Sharda Cropchem Limited (SHARDACROP.NS) Q3 FY2026 Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

January 30, 2026

NSEI IN Materials Chemicals Earnings Calls 48 min

Earnings Call Speaker Segments

Operator

Operator
#1

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to Sharda Cropchem Limited Q3 and 9 Months FY '26 Post Results Conference hosted by Antique Stockbroking Limited. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Manish Mahawar from Antique Stockbroking Limited. Thank you, and over to you sir.

Manish Mahawar

Analysts
#2

Thank you, Bhumi. Warm welcome to all the participants on the 3Q FY '26 earnings call of Sharda Cropchem. We have Mr. R. V. Bubna, Chairman and Managing Director; Mr. Shailesh Mehendale, CFO; and Mr. Jetkin Gudhka, Company Secretary on the call. Without any delay, I would like to hand over the call to Mr. Bubna for opening remarks. Thank you, and over to you Bubna Ji.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#3

Thank you, Manish Ji. Good afternoon, and a very warm welcome to everyone present on this call. Along with me, I have Mr. Shailesh Mehendale, our CFO; Mr. Jetkin Gudhka, Company Secretary and SGA, Mr. Deven, our Investor Relations adviser. Hope you have all received our investor deck by now. We are pleased to report a robust performance driven by strong volume growth and an improved product mix, supported by accelerated product registrations. This has helped us achieve our highest ever PAT for any year. Even though our strongest quarter, Q4 is still ahead, the company expects this growth momentum to continue in Q4 FY '26 and remain strong through FY '27. As you are aware, we are engaged in the marketing and distribution of wide range of agrochemical products catering to diverse global customer base. We developed comprehensive dossiers and obtained product registrations in our own name. We continue to allocate substantial resources towards securing registrations, which strengthens our market presence and helps establish a sustainable foothold across key markets. As of 31st December 2025, our total product registration stood at 3,004, 3-0-0-4. Additionally, 1,076 applications for product registrations globally are in the approval stage. Coming to industry dynamics. Global agrochemical market is showing signs of recovery, driven by revival in demand, complemented by gradual recovery in the pricing. Inventories have come to normal levels across distribution channels. In Q3 FY '26, our total revenues have grown by 39% to INR 1,289 crores with overall volume growth at 14%. We have seen volume growth in Europe and Latin America emerging as contributor. Volumes from Agrochemical segment grew by approximately 15% and non-agrochemicals segment grew by approximately 14% on a year-to-year basis. With input costs stabilizing, our gross margins have expanded by 220 basis points to 34.9%. As guided earlier, we expect gross margins to be in the similar range in FY '26. EBITDA for the quarter stood at INR 246 crores, a growth of 59% on year-to-year basis with EBITDA margins at 19.1%. For FY '26, we are on track to maintain healthy EBITDA margins in the range of 18% to 20%. PAT for the quarter stood at INR 145 crores, showcasing a growth of 366% on year-to-year basis. Working capital days stood at 70 days as on 31st December 2025, showing an improvement by 48 days as compared to March 2025. CapEx for 9 months FY '26 stood at INR 399 crores. Cash and bank liquid investments stood at INR 826 crores as on 31st December 2025. For FY '26, our planned capital expenditure stands at INR 500 crores, supported by strong project pipeline that underscores our resilience and continued focus on growth. With this brief overview, I would now like to hand over the call to our CFO, Mr. Shailesh Mehendale for discussing our financial performance. Thank you, everybody.

