Indian stock market and companies daily report (February 13, 2012, Monday)

The domestic markets are expected to edge higher following positive opening across most of the Asian markets. Domestic indices fell modestly on Friday, as data showing a slowdown in December IIP numbers prompted investors to book some profits after recent sharp gains.

Globally, cues remained mixed. European markets slid moderately on Friday as apprehensions remained over the second bailout package for Greece. Eurozone finance ministers had deferred the approval of a second bailout package for Greece (€130bn), demanding Greece’s acceptance over a new set of austerity measures. U.S. bourses also ended on a negative note, tracing concerns stemming from the Eurozone.

On the domestic front, consistent shrinkage in manufacturing output emphasizes the need to trim rates by RBI. However, domestic bourses seemed to have marked down macroeconomic concerns and have firmed up considerably. Nonetheless, one cannot rule out the pessimism surrounding the Eurozone, which can reverse market directions. Markets will closely trace the developments in the domestic as well global markets.

Markets Today

The trend deciding level for the day is 17,755 / 5,383 levels. If NIFTY trades above this level during the first half-an-hour of trade then we may witness a further rally up to 17,883 – 18,018 / 5,426 – 5,470 levels. However, if NIFTY trades below 17,755 / 5,383 levels for the first half-an-hour of trade then it may correct up to 17,621 – 17,492 / 5,339 – 5,297 levels.

Industrial production for December dips to 1.8%

Industrial production (IIP) growth slipped again, growing by weak 1.8% for December, after the strong rebound witnessed in November (growth of 5.9% compared to negative 4.7% growth for October). IIP index growth of 1.8% was the second slowest, after the contraction witnessed in October 2011, in more than two years. IIP growth was also below the median expectation of Bloomberg’s survey of economists (2.9%). The 12-month rolling industrial production growth, which has been on a declining trend since November 2010 (9.9%), slipped further to 4.7%.

The dip in IIP can mostly be attributed to slow growth in the manufacturing sector (growth of 1.8% compared to 6.6% in November 2011 and 8.7% in December 2010), which accounts for ~75% of the overall industrial production. In terms of industries, 15 of the 22 industry groups in the manufacturing sector registered positive growth during December. The slowdown in mining persisted with a contraction of 3.7% for December (5th consecutive month of contraction). Growth in electricity production continued to be healthy, growing by 9.1% in December.

As per use-based data, capital goods production data continued to be volatile, declining by steep 16.5%. Production of intermediate goods contracted by 2.8% in December, however growth in consumer goods and consumer durables remained strong, growing by 10.0% and 13.4%, respectively.

3QFY2012 - Result Reviews

DLF

DLF announced its 3QFY2012 numbers. The company’s net sales declined by 18.0% yoy and 19.7% qoq to Rs.2,034cr, coming in well below our estimate of Rs.2,719cr. EBITDA came in at Rs.823cr, down 30.2% yoy, on the back of lower revenue and OPM margin compression. OPM contracted by 706bp yoy to 40.4%, above our estimate of 43.7%. PAT declined by 44.6% yoy to Rs.258cr, which was well below our estimate of Rs.414cr, despite a sharp increase in other income, which increased by 217% yoy to Rs.362cr (Rs.114cr). The decline in PAT was largely due lower revenue, OPM contraction and higher interest cost during the quarter, which increased by 44.8% yoy to Rs.620cr in 3QFY2012. We continue to maintain our Neutral recommendation on the stock. We may revise our estimates and target price post management’s concall.

JSW Steel

JSW Steel reported higher-than-expected consolidated adjusted PAT during 3QFY2012. However, the company reported net loss of Rs.48cr in 3QFY2012 on account of exceptional losses. The company had reported better-than-expected standalone numbers for 3QFY2012 on January 20, 2012. Consolidated net sales grew by 40.9% yoy to Rs.8,405cr (slightly below our estimate of Rs.8,843cr). Net sales growth was driven by increases in steel volumes (+20.0% yoy to 1.9mn tonnes) and realization (+18.2% yoy to Rs.43,401/tonne). Consolidated EBITDA increased by 29.6% yoy to Rs.1,317cr. The company reported exceptional items related to forex loss of Rs.504cr and loss of Rs.55cr from JSW Ispat (associate company) during the quarter. Consequently, the company reported net loss of Rs.48cr in 3QFY2012, compared to net profit of Rs.292cr in 3QFY2011. However, adjusted net profit, excluding exceptional items, increased by 75.1% yoy to Rs.511cr (higher than our estimate of Rs.279cr). We remain Neutral on the stock.

