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TVS SCS – Bringing Order to the Chaos of Logistics Industry

Posted By:

Shivam

Posted On:

August 3, 2024

Category:

Investing

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It’s a raging bull market. Everything is currently gleaming with the allure of easy money, which literally seems to be growing on trees. Making money in the stock market has been effortless lately. almost too effortless, hasn’t it? Folks already forget to give any due credence to luck though.

Such is the time.

Anyway.

On that note. Here’s a word of caution. Be warned: what goes up can come crashing down with double the speed and intensity.

However, amidst all  this frenzy, we at SSIAS are strongly of the opinion that it’s prudent to look at sectors that have been shunned, businesses that seem down and out. Especially, when sector rotation has been swift. Now, we are aware that the financials of some of these companies might look like a train wreck now, but the signs of a turnaround are there, if you know where to look.

Everybody knows the quality companies with 20% ROCE/ROE. How many of these are available at attractive valuations? 

Real wealth isn’t made during periods of calm and predictability. Instead, it’s forged in the fires of transformation, during times when companies are clawing their way out of adversity. The companies that often catch our eye at SSIAS are those that are overlooked, undervalued, and, quite frankly, underestimated. They are typically low on return on equity (ROE) or return on capital employed (ROCE), the wallflowers of Dalal Street. 

Visit us at: www.smartsyncservices.com

And that is where it gets interesting. The real magic happens when these metrics begin to shift.

Take, for instance, the type of businesses that fit snugly into five distinct categories:

  1. Pain Period Turning Around to Deliver Solid Results: These are the companies that have been through the wringer. They’ve seen their share prices battered, their revenues dwindling, and their management tested. Yet, through strategic pivots and relentless execution, they start to show signs of life, inching towards profitability.
  2. Product Mix Shifting to High Value-Add Products or Services: Think of businesses transitioning from commodity offerings to premium, differentiated products. This shift not only enhances their margin profile but also positions them better in the value chain, attracting higher customer loyalty and better pricing power.
  3. Repayment of Borrowings: Companies that have been burdened by debt but are now methodically paying it down. This deleveraging process not only strengthens the balance sheet but also frees up cash flow, which can be reinvested into growth initiatives.
  4. Withstanding Disruption and Emerging Stronger: These are the firms that have faced industry upheavals—be it technological disruptions, regulatory changes, or market shifts—and have not only survived but emerged stronger. Their ability to adapt and innovate sets them apart from their peers.
  5. Industry Tailwinds: Companies benefiting from favorable industry dynamics. Whether it’s a cyclical upturn, a structural shift in consumer behavior, or technological advancements, these tailwinds can significantly enhance their growth prospects. In analyst parlance – the Total Addressable Market or  T-A-M.as they call it, is expanding. 

Data backs this up. Historically, companies with a sub-10% ROE or ROCE that successfully transition to double-digit figures within a year or two have delivered substantial shareholder returns. It’s a trend that is both statistically significant and strategically sound. The market often underestimates the compounding effect of improving operational metrics, and that’s where the opportunity lies.

In this blog, I will cover a company that embodies these transformative qualities. This is a company that has endured its share of struggles, yet is now poised on the brink of a significant turnaround. 

With a strategic shift in its product mix, a diligent focus on debt repayment, and the resilience to withstand and thrive post-disruption, this company is set to ride favourable industry tailwinds. As its ROE and ROCE eventually do begin to climb, the potential for substantial wealth creation will become very real.

Now, listen to this. (Or read rather.)

TVS Motor Company, in its early days, obviously, played it straight. They kept everything close to home: raw materials, assembly lines, and even their own fleet of trucks. It was a fortress of control, where every cog and gear was under their watchful eye. The operations were localized after all. 

But as the decades rolled on, the business and its operations grew more and more complex. Isn’t it?  

