TVS Motor Company Ltd
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Earnings Call Analysis

Q2-2025 Analysis
TVS Motor Company Ltd

TVS Motor Company Reports Strong Q2 Results with Growth in Revenue and Profit

During the latest earnings call, TVS Motor Company announced impressive Q2 results, achieving the highest quarterly revenue of INR 9,228 crores, a 13% increase year-over-year. Operating EBITDA rose 20% to INR 1,080 crores, with improved margins of 11.7%. Profit before tax reached INR 897 crores, a 24% rise. The company reported a 31% growth in electric two-wheeler sales, totaling 75,000 units. For the upcoming quarter, industry growth is expected between 7-8%, with TVS aiming to outperform this rate, highlighting sustained investments in product innovation and quality.

Record Performance Amidst Strong Demand

In the second quarter of FY '25, TVS Motor Company achieved impressive financial results, with a record revenue of INR 9,228 crores, marking a 13% increase from the previous year's Q2. This was supported by the highest-ever operating EBITDA of INR 1,080 crores, which grew by 20%, resulting in a margin improvement of 70 basis points to 11.7%. The profit before tax (PBT) also reached a new high at INR 897 crores, an adjusted growth of 24% year-over-year.

Strong Sales Growth Across Segments

The robust performance was primarily driven by two-wheeler sales, which grew by 14% year-over-year, well above the industry's average growth of 10%. Notably, the international market for two-wheelers experienced a 16% growth. The electric vehicle (EV) segment saw remarkable success as well, with a 31% increase in sales, totaling 75,000 units as compared to 58,000 units in the same quarter last year.

Diversified Growth Strategies and New Products

TVS Motor continues to innovate with new product launches, including the highly successful TVS Jupiter 110, which exemplifies advanced design and performance. The company has also expanded its EV portfolio with the iQube, which is gaining traction across domestic and international markets. This portfolio diversification is seen as a strategic move to capture growing demand in various segments of the mobility market.

Positive Outlook and Strategic Investments

Looking ahead, the management provided guidance for a 7% to 8% growth for the industry in the upcoming quarter, with TVS Motor expected to outperform the average growth. Plans include continued investments in product development, technology—a commitment that underscores the importance of innovation in maintaining competitive advantage. The estimated capital expenditures for the year remain between INR 1,200 crores to INR 1,400 crores.

Sustained Growth in Financial Services

TVS Credit Services has also made significant strides, adding over 2 million customers in the first half of the year, with a loan book size of INR 26,652 crores, representing a 13% growth. The profitability of this segment has improved substantially, reporting a PBT growth of 20%. This indicates a well-rounded performance across both automotive sales and financial services.

Challenges and Market Dynamics

Despite the strong growth metrics, challenges remain, especially in export markets like Africa facing currency depreciation and inflationary pressures. However, management believes the worst is behind for these markets, and they expect gradual recovery in the coming quarters. The focus remains on enhancing retail sales while managing inventory effectively to avoid stockouts.

Future Growth Directions

Going forward, TVS Motor is optimistic about the potential of its EV segment and plans to maintain market leadership. The company has set targets for geographical expansion, including in ASEAN markets, and remains committed to maintaining stringent quality and customer satisfaction standards.

Earnings Call Transcript

Earnings Call Transcript
2025-Q2

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Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the TVS Motor Company Limited Conference Call hosted by Batlivala & Karani Securities India Private Limited. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded.

I now hand the conference over to Mr. Annamalai Jayaraj from Batlivala & Karani Securities India Private Limited. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

A
Annamalai Jayaraj
analyst

Thank you, Steve. Welcome to TVS Motor Company 2Q FY '25 Post Results Conference Call. From TVS Motor Company Limited management, we have with us today Mr. K. N, Radhakrishnan, Director and Chief Executive Officer; and Mr. K Gopala Desikan, Chief Financial Officer. I will now hand over the call to Mr. K. N. Radhakrishnan for the opening remarks to be followed by question-and-answer session. Over to you, sir.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Good evening. Good evening, everyone, and thanks for joining us today. First of all, I would like to give all of you and your family good festive seasons greetings, good Diwali, and great success during this year. Now during Q2 quarter, company continued its growth trajectory and posted the highest quarterly sales, both in ICE and the EV, both revenue, EBITDA and profit.

Recorded highest ever revenue of INR 9,228 crores, with a growth of 13% over last year Q2. Recorded highest ever operating EBITDA of INR 1,080 crores, with a growth of 20% and margin improved by 70 bps from 11% during Q2 of last year to 11.7% during this quarter. We have achieved the highest PBT of INR 897 crores, registering adjusted growth of 24% over the last year.

Please note that we have not considered PLI even in Q2. And all these achievements were possible because of the continued improvement in the sales, sustained cost reduction initiatives. Now let me get into more details about second quarter.

