Another case of "diworsification" by a company that seems to be incapacitated to generate returns from the excess cash in its balance sheet and does not wish to return the same to the shareholders. Madras Cements’ decision to venture into sugar manufacturing business at a total investment of approximately Rs 4.5 bn seems to have no logic other than the temporary reversal in sugar cycle. Further, the improved sugar realisations would be offset by higher cane prices. Such instance of companies diversifying into unrelated businesses despite lack of expertise and insufficient rationale is a case of disregard to the rights of minority shareholders.
Look at government inefficiency, food prices have galloped at an alarming rate over the last few months. Some blame it on the poor monsoons. Some blame it on hoarding by greedy middlemen. In my opinion, the government unknowingly itself is a massive hoarder. As per a report in a financial daily, the stock of rice and wheat in government granaries is way above the minimum requirement. Sadly, much of this excess stock is stored in the open. It either rots or feeds pests. In my view, this is a national shame. We cannot get the basics right in such a crucial area when food prices are spiraling out of control and millions of Indians still go hungry. Such stocks should be stored properly and released in small lots to stabilise prices.
Comments