AKUMS - Akums Drugs

📊 NSE: AKUMS 🏢 Pharmaceuticals - Indian - Bulk Drugs & Formln 📅 Last Updated: 12/13/2025 18:06

💰 Financial Performance

Revenue Growth by Segment

Domestic branded formulations grew 5.3% YoY to INR 122 Cr in Q2 FY26. International branded formulations declined 14.3% YoY to INR 22 Cr. API revenue declined 25.4% YoY to INR 44 Cr from INR 59 Cr as the company shifted focus toward higher-margin molecules.

Geographic Revenue Split

Domestic market remains the primary contributor; exports contribute 3.5% of total turnover. The company serves 72 international countries through subsidiaries like Akumentis and Unosource.

Profitability Margins

CDMO gross margins improved to 37.6% in Q2 FY26 compared to 37.1% in FY25. However, operating EBITDA declined 22% YoY due to operating deleverage and fixed overheads from new facilities.

EBITDA Margin

Domestic branded EBITDA margin improved significantly, with EBITDA rising 28.2% YoY to INR 26 Cr. International branded EBITDA grew 52% YoY to INR 5.5 Cr despite revenue declines, reflecting better product mix.

Capital Expenditure

Planned capex of INR 200-250 Cr per annum between FY2025 and FY2027. This is primarily directed toward the development of the Jammu manufacturing unit and regular maintenance/replacement capex.

Credit Rating & Borrowing

Credit ratings reaffirmed at [ICRA]AA (Stable) for long-term and [ICRA]A1+ for short-term. The company utilized INR 680 Cr from IPO proceeds for deleveraging, significantly improving debt protection metrics.

⚙️ Operational Drivers

Raw Materials

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and granules are primary raw materials. Specific percentage of total cost not disclosed, but falling API prices impacted margins for competitors more than Akums due to its diversified portfolio.

Capacity Expansion

Current combined production capacity is 49.6 billion units per annum across 12 formulation units. Planned expansion includes the Jammu plant, with commercial production expected to commence in 2026-27.

Raw Material Costs

Raw material costs are managed by focusing on high-margin molecules in the API segment. CDMO gross margins were maintained at 37.6% despite volume growth of 4-7% in Q2 FY26.

Manufacturing Efficiency

Three new injectable plants operationalized in H1 FY26 had a temporary negative EBITDA impact of INR 17 Cr due to ramp-up costs, regulatory approvals, and client audits.

Logistics & Distribution

Distribution is handled through a network of distributors and retail pharmacy outlets across India to ensure widespread availability.

📈 Strategic Growth

Expected Growth Rate

Not disclosed in available documents

Growth Strategy

Growth will be driven by the 2026-27 Jammu plant launch, a newly formed Zambia JV, and targeted expansion into European markets starting 2027. The company is also pursuing inorganic growth using its INR 1,600 Cr net cash position, targeting profit-making businesses with export or dosage form capabilities.

Products & Services

Pharmaceutical formulations across 60 dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and injectables; testing, development, and job work services.

Brand Portfolio

Akumentis, Unosource, Akums Healthcare UK Limited.

New Products/Services

Commercialization of over 4,000 formulations. New injectable facilities are currently ramping up and seeking regulatory approvals for future revenue contribution.

Market Expansion

Expansion into the UK via Akums Healthcare UK Limited (incorporated March 2025) and the European market with supply expected to commence in 2027.

Market Share & Ranking

Leading contract manufacturer with a 30.2% value share of the Indian domestic CDMO market and a 10.0% share of the total addressable Indian domestic CDMO market.

Strategic Alliances

Formed a Joint Venture in Zambia to strengthen international presence; maintains manufacturing relationships with over 1,448 trademarks.

🌍 External Factors

Industry Trends

The Indian CDMO market is growing, with Akums holding a 30.2% share. The industry is shifting toward specialized dosage forms and regulated market exports (Europe/UK).

Competitive Landscape

Competes with other CDMO players and API manufacturers; management notes that Akums' diversified portfolio provides better margin stability than concentrated competitors during API price drops.

Competitive Moat

Moat is built on massive scale (49.6 billion units), deep client relationships with top-tier pharma companies, and a large portfolio of 927 DCGI approvals and 1,448 trademarks.

Macro Economic Sensitivity

Performance is tied to the sustained long-term demand for outsourced drug development and manufacturing (CDMO).

Consumer Behavior

Increased reliance by major pharmaceutical companies on outsourced manufacturing to optimize their own supply chains.

Geopolitical Risks

International operations in 72 countries and 60+ export destinations expose the company to global trade and regulatory shifts.

⚖️ Regulatory & Governance

Industry Regulations

Operations are subject to DCGI approvals (927 held) and international regulatory audits for new injectable facilities to permit exports to regulated markets.

Environmental Compliance

Exposed to tightening environmental regulations; breaches in waste or pollution norms could lead to increased operating costs.

Legal Contingencies

Income Tax department conducted searches at certain offices and manufacturing units in January 2025. The company is also monitoring compliance through a dedicated internal tool.

⚠️ Risk Analysis

Key Uncertainties

Ramp-up time for new injectable facilities and the timing of regulatory approvals for European exports (expected 2027) could impact short-term profitability.