The two-wheeler sales, ICE grew by 14% compared to Q2 of last year as against the industry growth of 10%. The two-wheeler international market, company sales grew by 16% over last year. Two-wheeler ICE sales grew by 15% compared to Q2 last year as against the industry growth of 11%. EV two-wheeler, we have increased to 31% comparing last year quarter 2. Last year quarter 2 was 58,000 -- 75,000, this is the highest we have done on EV.

Total sales of three-wheelers was at 38,000 during this quarter of Q2. During the quarter, the company's operating revenue grew by 13% and we are at INR 9,228 crores as against the last year's INR 8,145 crores.

On profit. During the quarter, company registered highest ever operating EBITDA of INR 1,080 crores, with a growth of 20% as against EBITDA of INR 900 crores during last year's Q2. Company's operating EBITDA margin improved by 70 bps, 11.7% as against last year's 11%. And all of you know that sequentially, we are improving our EBITDA and EBITDA performance.

Company posted the highest ever PBT of INR 898 crores -- INR 897 crores, recording a growth of 24% this quarter as against INR 724 crores in the second quarter of last year. PBT for this quarter improved a fair valuation gain of INR 23 crores as against -- last year also in Q2, we had a fair valuation gain of almost INR 38 crores. Please note again, we have not considered PLI during this quarter.

Profit after tax grew by 23%, INR 663 crores as against INR 537 crores during second quarter of last year. H1, the company's operating revenue has grown by 15%. We are at INR 17,604 crores as against last year's INR 15,363 crores in the first half. PBT for the first half, it grew by 26%, INR 1,680 crores as against INR 1,334 crores. Profit after tax grew by 23%, INR 1,240 crores as against INR 1,004 crores during the first half of last year.

I'm very happy to say about TVS Credit. We have added over 2 million new customers in H1. Cumulatively, TVS Credit has served over 16.5 million customers till date. The book size is 26,652, grown by 13% over last year's quarter 2. The company continues to maintain a strong growth momentum in disbursement, primarily driven by the increase in distribution reach supported by growth in consumption and increased penetration.

As part of its ongoing risk management and portfolio optimization, the company has taken proactive steps for further strengthened credit norms, ensuring sustained portfolio held amid evolving market conditions. For this quarter, the PBT grew by 20% at INR 215 crores as against last year's INR 118 crores during Q2 of last year. And if you recollect, Q1 this year was INR 187 crores.

Apart from serving two-wheeler customers, TVS Credit is one of the leading consumer -- they are also servicing consumer durables, mobile phone financials. It has a fast-growing footprint in used car loans, tractor loans, used commercial vehicle loans, then unsecured loan powered by robust new-age technologies and data analytics. So overall, it's a very good book portfolio mix we have.

On new product launches, I'm extremely happy all of you know that the all-new TVS Jupiter 110 with an unparallel design, performance, comfort and convenience, we have launched just before the season, doing extremely well and all-new Jupiter -- TVS Jupiter 110 exemplifies the essence of zyada, more style, more mileage, more performance, more comfort, more convenience, more safety and technology, okay?

It has come with a reimagine design exemplified by this infinity lighting bar, premium piano black contract panels and modern profile. And it comes with an iGO Assist offering torque on demand and improved dual efficiency, comes with many first and best-in-segment features that elevate the experience. Dual helmets under the seat storage, front fuel filling, spacious floorboard and better space, superior braking with rotopetal disc brake, turn signal lamp rest, emergency brake warning, hazard lamps, and I can keep on highlighting many, many features, okay?

It is receiving very good response from the market. It is not -- it is available across India and from day one. So all new TVS Apache RTR 310, the flagship offering in the super premium, sport motorcycle category, two variants. One is build-to-order customized option, okay? We have very good response. And this has got impressive combination of the aerodynamic design, performance and agility.

We also add a new variant in TVS Ntorq 125 lineup, widened it's base with a trip of vibrant striking color option. I think I'm very sure you would have seen the new blue, the new gray, okay? And I'm sure that is also attracting many new customers during the season. The Ntorq Race XP has launched a matte black special edition that combines multiple textures on black, ranging from matte and glossy piano black.

As I told you, I think we always believe in giving best to the industry, best to the customers. Now when we look at Q3, I think during season, so far, we have seen an overall growth of 4% in the industry. During Navratri, it was around -- industry grew by 11%, and TVS has grown significantly better during the season.

Now we are all looking forward to the next one week, including Dhanteras, okay? And we are very positive about the festival for TVS. The ongoing festival season, we have started with a positive note, and we are pretty confident that we will grow much ahead of the industry.

And I always believe that this year, we started off well. Q2, there was a little bit of slowdown expected. Q3, I'm expecting the industry should be doing well. There are some, what we call, challenges we see. But I'm pretty confident that the good monsoon, good reservoir, I think that is likely to support the industry, okay? And we can expect good momentum to continue for TVS.

On EV, I would like to sincerely thank the government for the PM E-DRIVE scheme. They have given a very clear 8-quarter plan that is going to help the industry. And it provides seamless transition from earlier EMPS scheme. And they have very clearly, government has demonstrated that it intend to provide a long-term support for EV program, and this visibility of 2 years is going to help everyone.

