Thematic | July 2021
l rrrrrrr
Automobiles: Tyres
High
imports
High
Capex
Weak
demand
Ready to roll
Jinesh Gandhi - Research analyst
(Jinesh@MotilalOswal.com)
Research analyst - Vipul Agrawal, CFA -
(Vipul.Agrawal@MotilalOswal.com);
Aniket Desai
(Aniket.Desai@MotilalOswal.com)
Motilal Oswal research is available on www.motilaloswal.com/Institutional-Equities, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, Factset and S&P Capital.
Investors are advised to refer through important disclosures made at the last page of the Research Report.
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Content:
Ready to roll
Tyres
01
Page #3-6
Summary/Story in charts
04
Page #16
2W Tyres: Least competitive,
most profitable
07
Page #24
Framework to evaluate Tyre
companies
02
Page #9
Volume recovery across segments
05
Page #18
PCR: Highest growth potential,
pricing power, and capex
08
Page #30
Valuations
03
Page #15
TII framework to analyze segments
06
Page #20
T&B: Good growth ahead in highly
competitive segment
09
Page #31
Key risks
Apollo Tyres
Improved competitive positioning
in both India and EU
Page #33
Balkrishna
Industries
Aspiring for a bigger share of the global pie
Page #51
Ceat
Stepping up its game
Page #65
MRF
Competition catching up
Page #75
2
July 2021
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Automobiles: Tyres
Ready to roll
Return of growth, supported by timely capacity addition | APTY is our top pick
The Indian Tyre industry is expected to recover from five years of weakness and be on
a linear growth path (~12% CAGR over FY21-25E), supported by timely capacity
expansion across companies. Improving demand, stable competitive intensity, and
peak capex (capex of INR116b over FY22-24E v/s INR135.5b over FY19-21) augurs well
for profitability.
We estimate 2W/PCR/T&B tyre volumes to clock 8%/11%/13% CAGR over FY21-25E.
This coupled with a reasonable pricing environment and operating leverage, will
enable a recovery in profitability and capital efficiency.
Against this favorable backdrop, we have built a Tyre Industry Investment (TII)
framework to evaluate the attractiveness of various tyre segments as well as
companies. Based on our analysis, 2Ws appear to be the best placed segment,
followed by PCR. APTY tops our TII framework as it offers a good blend of strong
earnings growth and cheap valuations.
We initiate coverage on three stocks – APTY (Buy), BIL (Neutral), and MRF (Neutral).
APTY is our top pick due to benefits from: a) ramp-up of new capacities, b) reduction
in capex intensity, c) EU operation turnaround, and d) debt reduction. This translates
in the best earnings growth for our Tyre sector universe, which is still available at very
attractive valuations.
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Companies covered
Apollo Tyres
Balkrishna Industries
Ceat
MRF
Recovery in volumes, stable competitive environment to support margins
Expect Tyre industry to grow at
10% CAGR over FY20-25E
India Tyre Industry (INR b)
966
600
500
250
The Indian Tyre industry is expected to recover from five years of weakness and
be on a linear growth path (~12% CAGR over FY21-25E), supported by timely
capacity expansion across companies. Sustained recovery in demand from both
replacement and OEM segment, coupled with increase in exports would drive
8%/11%/13% volume CAGR over FY21-25E for 2W/PCR/T&B tyres.
The RM basket witnessed a sharp price decrease in 1HFY21 (~620bp over FY20
average), before the trend reversal from 3QFY21 (RM basket per kg increased by
~10pp in 2H over 1HFY21; the same in 1QFY22 is ~18% higher than its FY21
average). Since Dec’20, Tyre companies have taken a price hike of ~8% till
Jun’21. We estimate gross margin for Tyre companies to decline by 80-110bp
over FY21-23E.
This coupled with operating leverage, will enable a recovery in profitability
(after impact of higher RM cost in FY22E) and capital efficiency (~190bp over
FY21E).
Capex intensity has peaked out in our view, with cumulative capex for APTY,
CEAT and MRF to reduce to ~INR116b over FY22-24E (v/s INR135.5b over FY19-
21). FY21 utilization across segments has been 63%-72% as large part of
capacities are in ramp-up mode after start of operations over last 12-18 months.
July 2021
3
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
TII for evaluating segments
Blended score [scale of three]
T&B
1.7
Consumer segments of 2W/PCR most preferable
Operating dynamics are different in each segment (T&B, PCR, and 2W/3W) of the
Tyre industry. It depends on factors such as end-user mix/preferences, market
share concentration, and demand-supply dynamics. For a relative analysis, we
have a built a framework with growth potential, competitive intensity,
incremental capacity, pricing power, customer stickiness, and profitability as key
pillars.
2.2
PCR
2W
2.7
The HHI Index suggests high
consolidation in 2Ws and TBR
HHI Index
2,688
2,490
2W segment ranks first,
scoring high in terms of profitability/capital efficiency,
customer stickiness, and competitive intensity. Though it enjoys the highest
asset turnover and capital efficiency, it has the greatest capacity addition. 2Ws
are at the forefront in terms of the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI) score,
indicating this segment enjoys high concentration, with the top three players
accounting for 85-90% of the market.
PCR segment ranks second.
While the segment has a good growth potential
(FY19-23E) and pricing power, it is witnessing a good amount of capacity
addition in a fragmented segment (the lowest rank in the HHI Index).
T&B segment ranks the lowest.
While the T&B segment is likely to witness the
highest growth and the lowest capacity addition, the inherent commercial
functionality of the sector and the relevance of ‘total cost of ownership’ in
purchasing decisions restrict customer stickiness, pricing power, and
profitability. Also, the risk of imports is the highest in this segment.
APTY is our top pick among mainstream players, CEAT attractive too
1,777
We evaluate Tyre companies based on their brand ranking, revenue mix, pricing
power, headroom for growth, cost competitiveness, and financial strength. Our
framework ranks companies on their relative attractiveness on the
aforementioned operating parameters. We assign a 75% weightage to these
operating parameters (equal weight for each parameter) and 25% weightage to
the valuation score to identify potential winners.
2Ws
T&B
PCR
TII framework for companies
APTY
3.9
BIL
3.5
3.4
MRF
3.7
CEAT
APTY our top pick among mainstream players; initiate coverage with a Buy
rating:
APTY is geared for the next leg of growth, with sufficient capacity to
cater to domestic/European demand. It would benefit from: a) ramp-up of new
capacities, b) reduction in capex intensity, c) EU operation turnaround, and d)
debt reduction. As compared to its peers, APTY offers the best blend of earnings
growth and cheap valuations. The stock trades at 11.9x/9.7x FY22E/FY23E
consolidated EPS. We initiate coverage on the stock with a
Buy
rating and a TP
of INR300 (12x Sep-23 consolidated EPS v/s 16x/12x five/10 year average P/E).
BIL – superior business model fully captured in premium valuations; initiate
coverage with a Neutral rating:
BIL ranks the highest among domestic peers in
terms of cost competitiveness and financial strength. We expect BIL’s
outperformance to the industry to continue, with the focus on strengthening its
competitive positioning. With a current market share of ~6% in the USD15b
global Specialty Tyre segment, BIL aspires to increase this to 10% over the next
4-5 years. We estimate 20%/22%/22% revenue/EBITDA/PAT growth over FY21-
23E. Current valuations fairly reflect for its industry leading margin, FCF, and
4
July 2021
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
capital efficiencies, the current valuation premium is excessive. We value BIL at
25x Sep-23 EPS (at a 25%/80% premium to its 5/10 year average P/E of 20x/14x)
with a TP of INR2,425. Initiate coverage with a
Neutral
rating.
CEAT – Highest potential for growth, maintain Buy:
CEAT’s steadfast focus on
the B2C segment continues, with a revenue target of 60-65% from the 2W, PCR,
and OHT segments. It is backing its market share aspirations in 2W, PCR, and
TBR with significant capacity additions. We expect revenue/EBITDA/PAT CAGR
of ~16%/15%/7% over FY21-23E. Valuations at 10.9x FY23E consolidated EPS
doesn’t fully capture ramp-up in new capacities in an improving demand
environment, leading to a recovery in margin. We maintain our
Buy
rating with
a TP of ~INR1,850 (~13x Sep-23 consolidated EPS).
MRF – Dilution in competitive positioning not reflected in premium valuations;
initiate coverage with a Neutral rating:
MRF has managed to create a strong
brand in major segments of T&B, 2W, and PCR over the years. However,
aggressive competition has weakened its competitive positioning, which is also
reflected in its dilution of pricing power in the PCR and TBR segments as well as
in its superior return ratios. The current valuations at 24.7x/20.7x FY22E/FY23E
EPS fairly capture the changing competitive dynamics for MRF. We initiate
coverage on MRF with a
Neutral
rating and TP of INR84,000 (20x Sep-23 EPS).
Exhibit 1: Comparative valuation table
Price
(INR)
APTY
BIL
CEAT
MRF
225
2,349
1,427
82,067
M-cap
(INR b)
143
454
58
348
Upside
(%)
33
3
30
2
Rating
Buy
Neutral
Buy
Neutral
CAGR (FY21-23E)
Sales EBITDA EPS
13.5
20.1
15.7
11.7
16.1
22.0
14.7
10.3
42.2
21.5
6.9
14.8
P/E
EV/EBITDA
RoE (%)
RoCE (%)
FY22E FY23E FY22E FY23E FY22E FY23E FY22E FY23E
11.9
31.5
16.4
24.7
9.7
26.1
10.9
20.7
5.4
19.9
7.7
9.8
4.4
16.5
5.7
8.3
9.1
22.1
10.1
10.0
10.4
22.6
13.7
10.8
8.3
19.1
9.0
10.0
9.3
19.9
11.3
11.0
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
5
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Key thesis in charts: Ready to roll
Tyre industry overview
India Tyre Industry (INR b)
India’s Tyre sector grew
966
500
250
FY10
FY15
FY20
FY25E
9% CAGR
over
the last 10 years
600
T&B is the largest segment, with ~54%
revenue share (FY20)
Industrial & others, 2
Tractors, 8
2W/ 3W,
13%
Truck and bus,
Replacement remains the dominant
segment of the industry (FY20, %)
62
54%
27
11
Passenger
cars, 14
LCV, 9
Replacement
OEM
Exports
Key segments of the Indian tyre industry
T&B: INR324b FY20 revenues
TBB
MKT Share
TBR
15%
32%
30%
24%
31%
30%
22%
8%
RANK
85%
12%
T&B
RANK
Truck & Bus (T&B)
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Key thesis in charts: Ready to roll
PCR: INR84b FY20 revenues
PCR
MKT Share
Utilization
39%
22%
21%
65%
67%
61%
PCR
2Ws: INR78b FY20 revenues
20%
14%
RANK
2Ws
MKT Share
FY21 FY23E
PCR
Utilization
45%
35%
29%
24%
5%
2Ws
RANK
TII framework for evaluating segments of tyre industry
Blended
Score
[Scale of 3]
2.2
PCR
T&B
1.7
72%
68%
55%
FY21 FY23E
2Ws
2.7
2W
2Ws
3
Profitability
Pricing
power
Growth
potential
2
3
Competitive
intensity
Incremental
3
capacities
PCR
Growth
potential
3
Profitability
2
1
1
3
Customer
stickiness
T&B
Growth
potential
3
Competitive
intensity
Incremental
capacities
Profitability
1
1
1
2
Competitive
intensity
2
3
Customer
stickiness
Pricing power
3
Pricing power
2
Incremental
capacities
Customer
stickiness
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Key thesis in charts: Ready to roll
Price increases in replacement has been gradual
RM Basket QoQ Chg (%)
Price hike (%)
4.8
10.8
8.4
0
-2.9
-2.5
0
-1.0
0
-4.2
1
2.5
2
4
40.8
Gross margins to decline over FY21 levels
FY20
42.3
40.4
FY21
41.5
38.2
FY22E
FY23E
42.2
40.3
38.5
39.2
43.9
41.6
43.0
0
-1.7
-0.9
1
MRF
APTY (S/A)
CEAT
Capex intensity to moderate…
Agg Capex (INR b)
18.7
10.7
6.4
12.4
13.3
10.3
7.0
10.7
% of sales
…driving improvement in FCF generation
Agg FCF (INR b)
8.1
7.1
6.6
16
18
-9
8
-23
-13
47
-7
21
33
37
18.2 37.1 35.0 32.6 47.0 63.8 24.6 44.5 37.0 34.5 34.5
TII FRAMEWORK FOR THE COMPANIES: APTY Ranks Highest
Financial
strength
5.0
Financial
strength
2.8
Brand ranking
4.2
Brand ranking
2.5
2.5
Pricing
power
4.1
Revenue
mix
3.6
Pricing
power
3.8
APTY
3.9
Cost
compete-
tiveness
3.0
4.0
Headroom
to grow
5.0
Cost
compete-
tiveness
3.0
Headroom
to grow
Revenue
mix
BIL
3.5
3.4
MRF
Brand ranking
3.2
3.7
CEAT
Financial
3.3
strength
Cost
3.0
compete-
tiveness
3.4
Pricing
power
4.0
5.0
Headroom
to grow
Revenue
mix
Financial
strength
3.5
Brand ranking
4.3
4.4
Pricing
power
3.9
Revenue
mix
Cost
3.5
compete-
4.0
tiveness Headroom
to grow
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Volume recovery across segments…
…supported by timely capacity additions
The Indian Tyre industry is expected to recover from five years of weakness and be on
a linear growth path (~12% CAGR over FY21-25E), supported by timely capacity
expansion across companies.
A sustained recovery in demand from both the Replacement and OEM segments,
coupled with an increase in exports, would drive 8%/11%/13% volume CAGR over
FY21-25E for 2W/PCR/T&B tyres.
Over the last three years, all relevant players had embarked on capacity additions
across segments. They began operations in the last 9-15 months, and are in varied
stages of ramp-up. As a result, current utilization across segments range from 63-72%.
Capex intensity is expected to have peaked out, with cumulative capex for APTY,
CEAT, and MRF to reduce to ~INR116b over FY22-24E (or 8.5% of sales v/s 12.9% of
sales over FY19-21). We estimate FCF generation to improve substantially over FY22-
24E, with aggregate FCF of INR47b (v/s just INR11b over FY19-21).
Volume recovery to sustain across segments
Tyre industry volumes are
estimated to grow by 12%
CAGR over FY21-25E driven
by a recovery in both
Replacement and OEM
segments
We expect the volume recovery from 2HFY21 to sustain as the Replacement and
OEM segments are expected to recover from a weak demand environment over
the last five years.
The demand environment was impacted over the last five years (~1% volume
CAGR over FY16-21), led by weak OEM volumes, a feeble economic
environment, impact of GST, and higher imports.
While OEM demand is expected to see a cyclical recovery over the next 2-3
years, Replacement demand is expected to benefit from pent-up demand,
import restrictions, and premiumization witnessed across the Automotive
segments in the last five years.
The Indian Tyre industry is expected to recover from five years of weakness and
be on a linear growth path (~12% CAGR over FY21-25E), supported by timely
capacity expansion across companies.
Sustained recovery in demand from both Replacement and OEM segments,
coupled with an increase in exports, would drive 8%/11%/13% volume CAGR
over FY21-25E for 2W/PCR/T&B tyres.
Exhibit 2: India’s Tyre sector clocks 9% CAGR over the last 10 years
Tyre sector size in India (INR b)
43.3
20.0
7.0
250
FY10
300
FY11
430
FY12
460
FY13
3.3
475
FY14
5.3
500
FY15
4.0
520
FY16
1.9
530
FY17
7.5
570
FY18
10.5
(4.8)
FY20
600
yoy growth %
630
FY19
Source: ATMA, Companies, MOFSL
July 2021
9
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Exhibit 3: Expect Indian domestic Tyre industry to grow by 12% CAGR over FY21-25E
'000 MT
2Ws
Growth (%)
PCR
Growth (%)
TBB
Growth (%)
TBR
Growth (%)
Total T&B
Growth (%)
Total Dom. Vols.
