DEEPAKNTR - Deepak Nitrite
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
In FY 2024-25, the Phenolics segment (DPL) grew 16% YoY to reach INR 5,805 Cr, driven by strong demand for Phenol and Acetone. The Advanced Intermediates (AI) segment recorded revenue of INR 2,527 Cr. In Q2 FY26, Phenolics revenue grew 2% sequentially to INR 1,333 Cr, while AI revenue stood at INR 588 Cr.
Geographic Revenue Split
For FY 2024-25, the revenue mix was 84% Domestic (INR 6,923 Cr) and 16% Exports (INR 1,359 Cr). In Q2 FY26, the domestic share increased slightly to 86% (INR 1,632 Cr) with exports at 14% (INR 270 Cr).
Profitability Margins
Consolidated PAT for FY 2024-25 was INR 697 Cr with a PBT of INR 953 Cr. In Q2 FY26, PAT stood at INR 119 Cr (up 6% QoQ) and PBT at INR 163 Cr (up 5% QoQ). Profitability is being supported by efficiency gains despite global pricing volatility.
EBITDA Margin
Consolidated EBITDA margin for FY 2024-25 was 14% (INR 1,176 Cr). In H1 FY26, margins compressed to 11% (INR 438 Cr) due to external headwinds. However, Q2 FY26 saw a sequential improvement of 100 basis points to 12% (INR 224 Cr) as pricing trends stabilized.
Capital Expenditure
The company is executing sizeable capex through Deepak Chem Tech Limited (DCTL), including India's first integrated polycarbonate project and a mega complex. As of March 31, 2025, the company maintained a resilient position with gross debt of INR 1,170 Cr and cash/liquid investments of INR 900 Cr to fund these initiatives.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
ICRA reaffirmed ratings at [ICRA]AA/A1+ but revised the outlook from Positive to Stable in August 2025 due to large-scale capex. The company maintains low leverage with a net debt of only INR 256 Cr as of March 2025.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Key feedstocks include Benzene, Propylene, and Ammonia (implied by Phenol/Nitrite production). Long-term feedstock arrangements for gas are secured with Petronet LNG.
Import Sources
Sourced both domestically and internationally; specific countries are not listed, but the company is actively pursuing import substitution under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' to reduce reliance on Asian imports.
Key Suppliers
Petronet LNG is a primary strategic supplier for long-term feedstock arrangements.
Capacity Expansion
Expanding into downstream products like MIBK, MIBC, and Polycarbonate. The AI segment is undergoing both brownfield and greenfield expansions via DCTL to deepen integration.
Raw Material Costs
Raw material costs were impacted by global pricing volatility and supply chain disruptions. The company uses vertical integration (backward and forward) to mitigate these costs, achieving significant savings.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Consolidated ROCE is reported at 14%. Efficiency gains in the Phenolics segment helped maintain steady performance despite a 16% revenue increase in a volatile pricing environment.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
8.60%
Growth Strategy
Growth will be driven by the 'China+1' strategy, a mega-investment in an integrated Polycarbonate project, and the operationalization of downstream products like MIBK and MIBC. The company is also focusing on CDMO and CMO partnerships to attract global players.
Products & Services
Phenol, Acetone, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Nitrate, Nitric Acid, MIBK, MIBC, and Polycarbonate (planned).
Brand Portfolio
Deepak Nitrite, Deepak Phenolics (DPL), Deepak Chem Tech (DCTL).
New Products/Services
Launching MIBK (Methyl Isobutyl Ketone) and MIBC (Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol) in upcoming quarters, alongside the landmark Polycarbonate project.
Market Expansion
Expanding geographical footprint and tapping into emerging applications in construction, homecare, textiles, and pigments.
Market Share & Ranking
DNL holds a leading market position in most of its products (Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate) domestically and globally. It recently expanded market share in the Phenolics segment.
Strategic Alliances
Strategic partnerships in the CDMO and CMO space are being attracted by the group's reinforced brand value and HSE practices.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is shifting toward cost optimization, decarbonization, and 'China+1' sourcing. DNL is positioning itself as a reliable alternative to Chinese suppliers.
Competitive Landscape
Faces intense competition from Asian producers (particularly China) who are pushing excess capacity into the Indian market at low prices.
Competitive Moat
Moat is built on high vertical integration, a 50-year track record, and being the first in India to produce certain integrated products like Polycarbonate, which creates high entry barriers.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Sensitive to global chemical industry cycles; the global market is expected to grow from $5.61 trillion in 2024 to $8.58 trillion by 2029.
Consumer Behavior
Increased demand for sustainable and reliably sourced chemicals is driving global giants toward DNL's diversified portfolio.
Geopolitical Risks
Impacted by U.S. tariffs, geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, and economic slowdowns in the EU and China.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Operations are aligned with 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and national priorities for self-reliance in critical chemicals.
Environmental Compliance
Investing in renewable energy (60-70% target) and digital transformation to reduce emission scores and improve HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Severe contraction in operating margins due to capacity buildup in China and economic distress in large consuming centers like the EU zone.
Geographic Concentration Risk
84% of revenue is concentrated in the Indian domestic market, making it vulnerable to local dumping by international players.
Third Party Dependencies
Partly insulated in the AI segment due to assured access to key raw materials, but dependent on Petronet LNG for long-term feedstock.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Mitigated by strategic investments in automation, debottlenecking, and digital transformation.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Receivables quality is supported by enduring customer relationships with global giants and a strong consolidated financial profile.