Revenue of the Indian poultry sector will grow ~10% this fiscal on the back of sustained demand growth amid moderating realisations, even as new capacities come on stream and drive-up volume, according to a press release from CRISIL Ratings. The growth will be on a high base set by the ~25% top-line surge last fiscal.

Along with revenue, operating profitability is also likely to bounce back 70 basis points (bps) this fiscal as input feed [1] costs decline on softer soy and maize prices. This will help strengthen credit profiles despite additional debt set to be contracted for capacity increase over the medium term.

An analysis of 45 poultries rated by CRISIL Ratings, generating close to Rs 15,000 crore revenue last fiscal, indicates as much.

“Consumption of broiler meat and eggs is seen rising to ~5.2 lakh tonne (up 11-13% on-year) and 150 billion (up 6-8%), respectively," said Himank Sharma, director, CRISIL Ratings. "This is led by improvement in rural demand, higher per-capita consumption of meat, and increasing preference for protein-rich diet. Increased volumes will support sectoral revenue growth despite dampening realisations."I

Broiler meat realisation is likely to drop 6-8% on-year to Rs 114-116 per kg this fiscal largely on account of increased supplies with new capacities coming onstream. However, poultry feed costs, driven largely by maize and soy, may moderate from their highs seen last year, which should prop up operating margins to over 5.5% — 70 bps higher, on-year.

Increased revenue and profitability will allow companies to internally fund incremental working capital requirement. While poultries have undertaken 8-10% capacity addition (partly debt-funded), with demand remaining firm, the capacity added in the last two quarters of previous fiscal will also see a quick ramp-up this fiscal.