The BRAKE Report Launches New Industry Performance Index
The tracker monitors 22 publicly traded brake and friction companies to provide insights into global market trends.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Auto Parts
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The BRAKE Report has launched a new financial index designed to track the performance of 22 publicly traded brake and friction companies. The tool monitors share prices and sales revenue to provide a monthly view of the sector's financial health.
Why it matters
The index offers a specialized lens on the automotive supply chain, highlighting a disconnect between the brake industry's performance and broader market gains. It serves as a benchmark for investors and stakeholders monitoring the sector's operational stability.
The index shows a median revenue growth of 4.4% year-over-year among member companies, despite an 18.3% year-to-date share price decline for pure-play brake manufacturers. The data includes performance metrics for 22 companies across the global friction industry.
The players
The BRAKE Report
This organization is an industry-focused publication that provides news and analytics regarding the global brake and friction market.
Honda
This multinational automotive manufacturer has recently expanded its influence in the parts sector by taking majority control of Astemo.
Wabtec
This major supplier provides equipment for the rail industry and recently reported its third-quarter financial results.
First Brands Group
This manufacturer of automotive parts is currently navigating financial reorganization following the rejection of its Chapter 11 plan.
Knorr-Bremse
This global manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles is a key industry player with upcoming quarterly results.
The details
The index uses an equal-weighted methodology to track the financial health of brake suppliers, which have faced mixed results compared to wider market indices. Significant recent industry movements include Honda taking majority control of Astemo and the rejection of First Brands Group's Chapter 11 plan.
Timeline
August 2026: First Brands Group's Chapter 11 plan was rejected.
October 1, 2026: Honda took majority control of Astemo.
October 21, 2026: Wabtec reported third-quarter results.
October 23, 2026: Financial data for the index was finalized.
October 28, 2026: The BRAKE Index launched.
Roadmap
The launch of this index reflects an effort to provide granular transparency into the automotive parts sector as manufacturers face diverging fortunes. By tracking these firms against the S&P 500, the industry can better measure how supply chain volatility affects specialized component makers.
Investors and industry professionals can use the index to identify regional performance disparities in the brake market. Understanding these metrics can help stakeholders assess the financial stability of manufacturers when evaluating long-term supply chain and partnership risks.
The takeaway
Financial indices provide essential clarity by highlighting when specific sectors trail or outperform the broader market. Industry participants should monitor these monthly revenue and share price trends to navigate the ongoing shifts in the global automotive supply chain.
What happens next
Knorr-Bremse is scheduled to release its third-quarter financial results on October 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving trends in automotive manufacturing, visit our Auto Parts section.
More information
Track updated financial metrics and company performance on The BRAKE Index tracking page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The BRAKE Report.
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