Latest news with #Malabar
Fashion Network
8 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Malabar Gold & Diamonds eyes lab grown diamond market for growth
Malabar Gold & Diamonds is exploring opportunities in the lab grown diamond segment as part of its strategy to sustain growth amid rising gold prices. The Kerala-based jewellery retailer is aiming for a 20% revenue increase in the current financial year, following revenues of Rs 62,000 crore in the 2025 fiscal. "We want to come in with a different proposition with a separate identity and not mix it with natural diamonds, as customers are different," said Malabar Group's chairman M P Ahmmad, ET Retail reported. With lab grown diamonds emerging as a cost-effective alternative, the company is tapping into the segment to broaden its appeal and offset gold price volatility. Malabar plans to open 90 new outlets, 60 in India and 30 overseas, while also preparing for a stock market debut in the 2028 financial year. 'We are 100 per cent thinking of listing our company on the stock market,' said Ahmmad, India Retailing reported. Ahmmad added that legal work is underway to consolidate subsidiaries and LLPs ahead of the IPO. Malabar Gold currently operates 391 showrooms across 19 Indian states and international markets. To maintain affordability and retain customers, the company is introducing lighter jewellery designs using different caratage without compromising appearance. 'We are coming out with different caratage and designing products without compromising the looks so that everyone can still afford gold jewellery,' said O Asher, managing director for Malabar's India operations.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
5 Ultimate Wildlife Safari Experience Near Mumbai City
Mumbai functions as India's busiest metropolis with its swift urban culture alongside its numerous high-rise buildings as it presents a dynamic multicultural environment. Natural beauty with wildlife sanctuaries provides visitors with a magical safari experience located in the vicinity of Mumbai. Fashionable attractions positioned near Mumbai invite nature fans and adventure-loving families and conservation lovers to discover peaceful connections with nature. This guide introduces you to the perfect safari encounter locations located in proximity to Mumbai. 1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park Residents of Mumbai can easily reach the wildlife destination of Sanjay Gandhi National Park which sits within the city's boundaries. The park spans across 104 square kilometers and embraces varied plant and animal species in its territory. Tourists who visit this location can observe leopards together with spotted deer as well as sambar and barking deer among many bird species. A guided safari system exists through SGNP's dense forest cover to help visitors observe the park's diverse biodiversity firsthand. Visitors can find the Kanheri Caves at the park because they are located inside the wildlife area. Residents of Mumbai can easily find a wild retreat at SGNP because of its close distance to the city. 2. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Travelers seeking to encounter big cats at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve should make the journey from Mumbai totaling 1,000 kilometers. As Maharashtra's original national park Tadoba serves as one of the major wild tiger reserves. The reserve reaches 625 square kilometers in size while hosting other animals including leopards and sloth bears as well as Indian bison (gaurs) together with deer species. Between the rough trails and dense forests during a Tadoba jeep safari you get an exciting adventure to observe the majestic Bengal tiger. Summer represents the prime season to meet the wildlife since animals often congregate near water throughout that period. 3. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary exists in the Western Ghats and lies 200 kilometers away from Mumbai. The UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors because of its diverse wildlife along with the historic Bhimashankar Temple that honors Lord Shiva. The sanctuary exists within the tropical rainforest section of the Western Ghats while safeguarding the rare Malabar giant squirrel along with Indian pangolin and a number of native endemic birds. The region invites nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers because it provides forest paths that let visitors stumble upon multiple waterfalls amidst its verdant landscapes. Visitors can find peace at Bhimashankar Temple because the place offers both pleasant weather and an extremely calm setting which provides relief from metropolitan life. 4. Karnala Bird Sanctuary The hidden birds paradise Karnala Bird Sanctuary incorporates 55 kilometers of distance from Mumbai. With 4.8 square kilometers of land the sanctuary provides a habitat for more than 150 species of birds that stay in residence or migrate through. Among the animals found in Karnala Bird Sanctuary are the paradise flycatcher and racket-tailed drongo along with multiple kingfisher species. Visitors can reach the historical fort at the summit which provides spectacular views across the entire area. The journey to the summit delivers good rewards because throughout the monsoon period the forest displays colorful hues and lovely bird songs fill the air. 5. Pench National Park Rudyard Kipling used Pench National Park as the background for his famous work 'The Jungle Book' where the park exists between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh approximately 800 kilometers from Mumbai. The park size covers 758 square kilometers with thriving populations of tigers as well as leopards and Indian wolves. A wide range of terrestrial and aquatic creatures find their home in the park because the Pench River passes through its borders. The Jeep safari experience reaches its peak during sunrise and sunset because the river illuminates with golden sky lights that enchant visitors with the natural scenery. Conclusion The path from Mumbai to Sanjay Gandhi National Park extends through to Melghat Tiger Reserve allowing numerous possibilities for magnificent wildlife safari adventures. These locations deliver different nature-related encounters because each area presents a chance to witness wildlife or view birds or antiques established among wooded areas. Visiting these protected areas provides Mumbai citizens a chance to escape the urban setting while showing them the value of safeguarding Indian wildlife ecosystems. The wilderness experience near Mumbai creates lasting memories for all tourists from experienced travelers to first-time visitors. You should bring your bags and camera then embark on an adventure through natural landscapes.
