Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd
NSE:CHAMBLFERT

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Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd
NSE:CHAMBLFERT
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Price: 438.05 INR -2.77% Market Closed
Market Cap: ₹175.5B

Q1-2026 Earnings Call

AI Summary
Earnings Call on Aug 1, 2025

Strong Profit Growth: Standalone profit after tax rose to INR 638 crores, up 16% YoY. Consolidated PAT grew 23% YoY to INR 549 crores.

Solid Revenue & Sales: Revenue for the quarter was INR 5,698 crores. P&K fertilizer sales volumes surged 70% YoY to 4.21 lakh metric tonnes.

CPC & SN Momentum: Crop protection chemicals and specialty nutrients revenue rose 32% YoY to INR 452 crores, with 13 new CPC products launched.

TAN Project Nears Completion: Technical ammonium nitrate plant is on track, with production set to start by January; INR 918 crores spent so far.

Urea Production Dip: Urea production and sales fell YoY due to a breakdown at Gadepan-II, but the plant has resumed normal operations.

Government Policy Impact: Energy norm reductions have already been factored into results; margins for urea expected to remain stable, while P&K margins may face some volatility.

Healthy Balance Sheet: Net cash was INR 1,600 crores as of June 30; regular CapEx plans of about INR 250 crores for the year.

Seed Business Launch: New seed segment contributed INR 6 crores in sales; ambitions to scale up significantly in coming seasons.

Profitability & Revenue

The company reported robust profit growth, with standalone PAT up 16% YoY and consolidated PAT up 23% YoY. Revenue reached INR 5,698 crores for the quarter, supported by strong P&K fertilizer and CPC & SN sales. Management highlighted that profit growth was achieved despite a dip in urea production due to plant downtime.

Fertilizer Volume & Pricing

Urea production and sales volumes declined YoY due to a temporary breakdown at one plant, but P&K fertilizer sales saw a sharp 70% YoY jump. Management indicated that urea margins should remain stable due to formula-driven pricing, while P&K margins may be influenced by global price volatility and subsidy framework.

Crop Protection & Specialty Nutrients

CPC & SN revenue grew 32% YoY, driven by 13 new product launches and broader channel engagement. Contribution from these segments was strong and evenly distributed, with management confident of meeting the INR 1,500 crores FY26 revenue target for CPC & SN. The company continues to expand its digital and on-ground engagement for new product rollouts.

Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) Project

The TAN project is progressing on schedule, with INR 918 crores spent so far toward a total project cost of INR 1,645 crores. Trial production is set to begin by January. Management expects initial annualized volumes of 55,000–56,000 tonnes, with current market prices between INR 35,000–40,000 per tonne. The plant will benefit from Rajasthan state incentives of about 2% of project cost per year for 10 years.

Government Policy & Regulatory Changes

Management discussed the impact of recent government changes to energy norms for urea production, noting a modest negative effect already reflected in results. The revision to norms happened after seven years, with no clear schedule for future changes. DAP and TSP remain under price control with additional government reimbursement, stabilizing P&K sales.

Seed and Biological Businesses

The company entered the seed segment, reporting INR 6 crores in maiden sales this quarter. Management sees significant growth potential, citing a market size of INR 50,000 crores. Initial focus is on hybrids and research-based varieties relevant to North India. The biologicals segment also saw 80% revenue growth quarter-on-quarter.

CapEx & Financial Position

Chambal Fertilisers maintains a healthy financial position, with net cash of INR 1,600 crores as of June 30. Apart from the ongoing TAN project, regular replacement CapEx for the year is planned at INR 250 crores. The company continues to evaluate both organic and inorganic growth opportunities across its business lines.

Channel & Inventory Management

The company reported trade inventory of 160,000 tonnes of NPK products and a total POS inventory of around 260,000 tonnes at the end of June. Industry-wide stocks for urea and other fertilizers were described as low, with strong demand leading to rapid inventory liquidation. Channel expansion for new product segments is ongoing, with both digital and physical outreach.

