Hero MotoCorp, a leader in the two-wheeler industry, continues to maintain its position as a strong contender in the stock market. The current share price stands at ₹4,604, marking a 1.87% increase. With a market cap of ₹92,071 crore, the company has managed to balance growth with stability, largely driven by strategic initiatives, a diversified product lineup, and robust financials.
Hero MotoCorp's stock price reflects its stability in a competitive market. The company’s 52-week high is ₹6,246, while its low is ₹3,280, showcasing a broad price range indicative of both growth opportunities and market corrections. The stock's P/E ratio of 22.3 indicates a moderate valuation, making it relatively attractive in the automobile sector. A dividend yield of 2.50% adds to its appeal for income-focused investors. The company has maintained a robust dividend payout ratio of 75.9%, highlighting its commitment to rewarding shareholders.
The chart illustrates Hero MotoCorp’s price trend, volume, and technical indicators. Recently, the stock has experienced a downtrend, trading below key moving averages, including the 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages. This signifies a bearish sentiment in the short term. The stock’s recent close above ₹4,600 suggests it may be attempting to stabilize after a sustained decline.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently stands at 29.95, indicating that the stock is in oversold territory. This level often signals a potential reversal or consolidation as selling pressure eases. The volume bars reflect significant trading activity during price dips, suggesting that institutional and retail investors are actively involved in this stock.
Hero MotoCorp's financial performance for Q2 FY25 shows impressive growth. The company’s revenue rose by 11% to ₹10,463 crore, while Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 14% year-over-year, reaching ₹1,204 crore. Additionally, the EBITDA margin improved by 40 basis points to 14.5%, indicating better operational efficiency. This growth is further supported by record-breaking revenue from parts, accessories, and merchandising, totalling ₹1,456 crores for the quarter.
For the first half of FY25, Hero MotoCorp reported a 13% increase in revenue to ₹20,607 crore and a robust 24% growth in PAT, reaching ₹2,326 crore. The company's consolidated revenue and PAT for H1 FY25 stood at ₹20,694 crore and ₹2,099 crore, respectively. The consistent increase in profitability underscores Hero’s effective cost management and strategic expansion.
Hero MotoCorp presents a mix of strengths and challenges for investors:
Pros:
The company is nearly debt-free, reducing financial risk.
A high dividend payout ratio of 75.9% demonstrates strong shareholder commitment.
Hero MotoCorp maintains a high Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 29.1% and a Return on Equity (ROE) of 22.0%, highlighting efficient capital utilization.
Cons:
Sales growth over the past five years has been limited, with a compounded annual growth rate of only 2.15%.
The company faces increasing competition from emerging EV-focused players and premium brands in the two-wheeler market.
Hero MotoCorp operates in a competitive landscape, with notable peers including Eicher Motors, TVS Motor, and Ola Electric. Here’s a brief comparison:
Eicher Motors: Priced at ₹4,883.70 with a P/E ratio of 31.36, Eicher has a market cap of ₹1,33,843 crore and a dividend yield of 1.04%. Despite its higher valuation, Eicher’s ROCE of 31.14% places it slightly above Hero.
TVS Motor: Trading at ₹2,396.15 with a P/E ratio of 60.33, TVS holds a market cap of ₹1,13,841 crore. It delivered impressive quarterly profit growth of 45.08%, suggesting robust operational performance, although it offers a lower dividend yield.
Ola Electric: Priced much lower at ₹70.12, Ola Electric has a market cap of ₹30,928 crore but lacks profitability and a dividend payout. Its focus on EVs represents a potential disruptor in the market.
In terms of ROCE, Hero MotoCorp’s 29.1% is competitive, demonstrating effective capital deployment relative to peers.
Hero MotoCorp’s quarterly results over the last few years show resilience, with steady growth in revenue and net profit. In Q2FY25, the company achieved revenue of ₹10,463 crore and PAT of ₹1,204 crore, marking a substantial year-over-year improvement. The Operating Profit Margin (OPM) reached 14.5%, indicating strong operational efficiency.
On an annual basis, Hero MotoCorp’s sales have grown at a compounded rate of 4% over the last 10 years, although the five-year rate is more modest at 2%. The compounded profit growth rate for the last three years stands at 11%, reflecting a gradual but steady improvement in profitability.
Hero MotoCorp is focused on expanding its product offerings and strengthening its market presence. It plans to launch three new premium motorcycle models—Xpulse 210, Xtreme 250R, and Karizma XMR 250—within the next six months. These launches will be supported by an increase in premium-focused “Premia” stores, aiming for over 100 outlets by FY25-end.
In the scooter segment, Hero plans to launch three new ICE (internal combustion engine) models with enhanced features. Additionally, the VIDA brand will expand its EV lineup, catering to all price segments. These initiatives reflect Hero’s commitment to staying competitive in both traditional and electric two-wheeler markets.
The recent festive season marked a milestone for Hero MotoCorp, achieving record retail sales of 16 lakh units. Strong rural demand drove these sales, with favourable monsoon conditions expected to sustain momentum in the two-wheeler industry. This growth in rural sales highlights Hero’s established brand presence and extensive distribution network in rural India.
Hero MotoCorp demonstrates a balanced approach to growth, maintaining a strong market position while expanding into new segments. Its recent financial performance, high dividend payout, and almost debt-free status make it an appealing investment. However, challenges such as slow sales growth and competition from EV-focused players remain. The company's focus on premium models and electric vehicles aligns with evolving consumer preferences, positioning it for future growth in both domestic and international markets.
For investors, Hero MotoCorp offers a blend of stability and growth potential. The stock's current price and technical indicators suggest it may be oversold, possibly offering a buying opportunity for those seeking exposure to the automobile sector. Hero MotoCorp’s strategic initiatives and strong financials reinforce its standing as a leader in the two-wheeler industry, with solid growth prospects in the years to come.