The paper industry is one of the largest growing industries in India at about 8% CAGR from 2022-2023 to 2027-2028 as per Researchandmarket reports. India is the fifteenth largest producer of paper with a total production of 20 million tons per year. The paper industry includes Newspapers, Industrial packaging paper, paper stationery, specialty paper, and some others.
According to the paper manufacturing association(IPMA), the paper industry employs over 5 lakh jobs directly and about 1.5 million jobs indirectly in India.
India is the 15th largest producer of paper in the world. According to the International Council of forest and paper association, China is the world’s largest producer of paper with an estimated volume of 100 million tons per year. The other major countries are the United States, Japan, Germany, and Canada.
Top paper industry exports in India
As per the ministry of commerce and industry, Government of India, the top 5 major countries where India exports are
the United Arab Emirates
Sri Lanka
Nepal
Bangladesh
United States of America
When the pandemic broke out, the paper industry suffered a mild impact. The closure of schools and educational institutions caused many bookshops and newspapers to stop purchasing books and newspapers due to concerns about the spread of covid. Eventually, the restrictions were eased and the situation returned to what it was before COVID.
Since the paper sector is an evergreen production sector, investing in paper stocks is a wise decision. It’s still important to take calculated risks and analyze the core business and ratios to make money
List of top 8 paper industry stocks
1. Satia Industries
Satia Industries is an Indian paper manufacturing company grounded in Punjab. The company was founded in 1980 and has since grown to become one of the leading paper manufacturers in the country. Satia Industries produces a wide range of paper products, including printing and writing, packaging, and specialty paper.
The company operates two manufacturing units in Punjab, with a combined production capacity of over 150,000 tonnes per annum. Satia Industries has a strong focus on sustainable practices and responsible forest management, and the company sources its raw materials from sustainably managed forests in India and abroad.
Satia Industries has a diverse customer base, including major corporations in the packaging, publishing, and printing industries. The company also exports its products to several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
| Ratios | Current share price | Market value | P/E value | ROE | ROCE |
| Values | 114 | 1,141 cr | 6.51 | 20.33% | 16.50% |
SWOT analysis
Strengths
Strong market position
Sustainable practices
Wide range of products
Strategic location
Weaknesses
Dependence on Raw materials
Limited international presence
Opportunities
Growing demand for paper products
Technology and innovation
Expansion into new markets
Threats
Intense competition
Economic conditions
Environmental regulations
Technology
Interesting things about Satia industries
Revenue Overview
Paper – 84%
Electricity & Steam – 15%
2. West Coast Paper Mills Ltd
West Coast Paper Mills Ltd (WCPM) is one of the leading paper manufacturing companies in India. The company was established in 1955 and is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. WCPM produces a wide range of paper and paperboard products, including writing and printing, packaging, and specialty paper.
The company has a total installed capacity of 4,00,000 TPA (tonnes per annum) for manufacturing paper and paperboard. WCPM has four manufacturing units located in Dandeli, Bhadrachalam, and Sivakasi in India, and a sales office in Mumbai.
WCPM’s products are marketed under the brand name “WEST COAST” and are widely used in various industries, such as education, publishing, packaging, and textiles. The company has a strong distribution network across India and also exports its products to various countries around the world.
Apart from paper manufacturing, WCPM is also involved in various social and environmental initiatives, such as tree plantation drives, waste reduction programs, and education and healthcare initiatives for the local communities.
| Ratios | Current share price | Market value | P/E value | P/B value | ROE | ROCE |
| Values | 509.70 | ₹ 3,366.51 Cr | 6.69 | 1.78 | 20.2 % | 22.9 % |
Strengths
Strong brand reputation in the paper industry in India.
Diversified product portfolio including a wide range of paper products.
Well-established distribution network across India.
Strategically located manufacturing facilities to cater to both domestic and export markets.
Experienced and skilled management team.
Weaknesses
Dependence on raw materials such as wood pulp and waste paper, which are subject to price fluctuations.
Increasing competition from domestic and international players in the paper industry.
Limited presence in international markets.
Opportunities
Growing demand for paper products in India due to increasing literacy rates and packaging needs.
Rising trend of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging materials.
Expansion into international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Strategic partnerships with other companies to increase market share and reduce costs.
Threats
Volatility in raw material prices due to factors such as supply chain disruptions and trade tensions.
Environmental regulations and concerns could impact the paper industry.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could impact export sales.
The impact of digitalization on paper usage and demand.
Interesting things about West Coast Paper Mills Ltd
96% of the revenue comes from paper and paper broad.