CCCL

Consolidated Construction Consortium (CCCL) posted disappointing set of numbers for 3QFY2012, as expected. On the top line front the company posted 10.0% yoy decline to Rs.446.5cr, lower than our estimate of Rs.535.9cr. On the EBITDAM front, CCCL continued its dismal performance and registered a dip of 510bp yoy to 4.6%, which was higher than our estimate of 3.2%. Interest cost came in at Rs.18.3cr a yoy/qoq jump of 45.1%/6.4% respectively, and in line with our estimate of Rs.18.6cr. Owing to poor show at revenue and margin level, along with interest burden, the bottom line posted a loss of Rs.3.2cr in 3QFY2012 vs. profit of Rs.16.7cr in 3QFY2011 and against our estimate of loss of Rs.5.2cr. We maintain neutral view on the stock.

3QFY2012 - Result Previews

Coal India

Coal India is slated to report its 3QFY2012 results. We expect net sales to increase by 39.2% yoy to Rs.17,664cr, mainly on account of coal price increase taken during February 2011. However, EBITDA margin is expected to contract by 264bp yoy to 24.5% in 3QFY2012 on account of higher employee cost provision. Net profit is expected to increase by 39.0% yoy to Rs.3,650cr. We have a Neutral view on the stock.

State Bank of India

State Bank of India is scheduled to announce its 3QFY2012 results. We expect the bank to report healthy NII growth of 19.3% on a yoy basis (up 3.6% on a qoq basis). Non-interest income growth is expected to be moderate at 14.4% yoy. Operating income of the bank is expected to grow by healthy 18.0% yoy to Rs.14,584cr. Provisioning expenses are expected to increase substantially by 63.4% yoy, considering the cyclical headwinds to asset quality. Hence, net profit growth is expected to be moderate at 10.1% yoy to Rs.3,113cr. We currently have an Accumulate rating on the stock with a target price of Rs.2,364

Sun Pharmaceuticals

For 3QFY2012, Sun Pharma is likely to report 18.7% yoy growth on the sales front, mainly on the back of integration of Taro, which is expected to be the growth driver of export formulation sales. On the domestic front, Indian formulation sales are expected to report a muted performance. Despite strong top-line growth on account of the integration, operating profit margin is expected to expand by 690bp yoy, with margin likely to be around 34.4%. Net profit is expected to register growth of 21.4% yoy during the quarter. We recommend Neutral on the stock.

SAIL

SAIL is expected to announce its 3QFY2012 results. We expect the company’s top line to grow by 9.8% yoy to Rs.12,239cr, mainly on account of higher realization. However, EBITDA margin is expected to decline by 211bp yoy to 14.0% on account of higher input costs. The bottom line is expected to decline by 2.2% yoy to Rs.1,083cr. We maintain our Neutral rating on the stock.

Cipla

For 3QFY2012, Cipla is expected to post net sales growth of 10.7% yoy to Rs.1,662cr, driven by the domestic and exports performance. On the operating front, OPM (excluding technical know-how fees) is expected to come in at 21.8%, registering an expansion of 410bp yoy. Further, net profit is expected to increase by 26.8% yoy to Rs.295cr. We recommend Neutral on the stock.

Motherson Sumi Systems

Motherson Sumi Systems is scheduled to announce its 3QFY2012 results today. On a consolidated basis, we expect the company to report a healthy 13% yoy growth in revenues to Rs.2,343cr for the quarter. On the operating front, the company is expected to report a 282bp yoy contraction in margins to 8.6%. As a result, the net profit is expected to decline by 26% yoy to Rs.79cr. The stock rating is under review.

Areva T&D – 4QCY2011

For 4QCY2011, Areva T&D is expected to post subdued top-line growth of 4.2% yoy to Rs.1,383cr, mainly on account of lower volumes, pricing pressures and execution slowdown. Consequently, EBITDA margin is expected to compress by ~443bp yoy to 9.0%, although we expect a sequential improvement of ~100bp due to slight easing of pricing pressures. Led by muted growth and dip in margin, the company’s PAT is expected to decline by 35.5% yoy to Rs.56.8cr. At the CMP, the stock is trading at 25.9x and 21.9x CY2011E and CY2012E EPS, respectively. We remain Neutral on the stock.