Growth (%)
FY15
196
21.8
307
10.8
478
-6.3
314
31.3
792
5.7
1,294
9.1
FY16
207
5.8
335
9.4
470
-1.7
353
12.3
823
3.8
1,365
5.5
FY17
235
13.7
353
5.4
435
-7.5
355
0.8
790
-3.9
1,379
1.0
FY18
254
7.8
366
3.5
426
-2.1
446
25.5
872
10.3
1,491
8.1
FY19
278
9.5
366
0.0
452
6.2
557
24.8
1,009
15.8
1,653
10.8
FY20
254
-8.5
348
-4.8
369
-18.4
473
-15.1
842
-16.6
1,444
-12.6
FY21
236
-7.4
298
-14.5
365
-1.2
493
4.2
857
1.9
1,390
-3.7
FY22E
265
12.5
370
24.2
378
3.7
652
32.4
1,030
20.2
1,665
19.7
FY23E
288
8.8
399
7.8
388
2.5
787
20.6
1,174
14.0
1,861
11.8
FY24E
305
5.8
425
6.7
395
2.0
914
16.3
1,310
11.5
2,040
9.6
FY25E
322
5.8
452
6.2
398
0.7
1,009
10.4
1,407
7.5
2,182
6.9
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
Timely capacity addition to aid recovery
With capacity utilization
across segments at 63-72%
and ramp-up of recently
added capacities, the
industry is well prepared for
expected growth
Over the last three years, all relevant players had embarked on capacity
additions across segments. They started operations in the last 9-15 months, and
are in varied stages of a ramp-up.
In the 2W Tyre segment, ~15% capacity (of FY18) was added in the last three
years. Planned capacity additions stand ~24% of current industry capacity, with
a gradual commissioning of capacity. Capacity utilization currently stands ~72%.
In the PCR segment, ~17% of FY18 capacity got added in the last three years,
and a further ~30% addition is planned over FY21 levels. Capacity utilization
currently stands ~65% and is expected to improve to 77% by FY25E.
Overall T&B tyre capacity addition is ~16%, which is the lowest among all
segments, as the TBR segment would see ~31% addition over FY21-23E (on the
back of a 24% addition over the last three years). Based on our growth forecasts
for the TBR segment, utilization would improve to ~100% by FY25 (v/s 63% in
FY21).
Exhibit 5: Utilization levels to be higher in the TBR segment
FY21
205
72%
68%
65%
FY23E
67%
63%
83%
Exhibit 4: Capacity additions highest in 2Ws (’000 MT)
Existing
Addition
205
128
333
2W
166
507
PCR
707
TBR
1,361
T&B Total
2W
PCR
TBR
Source: ATMA, Companies, MOFSL
Source: ATMA, Companies, MOFSL
July 2021
10
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Peak capex is behind us, expect FCF to improve
The Indian Tyre industry has added ~40% capacity over FY19-22E. This entailed
substantial capex of ~13% of sales over FY19-21 (aggregate capex of INR135.5b
for MRF, APTY, and CEAT).
Capex intensity is expected to have peaked out, with cumulative capex for APTY,
CEAT, and MRF to reduce to ~INR116b over FY22-24E (or 8.5% of sales). While
capex would be required in downstream equipment for attaining nameplate
capacity, the intensity would be much lower than the last three years.
We estimate FCF generation to improve substantially over the next three years,
with an aggregate FCF of INR47b over FY22-24E (v/s just INR11b over FY19-21).
Exhibit 6: Capex intensity to moderate…
Agg Capex (INR b)
% of sales
12.4
10.7
10.3
6.4
18.2
37.1
35.0
32.6
47.0
63.8
18.7
13.3
10.7
7.0
8.1
7.1
6.6
34.5
24.6
44.5
37.0
34.5
Source: ATMA, Companies, MOFSL
Exhibit 7: …driving an improvement in FCF generation
Agg FCF (INR b)
16
18
-9
8
-23
-13
47
-7
21
33
37
Source: ATMA, Companies, MOFSL
July 2021
11
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
RM cost in an inflationary phase
Pricing actions a key monitorable as the pass through is gradual
RM costs and competitive intensity are among the key factors that drive pricing in the
Tyre industry.
Historically, the cost pass through has been gradual as against a spurt in RM prices,
resulting in wild swings in the gross margins of Tyre companies.
The RM basket witnessed a sharp price decrease in 1HFY21 (~620bp over FY20
average), before the trend reversal from 3QFY21 (RM basket per kg increased by
~10pp in 2H over 1HFY21; the same in 1QFY22 is ~18% higher than its FY21 average).
Since Dec’20, Tyre companies have taken a price hike of ~9-10% till Jun’21.
We expect gross margin for Tyre companies to decline by 80-110bp over FY21-23E.
RM cost, competitive intensity drive pricing in most segments
RM cost is largely
dependent on natural
rubber/crude derivatives
(~44%/45-50% of RM cost)
Natural rubber and crude-related derivatives (like synthetic rubber, carbon
black, and nylon tyre cord fabric) are major constituents of RM cost for a tyre.
Segment-wise dynamics differ significantly. As a result, pricing actions, too, are
taken differently across segments. While OEM pricing is linked to the RM basket
and the pass through happens with a lag, pricing in the Replacement market is
largely driven by competitive intensity in the segment.
Price hikes are usually taken with a lag and in a staggered manner, and thus,
short-term margins may be susceptible to sharp RM cost movements.
It is relatively easy to pass on price hikes in Consumer segments like PCR and
2Ws as buying decisions there are based more on brand strength.
In the Commercial segment of T&B, where consumers look for quality at a
reasonable price, the brand preference is more fungible in nature. It thus
becomes key to maintain the same level of pricing difference vis-à-vis
competitors. Therefore, taking proactive price hikes by a single
manufacturer is difficult.
Exhibit 8: RM constituents by value (%) for the Tyre industry
5
2
3
13
4
44
3 3
Natural Rubber
Carbon Black
Nylon Tyre Cord Fabric
Rubber Chemicals
Butyl Rubber
Poly-Butadiene rubber
23
Styrene Butadiene rubber
Source: Industry, MOFSL
July 2021
12
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Price actions usually lag RM price movement
Pass through of commodity
cost is linked to competitive
and import intensity, and
are usually gradual in
nature. For a 10% increase
in RM basket, a price hike of
5-6% is required
We analyzed how Tyre manufacturers reacted in the past to RM price
movement, noting how price actions lag the RM cost increase, with companies
gradually passing on both benefits and impact of cost inflation.
Interactions with channel partners suggest that price actions have been slow
due to intense competition.
Tyre companies have consistently been taking small price hikes since the price
of rubber and crude derivatives started moving up in 3QFY21. The RM basket
witnessed a sharp price decrease in 1HFY21 (~620bp over FY20 on an average).
However, the trend reversed from 3QFY21 as the RM basket (per kg) increased
by ~10pp in 2H over 1HFY21. The same in 1QFY22 is ~18% higher than its FY21
average.
Since Dec’20, Tyre companies have taken a 9-10% price hike till Jun’21, as
against the required price hike of 13-14% to pass on the entire cost inflation.
Exhibit 9: Changes in spot prices in the RM basket impacts P&L with a lag
1,000
500
0
-500
-1,000
RM Basket (bps QoQ)
Agg RMC (bps QoQ)
Source: Companies, Bloomberg, MOFSL
Exhibit 10: Price hikes usually occur gradually, resulting in a transitory impact on margins
15.0%
7.5%
0.0%
-7.5%
-15.0%
RM Basket QoQ Movement
APTY'v Price hike QoQ
Source: Companies, Bloomberg, MOFSL
RM cost inflation will restrict margin expansion over FY21-23E
RM basket witnesses 26%
inflation since 2QFY21,
whereas the corresponding
price increases are 9-10%,
implying a transitory
pressure on margin
RM prices have been on an up move after bottoming out in 1HFY21. Natural
rubber/crude prices are 28%/57% higher from the lows of 2QFY21 (20%/49%
higher v/s its FY21 average).
Against the ~26% increase in the RM basket since 2QFY21, the price rise in the
Replacement market has been 9-10% (v/s a requirement of 13-14%).
We expect RM cost to stay firm over the next few quarters, and hence estimate
an 80-110bp decline in the gross margins of Tyre companies over FY21-23E.
July 2021
13
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Exhibit 11: Natural rubber (INR/kg Kottayam RSS 4) prices
see a sharp rise since 3QFY21
190
170
150
130
110
Exhibit 12: Crude (USD/bbl) sees a sharp recovery since
3QFY21
100
80
60
40
20
Source: Bloomberg, MOFSL
Source: Bloomberg, MOFSL
Exhibit 13: Expect gross margins to improve for APTY in FY23E and remain stable
FY20
42.3
40.8
40.4
41.5
38.2
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
42.2
40.3
38.5
39.2
43.9
41.6
43.0
MRF
APTY (S/A)
CEAT
Source: Companies, MOFSL
July 2021
14
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
TII framework to analyze segments
Prefer Consumer segments of 2W/PCR given better operating dynamics
The operating dynamics within each segment of the Tyre sector significantly vary
depending on factors such as end-user mix/preferences, market share concentration,
demand-supply dynamics, among others. Against this backdrop, we believe a relative
analysis of major segments would enable us to evaluate our preferences within the Tyre
sector. We have, therefore, built a TII framework to gauge the attractiveness of these
segments. Following are the key pillars of our framework (each equally weighed):
Growth potential:
Refers to both volume and value growth potential for the segment
over FY20-23E.
Competitive intensity:
Extent of competitive intensity for the segment, based on HHI.
Incremental capacity:
Analysis of incremental capacity over FY20-23E, based on existing
capacity expansion plans of companies.
Customer stickiness:
A function of brand relevance in the segment. Customer stickiness
varies based on the end-user mix.
Pricing power:
A function of the segment’s ability to pass on price hikes/cuts to end-
customers.
Profitability and capital efficiency:
Profit margin and capital efficiency of each segment.
Exhibit 14: Prefer the Consumer segments of 2W and PCR as they enjoy brand loyalty,
pricing power, and better profitability
Based on our analysis, 2Ws
appear to be the best
placed segment, followed
by PCR, due to higher brand
salience and resultant
better profitability
Parameters [scale of three]
Growth potential
Competitive intensity
Incremental capacities
Customer stickiness
Pricing power
Profitability
Blended score [scale of three]
Note: Higher the score better it is
T&B
3
2
2
1
1
1
1.7
2W
2
3
3
3
2
3
2.7
PCR
3
1
1
3
3
2
2.2
Source: MOFSL
Exhibit 15: 2W segment is the most consolidated as indicated by the HHI score
Segment
HHI
2W
2,688
PCR
1,777
TBR
2,490
HHI is a measure of competitive intensity in an Industry; Source: MOFSL
Interpretation
HHI over 2,500 indicates high concentration
Moderate concentration
Moderate to high concentration
Based on this framework
We prefer 2Ws as it scores the highest on most parameters – competitive intensity
(based on HHI), customer stickiness, and profitability.
PCR segment ranks second as it scores well on growth potential (supported by the
import ban), customer stickiness, and pricing power, but lags 2Ws in terms of
incremental capacities and competitive intensity.
T&B segment ranks the lowest as its B2B nature leads to lower brand loyalty, pricing
power, and profitability. However, it scores well on growth potential.
July 2021
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 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
2W Tyres: Least competitive, most profitable
Ranks numero uno as per our framework | Growth profile weaker than others
The 2W segment ranks first in our TII framework to evaluate our segmental preference. It
scores high in terms of profitability/capital efficiency, customer stickiness, and competitive
intensity. Our analysis suggests that the 2W segment witnesses the highest gross margin
(~49%), asset turnover, and capital efficiency across categories. It also ranks the highest
based on HHI score, indicating that the segment enjoys high concentration, with the top
three players accounting for 85-90% of the market.
Expect ~8% CAGR over FY21-25E
We expect 8% volume CAGR (on a low base) for 2W/3W Tyre players over FY21-
25E, led by both OEM and Replacement segments.
The OEM segment is likely to deliver ~10% CAGR over FY21-25E, in tandem with
the growth in 2W production. The segment is likely to outgrow the trend of the
past few years (FY15-20: ~2.6% CAGR) on a low base of FY21.
The Replacement segment is likely to clock ~7% CAGR over FY21-25E (v/s ~8%
CAGR over FY15-20). This is because 2W sales grew ~11% CAGR over FY10-15.
This implies sustained demand for replacement tyres over the next few years.
Exhibit 16: Expect 2W/3W segment CAGR of 8% over FY21-25E
Tyres (m units)
OEM sales
Replacement sales
Total domestic Consumption
YoY growth (%)
FY16
40.7
42.1
82.8
5.8
FY17
42.2
51.9
94.1
13.7
FY18
49.0
52.5
101.5
7.8
FY19
52.6
58.5
111.1
9.5
FY20
45.2
56.8
101.9
(8.3)
FY21
38.7
55.5
94.2
(7.4)
FY22E
45.1
60.9
106.0
12.5
FY23E
FY24E
FY25E
49.7
53.0
56.6
65.6
68.9
72.3
115.3
121.9
128.9
8.8
5.8
5.8
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
Most consolidated segment, but entry of new players can cause disruption
The 2W segment ranks the highest based on HHI with a score of 2,688 (a score
above 2,500 indicates a high concentration in this segment).
Top three players in this segment command 85-90% market share.
However, the entry of two new players – APTY and Maxxis Tyres – can
potentially change the segment’s competitive dynamics going forward.
Exhibit 18: Top three players command over 85% market
share (FY20, %)
5
2 1
35
3
24
MRF
CEAT
TVS
Maxxis
JKT
APTY
29
Others
Exhibit 17: 2W/3W segmental break-up (%, FY20)
44
OEM
Repl.
56
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
Source: Companies, Industry, MOFSL
July 2021
16
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Utilization improvement to be more back ended
The 2W segment would see
~24% capacity addition over
FY21-25E, resulting in a dip
in utilization
In the 2W Tyre segment, planned capacity additions stand ~125kMT over FY21-
24E. This implies an addition of ~24% to current industry capacity, with a
gradual commissioning of capacity.
Maxxis plans to increase capacity to ~60,000 tyres/day (from 20,000/day at
present) over the next 3-5 years. It already supplies to HMSI and is looking to
capture 15% market share by CY26. This could threaten the positioning of
existing players, particularly stronger players in the OEM segment.
Current capacity utilization in the 2W segment declined to ~72% due to recent
capacity additions and weaker demand. Utilization levels are expected to
decline due to capacity additions and then recover to 70% by FY25E.
Exhibit 19: Strong capacity additions from key players
Existing capacity ('000 MT p.a)
Capacity addition ('000 MT p.a)
40
49
107
5
CEAT
APTY
MRF
-
16
JKT
14
76
112
25
18
TVS
Maxxis
Source: Industry, Companies, MOFSL
Exhibit 20: Utilizations to start improving from FY23E with a completion in ramp-up
Ramp-up adj. capacity ('000 MT p.a.)
72%
70%
66%
68%
66%
Cap. Utilization of ramp-up adj. capacity (%)
333
FY21
402
FY22E
427
FY23E
459
FY24E
460
FY25E
Source: Industry, Companies, MOFSL
Higher customer stickiness, pricing power remains moderate
The 2W segment is seeing higher customer stickiness, a function of the brand-
building exercise of companies over the years. With increasing awareness about
tyre safety and the focus on quality, we expect brand loyalty to improve from
here on.
Relative to the PCR segment, pricing power remains moderate in the 2W
segment.
Pricing power in the 2W segment is dictated by segment leader MRF. This
segment witnessed very few price hikes over the past few years as MRF added
capacity. With major capacity addition now behind it, pricing power in this
segment is getting better.
17
July 2021
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
PCR: Highest growth potential, pricing power, and capex
Ranks second as per our framework | Low to moderate concentration on HHI
The PCR segment ranks second within our framework to evaluate Tyre segments. While
this segment has good growth prospects (FY21-25E), aided by the recent import ban and
pricing power, it also faces the risk of a demand-supply mismatch in the future, particularly
given the higher fragmentation within this segment.
Expect ~11% volume CAGR over FY21-25E
Expect 11% volume CAGR
over FY21-25E, led by
~10%/12% CAGR in
Replacement/OEM
segments
We expect ~11% volume CAGR over FY21-25E, led by both the OEM and
Replacement segments.
The PCR segment delivered ~2.6% volume CAGR over FY15-20 due to weakness
in both the OEM and Replacement segments.
While sales growth in the OEM segment is likely to mirror PV industry CAGR of
~12% (over FY21-25E), on a low base of FY21, we expect Replacement sales
CAGR of ~10%, led by a large vehicle population, increasing share of fleet within
this segment, and import substitution.
