Anil Kumar Goel, often regarded as India’s version of Warren Buffett, is making notable waves in the Indian stock market with his keen investment insights. Recognized for his talent in uncovering undervalued stocks, Goel has strategically invested in sectors such as sugar, textiles, and energy, amassing a portfolio of 32 stocks valued at approximately ₹2,016 crore (as reported by trendlyne.com).

Recently, Goel has made headlines for acquiring a stake in a company specializing in co-extruded plastic films while divesting from a manufacturer of automotive components. His investment approach is characterized by a meticulous analysis of businesses, blending bargain hunting with an eye for growth potential, particularly in cyclic sectors.

Recent Investment Moves by Anil Kumar Goel

Ecoplast Ltd: A New Addition

Founded in 1981, Ecoplast Ltd has established itself as a leading player in flexible packaging and industrial applications. The company is known for its innovative co-extruded plastic films, which serve a variety of industries, from steel to glass. Ecoplast boasts a market capitalization of ₹241 crore and exports to numerous countries, including Canada, the USA, the UK, and Dubai.

• Goel’s Stake: Anil Kumar Goel recently acquired a 1.8% stake in Ecoplast, worth around ₹4.4 crore.
• Promoter Holding Changes: The promoter’s holding has decreased from 72.23% in December to 64.84% for the quarter ending March 2025.

Examining Ecoplast’s financials reveals some intriguing insights:

• Sales Growth: The company’s revenue has shown modest compounded growth of 2%, increasing from ₹102 crore in FY19 to ₹113 crore in FY24. For the first nine months of FY25, sales reached ₹94 crore.
• EBITDA Growth: Ecoplast’s EBITDA rose from ₹7 crore in FY19 to ₹13 crore in FY24, marking a compound growth rate of 13.5%.
• Net Profits: The net profit surged from ₹3 crore in FY19 to ₹9 crore in FY24, with ₹6.45 crore recorded for the first nine months of FY25.

The stock price of Ecoplast has seen a dramatic rise, soaring from ₹83 in April 2020 to ₹698 as of April 17, 2025, reflecting a staggering 740% increase over five years.

Ecoplast also excels in its Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), currently at 32%, significantly outperforming the industry median of 13%. This indicates that the company generates ₹32 for every ₹100 of capital employed. With no debt on its balance sheet, Ecoplast is well-positioned to reinvest profits or distribute dividends.

Despite a 26x current PE ratio compared to the industry median of 23x, Ecoplast’s 10-year median PE stands at 12x, suggesting potential under-valuation.

L.G. Balakrishnan & Bros Ltd: A Recent Divestment

Established in 1937, L.G. Balakrishnan & Bros Ltd has transitioned from a transportation firm to a key player in the automotive sector, specializing in chains, sprockets, and metal parts. With a market cap of ₹3,880 crore, it maintains a dominant market share of over 60% in the two-wheeler chain segment.

• Goel’s Previous Stake: Goel held a 1.24% stake in L.G. Balakrishnan but has since sold his shares.

Let’s delve into the financials of L.G. Balakrishnan to understand this decision:

• Revenue Growth: The company’s sales have grown at a compound rate of 7%, increasing from ₹1,688 crore in FY19 to ₹2,346 crore in FY24, with ₹1,909 crore in sales for the first nine months of FY25.
• EBITDA and Profits: EBITDA increased from ₹209 crore in FY19 to ₹395 crore in FY24, equating to a 14% growth rate. Net profit surged from ₹100 crore in FY19 to ₹271 crore in FY24.

L.G. Balakrishnan’s stock price has also seen impressive growth, rising 480% from ₹210 five years ago to ₹1,216 today. The company’s ROCE stands at 23%, above the industry median of 15%.

Conclusion: Strategic Portfolio Adjustments

Anil Kumar Goel’s recent investment in Ecoplast Ltd coupled with his divestment from L.G. Balakrishnan & Bros Ltd raises intriguing questions about his strategic outlook. While his confidence in Ecoplast reflects a belief in its innovative capabilities and market potential, the sale of his stake in L.G. Balakrishnan suggests a calculated shift—perhaps towards sectors that are less susceptible to economic fluctuations.

As investors, keeping an eye on Goel’s moves can provide valuable insights into market trends and opportunities. His latest decisions may reveal a deeper understanding of industry dynamics, and only time will tell how these investments unfold.

For those interested in the evolving landscape of the Indian stock market, closely monitoring these stocks could yield insightful information about future trends and investment opportunities.