AIROLAM - Airo Lam
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
For Q2 FY26, the Laminates & Allied Products segment generated revenue of INR 51.63 Cr, while the Plywood & Allied Products segment contributed INR 26.42 Cr. The total consolidated revenue for the quarter reached approximately INR 78.05 Cr, reflecting a significant scale-up from the FY24 annual revenue of INR 204.99 Cr as the company expands its plywood operations.
Geographic Revenue Split
While specific regional percentages are not disclosed, the company operates an indirect subsidiary, Airo Lam Asia Pacific Limited, indicating an international footprint. Domestic operations are centered in Gujarat, with the primary manufacturing unit located in Prantij, Sabarkantha.
Profitability Margins
Net Profit Margin (NPM) stood at 3.12% in Q2 FY26, down from 3.97% in Q2 FY25. Operating margins also saw compression, falling from 9.64% to 7.53% YoY. This decline is attributed to the Plywood segment reporting a loss of INR 1.48 Cr during the quarter, which dragged down the overall profitability of the core laminate business.
EBITDA Margin
The PBILDT margin was approximately 9.49% in FY24 (INR 19.46 Cr on INR 204.99 Cr revenue). However, recent quarterly data shows operating margins tightening to 7.53% in Q2 FY26, a 211 basis point drop YoY, due to increased production expenses and the gestation phase of the plywood product line.
Capital Expenditure
The company reported a purchase of fixed assets totaling INR 1.40 Cr for the half-year ended September 30, 2025. Historical data shows steady investment in the Prantij facility to maintain its 36 lakh sheets per annum capacity.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
CARE Ratings reaffirmed 'CARE BBB; Stable' for long-term bank facilities and 'CARE A3+' for short-term facilities in June 2025. Total rated bank facilities were enhanced to INR 105.54 Cr. Interest coverage ratio stood at 3.73x in FY24, indicating a moderate but sufficient ability to service debt costs.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
The primary raw materials include kraft paper, design paper, and chemical resins for laminates, and timber/logs for plywood. Cost of materials consumed and production expenses amounted to INR 66.39 Cr for the half-year ended September 2025, representing approximately 85% of total expenses.
Import Sources
Not specifically disclosed in the provided financial statements, though the company operates a subsidiary in the Asia Pacific region for potential sourcing or distribution.
Capacity Expansion
Current installed capacity is 36 lakh sheets per annum for laminates. The company has recently added a plywood product line to diversify its portfolio, though specific capacity for plywood is not detailed.
Raw Material Costs
Raw material and production costs reached INR 66.39 Cr for H1 FY26. The company faces high working capital intensity due to the need to maintain diverse inventory for its multiple brands like Airolam and Airoply.
Manufacturing Efficiency
The company maintains a centralized manufacturing hub in Gujarat to optimize logistics for its laminate and plywood divisions. Capacity utilization is focused on its 36 lakh sheet laminate plant.
Logistics & Distribution
The company utilizes a multi-brand strategy (Airolam, Classico, Ilam, etc.) to penetrate different market segments, which requires an extensive distribution network across India.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
18%
Growth Strategy
Growth is driven by the 'Airoply' plywood line and 'Airodoor' laminated doors, which complement the core laminate business. By leveraging existing dealer networks for the new plywood segment, the company aims to increase its wallet share in the home interiors market. The company is also expanding its reach through its Asia Pacific subsidiary to tap into international demand.
Products & Services
Laminate sheets, plywood boards, panels, and laminated doors.
Brand Portfolio
Airolam, Classico, Ilam, Airolite, Ilite, Airodoor, and Airoply.
New Products/Services
Recent expansion into Plywood and Allied Products, which now contributes roughly 34% of total quarterly revenue.
Market Expansion
Targeting the Asia Pacific region through its subsidiary Airo Lam Asia Pacific Limited and expanding the domestic plywood footprint.
Strategic Alliances
The company operates through an associate company, Airo Lam Holdings Limited.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is shifting toward branded plywood and decorative laminates as consumers move from unorganized to organized players. Airolam is positioning itself as a comprehensive 'Laminate | Ply | Panel | Door' provider to capture this trend.
Competitive Landscape
Competes with both large organized players and local unorganized manufacturers in the laminate and plywood sectors.
Competitive Moat
The moat is built on an established track record since 2007 and a diverse portfolio of 7 distinct brands catering to different price points. This multi-brand strategy makes it difficult for new entrants to displace them across all market tiers.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to the real estate cycle and consumer spending on home renovation. Inflation in chemical and paper prices directly impacts the 85% cost-to-expense ratio.
Consumer Behavior
Increasing preference for 'ready-to-install' laminated doors and branded plywood with quality certifications.
Geopolitical Risks
Exposure through the Asia Pacific subsidiary could be impacted by trade barriers or regional economic shifts.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Compliant with Ind AS 34 for financial reporting and SEBI (LODR) Regulations 2015. Operations are subject to environmental norms for chemical usage in resin production and timber sourcing regulations.
Taxation Policy Impact
The company follows a standard corporate tax structure with a tax expense of INR 0.74 Cr for Q2 FY26, representing an effective tax rate of approximately 14% for the quarter after accounting for deferred tax adjustments.
Legal Contingencies
The company reported a 'Short / (Excess) Provision' of INR 0.31 Cr in its tax expenses for Q2 FY26. No major pending litigation in High Courts or the Supreme Court was detailed in the interim reports.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
The primary uncertainty is the turnaround of the plywood segment, which is currently loss-making (INR 1.48 Cr loss in Q2 FY26). Failure to scale this segment could permanently depress group margins.
Geographic Concentration Risk
Manufacturing is concentrated in a single location in Prantij, Gujarat, making the supply chain vulnerable to regional disruptions.
Third Party Dependencies
High dependency on the construction and real estate sectors for demand pull.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Risk of shifting consumer preferences toward alternative materials like PVC boards or stone polymers which could replace traditional laminates.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Trade receivables stood at INR 60.27 Cr as of September 2025. While the debtors turnover ratio improved to 1.80, any default by large distributors would significantly impact liquidity.