Exhibit 21: Expect 11% CAGR for the PCR segment over FY21-25E
PCR segment (m units)
Production
OEM sales
Replacement sales
Total domestic consumption
YoY growth (%)
Imports (included in Replacement sales)
Imports (% of total domestic consumption)
FY16
38.7
17.3
24.7
41.9
9.4
5.6
13.2
FY17
41.6
19.0
25.2
44.2
5.4
5.4
12.3
FY18
42.8
20.1
25.6
45.7
3.5
6.0
13.1
FY19
42.8
20.3
25.5
45.8
0.0
5.8
12.7
FY20
40.7
17.2
26.6
43.8
(4.2)
6.2
14.2
FY21
38.9
15.6
21.6
37.2
(14.5)
1.4
3.7
FY22E
48.4
19.5
26.7
46.2
24.2
1.4
3.1
FY23E
52.5
21.1
28.8
49.8
7.8
1.5
2.9
FY24E
56.4
22.7
30.4
53.2
6.7
1.5
2.8
FY25E
60.4
24.6
31.9
56.5
6.2
1.5
2.7
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
Competitive intensity the highest in PCR
PCR ranks the lowest based on HHI score, indicating relatively high
fragmentation within this segment. The top three players account for just 60%
market share (as against over 80% in other segments).
The HHI score of 1,777 for the PCR segment indicates moderate concentration.
Exhibit 23: PCR segment is relatively more fragmented than
other segments; top three players account for ~60%
Others
12%
OEM
40%
JKT
12%
MRF
20%
APTY
21%
Source: Companies, Industry, MOFSL
Bridgestone
22%
Exhibit 22: Replacement commands ~60% share within the
PCR segment (FY20)
Repl.
60%
CEAT
14%
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
July 2021
18
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Top players adding good capacity over FY21-24E
We analyzed the current/future capacity expansion plans of key PCR players,
which together account for 90-95% market share.
Capacity addition remains rampant across most players (except for JKI).
Cumulative capacity of over 160kMT p.a. would be added by players like CEAT,
APTY, MRF, and Bridgestone, an increase of ~30% from current levels.
Capacity utilization in the PCR segment stands ~65%. Based on our growth
forecasts, utilization levels are estimated to improve to 77% by FY25E.
This suggests that there won’t be any major capex by industry players in the
medium term (as supply outstrips demand).
Exhibit 25: Utilizations in FY21 impacted by the COVID-19
outbreak
73%
54%
14
51%
60%
65%
65%
Exhibit 24: Major capacity is being added by CEAT and APTY
(as of FY21)
Capacity addition ('000 MT p.a.)
40
Existing capacity ('000 MT p.a.)
62
50
89
112
138
0
63
105
CEAT
APTY
MRF
JKT
Bridgestone
CEAT
APTY
MRF
JKT
Bridgestone Industry
Source: Industry, Companies, MOFSL
Source: Industry, Companies, MOFSL
Exhibit 26: Analysis of ramp-up adjusted capacity suggests utilizations will remain healthy
up to FY25E
Ramp-up adj. capacity ('000 MT p.a.)
Cap. Utilization of ramp-up adj. capacity (%)
77%
72%
65%
68%
67%
507
FY21
603
FY22E
665
FY23E
665
FY24E
665
FY25E
Source: Industry, Companies, MOFSL
Higher pricing power and customer stickiness
The PCR segment enjoys relatively higher pricing power v/s 2W/TBR segments.
The focus on branding and quality by major players have significantly improved
their pricing power.
Customer stickiness remains high in PCR relative to T&B as it is in the Consumer
segment. In this segment, factors like rub-off impact of OEM fitment, brand
awareness, and quality form a key part of the buying decision. The buying
decision in the Commercial segment depends largely on pricing and quality.
According to a JD Power Survey, 54% customers remain loyal to the OEM-fitted
brand while replacing tyres in the PCR segment.
19
July 2021
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
T&B: Good growth ahead in highly competitive segment
Ranks third as per our framework | Least capacity addition across segments
Truck and Bus (T&B) rank the lowest in terms of our preference for sectors. While this
segment is expected to witness the lowest capacity addition over FY19-23E, the inherent
commercial functionality of the sector and price sensitivity in purchasing decisions restricts
customer stickiness, pricing power, and profitability.
Expect T&B segment CAGR of 13% over FY21-25E
Radialization is likely to
accelerate further. We
expect the share of radials
in the T&B segment to rise
to 66% by FY25E (from 50%
in FY21)
We expect T&B segment CAGR of 13% over FY21-25E, led by both OEM (32%
CAGR) and Replacement (9% CAGR). Replacement demand, accounting for ~85%
of volumes, steers growth in the segment, with support from the OEM segment.
Strong revival in Replacement demand is likely to be driven by an uptick in
freight utilization on the back of a pick-up in Infrastructural activity, economic
recovery, and the proliferation of the hub and spoke model.
We expect OEM sales CAGR of 32% over FY21-25E, in line with our M&HCV
industry growth estimate.
Radialization is likely to accelerate further over FY21-25E, with the share of
radials in the T&B segment touching ~66% by FY25E (from 50% in FY21). We
expect 20% sales CAGR in T&B radials over FY21-25E and T&B bias (TBB) CAGR
of 2% (on a low base).
We expect the share of imports within the T&B segment to remain below 1%, as
the allotment of current licenses for tyre imports is restricted to those
categories that are not manufactured in India. Most imported tyres in the T&B
segment are cheaper substitutes of Indian tyres.
FY17
16.3
1.6
3.3
12.3
15.6
(4.5)
10.4
790.2
-3.9
FY18
18.0
1.2
3.6
13.2
16.9
8.4
6.8
871.6
10.3
FY19
20.8
0.8
4.2
15.2
19.3
14.4
4.4
1008.9
15.8
FY20
18.0
0.6
2.4
13.7
16.1
(16.8)
3.7
841.5
-16.6
FY21
18.4
0.2
1.7
14.6
16.3
1.5
1.1
857.2
1.9
FY22E
21.6
0.0
2.6
16.6
19.3
18.2
0.2
1030.3
20.2
FY23E
24.1
0.0
3.4
18.3
21.7
12.7
0.2
FY24E
26.5
0.0
4.4
19.6
24.0
10.6
0.1
FY25E
28.3
0.0
5.1
20.6
25.7
6.8
0.1
Exhibit 27: Expect T&B segment CAGR of 13% over FY20-25E
T&B segment (m units)
Production
Imports
OEM sales
Replacement sales
Total domestic consumption
YoY growth (%)
Imports (% of domestic consumption)
Total dom. consumption ('000 MT)
Gr (%)
FY16
16.8
1.5
3.2
13.1
16.3
2.9
9.2
822.6
3.8
1174.1 1309.7 1407.4
14.0
11.5
7.5
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
Exhibit 28: Expect TBR segment CAGR of 20% (FY21-25E), with the share of radial tyres rising to 66% by FY25E
m units
TBR
YoY growth (%)
OEM
Replacement
FY16
5.9
12.3
2.3
3.6
FY17
5.9
0.8
2.2
3.7
FY18
7.4
25.5
2.6
4.9
FY19
9.3
24.8
3.0
6.3
FY20
7.9
(15.1)
1.8
6.1
FY21
8.2
4.2
1.3
6.9
FY22E
10.9
32.4
2.1
8.8
FY23E
13.1
20.6
2.8
10.3
FY24E
15.2
16.3
3.9
11.4
FY25E
16.8
10.4
4.5
12.4
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
July 2021
20
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Exhibit 29: Expect TBB segment to grow at 2% CAGR over FY21-25E
m units
TBB
YoY growth (%)
OEM
Replacement
FY16
10.4
(1.7)
0.9
9.5
FY17
9.7
(7.5)
1.1
8.6
FY18
9.5
(2.1)
1.1
8.4
FY19
10.1
6.2
1.2
8.9
FY20
8.2
(18.4)
0.6
7.6
FY21
8.2
2.0
0.4
7.8
FY22E
8.5
4.0
0.5
8.0
FY23E
8.7
2.5
0.6
8.1
FY24E
8.9
2.0
0.6
8.3
FY25E
9.0
0.7
0.7
8.3
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
Exhibit 30: T&B imports turn insignificant after the ban in Jun’20
T&B imports
13%
11%
9%
9%
10%
7%
1,497
FY16
1,615
FY17
1,153
FY18
4%
846
FY19
6%
591
171
4%
1%
4%
FY20
1%
FY21
0%
FY22E
0%
34
% of dom. consumption
% of replacement sales
Source: ATMA, Industry, MOFSL
Radialization to accelerate further, expect ~66% share by FY25E
With a contribution of ~50% in FY21, radial is now at par with bias tyres in the
T&B segment in the Replacement market. While radialization in OEMs is ~78%,
it is much lower (at 47%) in the Replacement segment.
We expect radialization to gather pace further, led by increased industry
capacity and higher awareness in the Replacement market. We expect
radialization in the T&B segment to rise to ~66% by FY25E.
The share of radial tyres in the Replacement T&B segment is likely to touch
~60% by FY25E, led by higher radialization at OEMs gradually reflecting in the
Replacement market and increasing awareness among fleet operators about
lower total cost of ownership of radial tyres. This would be supported by
increased industry capacity of TBR tyres.
The share of radial tyres in OEM T&B sales is likely to touch ~87% by FY24E and
plateau at ~87% as bias tyres will remain more suitable for certain applications.
Exhibit 31: Radial tyres set to attain ~66% share in the T&B segment by FY25E
Radialization at Industry level
72%
61%
33%
28%
FY15
36%
72%
48%
41%
OEMs
76%
49%
44%
78%
50%
47%
Repl.
80%
56%
53%
83%
60%
56%
87%
63%
87%
66%
60%
68%
70%
44%
38%
58%
27%
FY16
30%
FY17
37%
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
FY24E
FY25E
Source: Industry, ATMA, MOFSL
July 2021
21
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Moderate competitive intensity based on HHI
T&B ranks second in terms of competitive intensity, indicating that the segment
is moderately concentrated. The top three players account for over 80% market
share in the TBR/TBB segment.
T&B’s HHI score is 2,490, which indicates moderate to high concentration.
Exhibit 32: Both TBR (left) and TBB (right) segments are moderately concentrated, with the top three players accounting for
over 80% market share
TBR
9%
8%
31%
APTY
MRF
JK
30%
22%
CEAT
Others
32%
24%
12%
2%
30%
APTY
MRF
JK
CEAT
Others
TBB
Source: Industry, Companies, MOFSL
Higher capacity addition in TBR to meet radialization trend
Capacity addition is
reflecting a radialization
trend, with 27% TBR
capacity addition, which
implies an overall T&B
capacity addition of 16%
An analysis of existing TBR capacities of the top four players, accounting for
~90% market share (APTY, JKI, MRF, and CEAT), suggests that they are
cumulatively adding ~27% additional capacity over FY21-25E.
On an overall T&B tyre basis, capacity addition is ~16%, which is the lowest
among all segments.
Based on our growth forecasts for the TBR segment, assuming a cumulative
market share for these key players is maintained, utilization would improve to
~100% by FY25 (v/s 63% in FY21).
This suggests that the incremental capacity would barely meet incremental
demand, auguring well for pricing power.
We do not anticipate any capacity addition in the TBB segment.
Exhibit 34: TBR capacity utilizations are relatively higher
91%
60%
FY21
73%
70%
Exhibit 33: Except CEAT, capacity addition is limited in TBR
Capacity addition ('000 MT p.a.)
Existing capacity ('000 MT p.a.)
40
48
118
50
CEAT
APTY
MRF
JKT
275
162
0
219
63%
CEAT
APTY
MRF
JKT
Industry
Source: Companies, MOFSL
Source: Industry, Companies, MOFSL
July 2021
22
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Exhibit 35: Analysis of a ramp-up in adjusted capacity suggests growth capex may be
required from FY23E onwards
Ramp-up adj. capacity ('000 MT p.a.)
Cap. Utilization of ramp-up adj. capacity (%)
101%
63%
72%
83%
95%
707
FY21
813
FY22E
855
FY23E
867
FY24E
895
FY25E
Source: Industry, Companies, MOFSL
B2B customer profile results in weak pricing power and margins
In the T&B segment, the preference is for quality at a reasonable price, and the
choice is driven largely by the total cost of ownership. This, in turn, dilutes
customer stickiness for any particular brand.
Over the past few years, the TBR segment witnessed the highest price hikes. In
the current environment, despite a sharp increase in RM cost and higher
capacity utilization, we see resistance across players in the T&B segment (v/s
PCR and 2Ws) in hiking prices, so as to gain market share. The TBB segment is
the last to witness pricing action due to oversupply within the industry. Hence,
pricing power would be the lowest for the T&B segment.
T&B is the least profitable segment for Tyre companies. Our analysis suggests
that margins for the TBR and TBB segment is lower than those of PCR and 2W,
with TBB faring worse than TBR.
We expect TBB margins to remain under pressure as the industry faces excess
capacity, given the pace of radialization.
Imports remain a key risk
In Sep’17, the Government of India re-imposed anti-dumping duty (ADD) on the
import of new Chinese T&B radials for a period of five years. ADD ranges
between USD245.35/t and USD452.33/t, depending on the producer and
exporter.
This led to Chinese TBR imports, which were as high as ~30% of total domestic
TBR consumption, becoming costlier, providing a level playing field with Indian
T&B Tyre manufacturers.
While ADD is applicable up to Sep’22, non-extension or revocation any time
before that would severely impact the competitiveness of domestic players,
especially during current times, when capacity addition remains high.
July 2021
23
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Framework to evaluate Tyre companies
Prefer APTY and CEAT over BIL and MRF
We evaluate Tyre companies based on brand ranking, pricing power, revenue mix,
headroom for growth, cost competitiveness, and financial strength.
Our framework ranks companies on their relative attractiveness on operating
parameters.
We assign a 75% weightage to these operating parameters (equal weight for each
parameter) and 25% weightage to the valuation score to identify stocks poised for
outperformance.
APTY and CEAT offer a favorable trade-off of growth and attractive valuations.
MRF
4.3
4.4
3.9
4.0
3.5
3.5
3.9
2.0
3.4
APTY
4.2
3.6
3.8
4.0
3.0
2.8
3.6
5.0
3.9
CEAT
3.2
3.4
4.0
5.0
3.0
3.3
3.6
4.0
3.7
BIL
2.5
2.5
4.1
3.0
5.0
5.0
3.7
3.0
3.5
Exhibit 36: APTY emerges as our top pick in the sector
Rating scale [five]
Brand ranking
Pricing power
Revenue mix
Headroom to grow
Cost competitiveness
Financial strength
Operating parameters [75% weightage]
Valuation score [25% weightage]
Blended score
Source: Company, MOFSL
Brand ranking
We evaluate companies based on their brand ranking in individual segments of PCR,
2W, TBR, TBB, LCV, and others.
We weight their brand ranking within each of these segments with their revenue mix
to arrive at a final score.
Based on this parameter, MRF occupies the top spot due to its strong brand image
across segments. APTY ranks second due to its negligible presence in the 2W segment.
BIL ranks the lowest due to its positioning as a Tier II player in the global OHT
segment.
MRF
4.3
APTY*
4.2
CEAT
3.2
BIL
2.5
Exhibit 37: MRF ranks numero uno, APTY a close second
Rating scale [five]
Brand ranking
*APTY including EU operations; Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 38: MRF best placed on brand rankings across segments
Brand rankings
MRF
APTY
CEAT
JKI
Bridgestone
TVST
TBR
3.0
5.0
2.0
4.0
NA
NA
TBB
5.0
4.5
3.0
4.0
NA
NA
PCR
4.5
4.5
3.5
3.0
5.0
NA
2Ws/3Ws
5.0
2.0
4.0
3.0
NA
3.5
LCV
4.0
4.0
4.0
3.0
NA
NA
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
24
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
MRF’s ZLX ad with Virat Kohli as brand ambassador
APTY’s campaign with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar
Click on the images for the video
CEAT’s SecuraDrive campaign with Mr. Aamir Khan
CEAT’s puncture safe tyres campaign
Click on the images for the video
July 2021
25
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Pricing power
We evaluate companies based on their pricing power and ability to pass on
price hikes within each segment. This is then weighted against revenue
contribution from that particular segment to arrive at a blended score.
MRF ranks higher on this parameter as it has pricing power across most
segments, particularly in Consumer segments.
