While losses at the greenfield facilities have come down to 19 million euros from 175 million euros in FY20, analysts expect them to turn positive at the operating profit level by the end of FY21
Margins expected to improve on product mix and volume growth
After a weak Q1, sales likely to pick up in key segments, barring oil and gas
The 29 per cent fall in volumes in the quarter was responsible for revenues declining 21 per cent year-on-year
Capital allocation and auto segment volume trajectory are the other triggers
Recovery in India business, traction in new launches in the US market are needed to sustain gains
Margins collapse in Q1 due to higher outgo, weak volumes
The company reported a sharp 21 per cent decline in revenues in the US, much higher than its peers
For FY21, the company indicated that domestic growth would be in the 20-22 per cent band outperforming the market growth
While India business disappointed, lower expenses helped margins
But interest among first-time buyers may help it boost market share
Gains in market share, margins, and new launches are already priced in
Higher capex and depreciation post commercialisation, increased operating costs as well as interest costs are expected to hit the company's FY22 earnings
The near-term outlook is uncertain and may weigh on its rental portfolio
What has helped the performance in the quarter, especially in the domestic business, is the early kharif season which resulted in stocking up of products in the June quarter
But ongoing capex and depreciation may weigh on bottom line
Cash per share after transaction at Rs 852 is more than double the current price
Recovery in segments such as transportation could be pushed to FY22
The last of the five-part series looks at the sector that was relatively unaffected by the Covid-induced lockdown
These companies reported an increase in revenue and/or profit before tax for the March quarter