Industrial Goods/Services
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Updated on 14th November 2025, 11:18 AM
Author
Aditi Singh | Whalesbook News Team
UBS analysts predict India's industrial capital expenditure cycle is shifting, with power equipment and defence expected to lead the next growth phase. While overall industrial capex has moderated, demand remains strong in segments like cables, transformers, and switchgear. UBS sees significant upside in power generation equipment and highlights a crucial need for thermal capacity additions. Defence opportunities are robust, especially for major players, with improved policy support for private participation. Consumer durables performance is mixed, with B2B electrical products showing strength.
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India's industrial capital expenditure (capex) cycle is showing signs of rotation, according to UBS, with the power equipment value chain and defence sectors poised to drive future growth. Although industrial capex has seen some moderation over the past 18 months, demand within the power equipment ecosystem remains robust. Key segments such as cables, transformers, and switchgear continue to receive healthy order inflows, bolstered by both domestic and international demand.
UBS anticipates that the biggest upside surprise in the next two to three years will come from power generation equipment, spanning thermal, wind, and solar technologies. A significant observation is India's lack of substantial thermal capacity additions in over a decade, a gap expected to be filled due to rising demand and intensifying peak-load requirements. Policy support for wind and solar, coupled with a 'Make in India' initiative, further strengthens this outlook.
The defence sector presents a strong opportunity, particularly for tier-one integrators and state-owned enterprises, with faster decision-making and increased order activity in electronic warfare and radars. Government policies aimed at reducing imports are also encouraging greater participation from private players in the lower tiers, although working capital remains a challenge for smaller firms. In contrast, the consumer durables sector shows mixed performance, with pure electrical consumer durables facing weak demand and profitability, while B2B segments like cables and wires are thriving due to export traction and globally competitive manufacturing capabilities.
Impact This news is highly relevant for the Indian stock market as it identifies key growth sectors and potential investment opportunities driven by government policies and economic demand. The insights from UBS can influence investor sentiment and portfolio allocation towards these specific industries. Rating: 8/10
Difficult Terms * **Capex cycle**: The period during which companies invest heavily in new assets like factories and machinery to expand their business. * **Power equipment value chain**: All the companies involved in the manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of equipment used for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. * **Thermal capacity addition**: The process of building new power generation plants that use fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas. * **Peak-load requirements**: The highest demand for electricity that occurs at specific times, usually during hot weather or peak usage hours. * **Electronic warfare**: The use of the electromagnetic spectrum to detect, disrupt, or deceive enemy electronic systems, or to protect one's own. * **Tier-one integrators**: Major companies that take the lead in complex defence projects, assembling and integrating various systems and technologies. * **State-owned enterprises**: Companies owned and controlled by the government. * **B2B businesses**: Businesses that sell products or services to other businesses. * **Export traction**: Growing demand and sales for products in international markets. * **Globally competitive capacities**: Manufacturing capabilities that are efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective enough to compete with international producers.