APTY has relatively strong pricing power in the TBR segment and is improving
its positioning in PCR as well.
BIL ranks lower on this parameter as it is generally a price taker in the global
OHT market.
Exhibit 39: MRF enjoys strong pricing power across most segments
Rating scale [five]
Pricing power
MRF
4.4
APTY *
3.6
CEAT
3.4
BIL
2.5
*APTY including EU operations; Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 40: Overview of pricing power of key players across segments
Pricing power
MRF
APTY
CEAT
JKI
Bridgestone
Michelin
TVST
TBR
4.0
5.0
2.0
3.5
NA
NA
NA
TBB
5.0
4.0
3.0
3.5
NA
NA
NA
PCR
4.0
3.5
3.5
3.0
5.0
5.0
NA
2W/3W
5.0
2.0
4.0
2.0
NA
NA
3.0
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 41: MRF enjoys a strong brand ranking and pricing power across most segments
MRF
Brand ranking
Rating
Revenue mix
Blended score
Pricing power
Rating
Revenue mix
Blended score
TBR
3.0
23%
0.7
4.0
23%
0.9
TBB
5.0
22%
1.1
5.0
22%
1.1
PCR
4.5
19%
0.9
4.0
19%
0.8
2W/3W
5.0
22%
1.1
5.0
22%
1.1
Farm
4.0
7%
0.3
3.5
7%
0.3
Blended
ranking
4.3
4.4
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 42: APTY enjoys a dominant brand image and pricing power in TBR and PCR, but EU operations weighs on the score
APTY
Brand ranking
Rating
Revenue mix
Blended score
Pricing power
Rating
Revenue mix
Blended score
TBR
5.0
26%
1.3
5.0
26%
1.3
TBB
4.5
16%
0.7
4.0
16%
0.6
PCR
4.5
12%
0.5
3.5
12%
0.4
2W/ 3W
2.0
0%
-
2.0
0%
-
Farm
3.5
7%
0.3
3.5
7%
0.3
Vredestein Vredestein
PCR
Agri
3.5
26%
0.9
2.5
26%
0.6
3.0
7%
0.2
2.0
7%
0.1
Blended
ranking
4.2
3.6
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
26
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Exhibit 43: CEAT strongest in the 2W/3W segment, relatively weak positioning elsewhere
CEAT
Brand ranking
Rating
Revenue mix
Blended score
Pricing power
Rating
Revenue mix
Blended score
TBR
2.0
14%
0.3
2.0
14%
0.3
TBB
3.0
17%
0.5
3.5
17%
0.6
PCR
3.5
15%
0.5
3.5
15%
0.5
2W/3W
4.0
31%
1.2
4.0
31%
1.2
Farm
2.0
12%
0.2
3.0
12%
0.4
Blended
Ranking
3.2
3.4
Source: Company, MOFSL
Revenue mix
We evaluate companies on their revenue mix within:
OEM, Replacement, and exports:
We assign a ranking of two/five to
OEMs/Replacement, which is weighted against their revenue contribution from
each of these segments.
Inter-segment, i.e. Consumer segments (2W, PCR), v/s Commercial segment
(T&B):
Score of each segment is weighted against their revenue contribution from
each of these segments.
We prefer companies with a lower concentration of the T&B segment and higher
share from Consumer segments of 2W and PCR. We also prefer companies with a
higher share from Replacement.
Based on this analysis, CEAT fares slightly better than others.
Exhibit 44: BIL ranks marginally higher than CEAT in terms of the revenue mix
MRF
Based on end-user segment
Based on vehicle segments
Average ranking based on revenue mix
APTY*
CEAT
BIL
4.3
4.3
4.2
4.1
3.5
3.4
3.8
4.0
3.9
3.8
4.0
4.1
*APTY including EU operations; Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 45: Ranking based on end-user segmentation is similar across companies
OEM [two]
Replacement [five]
Blended score [five]
MRF
0.5
3.8
4.3
APTY
0.5
3.8
4.3
CEAT
0.5
3.7
4.2
BIL
0.6
3.5
4.1
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 46: Revenue mix is broadly similar across companies (%)
Revenue mix
OEM
Replacement
MRF
25
75
APTY
25
75
CEAT
26
74
BIL
26
74
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
27
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Exhibit 47: Segmental score is assigned based on our preference for segments, which is
then weighed with the revenue mix of each company
TBR [three]
TBB [two]
LCV [3.5]
PCR [four]
2W [five]
Farm and others [four]
Blended score
MRF
0.7
0.4
0.3
0.8
1.1
0.3
3.5
APTY
0.8
0.3
0.2
1.5
0.1
0.5
3.4
CEAT
BIL
0.4
-
0.3
-
0.4
-
0.6
-
1.6
-
0.5
4.0
3.8
4.0
Source: Company, MOFSL
CEAT
14
17
11
15
31
12
BIL
0
0
0
0
0
100
Exhibit 48: Revenue mix of companies across segments (%)
TBR
TBB
LCV
PCR
2W
Farm and others
MRF
23
22
7
19
22
7
APTY
26
16
5
38
1
13
Source: Company, MOFSL
Headroom to grow
Companies are evaluated based on their headroom to grow and preparedness in this
aspect over the next few years.
To evaluate this, we look at capex spends over the past three years and planned capex
over the next three years, along with capacity utilization based on current production
on fully expanded capacity.
Our analysis suggests that CEAT, MRF, and APTY have higher headroom to grow over
the next few years.
CEAT’s aggressive capacity addition would set the path for growth in all segments.
Major capex undertaken over the past three years, along with planned future
capacity, gives APTY headroom to grow, both in its Indian and European operations.
BIL’s lower score is due to the primary nature of its capex. The entire capex would only
translate to 20% addition in capacity.
Exhibit 49: CEAT has the highest headroom to grow based on recent and upcoming capacity additions
Capex
(FY21-23E),
INR b
38.5
27.9
46.0
27.7
Revenue
(FY21),
INR b
162
76
173
58
Cumulative capex
as a percentage
of revenue (%)
24
37
27
48
Addition to
gross block
(%)
31
56
19
58
Capacity
utilization*
(%)
50
45
53
68
Ranking
#
4
5
4
3
MRF
CEAT
APTY *
BIL
*FY21 production divided by fully expanded capacity; Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
28
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Cost competitiveness
We evaluate companies based on their cost structure, for which we compare their
gross and EBITDA margins.
BIL ranks highest on this parameter due to its significantly superior gross margin of
59.9% (FY21). On EBITDA margin too, it ranks higher than peers. Backward integration
into carbon black further increases its cost advantage v/s peers. The company enjoys a
natural hedge against a depreciating INR due to a higher proportion of exports.
CEAT fares poorly on the basis of cost competitiveness, with the lowest EBITDA margin
among Tyre manufacturers.
Despite enjoying a superior gross margin (due to EU operations), APTY scores low on
cost competitiveness due to lower utilization in India/EU and higher fixed cost
structure in EU operations.
Exhibit 50: BIL has the most competitive structure, with a superior gross/EBITDA/EBIT
margin (FY21)
MRF
CEAT
APTY*
BIL
Gross margin (%)
42.3
43.9
45.6
59.9
EBITDA margin (%) EBIT margin (%)
Ranking
18.2
11.1
3.5
12.9
8.5
3.0
15.5
7.9
3.0
31.1
23.9
5.0
*APTY including EU operations; Source: Company, MOFSL
Financial strength
We evaluate companies on the basis of their current and projected (FY23E) return
ratios: asset turnover, net debt, and cash flow ratios.
We then rank the companies for both years, with equal weightage for each year.
Based on this analysis, we prefer BIL due to its consistently higher return ratios, low
leverage, and higher cash conversion ratios.
The financial strength of CEAT and APTY is expected to improve by FY23E, but it would
still be sub-par compared to BIL and MRF.
MRF
3.5
APTY*
2.8
CEAT
3.3
BIL
5.0
Exhibit 51: BIL ranks the highest on financial strength due to its superior return ratios
Rating scale [five]
Financial strength
*APTY including EU operations; Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 52: Currently, BIL is best placed in terms of financial strength (FY21)
Financial strength
MRF
CEAT
APTY
BIL
RoE
(%)
10.0
14.9
6.2
21.4
RoCE
(%)
10.0
12.2
5.7
18.3
RoIC
(%)
14.1
14.6
5.9
22.5
Asset
turnover
ratio (x)
1.0
1.5
1.0
0.8
Asset
turnover
ratio (x)
1.1
1.6
1.2
0.9
CFO
Net debt-to-
conversion,
FCF/PAT,
equity
Avg. FY19-21 Avg. FY19-21
(x)
(%)
(%)
(0.3)
121
60
0.4
128
0
0.3
100
-10
(0.1)
96
31
Net debt-to-
equity
ratio (x)
(0.3)
0.4
0.1
(0.2)
CFO
conversion
(%)
57
122
105
94
FY21
ranking
[five]
3.5
3.0
2.5
5.0
Exhibit 53: BIL tops in terms of FY23E ranking due to likely improvement in return ratios as capacity utilization improves
Financial strength
MRF
CEAT
APTY
BIL
RoE
(%)
10.8
13.7
10.4
22.6
RoCE
(%)
11.0
11.3
9.3
19.9
RoIC
(%)
15.7
11.7
10.5
27.6
FCF/
FY23E
PAT
ranking
(%)
[five]
46
3.5
76
3.5
145
3.0
55
5.0
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
29
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Valuations
APTY stands out due to its attractive valuations. It is the cheapest stock, despite its
superior earnings growth and improving return ratio profile.
CEAT enjoys superior revenue and EBITDA growth among its domestic focused peers.
However, recent capacity additions (in the ramp-up phase) are acting as a drag on
earnings. Despite this, valuations are quite reasonable.
Exhibit 54: APTY is the cheapest stock within the Tyre pack on an FY23E basis
Valuation
P/E
P/B
EV/EBITDA
RoE (%)
RoCE (%)
Revenue CAGR over FY21-23E (%)
EBITDA CAGR over FY21-23E (%)
PAT CAGR over FY21-23E (%)
PEG
APTY
9.7
1.0
4.0
10.4
9.3
13.5
16.1
42.2
0.2
BIL
26.1
5.5
17.0
22.6
19.9
20.1
22.0
21.5
1.2
CEAT
MRF
10.9
20.7
1.4
2.1
5.7
8.3
13.7
10.8
11.3
11.0
15.7
11.7
14.7
10.3
6.9
14.8
1.6
1.4
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 55: Comparative valuation table
APTY
BIL
CEAT
MRF
Price M-cap Upside
(INR) (INR b)
(%)
225
143
33
2,349
454
3
1,427
58
30
82,067
348
2
Rating
Buy
Neutral
Buy
Neutral
CAGR (FY21-23E)
P/E
EV/EBITDA
RoE (%)
RoCE (%)
Sales EBITDA EPS FY22E FY23E FY22E FY23E FY22E FY23E FY22E FY23E
13.5
16.1
42.2 11.9
9.7
5.4
4.4
9.1
10.4
8.3
9.3
20.1
22.0
21.5 31.5 26.1 19.9 16.5
22.1
22.6
19.1
19.9
15.7
14.7
6.9
16.4 10.9
7.7
5.7
10.1
13.7
9.0
11.3
11.7
10.3
14.8 24.7 20.7
9.8
8.3
10.0
10.8
10.0
11.0
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 56: Comparative valuation of global peers
Company (USD b)
Bridgestone Corp
Sumitomo Rubber Industries
Toyo Tire Corp
Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd
Kumho Tire Co Inc
Nexen Tire Corp
Michelin (Cgde)
Hankook Tire & Technology Co
Cheng Shin Rubber Ind Co Ltd
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co
Nokian Renkaat Oyj
Continental Ag
Trelleborg AB
Pirelli
CY20-22E CAGR
M-cap Sales
EPS
30.5
4.1
LTP
3.5
7.4
23.3
2.9
8.6
83.4
3.4
6.4
21.9
1.7
17.6
LTP
0.8
14.1
LTP
28.6
9.7
80.3
5.5
9.6
33.1
5.2
12.1
16.6
4.5
19.7
LTP
5.8
13.4
73.0
27.6
8.2
LTP
6.6
5.9
25.7
5.7
12.1
286.7
CY20
-1.0
4.9
5.3
6.3
-6.7
-1.0
4.9
5.1
7.6
-33.8
5.2
-7.0
9.3
0.6
RoE (%)
CY21E CY22E
12.3
11.2
7.0
7.4
15.5
15.1
11.5
8.4
-0.8
8.8
4.7
5.8
12.2
13.2
7.9
7.9
9.0
9.3
8.9
14.9
13.4
15.3
11.1
15.0
11.9
12.2
5.9
8.4
CY20
NA
10.3
20.7
9.3
NA
NA
29.8
13.0
23.8
NA
46.5
NA
18.3
147.8
P/E (x)
CY21E CY22E
11.1
12.5
11.8
10.9
8.8
8.1
6.6
8.7
NA
17.7
12.7
9.8
14.7
12.1
10.4
9.8
19.4
18.9
13.3
8.1
23.1
19.8
15.7
10.2
15.0
13.7
14.6
10.6
EV/EBITDA (x)
CY20 CY21E CY22E
8.0
5.6
5.0
4.2
5.3
5.0
5.5
5.5
5.0
5.3
4.8
5.3
11.3
12.7
9.1
6.8
6.2
5.6
7.0
6.2
5.7
3.9
4.4
4.3
8.4
7.6
7.7
18.4
5.5
4.5
14.4
11.8
10.6
12.9
5.4
4.5
9.7
9.7
9.0
11.0
8.8
7.7
Source: Bloomberg
July 2021
30
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Key risks
Imports from China:
In Sep’17, the Government of India re-imposed ADD on
imports of new Chinese T&B radial tyres for a five-year period. This led to
Chinese TBR imports, which were as high as ~30% of total domestic TBR
consumption, becoming costlier, providing a level-playing field with Indian T&B
Tyre manufacturers. Non-extension of ADD, or its revocation, would severely
impact domestic players, especially in the current scenario of considerable
capacity addition.
Competitive intensity:
The Tyre sector is witnessing intense competition, with
almost all players undertaking huge capacity additions in pursuit of market
share. Under the circumstance, where demand remains subdued, we might see
heightened competitive intensity, impacting profitability for the sector.
July 2021
31
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Tyres: Ready to roll
Ready to roll
Pg51
Pg33
Pg65
Pg75
July 2021
32
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Initiating Coverage | Sector: Automobiles
Apollo Tyres
BSE Sensex
52,553
S&P CNX
15,752
CMP: INR225
TP: INR300 (+33%)
Buy
Improved competitive positioning in both India and EU
Strong EPS growth and Balance Sheet deleveraging to drive re-rating
Stock Info
Bloomberg
Equity Shares (m)
M.Cap.(INRb)/(USDb)
52-Week Range (INR)
1, 6, 12 Rel. Per (%)
12M Avg Val (INR M)
Free float (%)
APTY IN
635
143.1 / 1.9
261 / 106
-1/13/64
1849
62.4
Ranks highest in our TII framework
APTY offers a favorable balance of strong earnings growth and attractive
valuations. It ranks the highest in our TII framework of evaluating Tyre
companies, with a score of 3.9 (scale of five).
While APTY doesn’t rank on top in any of the operational parameters, it is a
close second in brand ranking and headroom to grow. Moreover, its
valuations are the most attractive relative to MRF, CEAT, and BIL.
Financial Snapshot (INR b)
Y/E March
FY21 FY22E FY23E
Sales
172.8 204.8 222.8
EBITDA
26.8 32.3 36.2
Adj. PAT
6.6 10.8 13.3
EPS (Rs)
11.5 18.9 23.3
EPS Growth (%)
38.1 64.5 23.0
BV/Share (INR) 200.0 214.9 233.7
Ratios
RoE (%)
6.2
9.1 10.4
RoCE (%)
5.7
8.3
9.3
Payout (%)
57.2 21.2 19.3
Valuations
P/E (x)
19.6 11.9
9.7
P/BV (x)
1.1
1.0
1.0
Div. Yield (%)
1.6
1.8
2.0
FCF Yield (%)
10.0
3.1 15.0
Shareholding pattern (%)
As On
Jun-21 Mar-21 Jun-20
Promoter
37.6
37.3
41.7
DII
17.2
13.1
19.9
FII
22.9
24.3
19.7
Others
22.3
25.3
18.7
FII Includes depository receipts
Stock Performance (1-year)
India – Strong competitive positioning; good headroom for growth
Over the last five years, APTY has considerably strengthened its competitive
positioning in the Indian market in the T&B/PCR segment (5pp/6pp market
share gain over FY17 to 30%/21% in FY21). As a result, it has achieved
market leadership in T&B and is a close second in PCR.