4% of revenue comes from the cables division
3. Emami Paper Mills Ltd
Emami Paper Mills Ltd is a company that is involved in the production and sale of various types of paper, including writing and printing paper, packaging paper, newsprint, and specialty paper. Emami Paper mills LTD was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Kolkata.
Emami Paper Mills has three manufacturing facilities located in
Balasore,
Odisha,
and Kolkata in West Bengal.
The three combined facilities have a production capacity of over 250,000 tons per year. The company’s products are sold in India and exported to various countries around the world, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Emami Paper Mills is part of the Emami Group, which is a diversified conglomerate with interests in various sectors such as FMCG, healthcare, cement, and real estate. The company has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing waste management systems.
| Ratios | Current share price | Market value | P/E value | P/B Value | ROE | ROCE |
| Values | 114 | 690 Cr | 5.66 | 1.42 | 32.55 % | 16.37% |
SWOT analysis
Strengths
Strong manufacturing capabilities
Wide range of paper products catering to various industries.
Strong distribution network across India and exports to various countries.
Part of a well-diversified conglomerate.
Weaknesses
Dependence on the paper industry is subject to fluctuating demand and price volatility too.
High competition from domestic and international players in the paper industry.
Limited diversification of product offerings.
Dependence on certain key raw materials such as pulp may cause disturbance when a shortage occurs
Opportunities
Growing demand for sustainable paper products could make the company eco green
Opening new businesses in different paper-related products.
Growing demand for paper products in developing countries.
Threats
Fluctuating demand for paper products due to economic conditions, consumer preferences, and competition from digital alternatives.
Regulatory restrictions on the use of certain raw materials or production processes could impact the company’s operations.
Intense competition from both domestic and international players in the paper industry.
Supply chain disruptions and price volatility for raw materials, energy, and transportation.
Interesting things about Emami’s paper
31% of its revenue comes from 29 countries
Emami paper mills got ‘First Prize in the Paper & Pulp Sector for 2021 at the National Energy Conservation Award for energy conservation
4) JK Paper
JK Paper is an Indian paper manufacturing company that produces a wide range of paper products, including printing and writing paper, packaging paper, and specialty paper. The company was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Delhi, India.
JK Paper operates two manufacturing facilities located in Rayagada, Odisha, and Songadh, Gujarat. These facilities have a combined production capacity of over 400,000 tons per year.
The company’s products are sold in India and exported to various countries around the world, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The company has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing waste management systems.
JK Paper also has a strong commitment to social responsibility and has implemented various programs to support the local communities in which it operates.
In addition to its paper manufacturing operations, JK Paper also has a presence in the hospitality and real estate sectors through its subsidiaries. The company is recognized as one of the leading paper manufacturers in India and has won several awards for its performance and sustainability initiatives.
| Ratios | Current share price | Market value | P/E | P/B | ROE | ROCE |
| Values | 375.40 | ₹ 6,359.36 Cr. | 7.49 | 1.75 | 18.11 % | 16.40% |
Strengths
Well-built brand name and recognition in the Indian paper industry.
Different range of paper products catering to numerous industries.
Solid manufacturing capabilities with two production facilities.
Strong distribution network across India and exports to various countries.
Best commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Weaknesses
Dependence on the paper industry, which is subject to fluctuating demand and price volatility.
High competition from domestic and international players in the paper industry.
Dependence on certain key raw materials such as pulp.
Opportunities
Growing demand for sustainable paper products could provide a competitive advantage to the company.
Expansion into related industries such as packaging and specialty papers.
Growing demand for paper products in developing countries, providing opportunities for geographic expansion.
Increasing adoption of digital technologies may lead to increased demand for certain types of paper products such as specialty papers for printing.
Threats
Fluctuating demand for paper products due to economic conditions, consumer preferences, and competition from digital alternatives.
Regulatory restrictions on the use of certain raw materials or production processes could impact the company’s operations.
Intense competition from both domestic and international players in the paper industry.
Supply chain disruptions and price volatility for raw materials, energy, and transportation.
Interesting things about JK paper
handful distribution network of around 4000 dealers and 15 pan-India depots
JK paper has a 24% market share in branded copier segment.
5) Andhra paper limited
Andhra Paper Limited is an Indian paper manufacturing company that produces a wide range of paper products, including printing and writing paper, packaging paper, and specialty paper. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Hyderabad, India.
Andhra Paper Limited operates a manufacturing facility located in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, with a production capacity of over 240,000 tons per year. The company’s products are sold in India and exported to various countries around the world, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
The company has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing waste management systems. Andhra Paper Limited also has a strong commitment to social responsibility and has implemented various programs to support the local communities in which it operates.
| Ratios | Current share price | Market value | P/E | P/B | ROE | ROCE |
| Values | 407 | ₹ 1,620.83 Cr | 3.8 | 1.13 | 13.51 % | 18.03% |
Swot analysis
Strengths
Strong brand reputation and recognition in the Indian paper industry.