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Malabar Gold & Diamonds weighs entry into lab-grown diamond segment
New Delhi: Malabar Gold & Diamonds is exploring an entry into the lab-grown diamond market with a distinct branding strategy, joining a small but growing list of large jewellery retailers eyeing the nascent segment. The company is studying consumer interest in lab-grown diamonds and evaluating how best to position its offering, said M.P. Ahammed, chairman of the Kerala-headquartered group. 'We want to come in with a different proposition with a separate identity and not mix it with natural diamonds, as customers are different. We will formalize something,' he said on the sidelines of a press conference in Delhi. Malabar has not yet set a timeline for its venture. 'Malabar is always open to understanding customer needs. Lab-grown is definitely in the market…We are still doing the research and understanding whether consumers like it. We don't want to do anything with a short-term view,' added O. Asher, managing director. If it moves ahead, Malabar would be among the few national jewellery chains in India to enter this space. Last year, Senco Gold Ltd began piloting lab-grown diamonds under a sub-brand called Sennes. India's overall diamond market is estimated at $6.2 billion in FY25, with lab-grown diamonds accounting for just $0.4 billion, according to Wazir Advisors. Both segments are expected to grow, with natural diamonds projected to reach $8.6 billion and lab-grown $0.6 billion by FY28. While India and China have emerged as major producers of lab-grown diamonds, retail adoption in both markets has been slow, executives said. Lab-grown diamonds are typically priced at a significant discount to natural ones and have found takers among a mix of jewellery startups and traditional family-run jewellers looking to diversify. Malabar, which primarily caters to the wedding segment with gold jewellery as its mainstay, also retails solitaires and engagement rings. The company operates over 390 stores across 13 countries and reported an annual turnover of $6.2 billion calendar year 2024. The company is also responding to the impact of high gold prices, which have weighed on consumer demand. In April, gold touched a high of ₹ 96,875 per 10 grams, prompting a visible correction in volumes, as per industry executives. 'Consumers with a budget of ₹ 1 lakh cannot increase their spending, so we have seen a correction in volumes,' Asher said. 'We are trying to take more market share by coming up with different programmes and categories of products. We are also offering jewellery in various carats.' 'Due to a jump in gold prices, consumers with a budget of Rs1 lakh cannot increase their budget, so we have seen a correction in volumes. What we are able to do—we are trying to take more market share by coming up with different programs and different categories of products. We are also coming in various carats (of gold). So it's a different business plan we are coming up with so consumers can still afford gold jewellery," he said. Malabar plans to introduce more 18-carat and 14-carat designs to offer value-conscious customers more options, mirroring a shift seen across the organised jewellery sector. 'We are trying to explore a little bit in 18 karat,' Asher added. 'We have come up with various innovations to reduce the budget without reducing the look.' The company aims to open at least 50 new stores in India this fiscal as it expands its retail footprint.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Titan: Is India's jewellery giant ready to shine again?