CESC

CESC is expected to announce its 3QFY2012 results. The company is expected to register 25.6% yoy growth in its standalone top line to Rs.1,157cr, aided by higher sales volume and better realization. OPM is expected to be flat at 27.6%, while net profit is expected to increase by 33.9% yoy to Rs.147cr during 3QFY2012. We maintain our Buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs.304.

Economic and Political News
- Exports up 10%, imports by 20% in January 2012: Commerce secretary
- Direct tax collection to miss Budget estimate
- Government may enhance tax deduction for housing loan in Budget

Corporate News
- Govt. notifies rules for competitive bidding for coal blocks
- Punjab’s industry strongly objects to 55% hike in power tariff
- Reliance Industries shuts distillation unit at Jamnagar facility for 3 weeks
- Tata Motors hikes prices by up to Rs 12,000; leaves Nano, Aria

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Indian stock market and companies daily report (February 10, 2012, Friday)

The domestic markets are expected to open flat to negative tracking negative opening in most of the Asian markets. Indian markets rose on Thursday, with the Nifty index hitting a 27-week high, as optimism that Greek leaders are nearing an agreement on austerity measures, that could secure them a new €130bn bailout from the EU and the IMF, easing some of the concerns about the nation's ongoing going debt crisis.

Globally, U.S. stocks closed in green yesterday mainly on the back of positive news about Greece as well as some upbeat U.S. jobs data. The U.S. Labor Department reported that the initial jobless claims for U.S. fell to 358,000 in the week ended February 4th from the previous week's revised figure of 373,000. Indian investors, meanwhile, would keenly watch out for the domestic industrial production growth (Bloomberg estimate – 2.6%) for the month of December due to be released today. Also, consumer sentiment and trade balance data of the U.S. will be on radar.

Markets Today

The trend deciding level for the day is 17,773 / 5,392 levels. If Nifty trades above this level during the first half-an-hour of trade then we may witness a further rally up to 17,937 – 18,043 / 5,444 – 5,476 levels. However, if Nifty trades below 17,773 / 5,392 levels for the first half-an-hour of trade then it may correct up to 17,667 – 17,503 / 5,360 – 5,307 levels.

3QFY2012 - Result Reviews

Tata Steel

For 3QFY2012, Tata Steel reported net loss on a consolidated basis due to weak performance from its European and Southeast Asian operations. Consolidated net sales increased by 13.8% yoy to Rs.33,103cr, above our estimate of Rs.30,992cr, mainly on account of increased average realizations in rupee terms. Standalone net sales increased by 12.3% yoy to Rs.8,305cr. Consolidated sales volumes stood at 5.8mn tonnes in 3QFY2012 compared to 5.9mn tonnes in 3QFY2011. Average realization/tonne decreased by 3.4% and 0.6% to US$975 and US$1,149 in Tata Steel India and Tata Steel Europe operations, respectively. However, EBITDA/tonne decreased by 7.1% and US$303 in Tata Steel India. EBITDA/tonne of Tata Steel Europe operations stood at US$(1) compared to US$25 in 3QFY2011 on account of higher raw-material costs. India operations EBITDA decreased by 9.5% yoy to Rs.2,553cr. European operations reported EBITDA of US$(147)mn and Southeast Asian operations reported EBITDA of US$(2)mn during the quarter. Consequently, consolidated EBITDA decreased by 49.9% yoy to Rs.1,717cr. Hence, Tata Steel reported net loss of Rs.603cr in 3QFY2012 compared to adjusted PAT of Rs.1,125cr in 3QFY2011. The company’s net debt has increased to US$9.5bn as on December 31, 2011, compared to US$8.5bn as on September 30, 2011. Tata Steel’s Jamshedpur 2.9mn tonnes brownfield expansion project remains on track to be completed during 4QFY2012. We maintain our Buy recommendation on the stock, while we keep our target price under review.