Revenue
INR 5,698 crores
No Additional Information
EBITDA
INR 929 crores
No Additional Information
Profit After Tax (Standalone)
INR 638 crores
Change: Up 16% YoY.
Profit After Tax (Consolidated)
INR 549 crores
Change: Up 23% YoY.
Urea Production Volume
8.54 lakh metric tonnes
Change: Down from 9.03 lakh metric tonnes YoY.
Urea Sales Volume
8.41 lakh metric tonnes
Change: Down from 8.87 lakh metric tonnes YoY.
P&K Fertilizer Sales Volume
4.21 lakh metric tonnes
Change: Up 70% YoY.
CPC & SN Revenue
INR 452 crores
Change: Up 32% YoY.
Guidance: INR 1,500 crores in FY26.
CPC & SN Contribution
INR 102 crores
Change: Up INR 21 crores YoY.
Seed Business Revenue
INR 6 crores
No Additional Information
Seed Business Contribution
INR 2 crores
No Additional Information
Biologicals Revenue
INR 29 crores
Change: Up 80% QoQ.
Subsidy Outstanding
INR 1,326 crores
No Additional Information
TAN Project Spend To Date
INR 918 crores
No Additional Information
TAN Project Total Cost
INR 1,645 crores
No Additional Information
Net Cash
INR 1,600 crores
No Additional Information
G-III Urea Sales Volume
3.4 lakh tonnes
No Additional Information
Gas Price (Quarter)
$15.15 per MMbtu (NCV basis)
No Additional Information
P&K POS Inventory (End of June)
160,000 tonnes
No Additional Information
Total POS Inventory (End of June)
260,000 tonnes
No Additional Information
Revenue
INR 5,698 crores
No Additional Information
EBITDA
INR 929 crores
No Additional Information
Profit After Tax (Standalone)
INR 638 crores
Change: Up 16% YoY.
Profit After Tax (Consolidated)
INR 549 crores
Change: Up 23% YoY.
Urea Production Volume
8.54 lakh metric tonnes
Change: Down from 9.03 lakh metric tonnes YoY.
Urea Sales Volume
8.41 lakh metric tonnes
Change: Down from 8.87 lakh metric tonnes YoY.
P&K Fertilizer Sales Volume
4.21 lakh metric tonnes
Change: Up 70% YoY.
CPC & SN Revenue
INR 452 crores
Change: Up 32% YoY.
Guidance: INR 1,500 crores in FY26.
CPC & SN Contribution
INR 102 crores
Change: Up INR 21 crores YoY.
Seed Business Revenue
INR 6 crores
No Additional Information
Seed Business Contribution
INR 2 crores
No Additional Information
Biologicals Revenue
INR 29 crores
Change: Up 80% QoQ.
Subsidy Outstanding
INR 1,326 crores
No Additional Information
TAN Project Spend To Date
INR 918 crores
No Additional Information
TAN Project Total Cost
INR 1,645 crores
No Additional Information
Net Cash
INR 1,600 crores
No Additional Information
G-III Urea Sales Volume
3.4 lakh tonnes
No Additional Information
Gas Price (Quarter)
$15.15 per MMbtu (NCV basis)
No Additional Information
P&K POS Inventory (End of June)
160,000 tonnes
No Additional Information
Total POS Inventory (End of June)
260,000 tonnes
No Additional Information

Earnings Call Transcript

Transcript
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Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Q1 FY '26 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded.

I now hand the conference over to Mr. Gavin Desa from CDR India. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

G
Gavin Desa

Thank you, Sagar. Good day, everyone, and thank you for joining us on Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Q1 and FY '26 Earnings Call. We have with us today Mr. Abhay Baijal, the Managing Director; Mr. Narinder Goyal, Business Head Manufacturing Operations; Mr. Anuj Jain, CFO; Mr. Ashish Srivastava, Vice President, Sales and Marketing; and Mr. Tridib Kumar Barat, Vice President, Legal and Company Secretary.

Before we get started, I would like to point out that some statements made or discussed in the conference call today may be forward-looking in nature and must be viewed in conjunction with the risks the company faces. Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals does not undertake to update them. The statement in this regard is available for reference in the presentation.

We will begin the call with opening remarks from Mr. Baijal. I would now like to invite Mr. Baijal to share his views. Over to you, sir.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Thank you, Gavin. Thank you. Good day to everybody, and a warm welcome to all of you participating in this call. For the quarter under review, on a stand-alone basis, revenues amounted to INR 5,698 crores. The EBITDA was INR 929 crores. The profit after tax was INR 638 crores as against INR 552 crores on a year-on-year basis with a growth of 16%. At the consolidated levels also, the company has performed well during the quarter, registering a PAT of INR 549 crores as against INR 448 crores last year, which is about 23% growth.

For the quarter, urea production volumes were 8.54 lakh metric tonnes as compared to 9.03 lakh metric tonnes. Urea sales for the quarter were 8.41 lakh metric tonnes against 8.87 lakh metric tonnes. Urea production was lower primarily because of some breakdown at our second plant that is Gadepan-II, but now that is normal.

Subsidy receipts continue to be timely. The subsidy outstanding was INR 1,326 crores as at the end of Q1. During the quarter, our sales volume of P&K fertilizers consisting of DAP, MOP, NPK and triple superphosphate were strong at 4.21 lakh metric tonnes as against 2.41 lakh metric tonnes last year. This is a growth of almost 70%. This has been driven by prudent and strategic sourcing strategy and an enabling subsidy framework. Further, we have sourced adequate volumes of P&K fertilizer, ensuring preparedness for the rabi season.

Volume and sales growth for our CPC & SN business continues to be strong at 32%. First quarter '26 as CPC & SN revenues stood at INR 452 crores as against INR 343 crores in the corresponding quarter, showing continuing momentum. Contribution for the quarter stood at INR 102 crores, which was higher by INR 21 crores as compared to last year.

During the quarter, we introduced 13 new CPC products, primarily comprising of weedicides and insecticides. Today, our CPC portfolio comprises of 73 products distinct chemistries covering fungicides, weedicides and insecticides. And these products are well accepted by farmers across India in our territory. Our strategy continues to focus on creating partnership and alliances for introducing better chemistries and increasing the width of offerings in our channel.

During the quarter, we have started the seeds business and introduced maize and bajra seed, which added INR 6 crores to the top line to the contribution of INR 2 crores. Biological side, we have achieved revenue growth -- by 80% as compared to last quarter. Total revenue stood at INR 29 crores against INR 16 crores in the previous quarter. And as planned, a biological fungicide and nematicide will be introduced in kharif '25 and rabi '25, respectively, to address the farmers' pain point for nematodes and disease control. In short, CFCL is now increasingly focused on technologies, which bring benefits in terms of improving farm yields, improve soil health and provide better product outcomes.