On a fully expanded capacity by FY22-end, APTY’s utilization in PCR/TBR is
estimated at 71%/65%. This, coupled with the recently commissioned AP
plant, has scope to replicate capacity at lower cost.
India revenue is estimated to grow by ~14% CAGR over FY21-23E, with
FY23E EBITDA margin estimated to decline 70bp (to 15.8%) over FY21 levels.
However, operating leverage and Balance Sheet deleveraging would drive
24% PAT CAGR in the India business.
European operations turnaround to support margin
PCR capacity at the Hungary plant is undergoing a ramp up to 5.5m by FY22-
end from 5.1m p.a at present. It was operating at 75% utilization in 4QFY21.
The planned PCR capacity transfer from the Netherlands to the Hungary
plant would further leverage its low-cost structure, with the revenue
contribution of the Hungary plant likely to rise materially.
Restructuring/specialization of the Netherlands plant, coupled with a ramp-
up (75% utilization) in the more efficient Hungary plant (conversion at less
than 0.2x that of the Netherlands plant and minimum wages less than 0.3x),
would drive ~300bp EBITDA margin expansion (over FY21) to 15.5% in FY23E
and be positive at the PAT level.
Valuation and view
APTY is geared up for the next leg of growth, with sufficient capacity to
cater to domestic/European demand. With capex for Phase I of the AP plant
concluding in FY22E, the increase in capacity utilization will generate higher
cash flows and further deleverage the Balance Sheet.
Compared to its peers, APTY offers the best blend of earnings growth and
cheap valuations. The stock trades at 11.9x/9.7x FY22E/FY23E consolidated
EPS. We initiate coverage on the stock with a Buy rating and a TP of INR300
(12x Sep-23E consolidated EPS v/s 16x/12x its 5/10 year average P/E).
July 2021
33
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Ranks highest within our TII framework
Blend of strong earnings growth and attractive valuations
APTY offers a favorable balance of strong earnings growth and attractive valuations. It
ranks highest in our TII framework of evaluating Tyre companies, with a score of 3.9
(scale of five).
While APTY doesn’t rank on top in any of the operational parameters, it is a close
second in brand ranking and headroom to grow. Moreover, valuations are attractive
relative to MRF, CEAT, and BIL.
It ranks a distant second in pricing behind MRF, largely due to its EU operations. For its
India operations, APTY is close second on pricing power.
Exhibit 57: APTY scores high in terms of brand ranking and headroom to grow
Brand Ranking
4.2
Financial Strength
2.8
3.6
Pricing power
Cost competitiveness
3.0
4.0
Headroom to grow
3.8
Revenue mix
Source: MOFSL
Exhibit 58: APTY ranks low based on
operating parameters, partly due to its
EU operations
MRF
3.9
Exhibit 59: However, it ranks numero
uno based on current valuations
MRF
2.0
Exhibit 60: APTY ranks topmost on
good operating metrics at attractive
valuations
MRF
3.4
BIL 3.7
3.6
APTY
BIL
3.0
APTY
5.0
BIL
3.5
3.9
APTY
3.6
CEAT
Source: MOFSL
4.0
CEAT
Source: MOFSL
3.7
CEAT
Source: MOFSL
July 2021
34
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
APTY
4.2
BIL
2.5
4.3
3.2
CEAT
APTY
3.6
BIL
2.5
3.4
CEAT
APTY
3.8
4.1
BIL
4.0
CEAT
3.9
MRF
#1: Brand ranking
APTY closely competes with MRF in terms of brand ranking, owing to its strong identity in the T&B
and PCR segments.
It is among the top two players in the T&B segment, with ~31% market share, owing to its delivery of
quality products at a good price point.
Within PCR, APTY has improved its brand ranking significantly over the past few years, led by its focus
on product innovation, improving quality, and increasing penetration with key OEMs.
#2: Pricing power
MRF
4.4
APTY enjoys pricing power in the TBR segment due to its leadership position and superior quality
product offerings. Pricing power in the TBB segment is fairly decent, but MRF dictates pricing here.
In the PCR segment, its pricing power remains stronger than CEAT and JKI, but is weaker than MRF
and Bridgestone.
It doesn’t enjoy pricing power in the EU due to its relatively small presence there and is a price taker.
On an overall basis, APTY lags behind MRF in terms of pricing power due to its relatively weak
positioning in the PCR segment.
#3: Revenue mix
MRF
APTY ranks third in terms of revenue mix to BIL and CEAT.
Of the four Tyre companies, APTY has the highest (~75%) contribution from the Replacement
segment.
It also has a higher concentration in the CV segment (~61%) vis-à-vis its peers.
Negligible presence in 2Ws is also weighing down on its overall score.
APTY
4.0
BIL 3.0
MRF
#4: Headroom to grow
4.0
5.0
CEAT
APTY has undertaken significant steps over the last three years towards its Hungary operations, and
expansion in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Chennai.
Ramp-up in Hungary PCR and TBR capacity would ensure that APTY has significant room to grow in its
EU operations, without the requirement of any major capex up to FY23.
In India, PCR capacity will increase to 52k tyres/day (v/s 38k currently), post completion of the ramp
up in capacity in AP by FY22-end.
Ongoing ramp-up in TBR capacity would further boost capacity to 15k tyres/day (v/s current capacity
of 13k). This provides ample opportunity for APTY to grow organically over FY21-23E.
APTY
3.0
BIL
5.0
3.0
CEAT
3.5MRF
#5: Cost competitiveness
APTY ranks lower on this parameter as EBIT margin remains lower than MRF and BIL.
Among domestic peers, MRF beats APTY in terms of EBITDA and EBIT margin due to its relatively
strong pricing power across segments.
Gross margin (consolidated) is the highest for APTY as compared to MRF and CEAT, but consolidated
EBIT margin is much lower.
APTY
2.8
5.0
BIL
3.3
CEAT
July 2021
3.5
MRF
#6: Financial strength
APTY ranks the lowest v/s MRF, BIL, and CEAT in terms of financial strength due to its sub-par return
ratios.
Net debt is higher for APTY at 0.3x currently (0.1x by FY23E) as compared to MRF and BIL, which are
both net cash.
We expect a significant improvement in APTY’s financial positioning over the next few years, led by
higher capacity utilization, increased cash flow, deleveraging, higher profitability as the Hungary plant
ramps up, and restructuring in the Netherlands.
35
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
India: Strengthened competitive position in PCR and TBR
Good headroom for growth and low cost expansion at the AP plant
Over the last five years, APTY has considerably strengthened its competitive
positioning in the Indian market. In the T&B segment, it has emerged as the market
leader, with a market share gain of 5pp over FY17 to 30% in FY21, benefitting from
radialization (TBR market share gain of ~11pp to 32%).
In PCR, it has considerably narrowed down the gap v/s the market leader by gaining
6pp. Its share stood at 21% in FY21, which is 100-200bp lower than the market leader.
In Agri Tyres (rear Tractor tyre), its market share improved by ~2pp over FY17 to 21%.
On a fully expanded capacity by FY22-end, APTY’s utilization in PCR/TBR is estimated
at 71%/65%. Considering 4QFY21 utilization level for all India plants (excluding AP)
stands at 85-90%, APTY has adequate capacity for the next 2-2.5 years of growth. The
AP plant, spread over 256 acres, has a modular layout and capacity can be replicated
at relatively low cost.
After a strong performance in FY21, we expect standalone EBITDA margin to decline
by ~70bp over FY21 to ~15.8% in FY23E. This is on account of higher commodity cost.
Our estimates are yet to factor in supplies of PCR from India to the EU. However,
operating leverage would result in a 50bp decline in EBIT margin, whereas the Balance
Sheet deleveraging is driving 120bp expansion in EBT margin over FY21-23E.
Improving competitive positioning in PCR and TBR
Over the last five years, APTY has considerably strengthened its competitive
positioning in the Indian market through focus on product development,
enabling market share gains in both the OEM and Replacement segment.
It has consolidated its position in T&B tyres, with a market share gain of 5pp
over FY17 to 30% in FY21, benefitting from radialization. In TBR, APTY witnessed
a very high (~11pp) market share gain to 32%. By leveraging the radialization
trend, APTY has gained market leadership in the TBR and T&B segment.
In PCR, it has considerably narrowed down the gap vis-à-vis the market leader
over the last four years. Its market share in PCR has increased to 21% in FY21
from 15% in FY17, which is 100-200bp lower than the market leader.
In Agri Tyres (rear Tractor tyre), APTY’s market share has improved by ~2pp over
FY17 to 21%.
APTY’s market share gain continued in FY21, benefitting from import ban,
resulting in market share gains of 150bp/350bp/350bp in TBR/PCR/Agri.
FY17
30.5
17.5
21
21
32
25
FY20
FY21
29
30
19
17.5
21
Exhibit 61: Market share: APTY gains leadership in TBR and is a close second in PCR
15
PCR
TBR
T&B
Tractor (Rear)
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
36
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Good headroom for growth and low cost expansion at the AP plant
APTY has invested ~INR63b in India since FY18, including INR22b for the AP plant
till FY21. While commercial production at the AP plant began from Sep’20, full
ramp-up of Phase I is expected over the next 12-18 months.
PCR/TBR capacities would be ramped up to 15k/3k tyres per day (from ~5k/1.2k
per day at present) by FY22-end.
This will increase
overall
PCR/TBR capacity by 25-30%/14-16% (from 4QFY21
levels) to ~50k/~15k tyres per day.
On a fully expanded capacity by FY22-end, APTY’s utilization in PCR/TBR is
estimated at 71%/65%. Considering 4QFY21 utilization levels for all India plants
(excluding AP) is at 85-90%, APTY has adequate capacity for the next 2-2.5 years
of growth. The AP plant, spread over 256 acres, has a modular layout and the
capacity can be replicated at a relatively lower cost.
We estimate 10% volume CAGR over FY21-23E, led by strong growth in the TBR
and PCR segment, coupled with an improvement in price realization of 3%CAGR.
We estimate ~14% revenue CAGR over FY21-23E.
Exhibit 62: To complete ramp-up its PCR capacity by FY22-end Exhibit 63: …which provides enough headroom to grow over
(tyres per day), with full benefit in FY23…
the next 2-3 years from current capacity levels
PCR capacity
45,000
52,000
72%
Ramp-up adj. capacity ('000 MT p.a.)
Cap. Utilization of ramp-up adj. capacity (%)
79%
73%
71%
67%
108
FY19
FY20
FY21E
FY22E
FY23E
FY20
112
FY21
134
FY22E
155
FY23E
155
FY24E
155
FY25E
72%
36,000
36,000
38,000
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 64: Capacity addition in TBR to see full ramp-up of
the AP plant by FY22-end…
TBR capacity (tyres per day)
14,738
15,000
Exhibit 65: …offering reasonable headroom to grow over the
next 2-3 years in the TBR segment
Ramp-up adj. capacity ('000 MT p.a.)
Cap. Utilization of ramp-up adj. capacity (%)
93%
82%
73%
65%
8,546
10,300
11,597
13,116
60%
275
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
FY21
309
FY22E
315
FY23E
315
FY24E
315
FY25E
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
37
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
APTY is the biggest beneficiary of radialization
APTY has been one of the key beneficiaries of radialization in India’s CV Tyre
industry. Through significant investments in R&D over the past years, APTY has
commanded leadership in this segment, thereby enjoying strong brand equity
and pricing power.
APTY has consistently improved its market share in the TBR segment. The same
currently stands ~31%.
We expect the radialization trend to touch new highs, particularly in the
Replacement segment, of 60% by FY25E (from 47% in FY21).
Radialization is likely to accelerate further over FY21-25E, with the share of
radials in the T&B segment touching ~66% by FY25E (from 50% in FY21). We
expect 20% T&B radial sales CAGR over FY21-25E and TBB CAGR of 2% (on a low
base).
Exhibit 66: Radial tyres set to attain ~66% share by FY25E in
the T&B segment
Radialization at Industry level
48% 49% 50%
44%
47%
56%
53%
Repl.
60% 63%
66%
Exhibit 67: APTY, being the market leader, benefits the most
from this trend, particularly in the Replacement market
TBR
9%
8%
31%
APTY
MRF
JK
30%
22%
CEAT
Others
33%
28%
36% 38%
44%
60%
56% 58%
27%
30%
37%
41%
FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22EFY23EFY24EFY25E
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
Price increases and operating leverage to dilute the impact of cost inflation
APTY’s India business has several levers for supporting margin and diluting the
impact of RM cost inflation. These include: a) operating leverage, b) increasing
share of the most efficient AP plant, and c) likely benefit from PCR exports to
the EU with PLI benefits.
In 2HFY21, APTY witnessed the impact of commissioning of the AP plant, as
fixed cost got apportioned on lower volumes. Over the next two years, as the AP
plant gets fully utilized, we expect it to drive material operating leverage as well
as benefit from higher efficiencies (with the highest automation in its India
operations).
APTY is planning to supply over 3m PCR tyres to its EU business from Hungary
and India operations as it has decreased (~90%) the plant capacity in the
Netherlands. A part of this 3m PCR tyres which would be exported from India,
would potentially benefit from the PLI scheme for exports.
After a strong performance in FY21, we estimate standalone EBITDA margin to
decline by ~70bp over FY21 to ~15.8% in FY23E. This is primarily on account of
higher commodity cost. Our estimates are yet to factor in supplies of PCR from
India to the EU.
July 2021
38
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Operating leverage would result in a 50bp decline in EBIT margin, whereas
Balance Sheet deleveraging is driving 120bp expansion in EBT margin over FY21-
23E.
Exhibit 68: Expect gross margin for APTY’s India business to decline 110bp over FY21 to
39.2% in FY23E…
43.0
Gross Margins (%)
41.6
38.2
34.8
40.3
38.5
36.5
39.2
FY16
FY17
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 69: … however positive operating leverage to decline the impact to 70bp/50bp in
EBITDA/EBIT margin
FY16
FY17
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
EBITDA Margins
EBIT Margins
EBT Margins
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
39
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Turnaround in its European operations to support margin…
…driven by a ramp-up in Hungary and restructuring in the Netherlands
APTY (through Vredestein) has been continually improving its product mix in favor of
UHP/UUHP tyres. The share of UHP tyres (17”) within PCR stands at 36% v/s 20% five
years back. It is gaining traction in targeted premium OEMs, which would further
support brand building and its journey towards premiumization.
PCR capacity at its Hungary plant would be further ramped up to 5.5m by FY22-end
from 5.1m p.a at present. It was operating at 75% utilization in 4QFY21.
The planned PCR capacity transfer from the Netherlands to the Hungary plant would
further leverage its low-cost structure, with the revenue contribution of the Hungary
plant likely to rise materially.
Restructuring/specialization of the Netherlands plant, coupled with a ramp-up (75%
utilization) in the more efficient Hungary plant (conversion at less than 0.2x that of the
Netherlands plant and minimum wages less than 0.3x), would drive ~300bp EBITDA
margin expansion (over FY21) to 15.5% in FY23E and be positive at the PAT level.
Premiumization to remain a focus area
APTY (through Vredestein) has been continually improving its product mix in
favor of UHP/UUHP tyres. The share of UHP tyres (17”) within PCR now stands
at 36% v/s 20% five years back.
It is also extending its premium segment portfolio by introducing UHP tyres
across summer/winter and all season segments.
APTY’s UHP products have been well received by the market as reflected in its
market share gains. This is also reflected in consistent podium finishes at various
test agencies. These podium positions are key drivers of improvement in market
share, price positioning, and profitability.
It is gaining traction in targeted premium OEMs, which would further support
brand building and journey towards premiumization.
Exhibit 70: Vredestein has been consistently achieving podium positions in Europe
Source: Company
July 2021
40
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Exhibit 71: Share of premium tyres increases over the years
Share of UHP within PCR
27%
20%
36%
FY12/13
FY18
FY21
Source: Company, MOFSL
Efficient Hungary plant to drive revenue growth
PCR capacity at its Hungary plant would be ramped up further to 5.5m by FY22-
end from 5.1m p.a at present. It was operating at 75% utilization in 4QFY21.