And EV will slowly and steadily grow. If you look at the penetration, it's slowly going up. It is already around 7% in Q2, so overall, the penetration of EV. iQube has established very strong brand in the EV segment with it's technology and the features and best-in-class quality.

During the first half, the company introduced new variants to the iQube portfolio from making the electric mobility accessible to everyone. We have now three battery options, depending upon the customer usage and the range, one with 2.2 kilowatts, then 3.4 kilowatts and 5.1 kilowatts, okay? The entire portfolio is getting a good response.

Our sales during the second quarter grew by 31%. We did 75,000, which was the highest number. And we are very confident that we will grow better than the industry going forward. As you are aware, we are well planned for the product lineup for electric mobility. You will be witnessing some more launches during this financial year.

We are exploring -- we are exporting TVS iQube to few ASEAN and Asia countries. As you know, it will take time to establish because we have to start and the market has to be ready. We strongly believe that India will emerge as a major export hub for EV two-wheelers, and TVS will play a very, very important role.

On the continuous improvement in the EV supply chain and infrastructure, we are confident that we will continue to be a strong player in the EV segment. Like I promised, you will see our EV three wheelers soon in the markets. On international markets, we are witnessing improvement in retail, higher than the industry for TVS.

Challenges in Red Sea have continued in the current quarter. The transit times have increased. But the timely availability, which got affected, we have taken countermeasures, which is also helping us.

The African markets are still facing some challenges. However, given the base effect, what we are seeing quarter-on-quarter, we are seeing growth. We are performing better than the industry. And we are pretty confident that we will be able to do much better going forward.

Our HLX 125 5-gear is doing very well in the market. This product offers much better features, and they are powerful yet efficient, received very positive response across the market wherever they have launched.

LatAm, we have started doing well. And there is also a market which is growing, okay? We have taken many actions on network expansion, brand building activities, and we are able to gain volumes much faster than the industry, okay? We are very small in LatAm, but we are very confident that we will have great opportunity in LatAm going forward.

In Asia, the markets are doing well. Nepal and Sri Lanka started well. Of course, all of us know that there are some challenges in Bangladesh, but we are confident that over a period of time, that market also will start coming back. Middle East is another area. We are confident that, that also will do well. There are some challenges on local currency depreciation, increase in interest rates, which is also affecting some challenges on the industry. We have taken enough actions to improve our retails, and we are pretty confident that this is also one market where we can have great opportunity.

Now we have continuously improved on EBITDA quarter after quarter sequentially. Very, very happy that the portfolio, the customer delight and the timely new product launches are helping us in a big way. We are growing ahead of the industry. We are confident that the company will continue to leverage its growth, better product mix and sustained efforts on quality, the cost reduction initiatives. Definitely, we are confident that we will improve profitability going forward.

Please remember, we are investing for future. We are investing behind electric. We are investing behind software, investing behind digital. That is also one of the reasons why our employee cost is higher. But these are all for future. We are investing in new products. That is also a reason our depreciation is much higher than the industry, because we are very, very -- while we are managing the quarter, most important is investing for future in product development, in technology and having capable people for future.

On Q2, we are extremely happy, okay? We were able to deliver the best in turnover, best-in-class EBITDA and PBT. We have best-in-class products. We have unwavering focus on our consumer along with our strong portfolio of brands like Apache, Jupiter, Jupiter 125, iQube, Raider, Ntorq, Star Range, HLX, Radeon, TVS King and TVS Ronin. We will grow ahead of the industry. And we are happy that in the last 5 years, company has moved significantly on EBITDA. We are at 11.7%, and I'm pretty confident that we will continue to improve our EBITDA journey. Thank you. Thank you very much, and once again, seasons greetings.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] the first question is from the line of Chandramouli Muthiah from Goldman Sachs.

C
Chandramouli Muthiah
analyst

Congratulations on the favorable response to the Jupiter 110cc. First question is just product related. I think while Jupiter and Ntorq have had a good start to the festive season and good volumes for previous quarter. It appears that Raider 125 in the sports category seems to be moderating a little bit. So I just want to understand, is there any production-related issue there? Or are we considering sort of repositioning the product in light of recent competitor events?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Raider is a great brand. I don't see any challenges in Raider. We are pretty confident of the portfolio on Raider, and this is a brand which will do extremely well going forward. We are pretty confident on that.

C
Chandramouli Muthiah
analyst

Got it. That's helpful. Second question is on just festive season comments you made earlier in the prepared remarks. I think you mentioned that so far industry festive volume growth on your estimates is 11%. But you also mentioned sort of 3Q volume growth, I think it was 4%. I just want to understand where there is a contrast between those two numbers.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

No, no. During the first 9 days, we have seen a good growth. But after 9 days or a few days now, okay, there is a bit of slowdown. Around 4% is the industry growth. So I'm pretty confident that next one week, things will be improving. We have Dhanteras. We are all looking forward to that. okay? So I'm pretty confident. But what is most important that TVS is doing extremely well, much, much better than the industry, thanks to our portfolio, and thanks to all the customers who are supporting.