During the quarter, we have inaugurated crop protection laboratory with our partner, TERI, the Energy Resources Institute, which will develop five new biological crop protection patented products over a period. TERI, as you may know, is a pioneer institution in the area, and we'll be doing this research under the center of excellence, which we have established to develop these new products.

Our Seed to Harvest program, which is a pioneer program in meeting our -- synergizing our contracts with our farmers, playing a significant role towards strengthening and expanding our relationships with both the farmer and channel partner. During the quarter, Chambal conducted over 700 farmer meetings, 420 demos and have analyzed about 27,000 soil samples. We have also significantly expanded our use of social media to reach out to a large number of stakeholders and have launched Uttam Krishi Pathshala, which cover a webinar dedicated solely for educating farmers on various agricultural practices on social media platforms.

Our technical ammonium product -- technical ammonium nitrate project is progressing in line with stated time lines. All requisite statutory approvals are in place, and we have spent around INR 918 crores till June end 2025. Our joint venture, IMACID is performing well. The increase in capacity of P205 from 5 lakh tonnes to 7 lakh tonnes is under implementation, which will optimize its operations and increase the profitability further.

With that, we are now happy to take your questions. Thank you.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] Our first question comes from the line of Vishal Dudhwala from Trinetra Asset Managers.

V
Vishal Dudhwala
analyst

So considering the broader macro environment, like where global fertilizer price remain elevated, currency volatility persists and the Department of Fertilizer policy shift. So how do you expect this factor to influence your urea and P&K fertilizer margins and volumes for the rest of the year?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

So let me take this question in two parts. The urea is a kind of formula-related pricing. And the margins are not expected to vary very much in the remaining part of the year. As far as NPK is concerned, there is, of course, you have to strategically purchase position basis the subsidy and the MRP that you can get in the market. But you're right that the prices have shown a degree of upward mobility -- rapid upward mobility rather in the last one quarter. Some signs of abatement are there, but we will have to see how it goes forward. However, our stocks are well covered for that.

V
Vishal Dudhwala
analyst

Okay. And on the second side, like your crop protection chemicals, specialty nutrients and biologicals and seeds segment delivered a standout 32% Y-o-Y in revenue growth. And like you have launched 13 new CPC launches and enter into hybrid seeds. So could you unpack the respective contribution of CPC & SN versus biology versus seed segment?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, all of them are more or less in the same contribution range, give or take, 2 or 3 percentage.

V
Vishal Dudhwala
analyst

Okay. And what is your go-to-market plan like across distribution, digital engagement with your Chambal Uttam Connect and the field demonstration to scale these new products?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

So, I will ask Mr. Ashish to speak about how we go about marketing this. So over to you, Ashish.

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Okay. Thank you, Vishal. So your question precisely is on the digital interventions or on the Seed to Harvest program? Can you hear me, Vishal?

V
Vishal Dudhwala
analyst

Yes, I can hear you.

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

So your question precisely is on the digital interventions in marketing or on the Seed to Harvest program?

V
Vishal Dudhwala
analyst

Like across the distribution channels, how are you -- new products are achieving...

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

So new products, to start with, there is a -- since the chemistries come from some other research partners, so we do an elaborative product launch. And then we have digital connectivity through some WhatsApp chatbot and Uttam Farmer Connect. So it is -- all these things are digitally spread to various stakeholders in the ecosystem.

V
Vishal Dudhwala
analyst

And as you achieve the revised FY '26 target of INR 1,500 crores revenue in CPC & SN, so are we good in the run rate?

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Yes, we are.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Prashant Biyani from Elara Capital.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Congrats on a decent set of results. Abhay sir, what is your expectation from NBS subsidy in H2? And in that backdrop, what kind of traded fertilizer volumes can we see this year?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

I would say that after the DAP and TSP side have been largely moderated by the government's new approach to keep the companies insulated from price shocks, we are trending back to our original numbers of 1 billion tonne plus.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Sir, but in -- is the price control for TSP there as well? Or I mean, not price control, but...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

DAP, TSP are under price control. Other NPKs are not.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

And government is reimbursing INR 1,000 over and above the cost on both?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Yes, more or less.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. And sir, what is our trade inventory of credit fertilizer at the end of Q1?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Trade inventory, I would ask Mr. Anuj Jain to speak about how much sales we have made. What we are talking, I think, is the POS.

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

You're talking about...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

POS inventory? Or are you talking about what we have in stock actually?

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

No, POS inventory only, I mean, which is lying with the channel.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Okay. POS inventory, please, Anuj, can you please enlighten us as at the end of June 30?

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Which product exactly is Prashant is referring on?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

All in total...

A
Anuj Jain
executive

So we had 160,000-odd tonnes of NPK, including potash inventories as of end of 30th June.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Right. And sir, in TAN, by when are we planning the trial production for it? And since we are nearing the...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

TAN production will commence early December, late November, and we should be starting production by middle January.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

And sir, some color on EBITDA per tonne on -- for TAN based on current realization, what kind of EBITDA per tonne we can achieve?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

The current prices, if I'm not wrong, are between INR 35,000 to INR 37,000 a tonne netback. And I would assume that they would be in the region of 5-digit plus at the moment.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

So Prashant, just one clarification. The POS inventory 160,000 of NPKs. Total is around 260,000.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. Then sir, on urea norms, government was about to revise it either in CY or FY '25. When is that happening? And what kind of changes would you be expecting?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Which one are you talking about? There are two parts. One is energy norm and one is in fixed cost. What is it that you...

