1. Why did Astral’s share price fall over 7% today?
Astral’s stock slid 7.28% after Q1 FY26 results revealed a 32.5% YoY profit decline. The drop was triggered by volatile PVC prices, margin pressures, and slightly weaker revenue. Investor sentiment weakened further due to inventory losses, which amplified concerns over the company’s near-term earnings stability and raw material cost fluctuations.
2. How did Astral perform in Q1 FY26?
In Q1 FY26, Astral’s net profit dropped to Rs. 81.1 crore from Rs. 120.4 crore a year earlier. Revenue slipped to Rs. 1,361.2 crore, reflecting subdued demand. EBITDA margins narrowed to 14.3% as inventory losses and raw material volatility hit profitability. The performance missed analyst expectations, leading to a negative reaction in the stock market.
3. Which segments showed growth for Astral?
Despite weak overall earnings, Astral saw growth in specific segments. The Bathware division surged 27.4% YoY, adhesives rose 9.2%, and paints expanded 20.7%. However, paints faced profitability challenges with margins at only 1.4%. These gains suggest Astral’s diversification is helping offset headwinds in its core piping business during volatile raw material periods.
4. What is the market outlook for Astral shares?
Analysts are split on Astral’s near-term prospects. Around 55% maintain a “Buy” rating, citing potential recovery with stable polymer prices, while 27% recommend “Hold.” Demand momentum in July offers some optimism, but earnings visibility remains uncertain until raw material costs stabilise and margins recover, especially in the company’s core piping and paints segments.
5. What are Astral’s key stock market metrics today?
Astral traded between Rs. 1,275 and Rs. 1,356.70 today, ending at Rs. 1,281. Its market capitalisation stands at Rs. 34,382 crore. The TTM P/E ratio is 65.64, while P/B is 10.21. The stock is hovering near its 52-week low of Rs. 1,232.30, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid recent earnings pressures and volatile raw material market conditions.