Wide range of paper products catering to various industries.
Strong manufacturing capabilities with a large production facility.
Strong distribution network across India and exports to various countries.
Strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Weaknesses
Dependence on the paper industry, which is subject to fluctuating demand and price volatility.
High competition from domestic and international players in the paper industry.
Dependence on certain key raw materials such as pulp may be subject to supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
Opportunities
Growing demand for sustainable paper products could provide a competitive advantage to the company.
Expansion into related industries such as packaging and specialty papers.
Growing demand for paper products in developing countries, providing opportunities for geographic expansion.
Increasing adoption of digital technologies may lead to increased demand for certain types of paper products such as specialty papers for printing.
Threats
Fluctuating demand for paper products due to economic conditions, consumer preferences, and competition from digital alternatives.
Regulatory restrictions on the use of certain raw materials or production processes could impact the company’s operations.
Intense competition from both domestic and international players in the paper industry.
Supply chain disruptions and price volatility for raw materials, energy, and transportation.
Interesting things about Andhra paper
Sales share
India – 84%
Exports to other countries – 16%
6) Pudumjee Paper Products Ltd
Pudumjee Paper Products Ltd. is a leading Indian manufacturer of specialty paper and packaging products. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Pune, India.
Pudumjee Paper Products operates a manufacturing facility in Pune, which has a production capacity of over 60,000 tons per year. The company produces a wide range of paper products, including specialty paper, industrial paper, and packaging products such as paper bags and corrugated boxes.
The company has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing waste management systems. Pudumjee Paper Products also has a strong commitment to social responsibility and has implemented various programs to support the local communities in which it operates.
| Ratios | Current share price | Market value | P/E | P/B | ROE | ROCE |
| Values | 39.85 | ₹ 378.38 Cr. | 7.49 | 0.98 | 10.57 % | 13.12% |
SWOT analysis
Strengths
Strong brand reputation and recognition in the Indian paper industry.
Diversified product portfolio catering to various industries.
Strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
Strong reputation for quality and innovation.
Established a distribution network across India.
Weaknesses
Dependence on the paper industry, which is subject to fluctuating demand and price volatility.
Limited manufacturing capacity compared to some of its competitors.
Limited geographic reach compared to some of its competitors.
Opportunities
Growing demand for sustainable paper products could provide a competitive advantage to the company.
Expansion into related industries such as packaging and specialty papers.
Growing demand for paper products in developing countries, providing opportunities for geographic expansion.
Increasing adoption of digital technologies may lead to increased demand for certain types of paper products such as specialty papers for printing.
Threats
Fluctuating demand for paper products due to economic conditions, consumer preferences, and competition from digital alternatives.
Regulatory restrictions on the use of certain raw materials or production processes could impact the company’s operations.
Intense competition from both domestic and international players in the paper industry.
Supply chain disruptions and price volatility for raw materials, energy, and transportation.
Interesting things to know about Pudumjee paper products
Crepe tissue and towels, Decor grades, food grades, pharma grades, etc.
Revenue and sales
Paper: 97%
Hygiene Products: 3%
7) Yasho Industries Ltd
Yasho Industries Ltd. is an Indian company that specializes in the production of chemicals, intermediates, and specialty chemicals. The company was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India.
Yasho Industries has a diversified product portfolio that caters to a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, rubber, plastics, textiles, and other specialty chemicals. The company has a strong focus on research and development and has a team of experienced scientists working on developing new products and improving existing ones.
The company has a strong manufacturing infrastructure with multiple manufacturing facilities in India, equipped with modern technologies and systems to ensure high-quality production. Yasho Industries also has a global presence with exports to over 40 countries worldwide.
| Ratios | Current share price | market value | P/E | P/B | ROE | ROCE |
| Values | 1,324 | ₹ 1,509 Cr | 23.68 | 6.77 | 41.77 % | 28.86% |
Strengths
Diverse Product Portfolio: Yasho Industries Ltd has a wide range of products in various industries such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. This diversification of the product portfolio helps in minimizing the risk of dependency on a single product line.
Strong Market Presence: The company has a strong presence in India, with a large customer base and an extensive distribution network. The company has also expanded its market reach globally.
Experienced Management: Yasho Industries Ltd has a highly experienced management team with a strong track record of successful business operations.
Technological Expertise: The company has strong technical expertise in chemical manufacturing, which allows it to produce high-quality products that meet customer requirements.