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Energy norms.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Energy norm, I think the government have informally told us the effect of that is already encapsulated in current results.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

And can you elaborate what is the change in norm?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

There is some reduction. There is some reduction. And to that effect, the negative impact has been factored in.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Okay. This would be a public document, sir, because this is relating to industry.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, not yet. It will be a public document as and when they publish.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Viraj from SiMPL.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Just a couple of questions. First is on the -- earlier question pertaining to what the earlier participant was asking. Sir, if you see for our unit 1.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Yes, Viraj.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Yes. So if you see what the earlier norms were for, say, for Gadepan-I and Gadepan-II, we were around in FY '25, somewhere around 5.2 G-V per tonne. And the group which we were under group 3, I think the unit norms are somewhere around 5.5, correct me. So the change which you're talking about is even below 5.2 or...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, no. There are marginal variations from the current norms.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Okay. So given that we were -- we have been pushing this energy efficiency projects, in the last 2 years, we have seen a good amount of gains flowing in, and we were looking at further efficiency projects. So the impact of this in terms of per tonne EBITDA for us, will that largely negate the efficiency gains? Or we should still see gains flowing for us even in '26?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Let me put this way that the government does review the norms from time to time. And there is -- we need to continuously keep improving our norms, which we do. As you know, that we continue to do that norm -- not the norm, but efficiency itself through various efficiency projects. We have a pipeline of such projects stretching at least up to 2027, '26, '27. And those will come into position. And as they come into position, the -- our consumption will actually come down again. So the delta, which is there, that can keep varying a little bit here and there, but it will be constantly more or less maintained. That's what it is. We are well...

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

And there is norm, sorry?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We are well below the norms, being an efficient producer. And we will continue to maintain that gap between the norm and our operating parameters.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

And the percentage sharing between -- of the gains between us and the government, that is -- there's no change to that, right? It's just a tightening of the energy efficiency.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, there's no change in the percentage sharing. What happens is as the norm shift downwards, if you have not made adjustments to your own consumption by efficiency project, you will tend to lose out.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Got it. So just a few more questions on the manufacturing urea business. One is the Gadepan-III benefits, is there now any communication in terms of what kind of a plan or a structure we would be post 2026 December?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

So as of now, no discussion on that has taken place.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

So assuming that you were kind of to see the benefit similar to Gadepan-I and Gadepan-III for the unit 3 as well, what kind of impact one would see in terms of the EBITDA from this. Rough ballpark, not exact.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We -- see, the point is, as of now, they have not stated anything, all of it is speculative. And we don't believe in discussing speculative numbers out in the open. We have had no discussion absolutely with the government as to what line of action it will follow as far as the new plants is concerned. There could well be a different policy than what it is today. So let's wait until we get some clarity. As and when we get clarity, we'll definitely communicate.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Okay. And just one small question on the urea business. Sir, if you see the market per se, you are -- industry consumption is much higher than the production, and we are now back in deficit. And given the natural rate of growth in the consumption, fuels on the line that would still be a much higher number than what we are today. But if you look from an investment point of view in terms of any new greenfield at current prices and the structure, it doesn't seem to be remunerative. So from your interactions with the government, do you see any new policy being laid out for any new greenfield investment? Or what is that reading or communication you're getting from them?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

So I can only tell you that the government is seized of the problem. And they can see the trajectory of growth in terms of consumption. We have seen sharp fall this year itself in terms of the inventories because of the accelerated demand due to slightly early rains, widespread rains, change in cropping patterns, growth of maize cultivation and all that. All of that is being factored into their thought process. Should they feel the need? They will definitely invite new participants because you see setting up the urea plants is a very capital-intensive, time-consuming business. And it is best carried out by those proponents of projects who have got prior experience in doing so. So in that sense, I think the government are quite seized of the matter as far as my understanding goes. How and what will happen in a short period or in a medium period, I can't say. But my understanding is that they are quite seized of the matter.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

The discussions on new investment, if at all with the government, are they more -- so that the driver of that would be a new policy similar to NIP '12 or it will be more driven by reregulating the price?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

I can't speculate. See, the point is the government has, for your information, and I think everybody knows that, in the budget extended the policy for Namrup fertilizer. I mean, one can speculate. One could always think that, look, the same policy would be extended again if I knew, because they have done it just about 3 months back, 4 months back.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] Our next question comes from the line of Sandeep Mukherjee from SKP Securities Limited.

S
Sandeep Mukherjee
analyst

Sir, can you please share the plant-wise production volumes and total ammonia sales figure for this quarter?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

I will ask Mr. Anuj Jain to explain the plant-wise production and ammonia sales. If I'm not wrong, you can take down ammonia sale as about 23,000 tonnes. Plant-wise, he will explain.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

We had production of Gadepan-I about 2.9 lakh tonne, Gadepan-II 2.15 lakh tonne and Gadepan-III about 3.5 lakh tonnes.

S
Sandeep Mukherjee
analyst

Okay, sir. And sir, what would be the volume in IMACID for this quarter?

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Yes, IMACID -- IMACID volume, we had about 1.26 lakh tonnes we have produced.