TBR capacity (450k p.a) at this plant is running at lower utilization levels and
could surprise positively. It has been seeding the European market with its TBR
tyres. With new capacity in place, it expects to make healthy inroads in this
segment.
The planned PCR capacity transfer to Hungary from the Netherlands plant would
further leverage its low-cost structure, with revenue contribution from the
Hungary plant likely to rise to 65% by FY23E from 55% in FY21 (without factoring
in benefits of a shift in production from the Netherlands plant).
Exhibit 72: Capacity ramp-up at the Hungary plant
underway…
TBR (tyres/day)
PCR (tyres/day)
15,000
17,000
18500
Exhibit 73: …resulting in increasing share within EU
operations
Share of Hungary plant to EU revenue %
55%
45%
29%
61%
65%
12,000
12,000
13,000
4,400
-
FY18
1,200
FY19
1,200
FY20
1,200
FY21E
1,200
FY22E
1,200
FY23E
1,200
FY24E
15%
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
Ramp-up in Hungary, restructuring in the Netherlands to drive margin
APTY’s margin in the European business has been on a downtrend over the past
five years, impacted by startup/ramp-up costs at the Hungary plant, cost related
to compliance with label requirements and R&D, streamlining of operations for
OEM homologations, and in general slowdown in the PCR Tyre industry. As a
result, margin shrank to 8% in FY20 from 16.8% in FY15.
It recently completed restructuring of its 100-year old plant in the Netherlands
by converting it into a specialized plant focusing on Agri and high-end PCR
(suitable for a smaller batch and higher manual work). This would result in a
July 2021
41
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
90% reduction in capacity at the Netherlands plant to 0.5m tyres p.a, which
would be largely (over 3m tyres) catered by its Hungary and India plants.
This, coupled with a ramp-up (75% utilization) in the more efficient Hungary
plant (conversion at less than 0.2x that of the Netherlands plant and minimum
wages less than 0.3x), has resulted in a sharp margin improvement in its EU
operations in 2HFY21 (~15.4% EBITDA margin).
This margin improvement in 2HFY21 is without the full saving benefits of
EUR50m due to reduction in headcount at its plant in the Netherlands.
We expect EBITDA margin to expand by ~300bp to 15.5% for its EU operations in
FY23E (after factoring in cost inflation in 1HFY22E). This will result in EU
operations turning PAT positive from FY22E onwards.
Exhibit 74: Minimum wages in Hungary less than 0.3x that
of the Netherlands plant
EUR/Month
1,685
Exhibit 75: Conversion cost at the Hungary plant is less than
0.2x that of the Netherlands plant
EUR/Kg
6.26
470
1
Netherlands
Source: Industry, MOFSL
Hungary
Netherlands
Source: Company, MOFSL
Hungary
Limited capex needs in the near term
With capex for its Hungary plant completed, EU operations have good
headroom to grow from current capacities. The next leg of capacity expansion at
its Hungary plant would be brownfield to expand its PCR and TBR capacity, but
we do not foresee any need for this until FY24.
Its current capacity at Hungary is 5.1m tyres p.a, which would be expanded to
5.5m tyres by FY22-end. With a small capex for debottlenecking, annual capacity
at the Hungary plant can be increased by 0.5m units to 6m units. This, coupled
with the Netherlands plant capacity of 0.5m p.a, gives it a total capacity of 6.5m
p.a. Its EU operations will be supported by exports from India to the EU.
We are factoring in an annual capex of EUR25m for FY22E/FY23E.
July 2021
42
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Exhibit 76: Accelerated revenue growth aided by market
recovery and available capacity…
Revenue (EUR m)
7%
3%
3%
7.9
-4%
472
FY18
506
FY19
520
FY20
497
FY21
556
FY22E
612
FY23E
40
FY19
41
FY20
62
FY21
86
FY22E
94
FY23E
7.9
Growth YoY %
12%
10%
12.5
Exhibit 77: …with margin expanding by 300bp over FY21 due
to ramp-up in Hungary and restructuring in the Netherlands
EBITDA (EUR m)
EBITDA margin %
15.5
15.4
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 78: Capex intensity to remain low
Capex (EUR m)
51%
37%
28%
30
6%
FY15
118
FY16
232
FY17
175
FY18
14%
25
73
FY19
5%
FY20
25
5%
25
4%
25
4%
% of sales
Exhibit 79: Expect operations to turn profitable by FY22E
PAT (EUR m)
9
2
14
-9
20
-66
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
FY21 FY22E FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
43
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Valuations and view
Strong growth, with an improvement in capital efficiency
India well placed for growth:
APTY is well placed, with strong competitive
positioning as well as ready capacities to benefit from a strong recovery in TBR
and PCR in both the OEM and Replacement segment. On a fully expanded
capacity by FY22-end, its PCR/TBR utilization is estimated at 71%/65%. We
estimate 10% volume CAGR over FY21-23E, led by strong growth in the TBR and
PCR segment and 3% CAGR improvement in price realizations. We estimate
~14% revenue CAGR over FY21-23E. APTY’s India business has several levers for
supporting margin and diluting the impact of RM cost inflation. These include: a)
operating leverage, b) increasing share of the most efficient AP plant (not
factored in), and c) likely benefit from PCR exports to the EU, with PLI benefits
(not factored in). While we expect a 70bp decline in FY23E EBITDA margin (to
15.8%) over FY21 levels, operating leverage and Balance Sheet deleveraging
would drive 24% PAT CAGR in the India business.
EU – worst behind it:
Its EU operations are all set for a turnaround, led by
strategic initiatives at both the front (product side) and back end (Hungary plant
and restructuring in the Netherlands). With improved competitiveness, APTY
has gained market share in the Replacement segment and made inroads with
OEMs. With a further ramp-up at the low-cost Hungary plant and specialization
at the Netherlands plant, we estimate 11% revenue CAGR over FY21-23E (on a
low base) and ~300bp EBITDA margin expansion to 15.5% by FY23E. We
estimate EU operations to turn profitable by FY22E. Our estimates do not factor
in benefits from the transfer of over 3m tyres to the Hungary and India plant.
Leaner Balance Sheet augurs well for future growth capex:
APTY raised funds
through a preferential placement to an arm of Warburg Pincus. In Feb’20, it
issued compulsory convertible preference shares (already converted to equity),
equivalent to 9.93% stake in the company for INR10.8b, at INR1,713/share. Post
this fund infusion as well as FY21 FCF (post interest) of ~INR9.5b, consolidated
net debt stood at INR28.8b as of Mar’21 (from INR58b as of Mar’20). Even after
factoring in a negative FCF in FY22E, net debt would be comfortable at 0.3x/0.1x
equity for FY22E/FY23E and 1x/0.5x EBITDA.
Expect ~40% consolidated PAT CAGR over FY21-23E:
Driven by strong growth
across its Indian and European operations, APTY is likely to deliver 14% revenue
CAGR over FY21-23E. We estimate gross margin to trend downward by ~130bp
over FY21-23E (44.4% in FY20). Benefit from the restructuring of its EU
operations and operating leverage in India and EU would drive a 50bp
consolidated EBITDA margin expansion to 16%. This implies a 15% EBITDA CAGR
over FY21-23E. With a reduction in interest cost due to the debt reduction, we
estimate an adjusted PAT CAGR of ~40% over FY21-23E. As a result, we estimate
a 380bp improvement in RoE over FY21 to ~10% in FY23E.
Initiate coverage with a Buy rating and a TP of INR300/share:
APTY is geared
for the next leg of growth, with sufficient capacity to cater to demand from India
and Europe. With capex for Phase I of the AP plant concluding in FY22E, increase
in capacity utilization will generate higher cash flows and further deleverage its
Balance Sheet. As compared to its peers, APTY offers the best blend of earnings
44
July 2021
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
growth and cheap valuations. The stock trades at 11.9x/9.7x FY22E/FY23E
consolidated EPS. We value APTY at 12x Sep-23E EPS (v/s a 5/10 year average
P/E multiple of ~16x/12x). We initiate coverage on the stock with a Buy rating
and a TP of INR300.
Exhibit 80: APTY is currently trading near is LPA
P/E (x)
32.0
24.0
17.5
16.0
8.0
0.0
11.8
6.1
3.2
11.4
Min (x)
Avg (x)
+1SD
26.6
Max (x)
-1SD
3.0
2.3
1.5
0.8
0.0
0.4
1.2
0.9
P/B (x)
Min (x)
Avg (x)
+1SD
Max (x)
-1SD
2.2
1.6
1.0
Source: MOFSL
July 2021
45
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
SWOT analysis
Highest
dependence on
the CV segment
Negligible
presence in 2W
tyres
To gain leadership
in PCR
Leverage India
cost for serving
the EU market
Strong positioning
in TBR and PCR
Improved cost
base for EU
operations
S
W
O
T
Increase
competitive
pressure in TBR
Bulls and Bear Case
Exhibit 81: APTY: Scenario Analysis
Consolidated
INR m
India revenue
Growth (%)
EU revenue
Growth (%)
Revenue
Growth (%)
India EBITDA margin (%)
EU EBITDA margin (%)
EBITDA
EPS (INR)
Growth (%)
RoE (%)
Target P/E (x)
TP
Upside CAGR (%)
Remarks
FY22E
1,40,502
21
64,276
13
2,04,778
18
15.1
17.2
32,349
18.9
64
9.1
Base
FY23E
1,51,448
8
71,343
11
2,22,791
9
15.8
17.2
36,158
23.3
23
10.4
12
281
25
Bull
FY22E
FY23E
FY24E
1,45,230
1,59,753
1,75,728
25
10
10
65,131
72,296
78,079
15
11
8
2,10,361
2,32,049
2,53,808
22
10
9
15.5
16.5
16.5
17.5
17.4
17.4
33,909
38,859
42,493
21.0
26.8
31.1
82
28
16
10.1
11.7
12.3
14
14
375
436
67
39
Strong Replacement demand in PCR
and T&B in India; the EU is benefitting
from full Hungary ramp-up and
supplies from India
Moderation in RM prices and lower
competitive intensity
Bear
FY22E
FY23E
FY24E
1,37,097
1,45,323
1,52,589
18
6
5
62,300
67,284
70,648
10
8
5
1,99,397
2,12,607
2,23,237
15
7
5
14.5
15.0
15.0
16.5
16.5
16.5
30,159
32,900
34,545
16.0
19.0
20.7
39
19
9
7.8
8.7
8.8
10
10
190
207
-16
-4
Weak Replacement demand in PCR
and T&B; Key risk: PCR demand
doesn't pick-up in EU
Higher RM prices and competitive
intensity
Source: MOFSL
FY24E
1,61,888
7
75,533
6
2,37,421
7
15.9
17.2
38,712
26.2
13
10.7
12
318
19
July 2021
46
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Operating metrics
Exhibit 82: Snapshot of the revenue model
Particulars (INR m)
Standalone
TBR
YoY growth
TBB
YoY growth
LCV
YoY growth
PCR
YoY growth
Farm and others
YoY growth
Revenue from sales of tyres
YoY growth
Total other operating income
Standalone revenue
YoY growth
EU
Passenger Cars
Agri + others
TBR
EU Revenue
YoY growth
Others
Consolidated Revenue
YoY growth
FY17
25,203
-7%
27,560
-4%
7,934
19%
17,609
13%
9,861
19%
88,167
2.3%
1,171
89,338
2.0%
28,215
5,374
-
33,589
9.7%
8,874
1,31,800
11.2%
FY18
33,761
34%
27,529
0%
9,349
18%
20,776
18%
12,466
26%
1,03,881
17.8%
1,688
1,05,569
18.2%
29,527
6,048
-
35,574
5.9%
7,285
1,48,429
12.6%
FY19
45,699
35%
30,466
11%
8,463
-9%
21,761
5%
14,507
16%
1,20,896
16.4%
2,642
1,23,538
17.0%
32,422
6,404
1,201
40,027
12.5%
11,924
1,75,488
18.2%
FY20
42,313
-7%
25,933
-15%
8,666
2%
19,499
-10%
11,916
-18%
1,08,327
-10.4%
2,293
1,10,620
-10.5%
32,859
6,655
2,080
41,594
3.9%
11,288
1,63,502
-6.8%
FY21
40,865
-3%
28,398
10%
7,948
-8%
19,303
-1%
17,032
43%
1,13,545
4.8%
2,639
1,16,184
5.0%
34,291
5,326
3,253
42,870
3.1%
13,766
1,72,820
5.7%
FY22E
53,089
30%
31,306
10%
9,840
24%
23,939
24%
19,137
12%
1,37,311
20.9%
3,191
1,40,502
20.9%
FY23E
59,842
13%
31,306
0%
10,913
11%
25,854
8%
20,094
5%
1,48,009
7.8%
3,440
1,51,448
7.8%
40,222
44,720
5,542
6,573
3,384
3,884
49,148
55,176
14.6%
12.3%
15,128
16,167
2,04,778
2,22,791
18.5%
8.8%
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
47
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Story in charts
Exhibit 83: Expect consolidated revenue CAGR of 14% over
FY21-23E
Consol. revenue (INR b)
18.2
12.6
5.7
164
-6.8
148
FY18
175
FY19
FY20
173
FY21
205
FY22E
223
FY23E
17
FY18
20
FY19
19
FY20
27
FY21
32
FY22E
36
FY23E
Growth YoY %
18.5
8.8
11.1
Exhibit 84: Expect consolidated EBITDA CAGR of ~15% over
FY21-23E; margin to remain flat due to RM cost pressures
Consol. EBITDA (INR b)
15.5
11.2
11.9
EBITDA margin %
15.8
16.2
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 85: Expect consolidated PAT CAGR of 40% over FY21-
23E
Consol. PAT (INR b)
38.1
15.0
-34.2
7
FY18
8
FY19
-42.8
5
FY20
7
FY21
11
FY22E
13
FY23E
Growth YoY %
64.5
23.0
Exhibit 86: Expect gradual improvement in RoE/RoCE over
FY21-23E
RoE (%)
8.5
8.4
6.2
6.3
6.5
4.8
4.6
5.7
RoCE (%)
9.1
8.3
10.4
9.3
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 87: FCF turns positive in FY21 after an elongated
period of high capex
1.2
FCF (INR b)
1.3
Cash conversion (x)
1.0
0.7
(13)
(12)
(3)
13
1.1
0.9
4
19
Exhibit 88: Net debt to reduce to 0.1x equity in FY23E
Net Debt (x)
3.0
2.1
2.1
1.1
0.3
0.4
0.6
0.3
FY21
0.9
0.2
FY22E
0.5
0.1
FY23E
Net Debt/EBITDA (x)
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
FY18
FY19
FY20
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
48
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Financials and valuations
Consolidated Income Statement
Y/E March
Total Income from Operations
Change (%)
EBITDA
EBITDA Margin (%)
Depreciation
EBIT
EBIT Margin (%)
Int. and Finance Charges
Other Income
PBT bef. EO Exp.
EO Items
PBT after EO Exp.
Total Tax
Tax Rate (%)
Minority Interest
Reported PAT
Adjusted PAT
Change (%)
FY18
1,48,429
12.6
16,536
11.1
5,926
10,610
7.1
1,629
1,142
10,123
0
10,123
2,884
28.5
0
7,239
7,239
-34.2
FY19
1,75,488
18.2
19,586
11.2
8,127
11,460
6.5
1,811
1,231
10,880
2,000
8,880
2,083
23.5
0
6,797
8,328
15.0
FY20
1,63,502
-6.8
19,387
11.9
11,381
8,006
4.9
2,808
237
5,434
0
5,434
670
12.3
0
4,764
4,764
-42.8
FY21
1,72,820
5.7
26,825
15.5
13,150
13,675
7.9
4,430
1,294
10,539
4,927
5,612
2,110
37.6
0
3,502
6,576
38.1
FY22E
2,04,778
18.5
32,349
15.8
14,504
17,845
8.7
4,140
621
14,326
0
14,326
3,510
24.5
0
10,815
10,815
64.5
FY23E
2,22,791
8.8
36,158
16.2
15,566
20,592
9.2
3,534
658
17,717
0
17,717
4,411
24.9
0
13,305
13,305
23.0
(INR m)
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Y/E March
Equity Share Capital
Total Reserves
Net Worth
Total Loans
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Capital Employed
Gross Block
Less: Accum. Deprn.