Hindalco

Hindalco’s standalone 3QFY2012 top line was above our estimate, while its bottom line was slightly below our expectation. The company’s net sales increased by 11.4% yoy to Rs.6,590cr (above our estimate of Rs.5,909cr) mainly on account of higher volumes in the aluminium and copper segments. In the aluminium segment, alumina, aluminium, wire rods and flat products production increased by 7.1%, 7.8%, 6.7% and 20.4% yoy to 343k, 146k, 25k and 56k, respectively. In the copper segment, copper cathode and CC rods production grew by 9.4% and 42.3% yoy to 88k and 38k, respectively. However, the aluminium segment’s EBIT decreased by 33.4% yoy to Rs.310cr due to increased input costs (mainly coal and crude derivatives). Nevertheless, the copper segment’s EBIT rose by 51.1% yoy to Rs.216cr due to higher treatment and refining charges and by-product credits. Overall, Hindalco’s EBITDA decreased by 3.3% yoy to Rs.716cr and EBITDA margin slipped by 165bp yoy to 10.9% during 3QFY2012. Interest expenses grew by 53.8% yoy to Rs.79cr and other income grew by 48.6% yoy to Rs.90cr. Consequently, net profit decreased by only 1.9% yoy to Rs.452cr (below our estimate of Rs.480cr). The company reported that all its expansion plans are on track. The stock is under review currently.

Ambuja Cements

During 4QCY2011, Ambuja Cements’ standalone top line increased strongly by 30.2% yoy to Rs.2,329cr on account of 17.5% yoy improvement in realization to Rs.4,197/tonne and a 10.8% yoy increase in volumes to 5.55mn tonnes. OPM declined by 60bp yoy to 19.1% on account of higher raw-material costs, power and fuel costs and freight costs. On the bottom-line front, net profit for the quarter rose by 17% yoy to Rs.302cr, aided by better operating performance, 72.2% yoy growth in other income to Rs.65cr and 53% saving in interest expense to Rs.10cr. Reported net profit was lower by Rs.33cr on account of an exceptional item relating to change in accounting method for stock options, adjusting for which net profit would have grown by 30% yoy. We continue to remain Neutral on the stock.

ACC

ACC posted 27.8% yoy growth in its standalone net sales to Rs.2,503cr on account of 17.8% growth in sales volumes and 20.3% higher realization. The company’s sales volumes for the quarter stood at 5.95mn tonnes, up 6.3% yoy, on account of higher capacity (on a yoy basis) operational at Wadi and Chanda during the quarter. Further, realization stood higher by 20.3% yoy to Rs.4,206/tonne. Despite the substantial yoy improvement in realization, OPM rose only marginally by 100bp due to the surge in operating costs. The company’s net profit rose by 83.8% yoy to Rs.470cr. The company’s profit was boosted by tax credit of Rs.228cr during the quarter (vs. 82cr in 4QCY2010), adjusted for which profit would have been at Rs.242cr higher by 39.3% yoy. We remain Neutral on the stock.

Apollo Tyres

Apollo Tyres (APTY) registered robust results for 3QFY2012 with consolidated top line posting better-than-expected 36.3% yoy (12.4% qoq) growth to Rs.3,228cr, aided by an 18.2% yoy (8.3% qoq) jump in volumes and 15.3% yoy (3.8% qoq) increase in net average realization. Domestic, Europe and South Africa revenue grew strongly by 46.2%, 26.3% and 27.9% yoy, respectively. Operating margin expanded by 202bp qoq to 10%, mainly due to 100bp savings on the raw-material front. As a result, adjusted net profit grew by 63.8% qoq to Rs.127cr. However, on a yoy basis, adjusted net profit reported modest 5.8% yoy growth, largely due to contraction in operating margin and higher interest expense (up 38.2% to Rs.73cr). During the quarter, APTY made a provision of Rs.29cr in relation to a penalty following settlement agreement with South Africa Competition Commission for the company’s operations in South Africa. At Rs.76, the stock is trading at 6.8x its FY2013E earnings. We retain our Buy recommendation on the stock; however, the target price is under review. We shall release a detailed result note soon.

MRF – 1QSY2012

MRF reported top-line growth of 32.7% yoy to Rs.3,138cr in 1QSY2012 from Rs.2,367cr in 1QSY2011. The company’s EBITDA margin came in at 9.0%, 174bp higher on a qoq basis, on account of a decrease in overall expenses as a percentage of sales. On the profitability front, MRF reported an increase of 9.7% yoy, from Rs.103cr to Rs.113cr. We maintain our Buy recommendation on the stock with a target price at Rs.9,647, based on a target PE of 8x its SY2013E earnings.