Shailesh Mehendale

Executives
#4

Thank you, sir. Good afternoon, everyone. Coming to the quarter 3 FY '26 performance, revenue stood at INR 1,289 crores in Q3 FY '26 versus INR 929 crores in Q3 FY '25 with an increase of 39% year-on-year. Coming to the split, Agrochemical business grew by 48% year-on-year to INR 1,141 crores, whereas the non-agrochemical business degrew by 8.1% year-on-year to INR 148 crores. Gross margin stood at 34.9% in Q3 FY '26 as against 32.7% in Q3 FY '25, increase of 220 basis points. EBITDA grew by 59%, which stood at INR 245.5 crores with EBITDA margin at 19.1%. PAT stood at INR 145.1 crores versus INR 31 crores last year, showing 366% growth year-on-year basis. Coming to the 9 months FY '26 performance, revenue stood at INR 3,203 crores in 9 months FY '26 versus INR 2,491 crores in 9 months FY '25 with an increase of 29% year-on-year. Coming to the split, Agrochemical business grew by 34% year-on-year to INR 2,790 crores whereas the non-agrochemical business grew by 1% year-on-year to INR 413 crores. Gross margin stood at 35% in 9 months FY '26 as against 30% in 9 months FY '25 with an increase of 500 basis points. EBITDA for 9 months period stood at INR 526.7 crores with EBITDA margin at 16.4%, showcasing 64% year-on-year growth. PAT stood at INR 362 crores in FY -- in 9 months FY '26 versus INR 101 crores in 9 months FY '25 with an increase of 259% year-on-year basis. The company has already achieved highest-ever annual PAT in 9 months of FY '26. We remain net debt-free company and have cash bank liquid investment of INR 826 crores as on 31st December 2025. Looking at the performance, the Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of INR 6 per share. We can now open the floor for question and answers.

Operator

Operator
#5

[Operator Instructions] Our first question comes from the line of Ansh Shah from [ Smart Invest ].

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#6

So congratulations for the good numbers. So my question is on a long-term basis for the CapEx line. So with a strong global registration of pipeline of 1,070 products we are planning to get the registrations. So can you just give an idea about typical approval time lines and particularly in Europe, what time frame over which these registrations are expected to be at active and contributing to the revenues?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#7

Mr. Ansh, your many words were not understood. I would request you to kindly speak slowly and loudly. Repeat your question once again.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#8

So my question was, so as we are planning to do a CapEx over around INR 400 crores on increasing our registration pipeline of around 1,070 products. So can you give us an idea about what time frame should we expect, particularly in Europe, in which our registration will be expected to be active and contributing to the revenues?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#9

Mr. Ansh, I don't know whether you have tracked the company's record and performance so far. I have repeatedly mentioned in every conference that registration process is full of uncertainties, and nobody can predict how much time will it take. To give you an example, a registration may be obtained in 1 year or 2 years, and the same registration can take 6 to 7 years because of the uncertainties. The government authorities keep on getting new requirements, which is keeping -- adding to the process of registration and also the cost of registrations. So I have no answer to your question as to how much time we will get these registrations.

Operator

Operator
#10

Our next question comes from the line of Giriraj Daga from Visaria Family Trust.

Giriraj Daga

Analysts
#11

Congratulations on good numbers. Sir, my question is related to our FY '27, next year. Let's say, what would your thought would be that will be able to see something like a 15% kind of a volume growth next year?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#12

Hopefully, yes. We are very confident that 15% is achievable.

Giriraj Daga

Analysts
#13

Okay. And second question, we have been mentioning the 35% gross margin is very much sustainable for FY '26. Will it be sustainable for FY '27 also?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#14

Yes, sir. Maybe it will -- goes up still further.

Giriraj Daga

Analysts
#15

Okay. And last, sir, one, CapEx guidance for FY '27, if you can help us?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#16

Sir, again, as I told the previous speaker, the CapEx and the registration process is full of -- lot of uncertainties. I would say it will be in the range of INR 450 crores to INR 500 crores. It can be still more, I cannot say. But it will be in the same range.

Giriraj Daga

Analysts
#17

Okay. One last on industry, sir. Have we seen some pricing uptick happening across in our portfolio now?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#18

Yes, sir. As we have stated, we have passed through a very bad time about 2 years back when there was excess liquidity and abundance of stocks in the pipeline. Those have dried up. And as the things are getting normalized, the prices are also moving. The speed is less, but it is moving up.

