About Hicks Thermometers Unlisted Shares
Hicks Thermometers India Limited, a well-established name in the Indian healthcare industry, has been a trusted manufacturer of medical instruments for over 100 years. Founded in 1962 by the late Shri V.P. Gupta in collaboration with British partners, Hicks began its journey with a focus on producing high-quality thermometers. Over the years, the company has expanded its product portfolio and is now a leader in the manufacturing of medical devices and healthcare products. An ISO 9001:2008 certified company, Hicks has gained recognition for its commitment to quality, innovation, and service excellence.
With an extensive range of over 50 medical products, Hicks Thermometers India is known for its contribution to the healthcare sector in India. The company’s product offerings include thermometers, diagnostic devices, medical disposables, and various rehabilitation and home health products. Hicks has established a strong presence across the country, with a distribution network covering over 1,500 distributors in key regions.
Business Divisions
Hicks Thermometers operates through several well-defined business divisions that serve different segments of the healthcare industry:
- Thermometers and Diagnostic Devices:
Hicks has built a strong reputation for its thermometers, including digital and clinical thermometers. Alongside, the company manufactures various diagnostic devices such as electronic blood pressure meters, digital weighing scales, fingertip oximeters, and stethoscopes, catering to both individual consumers and healthcare institutions.
- Rehabilitation Products:
The company also produces a wide array of rehabilitation products that aid in physical recovery and support. These include lumbar sacral belts, cervical collars, knee-caps, abdominal belts, and other essential healthcare products designed for patients with various medical conditions.
- Home Health Products:
Hicks offers a range of products for home healthcare, making it convenient for people to manage their health needs at home. Popular items include hot water bottles, nebulizers, pregnancy test cards, adult diapers, and breast pumps, which cater to a broad consumer base looking for easy access to healthcare solutions.
- Medical Essentials:
The company’s portfolio also includes medical essentials such as medical plaster of Paris, face masks, disposable surgical blades, and surgeon caps. These products are essential in maintaining hygiene and providing first-line medical care.
Financial Highlights
Hicks Thermometers India has experienced fluctuations in its financial performance, as reflected in its Profit & Loss (P&L) statements from 2021 to 2023. Here are the key financial highlights:
- Revenue:
Hicks Thermometers reported a decline in revenue from ₹91 crores in 2022 to ₹45 crores in 2023. This represents a significant dip, which may be attributed to market challenges or shifts in product demand.
- Gross Margins:
Gross margins in 2023 stood at 51.11%, a slight decrease compared to the previous year’s 54.95%. This indicates that while Hicks remains profitable, the cost of production and operational expenses have increased.
- Profit After Tax (PAT):
Hicks reported a decrease in PAT from ₹8 crores in 2022 to ₹2.3 crores in 2023. The decline in profits may be a result of rising operational costs, increased competition, or changes in market conditions.
- Earnings Per Share (EPS):
The company’s EPS dropped from ₹266.67 in 2022 to ₹71.88 in 2023, which reflects the challenges faced in achieving higher profitability during the year. However, Hicks still maintains a positive EPS, which is an indication of its financial resilience.
- Total Assets:
Total assets remained stable at ₹40 crores in 2023, slightly down from ₹41 crores in 2022. The company’s ability to maintain a solid asset base despite a decrease in revenue reflects its strong management of resources.