Sandeep Aggarwal led used car marketplace, Droom, encountered a challenging financial time as its net loss almost doubled to INR 137 crore in FY22, compared to INR 68.8 crore in the previous fiscal year, FY21. Despite experiencing a notable jump in operating revenue this significant increase in net loss paints a concerning picture for the firm's financial health. The results shed light on the mounting expenses that have impacted Droom's bottom line.
The main driver behind the escalated net loss was a surge in total expenditure, which skyrocketed over 2.5 times to INR 527.1 crore in FY22, as opposed to INR 204.3 crore in FY21. It is notable that marketing expenses performed a major role in this escalation, highlighting Droom's substantial investment in promotional activities to expand its market reach and attract customers. While these efforts have contributed to an increase in operating revenue on the other hand they also incurred significant additional expenses for the business.
Of significance is the fact that Droom withdrew its initial public offering (IPO) last year, making these financial results a cause for concern among investors. However, amidst the disappointing figures there is still a glimmer of hope. Droom managed to improve its EBITDA margin from -46.9% in FY21 to -34.2% in FY22. While still in negative territory, this improvement suggests progress in managing operational costs and generating higher revenue from each unit of operation.
The substantial net loss incurred of Droom in FY22 underscores the pressing need for the company to address the reasonable factors that contribute to its financial challenges. Finding out and streamlining expenses in the area of marketing expenditures could prove instrumental in achieving a more sustainable financial performance. With the used car marketplace section growing super fast competitive, Droom must strike a delicate balance between investing in growth and effective managing costs to attain profits.
Looking ahead, Droom is expected to pursue strategies aimed at bumping its financial position. These strategies may involve exploring avenues to reduce expenses without compromising the firm's strength to attract customers and expand its user base. As the automotive industry undergoes significant transformations, with the rise of electric vehicles and shifting consumer preferences, Droom will face both opportunities and challenges. Successfully navigating these dynamics will be crucial for ensuring long term viability and continuous growth in this rapid fire competitive market.