Page Industries

Page Industries announced its 3QFY2012 numbers. The company’s net sales increased by 28.4% yoy to Rs.172cr (Rs.134cr). EBITDA improved only by 6.3% yoy to Rs.30cr (Rs.28cr), despite higher revenue growth due to margin compression. EBITDA margin declined by 356bp yoy to 17.2% (20.7%), mainly due to higher raw-material cost, which increased to 51.2% of net sales in 3QFY2012 vs. 48.3% of net sales in 3QFY2011. Despite lower growth in EBITDA, PAT increased by 27.6% yoy to Rs.20cr (Rs.16cr), in-line with top-line growth on the back of higher other income, which increased by 78.2% to Rs.4cr and lower tax rate, which came in at 31.5% in 3QFY2012 vs. 41.6% in 3QFY2011. PAT margin declined marginally by 7bp yoy to 11.6%. We will be coming out with a detailed report post management interaction. We continue to maintain our Neutral recommendation on the stock.

FAG Bearings - 4QCY2011

FAG Bearings (FAG) registered a strong performance in 4QCY2011, with betterthan- expected net sales growth of 31.4% yoy (4.8% qoq) to Rs.350cr against our expectation of Rs.310cr. EBITDA margin contracted by 150bp yoy (170bp qoq) to 18.1% mainly due to higher raw-material expenses. Raw-material cost increased primarily on the trading part of the business, which we believe could be due to the depreciation of INR against the Euro. Purchase of traded goods as a percentage of sales jumped substantially by 480bp yoy during the quarter. However, 380bp yoy savings in other expenditure arrested further fall in margins. Led by strong top-line performance net profit posted better-than-expected 27.3% yoy growth to Rs.43cr. We expect the company to sustain its strong performance going ahead, led by likely easing of interest rates from 1QFY2013, which is expected to revive demand in the automotive and industrial segment. We maintain our Buy view on the stock; however, our target price is under review.

Anant Raj

Anant Raj Industries announced its 3QFY2012 numbers. Net sales declined by 25.9% yoy to Rs.92cr (Rs.124cr), well below our estimate. EBITDA declined by 36.5% yoy to Rs.49cr (Rs.77cr) due to lower revenue and margin compression. EBITDA margin declined by 888bp yoy to 53.2% (62.1%). Adjusted PAT declined by 37.3% yoy to Rs.31cr (Rs.50cr) and PAT margin declined by 622bp yoy to 31.5% (50.3%), almost in-line with EBITDA margin contraction. We will be coming out with a detailed report post management interaction. We have an Accumulate rating on the stock with a target price of Rs.78.

HAIL – 4QCY2011

Honeywell announced its 4QCY2011 numbers. The top line grew by 21% qoq to Rs.503cr in 4QCY2011 from Rs.412cr in 4QCY2010. Annual sales for CY2011 stood at Rs.1619, 19% higher from CY2010. The company's margin came in at 9.1%, 259bp higher on a qoq basis, on account of a decrease in raw-material and employee cost as percentage of sales. Net profit for the quarter rose by 31.5% yoy, from Rs.25.7cr to Rs.33.9cr. Annual net profit stood at Rs.107cr, 6.7% higher yoy. We maintain our Buy recommendation on the stock; our target price is under review.

Dishman Pharmaceutical

For 3QFY2012, Dishman Pharmaceutical posted net sales of Rs.265.5cr, registering 14.5% yoy growth. The company’s growth was driven by the MM segment, which reported 30.9% yoy growth. The CRAMS segment reported 6.9% yoy growth. The company’s OPM came in at 15.9%; however, adjusted for forex losses, it stood at 20.1%. The company reported higher tax expenses during the quarter. Consequently, net profit came in at Rs.16.7cr, lower than our expectation of Rs.19.8cr. However, given the traction in growth and improving profitability, we maintain our Buy rating on the stock; the target price is under review.

JK Tyre

JK Tyre (JKI) reported dismal set of results for 3QFY2012, posting net loss on the bottom-line front, led by higher interest expense and forex loss of Rs.38cr. For 3QFY2012, net sales grew strongly by 20.7% yoy (10.4% qoq) to Rs.1,423cr. Operating performance bounced back sequentially with EBITDA margin expanding by 297bp to 5.1%, driven by raw-material cost savings (100bp qoq) and decline in other expenditure (200bp qoq). JKI, however, posted net loss of Rs.21cr on account of an 87.8% yoy increase in interest expense to Rs.45cr and forex loss of Rs.38cr. The stock rating is currently under review.

