Motilal Oswal initiates coverage on KPR Mill, 7 other textile stocks with up to 43% upside. Own any?

The brokerage believes the global textile and apparel industry is gradually emerging from a prolonged period of weakness. Global textile and apparel trade remained largely flat between CY21 and CY25 after the strong post-pandemic demand surge in FY22.

Apparel, which accounts for around 60% of global trade, saw muted growth, while the home textile segment declined during the period. Inflationary pressures, weak discretionary spending, retailer inventory corrections, softer demand in key markets such as the US and Europe, supply chain disruptions, high freight costs and tariff uncertainties weighed on the sector.

Gokaldas Exports: The company could benefit from capacity expansion in India and improved utilisation in its Africa business following the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The brokerage forecasts revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 18%, 33% and 73%, respectively, over FY26-28 and has assigned a Buy rating with a target price of Rs 1,110, an upside of 34%.

Pearl Global Industries: It is expected to see growth driven by capacity expansion across India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia. The brokerage forecasts revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 14%, 25% and 29%, respectively, and values the stock at Rs 2,300 (22% upside) with a Buy recommendation.

Welspun Living is expected to deliver mid-teen revenue growth led by its home textile business, supported by lower tariffs and prospective trade agreements with the UK and EU. The brokerage forecasts revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 14%, 43% and 97%, respectively, and has set a target price of Rs 200 (24% upside) with a Buy rating.

Trident: The brokerage expects high single-digit growth led by its home textile portfolio, followed by paper and yarn businesses. It forecasts revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT CAGR of 11%, 17% and 29%, respectively, and values the stock at Rs 28 (9.3% upside).

The brokerage also pointed to global supply chain shifts as a structural opportunity for India. Restrictions on Xinjiang cotton by the US and EU, declining spindle capacity in China and political instability in competing sourcing hubs such as Pakistan and Bangladesh have strengthened India's position. India remains the world's second-largest cotton producer and spindle capacity holder, supported by a large export base, execution capabilities and abundant labour availability.