KAJARIACER - Kajaria Ceramics

📊 NSE: KAJARIACER 🏢 Ceramics - Tiles / Sanitaryware 📅 Last Updated: 12/14/2025 8:46

💰 Financial Performance

Revenue Growth by Segment

Consolidated revenue for Q2 FY26 reached INR 1,186.56 Cr, a marginal 1% YoY increase. The tile segment remained flattish, while the plywood division was closed, resulting in zero revenue contribution from that segment compared to previous periods. FY25 annual revenue grew 2% to INR 4,683.24 Cr, driven by a 6% increase in sales volume (114.69 MSM) which was partially offset by pricing pressures.

Geographic Revenue Split

The company focuses on the Indian domestic market with significant penetration in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Retail sales constitute approximately 70% of total revenues, while institutional sales account for the remaining 30%. A new international venture in Nepal (5 million sqm capacity) is currently in the inventory liquidation phase to establish a dealer base.

Profitability Margins

Gross and operating margins showed significant recovery in Q2 FY26. PAT for Q2 FY26 rose 58% YoY to INR 132.96 Cr from INR 84.27 Cr. However, FY25 annual PAT declined 30% to INR 294.36 Cr due to intense pricing competition and a turbulent macro environment that squeezed margins earlier in the year.

EBITDA Margin

EBITDA margin improved significantly to 17.94% in Q2 FY26 compared to 13.47% in Q2 FY25, a 447 bps expansion. This was driven by cost optimization and lower fuel costs. FY25 annual EBITDA margin was lower at 12.76%, down 252 bps from 15.28% in FY24, reflecting the 'subdued' performance during that fiscal year.

Capital Expenditure

Planned capital expenditure is estimated at INR 225-275 Cr per annum for FY2025 and FY2026. These investments are primarily focused on capacity maintenance and strategic expansions, expected to be funded almost entirely through internal accruals of INR 250-300 Cr annually.

Credit Rating & Borrowing

The company maintains a strong credit profile with ICRA ratings indicating high safety. It has undrawn fund-based working capital lines of approximately INR 142 Cr. Borrowing costs are minimal as the company operates with negligible debt and a low gearing ratio, providing high financial flexibility.

⚙️ Operational Drivers

Raw Materials

Key raw materials include natural gas (fuel), clay, feldspar, and silica sand. Natural gas and power typically represent 20-25% of total production costs. Packaging materials are also a significant cost, where a recent reengineering initiative is expected to save INR 35 Cr annually.

Import Sources

Raw materials like clay and minerals are primarily sourced from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Natural gas is procured through long-term and spot contracts from domestic suppliers and terminals in Gujarat.

Key Suppliers

Suppliers include major gas distributors like GAIL and local players in the Morbi cluster for outsourced manufacturing. Specific mineral supplier names are not disclosed.

Capacity Expansion

Current sales volume is approximately 114.69 MSM annually. The company recently commissioned a 5 million sqm JV facility in Nepal. Expansion strategy focuses on 'Kajaria 2.0' which involves optimizing existing capacities and identifying 'white spaces' for new dealer points rather than just massive greenfield expansions.

Raw Material Costs

Raw material and energy costs are being managed through a 'cost optimization journey.' Packaging reengineering alone is delivering INR 35 Cr in annual savings. Pricing pressures in FY25 meant that while volumes grew 6%, revenue only grew 2%, indicating a high sensitivity to input cost fluctuations.

Manufacturing Efficiency

The company is transitioning to a leaner organization. Own manufacturing accounted for 15.66 MSM in Q2 FY26, while subsidiaries contributed 6.30 MSM and outsourcing 6.91 MSM, maintaining a balanced production mix to optimize utilization.

Logistics & Distribution

Distribution is handled through a massive network of dealers. The company is currently using management consultants to identify non-performing dealers and optimize the sales incentive structure to drive higher throughput.

