WEBSITE BSE:531041 NSE: COMPETENT AU Inc. Year: 1985 Industry: Automobiles - Dealers & Distributors My Bucket: Add Stock
Last updated: 11:25
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1. Business Overview
Competent Automobiles Company Ltd. is an authorized dealer for Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the largest passenger vehicle manufacturer in India. The company's core business involves the sale of new passenger vehicles across Maruti Suzuki's Arena and NEXA channels, as well as the sale of certified pre-owned cars through Maruti Suzuki True Value outlets. Beyond sales, it provides comprehensive after-sales services, including vehicle maintenance and repairs, and the sale of genuine spare parts and accessories. The company also generates revenue through ancillary services such as vehicle financing, insurance, and extended warranty programs, typically earning commissions from these offerings.
2. Key Segments / Revenue Mix
The primary revenue driver for Competent Automobiles is the sale of new vehicles, which constitutes the largest portion of its turnover. Other significant revenue-contributing segments include:
Service & Repairs: Revenue generated from vehicle servicing, maintenance, and body shop repairs.
Spare Parts & Accessories: Sales of genuine Maruti Suzuki parts and additional vehicle accessories.
Pre-owned Car Sales: Revenue from the sale of used cars through the True Value network.
Ancillary Services: Commissions earned from facilitating vehicle financing, insurance, and extended warranty products.
(Specific revenue percentages for each segment are not publicly detailed in a standard overview but the hierarchy is generally New Vehicles > Service/Parts > Pre-owned/Ancillary.)
3. Industry & Positioning
The Indian automobile dealership industry is characterized by a strong dependency on manufacturers for product supply and brand support. It is generally competitive and fragmented, although some larger regional players exist. Competent Automobiles is positioned as one of the well-established and largest authorized Maruti Suzuki dealers, primarily operating in the high-potential regions of Delhi-NCR and Himachal Pradesh. Its long-standing association with Maruti Suzuki, India's market leader in passenger vehicles, provides a stable product portfolio and brand credibility. Competition arises from other authorized Maruti Suzuki dealers within its operational zones, as well as dealerships of other automobile brands and independent service providers.
4. Competitive Advantage (Moat)
Strong Brand Association: As an exclusive dealer for Maruti Suzuki, the company benefits from the manufacturer's dominant market share, widespread brand recognition, and high customer trust in India.
Established Network & Scale: A significant and well-entrenched network of showrooms, service centers, and True Value outlets across key urban and semi-urban areas (Delhi-NCR, Himachal Pradesh) offers broad customer reach and convenience, creating barriers to entry for new players.
Operational Experience & Efficiency: Decades of experience in the auto dealership business, particularly with Maruti Suzuki, have likely led to optimized operational processes, inventory management, and customer relationship management.
Customer Trust & Service Reputation: A long operational history and focus on customer service can build a loyal customer base for both new vehicle sales and recurring after-sales services.
5. Growth Drivers
Growth in Indian Automobile Market: Increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, easier access to financing, and improving road infrastructure are expected to drive overall passenger vehicle sales in India.
Maruti Suzuki's Dominance & Product Pipeline: Continued market leadership, new model launches (including SUVs and potentially EVs), and refreshing existing popular models by Maruti Suzuki will directly benefit its dealers.
Expansion of After-Sales & Service Network: Potential for expanding service centers or enhancing capacity to cater to a growing vehicle parc, thereby increasing service revenue.
Organized Used Car Market Growth: The shift from unorganized to organized pre-owned car sales in India provides significant growth opportunities for the Maruti Suzuki True Value business.
Value-added Service Penetration: Increased penetration of vehicle financing, insurance, and extended warranty products can boost commission income.
6. Risks
Dependency on Maruti Suzuki: The company's business performance is heavily reliant on the sales volumes, product cycles, pricing strategies, and policies of a single manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki.
Economic Sensitivity: Automobile sales are highly cyclical and susceptible to economic slowdowns, changes in consumer sentiment, interest rate fluctuations, and fuel price volatility.
