Akzo Nobel India Reports Profit Drop Amidst Strategic Transition to JSW Dulux

Akzo Nobel India Ltd, now under JSW Paints' control, reported a significant profit drop in the December quarter of FY26, citing new Labour Codes and statutory impacts. Despite revenue decreases, volume growth was recorded, with a strategic shift towards a premium portfolio and a proposed name change to JSW Dulux Ltd.

Akzo Nobel India Ltd, a prominent player in the paints and coatings industry, reported a substantial decline in profits for the December quarter of FY26, marking a 31.58% drop to Rs 74.3 crore. This decline reflects a sharp contrast to the Rs 108.6 crore profit recorded in the same quarter the previous year, according to an official filing.

Now under the control of JSW Paints, the company attributed part of the financial downturn to exceptional items totaling Rs 28.3 crore, driven primarily by the implementation of new Labour Codes with a statutory impact of Rs 27.9 crore. Despite these challenges, ANIL saw an overall volume growth of 5.9%, with domestic decorative paint volumes rising by 8% due to a focus on premium products.

In a strategic move, Akzo Nobel India's Board has approved a proposal to change its name to JSW Dulux Ltd, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. Shares of the company saw a modest rise, closing at Rs 2,818.55 on the BSE. This reflects the market's cautious optimism about the company's transition under JSW Paints' leadership.