Tata Motors Consolidated Q3 FY23 Results: Revenue ₹ 88.5KCr, EBITDA at ₹ 9.9KCr, PBT (bei) ₹ 3.2KCr, Auto FCF ₹ 5.3 KCr

• Consolidated Revenue ₹ 88.5KCr, up 22.5%, EBITDA at 11.1% (+ 90 bps), EBIT at 4.4% ( +270 bps)
• JLR Revenue £ 6.0b, up 28%, EBITDA at 11.9% (-10 bps), EBIT at 3.7% (+230 bps)
• Tata CV Revenue ₹ 16.9KCr, up 22.5%, EBITDA at 8.4% (+580 bps), EBIT at 5.9% (+650 bps)
• Tata PV Revenue ₹ 11.7 KCr, up 37.4%, EBITDA at 6.9% (+370 bps), EBIT at 1.5% (+510 bps)

Tata Motors Ltd announced its results for quarter ending December 31, 2022. The results represent the details on consolidated segment level.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR): JLR delivered on its plans and achieved positive free cash flow and profitability in the quarter as supplies improved. Revenues were £6.0 billion, up 28% vs. Q3 FY22 and up 15% sequentially reflecting better supplies, strong model mix and pricing. Profit before tax in the quarter was £265 million, up from a loss of £(9) million a year ago with a positive EBIT margin of 3.7%, up from 1.4% in Q3 FY22. The higher profitability reflects increased wholesale volumes with favourable mix, pricing and foreign exchange offset partially by higher inflation and supplier claims largely related to constrained volumes. Free cash flow was £490 million in Q3 FY22.

Tata Commercial Vehicles (Tata CV): Tata CV revenues in Q3 FY23 were up 22.5% vs. Q3 FY22 at ₹ 16.9KCr. Q3 FY23 EBITDA margins were 8.4% (+580 bps yoy) and EBIT margins were at 5.9% (+ 650 bps y-o-y) led by better mix, higher realisations, cost savings and softened commodity prices. The business was PBT (bei) positive at ₹ 0.9K Cr as compared to loss of ₹ 0.2K Cr in Q3 FY22.

Tata Passenger Vehicles (Tata PV): Tata PV revenues were up 37% vs Q3 FY22 at ₹ 11.7K Cr reflecting higher volumes and realizations. EBITDA margins were 6.9% (+370 bps yoy) and EBIT margins were at 1.5% (+510 bps) yoy driven by improved volumes and mix, higher realizations, softening commodities and certain one offs. The business was PBT (bei) positive at ₹ 0.3K Cr as compared to loss of ₹ 0.3K Cr in Q3 FY22. 

Outlook: We remain cautiously optimistic on the demand situation despite global uncertainties. We will remain vigilant on demand and our continued focus on profitable growth, improving semiconductor supplies and stable commodity prices will aid revenue growth, margin improvement and positive cash delivery in Q4 FY23.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER (JLR)

Highlights

• Revenues in Q3 FY23 of £6.0 billion, up 28% vs. Q3 FY22 and up 15% vs. Q2 FY23
• Free cash flow in Q3 FY23 of £490 million with EBIT margin of 3.7% and profit before tax of £265 million, up from a loss before tax of £(9) million in Q3 FY22
• Wholesale volumes of 80k, the highest level since Q1 FY22 when the semiconductor shortages began and up 15% vs. Q3 FY22
• The production ramp up of New Range Rover and New Range Rover Sport continued with 27k units wholesaled in the quarter, up from 14k in Q2
• Liquidity remained strong at the end of the quarter with £3.9 billion of cash
• Undrawn £1.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility extended to April 2026 and extension to £0.6 billion equivalent China bank loan maturing June 2023 signed

REIMAGINE TRANSFORMATION CONTINUES

• Strong demand continues – 85k cars delivered to retail clients in Q3 while taking 95k net new orders with the total number of orders increasing to a new record of 215k units
• Three most profitable models, the New Range Rover, New Range Rover Sport and Defender account for over 74% of the order book
• Modern luxury Range Rover SV is the fastest ever selling Special Vehicle Operations model, with more than 5,000 orders since launch in October 2021 at average pricing above £180,000
• Refocus transformation programme delivered £850 million year to date and on track to deliver £1 billion of savings this financial year
• Reimagined pure-electric Jaguar models, launching in 2025, will be built in Solihull alongside BEV Range Rovers, heralding an exciting new era of electric car production in the UK

Looking Ahead

The Company continues to see strong demand for its vehicles. Wholesales in China during the quarter were impacted by lockdowns leading to dealer closures followed by high rates of staff absence as Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed. The situation is expected to recover in the fourth quarter with our dealers open and staff absence closer to normal levels in January.  The Refocus transformation programme is on track to deliver a target of £1 billion plus improvements in the year to help mitigate the impact of inflation.