3QFY2012 - Result Previews

DLF

DLF is expected to announce its 3QFY2012 results. We expect the company’s net sales to increase by 9.6% yoy to Rs.2,719cr. EBITDA margin is expected to contract by 377bp yoy to 43.7% on account of higher input costs. Net profit is expected to decline by 11.1% yoy to Rs.414cr. We maintain our Neutral rating on the stock.

RCom

Reliance Communication (RCom) is slated to announce its 3QFY2012 results. We expect the company to record revenue of Rs.4,968cr, up 3.7% qoq. Growth is expected primarily on the back of qoq flat ARPM at Rs.0.45/min and 1.0% qoq growth in MOU to 229min. EBITDA margin is expected to increase by 83bp qoq to 29.1%. PAT for the quarter is expected to come in at Rs.144cr. We maintain our Neutral view on the stock.

Britannia

Britannia is expected to announce its 3QFY2012 results. For the quarter, we expect Britannia to report healthy 18% yoy growth in revenue to Rs.1,271 due to improvement in sales mix. For the quarter, we expect the company to report an 11bp yoy margin improvement. Earnings for the quarter is expected to grow by 20% yoy to Rs.45cr on the back of healthy top-line growth. At the CMP, the stock is trading at 21.7 x F2013E EPS of Rs.22.5. We recommend Neutral on the stock.

Aurobindo Pharma

For 3QFY2012, Aurobindo Pharma is expected to post net sales of Rs.1,295cr, registering 20.8% yoy growth. The company is expected to post OPM of 12.1%, reporting a dip of 652bp yoy. Net profit is expected to come in at Rs.98.5cr, down 49% yoy. At the CMP, the stock is trading at 8.4x FY2013. We continue to maintain our Buy recommendation on the stock with a target price of Rs.166.

CCCL

Consolidated Construction Consortium (CCCL) is expected to post modest 8.0% yoy growth in its top line to Rs.535.9cr, given the slow-moving infra orders forming ~40% of its total order book. On the EBITDA front, we expect the company to continue to report a dismal performance and register a dip of 654bp yoy to 3.2%, in-line with management's guidance. Against this backdrop, the bottom line is expected to post loss of Rs.5.2cr in 3QFY2012 vs. profit of Rs.16.7cr in 3QFY2011. We continue to maintain our Neutral view on the stock.

Economic and Political News
- Current account deficit seen widening as exports struggle
- Government nods for JVs by defense PSUs
- Exports up 10.1%; Imports jump by 20.3% in January 2012

Corporate News
- Additional tax on diesel cars will further impede industry growth: M&M
- CEAT to set up Rs.250cr plant in Bangladesh
- Tata Global, PepsiCo JV eyes Rs.700cr turnover in the next five years
- Tulip Telecom CEO Sanjay Jain quits
- Unity Infraprojects bags orders worth Rs.485cr

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Indian stock market and companies daily report (January 03, 2012, Tuesday)

Indian markets are expected to open in the green following positive cues from the European markets and the Asian markets. Asian stocks rose as manufacturing growth from Australia, China and India added to optimism that the region’s economies will withstand Europe’s unresolved sovereign debt crisis. Indian shares ended a choppy session modestly higher on Monday after the government said it would allow qualified foreign investors direct access to Indian stock markets from January 15. While the manufacturing PMI for India jumped to a six month high of 54.2, cheering investors, slowdown in exports to 3.9% yoy for the month of November restricted major upside movement in domestic equities. European stocks though kicked off the New Year in style on Monday, as the markets open for business rallied on hopes that 2012 will bring an end to the region's sovereign debt crisis. Also, German factory sector contracted less than initially estimated in December which led to further gains for European markets on Monday.

Markets Today

The trend deciding level for the day is 15,473/4,624 levels. If NIFTY trades above this level during the first half-an-hour of trade then we may witness a further rally up to 15,588 – 15,658/4,659 – 4,681 levels. However, if NIFTY trades below 15,473/4,624 levels for the first half-an-hour of trade then it may correct up to 15,403 – 15,288/4,601 – 4,566 levels.