Operator

Operator
#19

Our next question comes from the line of Anubhav Mukherjee from Prescient Capital.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#20

Am I audible, sir?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#21

Yes, Mr. Mukherjee.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#22

Sir, the agrochemical segment volume growth was roughly 15%, and revenue growth was 48%. So how much was the realization increase year-on-year? And how much was ForEx scheme?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#23

One second. See, this total growth was 38.7%, out of which volume growth contributed to 14.4%. Foreign exchange impact was 12.6%. Price and product mix impact was 11.6%, a total 38.7%.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#24

Sir, will it be possible to share same for specifically the agrochemical segment?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#25

No, this is total. This is total, both agro and non-agro.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#26

And sir, the realization growth that you mentioned, is it a function of actually prices moving up? Or is it an impact of product mix change?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#27

Mr. Mukherjee, your last sentence was very low in the -- I would like you to repeat the question once again.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#28

Sure sir, is it better now?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#29

Yes.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#30

Sir, I was asking the realization growth year-on-year that you mentioned. Is it driven by actual prices moving up of products, or is it more product mix change driven?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#31

Mr. Mukherjee, I think you are new into the system. It is driven by both product mix as well as the prices realized.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#32

Get that. So sir, since you also mentioned that prices are now moving up. So do you see like scope for significant improvements from current levels also?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#33

See, significant is a very ambiguous word. It will be growing. And nobody can predict how much, but it is on the way up. And we expect the growth in our total revenue to be around 15% to 20% in the year FY '27.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#34

Get that. And sir, this quarter as well as for 9 months FY '26, Europe has shown a very good growth. Specifically this quarter, it's almost doubled year-on-year. So can you provide some color on how Europe is doing so well?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#35

See, I'll say there are 3, 4 factors. One is good climate, good atmosphere for agriculture and good demand for the products. And our ability to meet the demands of the customers on time.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#36

Okay. Is there any element of one-off restocking happening in Europe? Or it's like more demand-driven?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#37

I didn't understand this one-off point, but I would say it is demand-driven.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#38

Get that. And sir, on the other hand, like NAFTA region witnessed a decline year-on-year in this quarter. So is this any impact of tariff for anything?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#39

Mr. Mukherjee, I have repeated on various platforms, and I'm repeating again, agrochemical products are not impacted by tariff. As you know, they are not freely tradable products. They're required to be registered first, involving a huge investment. And very few companies or people believe in this huge investment on registrations, which is an intangible asset. So saying that, fortunately, for agrochemicals, the tariff is not, I mean, affecting at all, particularly to the suppliers. We are able to pass on all the tariff smoothly to our customers, and customers have no other choice to buy from anywhere or anywhere. They have to source the products only from registered sources and registered sources are very limited for every product. And the product has to be sourced from an approved manufacturer, approved factory. It cannot be manufactured anywhere as you like. So the customer knows this and he accepts the adding of the tariff and he smoothly and gracefully makes the payment. And the payments are also on time.

Operator

Operator
#40

Sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Mukherjee, please rejoin the queue for a follow-up question. [Operator Instructions] Our next question comes from the line of Nilabja Dey from [ Ashmore ] Research.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#41

First of all, congratulations, sir, for sticking to whatever guidance you gave for the last previous Q1, Q2. Sir, actually, first of all, just like to confirm that you have increased, earlier you were telling your margin is from 15% to 18%. Now you are putting it on 18% to 20%. Am I right? Just to reconfirm FY...

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#42

Yes, sir.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#43

And this particular margin guidance is valid for FY '27 also?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#44

Yes, please.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#45

Okay. And sir, in terms of the demand, you have clearly mentioned demand improving. So can you just give some qualitative color that from what has changed from the last 6 months, apart from the inventory, you mentioned that inventory has gone down significantly at the -- whatever people are holding. So can you just give some color? That's my only question.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#46

Sir, I can only say -- answer your question in a very general way. The demand goes up when you are able to supply the goods in time to the customers. There are seasonal products and seasonal demands. So if you cannot supply the products on time, then it's a nuisance and hassle for the customer as well as the supplier. So we have been able to deliver the goods on time. And second is the quality. If you can supply goods and good quality and on right time, the demand has a natural tendency to go up.