S
Sandeep Mukherjee
analyst

And sir, last quarter, previous year -- previous year, last quarter, what was it, sir?

A
Anuj Jain
executive

This year, same quarter was 1.3 lakh tonnes. Last quarter, I don't have the information right now. Y-o-Y it was 1.3 lakh tonnes.

S
Sandeep Mukherjee
analyst

Okay. Okay, sir. And sir, my last question is like, sir, please throw some light on the recently ventured seed business. Like what is the market size and sourcing or collaboration, if any, and the growth ambitions over there?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

See, seeds is a very important part of the agri input segment. It's a very big market. In terms of the total size, we will have to go through various sections of this. There is hybrid, there is open pollinated varieties and so on. But our focus at the moment is on hybrid and research. So the products that we are talking about are maize, mustard, millets, research variety of wheat. These are basically our focus areas because North-based company like we are, these are some of the things that will have traction in the market.

We have started with something like the mustard and maize -- bajra and maize and we have done about, I think, INR 6 crores in sales, which is a very -- we just made a small beginning. Of course, our rabi ambitions are much higher. There will be an order of magnitude higher than what we have done in the pre -- yes. As far as the total market size is concerned, which includes open pollinated variety and research and hybrid, marketing informs me is of the order of about INR 50,000 crores.

S
Sandeep Mukherjee
analyst

And sir, for this, we are sourcing or we have a collaboration with someone?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We have got alliances, and I would ask Mr. Ashish to speak about.

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Sandeep, presently, we have embarked on the seed journey through the white label business. That means we are buying a very popular product from top manufacturers. We have tie-ups with the top manufacturers in all crop segments. It will not be okay for me to reveal the names, but we are in tie-ups with the best in business.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Best in class.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Amit Agicha from H. G. Hawa.

A
Amit Agicha
analyst

Sir, my question was connected to the TAN project. Like you said like by Jan, I think, you'll start the commercial production. And you said like INR 918 crores already spent. I think so i.e. what total CapEx that we are planning is INR 1,645 crores, correct?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Yes.

A
Amit Agicha
analyst

And so the balance whatever will be from the internal sources or you will be raising funds?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, no. Please understand that the total project cost includes contingency, it includes tax, includes interest during construction and all that, correct? So you take it out from there, then the balance quantity that we have still to spend is of the order of INR 300 crores, INR 400 crores. And there are some other items in terms of housing and so on or what you call as owner's scope. That will get completed over time, but that has no connection with the production as such.

A
Amit Agicha
analyst

And sir, what will be the peak possibility of revenue from this plant once it is commercialized?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

See, we have -- normally, you do not expect 100% production state from day 1, basically operating quarter that is middle of Jan to March. So assuming that we do about even 60%, 70% rate of production, then we are talking about 55,000, 56,000 tonnes of product. It sells at today around INR 40,000 -- INR 35,000 to INR 40,000 a tonne. You can do the math.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Prashant Kumar Agarwal an investor.

U
Unknown Analyst

Congratulations for good set of numbers. So my question is like how long this Gadepan-II was break down?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

If my memory is not wrong, it is about in two instances, a total of about 24 or 25 days.

U
Unknown Analyst

Exactly what time it was down for first time in May or like when it was down?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

It was down in the month of May.

U
Unknown Analyst

Right. So my request to you guys because -- I think because of this Gadepan-II, we have lost almost 20% of our revenue in urea, right?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

You are right, 92 days -- 20 days, around 92 days will be close to 20%. There is no linearity. Overall materiality is decided in terms of reportage to the stock exchanges.

Operator

Sorry to interrupt. Prashant, sir, your audio is not very consistent. Your line is breaking.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. So it was not reported into the stock exchanges, right?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We are talking about materiality here, Mr. [ Adhoiwala ], it is not material enough.

U
Unknown Analyst

20% is materialized and it's a concern to the investor...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

If you see the total EBITDA for the quarter from that angle, we are talking about.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

You see total...

U
Unknown Analyst

No, I'm talking about turnover point of view, right? Because our turnover was down like 20% because of this problem and investor doesn't know about it. And maybe some informal guys from somewhere, I don't know, but since May 6, 7 -- 6th or 7th like that was the peak our stock has made and then it has came down to this level. So that is where my concern is maybe some guys know about it or what I don't understand.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, [ Mr. Adhoiwala ], let me let me explain to you. Most of the segment revenue reduction in this particular quarter as compared to last quarter is due to reduction in the prices of gas, which is of the order of 10%. And beyond that, the reduction, which is there on account of this is of the order of, if I'm not wrong, just 3% to 4% of that. So that is what...

U
Unknown Analyst

20% volume doesn't make sense like in the turnover, right? That is what you are trying to tell me, right?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, no. When we are looking at contribution, definitely not to that extent. But even in the terms of the turnover of the total company, if you see on INR 5,000 crores or whatever we have reported, it is not even -- it is about of the order of 2% to 3%.

U
Unknown Analyst

For urea last year we have done something like INR 3,600 crores kind of thing. This year, we have done INR 3,100 crores...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Please understand that the turnover depends on gas prices. This time, gas prices are...

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. 10% you can consider from the gas price, right? So another 10% will be from Gadepan-I, right -- Gadepan-II, right?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, no. I'm saying it is of the order of 2% to 3%.