Although there continues to be supply chain and other macro risks, our guidance for the full year remains unchanged. Positive EBIT margin and free cashflow in Q4 FY23 on wholesales of 80,000 or more are expected to achieve breakeven free cashflow and a positive EBIT margin for the full year.

Adrian Mardell, Jaguar Land Rover’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “JLR has returned to profit as chip shortages eased in the quarter and production and wholesales increased. These improved results are testament to the hard work and dedication of our people across the business who have delivered a further increase in production of our New Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models.

We remain committed to our Reimagine strategy which will transform JLR into an all-electric modern luxury business, whilst delivering our SBTi climate goals and striving to exceed our clients’ expectations.”

TATA COMMERCIAL VEHICLES (TATA CV)

Highlights

• Q3 revenue at ₹ 16.9KCr, (+22.5%), EBITDA 8.4% (+580 bps), EBIT 5.9% (+650 bps), PBT (bei) ₹ 0.9 K Cr.
• Q3 Tata CV global wholesales stood at 97.1K units (-6% yoy), primarily because of weaker international business volumes.
• Q3 CV domestic wholesales at 90.8 K units (flat yoy), domestic retails at 97.7K units (+5%).
• Domestic CV market share (based on Vahan) at 42.1% in YTD FY23 (-260 bps vs FY22), although improving month on month in Q3.
• Commenced deliveries of ACE EV, marking a significant leap forward in offering sustainable mobility solutions.
• Smart city mobility business continues to witness strong growth; signed definitive agreement for operating 1,500 buses in Delhi, 921 buses in Bengaluru and 200 buses in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Comprehensive range of green and zero emission mobility solutions showcased at Auto Expo.

Financials

The commercial vehicles industry witnessed a robust recovery in Q3 FY23 led by strong demand in MHCV and passenger carrier segment. Improving fleet utilizations, pick up in road construction projects and increase in cement consumption catalyzed the demand recovery for MHCVs. CV exports, however, remained subdued due to the prevailing economic situation in most of our overseas markets. Domestic wholesales were at 90.8k units (flat yoy), domestic retails at 97.7k units (+5%). Our continued focus on retail during the quarter resulted in retail sales surpassing wholesale by 6.3% in Q3 FY23, and reducing system inventory as we transition towards BSVI phase-2 norms.

Revenues at ₹ 16.9KCr was up 22.5% yoy despite wholesales being down 6%, reflecting improved mix and better market operating price. Q3 FY23 EBITDA margins were 8.4% (+580 bps yoy)  and EBIT margins were at 5.9% (+ 650 bps yoy) led by sustained pricing improvement, cost actions and softening commodity prices. The business was PBT (bei) positive at ₹ 0.9K Cr as compared to loss of ₹ 0.2K Cr in Q3 FY22.

Looking Ahead

The CV industry is poised for growth on the back of increased infrastructure activity, demand for last mile mobility and strong recovery in bus segment. Going forward, we expect a good replacement demand, especially in MHCVs in Q4 FY23, as we also maintain a close watch on the evolving geopolitical situation, inflation and interest rate risks on both the supply and demand. The recent exciting launches of the new range of smart trucks in MHCV and ILCV, and best-in-class pickups will help us serve our customers better. We exhibited most comprehensive range of greener and zero emission mobility solutions at Auto Expo, across cargo and passenger segments, powered by natural gas, electric and hydrogen.Focus will continue to remain on registration market share improvement with demand-pull strategy, innovation intensity, restoring double-digit EBITDA margins and successfully delivering on new business models.

Girish Wagh, Executive Director Tata Motors Ltd said: “In Q3 FY23, the CV industry witnessed a steady, overall demand. Our focus on creating ‘’Demand Pull’ from customers and sustained emphasis on retail in Q3 FY23 resulted in retail sales surpassing wholesale by 6.3%, thereby enabling reduction in inventory as we transition towards BS VI phase-2 norms.  Led by realization improvement, revenue growth was higher than volume growth.  Realization improvement coupled with commodity softening and cost control resulted in improved margins. Going forward, we will maintain our agility and keep a close watch on the evolving geopolitical, inflation and interest rate risks on both supply and demand. We will also continue to drive the business with strong customer connect, product and service innovations to improve customer affinity for our brands, step-up registration market shares sustainably, and improve realisations and profitability.”  