📈 Strategic Growth

Expected Growth Rate

15%

Growth Strategy

Growth will be achieved through 'Kajaria 2.0,' which involves: 1) Unifying three independent business divisions to create a single, more powerful market presence; 2) Installing a dedicated architect team to capture large-scale projects; 3) Aggressive expansion into 'white spaces' (unrepresented geographies) identified by management consultants; and 4) Liquidating Nepal JV inventory to capture market share in the neighboring region.

Products & Services

Ceramic wall and floor tiles, Polished Vitrified Tiles (PVT), Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT), Sanitaryware, and Faucets.

Brand Portfolio

Kajaria, Kerovit (Bathware & Faucets).

New Products/Services

Expansion of the Kerovit bathware range and high-end vitrified tiles. The plywood division was discontinued to focus on higher-margin core ceramic businesses.

Market Expansion

Targeting deeper penetration in Tier-II and Tier-III cities and establishing a dominant position in the Nepal market through the new 5 million sqm JV plant.

Market Share & Ranking

Kajaria is the largest manufacturer of ceramic/vitrified tiles in India. It aims to grow 'above industry rates' to further consolidate its market leadership.

Strategic Alliances

Nepal Joint Venture (50% ownership) and a JV with UK Parts (Holdings) Limited (Kajaria-UKP) for international market access.

🌍 External Factors

Industry Trends

The industry is seeing a shift toward organized players as consumers prefer branded tiles and bathware. Current industry growth is 'soft,' but Kajaria is positioning itself for a recovery by building a leaner, 'growth-ready' organization through its unification strategy.

Competitive Landscape

Primary competition comes from the Morbi cluster (unorganized) and other large branded players. Kajaria maintains leadership through superior operating margins (17.94%) and a 20% price gap vs Morbi.

Competitive Moat

The moat is built on a massive distribution network and a 20% pricing premium over unorganized players. This is sustained by high brand spend (though H1 FY26 spend was lower, it is expected to increase in H2) and a new 'unified' sales force that is more efficient than competitors' fragmented teams.

Macro Economic Sensitivity

Highly sensitive to real estate cycles and urban housing demand. Subdued macro conditions in FY25 led to a 30% drop in PAT despite volume growth.

Consumer Behavior

Shift toward 'one-stop-shop' for home surfacing and bathware, which Kajaria is addressing by integrating its tile and bathware sales teams.

Geopolitical Risks

Political turmoil in Nepal is currently impacting the ramp-up of the new JV plant, leading to higher-than-normal inventory levels and 'insignificant' short-term profits.

⚖️ Regulatory & Governance

Industry Regulations

Subject to environmental norms regarding gas emissions and water discharge in manufacturing plants. Complies with Section 135 of the Companies Act for CSR.

Environmental Compliance

The company maintains ESG standards and has a dedicated Business Process and Risk Management Committee to oversee compliance.

Taxation Policy Impact

Effective tax rate is approximately 25-26% (INR 47.19 Cr tax on INR 181.17 Cr PBT in Q2 FY26).

Legal Contingencies

The company spent INR 9.72 Cr on CSR in FY25, exceeding its INR 9.67 Cr obligation. No major pending litigation values that would materially impact the balance sheet were disclosed in the provided documents.

⚠️ Risk Analysis

Key Uncertainties

The primary uncertainty is the timing of a demand recovery in the real estate sector. Pricing pressure from the unorganized sector (Morbi) remains a constant threat to margin expansion beyond the 18% level.

Geographic Concentration Risk

High concentration in India (95%+ of revenue), with a small but growing exposure to Nepal.

Third Party Dependencies

Approximately 24% of Q2 FY26 sales volume (6.91 MSM out of 28.87 MSM) is dependent on outsourced manufacturing partners.

Technology Obsolescence Risk

The company is upgrading to 'Kajaria 2.0' to modernize its sales tracking and dealer management systems, mitigating the risk of falling behind more digitally-agile competitors.