Brands
Titan’s Q4-2014 q-o-q Ad expenses down 26 per cent
BENGALURU: Titan Company (Titan), formerly known as Titan Industries, reported a (-25.98) per cent drop in advertisement expenses (Advt Exp) in Q4-2014 at Rs 87.37 crore (3.12 per cent of Income from Operations or Op Inc) as compared to the Rs 118.04 crore (4.18 per cent on Op Inc) in the immediate trailing quarter Q3-2014, but 31.13 per cent more than the Rs 66.663 crore (2.55 per cent of Op Inc) spent in the year ago quarter of Q4-2013.
Note: Rs 100 lakh = Rs100,00,000 = Rs 1 crore = Rs 10 million
Titan has three revenue segments – watches with five major brands – Titan, Xylus, Nebula, Sonata and Fastrack; Jewellery (the largest segment in terms of revenue and consequently profits) with Tanishq, Zoya, Gold Plus from Tata, Mia and Fq teen diamonds; and ‘Others’ that include eyewear under the Titan EYE+ brand, apparel and eyewear also under Fastrack brand and precision engineering among others.
Over nine quarters staring from Q4-2012 until Q4-2014, Titan’s Advt Exp shows an upward trend in terms of absolute rupee value, but a drop in terms of Advt Exp as percentage of Op Inc.
During FY-2014, Titan spent 7.25 per cent more towards Advt Exp at Rs 404.43 crore (3.7 per cent of Op Inc) as compared to the Rs 377.09 crore ((3.73 per cent of Op Inc). Though the Advt Exp in terms of absolute rupees in FY-2014 was higher, in terms of percentage of Op Inc, the drop in Advt Exp was 0.03 per cent.
Please refer to Fig 1 and Fig 1A below for Titan’s Advt Exp trends.
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Titan’s Op Inc for Q4-2014 at Rs 2803.38 crore was 4.77 per cent more than the Rs 2675.77 crore in Q3-2014 and was 7.28 per cent more than the Rs 2613.24 crore in Q4-2013. In FY-2014, Titan’s Op Inc at Rs 10915.79 crore was 7.94 per cent more than the Rs 10112.67 crore in FY-2013.
PAT for Q4-2014 at Rs 206.44 crore (7.36 per cent of Op Inc) was 24.68 per cent more than the Rs 165.57 crore (6.19 per cent of Op Inc) in Q3-2014 and 11.61 per cent more y-o-y than the Rs 184.97 crore (7.08 per cent of Op Inc). PAT for FY-2014 at Rs 741.14 crore (6.79 per cent of Op Inc) was 2.2 per cent more than the Rs 725.18 crore (7.17 per cent of Op Inc) in FY-2013. Please refer to Fig 2 and Fig 2A for Op Inc and PAT details.
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The company says that weak consumer demand continues and this is affecting growth in both watches and jewellery. It claims that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given approval to it for hedging of its gold inventory on international commodity exchanges – brings back efficiency to hedging.
Titan says further that issues with gold supply in the market persist – high premium on gold continues encouraging smuggling and though the sale of gold coins has resumed the uptake has been very lukewarm.
It avers that Titan’s focus on retail network expansion continues – 39 stores (44000 sq. ft.) were added during
Q4-2014 across divisions. Year-to-date there has been an addition of 125 stores (180,000 sq. ft), including 30 TitanOne conversions.
Titan informs that it has entered into a JV agreement with Montblanc for single brand retail trade in India
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
