PCBL Chemical Ltd, formerly known as PCBL Ltd, confirmed that its consolidated ₹3,700 crore capital expenditure (capex) plan remains on course, with the company optimistic about margin improvement as raw material prices stabilize. Despite the robust expansion strategy, PCBL reported a 23% year-on-year decline in standalone profit after tax (PAT) for the December 2024 quarter, standing at ₹110.99 crore. This announcement led to a 10.36% drop in its share price, closing at ₹350.60. Analysts noted that the stock had breached its critical long-term support level of the 200-day moving average.
The company’s expansion includes increasing its Specialty Blacks capacity, setting up a greenfield project, and focusing on emerging battery technologies. As part of this initiative, PCBL secured 116 acres of land in Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh, for its next greenfield plant, which will help the company surpass a one million tonne production capacity within two years.
Currently, PCBL boasts an installed capacity of 7.7 lakh tonnes, making it India’s largest carbon black manufacturer. The Specialty Blacks capacity at Mundra is set to expand by 20,000 MTPA and is expected to be operational by Q4 FY25, raising the total to 1,12,000 MTPA. Additionally, its Aquapharm Chemicals division will see a 38,000 MTPA capacity boost by the end of FY25, increasing the current capacity by nearly 30%.
PCBL had acquired Pune-based specialty chemicals firm Aquapharm Chemicals in 2023 for ₹3,800 crore, further strengthening its portfolio. The management anticipates steady volume growth, supported by new business opportunities and exports, despite facing near-term challenges.
PCBL Chemical Ltd, formerly known as PCBL Ltd, is a leading carbon black manufacturer and a key player in India’s specialty chemicals industry. With an installed capacity of 7.7 lakh tonnes, it stands as the largest carbon black producer in the country.
The company is currently executing an ambitious ₹3,700 crore expansion plan, including a greenfield project in Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh, that aims to push its total capacity beyond one million tonnes within two years. PCBL is also expanding its Specialty Blacks capacity, with a 20,000 MTPA addition at Mundra set for completion by Q4 FY25.
Its 2023 acquisition of Aquapharm Chemicals further bolstered its portfolio, with plans to increase production by nearly 30% by FY25. Focused on innovation, emerging battery technologies, and exports, PCBL is well-positioned to drive growth while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge solutions.
