Archive · 27 Aug 2026
SAIL Profit Surges, But Investors Still Price It Below Rivals
Steel companies earned more money in the June 2026 quarter because demand from cars, appliances and other industries was strong.
SAIL’s profit grew the fastest among the three companies discussed.
Its profit rose by nearly 139%, even though it sold slightly less steel.
JSW Steel’s profit rose by about 113%, while Tata Steel’s rose by about 19%.
SAIL’s steel prices improved and the company controlled its costs.
However, investors still value SAIL more cheaply than Tata Steel and JSW Steel.
One reason is that SAIL’s return on equity was lower than both rivals.
Investors also believe the larger companies may be better able to grow their market share.
SAIL’s Q1FY27 net profit jumped 138.8% year-on-year to Rs 1,636 crore.
JSW Steel’s profit rose 112.6%, while Tata Steel’s increased 18.8% during the quarter.
SAIL’s steel realisations rose 5.7%, but sales volumes declined to 4.5 million tonnes.
SAIL trades at a P/E of 16.4, below Tata Steel’s 20 and JSW Steel’s 27.1.
Lower return on equity and expectations that larger rivals can expand market share may explain SAIL’s discount.
- Who
- SAIL, Tata Steel and JSW Steel.
- What
- The companies reported stronger profits and operating performance in the June 2026 quarter, while SAIL continued to trade below its larger rivals on valuation measures.
- When
- The June 2026 quarter, referred to as Q1FY27; Chinese steel production data covers January through June 2026.
- Where
- SAIL’s results are standalone; Tata Steel and JSW Steel also reported operations across India and other global markets.
- Why
- Stronger demand from automobiles, appliances and other user industries, higher steel realisations, cost controls and weaker Chinese production supported results.
Reasons SAIL May Be Undervalued
Reasons Investors Apply a Discount
Profit growth versus valuation
Reasons SAIL May Be Undervalued
SAIL recorded the strongest year-on-year profit growth among the three companies, with net profit rising 138.8%, yet its P/E remained below those of Tata Steel and JSW Steel.
Reasons Investors Apply a Discount
The market may be placing greater weight on broader business and growth expectations than on one quarter’s profit growth.
Return on equity
Reasons SAIL May Be Undervalued
SAIL’s strong profit improvement and 15.8% operating margin show that higher realisations and cost controls can improve its performance.
Reasons Investors Apply a Discount
SAIL’s standalone RoE was 6.48%, below Tata Steel’s 11.7% and JSW Steel’s 10.2%, providing a stated basis for a lower valuation.
Future market share
Reasons SAIL May Be Undervalued
Improving demand from automobiles, appliances and homes could support SAIL’s future steel sales and realisations.
Reasons Investors Apply a Discount
The article says investors view Tata Steel and JSW Steel as more capable of expanding market share, supporting their premium valuations.
- SAIL net profit
- Rs 1,636 crore, up 138.8% year-on-year.
- JSW Steel net profit
- Rs 4,696 crore on a consolidated basis, up 112.6% year-on-year.
- Tata Steel net profit
- Rs 2,385.2 crore on a consolidated basis, up 18.8% year-on-year.
- SAIL P/E
- 16.4, compared with 20 for Tata Steel and 27.1 for JSW Steel.
- Return on equity
- SAIL had a standalone RoE of 6.48%, versus 11.7% for Tata Steel and 10.2% for JSW Steel.
- SAIL steel sales
- 4.5 million tonnes, compared with 4.7 million tonnes a year earlier.
- Chinese steel production
- 500 million tonnes during January-June 2026, down 3% year-on-year.