UPL Ltd, formerly known as United Phosphorus Limited, is a global leader in sustainable agriculture solutions. Founded in 1969, UPL has grown to become the 5th largest agrochemical company worldwide, with a presence in over 138 countries.
The company is principally engaged in the business of agrochemicals, industrial chemicals, chemical intermediates, and speciality chemicals, as well as the production and sale of field crops and vegetable seeds.
UPL’s mission is to transform global food systems through its OpenAg network, which focuses on creating sustainable growth for all. With 14,000+ product registrations and access to 90% of the world’s food basket, UPL plays a crucial role in global food security and agricultural advancement.Key facts about UPL:
Growth drivers: Increasing pest resistance, climate change impacts
b) Seeds:
Market share: About 15% of revenue
Focus areas: Hybrid and GM seeds for corn, rice, vegetables
Growth potential: High, due to increasing demand for high-yield varieties
c) Biosolutions:
Fastest-growing segment: 20%+ CAGR
Key products: ProNutiva platform, integrating biological and conventional crop protection
Market opportunity: Projected to reach $18.9 billion by 2026
d) Post-harvest Solutions:
Emerging focus area for UPL
Addressing food waste and extending shelf life
Potential to capture significant market share in developing economies
e) Industrial Chemicals:
Diversification strategy
Leveraging expertise in chemical manufacturing
Contributes to overall revenue stability
UPL’s product portfolio demonstrates a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, positioning the company well for future growth in the evolving agricultural landscape.
3. Results and Performance
Key Financial Information (Consolidated Figures in ₹ Crores):
Particulars
FY 2024
FY 2023
FY 2022
FY 2021
Revenue
43,098
53,576
46,240
38,694
EBITDA
5,515
11,178
9,529
8,352
Net Profit
-1,200
3,569
4,437
3,495
EPS (₹)
-14.21
42.28
42.18
33.40
Debt-Equity
1.13
0.97
0.95
1.12
ROCE (%)
3.29
13.70
13.80
12.70
Financial Analysis:
Revenue: Declined by 19.56% in FY 2024 due to challenging market conditions and pricing pressures.
EBITDA: Significant drop of 50.66% in FY 2024, reflecting margin compression and higher input costs.
Net Profit: Turned negative in FY 2024, primarily due to lower sales and increased finance costs.
Debt-Equity: Slight increase, indicating higher leverage in challenging times.
ROCE: Sharp decline in FY 2024, reflecting reduced profitability and operational efficiency.
Past 12-month Stock Performance (Monthly Open, High, Low, and Close):
Here’s the data presented in a tabular format:
Month
Open
High
Low
Closing Price
Change %
Dec-24
546.90
572.70
493.00
501.00
-8.07%
Nov-24
531.08
558.75
483.75
545.00
2.62%
Oct-24
587.06
599.53
496.36
531.08
-9.70%
Sep-24
577.46
598.28
558.81
588.16
-1.70%
Aug-24
575.00
604.00
520.00
598.35
4.60%
Jul-24
570.05
580.30
522.30
572.05
0.21%
Jun-24
517.00
578.70
478.00
570.85
12.20%
May-24
508.10
540.00
464.35
508.80
0.33%
Apr-24
460.00
513.90
458.45
507.15
11.22%
Mar-24
474.00
491.05
447.80
456.00
-2.92%
Feb-24
536.30
540.65
452.15
469.70
-12.65%
Jan-24
588.00
603.80
533.55
537.70
-8.44%
5. UPL Ltd share price Target
Predicted share price targets based on financial analysis and estimated growth:
Year
Target Price (₹)
Potential Upside
UPL Ltd share price Target 2024
630
14.54%
UPL Ltd share price Target 2025
699
27.09%
UPL Ltd share price Target 2026
750
36.36%
UPL Ltd share price Target 2027
792
44.00%
UPL Ltd share price Target 2028
843
53.27%
UPL Ltd share price Target 2029
910
65.45%
UPL Ltd share price Target 2030
1,033
87.82%
UPL Ltd share price Target 2035
1,550
181.82%
UPL Ltd share price Target 2040
2,325
322.73%
Reasons for expected upside:
Recovery in global agricultural markets
Expansion in high-growth biosolutions segment
Debt reduction initiatives improving financial health
Increasing focus on sustainable agriculture solutions
Potential for margin expansion through cost optimization
Strategic acquisitions and partnerships enhancing market position
Emerging market growth, particularly in Africa and Latin America
Innovation in climate-resilient crop protection solutions
Favorable government policies supporting agricultural productivity
Long-term global food security concerns driving demand for UPL’s products
6. Key Management Personnel
Jaidev Rajnikant Shroff – Chief Executive Officer
Age: 59
With UPL since: October 1, 1992
Anand Kathrinal Vora – Director of Finance/CFO
Age: 61
With UPL since: August 5, 2013
Tamhane Toshan – Chief Operating Officer
Vicente Gongora – Chief Technology Officer
Paresh Talati – Chief Technology Officer
With UPL since: January 1, 1994
Rajnikant Devidas Shroff – Chairman Emeritus
Age: 91
With UPL since: September 16, 2006
Vikram Rajnikant Shroff – Director/Board Member
Age: 51
With UPL since: April 22, 2006
7. Management Commentary
Key points from recent management statements:
Market Conditions: “We delivered significantly improved financial results in Q4 versus the two preceding quarters, despite the prevailing volatile and challenging market conditions.” – Mike Frank, CEO, UPL Corporation Ltd.