Over the past year, gold prices have surged nearly 40%, briefly crossing Rs 100,000 per 10 grams in India, a level that typically puts jewellery demand on the defensive. For most jewellers, that's a headwind: rising prices often push consumers toward lighter, lower-value products or delay purchases altogether. But Titan isn't just any jeweller. Despite muted momentum in studded jewellery and softer average ticket sizes, the company managed to close FY25 with a 22% revenue jump and healthy operating margins, thanks to its expanding footprint, disciplined hedging strategy, and strong showings from watches, eyewear, and CaratLane. And yet, the stock has barely moved. Even with buyers returning, international revenues doubling, and new store additions across verticals, Titan trades below its peak, weighed down by concerns over margins, consumer mix, and whether the company's near 90x earnings multiple still has room to stretch. The question now isn't whether Titan can grow, it's whether that growth can justify its valuation in a tougher pricing and demand environment. Titan's business is growing. But so are its headwinds Titan's core strength, which is consistent growth across product lines and geographies, remained evident in FY25. The company clocked Rs 57,339 crore in revenue (excluding bullion and digital gold), marking a 20.8% year-on-year increase, with strong performances during both the festive and wedding quarters. In Q4 alone, total income grew over 21% YoY, led by a 24.8% jump in jewellery sales. The number of buyers rose across segments, underscoring the resilience of Titan's customer base even in a high-price environment. Despite the solid top line, net profit for FY25 was flat at Rs 3,337 crore, revealing a growing strain on profitability. While Q4's jewellery EBIT margin came in at 11.9%, it was propped up by gains from gold hedging and international contango, elements management itself flagged as partly one-off. On a structural basis, the business saw margin compression driven by product mix and softer ASPs. Titan has always aimed to steer consumers toward high-margin studded jewellery. But in FY25, especially Q4, that shift went into reverse. Studded jewellery grew just 12% YoY in Q4, while plain gold jewellery rose 27%, and gold coins surged 64%. Even CaratLane, Titan's digital-first growth engine, saw far stronger growth in plain gold (+44%) than in studs (+19%). The net result: Titan's studded share dropped 190 basis points year-on-year, eroding blended gross margins. Part of this is structural: with gold prices hovering near Rs 100,000, consumers opted for lower karatage pieces (18k, 14k, even 9k), smaller sizes, and more affordable designs. Titan noted that buyer numbers were up, but average ticket sizes declined, shifting the revenue mix toward lower-margin offerings. While Titan maintained its brand premium and expanded its store network, regional rivals like Kalyan and Malabar continued to undercut on price and scale up rapidly. These brands appeal to the same middle-income buyers who, in FY25, led Titan's volume growth, particularly in entry-level gold. Titan now walks a fine line: defend margins and risk losing share, or adapt pricing and dilute premium positioning. CaratLane: A digital darling, now a margin contributor If there's one business within Titan that embodies both opportunity and evolution, it's CaratLane. Once known primarily for modern diamond jewellery sold online, the brand has steadily become a key revenue engine, especially among young, urban buyers. In FY25, CaratLane's revenue grew 26% year-on-year to Rs 3,583 crore, and in Q4 alone, it rose 23% YoY to Rs 883 crore. But here, too, the product mix is telling a deeper story. In Q4, plain gold jewellery grew 44% YoY, while studded jewellery lagged at 19%. The broader market shift where affordability trumps aspiration is playing out even within CaratLane's core customer base. High gold prices pushed buyers to downshift toward simpler, more accessible pieces. Titan's commentary notes this clearly: the company saw more buyers in studded jewellery, but their ticket sizes were smaller, pulling down overall contribution. Despite the mixed headwinds, CaratLane has quietly become more efficient. In Q4FY25, it posted an EBIT margin of 7.9%, up from 7.2% a year earlier. For the full year, EBIT rose 51% to Rs 296 crore, signalling that scale, cost discipline, and a maturing supply chain are starting to pay off. This is a critical development. For years, CaratLane was a growth story with thin margins. Now, it's emerging as a self-sustaining unit that contributes meaningfully to Titan's overall profitability. CaratLane's gross margins are still lower than Tanishq's, given its leaner product lines and price-sensitive positioning. But the improvement in operating margins signals stronger unit economics — a significant shift in the narrative. The other noteworthy development is CaratLane's push into international markets. In FY25, the brand opened its first store in the US (New Jersey), building on Tanishq's broader global ambitions. While still early, the company views the Indian diaspora, particularly in the US and GCC, as a high-potential audience that aligns well with CaratLane's design sensibility and price point. As international operations scale, CaratLane could serve a dual purpose: grow Titan's global footprint, and hedge against any future softness in domestic premium jewellery demand. Beyond jewellery: Watches and eyewear are quietly compounding While jewellery continues to dominate Titan's topline, the watches and wearables division has quietly become a reliable growth and margin contributor. In FY25, the segment posted Rs 4,576 crore, up 18% year-on-year. Q4FY25 alone saw revenue grow 19% year-on-year to Rs 1,126 crore. What's particularly noteworthy is the margin trajectory. In Q4, the watches business delivered Rs 133 crore in EBIT, up 66% YoY, with margins expanding from 8.5% to 11.8%. This sharp improvement came from two levers: stronger performance in analog watches (led by the Titan and Fastrack brands) and the premiumisation strategy