Understanding of the Defence Industry Stocks 2024

Defence industry stocks in India are crucial for the country's economy and national security and also contribute to the economic development of the country. The Indian defence industry includes both public and private companies. It has made significant progress in developing advanced technologies like missile defence systems, fighter jets, submarines, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Defence output value reached a record high of Rs. 1.27 lakh crores in FY 2023-24. Moreover, exports achieved a record high of Rs. 21,083 crores. The government supports research, development, and production of defence equipment, promoting innovation. Let us learn more about the defence industry stocks in India. 

What are Defence Stocks in India?

Defence stock companies in India manufacture or provide defence-related equipment, technology, and services, contributing significantly to the country's defence capabilities and economy. Investing in these stocks is considered important due to consistent demand, strong governmental support, and long-term commitments in defence contracts. The defence sector plays a vital role in national security and financial markets making them an essential component of the Indian stock market landscape.

 

List Best Defence Stocks in India 2024

Here’s a defence stock list. The table below presents the top 10 defence stocks in India. 

Company Name

CMP

Market Cap

Stock P/E

52 Week High

52 Week Low

Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd

₹633.80

₹ 1,607 Cr.

144

₹ 688  

₹ 187

High Energy Batteries (India) Ltd

₹ 827

₹ 742 Cr.

41.4

₹ 1,059

₹ 439

Sika Interplant Systems Ltd

₹ 3,110

₹ 1,319 Cr.

71.4

₹ 3,548

₹ 690

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd

₹ 5,540

₹ 3,70,498 Cr.

30.87

₹ 5,670

₹ 1,768

Data Patterns (India) Ltd

₹ 3,198

₹ 17,901 Cr.

101

₹ 3,655

₹ 1,735

Bharat Dynamics Ltd

₹ 1,659

₹ 60,811 Cr.

99.2

₹ 1,795

₹ 450

Paras defence and Space Technologies Ltd

₹ 1,446

₹ 5,638 Cr.

188

₹ 1,593

₹ 604

ideaForge Technology Ltd

₹ 809

₹ 3,469 Cr.

72.5

₹ 1,320

₹ 618

Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)

₹ 4,904

₹ 20,420 Cr.

72.5

₹ 5,489

₹ 1,551

Cochin Shipyard Ltd

₹ 2,713

₹ 71,374 Cr.

87.8

₹ 2,979

₹ 292

Disclaimer:  All the stock prices and market capitalisation mentioned above are accurate as of 9th July 2024. However, it's important to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions in these stocks.

An Overview of Indian Defence Stocks

India's defence stocks are attracting investment from essential players, including rising defence engineering companies producing defence products. Below are the best defence stocks in India.

Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd 
Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd is a leading Indian company that specialises in planes and defence. It is renowned for its machine repair and contribution to India's aviation and defence. 

  • The dividend yield of the company stands at 0.61%.
  • The company has a return on capital equity (ROCE) of 13.3%.
  • The company is almost debt-free.

High Energy Batteries (India) Ltd
High Energy Batteries, established in 1979, is a top defence company in India known for its high-quality batteries and reliable energy solutions. It manufactures batteries for all three defence forces of India: Army, Navy and Air Force.

  • The return on equity (ROE) of the company is 22.2%
  • The company is almost debt-free.
  • The company’s profit before tax has also increased to 6.25.

Sika Interplant Systems Ltd
They are also a top defence electronics company, producing signal systems and communication tools for the military. They contribute to India's modern defence technology and are considered one of the best defence companies in 2024.

  • The company’s dividend payout is quite healthy at 17%.
  • The last 5 years sales growth of the firm stands at 18%.
  • The company has Rs.122 crores of assets at the end of FY 24.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL
It is one of the top defence stocks in India which is a big company that works on planes and defence stocks. They are owned by the government. They have been making planes and helicopters for a long time. They are one of the top Indian defence companies.

  • The return on equity (ROE) of the company stands at 28.9 %.
  • The company’s return on capital equity (ROCE) is 38.9 %.
  • The compounded profit growth of the company is 26.5% over the last 5 years.

Data Patterns (India) Ltd
It is a top defence company in India, specializing in electronic defence products for planes and defence machines. They contribute to India's defence technology and are considered one of the top defence companies in 2024. 