U
Unknown Analyst

My concern is like 20 -- 20 days, 24 days, like at least you can have one intimation about it. That will be good for investors...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We will discuss this internally and get back.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Falguni Dutta from Mansarovar Financials.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

Yes, I have just two questions. One is on that energy change norm in urea. So how frequently does it change? Is there a duration that it changes after so many years, each time they change it?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

The government can be inconsistent on this and sometimes consistent on this. So this norm has been changed after almost 7 years.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

After 7 years.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Yes.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

Okay. But normally, is it supposed to change after 5 years or there is nothing such thing, no such thing.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We have no such -- they are always in the policy will give a sunset clause in that. So...

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

Sorry, I missed you.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, there is a sunset clause given. That this -- everything will run from this time to this much.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

Okay. So after this change, is there a -- is it known now only as to when will the next change happen?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, we have no communication on that.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

Okay. And the other question...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

This is not a published policy. This is on the basis of a discussion that was held between us and the department. And the numbers that were given to us were -- have been factored into current year's first quarter calculation.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

Okay. And sir, the second question is on the JV expansion, the phos acid 5 lakh to 7 lakh tonnes. When is that going to come up?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

My information is it is late '26, maybe early '27, that kind of time.

Operator

Our next follow-up question comes from the line of Prashant Biyani from Elara Capital.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Sir, how much is the net cash on balance sheet right now?

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Around INR 1,600 crores as on 30th June.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

And sir, gas -- sorry, urea volumes from G-III plant, sales volume, not the production.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Sales volume. Can you please?

A
Anuj Jain
executive

3.4 lakh tonnes.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. And sir, gas prices for the quarter?

A
Anuj Jain
executive

It is about $15.15 on NCV basis per MMbtu.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. Sir, on the TAN plant, have we been able to calculate how much benefit are we getting from the state incentives, either annually or cumulatively over a certain period of time?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Well, the package that has been proposed is not yet in a sense, signed off. It is in the advanced stages of being signed off. There is a RIPS policy in this. And RIPS means Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme. There is a certain percentage of the total hard project cost. That means excluding interest during construction and certain other things, of which I think a certain percentage, if I'm not wrong, between...

A
Anuj Jain
executive

20% to 25%.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

20% to 25%, which comes back as some sort of per year payment.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Over a period of 10 years.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Over a period of 10 years. That means roughly 2% to 3% of the hard cost of the project per year. 2% to 2.5%, yes.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

That's it?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Yes.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

And sir, then what is the hard project cost for us?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

If I'm not wrong, it is about INR 1,100 crores.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Yes, around INR 1,100 crores, INR 1,200 crores.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. And sir, no incentive on state GST or interest subvention?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No, I don't think there are any such schemes in RIPS.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. And sir, what is the quantum of impact of energy norm reduction, which we have taken provisionally?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

It is low double digits per quarter.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

INR 20 crores, INR 50 crores?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Low double digits, very low double digits.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. And sir, any informal talks with the government on fixed cost reimbursement, that revision is also pending for many years?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

I have absolutely no idea what they are doing.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. And sir, how much is IMACID investing for phos acid expansion?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

See, there are two parts to it. I think the first part, phosphoric acid plant is about $40 million to $45 million. And there is a sulfuric acid plant, which has to come after that. That is of the order of $120 million to $130 million.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. And sulfuric acid capacity will be how much? I mean, the expansion?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

If I'm not wrong, it is something of the order of 3,200 tonnes per day, but I'll have to check that. It's a kind of a balancing capacity. We have got already -- there is a -- a boosting up of the capacity, which is there already. So I'll have to check that, but if my memory is not wrong, it is about 1 million tonne plus.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Okay. Sir, just lastly, how do you see the channel inventory in fertilizer for the industry?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

For the industry, that I'll ask Anuj -- Ashish to give a comment.

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Prashant, we don't have access to the channel inventory data. But if you look at the industry stocks, it is down -- urea -- each commodity stocks are down.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

But I mean, is it like the shortage would be such that whatever the industry sells in Q2 will just go off the shelf and hence, the volume growth can be healthy for Q2 as well as Q3? Is it that kind of situation?

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

See, whatever inventories are available at port and plant is a continuous operation. So they produce and sell. So there is not much inventories in the pipeline. That's what I can say.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No. But I think, Prashant, what we are trying to get at, there is some amount of truth in that. That the demand is fairly, fairly strong. And the supplies both from self production as well as imports are running a little short. So therefore, there would be a kind of quick liquidation.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Viraj from SiMPL.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Yes. Just two questions. One is any -- I think in the past, we talked about us evaluating different capital projects, be it in the nitric value -- nitric acid value chain or other segments and agri input value chain. So any color you can give, any update?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

No. At the moment, our complete focus is on getting the technical ammonium nitrate plant off the ground, commissioning it. There are additional variations in the product, let us say, like LDAN, which are being -- for which certain type of engineering is being progressed. But that is technically ammonium nitrate only, only a different version of it. We have got three versions of it.

