Company Name: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd | NSE Code: MARUTI | BSE Code: 532500 | 52 Week high/low: 13,680 / 10,204 | CMP: INR 12,000 | Mcap: INR 3,77,433 Cr | P/E- 25

About the stock
➡️Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is the largest passenger vehicle manufacturer in India, holding a dominant market share of over 40%. The company, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation (Japan), offers a diverse portfolio ranging from entry-level hatchbacks to premium SUVs.

➡️It has a strong distribution network with over 4,000 touchpoints across the country. Maruti is also expanding into green mobility, with a growing focus on EVs, hybrids, and CNG models. The company has a significant export presence, catering to markets in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Strong Revenue Growth Led by Record Exports
➡️Maruti Suzuki delivered an in-line performance for Q3FY25, reporting net sales of ₹35,535 crore, up 15.7% YoY, driven by higher volumes (+13% YoY) and better realisation (+2.4% YoY). The company achieved its highest-ever exports in a quarter, with volumes rising 38% YoY, primarily supported by strong demand in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

➡️Domestic sales increased by 9% YoY, aided by festive demand and growing preference for premium models. Despite these positives, realisation declined sequentially, reflecting a higher mix of entry-level models and discounting measures.

EBITDA Margin Under Pressure Due to Higher Costs
➡️Despite strong revenue growth, EBITDA declined to ₹3,890 crore, with the EBITDA margin contracting by 15 bps YoY to 11.3%, impacted by higher raw material and staff costs. However, raw material costs eased sequentially by 33 bps, offering some margin support.

➡️The average discount per car increased to ₹30,999, compared to ₹29,300 in the previous quarter, highlighting the need for promotional efforts to sustain sales momentum in the entry-level segment.

Demand Outlook: Strength in Premium Segment, Weakness in Entry-Level Cars
➡️The demand outlook remains favorable, particularly in rural markets where demand growth is outpacing urban regions. However, the entry-level segment continues to face softness, which may limit domestic volume expansion and necessitate higher sales promotions and discounts. The premium segment, particularly utility vehicles (UVs) and mid-size models, saw strong traction, contributing 20% and 17.6% to total domestic sales, respectively. This aligns with broader industry trends, where SUVs and high-end vehicles are gaining share.

Expanding EV & Green Vehicle Portfolio
➡️Maruti Suzuki has officially entered the EV market with the launch of E-Vitara, which will be manufactured exclusively by the company and exported to over 100 countries. Alongside its EV push, the company remains bullish on CNG vehicles, which now contribute one out of every three vehicles sold, reflecting a clear shift towards green mobility solutions.

Valuation and key metrics
➡️Maruti Suzuki is currently trading at 25x FY26 earnings, which is at a premium to Hyundai (22.2x) but justified by its market leadership, strong export growth, and expanding premium portfolio. The company’s return profile remains healthy, with a Return on Equity (ROE) of 13.8% and a Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 17.2% for the trailing twelve months (TTM). Additionally, its interest coverage ratio stands at 87.5x, indicating a strong balance sheet with minimal leverage concerns.