West Coast reports fall in profitability for Q2 FY26

West Coast Paper Mills reported a fall in its consolidated profitability for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (Q2 FY26). The consolidated net profit after tax (PAT) for the quarter plummeted by approximately 80% sequentially to INR 11.91-crore, down from INR 60.26-crore in the preceding quarter.

The consolidated performance was impacted by a brief workers' strike and a subsequent 14-day planned annual maintenance shutdown at the Rajahmundry plant of its subsidiary, Andhra Paper. Bangur noted that the dual disruption in July 2025 resulted in a "one-time loss of production and earnings.”

Beyond this one-time operational hit, Bangur confirmed that the domestic paper industry continues to struggle with persistent market challenges. He stated that the industry is facing pricing pressure through Q2 FY26 as imports remained elevated. Furthermore, input costs, particularly wood, continue to remain high, a factor that is moderating the pace of margin recovery across the company’s operations.

The severe conditions in the core business were evident in the standalone paper and paperboard segment's results (profit before interest and tax), which showed a year-over-year decline of over 36.6% to INR 43.40-crore (INR 4,340.0-lakh). Despite the profitability woes, the company’s standalone revenue from operations for the quarter saw a strong sequential rise of 16% to INR 644.53-crore. Moving forward, the company stated that it remains focused on strengthening its product mix, securing raw material supply, and driving cost efficiencies to sustain profitability.