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Tata Motors posts higher-than-expected loss in Q1 at Rs 4,451 cr

The revenue from operations of the auto major more than doubled to Rs 66,406 crore in the June quarter

Bs_logoTata Motors
BS Web Team New Delhi
3 min read Last Updated : Jul 26 2021 | 5:23 PM IST
Tata Motors' consolidated net loss narrowed both on a sequential and year-on-year basis to Rs 4,451 crore, but it was more-than-expected. 

The Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) parent company reiterated that global chip shortages, uncertainty due to the spread of coronavirus variants and commodity inflation would impact business in the short term.

The auto major had reported a loss of Rs 8,438 crore in the year-ago period (Q1FY21) and Rs 7,605 crore loss in the previous quarter (Q4FY21).

Analaysts had estimated the loss to be around Rs 2,000 crore. For instance, Emkay Global pegged the net loss at Rs 2,010 crore. 

The revenue from operations in the June quarter more than doubled to Rs 66,406 crore as against Rs 31,983 crore in the year-ago period. The company's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin came in at 8.3%.  

Commenting the business outlook going forward, Tata Motors said the demand remains strong for JLR and India PV while CV demand is showing gradual improvement. The company expects semiconductor issues, commodity inflation and pandemic uncertainty to have an impact in the short term. 

"We expect the performance to improve progressively from H2 as supply chain and pandemic situation improves. The business has demonstrated strong resilience in the face of adversity and its fundamentals are strong. We will remain agile to address these challenges and drive consistent, competitive and cash accretive growth over the medium to long term whilst deleveraging the business to near zero automotive debt by FY24," it said in an exchange filing.

India operations of the auto major were impacted by the second coronavirus wave along with the supply issues. The growth momentum was slowed down as compared to the previous quarter. As a result, the company has reported a pre-tax loss of Rs 1,300 crore for the June quarter. 

The EV business, however, continued to grow rapidly and delivered 5x revenue growth and highest quarterly sales at 1,715 units.

"Looking beyond the short-term challenges, we see significant opportunities to leverage the mega trends shaping the Indian automotive industry. We are working to transform the customer experience digitally and also strengthen our lead in sustainable mobility. We will continue to make the requisite investments to ensure a competitive product portfolio whilst driving down the cash break-evens of the business to deliver consistent, competitive and cash accretive growth over the medium to long term,” Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors said. 

JLR retail sales in the first quarter were 124,537 vehicles, up 68.1 per cent year-on-year. The company said shortage of semiconductor supplies constrained production resulting in a pre-tax loss with an EBIT margin of (0.9) per cent.

“Though the current environment continues to remain challenging, we will continue to adapt and manage elements that are within our control and ensure that Jaguar Land Rover is well-placed to respond to any further market developments. We remain encouraged by the sheer strength of the demand for our vehicles, and note the success of our electrified powertrain offering as we work to drive that demand further by reimagining our iconic British brands for a future of modern luxury by design. We have the right vision with Reimagine, and we are already on the journey," Thierry Bolloré, JLR CEO said.

Ahead of the results, Tata Motors' scrip slipped 0.95 per cent to Rs 292.75 on NSE.

Topics :Tata Motors

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