Tata Motors, one of India's leading automobile manufacturers, reported an 11% decline in its total vehicle sales for September 2024. The company's total sales fell from 2,43,024 units in September 2023 to 2,15,034 units in September 2024, marking an 11.52% drop.
This decline comes amidst challenging market conditions for the auto sector, which has implications for those who want to invest in stocks. The company's sales performance and subsequent stock price movements provide critical insights for investors navigating the volatile market.
Stock market reaction
Following the announcement of Tata Motors' sales results for September 2024, its stock price reacted by falling 3% in early trading sessions on October 3. Shares slipped to ₹936.90, down from the previous close, leading to a decrease in the company's market capitalisation to ₹3.48 lakh crore. The movement in stock prices and trading volumes is critical for investors looking to invest in stocks, especially for those who track the auto sector.
Tata Motors has seen significant fluctuations in its stock performance over the last year. The company's shares hit a record high of ₹1,179.05 on July 30, 2024, but dropped to a 52-week low of ₹608.45 on October 4, 2023. The stock has risen 20% in 2024 so far and has climbed 52.56% over the past year, making it an interesting option for those who prefer to invest in stocks with high return potential.
In terms of volatility, Tata Motors stock has a one-year beta of 1, indicating average market volatility during the period. For investors looking to invest in stocks, the stock's movement, especially in the wake of quarterly reports like these, can be crucial in making informed investment decisions.
Breakdown of commercial vehicle sales
The commercial vehicle sector, an important part of Tata Motors' business, saw a significant downturn in September 2024. The total sales for medium and heavy intermediate commercial vehicles (MH & ICV), both domestically and internationally, decreased by 23%. Tata Motors sold 14,839 units in this segment in September 2024, down from 19,199 units sold in September 2023.
The challenges in the commercial vehicle segment were driven by several factors, including rising fuel prices and subdued demand in key markets. Those who regularly invest in stocks within the automobile sector may want to monitor how the commercial vehicle segment performs in the coming quarters, as it remains an essential contributor to Tata Motors' revenue stream.
Technical indicators
In terms of technical indicators, the relative strength index (RSI) of Tata Motors stood at 37.5 on October 3, 2024, indicating that the stock is neither in the overbought nor oversold zone. Tata Motors' shares are currently trading lower than several of their key moving averages, including the 5-day, 10-day, 20-day, 30-day, 50-day, 100-day, 150-day, and 200-day averages. For those who invest in stocks based on technical analysis, these indicators provide insights into potential market movements and opportunities.
For investors who use a long-term strategy, the fact that Tata Motors shares have climbed 52.56% in a year suggests that despite recent volatility, the stock has potential for gains. However, as the company continues to navigate through economic challenges, investors should closely monitor how the stock performs relative to these moving averages.
Conclusion
Tata Motors' 11% sales decline in September 2024 reflects the broader challenges facing the global automobile industry. The stock market reacted to the sales figures with a 3% drop in Tata Motors shares, though the company's overall stock performance has shown significant growth over the past year.
For investors looking to invest in stocks, Tata Motors remains an important player to watch, particularly as it expands its electric vehicle offerings and navigates through external challenges.