Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

Ratin Biswass / 11 Dec 2025 / Categories: Analysis, Analysis, DSIJ_Magazine_Web, DSIJMagazine_App, Regular Columns

Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), founded in 1938 by two Danish engineers

L&T continues to strengthen its position in the infrastructure and engineering sectors, with robust growth driven by strategic expansions, innovative solutions, and a strong Order Book, setting the stage for sustained success [EasyDNNnews:PaidContentStart]

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), founded in 1938 by two Danish engineers, Henning Holck-Larsen and Soren Toubro, is one of India's largest and most respected conglomerates. The company, headquartered in Mumbai, has a legacy of over 80 years in various sectors, including engineering, Construction, technology, and financial services. L&T is a dominant player in infrastructure development, with a strong presence in engineering and construction, power, Defence, heavy machinery, IT, and financial services. Its contribution to the Indian economy is significant, as it continues to build iconic infrastructure projects and provides technology solutions for global clients.

L&T's commitment to innovation, excellence, and quality has made it a leader in the Indian market, with an increasing focus on international markets. The company's diverse portfolio, coupled with its strong financial standing, makes it an attractive investment opportunity for long-term investors.

Business Segments and Diversification
L&T operates through several key business segments, making it a diversified conglomerate with a robust presence across multiple industries.n Engineering & Construction (E&C) — L&T's core business lies in the Engineering & Construction segment, which contributes significantly to the company’s revenue. This segment is involved in the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads, highways, bridges, and metro rail systems. The company has a strong order book, driven by projects from the Indian government and private sector clients. L&T's expertise in large infrastructure development has positioned it as a preferred partner for major infrastructure initiatives in India and abroad.

■ Electrical & Electronics — The Electrical & Electronics segment deals with the design, manufacturing, and supply of electrical products and systems. L&T manufactures a wide range of electrical equipment, such as Transformers, switchgear, and motors, which are used in industries like power generation, transmission, and distribution. This segment also includes L&T’s participation in renewable energy solutions, which is a growing focus amid global sustainability trends.

■ IT and Technology — L&T has a strong presence in the IT sector, with subsidiaries like LTIMindtree Ltd (LTIM) and L&T Technology Services (LTTS). LTIM provides IT consulting, technology solutions, and digital transformation services to clients across multiple industries, including manufacturing, finance, and retail. LTTS focuses on providing engineering and digital solutions, including automation, AI, and IoT, helping clients improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. The technology segment is expected to be a key growth driver for L&T in the coming years, with a focus on digital innovation and smart technology solutions.

■ Financial Services — L&T’s Financial Services division is one of the leading players in the Indian financial services market. This segment offers a wide range of financial products, including Mutual Funds, life insurance, and general insurance. L&T Finance, a subsidiary of the company, provides retail finance solutions, including loans and mortgages. This segment is highly profitable, with a diverse portfolio that includes both retail and institutional clients.

■ Subsidiaries and Acquisitions — L&T has expanded its footprint through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures, including the acquisition of Mindtree, a leading IT services company, and its investment in several international markets. L&T’s strategy of organic and inorganic growth has helped diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependency on any single sector.

Financial Analysis
Larsen & Toubro has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance, driven by its diverse business segments and strategic investments. Here is an overview of L&T's financial standing

In Q2FY26, the company delivered a strong operational performance, supported by steady demand across key segments. Revenue grew 10.44 per cent year-on-year to ₹67,983.53 crore, up from ₹61,554.58 crore last year, aided by improved realisations and resilient volumes. Sequentially, revenue increased 6.76 per cent from ₹63,678.92 crore. Profitability remained healthy, with EBIDT (excluding other income) rising 7.53 per cent year-on-year to ₹8,513.24 crore, compared to ₹7,917.05 crore in Q2FY25. Quarter-on-quarter, EBIDT improved 6.1 per cent, reflecting stable margins despite cost pressures. Net profit reported strong growth, advancing 13.96 per cent year-on-year to ₹4,687.09 crore, against ₹4,112.81 crore last year. Sequentially, profit rose 8.36 per cent, showcasing financial strength and efficient operating leverage. Overall, the company’s Q2 performance underscores solid revenue traction, improving profitability, and effective cost management, positioning it well for the upcoming quarters.

