ATUL - Atul
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Consolidated revenue reached INR 3,030 Cr for the first half (6m) of FY26, representing a 12% YoY growth compared to INR 2,715 Cr. Q2 FY26 revenue stood at INR 1,552 Cr, growing 11% YoY and 5% QoQ, driven by increased sales volumes and buildup of intermediates.
Geographic Revenue Split
Geographically diversified sales with exports contributing approximately 50% of Total Operating Income (TOI). Domestic sales account for the remaining 50%, providing a balanced revenue stream across global and Indian markets.
Profitability Margins
Net Profit (PAT) for FY25 was INR 498.83 Cr, a 54% increase from INR 324.12 Cr in FY24. PAT margin for Q2 FY26 improved to 12% from 10% YoY. Profitability is highly sensitive to crude oil prices and freight costs.
EBITDA Margin
EBITDA margin for Q2 FY26 was 20%, consistent with Q2 FY25. The PBILDT margin improved to 16.45% in FY25 from 13.57% in FY24, primarily due to a reduction in crude oil prices and better cost management.
Capital Expenditure
The company is engaged in large-size capex to expand capacity, funded entirely through internal accruals and available liquidity. While specific future INR figures are not disclosed, the company maintains surplus funds of ~INR 1,200 Cr as of September 2025 for future expansion.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
Maintains a strong credit profile with an overall gearing below 0.10x for the past six years. Interest coverage stood at a robust 107.19x in FY23, with total debt/PBILDT at 0.18x, indicating very low borrowing costs and high solvency.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Crude oil derivatives and chemical intermediates constitute the primary raw materials. Imports account for 28% to 33% of the total raw material requirement, creating a natural hedge against export earnings.
Import Sources
Not specifically disclosed in available documents, though the company mentions global sourcing to meet 28-33% of its requirements.
Key Suppliers
Procures raw materials and intermediates from group entities including Amal, Atul Products, and DPD, alongside external global and domestic vendors.
Capacity Expansion
Current fixed assets are valued at INR 2,852 Cr as of September 30, 2025. The company is executing large-size capex to enhance its chemical manufacturing footprint, though specific MTPA figures are not disclosed.
Raw Material Costs
Raw material costs are a significant portion of the cost structure; margins improved by 2.88% in FY25 specifically due to the reduction in crude oil prices, highlighting the high correlation between input costs and profitability.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Focuses on R&D to improve process efficiencies. The buildup of intermediates (Inventory up 12% to INR 860 Cr in 6m FY26) is used to support anticipated sales growth and ensure manufacturing continuity.
Logistics & Distribution
Distribution costs are impacted by global freight rates; a reduction in these costs, alongside crude prices, helped recover margins to the 16-17% range in FY25.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
16-17%
Growth Strategy
Growth will be achieved through large-scale capacity expansions funded by INR 1,200 Cr in surplus funds, a focus on R&D-led product development, and increasing market penetration in export markets which already constitute 50% of revenue.
Products & Services
Specialty chemicals and intermediates used in various industrial applications, including aromatics, polymers, and crop protection chemicals.
Brand Portfolio
Atul, Amal, Atul Products, and DPD.
New Products/Services
The company is R&D-focused, continuously developing new chemical molecules; however, specific expected revenue contribution percentages for new launches are not disclosed.
Market Expansion
Targeting global market expansion to maintain the 50% export share, supported by a geographically diversified sales strategy.
Strategic Alliances
Operates through 37 subsidiary companies and maintains joint ventures (e.g., with Rudolf and other partners) to access specialized technology and markets.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The chemical industry is shifting toward R&D-led specialty products. Atul is positioning itself by investing in large-scale capex and maintaining a strong balance sheet (Current Ratio 2.96x) to navigate cyclicality.
Competitive Landscape
Operates in a highly competitive and cyclical global chemical market with significant pressure from both domestic and international players.
Competitive Moat
Moat is built on cost leadership through scale, deep R&D integration, and a strong liquidity position (INR 1,756 Cr in cash and investments) which allows for counter-cyclical investments.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to global GDP growth and industrial production cycles, as 50% of revenue is export-dependent.
Consumer Behavior
Not directly applicable as a B2B chemical manufacturer, but demand is driven by end-user industries like agriculture, automotive, and construction.
Geopolitical Risks
Trade barriers and global supply chain disruptions could impact the 33% of raw materials that are imported and the 50% of finished goods that are exported.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Operations are governed by the Companies Act 2013 and Ind AS accounting standards. The company maintains adequate internal financial controls as certified by Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP.
Environmental Compliance
Not disclosed in absolute INR, but the company operates in the chemical sector which is subject to stringent environmental and pollution control norms.
Taxation Policy Impact
The effective tax rate for FY25 was approximately 28%, with a total tax expense of INR 193.66 Cr on a Profit Before Tax of INR 692.49 Cr.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Volatility in crude oil prices (input) and global freight rates (distribution) are the primary uncertainties, with a historical impact of reducing margins by ~2% during peak volatility.
Geographic Concentration Risk
50% of revenue is concentrated in export markets, making the company vulnerable to international trade policies and global economic slowdowns.
Third Party Dependencies
33% dependency on imported raw materials and reliance on group entities like Amal and DPD for certain intermediates.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Mitigated by a strong R&D focus to stay ahead of chemical process innovations.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Trade receivables stood at INR 1,135 Cr as of September 2025. The company manages credit risk through a strong balance sheet and diversified client base.