Operator

Operator
#47

Our next question comes from the line of [ Ankur Kumar ] from Alpha Capital.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#48

Congrats for a very, very strong set of numbers. Sir, given you said, and it is already known that Q4 is our best quarter, so given such strong demand outlook, can we expect to close this year at say, INR 5,400 crores type?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#49

Maybe or in the nearby range. Could be less, could be more.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#50

But versus -- as in because our last Q4 was INR 1,800 crore, which was very good year-on-year. So we expect demand growth to improve on that front -- more than that, right, in Q4?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#51

Yes, sir. Our Q4 is the best quarter because of the seasonality of the business. Q4 is always the best. And this year also, that the same trend continues.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#52

Got it, sir. And sir, on volume growth, you said 14% growth came. So we expect this type of volume growth to continue in Q4 as well as next year?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#53

Yes, sir.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#54

Got it, sir. And sir, given how USD and euro are behaving in January, I think we can have some FX gain also. Do you like to comment on that?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#55

Yes sir. You have understood our business more minutely and good in detail. Thank you.

Operator

Operator
#56

Our next question comes from the line of Deepak Poddar from Sapphire Capital.

Deepak Poddar

Analysts
#57

Sir, just wanted to understand, so what's the ForEx gain in third quarter?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#58

ForEx gain, it should be quite good. Let me see. I'll ask Mr. Shailesh to reply this question.

Shailesh Mehendale

Executives
#59

Yes. So see, in the quarter 3, this quarter, we are having a loss of INR 4.53 crores, ForEx loss. And that is mainly on account of our ForEx payable realignment.

Deepak Poddar

Analysts
#60

Okay. Understood. Understood. And I mean in terms of tax rate also, I think our tax rate is lower. So what should one at going ahead in terms of tax rate?

Shailesh Mehendale

Executives
#61

Yes. I think if you look at it on an annual basis, probably it is in the range of 18% to 20%.

Deepak Poddar

Analysts
#62

Okay. And why our tax rate is lower?

Shailesh Mehendale

Executives
#63

See, if you look at on a consolidated basis, there are certain geographies where there is a tax -- no tax. So if you look at overall basket, there is an 18% to 20% tax for company on a consolidated basis.

Deepak Poddar

Analysts
#64

Okay. Understood. Okay. And on the growth part, I mean, 9 months, we have grown by about 29%. And we had, I think, earlier guided of 20% growth for the entire year. So how should one look at going forward? I mean given your fourth quarter is the strongest, so you expect this 20% -- I mean, you want to revise it upwards?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#65

Mr. Deepak, you must also see what is the base. The base has been -- was always already high in the fourth quarter. So we are talking about increasing from the good growth, which we achieved last year.

Deepak Poddar

Analysts
#66

So we maintain 20% growth, right, FY '26?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#67

Yes. Yes, sir.

Deepak Poddar

Analysts
#68

Okay. Understood. And just 1 last thing from my side. Any new region you are targeting? I mean just 1 small thing last. I mean, it's the last one. In terms of export, I think we are very strong in Europe, NAFTA and LatAm, right? Any new regions we are trying to build our presence?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#69

Sir, these 3 regions constitutes almost 80% of the world or 90% of the world for agriculture and agrochemicals.

Deepak Poddar

Analysts
#70

Correct. And you want to penetrate deeper in this region only.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#71

Yes.

Operator

Operator
#72

Our next question comes from the line of Vignesh Iyer from Sequent Investments.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#73

Congratulation on great set of numbers. Sir, my first question is on the gross margin side. Sir, can you help me with the data of gross margin geography wise?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#74

What is your good name, sir?

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#75

Vignesh.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#76

Vignesh, again you have to be little more specific, loud and slow rate of speaking so that I can understand your question very well.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#77

Surely sir. Sir, my question is on gross margin part of the business. I wanted to understand, if you could share gross margins geography rise for quarter 3 FY '26?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#78

Yes, sir. Gross margin has been 43% in Europe region, 23.5% in NAFTA region, 29.2% in LatAm and 37% overall -- in the rest of the world. Overall, 35.9%.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#79

Okay, sir. Sir, and my second question is on the registration part of it. I wanted to understand the geographical breakup in terms of registration and upcoming.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#80

Can you repeat your question once again, sir?