Intense Competition: High competition from other Maruti Suzuki dealers, dealerships of rival brands, and the fragmented unorganized used car market can squeeze margins and market share.
Inventory Risk: Holding large vehicle and spare parts inventory exposes the company to risks of obsolescence, price erosion, and significant working capital requirements.
Regulatory and Policy Changes: Adverse changes in government policies related to vehicle emissions, taxation (e.g., GST rates), registration, or import duties could impact sales and profitability.
Technological Disruption: A rapid shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) or new mobility solutions could require significant investments in charging infrastructure, specialized training, and potentially alter the traditional dealership model.
7. Management & Ownership
Competent Automobiles Company Ltd. is a promoter-driven company, with the Gupta family playing a central role. Mr. Rajeev Gupta serves as the Managing Director and is part of the founding family, bringing long-standing experience in the automotive dealership business. The promoters generally hold a significant ownership stake, indicating strong alignment with the company's long-term success. The management team typically has extensive knowledge of the local market and a deep understanding of Maruti Suzuki's operations and sales strategies.
8. Outlook
Competent Automobiles Company Ltd. is well-positioned to leverage the consistent demand for Maruti Suzuki vehicles in the growing Indian automotive market. Its established network, long-term relationship with India's leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, and focus on both new and pre-owned sales, coupled with strong after-sales service, provide a stable business model. The company stands to benefit from increasing disposable incomes and continued urbanization. However, its heavy reliance on a single manufacturer means its fortunes are closely tied to Maruti Suzuki's performance and strategic direction. The cyclical nature of the auto industry and intense competition pose ongoing challenges. To ensure sustained growth, the company will need to effectively manage inventory, maintain operational efficiencies, adapt to evolving consumer preferences (e.g., shift to SUVs), and potentially navigate the transition towards electric vehicles and digital sales channels. Its strong regional presence and experience offer resilience, but agility will be key in a dynamic market.
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Market Cap ₹220 Cr.
Stock P/E 10.2
P/B 0.6
Current Price ₹358.1
Book Value ₹ 611.7
Face Value 10
52W High ₹444.4
Dividend Yield 0.28%
52W Low ₹ 320.1
Price goes above X
Price falls below X
PE goes above X
PE falls below X
₹ | |
| #(Fig in Cr.) | Mar 2024 | Jun 2024 | Sep 2024 | Dec 2024 | Mar 2025 | Jun 2025 | Sep 2025 | Dec 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Sales | 499 | 473 | 455 | 697 | 516 | 445 | 535 | 835 |
| Other Income | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Total Income | 501 | 475 | 456 | 697 | 519 | 447 | 537 | 835 |
| Total Expenditure | 474 | 454 | 437 | 674 | 492 | 428 | 519 | 806 |
| Operating Profit | 27 | 21 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 19 | 18 | 29 |
| Interest | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Depreciation | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Exceptional Income / Expenses | -0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Profit Before Tax | 14 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| Provision for Tax | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | -0 | 4 |
| Profit After Tax | 10 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| Adjustments | 0 | 0 | -0 | -0 | 0 | 0 | -0 | 0 |
| Profit After Adjustments | 10 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| Adjusted Earnings Per Share | 15.6 | 9.4 | 5.9 | 7.7 | 12 | 4.4 | 2.5 | 12.6 |
| #(Fig in Cr.) | Mar 2024 | Mar 2025 | TTM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Sales | 2117 | 2139 | 2331 |
