🚛 Transport Corporation of India Ltd (TCI) – Multimodal Momentum for the Long Haul

Current Market Price (CMP): ₹1,091
Sector: Logistics & Supply Chain
Market Cap: Midcap


🏢 About the Company

Transport Corporation of India Ltd (TCI) is a leading integrated supply chain and logistics provider with over 60 years of experience. The company operates across freight transport, supply chain solutions, and coastal shipping, delivering services via road, rail, and sea.

Their reach extends across India and into the SAARC region, enabling them to serve multiple industries with customized, multimodal logistics solutions.


🚚 Business Segments – FY23 Breakdown

SegmentRevenue ContributionHighlights
Freight Division49%Asset-light model with a nationwide partner network for Full Truck Load (FTL), Less than Truck Load (LTL), and over-dimensional cargo.
Supply Chain Solutions (SCS)35%End-to-end supply chain design and warehousing with tech-enabled inventory and transport management.
Seaways Division15%Operates 6 ships for coastal and containerized transport, contributing to rising margins.

📦 Key Strengths

Multimodal Network

  • 14 million+ sq. ft. of warehousing space

  • Fleet of 1,200+ trucks/trailers

  • 3 automobile trains under the AFTO scheme

  • 6 operational ships with over 8,000 GP containers

  • 25 logistics hubs and 700+ IT-enabled offices

Strategic JVs

  • 20% stake divested in cold chain business to Mitsui & Co. (Japan) in 2021

  • Cold chain expected to see rapid growth via pharma and QSR segments

Sustainable Initiatives

  • CapEx of ₹375 crore earmarked for FY25 across rail, sea, warehousing, and green logistics (electric/LNG trucks)

  • Focus on ESG with a move toward renewable sector logistics


📈 Q3 FY25 Concall Highlights

Macro & Sectoral View

  • Services growing faster than manufacturing

  • MSME demand remains subdued; however, industrial recovery is visible in sectors like chemicals

Financial Health

  • Zero net borrowings: ₹270 crore in cash and ₹100 crore debt

  • 18 consecutive quarters of YoY growth


📊 Segmental Performance

🚛 Freight Business

  • Revenue up 9% YoY, but margins at multi-year lows

  • LTL under pressure due to competition and weak MSME demand

  • Target: Grow LTL to 40% of freight revenue next year

🔄 Supply Chain Solutions

  • Double-digit revenue growth (12–13%)

  • Sector focus: Quick commerce, FMCG, automobile spares

  • Stable EBIT due to new contracts and improved manpower utilization

Seaways Business

  • Strong margin expansion thanks to fuel cost stability

  • Expecting new ship deliveries in mid-2026 (China)

  • Revenue from new assets expected to kick in FY27


💰 Future Outlook & CapEx

FY25 GuidanceValue
Top-line Growth10–15%
Bottom-line Growth>20%
CapEx Planned₹375 crore
Expected Spend₹250–275 crore

🧠 Analyst Take

Transport Corporation of India is a robust play on India's logistics evolution, driven by government infrastructure push, GST-led efficiencies, and the shift towards multimodal transportation. Its diversified service portfolio and joint ventures make it resilient to cyclicality.

🔍 What to Watch:

  • LTL margin recovery

  • Cold chain scaling with Mitsui

  • Execution of CapEx, especially in ships and warehousing

  • Demand trends in sectors like FMCG, pharma, and Q-commerce


📌 Conclusion

TCI is well-positioned to benefit from rising demand for integrated and sustainable logistics in India. With a strong balance sheet, strategic partnerships, and tech-enabled infrastructure, it offers a compelling long-term story in India’s logistics renaissance.

Verdict: 📦 Multimodal compounder with steady growth and optionality in cold chain and seaways.


Disclaimer:

The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. The author is not a SEBI-registered investment advisor or analyst. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with a SEBI-registered financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The blog and its author are not responsible for any financial losses incurred as a result of information provided herein.  

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