UBS raises Ashok Leyland target to INR295, maintains Buy rating

Published 26/05/2025, 05:58
UBS raises Ashok Leyland target to INR295, maintains Buy rating

On Monday, UBS analyst Pramod Kumar increased the price target for Ashok Leyland (NSE:ASOK) Ltd. (AL:IN) to INR 295 from INR 285, while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. This adjustment follows a robust fourth-quarter performance by the commercial vehicle manufacturer.

Ashok Leyland’s EBITDA for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2025 surpassed UBS estimates and consensus by 1% and 5%, respectively. The company’s profit margins expanded by 90 basis points year-over-year to 15%, significantly outperforming its competitors Tata Motors (NYSE:TTM) Commercial Vehicles and VECV, which posted EBITDA margins of 12.2% and 10.3% for the same period.

According to Kumar’s analysis, the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) industry is experiencing a volume acceleration with strong pricing power due to its duopolistic nature. This comes at a time when the volume growth for two-wheelers and cars is moderating amid high competitive intensity. The MHCV industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, with a noticeable smoothing of cyclicality and operating margins moving to a higher band.

The current down-cycle in the industry, spanning from FY23 to FY25, has seen a relatively modest decline in MHCV truck volumes of only 10% from the peak, compared to the 50-70% declines observed in past down-cycles. During this period, Ashok Leyland’s EBITDA margins expanded significantly by 460 basis points to 12.7%.

In light of these developments, UBS maintains its Buy rating for Ashok Leyland, with Kumar emphasizing the potential for a re-rating of the MHCV industry. The revised price target reflects the firm’s confidence in the company’s performance and the overall sector’s outlook.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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