Detailed Narrative
FY26 Consolidated and Standalone Performance
Bharat Forge reported a consolidated revenue of ₹16,812 crores for FY26, marking an 11% growth, with consolidated EBITDA reaching ₹2,921 crores, a 6% increase. The consolidated net debt-to-equity stood at 0.41x as of March 2026. Standalone revenue for FY26 was ₹8,396 crores, a 5% YoY decline, primarily due to regulatory uncertainties in North America and demand challenges in the U.S. CV market. However, Q4 FY26 standalone revenue showed an 8.5% QoQ improvement to ₹2,260 crores, with an EBITDA margin of 27%.
Strategic Initiatives and Acquisitions
The company secured new businesses worth ₹4,814 crores in FY26, including ₹2,816 crores in Defence and ₹500 crores from K-Drive. Bharat Forge acquired a 30% stake in Fortuna Engineering for ₹130 crores, a company with ₹380 crores in revenue and mid-teen margins, strategically complementing its machining capabilities. The aerospace business is now a significant contributor, representing almost 26% of Q4 non-Auto exports and targeting ₹1,000 crores in revenue with above-average margins.
Defense Business Outlook and Milestones
The defense order book stands at ₹11,000 crores, expected to provide stable revenue accretion over the next 3-4 years. Key milestones for FY26 include the commencement of ATAGS FOPM and production ramp-up, as well as CQB carbine production, both expected to start in H2 FY26. The company is also planning to set up an explosives manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, with ground-breaking this month and pilot production targeted within 24 months.
EV Strategy and Overseas Restructuring
Bharat Forge has recalibrated its e-mobility strategy, deciding to write-off investments in areas without immediate revenue ramp-up, acknowledging that global EV adoption has taken a different trajectory than anticipated. The company is also restructuring its German steel business (CDP Bharat Forge), a 15-18 month process expected to conclude by the end of next calendar year, which will reduce losses from overseas subsidiaries and improve overall performance.
Capital Expenditure and Growth Targets
The company plans a capex of ₹800-850 crores over the next 15-18 months, allocated across forging, casting, and products platforms. Management guided for a close to 25% growth in its India business for FY27, driven by growth across sectors and strategic initiatives. The K-mobility business is targeted for 2X growth in the next 3-4 years, with a goal of achieving mid-teen margins, focusing on specialty axles and LCV/SUV segments.