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#81

Yes sir. So sir, my question is on the registrations -- total registrations that we have done. Wanted the registration breakup geography-wise, Europe, NAFTA, LatAm. And also wanted to know the registrations which are upcoming that if you could give geographical breakup for the same.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#82

One minute. Give me 1 or 2 minutes. Yes. Registration wise European region 1,675, NAFTA, 321, LatAm, 760, RoW 248, total 3,004.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#83

Okay. And the upcoming registrations?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#84

In the pipeline?

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#85

Yes, pipeline, yes.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#86

Pipeline is Europe, 698, NAFTA, 100, LatAm, 153, and rest of the world, 125. Total 1,076.

Operator

Operator
#87

Our next question comes from the line of Hitaindra Pradhan from Maximal Capital.

Hitaindra Pradhan

Analysts
#88

I hope I'm audible. I'm new to the sector, so please bear with me. My question is related to the China export rebate policy. They are rolling back the incentives from April this year, and the incentives on the formulation will continue. Sir, I would like your reading on the impact of this policy on the prices on technicals and formulations and on your business as well.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#89

Mr. Hitaindra, again, your question is very long and voice is low and no -- what do you call energy in the...

Hitaindra Pradhan

Analysts
#90

I can repeat. Sorry.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#91

Can you put some energy in your words.

Hitaindra Pradhan

Analysts
#92

Yes, sir. Sir, it is related to the China export rebate policy. They are dealing with...

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#93

What is China export rebate policy?

Hitaindra Pradhan

Analysts
#94

Yes, sir. So they are rolling back the incentives on -- from the -- from April of this year on the technicals, like they used to provide the export incentives to their technical suppliers, which they are rolling back from this year, from April of this year. So we are expecting that, that will have some impact on the prices.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#95

Mr. Hitaindra, if you have understood China and the style of working of Chinese government, you will have to understand that they are not very transparent. These informations are not made available to the public, particularly foreigners. So it's very difficult for me to comment on this. The only thing I can say that China does give some incentives to the Chinese citizens for export. Now how much and what is their policy and what is the variation, it's very difficult to gather and it doesn't affect us. Do you understand?

Hitaindra Pradhan

Analysts
#96

Yes. Because we are on the formulation side mostly, yes, okay.

Operator

Operator
#97

Our next question comes from the line of Dhruv Muchhal from HDFC AMC.

Dhruv Muchhal

Analysts
#98

Sir, the Europe for us has -- Europe has done very well for us this quarter and even for 9 months, even for last few quarters also. So sir, is the growth driven by getting new dealers or probably entering new geographies or adjacent regions in the European market or a mix of both? Or -- so what's driving this?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#99

Sir, it's a mix of both. New dealers and getting better access to the market.

Dhruv Muchhal

Analysts
#100

So we have also expanded the geography. So for example, if you're operating in 1 part of the country, we have also started operating in other part of it. So is that also driving growth?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#101

Yes, that is also there.

Dhruv Muchhal

Analysts
#102

And I understand you probably will not have this. But is it possible to share how much is probably coming from existing dealers, which is driving growth and new dealers, which are driving growth? If it -- some degree, which can give us some more comfort in terms of the growth?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#103

Mr. Dhruv, I think I know you for the last 10 years, and I know you are very intelligent. So you already answered the question. You know more than me on this part of the question.

Dhruv Muchhal

Analysts
#104

Sure, sir. And just to understand a bit on the Europe thing, is it a few molecules which are driving growth, or it is across molecules, which is -- that we are seeing growth?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#105

It is across molecules.

Dhruv Muchhal

Analysts
#106

Across molecules.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#107

There will be some molecules we are driving more, but then it's very difficult to differentiate.

Operator

Operator
#108

Our next question comes from the line of Sonal from Prescient Capital.

Sonal Minhas

Analysts
#109

This is Sonal Minhas. I hope I'm audible.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#110

Yes, please.

Sonal Minhas

Analysts
#111

Sir, I had a small question to ask on the working capital. We see that your working capital days have reduced from 98 days in December '24 to 70 days now. Just wanted a subjective commentary on what is it that is the company has done to reduce the inventory days? If you could give us a subjective feedback on it, that will be helpful.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#112

Sir, I would say, consistent increase in the demand and confidence of the suppliers on the credibility of Sharda Cropchem Limited. They are giving us very comfortably extended credits. And again, the demands are increasing. So the customers are also paying in time. And European region is known to be the most disciplined region for the question of payments. They're very punctual. Sometimes they pay before time.