C
Chandramouli Muthiah
analyst

Got it. That's helpful. Just lastly, a clarification on the export and the spares revenue for the quarter, please?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Spares, let me just look at it. Spares is about INR 930 crores. And exports revenue -- just a minute. You're asking revenue, right, exports?

C
Chandramouli Muthiah
analyst

That's right. That's right.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

INR 2,229 crores for Q2.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Pramod Kumar from UBS.

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

First, just wanted some more details on the investments you're doing on the employee side. Because the reason why I asked that is like your employee cost is a good 25%, 26% higher than Bajaj and just around 10%, 15% lower than Hero. And that given the size of the company in terms of market share and revenue, it's a significant investment what you're doing the future. So -- and you alluded to that in terms of software, EV, other technologies.

So if you can just help us understand how much of the current employee bill, I'm not asking -- is roughly targeting towards these advanced investments. And what's the kind of IP what we've built in within the organization? Because the choice is either to do it yourself or outsource it.

So clearly, your intention seems to be doing everything in-house in terms of a lot of technology. So if you can just help us understand, because all this will kind of pay out in the future in terms of benefits, right? So if you can just help us understand how much is the steady-state ongoing legacy business expenses or -- and what kind of investments which is going on the employee side? Yes.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

First of all Bajaj and Hero, they're all role model companies and I respect them as great competition, okay? And I don't want to compare with competition. As a TVS Motor, we have a strategy that we want to design, development and invest many of the technologies in-house. And we have -- last quarter also, I highlighted that we have almost 250 software people and have 250 digital.

These are all assets where we have added to really, really look for the future because future is going to be electric. Future is going to be many new technologies which are likely to come, okay? So we have to invest. We have to build that capability, and we have invested in that. And we will continue to invest in areas where future customers are going to look at us, because we are completely, completely focused on how the transition is going to happen in the industry.

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

Sir, any quantification as to how much of the wage bill is towards the advanced investments or towards...

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

We don't look at that because these are all investments. When you look at the investment, I am very confident that this will pay back. It'll definitely pay back. Getting good quality resource is most important for us at this point of time, okay? And 500 the people we have added. I have given you the quantification.

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

Yes, yes. And sir, with the kind of investments which you're making which are way out of the industry, so are you -- you're still confident on maintaining the margin momentum going forward?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

You have seen last several quarters, we have been meeting the margin expectation, okay? And see, it is -- see, our strategy continues. We want to give best to the customer. We want to focus on customer delight. You see the current Jupiter 110, you see the features. We will continue to delight the customers. That is strategy one. We want to grow the top line ahead of the industry, okay? And we will sincerely work on how we improve the margin. Customers, volume, product mix, growth, cost reduction, I think are all consistently we will look at and we will work on.

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

Great to hear that. Sir, on Jupiter, I believe it's a very big hit currently, probably the only two-wheeler model, which is waitlisted in the market. So what is the plan there to up the capacity, sir? Because I know we kind of take our own time to increase ramp-up of capacities, look at demand how it settles. But this clearly seems to be a standout product in terms of what's doing in the marketplace and what you're hearing from TVS and even the competition dealers. So what is the plan there on capacity? Where are we today on 110 capacity and where you expect it to be ramped-up in the near to medium term?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Capacity is not a problem. I think what is most important is we are delighted that we are not able to fulfill the total demand in the market, but we are very happy that customers like it. Customers, they are wanting it. And Jupiter is a great brand. Jupiter, you have 110, you have 125. It's a great brand, and we are very, very happy. We are able to delight the customer and build this brand extremely happy.

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

Fair enough, sir. The final question is on the subsidiary performance to Desikan Sir as well and to you as well. If you can just share on the TVS Credit, is there anything which you received from RBI in terms of inquiry on the IRRs, what you're charging, because there have been some such moves with other NBFCs and there's a concern on that the interest rates will get capped. Anything if you can share there?

And also in terms of the breakup of the book as to how much of the book is currently towards the auto loan, TVS products? And what's the broader classification of breakup of the loan book, sir? And any numbers on ROE, ROA, if you can share that? And finally, update on the European subsidiaries. How is the cost control there going? And what's the kind of reduction in losses what we are seeing there? And any investments which are expected which are not already kind of budgeted for? If you can share that color, sir?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Once let Desikan give you a color on TVS Credit. It has done extremely well. And the way the portfolio has been growing and how each segment has been growing, amazing journey.

K
K. Desikan
executive

Yes. As far as TVS Credit is concerned, as explained earlier, there is a 13% year-on-year growth, and we are at INR 26,600 crores is the book size now. The net worth of the company as of 30th September is INR 4,487 crores. And the capital adequacy ratio is around 19.1%, much higher than the statutory required percentage. And the cost of funds is also at a very, very competitive level at 8.03%. The PBT for the quarter is INR 215 crores as against the comparable INR 180 crores. As far as two-wheeler related concentration is around 27% of the overall 27% to 28%...

