Chemical Stock Bets Big on CRDMO and Semiconductor Chemicals for Future Growth; Should You Buy?

Synopsis: Jefferies has maintained a ‘Buy’ rating on this leading agrochemical and life sciences company, citing multiple new growth platforms across biologicals, pharma CRDMO, and semiconductor chemicals as key long-term earnings drivers. The brokerage sees these emerging businesses gradually strengthening the company’s overall growth trajectory. 

India’s specialty chemicals and agrochemical space continues to draw brokerage attention even amid a cyclical slowdown, and one of the sector’s most diversified names is back in the spotlight. With multiple new-age businesses taking shape alongside its core contract manufacturing franchise, the company is being positioned as a long-term innovation-led compounder rather than a purely cyclical agrochemical play.

With a market capitalization of Rs. 40,205 crore, the shares of P I Industries Limited were trading at Rs. 2,650 per share, with a 52-week range of Rs. 4,330 to Rs. 2,541, and it is trading at a P/E of approximately 32x.

Jefferies’ Buy Call

Jefferies has maintained its ‘Buy’ rating on the PI industries with a target price of Rs.3,575, implying an upside potential of around 35% from current levels. The brokerage’s optimism stems from the PI Industries push into new growth platforms spanning agricultural chemicals, biological products, pharmaceutical Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) services, and semiconductor chemicals.

According to the brokerage, several of these innovation platforms are gradually taking shape and could begin contributing meaningfully to earnings as the businesses mature. Jefferies also flagged the company’s efforts to develop proprietary crop protection products, noting its growing presence within the innovator community for agrochemical solutions. 

While biological products and semiconductor chemicals remain longer-dated opportunities and the pharma CRDMO vertical is still in its investment phase, Jefferies expects overall growth to improve as these businesses scale, forecasting a 12% adjusted PAT CAGR between FY26 and FY28. Execution remains a key variable, but the brokerage believes the expanding innovation pipeline could become a meaningful growth driver over the medium term.

Business and Financial Overview

FY26 Performance

For FY26, consolidated revenue came in at Rs. 6,714 crore, down 16% year-on-year, largely due to a high base in agrochemical exports and softer domestic demand. EBITDA fell 22% to Rs.1,705 crore, with margins contracting to 25% from 27% a year earlier. Net profit stood at Rs.1,321 crore, down 20% year-on-year, though it included exceptional income from a contingent-consideration writeback. 

Q4 FY26 and Segment Highlights

Fourth-quarter revenue was Rs.1,565 crore, down 12% year-on-year, with EBITDA margins at 22%. Export volumes declined amid a broader global agrochemical contraction, while domestic revenue softened on elevated channel inventories. 

The pharma business was a bright spot, with full-year revenue growing 40% year-on-year on the back of new customer additions and rising CRDMO inquiries. The biologicals segment also gained traction, with new regulatory approvals and product launches expanding its global footprint. The balance sheet remained virtually debt-free, with surplus cash providing headroom for future strategic investments and capacity additions.

For Investors

Jefferies’ sustained Buy call, backed by a projected PAT CAGR through FY28, frames PI Industries as a structural compounder built on diversification beyond its traditional agrochemical base. 

The expanding presence across pharma CRDMO, biologicals, and semiconductor chemicals strengthens the long-term investment case, even as near-term earnings remain cyclically pressured. Investors may wish to track execution across these newer platforms, order-book visibility, and the pace at which emerging businesses begin contributing to overall profitability.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on tradebrains.in are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Investing in equities poses a risk of financial losses. Investors must therefore exercise due caution while investing or trading in stocks. Trade Brains Technologies Private Limited or the author are not liable for any losses caused as a result of the decision based on this article. Please consult your investment advisor before investing.

The post Chemical Stock Bets Big on CRDMO and Semiconductor Chemicals for Future Growth; Should You Buy? appeared first on Trade Brains.