Net Fixed Assets
Goodwill on Consolidation
Capital WIP
Total Investments
Curr. Assets, Loans and Adv.
Inventory
Account Receivables
Cash and Bank Balance
Loans and Advances
Curr. Liability and Prov.
Account Payables
Other Current Liabilities
Provisions
Net Current Assets
Appl. of Funds
FY18
572
97,195
97,767
53,321
7,433
1,58,521
1,72,196
70,226
1,01,970
2,061
23,041
13,425
60,080
29,454
14,350
5,992
10,285
42,056
24,471
13,439
4,146
18,024
1,58,521
FY19
572
99,826
1,00,398
47,210
7,707
1,55,315
1,93,899
78,352
1,15,547
1,993
15,393
60
68,516
34,841
13,144
5,627
14,905
46,194
20,665
20,593
4,936
22,322
1,55,315
FY20
572
98,728
99,300
65,799
7,032
1,72,131
2,42,083
89,734
1,52,350
2,134
16,420
194
60,957
32,069
9,399
7,496
11,993
59,924
23,090
31,699
5,134
1,033
1,72,131
FY21
635
1,13,796
1,14,431
51,115
7,020
1,72,567
2,64,875
1,02,883
1,61,992
2,204
11,065
1,096
82,088
33,185
13,808
21,458
13,637
85,878
28,067
53,371
4,440
-3,790
1,72,567
FY22E
635
1,22,323
1,22,958
46,692
7,020
1,76,671
2,83,833
1,17,387
1,66,446
2,204
12,319
195
85,625
39,273
14,026
16,168
16,159
90,118
33,662
51,195
5,261
-4,493
1,76,671
FY23E
635
1,33,054
1,33,689
39,681
7,020
1,80,390
3,00,816
1,32,953
1,67,863
2,204
9,592
195
98,582
42,727
15,260
23,015
17,580
98,045
36,623
55,698
5,724
537
1,80,390
(INR m)
July 2021
49
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Financials and valuations
Ratios
Y/E March
Basic (INR)
EPS
Cash EPS
BV/Share
DPS
Payout (%)
Valuation (x)
P/E
P/BV
EV/Sales
EV/EBITDA
Dividend Yield (%)
FCF per share
Return Ratios (%)
RoE
RoCE
RoIC
Working Capital Ratios
Fixed Asset Turnover (x)
Asset Turnover (x)
Inventory (Days)
Debtor (Days)
Creditor (Days)
Leverage Ratio (x)
Current Ratio
Interest Coverage Ratio
Net Debt/Equity
FY18
12.7
23.0
170.9
2.7
25.4
17.8
1.3
1.2
10.7
1.2
-23.6
8.5
6.3
7.6
0.9
0.9
72
35
60
1.4
6.5
0.3
FY19
14.6
28.8
175.5
3.0
30.4
15.5
1.3
1.0
8.7
1.3
-21.0
8.4
6.5
7.0
0.9
1.1
72
27
43
1.5
6.3
0.4
FY20
8.3
28.2
173.6
6.2
90.5
27.1
1.3
1.1
9.7
2.8
-5.0
4.8
4.6
5.0
0.7
0.9
72
21
52
1.0
2.9
0.6
FY21
11.5
34.5
200.0
3.5
57.2
19.6
1.1
0.9
5.9
1.6
22.6
6.2
5.7
5.9
0.7
1.0
70
29
59
1.0
3.1
0.2
FY22E
18.9
44.3
214.9
4.0
21.2
11.9
1.0
0.8
4.9
1.8
7.1
9.1
8.3
9.4
0.7
1.2
70
25
60
1.0
4.3
0.2
FY23E
23.3
50.5
233.7
4.5
19.3
9.7
1.0
0.7
4.0
2.0
33.8
10.4
9.3
10.5
0.7
1.2
70
25
60
1.0
5.8
0.1
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Y/E March
OP/(Loss) before Tax
Depreciation
Interest and Finance Charges
Direct Taxes Paid
(Inc.)/Dec. in WC
CF from Operations
Others
CF from Operations incl. EO
(Inc.)/Dec. in FA
Free Cash Flow
(Pur.)/Sale of Investments
Others
CF from Investments
Issue of Shares
Inc./(Dec.) in Debt
Interest Paid
Dividend Paid
Others
CF from Fin. Activity
Inc./Dec. in Cash
Opening Balance
Closing Balance
FY18
10,123
5,926
1,629
-2,465
3,154
18,367
-1,170
17,197
-30,672
-13,475
-9,315
1,358
-38,628
14,761
11,608
-1,323
-1,838
2,838
26,046
4,615
191
4,806
FY19
8,881
8,127
1,811
-2,199
-5,433
11,187
-476
10,711
-22,740
-12,028
11,366
1,414
-9,959
0
3,265
-1,819
-2,069
-314
-936
-184
4,806
4,622
FY20
5,434
11,381
2,808
-925
7,996
26,695
-1,522
25,174
-28,055
-2,881
-134
230
-27,959
0
13,863
-2,232
-4,310
-2,810
4,510
1,725
4,622
6,347
FY21
5,612
13,150
4,430
-2,035
4,616
25,772
-1,303
24,469
-11,563
12,906
-12,547
667
-23,443
10,800
-3,222
-3,407
0
-2,626
1,545
2,571
6,347
8,918
FY22E
14,326
14,504
3,519
-3,510
-4,587
24,251
0
24,251
-20,211
4,040
901
621
-18,689
0
-4,423
-4,140
-2,288
0
-10,852
-5,290
8,918
3,628
(INR m)
FY23E
17,717
15,566
2,876
-4,411
1,817
33,564
0
33,564
-14,256
19,309
0
658
-13,598
0
-7,011
-3,534
-2,574
0
-13,120
6,847
3,628
10,475
July 2021
50
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Initiating Coverage | Sector: Automobiles
Balkrishna Industries
BSE Sensex
52,553
S&P CNX
15,752
CMP: INR2,349
TP: INR2,425 (+3%)
Neutral
Investing for the next phase of growth while improving competitiveness
BIL ranks third in our TII framework
Bloomberg
Equity Shares (m)
M.Cap.(INRb)/(USDb)
52-Week Range (INR)
1, 6, 12 Rel. Per (%)
12M Avg Val (INR M)
Free float (%)
Aspiring for a bigger share of the global pie
Stock Info
BIL IN
193
453.5 / 6.1
2404 / 1230
2/37/45
1374
41.7
BIL ranks third in our TII framework to evaluate Tyre companies. It scores 3.7
based on operating parameters, while on valuations it scores a three.
It ranks highest in terms of cost competitiveness and financial strength.
However, it lags behind domestic peers in terms of brand ranking, pricing
power, and headroom to grow.
Premium valuations fairly reflect for its industry leading margins, FCF, and
capital efficiencies.
Financial Snapshot (INR b)
Y/E March
FY21 FY22E FY23E
Sales
57.7 71.4 83.2
EBITDA
17.9 22.4 26.7
Adj. PAT
11.8 14.4 17.4
EPS (INR)
60.9 74.5 89.9
EPS Growth (%)
22.7 22.3 20.7
BV/Share (INR)
310.4 364.9 429.7
Ratios
RoE (%)
21.4 22.1 22.6
RoCE (%)
18.3 19.1 19.9
Payout (%)
27.9 26.9 27.8
Valuations
P/E (x)
38.6 31.5 26.1
P/BV (x)
7.6
6.4
5.5
Div. yield (%)
0.7
0.9
1.1
FCF yield (%)
0.9
1.4
2.1
Shareholding pattern (%)
As On
Mar-21 Dec-20 Mar-20
Promoter
58.3
58.3
58.3
DII
14.6
15.0
17.8
FII
11.9
14.4
15.5
Others
12.7
11.2
12.0
FII Includes depository receipts
Stock performance (one-year)
BIL's served industries (Agri) are witnessing a sharp increase in underlying
commodity prices. This augurs well for demand for both Agri and OTR tyres.
It aspires to increase its market share to 10% from 6% at present by: a)
ramping-up in the OTR segment, which is much larger than Agri Tyres, b)
strengthening its presence in North America and RoW markets, and c)
gaining share with OEMs.
BIL has been a relatively late entrant in both the OTR segment (67% of the
industry, but 33% for the company) and the US market (25-30% for the
industry, but 13% for the company) – both large opportunities where it has a
huge headroom to grow.
Gaining a larger share of the growth pie
BIL’s capex outlay for the next two years is ~INR19b, with INR8b for
increasing capacity by 17%, INR6.5b for carbon black capacity expansion, and
INR4.5b for modernization.
While carbon black expansion could have been phased out, considering it has
adequate capacity to meet requirements over the next three years, we
believe modernization capex will aid improvement in quality as well as cost
competitiveness for BIL, especially ahead of the planned ramp-up in OTR and
the US market.
Despite the increase, capex intensity (as a percentage of sales) shall decline
to ~12% over next two years from 15-16% in the last two years. This will
result in a sharp improvement in FCF generation over the next two years.
Capex concerns overdone
BIL ranks highest among domestic peers in terms of cost competitiveness
and financial strength. In terms of valuation, it trades at a substantial
premium to its mainstream peers.
We estimate BIL’s revenue/EBITDA/PAT to grow at 20%/22%/22% over FY21-
23E. Even though the capex benefit is not expected to reflect materially till
FY23E, we estimate RoCE to improve 160bp over FY21 to ~19.9% in FY23E.
Though it deserves premium valuations due to its industry-leading margin,
FCF, and capital efficiencies, the current valuation premium is excessive. We
initiate coverage with a
Neutral
rating and a TP of INR2,425 per share (25x
Sep-23E EPS, at a 25%/80% premium to its five/10-year average P/E).
51
Valuations factor in a focused business model
July 2021
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Valuation premium reflects a focused business model…
…industry-leading margin, FCF, and capital efficiencies
BIL ranks third in our TII framework to evaluate Tyre companies. It scores 3.7
based on operating parameters, while on valuations it scores a three.
It ranks highest in terms of cost competitiveness and financial strength.
However, it lags behind domestic peers in terms of brand ranking, pricing power,
and headroom to grow.
We have looked at its positioning within the global OHT segment, while
evaluating BIL in terms of operating parameters.
In terms of valuation, BIL trades at substantial premium to APTY/CEAT. Premium
valuations fairly reflect for its industry leading margins, FCF, and capital
efficiencies.
Exhibit 89: BIL ranks high in terms of financial strength and cost competitiveness
Brand Ranking
5.0
Financial Strength
2.5
2.5
Pricing power
Cost competitiveness
5.0
3.0
Headroom to grow
4.1
Revenue mix
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 90: BIL ranks second based on
operating parameters
MRF
3.9
Exhibit 91: BIL ranks third on current
valuations
MRF
2.0
Exhibit 92: Overall, BIL lands in the last
quartile as valuations remain
unattractive
MRF
3.4
BIL 3.7
3.6
APTY
BIL
3.0
5.0
APTY
BIL
3.5
3.9 APTY
3.6
CEAT
Source: MOFSL
4.0
CEAT
Source: MOFSL
3.7
CEAT
Source: MOFSL
July 2021
52
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
BIL
2.5
CEAT
3.2
4.2
#1: Brand ranking
APTY
BIL ranks low in terms of brand ranking due to its positioning of being a low-cost Tier II OHT player
globally. While it has improved its price positioning over the years, it is still considered a Tier II brand.
It has been increasing its investments towards brand building in its key markets.
BIL has significant scope to improve its positioning in select markets of Agri and OTR.
4.3
MRF
BIL
2.5
CEAT 3.4
3.6
#2: Pricing power
APTY
BIL ranks low in terms of pricing power. In the global OHT market, pricing power is in the hands of
Tier I players like Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone.
Among Tier II players, Titan and Trelleborg enjoy relatively higher pricing power.
With a focus on increasing brand awareness through improving its presence with OEMs and via
marketing, BIL would be able to improve its pricing power eventually.
4.4
MRF
BIL
4.1
CEAT
4.0
3.9
MRF
3.8 APTY
#3: Revenue mix
BIL’s revenue mix is skewed towards Agriculture tyres (64%), which is a relatively less cyclical v/s the
OTR segment.
However, the cyclicality impact would be lower for BIL, since it possesses huge headroom to increase
its market share within these segments.
It enjoys a healthy share from the Replacement segment (~75%).
BIL is well diversified in terms of geographies, with a presence across India, Europe, North America,
and Australia.
BIL
3.0
CEAT
5.0
4.0
APTY
#4: Headroom to grow
While BIL has headroom to grow by improving its capacity utilization (79% in FY20), new capacity
addition is ~17%, leaving lower headroom to grow post FY23E.
Although it is incurring significant capex over FY21-23E, much of this capex would be towards
modernization of existing capacity and expansion of carbon black capacity.
4.0
MRF
BIL
5.0
CEAT
3.0
#5: Cost competitiveness
3.0 APTY
BIL ranks highest in terms of cost competitiveness, given its competitive edge in labor costs,
backward integration, and efficient operations.
It is investing towards modernizing its three plants, which will enable further efficiency gains.
BIL enjoys a natural hedge against currency (imported RM is 40-50% of total RM for domestic peers),
as it derives significant revenue from exports (77%).
3.5
MRF
BIL
5.0
2.8
#6: Financial strength
APTY
3.3
CEAT
3.5
MRF
July 2021
BIL ranks highest in terms of financial strength due to its superior return ratios and net cash Balance
Sheet.
It also has the highest margin among its peers.
With improving capacity utilization, return ratios should trend further upwards.
53
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Tyres
Gaining a larger share of a growing pie
Demand tailwinds and market share gain to translate into strong revenue
BIL's served industries (Agri) are witnessing a sharp increase in underlying commodity
prices. This augurs well for demand for both Agri and OTR tyres.
It aspires to increase its market share to 10% from 6% at present by: a) ramping-up in
the OTR segment, which is much larger than Agri Tyres, b) strengthening its presence
in North America and RoW markets, and c) gaining share with OEMs.
BIL has been a relatively late entrant in the OTR segment and the US market – both
large opportunities
,
where it has a huge headroom to grow by plugging gaps in its
product portfolio as well as by ramping up with OEMs. The OTR segment constitutes
~67% of the industry, but only 33% for BIL, whereas the US market is 25-30% of the
global Specialty Tyre industry, but only ~13% for BIL.
We expect volumes/revenue to grow by ~13%/~20% CAGR over FY21-23E.
BIL primarily operates in the Agriculture tyre/Off-the-Road (OTR) segment
(~64%/32% of volumes). The latter caters to the Mining, Industrial, and
Construction Equipment segments.
Globally, prices for both agricultural as well as metal commodities have seen a
sharp increase in the last six months, driving an improvement in the outlook for
the end-user segment (Agri and Mining industry). This, coupled with a robust
demand for housing in the EU/US as well as focus on Infrastructure, augurs well
for the Construction industry.
The Agri Machinery industry in North America/South America/EU is expected to
rise by 25%/20%/10% in CY21 (Source: Deere & Co).
We expect the Specialty Tyre industry to grow at 6-8% CAGR (on a low base of
FY21) over the next three years.
Exhibit 93: Sharp increase in metal and Agri commodity prices augur well for a pick-up in demand for OTR and Agri Tyres
280
220
160
100
Bloomberg Base Metals Spot Price
Commodity Index (Ex Steel)
110
80
50
20
Bloomberg Agriculture Index
Strong commodity prices to drive sharp growth for both Agri and OTR tyres
Source: Bloomberg, MOFSL
July 2021
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Tyres
Exhibit 94: Commentary of key industry participants
Company
Commentary
North America will continue to benefit from strong Residential demand. Nonresidential Construction is recovering at a
gradual pace, with the Infrastructure segment recovering faster than Nonresidential Building. Demand is strong in China
on the back of government spending on Infra.
Oil and Gas should continue to slowly improve from lower levels as customers remain disciplined with their capex spend.
Industrial is expected to grow, with activity strengthening across most applications. In Transportation, Rail and Marine
are expected to see slight improvements from the first quarter, although on a low base.
Demand in both Mining and Heavy Construction and Quarry and Aggregates is expected to increase due to supportive
commodity prices and the restart of investments that were delayed last year.
For Specialties, market growth is still expected to be between 8% and 12% in CY21, with a stronger growth in Agri,
Construction, and Material Handling.