In H1FY26, reflecting strong momentum in the civil construction segment. Net sales rose 12.85 per cent to ₹1,31,662.45 crore, compared to ₹1,16,674.40 crore in H1FY25, driven by sustained project execution and healthy order inflows. Profitability improved meaningfully, with PBIDT increasing 13.18 per cent to ₹11,579.65 crore, highlighting efficient cost management and operational scale. PAT surged 19.33 per cent to ₹9,012.66 crore, supported by better margins and financial discipline. Overall, L&T’s half-year performance underscores robust execution strength, a resilient order book, and continued leadership in India’s infrastructure and construction space.

Growth Drivers
L&T’s growth trajectory is supported by several key factors that position the company for long-term success.
■ Infrastructure Development in India — India's infrastructure sector is expected to continue growing at a rapid pace, driven by government spending on key projects, such as metro rail systems, highways, and airports. L&T is well-positioned to capitalise on these opportunities, with a large order book of infrastructure projects across India. The company has been a key player in the execution of highprofile government projects, including the Mumbai Metro, Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and Chardham Highway Project. Additionally, the government's focus on smart cities, rural electrification, and renewable energy will drive further demand for L&T's services

■ International Expansion — L&T has been expanding its footprint in international markets, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The company has secured several large contracts in these regions, including projects in power, water, and transportation. L&T’s experience in handling large-scale international projects has enabled it to gain significant market share in these regions. As the global demand for infrastructure development grows, L&T’s diversified geographical presence positions it well for future growth.

■ Technology and Innovation — L&T’s focus on technology and innovation is another key growth driver. The company has made significant investments in digital transformation, automation, and AI, particularly through its IT and technology services segments (LTIM and L&T Technology Services). These investments are expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and offer cutting-edge solutions to clients. The company’s focus on sustainable technologies and renewable energy solutions, such as Solar power projects and green infrastructure, will also provide significant growth opportunities as governments and businesses worldwide shift towards sustainability

■ Strong Order Book and Execution Capability — L&T's large and diversified order book, which stood at approximately ₹6.67 lakh crore in Q2FY26, provides visibility into future revenue streams. The company’s expertise in executing complex, large-scale projects allow it to maintain a competitive edge. With increasing infrastructure spending and global expansion, L&T is well-positioned to benefit from continued growth in its core segments.

SWOT Analysis
Larsen & Toubro's success can be attributed to its strengths and strategic positioning in the marketplace. However, like any large conglomerate, the company also faces several challenges.

■ Strengths — L&T is one of the most trusted and wellestablished brands in India, with decades of experience in executing large-scale infrastructure and engineering projects. The company boasts a robust order book, providing revenue visibility for the next few years, and demonstrates its operational excellence through securing large, high-value projects across various sectors. Operating in multiple industries, including engineering & construction, technology, financial services, and infrastructure, L&T enjoys diversified revenue streams, which help mitigate risks tied to any single sector. Additionally, L&T has a proven track record of delivering large and complex projects on time and within budget, further solidifying its reputation for quality and reliability.

■ Weaknesses — L&T’s overdependence on large infrastructure projects exposes it to risks such as project delays, regulatory hurdles, and economic slowdowns. A slowdown in government spending or infrastructure investments could adversely impact the company’s top-line growth. Additionally, its international operations make it vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and changes in international trade policies, which could affect profitability and project execution. Furthermore, the company’s large-scale projects require significant capital expenditure, potentially straining cash flows and creating financing challenges, especially if the economic environment becomes unfavourable.

■ Opportunities — L&T is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing infrastructure boom in India, driven by the government’s push for the development of metro systems, highways, airports, and renewable energy projects. This long-term trend presents significant growth potential for the company. Additionally, L&T has ample opportunities for global expansion, particularly in regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where heavy investments in infrastructure could fuel substantial growth in its international business. The growing focus on smart city projects and renewable energy in India further enhances L&T's prospects, offering opportunities to provide technology-driven solutions, sustainable infrastructure, and green buildings.

