​Defence stocks like HAL, Cochin Shipyard on an upswing – Is there more steam left?​

Jun 22, 2023

By: Katya Naidu

Going local

The Indian government’s Make in India push in the defence sector has meant that there is a move to source equipment locally. This has spelt good news for public and private companies in the sector. The country’s indigenous purchases which were at 54 percent in 2019 are expected to go to 75 percent in 2024 and beyond.

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What’s the upside?

In the financial year gone by (FY23), the Indian government approved acquisition of around ₹2.7 lakh crore worth defence equipment with 99 percent domestic sourcing. A large chunk of these benefits are yet to reflect in defence companies’ revenues due to time lag in execution post orders, says a report by HDFC Mutual Fund.

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More for defence

Not only has the pie increased for Indian defence companies, there is promise of growth too. India’s capital expenditure towards defence has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9 percent from 2010.

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Most buzzing stock: HAL

Hindustan Aeronautics is a state owned company that has showcased its strong capabilities in R&D by developing military aircraft and helicopters like Ajeet, Advanced Light Helicopter and more.

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HAL turns multibagger

The multibagger has given 115 percent returns in the last one year, thanks to its robust orderbook and its ability to reduce debt. Its net profit has grown at a CAGR of 18 percent in the last three years, thanks to its diversified revenue mix.

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Drone effect: Bharat Electronics

The stock of the state-owned company has been gaining from its expertise in military drones, a sector that has the potential to grow 33X in India, as per an HDFC MF report.

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Bharat Electronics’ patents

Bharat Electronics’ in-house products cater to over 40 percent of its revenues, and has filed over 175 patents in electro optics, radar technology and more. It has given 66 percent returns in the last one year.

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Smooth sailing: Cochin Shipyard

The company which developed India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-I) Vikrant has been one of the most profitable shipyards in the country. Its stock gave 84 percent returns in the last one year, even as it climbed down from its 52-week high that it hit, last November.

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Breakout stock: Mazagaon Docks

The shipbuilder that specialises in warships, submarines and offshore drilling vessels, has risen sharply in the last one year (giving 4.4X returns) that experts now advise profit booking in it.

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Precise movement: MTAR Technologies

The company which manufactures mission critical precision movements and supplies to ISRO, DRDO among others has also been gaining from the indigenisation drive. The stock has given 49 percent returns in the last one year.

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