Opening Hook
Remember when bearings were just round metal things and not part of corporate soap operas? SKF India just proved that even rotating parts can stir drama. The company’s 64th AGM was less “boring compliance” and more “season finale” — complete with a pending corporate demerger, a localisation flex, and shareholders politely demanding a bonus like it’s a wedding gift.
Revenue for FY25 clocked ₹4,919.9 crore, up 7.65% (AGM transcript, Aug 6, 2025). Profit before tax rose 3.7% despite inflation trying to crash the party. Why it matters? Because SKF isn’t just selling bearings anymore — it’s splitting itself into two, betting big on EVs, wind energy, and industrial resilience.
Stick around—things get spicier two scrolls down.
AT A GLANCE
• Revenue up 7.65% – CFO swears it wasn’t currency magic• PBT up 3.7% – margin gains despite inflation• Dividend ₹14.5/share – 145% payout approved• Demerger on track – auto & industrial to list separately, 1:1 share split• 95% renewable energy – factories going greener than your neighbour’s balcony garden
MANAGEMENT’S KEY COMMENTARY
Gopal Subramanyam (Chairman):“Less friction, more progress.” Translation – We’re in the bearing business, but the real pivot is cutting bureaucracy.
Mukund Vasudevan (MD):“Unlocking the power of two.” Translation – We’re splitting like a Bollywood power couple, but amicably, and with better lawyers.
On localisation:“95% of auto parts sourced locally.” Translation – We’ve almost turned ‘Make in India’ into ‘Make in SKF’.
On innovation:“Sensorised hubs for EV 2- and 3-wheelers.” Translation – Your scooter will soon know more about itself than you do.
On CapEx:“From ₹150 cr/year to ₹250 cr/year,
₹1,200 cr over 5 years.” Translation – Bearings are getting their own ‘mega-project’ budget.
On sustainability:“95% renewable energy, 28% cut in emissions.” Translation – Even our factories are going vegan.
On people:“Gender diversity up to 17.5%, women shop floor doubled.” Translation – Bearings aren’t the only things rolling forward.
NUMBERS DECODED
Revenue – The Hero | EBITDA – The Sidekick | Margins – The Drama Queen |
---|---|---|
₹4,919.9 cr (+7.65%) | Not disclosed in AGM but healthy | Inflation tried, pricing discipline won |
Revenue:Driven by industrial demand (wind & rail) and strong auto aftermarket.EBITDA:Efficiency gains and localisation cushioned costs.Margins:Product mix shifts were tricky, but cost control and traded goods pruning kept them in shape.
ANALYST QUESTIONS
Demerger completion?Q4 CY2025 if approvals land.Share ratio?1 SKF share = 1 new entity share.CapEx plan?₹250 cr/year, ₹1,200 cr over 5 years – expect more machinery than Diwali crackers.Competitors?Schaeffler, Timken.Export markets?Europe, SE Asia, Americas – Germany tops.Market