The world went global, and suddenly, a manufacturer wasn’t just running a factory down the road. They had a network of parts and products crisscrossing the globe—factories in India, suppliers in Taiwan/China, customers in Latin America and South Africa, and spare parts flying everywhere. It was chaos in the making, and it became clear: handling it all was a monumental task.

Enter the age of outsourcing. Not only the Auto makers, but everyone else who were huge and had global/complex domestic operations, started passing off the heavy lifting to specialists. They offloaded their logistics headaches to those who knew the ropes. 

But the thing is, some of these 3rd party logistics companies didn’t just stop at delivering packages. No, they went full throttle, claiming they could streamline the whole thing. They promised to untangle the web of inventory, cut down on waste, and trim those bloated warehousing costs. They even threw in data and technology to monitor and track everything from start to finish, with a guarantee to boost efficiency and profit margins.

This, my friends, is where the real magic happens—’Integrated Supply Chain Solutions.’ 

It’s like having a maestro conducting an orchestra of logistics, syncing every note from sourcing,  demand forecasting to delivery. Heck, they even handle spare parts and repairs. 

This is what TVS Supply Chain Solutions does. They’re bringing order to the chaos of logistics. TVS isn’t just a player; they’re changing the game. They have the expertise to transform how industries handle their logistics, seeing the bigger picture and making things run smoothly.

Right now,  the Integrated Supply Chain Solutions segment in which TVS Supply Chain Solutions is one of the pioneers in India, is still a small part of the logistics market. Yes. It’s still very nascent. Manufacturers here are still reluctant in outsourcing. 

But TVS SCS are not just following the current rules; they’re creating new ones. 

While others might be struggling, TVS SCS is lighting the way forward. They’re not just about logistics; they’re about reshaping the future of how things move and flow. Today we will cover the following in our deep dive on this business:

  1. About TVS Supply Chain Solutions
  2. The Business Model and Product/Client and Geographical  Mix 
  3. Financials: The mess and the way out / Management guidance
  4. Valuations
  5. Risks and Challenges

About TVS Supply Chain Solutions

The fiscal year 2023-24 was a milestone for TVS Supply Chain Solutions. They went public, becoming the first TVS group company to do so since TVS Electronics in 1994. With this bold move, they’ve set their sights on reaching $2 billion in the medium term (3-4 years).

TVS Supply Chain Solutions (TVS SCS) isn’t just about moving boxes around. They’ve been quietly transforming supply chains, using technology to squeeze out inefficiencies and streamline operations. Part of the TVS Mobility Group, they bring with them a rich brand heritage, deep operational experience, and a nuanced understanding of various sectors and local markets. Their roots run deep, tracing back to the solid corporate governance, values, and trust that the TVS name commands.

TVS SCS practically pioneered the supply chain solutions market in India. For nearly two decades, they’ve been handling large, complex supply chains across multiple industries, both in India and select global markets. They’re not just players in the field—they’ve consolidated their leadership position and expanded their geographical reach, expertise, and customer relationships.

TVS SCS caters to a diverse range of industries: Automotive, Industrial, Consumer, Tech and Tech Infrastructure, Rail and Utilities, and Healthcare. With a staggering 6,909 customers, including 78 from the Fortune Global 500, they employ over 17,000 people and manage 25.5 million square feet of space.

Source: Annual Report 2024, TVS SCS

They started back in 2004, offering third-party logistics (3PL) solutions when the concept was still novel in India. Their growth has always been customer-centric, deepening relationships through expanding capabilities, physical presence, and targeted acquisitions. From the beginning, they’ve focused on building in-house tech capabilities, using digital innovation to engage more deeply with their clients. Today, they stand as a true Indian multinational with a global footprint and a diverse customer base. Their management team is a strong reflection of their global ambitions as well.

Source: Annual Report 2024, TVS SCS

Source: Annual Report 2024, TVS SCS

At heart, TVS SCS is a solutions company, not just a logistics service provider. They’ve grasped the intricacies of their customers’ supply chains and crafted tailored solutions, blending incremental and breakthrough innovations, all underpinned by technology – both in house and 3rd party. Tech infrastructure such as Msys, Alpha Platform, i-eX, E-Connect, LCL Consolidator and Visibility form the backbone of TVS SCS.   

