In Q4 FY24 Company’s Revenue from Operations declined by 46.68 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs. 135.39 crore compared to Rs 253.91 crore in Q4 FY23.
Best Agrolife Limited, amongst India’s leading agrochemicals manufacturers, announced its audited financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31st, 2024, in the Board meeting held on 24th May 2024.
Company’s Revenue from Operations declined by 46.68 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs. 135.39 crore in Q4 FY24 compared to Rs 253.91 crore in Q4 FY23, due to an unexpected seasonal failure, of Q3 and Q4 of FY24 as against normal seasonal conditions in same period last year, leading to lower-than-expected sales coupled with surge in sales returns. Q4 FY24 EBITDA (excluding Other Income) was a loss of Rs. 67.10 crore against a profit of Rs 7.14 crore in Q4 FY23. Q4 FY24 PAT stood at loss of Rs 72.49 crore against a loss of Rs 8.41 crore in Q4 FY23, caused by price erosion and our investments in brand building.
Company’s revenue from Operations grew by 7.31 per cent to Rs 1,873.32 crore in FY24 compared to Rs. 1,745.68 crore in FY23. This is mainly due to significant growth in branded sales as compared to the previous corresponding period. FY24 EBITDA (excluding Other Income) was at Rs. 225.59 crore against Rs. 313.66 crore in FY23, a decline of 28.08 per cent on Y-o-Y basis. This is mainly due to shift in business strategy from institutional sales to branded sales, which has resulted in higher employee costs and other expenses. The increase in employee costs is attributable to the strategic investment in manpower to expand the dealer network. Additionally, other expenses have increased due to incremental travel and marketing expenses. In FY24, company posted PAT of Rs. 106.27 crore.
Commenting on the result and overall update on the financial year 2023-2024, Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd. said, “Despite the many challenges faced during the year, for the full year FY24, our revenue grew by 7 per cent on Y-o-Y basis. This growth was driven by our shift in business strategy from institutional sales to branded sales. This has resulted in the growth of our branded business by 85 per cent. However, the EBITDA margins reduced to 12 per cent in FY24, mainly because of the stress on the gross margin due to pricing pressures in the market, primarily caused by oversupply from China. Combination of weather factors, our shift towards branded products, and an expanding distributor network led to higher trade inventory.
Additionally, employee costs have gone up due to a shift in business strategy. The planned increase in employee cost is a strategic investment to strengthen our sales distribution network. Also, other expenses have risen due to incremental marketing costs for focus on branded business.
Despite the high competition from imports, particularly pricing pressure from China and the challenges posed by the global economic climate, we have maintained good profit margins.
This year, our company achieved several significant operational milestones. We became a major partner in Kashmir Chemicals by acquiring a 99 per cent stake, increasing our formulation capacities. Our strategic acquisition of Sudarshan Farm Chemicals will allow us to leverage SFCL’s robust R&D capabilities, IP portfolio, and backward-integrated technical manufacturing expertise. These developments will be crucial in enhancing our manufacturing and innovation capabilities.