Auto sales update – December 2011

Maruti Suzuki (MSIL)

MSIL registered a 7.1% yoy (flat mom) decline in overall volumes to 92,161 units, led by weak performance in domestic markets. Domestic performance during the month witnessed a 13.4% yoy (6.5% mom) decline to 77,475 units, primarily due to subdued demand for passenger cars. Export volumes, however, overshadowed the weak domestic performance, as it recorded impressive 50.5% yoy (65% mom) growth to 14,686 units. The mini segment registered a decline of 15.6% yoy (flat mom), while the compact segment posted flat yoy (6.8% mom) growth. Production during the month was impacted, as the company’s plants were shut for six days in December on account of annual maintenance.

Hero MotoCorp (HMCL)

HMCL reported in-line growth of 7.8% yoy (0.7% mom) in total volumes to 540,276 units. New product launches and refreshed product ranges continued to support HMCL’s volume momentum across product segments. Management has indicated that it further intends to consolidate the company’s leadership position with new product launches and network expansion.

Bajaj Auto (BJAUT)

BJAUT posted lower-than-expected volumes for December 2011, led by moderate growth in the motorcycle segment. Total volumes recorded modest growth of 10.4% yoy (18.4% mom decline) to 305,690 units, primarily due to weak 8.2% yoy (substantial fall of 20.6% mom) growth in the motorcycle segment. Three-wheelers, on the other hand, sustained their strong momentum, reporting 26.8% yoy (down 1.2% mom) growth. Exports also maintained their growth trajectory, witnessing growth of 25.5% yoy (down 7.4% mom) in December 2011.

TVS Motor (TVSL)

TVSL reported poor numbers for December 2011, as total volumes declined by 0.8% yoy (2.9% mom) to 170,428 units. The weak performance can be attributed to slowdown in TVSL’s motorcycle segment, which declined by 7.7% yoy (9.5% mom). The scooters and mopeds segments also witnessed moderate growth of 7.2% (1.1% mom) and 2% yoy (flat mom), respectively, in December 2011. Three-wheeler volumes during the month fell steeply by 26.5% yoy (6.8% mom) to 2,523 units.

Govt. raises export duty on iron ore; Sesa Goa to be the worst hit

The government has raised export duty on iron ore to ad valorem 30% on lumps and fines, with effect from December 30, 2011, compared to 20% earlier. Iron ore exports from India have already declined by 25.2% to 35.4mn tonnes from April- October 2011 on account of export ban in Karnataka, stringent measures in issuing export permits in Odisha, a sharp decline in international iron ore price  and increased export duty. Post the export duty hike, rise in rail freight and the recent iron ore price decline are expected to severely affect iron ore exports from India. Before the export duty hike (as per Federation of Indian Mineral Industries), total iron ore exports during FY2012 were estimated to be 60mn tonnes compared to its previous estimate of 75.0mn tonnes. We now expect iron ore exports to be lower than 60mn tonnes during FY2012.

We do not expect any impact on NMDC’s financials due to hike in export duty, as we do not anticipate any exports of iron ore by NMDC during FY2012 and FY2013. However, we have lowered Sesa Goa’s EBITDA estimates for FY2012 and FY2013 by 8.1% and 9.1% to Rs.3,314cr and Rs.3,712cr, respectively. Also, we believe some of the Karnataka iron ore would now be sold domestically. Nevertheless, we believe the current stock price discounts negatives such as acquisition of a minority stake in the unrelated oil business via acquisition of Cairn India’s stake, increased export duty, higher railway freight and lower volumes from Goa mines. We recommend Buy on the stock with an SOTP-based target price of Rs.195 (Rs.213 earlier).

L&T bags orders worth Rs.2,056cr

Larsen & Toubro's (L&T) construction arm has bagged new projects worth Rs.2,056cr across various categories in December 2011. Of these projects, two orders worth Rs.1,262cr in the water and effluent treatment segment was bagged by the company. In the buildings and factories category, a project worth Rs.388cr was bagged for constructing residential towers. In the rail infrastructure segment, orders aggregating to Rs.406cr have been grabbed from various clients. With these orders, the company’s outstanding order book stands at ~Rs.1,52,609cr (3.5x FY2011 revenue), providing good revenue visibility. This order booking takes the company’s total declared orders to ~Rs.10,420cr in 3QFY2012 against orders worth Rs.13,336cr received in 3QFY2011. The drying up of order inflows is one of the major concerns for the stock and has led to underperformance in the recent past.