Two versions of it are already there, which is HDAN, which is high density. And then there is melt, ammonium nitrate melt. There's a third category, which is called low density. So for that, the engineering part is on. That is a significant addition to the portfolio of the technical ammonium nitrate project.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Okay. And on the crop protection, any color you can give in terms of the network coverage now? And of the sales which we have now, say again in FY '25, how much of the sales are outside our core network of urea and how much is through the urea channel?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We are quite a bit focused on our urea channel. Quite a bit of our people have in the channel width itself in terms of there is still some way to go in our fertilizer channel itself. However, we are beginning to pick up [ stray ] 1 or 2 kind of people who are purely from the CPC channel, not very big participants in the fertilizer channel. And they are beginning to get familiarized with our product portfolio. But it is a process which will take some time. The fertilizer channel itself is quite -- offering quite big opportunities in terms of growth as of now.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Okay. And we were to -- we were also engaging with a few MNC players for introduction of 93 unique products in the portfolio. So any update on that?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

I will ask Ashish to answer that.

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Viraj, can you repeat your question?

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

I think we were in the past talking about talks with various MNC players for introduction of specialty molecules of 93 products.

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Yes, it's an ongoing process, Viraj. We keep adding molecules every year. This year, we have added, I think, 13. So it's a continuous process. We keep adding it in the portfolio.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

Of these are in the pipeline, are there any specialty molecules are 93 products?

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Majority of them are specialty products in the 93.

V
Viraj Kacharia
analyst

So any color you can give who are the partners here, the products which you have launched?

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Difficult to name them. But looking at the existing portfolio, we always deal with some very good player, best-in-class.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of [ Pawan Nahar ] an investor.

U
Unknown Analyst

Sir, my question is on Gadepan-III or the urea unit. As I understand, we have a 8-year policy period in which we are entitled to incentives. And thereafter, there will be changes. Sir, if you can explain what are these incentives and what will be the changes that come across in 2027? And later, if you can quantify what would be the impact after that?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

[ Mr. Nahar ] the change that would come about, let me speak, we have not initiated any discussions rather the government has not initiated any discussion with us what shape form it will take. That is something still -- I mean, at the moment, not even on the first paper on the file. That's what I can say. The second part is as to what is currently the scheme.

Currently, the scheme is a normative scheme. It says that for a certain dollar value of your gas, a certain amount shall be paid at the base level. And as the price increases from that, linearly an addition shall be made to the product price at the rate of something like $20 per tonne of gas, for every $20 of tonne as for every $1 increase in gas price. That is currently the policy at a base of something like $285. That is how it goes. Now as far as the new policy is concerned, whether it will be still norm-based, whether it will be on unit cost basis, we don't know. As I've said to you, the first paper on the file has not yet been put.

U
Unknown Analyst

No, sir, I understand that. Please go ahead. Hello?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Yes.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Yes, Pawan. Go ahead.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. So basically, I get it that government has not initiated any policy discussion. still we would be having some assumption. Let's say, we are right now in a zone where there is perhaps only us or maybe another company which is getting those -- getting the pricing. I will not use the word benefit. I'll use the word pricing or a formula. Now if after the 8-year period, we go back to the formula which is being applied to the other urea units, what would be the change for us?

So let's say, today, our contribution is X dollars, how much would that become? Because see, I read that in the policy document, perhaps if I got it right, the band for ROE is between 16% to 20%. And I see that without leverage, you -- the company has been able to make good ROE, but there is no point in me getting in there because there are multiple things into that ROE or multiple businesses. So if you can just simply tell me that if the policy were to transition to the existing units, formula existing units.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

The existing unit formula is a 12% return on net worth policy, correct. So that is for the unit-based specific net worth. So it is a matter of -- plus there are costs, et cetera, which have to be reimbursed, what kind of cost, how much cost will they reimburse. That's what I'm saying. As of now, the current policy for I and II is a 12% return on net worth policy. But when they actually effectuate it, what exactly will be the number is something that is difficult to hazard a guess. Of course, there will be a reduction. I know what you are driving at. Question is what is the extent of the reduction. And that is what we are not hazarding a guess at. The company has its own estimations, which I'm not going to share with you at the moment.

Operator

Our next follow-up question comes from the line of Falguni Dutta from Mansarovar Financials.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

Sir, I just missed on what you said on that Rajasthan government incentive for the TAN plant. So on that hard project cost of INR 1,100 crores, what benefit are we supposed to get? I missed that part.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

It is about -- for 10 years, let us say, about 2% of the cost per year or something like that.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

So 2% of the project cost, which is this INR 1,100 crores?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Yes.

F
Falguni Dutta
analyst

Over a period of 10 years?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Yes. That means every year, you will get 2%.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Every year, we get 2%. So...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

So it adds up to 20%.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Yes.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Ranjit from IIFL Capital Services.

R
Ranjit Cirumalla
analyst

My first question, in the past, we have shared our aspiration to go global as well, probably tapping some assets for complex fertilizers so that we can use the phos from acid. So any update on that front?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

I can only say that we are working on it.

R
Ranjit Cirumalla
analyst

Any...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We are in active discussions...

R
Ranjit Cirumalla
analyst

Yes, sir, please.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Yes. We are in contact with the parties.

R
Ranjit Cirumalla
analyst

Sir, any outer time line that you would like to share for concluding this?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

These are long drawn out and very complicated discussions. It has stop and start options in between. Sometimes you walk away from the table, sometimes you walk towards the table. You know how negotiations are. We don't put time lines. We only hope for the best results for ourselves. It is like the India-U.S. trade deal. People are walking off the table. They are coming back to the table so that things happen all the time, right?