Source: Annual Report 2024, TVS SCS

Source: RHP, TVS SCS

This tech-enabled approach has fostered long-term partnerships and opened up new growth opportunities, positioning them well for the future.

So, while others fumble in the dark, like we discussed in our previous blog, TVS SCS is flipping the switch, ready to illuminate the path forward. They’re not just about logistics; they’re reshaping the future of how things move and flow. 

Before diving in, make sure to check out our previous blog on Integrated Supply Chain Solutions Providers shaking up the logistics industry. It’ll give you a better grasp of the current logistics and supply chain landscape and set the stage for what’s next:

Integrated Supply Chain Solutions: Disruption within Disruption

Basically, folks, it might sound too much, but just understand that TVS SCS provides a wide array of solutions and services to meet their customers’ supply chain management and logistics needs. Many businesses outsource portions of their supply chain to TVS SCS to boost efficiency and better manage resources.

Source: RHP, TVS SCS

For example, they’ve handled procurement, assembly of components, kitting, and packaging for a global wind turbine company.  So the kitting referred just now is nothing but a process of gathering individual components or parts required for the assembly of a product and packaging them together as a single unit or “kit.” This is particularly useful in manufacturing and assembly operations, where having all necessary parts pre-packaged can streamline the production process, reduce assembly time, and improve efficiency.

For instance, in the case of the global wind turbine company mentioned, TVS SCS would assemble all the necessary parts and components required to build a wind turbine into kits, so that the assembly line workers have everything they need in one package, ready to go. This minimizes downtime and ensures a smoother production workflow. TVS SCS has the capability and capacity  to provide this kitting service across industries.   

Broadly, TVS SCS’s offerings can be divided into two main segments: Integrated Supply Chain Solutions (ISCS) and Network Solutions (NS).

Source: JM Financial Initiating Coverage Report

  1. Integrated Supply Chain Solutions (ISCS)
  • Sourcing and Procurement: This involves finding and acquiring the raw materials and components needed for production.
  • Integrated Transportation: Coordinating the movement of goods through various modes of transport, ensuring they reach their destinations efficiently.
  • Logistics Operation Centers: Central hubs that manage and optimize logistics activities.
  • In-Plant Logistics Operations: Handling logistics within a manufacturing facility, such as moving materials and components to the right places at the right times.
  • Finished Goods: Managing the distribution of completed products from the production line to the end consumer.
  • Aftermarket Fulfillment: Providing logistics support for products after they’ve been sold, including spare parts and repairs.
  • Supply Chain Consulting: Offering expert advice to help businesses optimize their supply chains.
  1. Network Solutions (NS)
  • Global Forwarding Solutions (GFS): Managing end-to-end freight forwarding and distribution across ocean, air, and land. This includes:
    • Freight Forwarding: Arranging the transportation of goods.
    • Distribution: Ensuring goods are delivered to their final destinations.
    • Warehousing: Storing goods before they are distributed.
    • Value Added Services: Additional services like packaging, labeling, and quality control.
  • Time Critical Final Mile Solutions (or IFM): Handling the last leg of delivery, which is crucial for timely and efficient service. This includes:
    • Closed Loop Logistics: A system where goods are delivered and any necessary returns or repairs are managed efficiently.
    • Spares Logistics: Managing spare parts and ensuring they are available when needed.
    • Break-Fix Services: Providing repair services for damaged or faulty products.
    • Refurbishment and Engineering Support: Restoring used or damaged products to a usable state.
    • Courier and Consignment Management: Handling the transportation of goods in smaller shipments or packages.