Product Performance: “Our recent launches of Evolution, Feroce and Shenzi did exceedingly well, growing volumes by >50%.” – Management Statement
Debt Reduction: “Net debt reduced significantly by $1.1 Bn from $3.8 Bn at the end of Dec’23 to $2.66 Bn at the end of FY24 through better working capital management.” – Financial Report
Future Outlook: “We expect revenue growth between 4% and 8% in FY25.” – Management Guidance
Strategic Focus: “UPL is focusing on unlocking value in subsidiaries and improving financial health through debt reduction and strategic investments.” – Analyst Call Summary
8. Dividend History
Financial Year
Dividend Per Share (₹)
Dividend Type
2023-24
10
Final
2022-23
10
Final
2021-22
10
Final
2020-21
6
Final
2019-20
8
Final
9. Corporate Action History
Rights Issue (November 26, 2024):
Ratio: 8:1
Face Value: ₹2
Premium: ₹358
Purpose: To raise funds for debt reduction and strategic investments
Investment Agreement (November 21, 2024):
Partner: Alpha Wave Global
Investment: USD 350 Million in Advanta Enterprises Limited (UPL’s subsidiary)
Valuation: Advanta valued at approximately USD 2.85 Billion
Joint Venture Agreement (May 23, 2024):
Partner: Aarti Industries
Purpose: Manufacturing and marketing of specialty chemicals
Expected Revenue: Peak annual potential of ₹400-500 crores in 2-3 years
Name Change (2013):
From: United Phosphorous Ltd.
To: UPL Limited
Acquisition (July 26, 2011):
Company: DVA Agro Do Brasil
Stake: 51%
10. Key Conference Points
Differentiated Portfolio Growth: Share of differentiated and sustainable portfolio increased by ~700 bps YoY to 35% of crop protection revenue for FY24.
Regional Performance: Strong performance noted in Europe and Rest of the World regions.
Cost Management: Reduced SG&A expenses by 17% YoY to ₹2,209 crore in Q4 FY24.
Innovation Focus: Emphasis on developing climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural solutions.
Digital Initiatives: Progress on the Nurture digital platform, connecting over 3 million farmers.
Sustainability Goals: Commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Market Expansion: Plans to further penetrate emerging markets, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia.
R&D Investment: Continued focus on research and development to maintain competitive edge.
Supply Chain Optimization: Efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Strategic Partnerships: Exploring collaborations to enhance product offerings and market reach.
11. Top 10 Shareholders
Shareholder
Stake (%)
Number of Shares
Demuric Holdings Pvt Ltd.
21.70%
183,232,965
Life Insurance Corporation of India (Investment Portfolio)
6.468%
54,618,419
UNIPHOS ENTERPRISES LIMITED
5.265%
44,459,378
MFS International (UK) Ltd.
3.242%
27,373,563
Suresight Ventures Ltd.
1.738%
14,678,380
Jaidev Rajnikant Shroff
1.19%
10,046,825
Vikram Rajnikant Shroff
0.96%
8,106,680
Vanguard Group, Inc.
0.89%
7,515,450
BlackRock Fund Advisors
0.76%
6,417,800
Norges Bank Investment Management
0.68%
5,742,000
12. Peers
Company Name
Market Cap (₹ Cr)
P/E Ratio
1-Year Return
UPL Ltd
41,606
–
-18.36%
PI Industries Limited
65,337
39.8
+6.27%
Sumitomo Chemical India Ltd
26,635
35.2
+15.40%
Coromandel International Ltd
25,890
15.7
-5.80%
Rallis India Ltd
5,750
28.9
-12.50%
13. FAQs
Q: What is UPL’s main business focus? A: UPL primarily focuses on providing sustainable agricultural solutions, including crop protection chemicals, seeds, and biosolutions.
Q: How has UPL’s financial performance been in recent years? A: UPL faced challenges in FY 2024 with a revenue decline and net loss, but has shown resilience in previous years with consistent growth.
Q: What is UPL’s global market position in the agrochemical industry? A: UPL is currently the 5th largest agrochemical company globally, with operations in over 138 countries.
Q: How is UPL addressing sustainability in agriculture? A: UPL is focusing on developing biosolutions, sustainable crop protection products, and digital farming solutions to promote sustainable agriculture.
Q: What recent strategic moves has UPL made? A: UPL has recently entered into investment agreements, joint ventures, and launched a rights issue to strengthen its market position and financial health.
Q: How does UPL’s dividend policy look? A: UPL has consistently paid dividends in recent years, with a final dividend of ₹10 per share in the last three financial years.
Q: What are the key growth drivers for UPL in the coming years? A: Key growth drivers include expansion in biosolutions, emerging market penetration, innovation in climate-resilient products, and strategic partnerships.
Q: How is UPL managing its debt? A: UPL is actively working on debt reduction through improved working capital management and strategic fundraising initiatives like the recent rights issue.
Q: What sets UPL apart from its competitors? A: UPL’s strengths include its global presence, diverse product portfolio, focus on sustainability.
Disclaimer: No content on this website should be treated as investment advice. All the content offered on the website is for informational purposes only. Please contact your adviser before making an investment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uim2BapSpY 1. About the Company2. ProductsS144-140/160 (3.0 MW - 3.15MW)3. Results and Performance4. 52-Week Stock… Read More