-brand outlets, featuring iconic brands like Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, and Pantaloons. ABFRL's International Brands portfolio includes exclusive partnerships with Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, and others. It's also venturing into digital-first brands through its 'House of D2C Brands' venture, TMRW, focusing on fashion and lifestyle categories.
Over the past year, the stock has seen a 21% increase, with an 18% rise in 2024 YTD. April witnessed a significant surge of 28% following declines of 8.7% in March and 7.7% in February. In January, it rose by 9%. Achieving a 52-week high of ₹277.05 on April 26, the stock has surged by over 50% from its 52-week low of ₹184.40 on May 23, 2023. However, the company is yet to release its financial results for the March quarter of FY24.
Key takeaway: Aditya Birla Fashion Retail's revenue growth is fueled by the expansion of its retail footprint and a robust brand portfolio, positioning it for luxury value and potential re-rating in the market.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended solely for educational purposes. The securities/investments mentioned are not recommendations. Additionally, the past performance of stocks does not guarantee future returns. We strongly advise investors to consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.