Tata Motors Rating: Hold; Subdued performance across the business

The outlook for India business is also hazy both on margin and volumes. Tata Motors (TML) reported a 35% underperformance in Q1FY20 consolidated Ebitda (down 41% y-o-y) due to lumpy cost at JLR and fall-off in India volumes. On JLR, management reiterated the 3–4% Ebit margin guidance for FY20 (despite a weak Q1) as: (i) the worst is behind in China; and (ii) marketing (VME) and warranty cost would reduce going ahead. The India business suffered from a sharper-than-expected downshift in demand, which management expects to improve ahead. However, demand outlook…

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Subdued animal spirit: Private investment slumbers as uncertainties fester

Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) grew strongly at 8.3% and 9.3% in FY17 and FY18 respectively, and is projected to accelerate at 12.2% in FY19. The recent GDP revisions for 2016-17 and 2017-18 would have surprised even an ardent supporter/admirer of the Central Statistical Office (CSO). Unwittingly though, it has made the lives of doubters like this author a lot easier! For, those who repeatedly pointed to the dissonance between these GDP estimates and other lead indicators can now assert with reasonable certainty that the Indian economy has two parallel…

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