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

But here also it is steadily coming down, which means the used car, tractors, CD, consumer durable, MSME, many other areas where we are investing, that is growing much faster.

K
K. Desikan
executive

Yes. We have a very diversified portfolio now. And second is even the credit price interventions are there. So we are extremely careful in -- otherwise, we would have grown much ahead also, INR 26,000 crores, we would have crossed INR 27,000 crores also. The credit interventions and great appraisals we have tightened. So the disbursals also less to that extent. This is about doing very well, and this is about TVS Credit service.

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

And on Norton...

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Yes. You had a question on Norton. Please understand. Again, last time I told you that we are investing behind a portfolio of product complete design development, and that is happening. That's why I said, it will take another 6 quarters for the product to be available in the market, okay? And these are going to be brilliant products, and you will see products from '26 -- 2026, okay, which in our financial year, '25, '26. For Norton, it is '26, okay?

And what is most important is this is a great brand, and it's a super premium. And this is going to definitely, definitely help us a new segment, new developed countries as our market. And definitely, we'll be also looking at India. I did give you the kind of briefing last time. And we will continue to invest for the product development at this point of time.

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

Fair enough, sir. Finally, EV revenues, have you shared it in the opening remarks, if I missed it.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Which one?

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

EV revenues, revenues from EV during the quarter.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

I said EV overall number is about 75,000.

P
Pramod Kumar
analyst

The revenue number, sir if -- is it handy?

K
K. Desikan
executive

We need to check and come back.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Jinesh Gandhi from AMBIT Capital.

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

A couple of questions from my side. One is you refer to -- you are seeing some challenges in the domestic market. Can you elaborate on that? What are the challenges that are visible on the ground currently in two-wheeler business?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Challenges, I can't say challenges. I think there are great opportunities in the two-wheeler market. Like I told you last time this is the first time we are seeing a good response from the rural market, okay? Maybe quarter 2, we saw a little bit slow overall industry. But during Navratri, we have seen pick up, okay? I am expecting a good Dhanteras period, okay? And the rain is going to be good this year, monsoon is going to be good this year. So the reservoirs are going to be having.

So I'm of the view that after a long time, we are going to see rural growing. Urban is also growing, okay? And a good growth rate we can always expect, about 6%, 7% -- 7% to 8% kind of a growth rate you can expect in the industry. And you know, TVS has got very, very strong brands, and we will outperform the industry.

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

Okay. 7%, 8% is for FY '25 or for the festive season?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

No, no, I don't want to give festive season. We are working for quarter-wise.

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

7%, 8% in third quarter?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

That is the way we have to look at it. I think industry will definitely do well, okay? 7% to 8% is a good growth rate.

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

Yes, it's very good growth rate. It's for the third quarter.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Yes.

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

Got it. Secondly, we have seen drop in our realization on a sequential basis. Is there any one-off to call out for that dop?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

I told you we introduced the single pack on EV, okay? The iQube 09, what was launched in the market with a lesser price. It is only single pack. So correspondingly, we also kept a lower price, okay? Because there was a lot of competitive intensity in the market. Because of that, there is a slight reduction in the realization. But I'm not so much worried about the realization. Because we will do well. Overall, we have to look at are we growing ahead of the industry, and we are doing ahead of the industry, and we have a very good product range. And please look at our contribution also. We have been growing steadily.

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

Yes. Undoubtedly. And staff cost increase on Q-o-Q, you mentioned about software charges as investment for the future technology. But is there any ESOP related provisioning in this quarter or that will come in future quarters?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

There is a provision of about INR 11 crores, INR 12 crores towards that ESOP.

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

Okay. Got it. And lastly, with respect to the e-bike business in Europe. So some of your peers have indicated severe stress in the e-bike businesses and they have undertaken impairment. How is our e-bike business doing? And do we need to take any impairment there?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

I'm not able to -- a little bit louder your voice. Can you repeat the question?

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

The electric cycle business in Europe, some of your peers have indicated severe stress in the European business for e-cycles and they've taken impairment for e-cycle business in 2Q. So are we seeing similar stress on the ground? How is our e-cycle business doing? Do we need to take any impairment there?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

You are asking about e-cycle business?

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

Yes, yes.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

E-cycle business. First, I want to say that all of us know that Europe is going through some stressful conditions in the economy, okay? So when the economy goes through some difficult conditions, we have to be a little bit patient. And I'm very confident that this is a big opportunity in e-bike and we are looking at how do we cut down the cost, how do we make sure that the customer gets the best product. So...

K
K. Desikan
executive

There is no need for any impairment-related provisions. We are very confident about that business and the future. And also in this period, we have used the opportunity to reduce our inventories. We have generated cash out of the working capital during this period. And therefore, we don't foresee or need for any impairment-related provisions.

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

Fair point, fair point. And lastly, working capital in the first half was about INR 838 crores. For the full year, we still maintain INR 1,000 crores to INR 1,100 crores of CapEx?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

For CapEx, we gave you the last time, the numbers are...

