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Volkswagen Cuts Capacity, SIA Engineering Turns Bullish, Maruti Faces Margin Pressures

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Volkswagen plans to reduce global production capacity to 9 million units from 10 million, signaling cautious growth expectations through 2030. The automaker’s first-quarter results missed revenue forecasts but exceeded free cash flow estimates, with a €500 million charge tied to halting ID.4 U.S. production. Analysts note sequential improvements must accelerate to hit 4%-5.5% margins by 2026, as shares rose 0.2%.

SIA Engineering’s risk-reward profile improved post-correction, prompting DBS Group Research’s Jason Sum to upgrade its rating to buy despite lowering the target price to S$3.80 from S$4.00. Strong aircraft engine demand and resilient traffic utilization support earnings visibility, though sector valuations remain compressed. Shares fell 1% after the downgrade.

Maruti Suzuki India faces dual threats: potential fuel price hikes and inflation-driven demand erosion, particularly among budget-conscious buyers. Nomura analysts cut margin estimates by 100 basis points, slashing FY 2027-2028 EPS forecasts by 10%-13%. The brokerage reduced its target price to ₹13,435 from ₹16,118, maintaining a neutral stance as shares dipped 1.8%.

These developments underscore sector-wide challenges: capital discipline, pricing power, and macroeconomic headwinds. Investors should monitor execution quality amid strategic pivots.