Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) reported a Q2FY20 Ebitda margin of 9.5% (Nomura: 8.5%, Consensus: 9.3%), helped by a 30 bps benefit to gross margin (Our estimate: 50 bps fall). The company said that the cost reduction helped margins. A fall in commodity prices and better inventory absorption may have also helped gross margins.
MSIL’s retail sales were slightly positive during the festive period, which is a good sign. However, the management said it needs to see if the turnaround sustains as the average `26,000/vehicle discount (was ~`17,000) helped demand.