At the CMP of Rs.1,009, the stock is trading at PE of 9.7x FY2013E earnings, after adjusting for investments, which is below the historical trading multiple for L&T and we believe factors in most of the negatives surrounding the stock. We have used the SOTP methodology to value the company to capture all its business initiatives and investments/stakes in the different businesses. Ascribing separate values to its parent business on a P/E basis and investments in subsidiaries on P/E, P/BV and mcap basis, our target price works out to Rs.1,453, which provides 44.0% upside from current levels. Hence, we maintain our Buy recommendation on the stock.

IVRCL bags orders worth Rs.732cr

IVRCL has bagged orders aggregating to Rs.732cr across the buildings, transportation, mining, water and solar power divisions. The company’s buildings division has secured orders worth Rs.404.6cr, including those from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal; Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.; Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.; and National Institute of Biomedical genomics, West Bengal. While the transportation division secured an order worth Rs.251.4cr from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd., the mining division bagged an order worth Rs.45.4cr from Hindustan Copper Ltd. Further, orders worth Rs.19.4cr and Rs.11.4cr have been bagged for water and solar power projects, respectively. With these orders, IVRCL’s order book stands at ~Rs.26,232cr (4.6x FY2011 revenue).

We have valued IVRCL on an SOTP basis. The company’s core construction business is valued at P/E of 6x FY2013E EPS of 4.6 (Rs.27.8/share), whereas its stake in subsidiaries, IVR Prime (Rs.10.9/share) and Hindustan Dorr-Oliver (Rs.2.9/share), has been valued on mcap basis, post assigning a 30% holding company discount. At the CMP of Rs.29, the stock is trading at 6.3x FY2013E EPS and 0.4x FY2013E P/BV on a standalone basis. Thus, on the back of the company’s robust order book-to-sales ratio (4.6x FY2011 revenue) and attractive valuations, we maintain our Buy view on the stock with a target price of Rs.42.

Economic and Political News
- November exports rise 3.9% to US$22.3bn yoy
- November imports rise 24.5% to US$35.9bn yoy
- No outside control must be imposed on media: PM

Corporate News
- ONGC to invest Rs.15,000cr in KG gas find
- Coal India expects higher revenue to offset wage hikes
- M&M tractor sales for December 2011 rise marginally

Share Market Update on Central Bank of India for 1QFY2012

Share Market Update on Central Bank of India for 1QFY2012 with a Neutral recommendation.

For 1QFY2012, Central Bank of India posted a 16.6% yoy decline in its net profit primarily due to higher provisions. However, results were above our estimates on lower-than-estimated operating expenses. A sharp sequential dip in NIM and high slippages despite the pending switchover to system-based NPA platform were the key highlights of the results. We maintain our Neutral view on the stock.

NIM dips on lower yield on investments; slippages remain elevated: The bank’s business momentum slowed during the usually lean quarter. Advances declined by 2.8% qoq (up 17.2% yoy) and deposits increased by 3.6% qoq (up 20.3% yoy). CASA deposits growth moderated to 14.7% yoy, resulting in a 259bp qoq decline in CASA ratio to 32.6%. Bulk deposits and CDs constituted a relatively higher ~33% of total deposits. The reduction in CASA ratio and the higher interest rate environment resulted in a sharp 72bp qoq rise in cost of deposits to 6.8%. The yield on advances went up by 77bp qoq to 11.4%. Reported NIM declined sharply by 48bp qoq to 3.0% primarily due to fall in yield on investments (fall of 73bp qoq). The sequential decline in NIM was exacerbated by the benefit of interest on income tax refund of ~`130cr in 4QFY2011. Overall asset quality of the bank deteriorated during the quarter, with annualised slippage ratio remaining elevated at 1.8% (1.1% in 1QFY2011) and net NPAs rising by 27.7% qoq. Slippages remained elevated at 1.8% as compared to 1.1% in 1QFY2011. Provision coverage ratio including technical write-offs declined to 65.2% from 67.6% in 4QFY2011. The bank is yet to switchover to the system-based NPA recognition platform, which could result in a substantial rise in slippages given the bank’s rural branches (37%) and a relatively large agri (16%) portfolio.

Outlook and valuation: At the CMP, the stock is trading at cheap valuations of 0.8x FY2013E ABV compared to its trading range of 0.5–1.5x with a median of 1.1x since listing in 2007. However, due to near-term asset-quality concerns because of system-based NPA recognition, we remain Neutral on the stock.