Hyundai Motor India tanks in first quarterly report, shares plunge as profits hit rock bottom

Hyundai Motor India faced a rough debut in the public markets as its first quarterly earnings report post-IPO delivered dismal results, sending shares down nearly 3%. The automaker reported a 16% year-over-year drop in net profit for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025, hitting ₹1,338 crore, along with a revenue decline of 8.3%, totaling ₹16,876 crore. This performance came as a shock to investors, especially given the anticipation surrounding the recent IPO, which had been one of the largest in India, drawing in record-breaking investor interest.

In the hours following the earnings announcement, Hyundai Motor India shares saw a sharp decline, closing the day at ₹1,772.20 on the National Stock Exchange, below its IPO issue price of ₹1,960. Investors were left questioning the automaker’s strategic outlook and growth potential, with the share price dip reflecting these concerns.

Disappointing Results Driven by Weak Sales and Export Struggles

The automaker’s disappointing performance in Q2 was largely attributed to weak domestic sales and a significant drop in export numbers. Domestic sales fell 6% as demand remained tepid in the Indian market, compounded by rising competition from both international and homegrown brands. Export figures were also hit, declining by 17% due to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting the Red Sea region, where Hyundai Motor India has key export markets. The overall drop in sales severely impacted both revenue and profit margins, which analysts noted is especially concerning for a company attempting to establish strong investor confidence post-IPO.

Strategic Response to Decline in Earnings

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director at Hyundai Motor India, acknowledged the tough quarterly performance but expressed optimism about the company’s long-term potential. Kim pointed to Hyundai’s planned launch of the Creta EV, an electric variant of one of its best-selling SUV models, as a part of the company’s strategy to tap into the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market in India. He added that Hyundai Motor India has been actively working on cost-control measures to counteract the financial impact of lagging sales, aiming to enhance profitability even amid challenging market conditions.

Analysts in the auto sector noted that while Hyundai Motor India’s entry into the EV space is well-timed, there are substantial risks involved, given the intense competition from other auto giants with a stronger foothold in the EV market. Additionally, Hyundai’s dependence on exports as a revenue stream is now seen as a vulnerability, especially given the unpredictability of global markets influenced by geopolitical factors.

Experts Warn of Investor Skepticism Despite Record IPO

Hyundai Motor India’s IPO, which raised a staggering $3.3 billion, was India’s largest ever, drawing widespread attention and high expectations for the automaker’s future. However, the steep fall in Hyundai’s stock since its debut is raising red flags among investors and market watchers alike. Sector analyst Rajesh Verma commented that the IPO excitement may have masked some of Hyundai’s existing challenges, such as its dependence on export markets, which are now facing geopolitical strains, and a domestic market struggling with demand shifts toward new energy vehicles and fuel-efficient options.

Verma cautioned that Hyundai Motor India will need to demonstrate a clear recovery strategy over the next few quarters to rebuild investor confidence. He emphasized that while launching new EV models is a promising start, Hyundai’s market share in both the domestic and export sectors will be under significant scrutiny in the months to come.

Hyundai’s Road Ahead: Expanding Product Line and Market Share

Looking forward, Hyundai Motor India has outlined plans to broaden its lineup of SUVs and EVs tailored to the unique demands of the Indian market. Hyundai’s strategy appears to involve ramping up its presence in the increasingly competitive EV market while simultaneously expanding its lineup of gasoline-powered vehicles to maintain a steady market share among traditional vehicle buyers. The automaker has also signaled its intent to improve cost-efficiency by enhancing operational processes and optimizing supply chains to counteract the recent revenue and profit declines.

In summary, Hyundai Motor India’s first quarterly report since going public has exposed critical vulnerabilities in its business model, from faltering export figures to weak domestic sales. The company’s share price reaction reflects investor unease, and its ambitious plans in the EV space will be closely watched to see if they can offset the current financial slump. Hyundai’s success in navigating these challenges will be essential to regaining investor trust and ensuring a sustainable growth trajectory in a rapidly evolving automotive market.