Buy Bharat Forge; target of Rs 957: Prabhudas Lilladher

With export sales recorded fifth successive quarter of YoY decline, BHFC’s standalone revenues declined 20.7% YoY and 1.5% QoQ during Q2FY17. While the EBITDA margin was lower 70bps YoY, it was higher 80bps QoQ to 27.8%, as the benefits of fixed cost rationalisation and cost reduction were felt. Standalone adjusted profit in Q2FY17 was marginally better than expected at Rs 1.27 bn, a decline of 26.3% YoY. 

However, wholly‐owned subsidiaries sustained the improvement witnessed since Q4FY16. Medium‐term and long‐term outlook for BHFC remains healthy and its strategy for Aerospace, Defence and Auto transmission parts provides reason for optimism. In the near‐term, better domestic CV and PV segment sales would be offset by lower demand in the industrial segment and sluggish North American truck demand. However, the latter is at its bottom and is expected to mark a slow recovery ahead. H1FY17 was subdued for BHFC with a better performance outlook from H2FY17 onwards. We maintain our estimates and price target and reiterate a “BUY”. At the current market price, the stock is trading at 30.7x FY17e EPS and 22.5x FY17e.