GOLDEN RULES FOR TRADING

FMCG Stocks Outlook for the week – 13 to 17.10.2014

FMCG Stocks Outlook for the week – 13 to 17.10.2014

Shares of fast moving consumer companies are seen trading with a positive bias in the week
ahead as lower crude prices are seen benefiting most companies in the sector, especially smaller
players.

While all companies will benefit from lower crude prices, smaller FMCG companies like Jyothy
Laboratories that do not outsource most of their production, will see a larger and faster flowthrough
of lower raw material costs. December delivery Brent crude oil on the ICE was at $89.39
a bbl, down 9.2% from the previous month.

Lower crude oil prices help FMCG companies as key raw materials like liner alkyl benzene,
which is used in making detergents, and high-density polyethylene, which is used in making
packaging material, are derived from crude.

We believe that while stocks may run up, factoring in lower commodity prices as early as next
week, it will take a lag of at least three to five months for the benefit to reflect in the results of
the companies.

The input costs scenario remains favourable, with correction in the prices of palm oil, titaniumdioxide,
menthol oil and kardi oil. However, we expect gross margin benefits to start accruing with a lag of 1-2 quarters, depending on inventory and hedges.