through Helios Luxe, Titan's luxury watch retail channel. Unlike wearables, which faced some saturation and competitive pressure in FY25, analog watches benefited from steady demand and better pricing power. Titan's long-standing brand recall, expansive retail presence, and hybrid distribution model helped it capture both urban gifting occasions and everyday utility buyers. The eyewear division continues to be Titan's smallest vertical but also one of its steadiest. In FY25, revenue grew 9.9% YoY to Rs 796 crore, while EBIT stayed stagnant. Q4FY25 maintained that trajectory, with 16% revenue growth and an EBIT margin of over 10%, driven by strong volume growth and a surprise standout in sunglasses, which grew 52% year-on-year in the quarter. Titan Eye+ remains the primary growth channel, but the company is also investing in better customer experience, including digital eye testing, premium lenses, and a wider range of fashion-forward frames. While still a small contributor to overall profits, eyewear helps Titan strengthen its everyday consumer connect, diversify its revenue, and gain scale in a highly fragmented industry. Valuation and the road ahead: What's priced in? Titan's business remains robust, but its stock continues to price in near-flawless execution. As of early FY26, the company trades at a market cap of over Rs 3.2 lakh crore, with an implied trailing P/E of around 85-90x based on FY25 net profit of Rs 3,337 crore. Even after a modest stock correction from its peak, Titan is still one of the most expensive names in Indian consumer retail. These multiples are not new, as investors have long rewarded Titan for brand equity, steady compounding, and a diversified growth model. But with FY25 profits flat and margins under pressure, the gap between narrative and numbers has widened. The core of the issue lies in profitability. While revenue grew 22% in FY25, net profit growth was flat. Jewellery margins, though steady in Q4 at 11.9%, benefited from one-time hedging gains, and management has guided for a cautious 11-11.5% band going forward. With studded jewellery mix down 190 bps for the year, and buyers trading down to 14k and even 9k designs, Titan's product mix is skewing toward lower-margin SKUs, even as footfalls rise. In other words, growth is increasingly volume-led, not margin-led, a dynamic that makes 85-90x earnings harder to justify without clear signs of operating leverage or premiumisation. That said, Titan is far from overvalued in a vacuum. The company continues to: If studded demand rebounds, international operations scale, and new verticals like fragrances and handbags gain traction, Titan can still grow into its multiple. Analysts projecting 15-20% CAGR in earnings over the next three years may find those assumptions realistic, especially if margins stabilise and discretionary spending recovers. The verdict: A great business, but no room for error Titan remains a rare business, brand-led, capital-efficient, and diversified. But at these valuations, it's also priced like nothing can go wrong. FY25 showed us that even Titan isn't immune to gold price shocks, margin volatility, or a cautious consumer. The case remains strong for long-term holders. But for new investors, Titan today looks less like a breakout trade and more like a patient compounding story that needs earnings to catch up with the price. Note: This article relies on data from annual and industry reports. We have used our assumptions for forecasting. Parth Parikh heads the growth and content vertical at Finsire. He holds an FRM Charter and an MBA in Finance from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. Disclosure: The writer and his dependents do not hold the stocks discussed in this article. The website managers, their employees(s), and contributors/writers/authors of articles have or may have an outstanding buy or sell position or holding in the securities, options on securities or other related investments of issuers and/or companies discussed therein. The content of the articles and the interpretation of data are solely the personal views of the contributors/ writers/authors. Investors must make their own investment decisions based on their specific objectives, resources and only after consulting such independent advisors as may be necessary.
News.com.au
15-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Sydney Swans premiership winning coach John Longmire sells Malabar home
Retired AFL Sydney Swans premiership coach John Longmire and wife Shelley have quietly sold their Malabar home. He's not heading interstate for another coaching role, but rather opting to stay in the small coastal suburb they've been living in since 2011. The couple have secured their third home in Malabar, spending $3.6m on a renovation or rebuilding project that overlooks The Coast Golf Course. The vendors built the four-bedroom, one-bathroom single-storey brick home in the mid-1970s on its 510 sqm holding. NG Farah Malabar agent Conor Howard sold the Waddell family home, marketing it as ranking as one of the first built on the dress circle Malabar Heights position. 'The home offers comfortable living now while presenting scope to add further value with a luxury new coastal design,' the sales marketing advised. Malabar's median house price sits at $3.41m, up over 20 per cent in the past year – based on 31 sales, according to PropTrack. The couple's current three-level home with ocean views has been sold on undisclosed settlement terms. It cost $3,712,500 in 2018. The couple paid $1.7m for their first Malabar house in 2011, shortly after Longmire was given the top coaching job, taking over from Paul Roos. It was sold in 2018 for $2,725,000. Having played with the North Melbourne Kangaroos, he took up an assistant coaching position in 2002 at the Swans. Longmire, who works as an administrator at the Swans, was ranked last month by The Hobart Mercury as on a 'top-shelf list of potential coaches' to take the Tasmania Devils into their inaugural season in 2028. Longmire is from the NSW-Victoria border town Corowa and his wife Shelley is from nearby Mulwala.
