NEW DELHI:
BSE listed Best Agrolife Ltd., a leading global player in agrochemicals sector and one of India’s largest manufacturers of agro-inputs, has announced excellent results for the quarter ended 30 June, 2020. The company has in place in its long term financial priorities which has a three dimensional approach wherein the focus areas are – capital allocation, earning and growth.
The company’s Q1 FY2021 unaudited results saw company’s total revenue rise to Rs. 363.04 Cr. from Rs. 204.18 Cr. (Q1 FY1920), which is about a 77% increase. The Profit almost tripled from Rs. 5.46 Cr. (Q1 FY1920), to Rs. 16.21 Cr. (Q1 FY2021), while the EPS rose from Rs. 6.03 (Q1 FY1920) to Rs. 6.95 (Q1 FY2021).
With regards to Earnings, Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd. said, “We have defined our objectives clearly and the company will work towards achieving the same wherein the primary focus is to accomplish sustainable EPS growth. This will be supported by incremental earnings across economic cycles. Also, we are anticipating a significant increase in ROCE and ROE which will be driven by our various initiatives.” In terms of ROCE and ROE, the project targets are 32.78% and 24% respectively in FY22. Notably, as per projections, there is a significant increase in EPS (basic) to 30.44 and compared to 7.24 in FY20.
For the Growth – approach – the company is enabling models to deliver profitable organic growth. Increase in commitment towards Research and Development and creating strong push for its branded products.
Best Agrolife Ltd. had previously announced that it became first in India to have granted license/registration for manufacturing DIRON (DINOTEFURAN 20% SG), a super systematic insecticide with quick uptake and knock-down, that controls a broad spectrum of previous and invasive pests. With two formulations, it is super flexible when it comes to application. With quick action through contact and ingestion, resulting in robust pest control management. This product is an import substitute to a similar Japanese insecticide.
Currently, the company caters to several Bluechip Corporates for P2P which include UPL Ltd, Jubilant, Indo Gulf Fertilisers, Mahindra Summit Agriscience, Bharat Rasayan, etc. According to a recent survey, the estimated size of Indian agro chemical market is USD 3 Billion, which is a positive for companies like Best Agrolife. The boost to the agro sector by the current government will increase demand of agrochemicals and insecticides.
Commenting on this, Kumar said, “Going forward, the demand for innovative products will shape the industry. We believe farmers will look to combine crop protection, seeds, digital and application technologies while fulfilling societal requirements. This will lead to increase in revenues and profitability of companies such as Best Agrolife Ltd.”
Kumar said, “Planning a long term strategy and to avoid conflict of interest among business segments and as a good corporate governance measure the company has decided to integrate all its businesses in single entity in a phased manner.” In addition, towards R&D activities, the company plans to introduce new value added chemistries and integrated R&D facilities in chemical zone in Gujarat. “The company plans to add new innovative speciality molecules and improve its product basket. These initiatives will increase the percentage of value added product offerings as well as enhance the overall margins.”
Best Agrolife is preparing to increase its Formulation plant capacity to 50000 MTPA. With regards to Pan-India supply chain network, the plan is to increase the distribution network to 2000+ dealers and 25+ depots. Considering international footprints, Best Agrolife is in process of obtaining licences for Vietnam, Myanmar, United Kingdom and USA. Adding to Kumar said, “This entire drive will be backed by value added innovative products as we are planning to increase share of value added branded products in our product basket.”
Commenting on the company road map, Kumar stated, “We are working with a Single Point Agenda to emerge as an icon for growth, technology, and innovation and to become a significant player of Indian Agro-Chemical Industry both in terms of turnover and margins.”
Best Agrolife has progressed notably and is now considered as one of the top 20 companies in India and its product portfolio comprises of more than 60 active ingredients and various formulations of pesticides and plant micro-nutrients for protecting and nourishing a wide range of crops. Its product range includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, plant growth regulators etc. It sells under the brand name “Best”. The company has four strategically located manufacturing plants, two in Uttar Pradesh & two in J&K. These plants are well equipped with state-of-art indigenous infrastructure for the production of high quality agrochemicals. The company’s outlook remains positive with buzz around several market circles, making it a good buy at the current market price.
