Shalimar Paints Q1 FY26: Losses Reduce as Revenue Climbs
Fresh strategies help Shalimar Paints limit losses while driving double-digit revenue growth in the June 2025 quarter
Performance Snapshot: Q1 FY26
Shalimar Paints, one of India’s oldest and best-known paint manufacturers, delivered a promising set of financials for the first quarter of FY2025-26. The company reported a revenue jump to approximately ₹153-177 crore—a YoY increase of nearly 20%. The results highlight the company’s renewed push for market share and cost optimization, as well as strong demand in both decorative and industrial paint categories.
The June 2025 quarter saw Shalimar Paints cut its consolidated net loss to around ₹16.7 crore, compared to a much steeper ₹27 crore loss posted a year earlier. This represents an improvement in the company’s operational efficiency and points to successful cost-control initiatives rolled out in the past twelve months.
Revenue Grows on Back of Market Expansion
Buoyed by enhanced dealer penetration, aggressive marketing efforts, and a wider product portfolio, Shalimar Paints’ sales climbed steadily through the quarter. The decorative paints segment benefited from robust demand in the housing and renovation sector, while the industrial paints division also saw healthy offtake as infrastructure and manufacturing activities nationwide picked up pace.
Revenue for the quarter increased by approximately 19-23% YoY, depending on the reporting source. This outpaced industry averages and signaled the effectiveness of the management’s tactical shift towards volume-led growth and premiumization of offerings.
Cost Discipline Drives Operating Results
Management focus on cost rationalization and operational efficiencies started to pay off during Q1 FY26. The company reported significant improvements in operating profit, with some reports showing operating profit more than doubling when compared to the previous year.
While the bottom line is still in red, the operating margin improved as efforts such as better raw material sourcing, supply chain enhancements, and prudent expense control bore fruit. These measures helped protect margins in the face of fluctuating raw material prices and high competitive intensity from larger rivals.
High Debt Remains a Hurdle
Despite noticeable progress, Shalimar Paints continues to grapple with high finance costs and rising borrowing levels. Interest expenses rose, further undermining net profit and prolonging the company’s struggle to return to profitability. The negative operating margin, although reduced from prior levels, still reflects the heavy debt burden the company must overcome to deliver shareholder value.
Investor Sentiment: Cautious Optimism
Analysts and investors responded positively to signs of recovery. The reduced losses suggest that Shalimar Paints’ restructuring and revival strategies are starting to deliver results. However, skepticism remains due to ongoing losses and the challenges posed by large debt and competitive pressures in the paints sector.
Conclusion: Signs of a Turnaround, but Road Ahead Is Long
Shalimar Paints made noticeable progress in the first quarter of FY2025-26. A sharp revenue increase and significant reduction in net loss echo the management’s determination to revive the brand and restore financial stability. Nonetheless, persistent net losses highlight the urgent need for continued improvement in cost structure and debt management.
If Shalimar Paints succeeds in boosting profitability and further trimming losses in the upcoming quarters, it could solidify a full-fledged turnaround. For now, the Q1 FY26 results offer hope—but warrant cautious optimism until sustained profits emerge.
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