Through these two business segments, TVS SCS is present across the End to End Value Chain of Supply Chain:

Source: Q1FY25, Investor Presentation, TVS SCS

TVS SCS’s holistic approach, combining technology and expertise, ensures they can tackle any logistical challenge, providing tailor-made solutions that help their customers thrive. Whether it’s managing complex global supply chains or providing critical last-mile delivery services, TVS SCS is capable of handling it. 

Business Mix and Financials 

TVS Supply Chain Solutions demonstrates an impressive reach and reliability, evidenced by its diverse customer base and strong long-term relationships. In fiscal year 2024, they showcased their dominance across multiple sectors: Industrial (29.07%), Automotive (23.43%), Tech and Tech Infrastructure (14.80%), Consumer (12.18%), Rail and Utilities (8.01%), Healthcare (1.75%), and Others (10.75%). This broad spectrum highlights TVS SCS’s ability to cater to various industries with customized, tech-enabled solutions.

Moreover, TVS SCS is not just about attracting new clients; they excel at fostering long-term partnerships. The average length of relationships with their top ten customers in FY24 speaks volumes—12.7 years for Integrated Supply Chain Solutions (ISCS) and 11.9 years for Network Solutions (NS). 

Source: Q1FY25, Investor Presentation, TVS SCS

Sony India Private Limited (13 years), Hyundai Motor India Limited (14 years), Ashok Leyland Limited (18 years), TVS Motor Company Limited (18 years), and Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Private Limited (13 years) are some of the marquee customers in their bags.

Such longevity underscores the trust and reliability they bring to the table, ensuring clients stay with them year after year.

Their customer base is not only vast but also prestigious. Over the past few years, TVS SCS has seen a steady increase in the number of Fortune Global 500 customers, climbing from 54 in FY21 to an impressive 78 in FY24. This growth is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to meet the complex needs of some of the world’s largest and most influential companies.

Geographically, they have maintained a split of 30%-70% between their domestic and international operations.

Source: Annual Report 2024, TVS SCS

This supports the notion that the Indian ISCS market is still in its infancy, as manufacturers are hesitant to outsource extensively. To capture a significant market share, TVS Supply Chain Solutions will need to be exceptionally cost-competitive. However, as pioneers in this space, they hold an early mover advantage that will be invaluable as the market evolves.

More interestingly, their high margin ISCS business contributed ~57% in FY24 to their total revenues vs. ~46% in FY23 and the trend of shift in business mix seems to be continuing in FY25 as well. This sustained streak of high value-add business growth will help them stack up their operating margins in the quarters to come.  

Source: Q4FY24, Investor Presentation, TVS SCS

Source: Q1FY25, Investor Presentation, TVS SCS

At TVS Supply Chain Solutions, they’ve mastered the art of doing more with less. They run an asset-light business model, which, in plain English, means they don’t own most of their warehouses or vehicles. They lease them from their network partners. Think of it as renting instead of buying, but with all the control you could wish for.

They have a diverse array of warehouses: ones for aftermarket products, consumer goods, retail items, multi-client facilities, and even national distribution centers. They might not own these spaces, but they call the shots. They manage the capacity, scheduling, routing, storing, and delivery of goods. It’s like playing Tetris on a massive scale, fitting pieces together perfectly. And yes, they even handle warehouses that their customers own or lease.

Their strategy for expanding their warehouse network is straightforward yet brilliant. They lease multi-user facilities in key production and consumption centers across India. These warehouses are decked out with the right infrastructure and technology to keep their operations running smoothly and to woo new clients.

Now, let’s talk about their Network Solutions (NS) segment. They’ve got the key trade routes for their Global Forwarding Solutions (GFS) under control and local networks for their Time-Critical Final Mile Solutions (TCFMS). This setup lets them crank up efficiency and throughput like nobody’s business.

Their asset-light model lets them spread out geographically, scale up volumes, optimize load management, and keep the flexibility to handle seasonal swings and shifting client needs. It’s like surfing the logistics wave, staying nimble and responsive while growing their business efficiently.

