Bharat Forge Limited, a popular name in the auto ancillary and defence sector, saw its shares dip on Thursday, March 27, 2025, after it signed a significant deal with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) valued at ₹6,900 crores. The contract involves the procurement of 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles. Alongside Bharat Forge, Tata Advanced Systems Limited also secured the contract. The agreements were officially signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems are expected to significantly enhance the firepower of the Indian Army, replacing older artillery pieces with more lethal and advanced technology. This procurement is a key step in modernising the artillery regiments and improving their operational readiness.
According to the Defence Ministry, this acquisition is also expected to aid the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, contributing to the growth of domestic defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
The deal is notable for being the first major acquisition of towed artillery from the private sector, which further boosts the government’s focus on strengthening the country’s defence sector under the ‘Make in India’ framework. The move is anticipated to drive employment and foster economic growth by supporting domestic industries. For ones looking to invest in this stock, keeping a close eye on its movement is vital.
Bharat Forge's quarterly financial results
In its December quarter FY25, Bharat Forge reported a 16.38% decline in consolidated net profit, down to ₹212.78 crores from ₹254.45 crores in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. This dip was primarily due to a decrease in revenue, which stood at ₹3,475.55 crores during the period, compared to ₹3,866.4 crores in the third quarter of FY24. Despite this drop, Bharat Forge's total expenses saw a reduction, amounting to ₹3,165.37 crores, a lower figure than the ₹3,529 crores recorded during the year-ago period.
This financial performance comes amidst the backdrop of Bharat Forge's increased focus on defence contracts and expanding its footprint in the defence sector, which is expected to provide growth opportunities in the long-term. While the quarterly numbers reflected a slight setback, the company is positioned to benefit from its defence sector involvement, especially in light of the recent MoD deal.
Future outlook for Bharat Forge: Should you invest in this stock?
The latest deal with the Ministry of Defence is a significant development for Bharat Forge, marking an important milestone in the company's defence business. For those looking to invest in stocks, this deal could signal long-term potential, particularly in the context of the Indian government's push towards boosting domestic manufacturing and self-reliance in defence capabilities. However, the company's recent quarterly performance raises questions about short-term profitability, with a decline in both revenue and profit.
As an investor, understanding the broader defence and manufacturing landscape in India, and how Bharat Forge fits into it, is crucial. The company's involvement in both the auto ancillary and defence sectors places it in a unique position to leverage opportunities from government defence procurement initiatives. However, for those keen to invest in stocks, it's important to keep an eye on the company's upcoming financial quarters and the performance of its newly acquired contracts in the defence sector.
Given the volatility in stock markets and Bharat Forge's recent performance dip, those who invest in stocks should carefully evaluate the company’s potential for future growth, particularly through its defence contracts. This is an ideal time for investors to balance the potential benefits of government contracts against the company’s financial performance in recent quarters. While Bharat Forge continues to be a key player in the Indian auto and defence industries, prospective investors should monitor its future performance and developments in the defence sector before making investment decisions.
Live updates on Bharat Forge stock performance
As of the latest update at 10:10 AM on March 27, 2025, Bharat Forge shares have seen a decline of 0.84%, trading at ₹1,173 per share. Despite the significant deal with the Ministry of Defence, the company’s stock has yet to show positive movement, reflecting market caution following its recent financial results.
In conclusion, while Bharat Forge’s recent deal with the Defence Ministry signals positive long-term growth, investors should remain cautious about short-term fluctuations. If you're planning to invest in this stock, closely monitor the company’s upcoming results and any further developments within its defence sector portfolio.