Bajaj Auto - 2QFY2016 Result Update - Angel Broking

Results marginally ahead of estimates on strong operating performance: Bajaj Auto (BAL)'s 2QFY2016 results have come in marginally ahead of our estimates, owing to a robust operating performance, despite flattish volumes and high competitive intensity.

Revenues grew marginally by 2% yoy to Rs. 6,098cr, coming slightly ahead of our estimates of Rs. 5,960cr. Volumes remained flat in both the domestic (due to rural weakness) as well as export (due to slowdown in Nigeria and high base effect of the corresponding previous year) markets. However, higher INR/USD realization during the quarter of INR65.2/USD as against INR61.5/USD in 2QFY2015, coupled with a better product, mix led to a marginal top-line growth. Operating margin at 21.6% was ahead of our estimate of 21.1%, primarily driven by higher export realisation. Given the robust operating performance, the Adj Net Profit at Rs. 933cr, was slightly ahead of our expectation of Rs. 919cr.

Outlook and valuation: The domestic motorcycle industry is likely to remain sluggish in the near term given the weakness in rural demand. However, BAL is likely to outperform the industry with new launches scheduled in both the commuter and the sport segments. Also, the relatively higher contribution of urban geographies in BAL's sales should help the company in mitigating the rural slowdown. Further, export volumes are expected to revive from 2HFY2016, given the company's entry into newer markets, initiation of price cuts by partly passing on the benefits of higher USD realization, and owing to the low base effect of the corresponding previous year period. Also given the trend of INR depreciation vis a vis the USD, the margins are likely to remain high for BAL. Given the above positives, we upgrade our recommendation on the stock from "Neutral" to "Accumulate" with a revised price target of Rs. 2,672 based on 17x FY2017 earnings.

Shares of BAJAJ AUTO LTD. was last trading in BSE at Rs.2567.55 as compared to the previous close of Rs. 2513.85. The total number of shares traded during the day was 33522 in over 3035 trades.

The stock hit an intraday high of Rs. 2575 and intraday low of 2520. The net turnover during the day was Rs. 85859697.

Source : Equity Bulls

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