Thus,if you look at this in terms of their capital allocation policy, the company has a capex requirement of only 1%-1.5% of their revenues. This is until, of course, a ‘breakthrough’ deal gets stuck. Normally, their capex usually is aimed at:

(i) ISCS segment is primarily for customers in warehousing and material handling segments of the business; and 

(ii) NS segment is primarily for intangible assets such as computer software and others.

Pretty neat.

This asset light nature of their business helps them maintain a healthy ~3.5x to 4.5x Net Fixed Asset Turnover.

P.S: A high net fixed asset turnover ratio indicates that TVS Supply Chain generates a significant amount of sales revenue relative to its net fixed assets. This could imply that they are utilizing their fixed assets efficiently to generate sales, which is a positive indicator of operational efficiency.

Talking about turnover, let’s have a closer look at their financial statements. First up is the P&L. As we can see from the Quarterly Results,  the Russia-Ukraine war had started to take its toll on TVS SCS’s business as the European market went into turmoil. And with it the global supply chains were hit.  The volumes took a nosedive as well. Check the H1FY24 margins. They might optically appear higher but these are  on the account of reducing freight rates. This coupled with exit of Circle Express (loss making subsidiary) helped improve margins optically in Q2FY24.

Clear? No? 

Listen up then. 

How TVS SCS Makes Money

This is how TVS SCS makes money.  

Imagine TVS SCS as a player who helps companies move things and keep track of stuff, but with a bit of extra magic to make some extra money. Here’s how they do it:

  • Helping Companies Move Stuff: They get paid to transport things from one place to another, like delivering toys from a factory to a toy store.
  • Keeping Track of Stuff: They help companies know where all their things are, like making sure a toy store knows how many toys they have left.
  • Fixing Things: They also get money for fixing broken machines or gadgets, kind of like how you get an allowance for cleaning up your room.

Basically, big companies outsource their ‘non-core competence’ work to TVS SCS.

Now, about TVS SCS’ margins: think of it as the difference between what they pay to do all this work and what they charge the companies. They make sure this difference, or “spread,” is big enough so they can keep some extra money for themselves. That is, they make their profits out of this spread. 

Now,  what if the freight costs suddenly go up? Like it did in the latter part of FY22?  

Imagine the price of moving things goes up a lot, like if the gas for their delivery trucks gets more expensive. When this happens:

  • Higher Costs: They have to spend more money to move things from one place to another.
  • Smaller Spread: The difference between what they pay and what they charge gets smaller, so they have less extra money left over.
  • Tough Decisions: They might have to decide whether to charge their customers more, find cheaper ways to move things, or cut down on other expenses to keep their profits up.

Now, let’s say from this all-time high, the freight costs come down by 55%, but the catch is that the volume of things they need to move also comes down. When this happens:

  • Lower Costs: They spend less money to move things since freight costs have decreased.
  • Lower Volume: They have fewer things to move, which means they make less money overall.
  • Impact on Spreads: The spread might stay the same or even get a bit better because the costs are lower, but since they are moving fewer things, the total extra money they make could be less.

So, if freight costs come down by 55%, but the volume also drops, TVS SCS needs to be smart again. While their per-item profit (spread) might improve, they still have to deal with making less total money because there are fewer items to move. Got it?

TVS SCS: At an Inflection Point? We Think So

We at SSIAS are strong believers in the saying that numbers tell the true story. 

Despite generating substantial revenues of close ₹10,000 crores in the last three years, making it one of the top earners among its peers, TVS SCS has struggled to convert these revenues into net profits. The company faced losses in the past few years and only managed to achieve a modest profit of ₹41 crores in FY23 and that too thanks to Other Income.

So, what’s up?

We break down TVS SCS’ journey into 3 phases:

Phase 1 (FY05-20): TVS SCS embarked on a journey of rapid growth, acquiring over 18 companies to build its capabilities and expand its presence across customers and countries. The most significant acquisitions took place in FY18/19, particularly in the Network Solutions segment. This phase was all about expanding and establishing a strong foothold.