Sonal Minhas

Analysts
#113

Got it, sir. Got it, sir. This is helpful. Sir, second question, this quarter, the NAFTA region has degrown for the Agrichem segment. If you could give any subjective commentary on what is it? Is it a one-off? Or if you could give us any guidance on what has happened in that region as far as demand is concerned, that will be helpful.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#114

Sir, there's nothing that is available to us and which is open and transparent for this reason. It has degrown -- could be partly -- I think partly is responsible for the -- sorry, climate. There's been very heavy unpredictable and unusual climate conditions that has affected the demand.

Operator

Operator
#115

Our next question comes from the line of Rushil Selarka from PINC Wealth.

Rushil Selarka

Analysts
#116

Hello?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#117

Hello.

Rushil Selarka

Analysts
#118

Yes, sir. Am I audible?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#119

Yes, please.

Rushil Selarka

Analysts
#120

Yes. Sir, my question is that regarding -- just wanted your thought process on the -- recently India, we have signed a FTA India EU trade deal has happened. So how this can benefit to our company or the sector, if you can just give some -- your view on it.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#121

Sir, what I have seen about this treaty, there is no mention of agrochemicals anywhere. They're talking about cars and this thing, import of cars into India and all those things, which are totally unconnected with our business model. As far as agrochemicals are concerned, I don't think there is any mention or any impact on the either tariffs or any other things. So our business remains as usual, and it's growing.

Operator

Operator
#122

Next, we have a follow-up question from Anubhav Mukherjee from Prescient Capital.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#123

Sir, I'm audible?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#124

Yes, please.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#125

Sir, just 1 question. Sir, compared to like pre-COVID levels, currently, like price realizations, how much are they still down compared to those levels? If you could share some comments.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#126

They are quite down. They are quite down compared to the pre-COVID levels.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#127

And is it like some geographies are more affected or is it like similar across geographies?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#128

Sir, you're asking a very difficult question. And we don't go into so many details. We just face the situation as it comes, but we don't sit down and then analyze what geography and all that. In general, the price levels are low, pre-COVID level prices were very high. But again, the costs have also -- our sourcing costs have also gone down considerably. So in terms of percentage, we are better off than pre-COVID level, better margins of Sharda.

Anubhav Mukherjee

Analysts
#129

And sir, on the procurement cost from China, that you are seeing at stable levels? Or is there some inflation happening there as well?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#130

No, there is a slight, I mean, improvement time to time. The prices are going up, sourcing as well as selling prices. And margins are improving as far as Sharda is concerned.

Operator

Operator
#131

[Operator Instructions] Our next question comes from the line of Ankur Kumar from Alpha Capital.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#132

Sir, recently, there was a news article that China is looking to tighten agriculture and chemical exports. So [Foreign Language] are we able to source effectively easily from China? Or is there any issue on that front?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#133

Sir, I'm hearing for the first time from you that they're trying to tighten their agrochemical sources. As far as we are concerned, we are not impacted at all.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#134

Nice to know that. Sir, on -- as in, again, harping on the same question, Q4 things are looking like 18%, 20% growth can come in Q4 also? Or how are we thinking? And pricing, if you can comment, how much is it improving maybe year-on-year on trend?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#135

Sir, you have put the question first and then also answered. I'm repeating, we expect the same growth in Q4 also.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#136

Both in volume and pricing?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#137

Yes.

Operator

Operator
#138

Our next question comes from the line of Vivek Rathi, an Individual Investor.

Unknown Attendee

Attendees
#139

Congratulations on good set of numbers. Sir, a simple follow-up question on the -- I think the previous participant asked on the European...

Operator

Operator
#140

Sorry to interrupt. Mr. Rathi, can you please speak a little louder?

Unknown Attendee

Attendees
#141

Okay. Am I audible now?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#142

Yes, you are audible, but you are speaking very fast. You have to also speak slowly and put more energy into your words. Slowly and loudly.

