Company Overview
Incorporated in 2003, Mukka Proteins Ltd. is engaged in the manufacturing of fish protein products. The principal vertical of the company is the production and supply of fish meal, fish oil and fish-soluble paste. These are essential ingredients for the production of aqua feed (fish and shrimp). In addition, they also go into poultry feed (broilers and layers) and pet food (dog and cat food). Mukka Proteins Ltd. operates six production facilities, with four production facilities located in India (Gujarat and Karnataka) and the remaining two are in Oman in the Middle East. These Oman facilities are owned through the global subsidiary Ocean Aquatic Proteins LLC. Apart from these production facilities, Mukka Proteins also operates three blending plants and five storage facilities, so the production process is fully forward and backward-integrated. All these blending and storage facilities are located in India. The company, Mukka Proteins Ltd, also has a very strong export franchise, with most of its blending storage facilities in India located near the coast. The company exports its products to more than ten countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Oman, Taiwan, and Vietnam. As of FY23, the company employed 385 people across its technical, production, marketing, sales, and operations divisions. The company also outsources some of its production on a contract basis.
Objects of the issue:
The net proceeds from the fresh issue will be used towards the following purposes:
- Investment in Associate, viz. Ento Proteins Private Ltd, for funding its working capital requirements;
- General corporate purposes.
Investment Rationale:
Positioned as a leading manufacturer and exporter of fish protein products
Mukka Proteins is dominant in India’s fish protein industry, consistently receiving awards from MPEDA for export performance over the past seven years. The company offer a range of fish protein products, including fish meal, fish oil, and fish soluble paste, catering to various sectors such as aqua feed, poultry feed, pet food, pharmaceuticals, soap manufacturing, leather tanneries, and paint industries. The company is among the first in India to commercialize insect meal and insect oil, expanding offerings to include insect protein products. This shows the company’s commitment to innovation and adaptation to changing market demands. With exports to over ten countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Oman, Taiwan, and Vietnam, Mukka Proteins has been a key player in the global animal protein market. In FY23, the company contributed 25-30% to the estimated revenue of the Indian fish meal and fish oil industry, indicating a significant market share. The industry’s estimated revenue growth from Rs. 32,000 mn to Rs. 41,000 mn suggests ample opportunities for further expansion and revenue generation. The growing recognition of the nutritional benefits of fish oil, especially Omega-3 supplements, further strengthens the demand for product & ensures stable revenue in the long term
Established customer base and strong relationships to aid financial performance
Mukka Proteins has established enduring relationships with key customers who are significant aqua feed, poultry feed, and pet food producers. These long-standing partnerships serve as a key differentiator, emphasizing commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company’s focus on delivering high-quality products tailored to customer specifications has driven business growth and expanded market presence. This customer-centric attitude has developed existing relationships and enabled acquiring new clients. Over the recent years, Mukka Proteins has consistently expanded its customer base, serving many clients across domestic and international markets. As of September 30, 2023, a substantial portion of customers has been associated with the company for extended periods, contributing significantly to revenue. The export network extends to over ten countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Chile, and China. This diverse international presence underscores the company’s ability to penetrate and thrive in global markets, strengthening the company’s revenue performance. The company’s established customer base, through long-standing relationships and a commitment to quality, global market reach, and consistent revenue contribution from exports, enables the company to take advantage of a robust & attractive investment opportunity in the fish protein industry.
Valuation and Outlook:
Mukka Proteins holds a dominant position in the fish protein industry in India. It offers a wide range of fish protein products, including fish meal, fish oil, and fish soluble paste, catering to various sectors such as aqua feed, poultry feed, pet food, pharmaceuticals, soap manufacturing, leather tanneries, and paint industries. The company also established a strong customer base and enduring relationships with major aqua feed, poultry feed, and pet food producers. The company facilities, being strategically located, provide access to key raw materials, pelagic fishes such as sardine, mackerel, anchovy, etc., thus minimizing dependency on one particular coastal landing site and fish catchments. As a manufacturer of fish protein products, these must be pre-approved by customers, as customers’ end products contribute indirectly to human consumption and are typically subject to stringent regulatory and industry standards. The company also has a record of sustained consolidated revenue from operations, growing at a CAGR of 39.3% during FY21-23. We believe that high entry barriers, consistent financial performance, and innovative products have helped the company to grow its business successfully. As we advance, Mukka Proteins Ltd. presents a persuasive investment opportunity in the fish protein industry, given its strong market position, diversified product portfolio, and global presence. The issue is valued at a P/E of 9.3x on the upper price band based on FY24 earnings, which is fairly valued. We, therefore, recommend an SUBSCRIBE rating for the issue.