J
Jinesh Gandhi
analyst

INR 1,000 crores to INR 1,100 crores is what you had indicated, but first half is already...

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

INR 1,200 crores to INR 1,400 crores, that is the range we gave last time. That still holds on.

Operator

The next question is from the line of [indiscernible].

U
Unknown Analyst

Congratulations on the success of Jupiter. Sir, I have two questions. First on exports, sir. Like, what we are seeing is probably Jupiter volumes in the last quarter, sir exports have dropped significantly. Is it because we are seeing very good demand on the domestic market, and we are facing capacity constraints. That's why we have reduced the demand -- reduced the supply on the exports market? Or is it some country-specific challenge where we are facing some contains.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

See, there are no issues on the retail to the customer, okay? These are things we keep looking at. We are one company who looks at only the end customer retail. To me, billing is only a checking point. okay? So if the customer retail happens, automatically will happen. And depending upon sometimes season, you have to give a little bit more. There are some auspicious days. So I think the operational team along with the sales team, they take the decision.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. And sir, like this LatAm market where we are targeting higher exports, which can be a higher growth segment for us. Sir, there basically, what are products will we be exporting? Will it be ASP accretive in terms of our overall exports mix?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Overall exports mix, all the products, all the products from India, and we are also leveraging some of the products from Indonesia.

U
Unknown Analyst

And sir, one question on margins, like one of our competitors has called commodity inflation of 50 basis points on a quarterly basis in a con call. Did we see any commodity headwind and like our gross margins have still only declined by 10 basis points, even though iQube share has mixed and there has been commodity headwinds. So have we taken any price hikes? Or is it more of value engineering and mix?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

No, no. I think point 1, point 2 are, in my opinion, nothing to be worried about here. It could happen both ways, okay? There are no significant challenges we have seen, okay? And quarter-to-quarter, we have only done well. And last year to this year, you look at our material costs, we have significantly improved on turnover, almost 2.6%. Last year was 74%. This year is 71.4%. And if you look at Q1 to Q2, again, there are no major surprises, okay? Point 1 here and there will be there. But that is not a big issue.

U
Unknown Analyst

Got it. And sir, just one last question on TVS X. When can we expect volumes from TVS X?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

TVS X, we have started, okay? But as you know, it is a very super premium product, okay? You will see -- over the next quarters, you will see much higher volumes you will see pan India.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Amyn Pirani from JPMorgan.

A
Amyn Pirani
analyst

Sir, my first question is on the recent refreshes that you have done on the Jupiter and the Radeon and the Raider. And like you mentioned, you are giving more value to the customer. With extra features, it looks like that in some variants, the prices are similar or maybe even slightly lower.

So my question was that are you seeing some restraint from the customer in terms of the price points. And related question is that are you seeing any price competition in the market from other players in terms of headline discounts during this festive period?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Are you happy on the gross margin improvement of the company?

A
Amyn Pirani
analyst

Sir, I'm very happy, but I'm just asking as to whether the...

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

[indiscernible] because what we have to look at is on a portfolio basis, we should not look at -- you look at totality, okay? All businesses together, are you growing your contribution quarter after quarter, okay? It's a combination of country, product, brand, pricing, okay? We want to give good value to the customers, good features to the customer at an appropriate price. We don't discount. Definitely, we don't discount.

And we want to grow, like I said, first is customer, customer, customer. Second is growth ahead of the industry, okay? Equally, now we have started quarter after quarter looking at and improving the contribution and profitability without compromising on investment for future, whether it is people, whether it is product, whether it is technology, whether it is -- we don't compromise at all. Because future is very, very important. While you are looking at this quarter, I think we work for the future.

A
Amyn Pirani
analyst

Fair enough, sir. And sir, speaking of margins, I just wanted to get a sense as to like, is there a time line by when you think that you want to start recognizing the PLI. I mean, is there a certain milestone that you're looking for? And the reason -- any reason why you're not taking -- started to take it yet?

K
K. Desikan
executive

See, we are working on a very clear revenue recognition policy for PLI. Based on that policy, the revenue will be recognized going forward in the most prudent and in the most compliant manner. You will expect a clear recognition of this going forward.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

For benefit of clarification, all our products are satisfied, and they are meeting the eligibility criteria, okay?

A
Amyn Pirani
analyst

Yes. And sir, lastly, on the EV side, just in terms of directionally, could you give some color on how are the gross margins or EBITDA margins or any period by which you expect EBITDA breakeven? Or how are the trends moving in terms of profitability? If you can give some color?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

We are positive on contribution. We are extremely happy the customers are supporting us. We have a range of products in iQube. We are also coming up with new models for looking at various customer segments. Again, customers grow the top line. We are pretty confident that the bottom line will come.

Whatever investments we are making, like I said last time, whether it's in software, whether it's in technology, whether it's EV technology. All these are going to help not only EV portfolio, the entire portfolio of the company, okay? So this is an investment for the future, and EV will grow. And I won't be able to put a number okay?