TVS SCS has a proven history of successful inorganic growth, making over 20 acquisitions in the last 16 years across Europe, the UK, the US, and Asia Pacific (including India) under its ‘C3 Framework’ (Customer, Country, Capability). 

Source: RHP, TVS SCS

These strategic moves have expanded its customer base, enhanced capabilities, and established a presence in new countries. Here’s a snapshot of what they gained:

  • Production Support: Acquired capabilities in production support logistics, vendor-managed inventory, sequencing, kitting, and value-added warehousing.
  • Procurement and Inventory: Brought in expertise in sourcing, procurement, master data management, and inventory optimization.
  • Final Mile Logistics: Introduced time-critical final mile, tech logistics, last-mile, and same-day express capabilities.
  • Integrated Supply Chain: Enhanced integrated supply chain capabilities for the consumer and retail sectors in India.
  • Global Freight Forwarding: Established a global freight forwarding network.
  • Closed-Loop Logistics: Strengthened closed-loop logistics with break-fix, repair, and refurbishment services.

Now. What do you think? How did they fund it? 

Voila.

Phase 2 (FY20-22): After a period of expansion, TVS SCS shifted its focus to consolidation. The company took the time to integrate its key acquisitions, ensuring everything fit together smoothly. It was a phase of streamlining operations and solidifying the gains from earlier growth.

Phase 3 (FY22 onward): With a solid foundation in place, TVS SCS returned to growth. From 66.1 billion in FY20 to 102.4 billion in FY23, the company’s progress was evident. It experienced a 34% growth in FY21 and an 11% increase in FY23, marking a successful return to an upward trajectory. FY24 experienced a little degrowth on account of a massive nosedive in freight rates.

Source: JM Financial Initiating Coverage Report

Debt Repayment 

It is also during Phase -3, that the company IPOed with an objective to repay their long term borrowings and bring down their working capital loan as well.

Yes. 

During the Q4FY24 investor conference call, management highlighted a key point:

Source: Q4FY24 investor Conference Call, TVS SCS

Are you appreciating the magnitude of this? We at SSIAS believe that the total interest outgo might come down to around 150 Crore levels in FY25 and then with better Working Capital management, we believe that it will further come down to 135 Crore level in FY26. This will be a Rs. 60cr improvement straight away in the bottomline for TVS SCS in FY25.  

Working Capital Management

TVS SCS has flexed its muscles in managing working capital, keeping it impressively tight at ~35 days of sales—averaging at about close to 20 days between FY 22-24. As per management FY23 was a bit of an anomaly. 

Source: Q4FY24 investor Conference Call, TVS SCS

However, they do plan to take working capital improvement initiatives and this number might further come down which will again result in the improvement in their return on capital. 

Not So Strong Operating Cashflows

On the surface, a quick glance at screener.in would leave anyone impressed by the stellar conversion rate of operating profit to cash. But don’t be fooled by appearances. This impressive number owes much to factoring. 

You might wonder, what’s factoring?

Well, to explain simply, the factoring rate of receivables in cash flow from operations refers to the cost associated with selling accounts receivable to a third party (a factor) at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. This rate impacts the cash flow from operations by converting receivables into cash more quickly, albeit at a cost, which can improve liquidity but reduce overall profit margins. 

Here’s how it works:

  1. Accounts Receivable: These are sales made on credit that the company expects to receive payment for in the future.
  2. Factoring: The company sells these receivables to a factor (usually a financial institution) at a discount, receiving immediate cash.
  3. Factoring Rate: The percentage discount the factor charges, which is essentially the cost of obtaining the cash immediately rather than waiting for the receivables to be paid.

In cash flow from operations, factoring affects the inflow of cash, providing immediate liquidity but at the expense of a portion of the receivables’ value. This transaction boosts the cash flow from operations by accelerating cash collection but also reduces the total revenue recognized from the receivables due to the factoring rate applied. And in turn subdues the margins. 