| Other Income | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Total Income | 2124 | 2147 | 2338 |
| Total Expenditure | 2037 | 2056 | 2245 |
| Operating Profit | 87 | 91 | 93 |
| Interest | 24 | 32 | 34 |
| Depreciation | 24 | 29 | 32 |
| Exceptional Income / Expenses | -0 | 0 | 0 |
| Profit Before Tax | 39 | 30 | 27 |
| Provision for Tax | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Profit After Tax | 28 | 21 | 20 |
| Adjustments | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Profit After Adjustments | 28 | 21 | 20 |
| Adjusted Earnings Per Share | 44.8 | 35 | 31.5 |
| # | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales CAGR | 1% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Operating Profit CAGR | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| PAT CAGR | -25% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| # | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share Price CAGR | -18% | 17% | 18% | 9% |
| ROE Average | 6% | 7% | 7% | 7% |
| ROCE Average | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% |
| #(Fig in Cr.) | Mar 2024 | Mar 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Shareholder's Funds | 343 | 365 |
| Minority's Interest | 0 | 0 |
| Borrowings | 1 | 6 |
| Other Non-Current Liabilities | 53 | 71 |
| Total Current Liabilities | 291 | 367 |
| Total Liabilities | 688 | 809 |
| Fixed Assets | 243 | 299 |
| Other Non-Current Assets | 83 | 95 |
| Total Current Assets | 362 | 415 |
| Total Assets | 688 | 809 |
| #(Fig in Cr.) | Mar 2024 | Mar 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Cash & Cash Equivalents | 26 | 15 |
| Cash Flow from Operating Activities | -18 | 54 |
| Cash Flow from Investing Activities | -54 | -36 |
| Cash Flow from Financing Activities | 61 | 20 |
| Net Cash Inflow / Outflow | -11 | 37 |
| Closing Cash & Cash Equivalent | 15 | 52 |
| # | Mar 2024 | Mar 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Per Share (Rs) | 44.85 | 34.98 |
| CEPS(Rs) | 83.92 | 82.57 |
| DPS(Rs) | 1 | 1 |
| Book NAV/Share(Rs) | 557.29 | 594.09 |
| Core EBITDA Margin(%) | 3.78 | 3.85 |
| EBIT Margin(%) | 2.96 | 2.89 |
| Pre Tax Margin(%) | 1.82 | 1.41 |
| PAT Margin (%) | 1.3 | 1.01 |
| Cash Profit Margin (%) | 2.44 | 2.37 |
| ROA(%) | 4.01 | 2.87 |
| ROE(%) | 8.05 | 6.08 |
| ROCE(%) | 10.35 | 9.54 |
| Receivable days | 10.92 | 13.97 |
| Inventory Days | 32.02 | 33.66 |
| Payable days | 0.88 | 2.06 |
| PER(x) | 10.37 | 11.51 |
| Price/Book(x) | 0.83 | 0.68 |
| Dividend Yield(%) | 0.22 | 0.25 |
| EV/Net Sales(x) | 0.25 | 0.24 |
| EV/Core EBITDA(x) | 6.12 | 5.72 |
| Net Sales Growth(%) | 0 | 1.04 |
| EBIT Growth(%) | 0 | -1.38 |
| PAT Growth(%) | 0 | -22.01 |
| EPS Growth(%) | 0 | -22.01 |
| Debt/Equity(x) | 0.77 | 0.89 |
| Current Ratio(x) | 1.25 | 1.13 |
| Quick Ratio(x) | 0.61 | 0.56 |
| Interest Cover(x) | 2.6 | 1.96 |
| Total Debt/Mcap(x) | 0.92 | 1.31 |
| # | Dec 2023 | Mar 2024 | Jun 2024 | Sep 2024 | Dec 2024 | Mar 2025 | Jun 2025 | Sep 2025 | Dec 2025 | Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promoter | 74.92 | 74.92 | 74.92 | 74.92 | 74.92 | 74.92 | 74.92 | 74.92 | 74.92 | 74.92 |
| FII | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DII | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Public | 25.08 | 25.08 | 25.08 | 25.08 | 25.08 | 25.08 | 25.08 | 25.08 | 25.08 | 25.08 |
| Others | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| # | Dec 2023 | Mar 2024 | Jun 2024 | Sep 2024 | Dec 2024 | Mar 2025 | Jun 2025 | Sep 2025 | Dec 2025 | Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promoter | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.46 |
| FII | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DII | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Public | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Others | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.61 | 0.61 |
* The pros and cons are machine generated.
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