R
Ranjit Cirumalla
analyst

But you're certain that the deal is going to happen?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

I can't say. I mean, how can I say what the other party -- as long as there's a willingness to negotiate, something will happen.

R
Ranjit Cirumalla
analyst

Sure, sir. That's helpful. Second question is on the TAN business. So what are your thoughts on the demand-supply dynamics, at least in India? And how soon you would like to see it getting ramped up? And lastly, the government has also opened up export quota. So how do you see that as well?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

See, in TAN, the market is expected to be short for a short while, I would say, and then go along as some capacities come into position. But the -- if you see the overall environment, I was with the Coal India Chairman, ex-Chairman in fact some time back. They are going from 800 million tonnes of mined coal to 1.5 million tonnes by [ 2032 ] in the various colleries that they have.

They are themselves putting up a plant on coal-based, which they say will be fully absorbed and they will still be short again on the quantities. So in the longer run, with the infrastructure push that we have for coal, and you know that the government have asked for 100 gigawatt of power capacity -- coal-based power capacity addition, out of which about 70 to 80 gigawatt has achieved FID. So we can see that there will be growth. There may be intermittent phases in which there will be -- market could be a little long and where there will be some pressures in terms of prices. But on a long-term basis, you will see that so far, we have grown at 5% to 6% CAGR, it will grow at that kind of rate. I'm quite optimistic that the demand-supply situation is in the favor of the suppliers.

R
Ranjit Cirumalla
analyst

Sir, on the export front, we'd also like to tap those opportunity...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Export front is mostly see, export mostly is LDAN. LDAN is a product that is mostly exported. And we are, as I told you, doing the engineering work for that. And as and when we have completed that, of course, that will be post the implementation of this particular phase of the project. That will be Phase 2 of the project. So it will take us some time to get to that phase where we -- we can't do too many things at the same time. Please understand. There is a first basic Phase 1 that you do and then you go to the next stage. We will definitely look into that. Look into that means we are already committed into doing that kind of project. And so far after that, then we will see how the market plays out.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Sandeep Mukherjee from SKP Securities Limited.

S
Sandeep Mukherjee
analyst

Sir, can you throw some color on the CapEx plans for this year, apart from TAN?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

So we have some ongoing projects. Can -- I will ask Mr. Anuj Jain to tell us what is the extent of the normal replacement capital expenditure, et cetera, committed for this year.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Normal CapEx plans are in there, it's about INR 250 crores worth of projects we have.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

These are ongoing projects, phase-wise expenditures.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Yes.

Operator

Our next follow-up question comes from the line of Amit Agicha from H.G. Hawa.

A
Amit Agicha
analyst

Sir my question was related to the G-II urea plant, like has it resumed full operations? And what was the exact impact on volume and profitability? And connected to that, like what will be the planned maintenance shutdown schedule in FY '26?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

See there will be a -- Gadepan-II is scheduled to go in March '26 for its annual turnaround since the second year of operation would have completed. As far as this loss of 55-odd thousand tonnes is concerned, the total loss of production should have costed the company in terms of contribution about INR 17 crores -- INR 16 crores, INR 17 crores.

Operator

Our next question comes from the line of Prashant Biyani from Elara Capital.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Sir, we are around the corner to commence our TAN plant and our cash generation will increase further. So sir, any plans of future capacity expansions, except from the long pending discussion on complex fertilizer?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Mr. Biyani, do you know how much time it takes to, let us say, just for argument sake, take to plant a INR 9,000 crore CapEx, let us say, hypothetically speaking, on a plant like Gadepan-IV or Gadepan-III.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Sir, I'm not aware of the technicality.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Even 1 million tonne or something of that sort NPK plant. There is so much to be done, which -- and in terms of ties up, tie-ups and either in policy or in discussions with parties and so on. So definitely, the company is not going to sit on its cash, going to do something work. I mean, I cannot put a finger on the date and time for these things. That's all I can say.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

No, I mean, except on the complex -- whatever has been the discussion outside of that, any other thing we want to pursue and we are...

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

There will be, I mean, in the sense that we have two other three lines of businesses. Seeds is there, specialty nutrients are there. All of them present either organic or inorganic opportunities. And not only that, there could be alliances or collaborations there as well. These are businesses that we need to grow, and you can see the way that we are growing them. Sometimes the growth will come through alliances or supply arrangements. Sometimes it will come through collaborations and joint manufacturing. Sometimes it will come through sole manufacturing. What pathway will actually happen is in the future. It depends on the market, depends on the grades that we are doing, the kind of products that we have.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Sir, in case of alliances, I would believe cash outlay will not be that high. So any decision?

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

We can go into the same with the same partner, joint manufacturing.

P
Prashant Biyani
analyst

Sir, you have been giving feelers for quite a while, sir, anything more than that, if you can share, that will be great.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

See, if I had something to say and it was approved by the Board, definitely, I would say.

Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, that was the last question for today. I now hand the conference over to the management for closing comments.

A
Abhay Baijal
executive

Thank you all, gentlemen, for this very engaging 1 hour of conference. I hope to have been able to answer your questions. And if there are any follow-up questions individually, that can be -- then Mr. Anuj Jain is there to take them. Thank you so much.

A
Ashish Srivastava
executive

Thank you.

A
Anuj Jain
executive

Thank you.

Operator

Thank you. On behalf of Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals, that concludes this conference. Thank you all for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines.

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