However, given the better leverage position of TVS SCS, we can assume that they will go on with the ‘regular’ working capital financing and we can assume the CFO to EBITDA to increase going forward but not at the levels of FY23, or the ones prior.  

Source: Q4FY24 investor Conference Call, TVS SCS

Improving trend of their Return on Capital Profile

Source: Q1FY25, Investor Presentation, TVS SCS

Given the sharp improvement in EBIT over the next 3 years on the account of operating leverage playing out, gross margin expansion and working capital cycle improvement, ,management believes that the RoCE profile of TVS SCS will see a significant improvement over the same period, reaching 16.4% (compared to the current 4.8%) on a reported basis.

Similar impact could also be seen on the ROIC of the company by  FY27 given that EBIT will see a sharp rise over the next 3 years and the business requires minimum capital to grow as we alluded earlier in our blog.

Valuations 

Now the company aims to be a $25 billion company by 2027.

Source: Q1FY25, Investor Presentation, TVS SCS

So, I just decided to  crunch some numbers. Looking at the product mix change and cost efficiency measures going forward along with operating leverage kicking in, I would like to assume that by FY27, the EBITDA margins of the business might touch 11%. 

$2.5 bn guidance by FY27 means 15% topline growth over the next three years. I see that to be difficult given the global economic and geopolitical situations. Going conservative, let us assume that the revenues grow by about 9% (tad faster than the GDP) over the  next 3 years. And this is being conservative. Mind you. 

There is no direct comparable company in India/globally to ISCS given the ISCS/NS mix, geographical mix and sectoral mix. However, we see that some of the listed peers that offer supply chain services trade at anywhere between 18-45x FY24EV/ EBITDA. 

Even though the services that TVS SCS provide are kind of a disruption in the industry, we at SSIAS have considered that this business deserves a multiple of 13x EV/EBITDA on a conservative note. (TVS SCS is also currently trading at this multiple)

Also, as mentioned in the headline below, TVS Logistics Park or TVS ILP sold its 4.5% stake for 51cr. 

What do we have here? Well, TVS SCS holds a 25.5% stake worth ~Rs.285 Crores today in TVS ILP. This has been used above in our calculations, assuming that it will grow at about 8% year on year. 

Now, I might be way off in my assumptions and projections. This isn’t a buy or sell recommendation by any stretch of the imagination.

Anyhow. There you have it—the numbers, the forecasts, the shimmering promise of growth.  But before you start dreaming of yachts and champagne, let’s take a moment to step back and look at the Risks and Challenges that the company faces.

Risks and Challenges

Forex Fluctuations and Global Economic Variables: Operating across 26 countries, TVS SCS earns 70% of its revenue from outside India, exposing it to significant foreign exchange risks. With long-term borrowings in British Pound and US Dollar, any rise in the Indian Rupee could hurt operating margins and overall results.

Rising Operating Costs: Transportation costs, which include freight, clearing, and handling charges, form a major part of TVS SCS’s expenses. Any delay or inability to pass on these rising costs to customers could negatively impact revenue and financial health. We saw the impact it can have on the financials of the company.

Macroeconomic Risks: TVS SCS’s growth is closely tied to global and Indian economic factors. Changes in consumer demand, interest rates, fuel prices, and global trade can influence performance. Recent slowdowns, like the multi-sector slump in Europe/UK and Americas along with the war-induced decreased global trade, have already impacted financial results. We were barely out of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East Crisis has completely disrupted global trade.

Customer Concentration: A significant portion of revenue comes from a few key customers. Of course. Losing any of these customers or failing to renew contracts could lead to a substantial decline in revenue.

Technology Risks: It’s pretty obvious, but given the nature of TVS SCS’s business, this becomes absolutely critical. The company leans heavily on technology to keep things running smoothly. Falling behind on upgrades or maintenance could throw a wrench in the works. Plus, the hefty investment needed for tech can strain cash flow until the benefits kick in.

