Voltas Ltd. share price target

Q3 revenue flat YoY with strong QoQ recovery; EBITDA missed estimates as UCP margin took a hit, on account of channel support

Voltas (VOLT)’s 3QFY26 revenue declined ~1% YoY to INR30.7b (in line), led by ~21%/9% YoY growth in the PES/UCP segments, while EMPS revenue dipped ~18% YoY.

We attended Voltas’s analyst meet, to gain deeper insight into its growth roadmap/demand environment. The management indicated prebuying activity ahead of the BEE rating changes wef 1-Jan-26 and inventories gradually depleting from 60 days (in Q2FY26) to 45 days (currently) vs 20-25 days (in Q3FY25).

VOLT highlighted that RAC volume remained under pressure in 3QFY26 due to higher channel inventory (~45 days) and a strong winter, though the YoY decline has moderated and there are multiple levers (GST rate cut increase affordability, energy label changes) to drive demand going forward.

Voltas delivered steady performance in Q2FY26, driven by its diversified portfolio, disciplined project execution and strengthening presence in commercial cooling and appliances. Overall performance remained subdued due to demand deferment, seasonal weakness and softer traction in core cooling. Management expects conditions to gradually improve, supported by GST-led affordability, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency transition, upcoming product refreshes, stronger channel activation and localisation-led efficiency gains. Expansion in Commercial Air Conditioning (CAC), refigeration, Voltbek and infrastructure solutions should provide...

Q2 revenue and EBITDA below estimates; 10% YoY drop led by a sharp 23% decline in UCP sales (-23% YoY) amid weak RAC offtake

Voltas (VOLT)’s revenue declined ~10% YoY to INR23.5b (in line) in 2QFY26, driven by a 23%/5% dip in UCP/PES segments, while EMPS revenue grew ~10% YoY.

The primary as well as secondary sales were impacted in Q2FY26 due to excess trade inventory at beginning of Q2FY26 and five weeks difference in announcement and implementation of GST reduction – that’s the chief takeaway from the management call.

We interacted with the management of Voltas (VOLT) to understand the current demand trend, the company’s strategy to play festive demand and GST rate cuts, and the segmental performance.

Q1 revenue and EBITDA below estimates; 20% YoY drop led by a sharp 25% fall in UCP with muted performance in other segments

Voltas’ Q1FY26 performance was weighed down by softer summer product sales, following an unusually early monsoon.

Hit by an erratic summer, Voltas’ UCP fell 25% y/y in Q1, its market share down to 17.8% (June-end 19.3%). Under-absorption and higher promotions squeezed margins, while inventory was high.

Voltas (VOLT)’s 1QFY26 earnings were below our estimate. Revenue dipped ~20% YoY to INR39.4b (-10% vs. estimate), due to ~25%/16%/3% YoY decline in UCP/PES/EMPS revenue.

We downward revise our FY26/FY27E earnings estimate by 18.5%/6.2% factoring in correction in aggregate volume in UCP while margins are expected to be at 5% due to promotional offers aimed at liquidating inventory, high fixed costs from low plant utilization, and increases in cost due to BEE norms. Anticipating strong demand, Voltas's trade partners had built up inventory; however, softer secondary sales led to slower off-take and elevated stock levels, prompting the company to temporarily scale back production. UCP EBIT margins contracted due to focus on driving volumes through aggressive pricing...

Voltas delivered steady performance in Q4FY25, driven by impressive growth in the UCP segment and healthy margins. Voltas' Chennai RAC manufacturing facility's ramp-up is on track, enhancing supply chain efficiency in southern and western regions. The company's strategic plans, including new product launches and distribution network expansions, are poised to further bolster its market share. Operational efficiencies and optimised manufacturing capabilities would also contribute to the success. Currently, the stock trades at 42X 1-year blended forward PE valuations. However, a short summer and early onset of monsoon could impact...

We attended Voltas’s analyst meet to gain deeper insight into its growth roadmap/demand environment. The management indicated a ~20– 25% decline in RAC secondary sales across players in Apr-May ’25, with a similar impact expected on primary sales, till inventory levels normalize.

We interacted with the management of Voltas (VOLT) to gain insights into the current demand trends, the company’s strategy amid challenging conditions, and segmental performance.

We downward revise our FY26/FY27E earnings estimate by 6.6%/7.8% factoring slow demand for RAC, cost pressure for key components like compressors and copper tube, no price hikes and slow ramp up of Chennai plant. Voltas Ltd (VOLT) reported volume growth in line with the industry in UCP segment and anticipates demand recovery in upcoming quarters from extended summers and support from In Shop demonstrator. UCP EBIT margins expanded due to the better product mix in Industrial coolers and high energy efficient rated products. VOLT market share has declined slightly in RAC...

investments. No major price hikes were announced as the company wants to focus on maintaining its market share. Voltas prioritizes volume growth and market share over immediate margin expansion. Voltbek is expected to achieve EBITDA breakeven by early FY26. We estimate revenue/EBITDA/PAT CAGR of 15.0%/19.5%/25.3% over FY25-27E. The stock is currently trading at...

We interacted with the management of Voltas (VOLT) to gain insights into current demand trends, as well as its views on compressors, margins, market share, and more. Management believes that current demand trends for RAC remain strong, and its focus will be on growing faster than its peers.