Weaknesses:
Dependence on Raw Material Suppliers: Yasho Industries Ltd depends on a few raw material suppliers, which increases the risk of supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
High Debt Levels: The company has high debt levels, which increases its financial risk.
Limited Geographic Presence: Despite expanding its market reach globally, Yasho Industries Ltd still has a limited geographic presence compared to its competitors.
Opportunities:
Growing Demand for Specialty Chemicals: The increasing demand for specialty chemicals across various industries presents a significant opportunity for Yasho Industries Ltd to expand its product portfolio.
Emerging Markets: Emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa present significant growth opportunities for Yasho Industries Ltd to expand its market presence.
Investments in Research and Development: Yasho Industries Ltd can invest in research and development to develop new products and technologies, which can help the company stay ahead of its competitors.
Threats:
Intense Competition: The chemical industry is highly competitive, with numerous domestic and international players operating in the market.
Regulatory Compliance: The chemical industry is subject to various regulations and compliance requirements, which can increase the company’s operating costs.
Fluctuating Raw Material Prices: The prices of raw materials used in chemical manufacturing are volatile, which can affect the company’s profitability.
Interesting things about Yasho Industries
It sells about 150 different types of products
Revenue share
Aroma Chemicals – 14% of revenue
Food AntiOxidant – 13% of revenue
Rubber Chemicals – 35% of revenue
Lubricant Additives – 14% of revenue
Speciality Chemicals – 25% of revenues
8) N R Agarwal Industries Ltd
N R Agarwal Industries Ltd is an Indian company that is primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of paper and packaging products. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India.
N R Agarwal Industries Ltd has a diverse range of products that cater to different segments of the paper and packaging industry, including packaging papers, coated papers, and newsprints. The company has modern and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Gujarat and Maharashtra, which allows it to produce high-quality products efficiently.
| Ratios | Current share price | Market value | P/E | P/B | ROE | ROCE |
| Values | 225.20 | ₹ 383.27 Cr | 3.89 | 0.62 | 12.05 % | 18.10% |
SWOT analysis
Strengths
Strong Market Presence: N R Agarwal Industries Ltd has a strong presence in the Indian paper and packaging industry, with a large customer base and an extensive distribution network.
Diversified Product Portfolio: The company has a diverse range of products in different segments of the paper and packaging industry, which helps to reduce the risk of dependence on a single product line.
Modern Manufacturing Facilities: N R Agarwal Industries Ltd has modern and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that allow the company to produce high-quality products efficiently.
Experienced Management: The company has a highly experienced management team that has a proven track record of successful business operations.
Weaknesses
Dependence on Raw Material Suppliers: N R Agarwal Industries Ltd is dependent on raw material suppliers for its operations, which increases the risk of supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
High Debt Levels: The company has high levels of debt, which increases its financial risk.
Limited Geographic Presence: N R Agarwal Industries Ltd has a limited geographic presence compared to its competitors, which may limit its market share.
Opportunities
Growing Demand for Packaging Papers: The increasing demand for packaging papers in India presents a significant opportunity for N R Agarwal Industries Ltd to expand its market share.
Expansion of Product Portfolio: The company can expand its product portfolio by developing new products and technologies that cater to the evolving needs of the market.
Emerging Markets: Emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa present significant growth opportunities for N R Agarwal Industries Ltd to expand its market presence.
Threats
Intense Competition: The paper and packaging industry in India is highly competitive, with numerous domestic and international players operating in the market.
Regulatory Compliance: The paper and packaging industry is subject to various regulations and compliance requirements, which can increase the company’s operating costs.
Environmental Concerns: The paper and packaging industry is under increasing scrutiny for its impact on the environment, and the company needs to adopt sustainable practices to mitigate these concerns.
Interesting things about N R Agarwal’s paper
writing & printing paper accounts for ~39%
Packaging boards account for ~61%
Things to check before investing in Paper industry stocks
Diversification of products – Before investing in any paper industry stocks, always look at the company’s products and their usage. Some companies only produce a limited number of products which is a major disadvantage in the paper industry.
valuation – Generally, in the paper industry stocks, the profitability is not that great because of the raw materials cost. But as the valuation is measured to the revenue, try to look at the valuation to its profit and growth.
Leadership – Leadership is also one of the key parameters to look at before investing in any company. A perfect CEO and board members are what a company needed to run successfully.
Conclusion
Investing in paper industry stocks is really a good decision for better returns and appreciation. There are a lot of growth prospects in the Indian paper industry in the coming years and India can really excel in becoming the world’s largest producer. However, paper is made up of pulp which is extracted from trees. Cutting a lot of trees in order to produce a large quantity can affect nature. The paper industry is part of a government-regulated industry where a critical unfavoured decision can significantly affect overall production.