Progressing with commitment and resilience
Dear Shareholders,
As we present the Annual Report for the financial year 2024-25, I am
pleased to share the progress and accomplishments of your company. This year has been
defined by progress and development, achieved while navigating a dynamic and challenging
market environment. This message provides a concise overview of the industry landscape,
our financial performance, key growth strategies and our outlook for the future.
It also reflects our continued commitments to sustainable longterm
growth and corporate social responsibility (CSR), which remain essential to how we operate
and create value.create value.
industry landscape
The Indian stock market in FY 202425 presented a year of two distinct
phases. The first half of the year saw a strong rally, with the Nifty 50 index climbing by
16% to reach a peak of 26,277.35. This upward momentum was largely fuelled by sustained
inflows from domestic retail investors and a prevailing sense of optimism in the domestic
market, even as macroeconomic indicatorsparticularly GDP growth-showed signs of
moderation during H1FY25. In contrast, the second half of the year saw a sharp reversal,
with the index declining by 9%. This downturn was influenced by multiple headwinds,
including weaker-than- expected corporate earnings, a moderation in economic growth,
stretched valuations and significant foreign capital outflows. Global uncertainties,
compounded by trade policy developments in the United States, contributed to a decline in
investor confidence and increased market volatility. Despite these challenges, the Nifty
50 ended the financial year with a modest gain of 5.34%, underscoring the underlying
resilience of India's capital markets amidst both domestic and global pressures.
This mixed performance demonstrates the importance of adaptability and
strategic foresight in navigating market cycles, principles that continue to guide
Geojit's approach. The Company has progressively increased the share of income other
than brokerage
income in its overall revenue mix. This segment's contribution has
grown from 36% in FY21 to 60% in FY25, reflecting the success of our strategic focus on
building a more diversified and resilient business model. During the same period, the
share of broking revenue has moderated from 64% to 40%, indicating a balanced shift in the
revenue composition. The evolution has enhanced earnings visibility and stability,
positioning Geojit to better withstand future volatility shaped by both domestic and
global developments.
Financial Performance
Your Company delivered a strong and consistent performance in FY
2024-25, demonstrating our ability to seize market opportunities, while maintaining
operational discipline and focus. Our consolidated revenue for the year grew by 20% year-
on-year, reaching INR 749 crore, compared to INR 624 crore in the previous financial year.
The Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation
(EBITDA) increased by 19% to INR 291 crore, while 16% (PBT) and 15% (PAT) rose by 15%
each, amounting to INR 223 Crore and INR 172 crore, respectively, as against INR 192 Crore
and INR 149 crore in FY 202324.
This strong performance was supported by growth across all major
business segments. Equity and equity-related brokerage income rose by 13% to INR 424
crore, driven by a strategic focus on Investment Services business. Financial products
distribution, comprising mutual funds and insurance, delivered an impressive
35% growth in revenue, reaching INR 204 Crore. This was fuelled by a
21% increase in mutual fund Assets Under Management (AUM), which stood at INR 14,728 crore
at year-end and a 15% rise in new life insurance premium collections, which totalled INR
117 crore.
Our Portfolio Management Services (PMS) segment also saw robust
expansion, with income increasing by 88% to INR 35 crore, while treasury income
contributed to INR 60 Crore, reflecting a 14% growth. Additionally, software-related
income recorded a strong 57% increase, reaching INR 14 crore
Total customer assets under management and advisory stood at H1,00,065
crore by year- end, with H22,653 crore attributed to recurring revenue assets. PMS AUM
registered a 38% growth, while Smartfolios - Stock Basket AUM rose by 48%. The total life
insurance premium recorded a 30% increase, driven by steady growth in both new and renewal
premium collection a 15% increase, driven by steady growth in new premium collections.
These outcomes reflect the resilience of our diversified business model
and our continued commitment to delivering value to our 15.2 lakh customers.
Growth strategies
In FY 2024-25, we undertook several strategic initiatives to deepen
client relationships and expand our market presence.
A notable achievement was securing the in-principle approval to
establish a joint venture in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This
expansion will enhance our capacity to serve High Network Non-Resident Indian (NRI)
clients. Through this move, we intend to offer a broader range of dollar- denominated
products, thereby increasing our share of the NRI business.
On the domestic front, we shall continued to strengthen our
physical and digital footprint. With a network of over 500 offices
spanning 20 states and 3 union territories, primarily focused in Tier II and Tier III
cities, we plan to open 50 new branches in FY 2025-26 to meet the rising demand for
capital market products.
The divestment of our Securities and allied business to our wholly
owned subsidiary, Geojit Investments Limited, is a strategic move that will enable the
company to pursue its growth initiatives more aggressively.
Our Private Wealth division has emerged as a significant driver of
overall growth, serving a client base that includes both existing and newly onboarded
high-net-worth individuals, with strong momentum in the Middle East. To better address the
potential in this segment, steps are being taken to strengthen the team of relationship
managers, who play a central role in delivering tailored financial planning and investment
solutions to high-net- worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals across India and
international markets.
Sustainability and CSR
At Geojit, sustainability and social responsibility are embedded in our
corporate values, reflected in our strong ESG performance. Our Green Building-certified
headquarters highlights our environmental focus, with initiatives targeting water
conservation, pollution control, and energy efficiency. Our CSR initiatives span
education, healthcare, and inclusionthrough programs like ProdiG (with NISM), CEEP,
and our collaboration with Rajagiri Outreach. As part of our commitment to capacity
building in ESG and sustainability, your company has sponsored the Geojit-CUSAT Centre for
Sustainability Studies (GCCOSS) at Cochin University of Science and Technology, a
government institution. Healthcare efforts such as SPARSH, UDBODH, and our
Cancer Care programme further our community impact.
Conclusion
The financial year 2024-25 has demonstrated Geojit's resilience
and strategic focus. Our ability to deliver strong financial results, broaden our market
presence and deepen client relationships reflects the dedication of our team and the
clarity of our vision.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our
shareholders for their continued trust and support, especially during the recent Rights
Issue. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to our employees for their commitment and
to our Board of Directors for their guidance. Your confidence has been instrumental in our
journey and has enabled us to move forward with resilience.
Yours sincerely, |
C.J. George |
Chairman and Managing Director |
Geojit Financial Services Limited |