Rising cost of raw material is beneficial for a premium player like Michelin as it can pass on the price increase easily as
compared to its Asian peers. Rising logistic costs is another concern.
Mining grew, but it was unlike other segments.
It is seeing strong demand for Agri Tyres and Aftermarket. Material Handling and Construction is likely to pick up as OEM
have a strong order book. It expects industrialization and mechanization in Agri to continue. The company is facing freight
challenges, but the situation is manageable.
It expects a 10-12% rise in production in CY21 (v/s CY20). North America: Higher commodity prices and farmer sentiment
have led to an increase in sales. Replacement demand for an aged fleet of larger equipment is expected to drive most of
the increase.
It expects North American industry unit sales to rise ~15% in CY21 v/s CY20. Industry demand in Western Europe is
expected to remain strong and grow modestly in CY21. Elevated commodity prices and favorable exchange rates are
expected to support additional growth in South America during CY21 as farmers continue to replace aging equipment.
Total industry demand in South America is expected to improve by 5-10% from CY20 levels.
It sees strong demand for Agri from South America and Brazil, and has a strong order book in Construction and Agri
segments. The company is seeing robust demand for Earth Moving Equipment. The Aftermarket business in North and
South America is doing well. It has taken appropriate price increases to mitigate rising input costs.
Source: Companies, Industry, MOFSL
Caterpillar
Michelin
Trelleborg
Agco
Titan
International
All critical success factors in place to grow faster
BIL has a well-established competitive advantage, which has enabled consistent
market share gains. Its competitive advantage is driven by: a) competitive cost
and pricing, b) consistent product portfolio expansion, and c) expanding reach.
BIL’s strategy to grow faster than the industry pivots around: a) ramp-up in the
OTR segment, which is much larger than Agri Tyres, b) strengthening its
presence in North America and RoW markets, and c) gaining share with OEMs.
This should help BIL to attain its targeted market share of 10% (v/s 6% at
present) of the USD15b global Off-Highway Tyre (OHT) segment.
A granular look at the industry suggests that BIL is relatively stronger in the
USD5b Agriculture tyre market, with 8-8.5% market share. In the bigger OTR
segment (Mining/Construction/Industrial), the size of which is estimated to be
~USD10b, BIL has a meager presence with a 2-2.5% market share. It has
identified gaps in its product portfolio and is taking several strategic initiatives
to strengthen these areas.
July 2021
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Tyres
Exhibit 95: BIL is targeting higher contribution from OTR…
OTR contribution (%)
45
Exhibit 96: …and 10% share of the Specialty Tyre industry
Market share (%)
10
33
6
Current
Target
Source: Company, MOFSL
Current
Target
Source: Company, MOFSL
Focus is on tapping a larger share of the global OTR segment
BIL started catering to the USD10b OTR segment much later in CY07. This
segment has a high gestation period, but presents large opportunities to BIL.
The company has steadily made inroads. Within the OTR segment, it foresees
huge opportunities in the Mining segment in North America, where it is severely
under-represented. BIL has a two-pronged approach to grow in this segment
via: a) product portfolio expansion and b) making inroads with OEMs.
It is continuously bridging gaps in its product offerings in the Mining segment.
BIL started manufacturing ultra-large mining tyres at its Bhuj plant in CY16. It
recently began manufacturing 51” and 57” ultra large all steel giant tyres to
further expand its coverage in this segment. Till date, it was manufacturing tyres
up to 49”, while the market leader has a product range up to 63”.
With the launch of its ultra-large mining tyres, BIL has successfully completed
the cumbersome evaluation process of OEMs and has strengthened its position
with them.
The Replacement opportunity in this segment is very lucrative. The average life
of Mining/Construction tyres spans 9-15/18-24 months.
Exhibit 97: BIL’s contribution from the OTR segment is much
lower than the industry…
Agricultural tyres
Off the Road (OTR) tyres
6%
33%
67%
67%
33%
Industry
BKT
Source: Company, MOFSL
Overall
Agri
OTR
Source: Company, MOFSL
2-2.5%
Exhibit 98: …reflecting in substantially lower market share
for BIL in this segment
8-8.5%
July 2021
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Tyres
Strengthening its presence in the US
BIL has a relatively weaker presence in the US Specialty Tyre market as it
entered this market much later in CY07-08. However, the real push came only
towards CY13, when it had new capacity available in Bhuj.
The US market contributed ~13% to BIL’s FY21 volumes as against 25-30% of the
Specialty Tyre industry.
Despite being a late entrant, BIL has established a strong presence in the US Agri
Tyres market, with a market share of 7-10%, and over 25% in the Agri
Replacement market.
With a focus on ramping-up in the OTR segment and manufacture of ultra large
tyres, BIL’s US business would get a major boost as it has a much lower presence
in the US OTR market.
Exhibit 99: BIL has a much lower contribution from the US
market than the industry…
US Contribution (%)
25-30%
Exhibit 100: …but has a good presence in the Agri segment
BKT's Market share in US Agri (%)
38.5
26.5
5.5
13.5
3.5
18
13%
BKT
Industry
Source: Industry, Company, MOFSL
Source: Industry, MOFSL
Strengthening roots with OEMs
BIL’s focus is on increasing its presence among OEMs in the global OHT segment.
OEMs account for ~45% of the market, but just 23% for BIL. It has ~2% market
share in the OEM segment.
The strategy of improving market share in the OEM segment will reap long-term
benefits for BIL as it aids in improving brand visibility, creating brand value, and
pull factor.
Contrary to the general belief for BIL, margin does not vary materially between
the OEM and Replacement segments. Hence, we do not estimate any margin
dilution due to increasing share of OEMs.
Exhibit 101: BIL has a much lower volume v/s the industry
Replacement
OEM
45%
27%
55%
Industry
73%
BKT
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
57
 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Capex concerns overdone
Investing for the next phase of growth as well as improving competitiveness
BIL has chalked out a capex of ~INR19b over the next two years. Of this, INR8b would
be allocated towards setting up of new capacity, INR6.5b for carbon black capacity
expansion, and INR4.5b for plant automation. Hence, incremental capacity would be
~17%.
While carbon black expansion could have been phased out, considering it has
adequate capacity to meet requirements over the next three years, we believe
modernization capex will aid improvement in quality as well as cost competitiveness
for BIL, especially ahead of the planned ramp-up in the OTR and US market.
Despite the increase, capex intensity (as a percentage of sales) shall decline to ~12%
over next two years from 15-16% in the last two years. This will result in a sharp
improvement in FCF generation over the next two years.
Brownfield expansion at the Bhuj plant
BIL plans to invest INR8b for a brownfield capacity expansion at the Bhuj plant,
which will add ~50,000mtpa capacity, taking the total achievable capacity to
335,000mtpa. The same is expected to be completed by 2HFY23.
Rationale:
Growth capex is required to cater to growing demand and achieve
its 10% market share aspiration, which would require a capacity of
~450,000mtpa (v/s current capacity of 285,000mtpa).
Our view:
The increased capacity would cater to the growth momentum and
provide headroom to grow and grab any opportunity. While the Bhuj plant has
infrastructure for more capacity additions, BIL is increasing capacity in small
batches without putting any pressure on its Balance Sheet.
Carbon black capacity expansion much ahead of its time
BIL plans to invest INR6.5b to increase carbon black capacity to 200,000mtpa
(v/s 115,000mtpa at present), including 30,000mtpa of a high value advanced
carbon material and a power plant. The same is expected to be completed by
1HFY23.
Rationale:
At full tyre capacity of 335,000t, it would require 110-115mtpa of
carbon black to achieve 100% utilization. Therefore, BIL needs the new carbon
black capacity to be future ready, as post commissioning, 25-30% of capacity will
be available for third-party sales (from 170,000t after removing 30,000mtpa of
high value advanced carbon material).
Our view:
BIL could have matched the timing of carbon black capacity with the
next leg of capacity addition above 335,000mtpa. However, carbon black
capacity is important to maintain its low-cost model and reap long-term
benefits, without having any material negative impact on financials in the
transitory period.
Modernization of Rajasthan and Bhuj plants
BIL would invest INR4.5b towards modernization, automation, and technology
upgradation of equipment and material handling at Rajasthan (two plants) and
the Bhuj plant.
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 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
Rationale:
It is necessary to improve quality and efficiency of the two plants in
Rajasthan (set up in CY01 and CY06) and at the Bhuj plant. It has a payback
period of five years and would enhance its margin profile. It would be used to
increase radialization and reduce manual touch points in material handling and
movement.
Our view:
We are not too concerned by this capex as it’s a regular activity and is
distributed between three plants (v/s earlier capex of INR5b only for upgrading
the Waluj plant). Also, the two Rajasthan plants are quite old (established in
CY01 and CY06). As it aspires to ramp-up in OTR and US, this capex can
potentially provide consistency in quality as well as further improve cost
competitiveness for BIL.
Exhibit 103: …and keep enough headroom for growth
beyond FY23E
Capacity utilization
3,35,000
75%
72%
81%
92%
93%
Exhibit 102: Capacity to increase by ~17% in FY23E, led by
Bhuj plant capacity additions…
Capacity (MT)
2,85,000
FY21
FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 104: Capex intensity (as a percentage of sales) to
moderate...
Capex (INR m)
13.9
8.8
4.8
15.9
% of sales
16.0
11.9
12.0
Exhibit 105: … and drive a sharp improvement in FCF
FCF (INR m)
6.8
2,387 1,809 4,113 7,344 7,830 9,232 8,500 10,000
FY16
FY17
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21 FY22E FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
8,333 6,660 3,386
FY16
FY17
FY18
860
FY19
3,901 4,159 6,292 9,615
FY20
FY21 FY22E FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
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Tyres
Valuation and view
Huge opportunity size, strong competitive positioning
Profitable market share gains to continue:
We expect BIL’s outperformance to
the industry to continue, with scope to strengthen its competitive positioning.
BIL has a well-established competitive advantage, which has enabled consistent
market share gains. Its competitive advantage is driven by: a) competitive cost
and pricing, b) consistent product portfolio expansion, and c) expanding reach.
With a current market share of ~6% in the USD15b global Specialty Tyre
segment, BIL aspires to increase this to 10% over the next 4-5 years by: a)
ramping-up in OTR segment, which is much larger than Agri Tyres, b)
strengthening its presence in North America and RoW markets, and c) gaining
share with OEMs. We estimate ~13%/~20% volume/revenue
CAGR over FY21-23E
.
Investing to further improve competitiveness:
BIL has chalked out a capex of
~INR19b over the next two years. It would allocate INR8b towards setting up
new capacity, INR6.5b for carbon black capacity expansion, and INR4.5b for
plant automation. Hence, incremental capacity would be ~17%. Despite the
increase, capex intensity (as a percentage of sales) will reduce to 10-12% over
the next two years from 15-16% in last two years. This, in turn, is resulting in a
sharp improvement in FCF generation over the next two years.
Earnings growth to pick-up:
We estimate revenue/EBITDA/PAT for BIL to grow at
20%/22%/22% over FY21-23E. We expect ~100bp improvement in EBITDA
margin over FY21-23E, led by improving mix and operating leverage. Despite a
capex plan of INR19b, we expect FCF generation to improve (to INR9.6b in
FY23E) and cash on the Balance Sheet to rise to ~INR13.5b. Even though the
benefit of this capex is not expected to reflect materially till FY23E, we expect
RoCE to improve by 160bp over FY21 to ~19.9% in FY23E.
Valuations factor in a focused business model:
BIL ranks highest among
domestic peers in terms of cost competitiveness and financial strength. In terms
of valuation, it trades at a substantial premium to its mainstream peers.
Premium valuations fairly reflect for its industry leading margins, FCF, and capital
efficiencies. We value BIL at 25x Sep-23E EPS (at a 25%/80% premium to its
five/10-year average P/E, with a TP of INR2,425. We initiate coverage with a
Neutral
rating.
Exhibit 106: BIL trades at substantial premium to its LPA of P/E multiple
P/E (x)
Min (x)
33.0
25.0
17.0
9.0
1.0
14.1
6.8
4.2
Avg (x)
+1SD
31.2
21.4
Max (x)
-1SD
29.0
6.5
5.0
3.5
2.0
0.5
4.0
2.8
1.5
1.0
P/B (x)
Min (x)
Avg (x)
+1SD
Max (x)
-1SD
6.0
6.0
Source: MOFSL
July 2021
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 Motilal Oswal Financial Services
Tyres
SWOT analysis
Tier II brand in the
global OHT segment
Weak OTR segment
Weak presence in the
US and Replacement
segment
To improve
market share in
the OTR segment
To improve
positioning in the
US market
Increasing
competition from
Indian players
Among the lowest
cost producer
globally in the
OHT industry
Strong Balance
Sheet with net
cash
Strong presence
in the EU
S
W
O
T
Bulls and Bear Case
Exhibit 107: BIL: Scenario Analysis
INR m
Volumes (MT)
Growth (%)
Realizations (INR/t)
Growth (%)
Revenue
Growth (%)
EBITDA Margin (%)
EPS (INR)
Growth (%)
RoE (%)
Target P/E (x)
TP
Upside CAGR (%)
Remarks
FY22E
2,61,288
15
2,73,167
7.6
71,375
24
31.4
74.5
22
22.1
Base
FY23E
2,88,209
10
2,88,613
5.7
83,181
17
32.1
89.9
21
22.6
25
2,242
-5
Bull
Bear
FY22E
FY23E
FY24E
FY22E
FY23E
FY24E
2,68,015
3,00,176
3,30,194
2,49,844
2,67,333
2,83,373
18
12
10
10
7
6
2,74,133
2,90,581
3,08,016
2,66,518
2,77,179
2,85,494
8
6
6
5
4
3
73,472
87,225
1,01,705
66,588
74,099
80,901
27
19
17
16
11
9
32.0
32.5
33.0
30.0
31.0
31.0
79
96
116
65
75
82
29
22
20
7
16
9
23.2
23.8
23.9
19.5
19.8
19.1
28
28
22
22
2,698
3,238
1,657
1,813
15
17
-29
-12
Strong recovery in the Farm and OTR Demand recovery moderates, with
segment, with ramp-up in the US;
slower ramp-up in the US; slow ramp-
carbon black fully ramps-up,
up in carbon black
contributing additional revenue
Moderation in RM prices and benefits High RM prices and adverse forex
of modernization
Source: MOFSL
FY24E
3,10,880
8
3,02,084
4.7
93,912
13
32.7
104.3
16
22.3
25
2,603
5
July 2021
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Story in charts
Exhibit 108: Revenue to grow ~20% CAGR over FY21-23E
Revenue (INR m)
growth YoY (%)
23.8
13.6
49,262
53,010
FY19
(7.1)
FY20
57,652
FY21
71,375
FY22E
83,181
FY23E
13,931
FY19
13,863
FY20
17,924
FY21
22,413
FY22E
26,691
FY23E
17.0
16.5
Exhibit 109: EBITDA margin to expand by 100bp over FY21-
23E
EBITDA
28.1
31.1
EBITDA margin %
31.4
32.1
26.3
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 110: PAT to grow ~22% CAGR over FY21-23E
PAT
24
23
growth YoY %
22
21
Exhibit 111: RoE to expand despite ongoing capex
RoE
17.7
19.9
21.4
RoCE
22.1
22.6
7,736
5
9,597
FY19
FY20
11,775
FY21
14,396
FY22E
17,373
FY23E
14.9
16.9
18.3
19.1
19.9
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22E
FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
Source: Company, MOFSL
Exhibit 112: Market mix can potentially improve towards India and US
India
22%
13%
51%
14%
FY18
19%
15%
48%
18%
FY19
Europe
18%
16%
48%
18%
FY20
North America
15%
13%
49%
23%
FY21E
Others
15%
14%
49%
22%
FY22E
16%
14%
49%
22%
FY23E
Source: Company, MOFSL
July 2021
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Financials and valuations
Consolidated Income Statement
Y/E March
Adj. Net Revenue
Change (%)
EBITDA
EBITDA Margin (%)
Depreciation
EBIT
EBIT Margin (%)
Int. and Finance Charges
Other Income
PBT bef. EO Exp.
EO Items
PBT after EO Exp.
Eff. Tax Rate (%)
Reported PAT
Adjusted PAT
Change (%)
FY18
46,648
23.0
13,226
28.4
3,114
10,112
21.7
139
1,188
11,160
0
11,160
34.1
7,358
7,358