TATA PASSENGER VEHICLES (TATA PV)

Highlights

• Q3 revenue at ₹ 11.7KCr, (+37%), EBITDA 6.9% (+370 bps), EBIT 1.5% (+510 bps), PBT (bei) ₹ 0.3 K Cr.
• Q3 PV domestic wholesales at 131.3 K units (+33%), domestic retails at 138.9K units (+ 27%), highest quarterly retails
• Q3 EV volumes highest at 12.6 K units (+116%). YTD FY23 EV volumes at 32.4K units.
• EV penetration at 8%, CNG penetration at 9% in YTD FY23.
• Domestic PV market share strengthened further by 200 bps to 14.1% in YTD FY23.
• Deliveries of Tiago.ev commenced, strong 20K+ order book.
• Signed MOUs / secured orders for 7000 XPRES-T EVs.
• Acquisition of Ford India’s Sanand plant complete; would unlock capacity of 300k vehicles p.a., scalable to 420k vehicles p.a.
• Drawdown notice for Tranche 2 of ₹3,750 Cr from TPG Rise Climate issued and funds expected to be received by end January.

Financials

Tata PV business continued its strong momentum in Q3 FY23. Wholesales grew 33% yoy to 132.3k vehicles driven by strong demand for Nexon, Nexon EV, Punch, Tiago and Tigor CNG. Retails grew 27% yoy. The business witnessed highest ever retails at 139K. The revenues grew 37% yoy to ₹ 11.7K Cr reflecting higher volumes and realizations. EBITDA margins were 6.9% (+370 bps yoy) and EBIT margins were at 1.5% (+510 bps yoy) driven by improved volumes & mix, realizations, softening commodities and certain one off’s. The business was PBT (bei) positive at ₹ 0.3K Cr as compared to loss of ₹ 0.3K Cr in Q3 FY22.  Market share improved to 14.1% in YTD FY23.

Looking Ahead

While in Q3 FY23 the industry witnessed some moderation in demand post festive season, we expect the PV industry to continue witnessing robust demand in the next quarter. We expect the growth momentum for EVs to remain strong with their rising popularity and the announcement of progressive policies by several states. The Company has commenced deliveries of Tiago.ev in January 2023 and strong 20K+ order book will support growth.  The Company unveiled range of exciting new offerings at auto expo, including Avinya, Harrier EV, Sierra EV, ICE Curvv, Punch and Altroz with twin iCNG technology which received an overwhelming response.  The Company will continue to deliver market-beating growth, improve profitability and cash flows.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited said: “Q3 FY23 was one of the best quarters for the PV industry with strong retails from new launches, robust festive demand, and adequate supply of vehicles. Tata Motors posted its highest ever quarterly retails in Q3 FY23 and crossed the 50,000 units of monthly retail for the first time. Wholesales of 131,297 units recorded in Q3 FY23 (+32.6% vs Q3 FY22) resulted in the business comfortably crossing the distinctive landmark of 500,000 annual units to post wholesale of 526,798 units in CY22. EVs too posted their highest ever sales in Q3 FY23 at 12,596 units (+ 116.2% vs Q3 FY22) and crossed the cumulative sales milestone of 50,000 units. Going forward, we remain vigilant about the evolving demand and supply situation and will stay nimble to take necessary actions swiftly whilst focusing on improving profitability further.”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Consolidated Numbers, Ind AS)

Finance Costs

Finance costs increased by ₹ 275 Cr to ₹ 2,676 Cr during Q3 FY23 as compared to ₹2,401 Cr in Q3 FY22 due to higher gross borrowings.

Joint ventures, Associates and Other income

For the quarter, net profit from joint ventures and associates amounted to ₹103Cr compared with a loss of ₹ 113Cr in Q3 FY 22. Other income (excluding grants) was ₹ 455Cr in Q3 FY23 versus ₹ 197Cr in Q3 FY22.

Free Cash Flows

Free cash flow (automotive) in the quarter, was positive at ₹ 5.3K Cr (as compared to ₹ 4.0K Cr in Q3 FY 22) owing to improvement in cash profits and working capital.

REPORTING FORMAT

The press release represents the details on consolidated segment level. The operating segment comprise of automotive segment and others.

In automotive segment, results have been presented for entities basis four reportable sub-segments as below