Despite headwinds, Bajaj Auto delivers on the margin front in Sept quarter

Higher premium bike sales offset lower export incentives, collapse of 3W sales

Despite lower volumes, Bajaj Auto’s September quarter operating performance was better than the Street’s estimates, on account of higher margins. 

Though volumes were down 10 per cent over the year-ago quarter and revenue fell 7 per cent, the company posted a 110-basis points (bps) operating profit margin expansion to 17.2 per cent in the second quarter. 

In the domestic two-wheeler segment, higher sales of premium vehicles were the biggest reason for the margin outperformance. 

The company highlighted that strong sales of the more profitable Pulsar franchise in the 125cc category helped it improve market share in this category to 16 per cent, compared