Working Capital Challenges: With growing operations, TVS SCS requires substantial working capital. Changes in assumptions or increased working capital needs can affect financial stability, especially as they are financing a significant portion of their working capital via external debt. We also saw what shenanigans happened with the factoring thing, right?

Closing

In wrapping up our look at TVS Supply Chain Solutions (TVS SCS), let’s sift through the complexities and spot the core of the matter. TVS SCS is standing tall as a leader in a rapidly growing logistics sector, riding the wave of India’s expanding market with the kind of technological prowess and strategic foresight that sets it apart. The company’s ability to leverage its in-house tech and adapt to evolving demands keeps it ahead of the curve, addressing the critical needs of a global clientele with finesse.

To know more about the industry tailwinds do read our detailed deep down on the disruptions happening within the logistics and supply chain industry here:

Integrated Supply Chain Solutions: Disruption within Disruption

This asset-light model isn’t just about minimizing costs; it’s a strategic move to scale efficiently and flexibly, adapting to shifts in demand and geographical expansions without heavy overheads. The recent product mix shift towards the high-value Integrated Supply Chain Services (ISCS) segment highlights a commitment to not just staying relevant, but leading in a niche where the stakes are high and the rewards substantial. A margin trajectory which is inching upwards QoQ and YoY. 

Despite the turbulent times—trade wars, Brexit, pandemics, and geopolitical strife—TVS SCS has maneuvered through with resilience. The integration of acquisitions and the shift in focus are setting the stage for a stronger performance moving forward. Debt reduction and a strategic pivot towards high-value services are paving the way for a more robust financial outlook.

A classic case of rising trend of the return ratio potentially playing out.

In essence, TVS SCS isn’t just navigating through the chaos of the logistics world; it’s steering towards a horizon full of promise. The investment rationale is clear: with its leading position, innovative tech, asset-light model, and sectoral diversification, TVS SCS is not just riding the waves of change but shaping them. For those with an eye for growth and a tolerance for the turbulent ride, TVS SCS stands as a compelling choice in the rapidly evolving landscape of global supply chain solutions.

We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let us know how you feel about the future of TVS SCS and our analysis.

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10 responses to “TVS SCS – Bringing Order to the Chaos of Logistics Industry”

  1. Seetharaman D Avatar
    Seetharaman D
    August 4, 2024

    I have participated in their IPO and thereafter I added some more quantity. SCS sector is in a nascent stage in our country. As an early mover I strongly believe that the company will grow stronger in future. I wish they will accomplish it.

    Reply
    1. Shivam Shah Avatar
      Shivam Shah
      August 16, 2024

      Good to know. We trust your patience will pay off 🙂

      Reply
  2. Aditya Kondawar Avatar
    Aditya Kondawar
    August 5, 2024

    Very Well Written

    Reply
    1. Shivam Shah Avatar
      Shivam Shah
      August 16, 2024

      Thank you so much Aditya ji. Means a lot coming from you!

      Reply
  3. Manish Kharb Avatar
    Manish Kharb
    August 15, 2024

    Amazing writing. Keep doing it please

    Reply
  4. Manish Kharb Avatar
    Manish Kharb
    August 15, 2024

    Wonderful writing. Keep doing it

    Reply
    1. Shivam Shah Avatar
      Shivam Shah
      August 16, 2024

      Thank you so much Manish ji. Comments like these motivate us to write more!

      Reply
  5. SHREYAS NEVATIA Avatar
    SHREYAS NEVATIA
    September 17, 2024

    thanks for the hard work

    Reply
  6. Avinash Sanganeria Avatar
    Avinash Sanganeria
    October 3, 2024

    Very well written … looks like a slow compounder at good entry levels

    Reply
    1. smartsyncservices Avatar
      smartsyncservices
      October 3, 2024

      Thanks.

      Reply

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