Ashok Leyland to Unlock Value Through Hinduja Leyland Finance Listing

Ashok Leyland is set to unlock the full potential of its vehicle finance arm, Hinduja Leyland Finance (HLF), through a reverse merger with NXTDigital, a listed media company within the Hinduja Group. The company aims to complete this process by the end of the current financial year.

Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman of Ashok Leyland, emphasised the strategic importance of this move, stating that the true value of HLF is not adequately reflected in Ashok Leyland’s current share price. The merger will transform HLF into a non-banking finance company (NBFC) and is expected to significantly enhance its valuation.

Ashok Leyland holds a 60.4% stake in HLF, with the Hinduja Group’s total ownership reaching 74.8%. The company’s CFO, KM Balaji, highlighted the potential for substantial value creation, indicating that HLF’s current book value of ₹3,200 crore could be significantly higher upon listing.

Meanwhile, Ashok Leyland reported a strong operational performance, with truck and bus sales surging to a record high of 43,893 units. Revenue climbed to ₹8,599 crore, fueled by this robust sales performance. However, net profit slipped 8.7% to ₹525.58 crore due to an impact from deferred tax liability.

The planned listing of HLF is a strategic move by Ashok Leyland to optimise its portfolio and maximise shareholder value. By unlocking the true potential of its financial services arm, the company aims to drive growth and strengthen its overall business operations.

About Ashok Leyland Limited

Ashok Leyland is the flagship company of the Hinduja group, having a long-standing presence in the domestic medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) segment. The company has a strong brand and well-diversified distribution and service network across the country and has a presence in 50 countries,

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.