But my hypothesis or our hypothesis is very simple. You invest today so that you can get the benefits. It's exactly what we have done in TVS Credit, exactly what we have done in Indonesia. Today, it is doing extremely well. Same way EV will do extremely well. We don't look at when it is going to happen, but we are happy it is moving in the right direction.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Gunjan Prithyani from Bank of America.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Just quickly, before I get to questions, I just wanted to recheck the numbers. The 4% growth that you mentioned earlier is for the entire -- since the beginning of the festive period, right? Is that understanding correct?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Yes, yes. Festive period last year to this year. But during the Navratri 9 days, industry grew by almost 10%, 11%.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Okay. Got it. And 7% to 8% guide that you're giving is for the third quarter?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Yes, that is industry, our expectation, and we will do much, much better than the industry.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Okay. Got it. Okay. Just now moving to the questions. On the EV business. Could you just talk -- give us a little bit more insights into how should we think about capacity ramp up? Because clearly, there's a lot of effort you are putting to put iQube to more dealerships. If you can give us a little bit update on capacity and how much touch points or dealerships we have covered in markets we have covered.

And in continuation also, sir, if I remember, you've taken that call, you don't want to aggressively discount or participate in price discounting. But we have tactically started to do that in recent weeks. So I'm just trying to understand, is there any change in the strategy around the EV business? Are we okay to now complete from a pricing perspective also? So just more on how we are thinking about the business?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

See, TVS iQube is a great product and the customers are happy. We are very systematically building the capacity on manufacturing. We have enough capacity, okay? And even whenever we want to increase the capacity, it's a question of about 3 months, okay, 3 months, 90 days is not a big period, okay?

On dealer network, we have now all about 750. We are also now increasing that very systematically month after month, okay, on a number of dealerships in India. We have started small exports because you have to see it in many markets. It may take a little time, but we are happy we have started exporting that to ASEAN market, some of the Asia markets and I'm pretty confident that the initial feedbacks are positive, while the numbers are very small, okay?

And like I said, we understood customer segments are there. That is why we gave a single battery pack with 2.2 so that at a special pricing point. We always believe in not playing the discount game, but giving the value game to the customer. And that strategy will always remain for TVS.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Okay. Got it. And maybe just very quickly on this. You said the dealership of 750. This is -- are we doing entirely exclusive or we are now...

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

No, no. From day 1, we are giving it to our ICE dealerships only.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Okay. Okay. Got it. And the other question around EVs was on the affordable EV launch that we've been talking about. Are we looking to do that in fiscal '25? Any time lines around that?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

I never said affordable EV launch, okay? I said there is a new product which is going to come to a customer segment, okay, just to clarify, okay, that will come in this financial year.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Okay. Got it. And just second question on the export market. Now clearly, there's been good pickup you've started to see in export front. If you can just give us a little bit color on how our geographic mix is, how much comes from Africa LatAm, which is the geo mix, some color?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

I think Africa is the biggest market for us. Next is, now we have started, of course, Middle East is there, Asia is there. Some markets in ASEAN is there, but Africa is the biggest market for us. And Africa, according to me, the bottom, we have seen, now it is all about how it is likely to grow only because it has gone through a lot of challenges in terms of currency depreciation, availability, inflation, okay?

So we are of the view that you will see improvements, because these are all big taxi markets and people lives depend upon these taxes. So there is -- there will be an upward trend. Of course, the prices because of the currency depreciation and customer prices have gone up for the industry, okay? That is also one of the reasons the industry is a bit low. But the worst is over, okay? And our brands, HLX series, 100, 125, 150 has got very good pull in the market.

LatAm, we are seeing a good opportunity. Our portfolio is very small in LatAm, but we can build it very well. Huge market, good opportunity for TVS and we are leveraging products from India as well as from Indonesia.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Okay. Sir, is it fair to assume Africa is 60%, 70% or even more of your entire mix -- volume mix?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Tell me.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Will Africa be more than 60%, 70% of the volumes that...

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Africa is about, I think, first half, it's about 55% to 57%.

G
Gunjan Prithyani
analyst

Okay. Got it. And lastly, sir, any comments on CNG portfolio? Is that something that we are now thinking to introduce to the market. And if we were -- what kind of time lines we are looking at?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

We have a very strong R&D. Last time also I told you, okay. We are looking at the customer, how customers are looking at it. Already in three-wheeler, we have CNG. It's accepted very well. So we are very closely looking at how the customers are looking at the CNG, okay? We can always come back with the product into the market, okay? That is the point I would like to highlight on CNG.

Operator

The next question is from the line of Mumuksh Mandlesha from Anand Rathi Institutional Equities.

M
Mumuksh Mandlesha
analyst

Sir, you mentioned about the rural doing well, sir. Can you indicate how has been the rural market growth? And how is the urban market growth this -- last few months, sir?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

See, H1 -- just a minute, just a minute. H1, if you look at the overall -- I'm saying, looking at the rural, urban, I think overall growth in H1 was -- just a minute, just a minute. Rural -- H1 growth Vahan was about 8% and rural was slightly higher, 9%, Urban was about 7%. So this -- definitely there is a -- after a long time, 1% here and there cannot be so big. But first time, we are seeing rural also catching up.