■ Threats — An economic slowdown, whether in India or globally, could impact infrastructure spending, leading to delays or cancellations of major projects, which would affect L&T’s revenue streams. The company also faces intense competition from both large Indian and international players in the engineering and construction sectors, which could influence its market share and profit margins. Additionally, regulatory challenges, especially changes in environmental regulations and land acquisition policies, could result in project delays or increased costs, ultimately affecting L&T’s profitability.

Competitive Landscape
Larsen & Toubro operates in a highly competitive environment, with several key players vying for market share across its various business segments. Here is a look at the competitive landscape:

How L&T Differentiates Itself — L&T differentiates itself in the market through its strong brand reputation, exceptional execution capabilities, and technological innovation. The company is known for handling large, complex projects with an unwavering focus on quality and safety, which sets it apart from competitors. Unlike many of its rivals, such as BHEL, which specialises in power, L&T’s diversified business model enables it to seize opportunities across various sectors, including IT, financial services, and infrastructure. Additionally, L&T maintains a technological leadership position through its subsidiaries like LTIM and L&T Technology Services, leveraging advancements in AI, automation, and smart infrastructure to stay ahead of the competition and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Challenges in the Competitive Environment — In the infrastructure and construction sector, L&T faces significant price pressure due to intense competition, making it challenging to maintain its premium pricing while staying competitive. Additionally, evolving regulations in construction, energy, and technology sectors require L&T to constantly adapt to changing laws and policies, which can increase project costs or cause delays. While global expansion presents opportunities, it also brings competition from well-established local players in regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. To maintain its competitive edge, L&T must continuously adapt to local market conditions and navigate the challenges of international markets.

Valuation and Stock Performance
Larsen & Toubro's stock performance over the years has reflected its consistent growth in revenue and profitability. Let us analyse the stock's performance and valuation metrics.

Historical Stock Performance — Over the past 3 years, L&T’s stock has shown strong growth, driven by its consistent earnings, solid order book, and robust performance across its diversified business segments. In the last year (FY25), the stock price has increased by approximately 15 per cent, with a steady upward trajectory. Over the past 3 years, L&T’s stock has significantly outperformed the broader market indices like the Nifty 50, delivering an average annual return of 25 per cent compared to 11 per cent for the Nifty 50 during the same period.

Valuation Metrics — The company is currently trading at a PE of 34x, which is higher compared with its industry PE of 19x. The PEG ratio of the company is 1.49, which makes it fairly valued. Over the last three years, the company has achieved compounded revenue growth of about 18 per cent, with compounded profit growth of 23 per cent. It has maintained a high ROCE and ROE of 14.5 per cent and 16.6 per cent, respectively. While the stock is slightly expensive compared to industry peers, its strong financials, diversified business, and growth prospects justify the premium.

Conclusion
L&T has proven itself as one of India’s most resilient and diversified conglomerates. With a legacy spanning over 80 years, L&T’s strong position in infrastructure development, engineering, construction, and technology has made it a dominant player in both the Indian and international markets. The company’s diversified business segments, robust order book, and financial strength provide significant visibility into future growth prospects.

L&T's consistent financial performance, coupled with its strategic focus on high-margin sectors like technology and infrastructure, ensures its continued growth. The company’s ability to tap into government-led infrastructure projects, expand internationally, and invest in digital transformation offers considerable long-term growth potential.

However, like any large corporation, L&T faces several risks, including macroeconomic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions, and operational challenges. Despite these risks, L&T’s diversified portfolio, strong market positioning, and track record of executing large-scale projects position it well for the future. In conclusion, L&T remains a solid investment for long-term investors who are seeking exposure to India’s growth story. The company’s market leadership, strong fundamentals, and strategic focus on innovation and infrastructure development make it an attractive choice for investors looking to capitalise on India’s ongoing transformation. Hence, we recommend BUY.

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