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Shares of PI Industries gained up to 7% on Tuesday, June 9, after its key customer, Japan-based Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., raised its earnings forecast for the first half of fiscal 2026, citing stronger-than-expected sales of its flagship herbicide AXEEV and robust demand in its fine chemicals business.
Kumiai Chemical revised its revenue forecast for the six months that ended in April 2026 upward by 10.9% to ¥102.9 billion from ¥92.8 billion earlier. The company also raised its operating profit forecast by 70.5% to ¥10.4 billion, while net profit attributable to shareholders was nearly doubled to ¥8.7 billion from the earlier estimate of ¥4.4 billion.
The Japanese agrochemical company said sales exceeded expectations due to accelerated shipments in its agricultural chemicals business ahead of the entry of generic versions of AXEEV in the US market. It also cited strong performance in its fine chemicals segment.
Kumiai added that profits benefited from higher sales as well as the decision to bring forward AXEEV shipments, helping secure earnings before increased competitive pressure from generic products.
The development is significant for PI Industries as Kumiai Chemical is one of its largest customers. PI supplies pyroxasulfone, the active ingredient marketed by Kumiai under the AXEEV brand. Industry estimates suggest pyroxasulfone contributes roughly 40% of PI Industries' overall revenue.
The improved outlook comes after Kumiai had lowered its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance in December 2025, forecasting a 5% decline in revenue and a 32% drop in operating profit amid expectations of weaker demand and competitive pressures.
Despite the stronger first-half performance, Kumiai maintained its full-year earnings guidance, saying it is still assessing the potential impact of escalating tensions and the prolonged conflict in West Asia on its business operations.
The company said it would review its outlook and provide an update if future business trends warrant a revision.
Shares of PI Industries gained 6.8% intraday and were trading 5.3% up at ₹2,823 as of 1.20 pm. The stock has fallen 16% over the last six months and more than 28% over the last year.
Kumai Raises Outlook
Kumiai Chemical revised its revenue forecast for the six months that ended in April 2026 upward by 10.9% to ¥102.9 billion from ¥92.8 billion earlier. The company also raised its operating profit forecast by 70.5% to ¥10.4 billion, while net profit attributable to shareholders was nearly doubled to ¥8.7 billion from the earlier estimate of ¥4.4 billion.
The Japanese agrochemical company said sales exceeded expectations due to accelerated shipments in its agricultural chemicals business ahead of the entry of generic versions of AXEEV in the US market. It also cited strong performance in its fine chemicals segment.
Kumiai added that profits benefited from higher sales as well as the decision to bring forward AXEEV shipments, helping secure earnings before increased competitive pressure from generic products.
The development is significant for PI Industries as Kumiai Chemical is one of its largest customers. PI supplies pyroxasulfone, the active ingredient marketed by Kumiai under the AXEEV brand. Industry estimates suggest pyroxasulfone contributes roughly 40% of PI Industries' overall revenue.
Better Days Ahead for Kumai
The improved outlook comes after Kumiai had lowered its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance in December 2025, forecasting a 5% decline in revenue and a 32% drop in operating profit amid expectations of weaker demand and competitive pressures.
Despite the stronger first-half performance, Kumiai maintained its full-year earnings guidance, saying it is still assessing the potential impact of escalating tensions and the prolonged conflict in West Asia on its business operations.
The company said it would review its outlook and provide an update if future business trends warrant a revision.
Shares of PI Industries gained 6.8% intraday and were trading 5.3% up at ₹2,823 as of 1.20 pm. The stock has fallen 16% over the last six months and more than 28% over the last year.
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