  • The company almost has zero debt.
  • The company has a good profit growth of 87.3% CAGR over the last 5 years.
  • The dividend payout of the company is at a healthy level of 19.9%.

Bharat Dynamics Ltd
It is a government-owned company, that specialises in missile production and related products. It is one of the top defence companies in India. The company is also engaged in refurbishing and life extension work of missiles.

  • The company is maintaining a dividend payout of 35.2%.
  • The stock price CAGR of the company is 62% for the last 5 years.
  • The company’s return on equity (ROE) for the previous 3 years stands at 16%.

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd
It is a new company that is growing fast. They work on defence and space technology. They help India to be better in both defence and space. They are also one of the top defence companies in India for 2024.

  • The company’s net profit has increased to 9.17%.
  • The operating profit of the company stands at Rs. 51 crores at the end of the last quarter of FY 24.
  • The company had a total sales of Rs. 254 crores in the 4th quarter of FY 23-24.

IdeaForge Technology Ltd
IdeaForge Technology Ltd is a top Indian defence company that produces drones for security and defence. The company is a market leader in manufacturing Indian unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). 

  • The company is almost debt-free.
  • The debtor days of the firm have improved from 71.5 to 54.6 days.
  • The return on equity (ROE) of the company for the last 3 years is 14%.

Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)
BEML, a prominent Indian defence company, is known for its diverse product range, including armoured vehicles and rail coaches, demonstrating its strategic importance and its role in enhancing India's defence capabilities.

  • The company’s compounded profit growth for the last 5 years is 34.9%.
  • The dividend payout of the company is 29.7%.
  • The stock price CAGR of the company in the last 3 years is 70%.

Cochin Shipyard Ltd
It is a crucial defence company in India, specialising in ship manufacturing and repair, making it a top defence company in the country. Over the years it has evolved its expertise in sophisticated vessels.

  • The company has reduced its debtor days from 45.1 days to 33.5 days.
  • The stock price CAGR of the company stands at 144% for the last 3 years.
  • The return on capital employed (ROCE) of the company is 21.4%.

How to Invest in Defence Stocks in India?

To invest in the domestic defence sector, there are various options available. You can directly invest in individual defence companies listed on stock exchanges, allowing investors to target specific companies and tailor their strategies. Another way is to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on the defence sector, offering a range of defence-related companies in their portfolios. This allows you to invest in various companies, providing greater diversification.

Factors to Consider While Investing in Defence Stocks in India

Points to take into account when purchasing Indian defence stocks.

  • Innovation: Considerable advancements in technology are the main reason for India's military sector's quick modernisation. Defence-related companies must prioritise research and development to remain competitive in this dynamic market.
  • Global tensions: Risks related to global conflict and territorial disputes are among the geopolitical challenges that investors must consider. The success of Indian military manufacturing enterprises can be significantly impacted by these factors.
  • Government policies: Defence stocks are directly impacted by the significant influence that the Indian government has on the military industry. The government's policies and rules governing foreign investment, licensing, and defence procurement should be closely monitored by investors.
  • Defence budget allocation: The Indian government's commitment to defence is crucial for investors in defence stocks in India, as it demonstrates the government's support for the defence industry, with an annual increase in the defence budget.

Conclusion
Indian defence stocks offer a reliable long-term investment opportunity due to their consistent performance, resilience, and pivotal role in national security and economic growth. These stocks manufacture essential equipment, technology, and services, contributing significantly to the Indian economy and strengthening the stock market. They are considered secure investments due to their critical role in national defence and steady performance over time. Therefore, investing in Indian defence stocks can be a good approach for investors seeking stable financial growth. So start your investment journey with a reliable online trading app today.

Defence Industry stocks FAQs

Defence industry stocks in India are crucial for the country's economy and national security and also contribute to the economic development of the country.

The risks associated with investing in defence stocks include government rules, shifting defence expenses, and geopolitical conflicts. Consider these risks while investing in a defence stock.

Research defence stocks by looking at the company's financials, performance, and industry trends. Find the balance sheet and go through the financials to analyse the overall performance of a stock.

During market downturns, defensive stocks provide durability, stability, and reliable dividend payments.

Technological breakthroughs and the growing demand for global security offer significant long-term growth opportunities for the defence industry.