Recommendation: Buy
CMP = Rs 691 (as of Tuesday)
Price target: Rs 792
Key points:
- Tata Motors' overall sales for the month stood at 45,144 vehicles. The overall sales declined slightly by 0.4% on year-on-year basis.
- The commercial vehicle sales grew by 1.6% to 23,431 vehicles. The sales growth was driven by strong sales of light commercial vehicles (LCVs), which grew by 23% year on year on the back of its new launches Magic and Winger. The medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV) sales declined by 13.6% to 11,625 vehicles as the low demand continued in the segment. Our channel checks also reveal that the lower demand for M&HCV vehicles (particularly in the 12-16-tonne segment) led to a greater inventory creation in the system. Consequently, to fuel the growth the company has been offering attractive discounts of almost 4-6%.
- Lower cargo availability during the monsoons caused the truck rentals to fall by about 1.5-2% on an average during the month. The lower cargo availability also led to a sharp decline in the round trips for truck operators, which is affecting their profitability slightly. The situation is expected to improve from the next month with the start of the festive season.
- The passenger vehicle sales remained weak and declined by 5% in August to 16,620 vehicles. Indica sales dropped by 4% while Sumo and Safari sales dropped by 12% during the month. The lack of new product offerings has been the prime reason for the decline in the sales. The company has been offering discounts on most of its products and the discounts are likely to continue in September as well.
- The exports remained stable and grew by 8% in August to 5,093 vehicles.
- At the current market price of Rs 691, the stock discounts its FY2009E consolidated earnings by 10.6x and is available at an enterprise value (EV)/earnings before interest, depreciation, tax and amortisation (EBIDTA) of 5.3x.
- I maintain Buy recommendation on the stock with a price target of Rs 792.