That's why it is very critical that monsoon, reservoir, agriculture, and -- we have to see rural slowly picking up. It will be a good news for two-wheeler industry, okay? And of course, Q2, we saw a little bit slowing down, which was expected. But Navratri, again, we are seeing 10%. We have to look at next week, which is very, very important, how it is going to pan out. I'm of the view that reasonably good growth we can expect in Q3, okay? And I'm hoping that rural will try to be in line with urban this year.

M
Mumuksh Mandlesha
analyst

Got it, sir. Sir, coming to exports, three-wheeler, sir, that has not yet seen a recovery like two-wheeler, we have seen a recovery. Any reason for the slowness in the export three-wheeler market?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

I think -- see our -- we are extremely good in Africa. Africa is going through some tough times. And as you know, we are not losing on the retail, but we have controlled our dispatches because the last thing we will do is the same principle of 1-month stock, okay? When we look at international, we look at 1 month plus the transit time. And in domestic, we always look at 1-month stock. Maybe see some time, 3, 4 days extra here and there depending upon -- because last thing we want is to lose retail like Dhanteras or Navratri. So that we calibrate and we look at it that way.

M
Mumuksh Mandlesha
analyst

But you see the recovery happening sequentially in the [indiscernible].

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

It will happen. Going forward, it will happen. Q3, Q4, you will see that change.

M
Mumuksh Mandlesha
analyst

Perfect, sir. Just lastly on the this PLI incentives, sir. Just want to understand by when we will be starting booking this incentives, sir?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Already, Desikan answered you, answered earlier, someone asked the same question. okay? We are developing the policy, and we will come back to you soon. There was a question from someone about the EV turnover. For the first half, it is about INR 1,600 crores. There was an earlier question. At that time, I gave the numbers, INR 1,600 crores for the first half.

Operator

We'll move on to the next question. It's from the line of Viraj from SiMPL.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

On the TVS Credit services, if you look at the segmented financials, we've seen -- reported a PBT degrowth. While in our commentary, we talked about PBT growth of, I think, close to 15%, 18%. So just trying to understand why is it, Desikan?

K
K. Desikan
executive

So where is the PBT degrowth there? Last year, we moved at INR 180 crores, and we are at INR 215 crores, we have grown.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

So if you look at consol segmental numbers, you have reported around INR 209 crores of segmental EBIT as against INR 218 crores.

K
K. Desikan
executive

For TVS Credit services, stand-alone also, we reported and it is INR 216 crores as against last year's INR 180 crores.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Okay. I'll take this offline, if that's okay with you?

K
K. Desikan
executive

Yes, sure. No problem.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

And in terms of the EV product portfolio and the PLI. So PLI, the cumulative amount, if you can just give some color, what kind of cumulative amount we'll be looking at once we have a policy in place?

And second question is on the EVs. We were looking at a very aggressive launch pipeline. So I think a couple of quarters back, we were looking in next 4 to 6 quarters at that point in time to have a very aggressive launch pipeline. But somehow we're not seeing much launches from our side. So just trying to understand what is the thought process behind that?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

No, we time the launches also, okay? We want to make sure that the overall grow ahead of the industry, okay? This is a very measured call. On one side, we keep developing the products and we decide when to launch the product.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Okay. And the last question is on the investment and CapEx, if you can just give for the full year and FY '26?

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

CapEx, the same INR 1,200 crores to INR 1,400 crores for the year. Investments -- just a minute. I think investments again, around INR 1,500 crores is what we said last time.

Can we have the last question, please?

Operator

Yes, sir. It's from the line of Neel from Valley Quest.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. My questions have been answered.

K
K. Radhakrishnan
executive

Okay. So thank you. Thank you, everyone, and it has been a great quarter 2, and I'm pretty confident about the season, which is going to be in the next 10 days. And we are also confident about Q3. Overall, with the best customer satisfaction and quality and the new product, whatever we have launched Jupiter 110 and many more products to come in this financial year, I'm pretty confident that with the brands like Apache, Jupiter, Jupiter 125, iQube, Raider, Ntorq, HLX versions TVS King and TVS Ronin and Radeon.

We are pretty confident that the range is helping us and the customers are helping us to grow faster than the industry. Industry will be good in Q3, okay? Rural, first time we are seeing during the first half, coming better growth than what we have seen in the past. And what is delighting us is while we are investing for future in employees and in investments in product and technology, we are able to consistently improve our EBITDA.

Over the last 5 years, we have seen significant improvement. And quarter-on-quarter in the last 6 quarters, we have now come to 11.7%. And we are confident that we will continue to leverage its growth, better product mix, sustained cost reduction initiatives to improve profitability going forward.

Happy Diwali to all of you, all your family members and let us bring a lot of prosperity to society in India. May God bless. Thank you.

Operator

On behalf of B&K Securities, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines. Thank you.

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