Dear Shareholders,
It is both an honour and privilege to present the Annual Report for the
financial year 202425, a year that has been a transformative chapter in the journey
of Sheela Foam. This period marks a significant milestone as we completed our first full
year of consolidated operations in India, following the integration of Kurl-on business.
Despite persistent headwinds in the consumer durables sector our
mattress business delivered commendable growth. This was driven on our two-pronged
strategy of aligning existing channels and our strategic pivot towards high-potential new
channels, notably e-commerce and rural expansion. We are confident that the business is
now structurally stronger and well-positioned to deliver improved earnings and Sustainable
value as we move forward.
Financial performance
In FY25, our consolidated revenue grew by 15% year-on-year to R3,439
crore. Consolidated EBITDA stood at R286 crore, while with a Profit After Tax (PAT) of R97
crore, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 8.3% for the year. On a standalone basis, the
business generated revenue of R2,588 crore and a net profit of R112 crore (PAT).
While net earnings were subdued by elevated finance and depreciation
costs for Kurl-on acquisition, our core operational performance remained strong. With a
clear focus on deleveraging and continued top-line expansion, we are confident that all
business segments are now optimally working in the right trajectory.
On the international front, our Australian operations demonstrated
improved profitability, driven by effective pricing strategies. In Spain, we achieved a
15% increase in volumes, although fluctuations in raw material prices and lower overhead
absorption weighed on revenue. As raw material prices stabilise, we anticipate both
margins and topline to improve.
Performance of investments
Our strategic investments in adjacent growth segments continue to
deliver promising outcomes. Furlenco recorded full-year profitability in FY 2024-25, with
Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) reaching R300 crore in March 2025. Notably, the Acquired
Subscriber Base surpassing 1 Lac+ is an indicator of strong customer traction and
increasing market penetration. Expansion into key cities such as Indore, Kolkata and
Ahmedabad, along with product lines tailored for the Gen Z demographic, further reinforces
a robust growth trajectory. Staqo, our IT initiative, achieved an impressive 61%
year-over-year revenue growth, accompanied by healthy EBITDA margins of 28%. The business
successfully onboarded several clients across the public sector, MSMEs and private
enterprises, solidifying its position as a trusted technology partner of choice.
Integration and expansion
In FY 2024-25, we continued to fortify our position in the Indian
branded mattress market. The integration of Kurlon into Sheela Foam has significantly
expanded our operational reach, improved channel efficiency and unlocked substantial cost
advantages.
We made considerable progress in deepening our market presence. During
the year, we added nearly 400 exclusive showrooms and onboarded 1,700 new dealers,
reinforcing our retail network across the country. Our Small-Town Initiative (STI) has now
extended its reach to more than 4,000 towns, supported by a network of STI-specific
distributors. We are also steadily growing our presence in Multi-Brand Outlets and
distributor-owned showrooms under both our flagship brands.
Expanding Our capabilities
Our Comfort Foam business delivered strong growth in terms of both
volume and value. The Technical Foam segment maintained a stable performance, reinforcing
its dominance in the auto lamination space.
Subsequently, we are expanding into high-potential categories such as
aviation insulation, ceramic filters, acoustic solutions and footwear insoles. Our
furniture cushioning line, leveraging the strength of the Kurlon brand, continued its gain
momentum, particularly across North and West India. These developments are enabling us to
unlock synergies, diversify our portfolio and expand our footprint across both B2B and
retail categories.
Sustainability
At Sheela Foam, sustainability guides our decisions, shapes our
operations and reflects our long-term commitment to the communities and ecosystems we
serve. We continue to take meaningful steps towards building a more sustainable future.
From optimising energy and water usage to implementing responsible waste management
practices,every initiative is designed to reduce our overall carbon footprint. Our
adoption of compressed foam packaging, for instance, has reduced transportation-related
emissions. Also, by reusing foam waste in the production of rebonded foam and mattresses,
we are diverting significant waste from landfills.
Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with eco-friendly
technologies such as the Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF) system, which allows us to
produce high-quality foam with a lower environmental footprint. We have also implemented
water recycling systems, including the reuse of treated water from our Sewage Treatment
Plant (STP) for non-potable applications such as gardening and flushing. Our corporate
office operates out of a LEED-certified building, a symbol of the responsible and
forward-looking ethos that guides us.
Outlook
As we step into FY2025-26, we will continue to build a stronger, more
agile organisation. We will deepen our brand's reach, strengthen our partnerships and
drive innovation across all product categories. Our efforts to improve cost efficiency,
embrace digital tools and extend our rural presence will continue to drive momentum. We
are confident that the groundwork laid this year, through thoughtful integration,
expansion and operational efficiency has set the stage for a new phase of scalable,
profitable growth.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt
gratitude to our shareholders, employees, partners and customers. Your trust and continued
support fuel our ambition and challenge us to keep raising the bar. It is your belief in
our journey that inspires us to lead, innovate and deliver value.
With best regards,
Rahul Gautam
Executive Chairman Sheela Foam Limited