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Tube Investments of India shares rise 2% in morning trade

Tube Investments of India Shares Climb 2% in Morning Trade Amid Positive Market Sentiment

In a buoyant start to the trading session, shares of Tube Investments of India (TII), a prominent player in the engineering and mobility sectors, surged by approximately 2% during morning trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The stock opened at a promising level and quickly gained traction, reflecting investor optimism driven by a combination of strong quarterly results, strategic expansions, and favorable macroeconomic indicators. As of the latest updates, the shares were trading at around Rs 4,200, marking a notable uptick from the previous close. This movement comes at a time when the broader Indian stock market is experiencing volatility, yet select industrial and manufacturing stocks are bucking the trend, buoyed by expectations of robust economic recovery and government initiatives in infrastructure and electric mobility.

Tube Investments of India, a flagship company of the Chennai-based Murugappa Group, has long been a stalwart in the Indian manufacturing landscape. Established in 1949, the company initially focused on producing steel tubes and bicycle components, but over the decades, it has diversified into a multifaceted conglomerate. Today, TII operates through several key segments, including engineering, metal formed products, mobility solutions, and more recently, electric vehicles (EVs) through its subsidiary TI Clean Mobility. This diversification has positioned TII as a resilient entity capable of weathering economic downturns, and the recent share price appreciation underscores the market's confidence in its growth trajectory.

The 2% rise in morning trade can be attributed to several intertwined factors. Firstly, the company's latest quarterly earnings report, released a few weeks ago, showcased impressive financial health. For the quarter ended June 2024, TII reported a consolidated revenue of over Rs 4,500 crore, representing a year-on-year growth of about 15%. This growth was primarily fueled by strong demand in the automotive and industrial segments, where TII supplies precision-engineered components to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Tata Motors, Hyundai, and international giants such as Ford and Volkswagen. Net profit also saw a healthy uptick, climbing to Rs 350 crore, driven by operational efficiencies, cost optimizations, and a favorable raw material pricing environment. Analysts have pointed out that TII's ability to maintain margins amid inflationary pressures in steel and other commodities is a testament to its robust supply chain management and hedging strategies.

Moreover, the market buzz around TII's foray into the electric mobility space has been a significant catalyst. Through TI Clean Mobility, the company is aggressively expanding its EV portfolio, which includes electric three-wheelers, tractors, and components for electric two-wheelers. This segment alone contributed substantially to the revenue mix in the recent quarter, with sales jumping by over 50% compared to the previous year. The Indian government's push for green mobility, including subsidies under the FAME-II scheme and ambitious targets for EV adoption by 2030, has created a fertile ground for companies like TII. Investors are particularly excited about TII's partnerships and investments in battery technology and charging infrastructure, which could position it as a leader in India's burgeoning EV market, projected to reach $200 billion by 2030 according to industry estimates.

Adding to the positive sentiment is the broader economic context. India's manufacturing sector is on an upswing, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) hovering above 50 for several months, indicating expansion. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for automobiles and auto components have directly benefited players like TII, enabling them to scale up production and invest in R&D. TII has been a beneficiary of these schemes, announcing plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore over the next two years in capacity expansion and new product development. This includes setting up advanced manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, aimed at catering to both domestic and export markets. Exports, in fact, form a growing part of TII's revenue, with shipments to Europe and North America increasing by 20% in the last fiscal year, thanks to the company's adherence to international quality standards like ISO and IATF certifications.

From a stock market perspective, the 2% intraday gain aligns with TII's strong performance over the past year. The stock has delivered returns of over 50% in the last 12 months, outperforming the benchmark Nifty 50 index, which has grown by about 25% in the same period. This outperformance is not just a fluke; it's backed by solid fundamentals. The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at around 60, which, while on the higher side, is justified by its growth prospects in high-margin segments like EVs and precision engineering. Brokerages such as Motilal Oswal and ICICI Securities have maintained 'buy' ratings on the stock, with target prices ranging from Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,000. In a recent note, analysts at Motilal Oswal highlighted TII's "strategic positioning in sunrise sectors" and predicted a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18-20% in revenues over the next three years.

However, it's worth noting that the stock's rise isn't without potential headwinds. Global supply chain disruptions, fluctuating commodity prices, and geopolitical tensions could impact input costs. For instance, steel prices, a key raw material for TII, have been volatile due to supply constraints from China and ongoing trade tariffs. Additionally, the competitive landscape in the EV space is intensifying, with rivals like TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, and new entrants like Ola Electric vying for market share. TII will need to innovate continuously to maintain its edge, particularly in areas like battery efficiency and autonomous driving technologies.

Investor reactions have been mixed but largely positive. On social media platforms and investor forums, there's chatter about TII being a "multibagger" stock, with some retail investors increasing their holdings in anticipation of further gains. Institutional investors, including mutual funds like HDFC and SBI, have also shown interest, with foreign institutional investor (FII) inflows into the industrial sector remaining steady. The trading volume during the morning session was higher than average, indicating strong buying interest from both domestic and overseas players.

Looking ahead, the trajectory for TII appears promising. The company is scheduled to announce its next set of quarterly results in the coming months, and any positive surprises could propel the stock further. Management commentary during the last earnings call emphasized a focus on sustainable growth, with initiatives in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices, such as reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing processes. TII's commitment to corporate social responsibility, including community development programs in education and healthcare, also enhances its appeal to socially conscious investors.

In the context of the Indian economy, TII's performance mirrors the resilience of the manufacturing sector. As India aims to become a $5 trillion economy, companies like TII are pivotal in driving industrial output and employment. The 2% rise today might seem modest, but it encapsulates the broader narrative of optimism in India's growth story. For long-term investors, TII represents a blend of stability and innovation, making it a stock worth watching closely.

To delve deeper into the company's history, Tube Investments traces its roots back to the post-independence era when India was building its industrial base. Founded by the Murugappa family, it started as a collaboration with British firm Tube Investments Ltd., hence the name. Over the years, it acquired iconic brands like BSA and Hercules bicycles, which became household names in India. The 1990s liberalization opened doors for expansion, and TII ventured into automotive components, forging alliances with global leaders. The acquisition of Shanthi Gears in 2012 and the demerger of its financial services arm into Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company further streamlined its operations, allowing focus on core engineering businesses.

In recent years, TII has embraced digital transformation, integrating Industry 4.0 technologies like AI-driven predictive maintenance and IoT in its factories. This has not only improved efficiency but also reduced downtime, contributing to better profitability. The company's R&D spend has increased to 2-3% of revenues, focusing on lightweight materials and sustainable manufacturing, aligning with global trends towards decarbonization.

Comparatively, peers like Bharat Forge and Sundram Fasteners have also seen stock gains, but TII's diversified portfolio gives it an edge in volatile markets. For instance, while automotive slowdowns affect pure-play component makers, TII's presence in railways (supplying components to Indian Railways) and defense (through collaborations) provides buffers.

In conclusion, the 2% uptick in Tube Investments of India shares during morning trade is more than a fleeting market movement; it's a reflection of the company's solid fundamentals, strategic initiatives, and alignment with national priorities. As the trading day progresses, all eyes will be on whether this momentum sustains, potentially setting the stage for new highs. Investors are advised to monitor key developments, including policy announcements and global economic cues, to gauge the stock's future path. With its blend of legacy and forward-looking strategies, TII continues to be a compelling story in India's corporate landscape. (Word count: 1,248)

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[ https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/tube-investments-of-india-shares-rise-2-in-morning-trade-alpha-article-13348764.html ]