| Experienced management supported by geographical presence
KTPL is promoted by Mr. Jyoti Kumar Bajaj and Mr. Kanti Kumar Bajaj having over a decades of experience in the paper manufacturing and trading business. The management has aided in the company’s geographical divergence into countries like China, Bangladesh, Singapore, to name a few. Post Bangladesh crises management has gradually shifted its focus to domestic market, expanding in China as well as exploring Middle East countries. The company import raw materials mainly from South America and Europe driven by high fibre content and not subject to recycling. Acuite derives comfort from the company’s diversified presence and from the extensive experience of the promoters.
Increase in Operating Income with Improved Margins
KTPL’s operating income increased to Rs. 734.39 Cr. in FY26 (Prov.) from Rs. 680.49 Cr. in FY25, driven primarily by volume growth, partly offset by a decline in average selling prices (ASP) from FY2024 to FY2025 with marginal improvement in FY2026. Exports were impacted in FY2025 due to geopolitical disruptions, particularly the Red Sea crisis, affecting trade flows to distant markets; however, in FY2026, the company focused on product diversification and increased domestic sales, supporting volume growth. The EBITDA margin improved to 13.73% in FY26 (Prov.) from 13.13% in FY25, supported by better cost efficiency. The company’s location in Burdwan enables access to paddy husk at relatively lower cost, aiding input cost control. As a result, margins remained steady with effective cost management. Consequently, the PAT margin increased to 4.29% in FY26 (Prov.) from 4.09% in FY25. Acuite believes that , the company is likely to maintain stable performance over the medium term, supported by relatively steady demand. .
Moderate financial risk profile
The company’s financial risk profile is moderate marked by high networth along with comfortable gearing and moderate debt protection metrics. The tangible net worth of the company increased to Rs.451.33 Cr. as on March 31, 2026 (Prov.) from Rs.417.84 Cr. as March 31, 2025 due to accretion of reserves. Unsecured loans from promoters and relatives of Rs.157.85 Cr. are treated as quasi equity as per the undertaking received to maintain this amount in the business till the tenure of bank facilities. The company also have preference share capital of Rs.8.01 Cr. in FY2026(Prov). The gearing stood comfortable at 0.82 times as on FY 2026(Prov.) as compared to 0.69 times as on FY2025. Total debt of Rs. 371.45 Cr. as on March 31, 2026 (Prov.) includes Rs 263.97 Cr. short -term Debt and Rs 107.48 Cr. as long term debt. The Total outside Liabilities/Tangible Net Worth (TOL/TNW) stood at 1.33 times as on FY2026(Prov). as against 1.44 times as on 2025. The Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR) stood at 2.02 times as on FY2026(Prov). as against 1.93 times as on FY2025. Further, the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) stood moderate at 1.87 times as on FY2026(Prov). The Net Cash Accruals/Total Debt (NCA/TD) stood at 0.12 times as on FY2026(Prov). Acuite believes that the financial risk profile of the company will improve in the medium term on the back of no major debt funded capex plans.
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| Working capital intensive nature of operations
KTPL’s operations are working capital intensive as reflected in Gross Current Assets (GCA) of 323 days in FY2026(Prov). as compared to 325 days in FY2025. The high GCA days are majorly due to elongated inventory cycle and high other current assets which includes balance with revenue authorities of Rs.3.77 Cr, other receivables and advances of Rs.25.26 Cr. and advances to trade creditors of Rs. 12.84 Cr. as on March 31, 2026 The inventory days stood high at 294 days in FY2026(Prov) as compared to 296 days in FY2025. The company maintains higher inventory levels due to long lead times (3–4 months) for imported raw materials, ensuring uninterrupted operations and timely order fulfilment. However, the debtor period stood comfortable at 36 days in FY2026(Prov). as compared to 36 days in FY2025. The credit with customers is around 40-60 days. The creditor days stood high at 116 days as on FY2026(Prov) as against 193 days in FY2025. The credit terms with their suppliers in an average is around 3 months and backed by Letter of Credit. Acuite believes that, the working capital management of the company is expected to remain intensive on the back of high inventory requirements.
Susceptibility of profitability to volatility in raw material prices
The company operates in a highly competitive and fragmented paper industry, exposing it to pricing pressures and limiting its ability to pass on raw material cost increases. The kraft paper segment remains susceptible to volatility in wastepaper prices due to supply-demand dynamics and competition, which constrains margins and keeps the business risk profile moderate. Going forward, demand for both kraft paper and duplex board is expected to remain stable, supported by growth in packaging, particularly from e-commerce, FMCG, and printing segments; however, realizations are likely to remain competitive with limited upside amid adequate industry capacity. Overall profitability continues to be sensitive to fluctuations in key input costs, and any significant volatility in raw material prices may impact pricing dynamics and margins.
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