Today marks a significant day for the financial sector, with approximately 500 companies releasing their second-quarter results for the fiscal year 2025-26. Companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics, Tata Steel, IRCTC, Ashok Leyland, Honasa Consumer, Info Edge, Cochin Shipyard, and Asian Paints are among the prominent firms announcing their earnings, contributing to a bustling week on Dalal Street, where more than 2,500 companies are set to disclose their Q2 FY26 results.
Ajit Mishra, Senior Vice President of Research at a leading brokerage firm, indicated that the ongoing earnings season will substantially influence market trends, providing investors with critical insights into sectoral performance and corporate profitability as the festive quarter approaches. The results will help stakeholders gauge the economic landscape and investment opportunities in various sectors.
Focusing on specific companies, Tata Steel is projected to report a notable rebound in profits for the September quarter. Analysts attribute this expected recovery to lower input costs and increased domestic sales, despite the ongoing decline in steel prices. According to forecasts, Tata Steel's standalone sales volumes are anticipated to rise by 9% year-on-year and 17% quarter-on-quarter, reaching approximately 5.6 million tonnes, bolstered by improved domestic demand following the challenges posed by weather conditions in the previous quarter.
The brokerage industry estimates that Tata Steel's India EBITDA per ton will be around ₹14,407, reflecting a slight sequential decline of 3.6% but a year-on-year increase of 20%. The positive trend is expected to be partially driven by reduced coking coal costs and operational efficiencies.
In another key sector, IRCTC is expected to demonstrate steady growth for the quarter, with analysts projecting its revenue to rise to ₹1,170 crore from ₹1,064 crore in the corresponding period last year. The company’s EBITDA is also expected to witness improvements, forecasted at ₹409 crore compared to ₹372 crore in the previous year.
Hindustan Aeronautics, a prominent public sector defense company, is projected to report robust financial results for Q2 FY26. A report from a brokerage firm suggests that revenues could grow by 36% quarter-on-quarter and 10% year-on-year, driven by accelerated deliveries of fighter jets and helicopters, along with steady performance in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) segment. The company’s EBITDA is anticipated to increase by 40% quarter-on-quarter, with profit after tax (PAT) estimated to rise by 24% quarter-on-quarter and 13% year-on-year, aided by favorable product mix and execution efficiency.
As this week of financial reporting unfolds, the performance of these leading companies could shed light on the broader economic environment and market direction, making it a crucial moment for investors and analysts alike.