IT Department Searches Premises
Balu Forge Industries shares plunged 20% to hit the lower circuit early Wednesday, driven by heavy trading volumes. The sharp decline followed reports that the Income Tax Department has initiated search operations at the company's premises. This development sent the scrip to ₹465.30 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), its lowest point since March 18, 2025.
Extending Losses
The stock has now declined for five consecutive trading sessions, shedding approximately 13.38% of its value during this period. As of 2:22 PM IST, Balu Forge Industries was trading 10.16% lower at ₹522.15, underperforming the broader NSE Nifty 50 index, which saw a marginal 0.33% decline.
Income Tax Investigation
The Income Tax Investigation Department, Mumbai, reportedly conducted search and seizure operations at the premises of Balu Forge and associated firms on Tuesday. This news directly impacted investor sentiment, leading to a steep fall in the company's market capitalization on Wednesday. Business Standard was unable to independently verify these reports at the time of publication, and Balu Forge Industries had not issued any clarification.
Financial Performance Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the current turmoil, Balu Forge Industries reported a robust increase in its consolidated net profit for the September quarter (Q2FY26), up 35.5% year-on-year to ₹65 crore. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 27% to ₹82.8 crore, with revenue growing 34.4% to ₹299.5 crore. However, profit margins narrowed slightly to 27.6% from 29.3% in the same quarter last year.
Expansion and Defence Focus
Management has indicated that the company's greenfield facility at Hattargi, Karnataka, is progressing as planned and is crucial for its ongoing expansion. Balu Forge Industries is also making strides in the defence sector, with a dedicated forging and machining line for empty shell production, boasting an annual capacity of 360,000 shells, currently in the commercialization phase. The company operates in the casting and forging sector, producing crankshafts for automotive, agriculture, marine, and industrial applications.