Unknown Attendee

Attendees
#143

Okay, sure. So my question was in continuation to previous participants who asked on the European this thing, that it is not going to impact your answer. So just wanted to understand because from previous calls, I remember you said we still source maximum or almost 100% of our supplies from China. So are we looking at anything -- I mean, anything changing with this or hedging our resources and getting some supplies from India or some other country or still we are completely reliant on China?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#144

Mr. Rathi, I have not understood your question very clearly, but what I have understood, you are probably asking whether we are sourcing -- we are also looking for sourcing from India and China and all that. Am I right?

Unknown Attendee

Attendees
#145

Yes. Yes, multiple countries because I thought maximum was from China.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#146

No, Mr. Rathi, again, I think you are not exposed to the agrochemical business very well and in detail. I've explained many times that registration is very critical and when the authority register the product, they not only registered the product, but also the manufacturing plant from where we are sourcing. It is a condition that registrant can source it only from the plant, which has been exposed for the purpose of registration. We cannot change the manufacturer. So we have to buy it only from the same source. We are given a freedom to add another supporting manufacturer. So as far as Sharda is concerned, we are having at least 3 or 4 manufacturers for the same product and for the same registrations, which gives us a flexibility, and we are not exploited by the manufacturer. But I cannot have a choice that I can source 1 product from India and next time I source from China and all that. And we have very little sources -- registered sources from India. Majority of our registered resources are from China. Have I answered your question sir?

Unknown Attendee

Attendees
#147

Yes. Thanks a lot and sorry for confusing.

Operator

Operator
#148

[Operator Instructions] Our next question comes from the line of Sachin Kasera from Svan Investment Managers.

Sachin Kasera

Analysts
#149

Congratulations on delivering a very strong set of numbers. I had just 1 question. We are already sitting on a very good amount of cash on hand. And going by the strong outlook we are talking of, I think the cash in the balance sheet is going to increase further. So are you looking at some acquisitions or we will look at increasing the dividend payout because the very high cash on the balance sheet is then going to start impacting our return on capital employed.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#150

Sir, we have already started looking into the line that you have suggested. We are looking into increasing the dividend, but we are not looking into the acquisitions. We have declared a very good dividend for this quarter yesterday.

Operator

Operator
#151

Our next question comes from the line of [ Pratik Patel ] from Counter Cyclical Investments.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#152

Sir, our sales from top 10 dealers in the last year was something around 16% to 17%. So is that similar to that number this year as well?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#153

Mr. Pratik, again, I'm sorry, I have not understand your question. Again, I request you to speak slowly and loudly.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#154

So my question was, last year, our top -- revenue from top 10 dealers and distributions was something around 16% to 17%. So that number -- in current year also, it's near above that percentage?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#155

Yes, it will be more or less, near about that.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#156

Okay. And sir, can you show some highlights on the top 10 products revenue share? Means what will be the top 10 products share in our revenue?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#157

One minute. Our top 10 product share in revenue is about 43% in this year.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#158

43%, for this year.

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#159

4-3.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#160

4-3, 43%. Okay. Great. And sir, you have said that for the current quarter, the product registration for Europe is 698, which last quarter was something around 710. So this quarter, we have got approval of something around 12 products in Europe. So is that correct? My understanding is correct?

Ramprakash Bubna

Executives
#161

No, 698 is what do you call? I'll ask Mr. Shailesh to reply this question. Shailesh will reply this question.

Shailesh Mehendale

Executives
#162

Yes. So can you repeat your question about the Europe registration?

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#163

So last quarter, the number for registration in Europe was something around 710, which has been reduced to this quarter at 698, if I'm not mistaken. So my understanding is correct that 12 products, we have received approvals in this quarter for the Europe registration?

Shailesh Mehendale

Executives
#164

Correct. You're right.

Operator

Operator
#165

Thank you. As there are no further questions, I would now like to hand the conference over to management for closing comments.

Shailesh Mehendale

Executives
#166

Yes. Thank you, everyone, for joining us. I hope we have been able to answer all your queries. We look forward to such interaction in the future. We hope to meet your expectations in the future too. In case you require any further details, you may contact us or SGA, our Investor Relations partners. Thank you.

Operator

Operator
#167

Thank you. On behalf of Antique Stockbroking Limited, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines.

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