Key success factors for a Sugar Company
In light of the factors affecting the financial performance of the sugar
industry and that of individual companies in the industry, CRISIL Research has
attempted to identify certain key factors for a company to be a successful
player in the sugar industry.
Plant size: The total sugar output of a mill is a function of its
capacity and the number of days that the mill operates in a season. As with any
other cyclical commodity industry, size is of vital importance in the sugar
industry, as it provides some protection against cyclical downturns. Larger
size will enable mills to reap the benefits of economies of scale and reduce
their cost of production. The cost of sugarcane (60-65 per cent of the cost of
production) does not change with increase in plant size, but there is a decline
in the conversion cost in a larger plant. The Tuteja Committee, in its
report, has stated that a plant size of 5,000 tcd, will be optimal in the
Indian context, taking into account the small size of land holdings (there are
a number of small and marginal cane farmers, whose landholding is just 1-2
acres. The average land holding is estimated to be lesser than 4 acres);
infrastructural constraints that impact the transportation of cane, and the
global trend towards higher capacity plants.
Adequate availability of sugarcane: The sugar plant must be located in an area, where
sugarcane is adequately available. Favourable agro climatic conditions,
sugarcane acreage, cane yields, payment of remunerative prices to farmers in a
timely manner, and relative attractiveness of other crops vis-à-vis sugarcane
affect the availability of sugarcane within the reserved area of a mill.
Non-availability and shortage of cane is one of the main reasons for a sugar
mill becoming sick. If a plant is situated in an area with a short supply of sugarcane,
its capacities would lie unutilised and its operations would become unviable.
Sugarcane drawal: The ability to draw a higher percentage of sugarcane
from the sugarcane available in the command area of a mill (also known as cane
drawal) is also important. Higher the cane drawal, lower the diversion of cane
to other sources such as alternative sweetener manufacturers and vice versa.
When farmers are assured of remunerative prompt payments, the diversion is
often reduced.
Proximity to higher yield sugarcane farms: Sugar plants have
to be located in the proximity of sugarcane farms due to the bulky nature of
cane, its high volume to weight ratio, and the need to crush the cane as soon
as possible (ideally within 24 hours of harvest) for obtaining optimum results.
Mills located near sugarcane farms, with high yields, are in a better position
than mills close to low yielding areas, as they receive more tonnes of cane per
hectare to crush.
Proximity to deficient markets: Sugar is a bulky commodity, and freight is an
important element of cost. Therefore, mills located close to sugar deficit
markets - West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi ,
Madhya Pradesh, and the North-East - enjoy a competitive advantage, as their
realisations are higher than those situated near surplus markets.
For example, sugar mills situated in east Uttar Pradesh can access the
deficit markets of the east and the Northeast, while those in west Uttar
Pradesh can sell their sugar at competitive rates in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.
Maximisation of sugar recovery: Optimisation of sugar recovery is another major differentiating factor
among mills. Even a small increase in recovery levels could have a significant
impact on the profitability of a company. Sugar recoveries depend upon the location
of the mill, quality of cane, the time between harvesting and crushing,
efficiency of operations, internal plant efficiencies, processing losses, and
the time when crushing takes place. Investment in sugarcane development
activities (strengthening of irrigation infrastructure, supply of improved
seeds and proper fertilisers to farmers), timely crushing of cane, development
of infrastructure around the plant area, and selection of proper plant and
machinery could help in obtaining higher recovery rates.
Breakdowns and stoppages: Sugar mills operate on a continuous basis during the
sugar season. Any stoppage in operations or breakdowns, due to non-availability
of sugarcane, mechanical or electrical faults, or other technical problems
impacts overall production and increases costs. Sugarcane starts drying as soon
as it is harvested and sucrose evaporation takes place continually, therefore,
any disruption in plant operations causes cut cane, waiting to be crushed, to
pile up, which, in turn, impacts recoveries.
Relationship management: The relationship between sugar companies and farmers
is another vital factor determining the success or failure of sugar companies.
A healthy relationship between a mill and farmers, in its command area, will
ensure adequate and timely availability of cane for crushing. In addition,
maintenance of healthy industrial relations and cordial relations with the
government and local authorities, such as the Cane Commissioner, is also
important.
Efficiency in operations: Recovery levels, size, and control over manufacturing
costs are the key profit drivers for sugar mills. It is imperative to make
continuous efforts for improving operating efficiencies and lower manufacturing
costs.
Value addition from by-products: Optimal utilisation of by-products, such as molasses
and bagasse, is another key differentiating factor. Integrated sugar mills
(mills which produce not only sugar but also ethanol and industrial alcohol
from molasses and power from bagasse) are more likely to be successful than
standalone sugar companies. An integrated business model is the key to
de-risking revenues. By opting for such a model, mills can earn higher margins,
and also partly protect themselves from the cyclical downturns in the core
sugar business.
Efficient working capital management: The sugar industry is highly working capital
intensive. Sugar production is seasonal in nature, with most of the crushing
taking place between November and May and being sold throughout the year. As a
result, sugar producers are forced to carry large inventories over long periods
of time. Efficient working capital management, lowers the cost of funds for a
mill; thereby, increasing its profitability.
Comfortable cash flow and manageable interest burden: A sugar mill should
also have a comfortable cash flow situation and debt-equity position. This will
enable it to survive during rough periods. A highly leveraged position makes a
mill vulnerable to business shocks during cyclical downturns.