UPL FY26 Record Results: Kotak Maintains Reduce at ₹650, Jefferies Holds Buy at ₹810

10 min read     Updated on 12 May 2026, 10:24 AM
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UPL Limited reported record FY26 results with revenue of ₹51,839 cr (▲11% YoY) and EBITDA of ₹9,588 cr (▲18% YoY), while gross debt fell by $850 mn to $2.3 bn. Post-results, Kotak Institutional Equities maintained a Reduce rating with a ₹650 target citing a voluntary provision, higher tax rate, limited guidance visibility, and a US$87 mn Sinova investment at elevated valuations as concerns, while Jefferies maintained a Buy with a ₹810 target, underpinned by strong deleveraging, stable working capital, and management guidance of 10–14% sales and 14–18% EBITDA growth in Jun26-Q.

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UPL Limited has reported a record financial year in FY26, delivering strong growth across revenue, profitability, and balance sheet metrics, while outperforming its stated guidance on all three key parameters — revenue, EBITDA, and gearing. The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on May 11, 2026, considered and approved the audited consolidated and standalone financial results for the year ended March 31, 2026. The statutory auditors, B S R & Co. LLP, issued an unmodified audit opinion on both consolidated and standalone results. The Board also recommended a dividend of 300% i.e. ₹6/- per equity share of face value ₹2/- each, subject to approval of members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM), with payment within 30 days of the AGM.

Analyst Views

Following the FY26 results, two prominent institutional brokerages have weighed in with contrasting assessments on UPL's outlook and valuation.

Brokerage: Rating Target Price Key Rationale
Kotak Institutional Equities: Reduce ₹650 Strong 18% YoY revenue growth in 4QFY26 aided by FX gains was offset by a voluntary provision and higher tax rate weighing on earnings; uncertain outlook with limited guidance visibility, ongoing reorganization plans, and a sizeable US$87 mn Sinova investment at elevated valuations remain key concerns
Jefferies: Buy ₹810 Q4 OPM and RPAT missed estimates despite a sales beat; FY26 saw strong deleveraging with gross debt reduced by $850 mn to $2.3 bn and net debt/EBITDA improving to below 1.6x; management guiding 10–14% sales and 14–18% EBITDA growth in Jun26-Q; valuation at 15x FY27E P/E in line with its 5-year average after a 17% YTD decline

Kotak Institutional Equities maintained a Reduce rating on UPL with a target price of ₹650, noting that while revenue growth of 18% YoY in 4QFY26 was strong and partly aided by FX gains, a voluntary provision and a higher tax rate weighed on earnings. The brokerage flagged an uncertain outlook with limited guidance visibility, ongoing reorganization plans, and a sizeable US$87 mn investment in Sinova at elevated valuations as key concerns.

Jefferies, on the other hand, maintained a Buy rating with a target price of ₹810, acknowledging that Q4 operating profit margin (OPM) and reported profit after tax (RPAT) missed estimates despite a sales beat. The brokerage highlighted FY26's strong deleveraging — with gross debt reduced by $850 mn to $2.3 bn and net debt/EBITDA improving to below 1.6x — alongside stable working capital as positives. Management's guidance of 10–14% sales growth and 14–18% EBITDA growth in Jun26-Q, combined with a valuation of 15x FY27E P/E in line with the stock's 5-year average following a 17% year-to-date decline, underpinned Jefferies' constructive stance.

Financial Highlights: Q4FY26 and FY26

The company's consolidated financial performance across Q4FY26 and FY26 is summarised below:

Metric: Q4FY26 FY26
Revenue: ₹18,335 cr ▲ 18% YoY ₹51,839 cr ▲ 11% YoY
Contribution: ₹7,069 cr ▲ 19% YoY ₹21,338 cr ▲ 17% YoY
Contribution Margin: 38.6% ▲ 50 bps 41.2% ▲ 220 bps
EBITDA: ₹3,646 cr ▲ 13% YoY ₹9,588 cr ▲ 18% YoY
EBITDA Margin: 19.9% ▼ 90 bps 18.5% ▲ 110 bps
PBT Growth: +37% vs. LY ~4x vs. LY
Operational PATMI: >2.5x vs. LY

The audited consolidated statement of financial results also presents the following key income statement metrics for the full year and the quarter:

Metric (₹ cr): Q4FY26 Q3FY26 Q4FY25 FY26 FY25
Revenue from Operations: 18,335 12,269 15,573 51,839 46,637
Other Income: 178 92 107 663 486
Total Income: 18,513 12,361 15,680 52,502 47,123
Total Expenses: 16,528 11,553 14,001 49,212 45,414
Profit Before Tax: 1,892 671 1,377 3,157 829
Profit for the Period: 1,294 490 1,079 2,220 820
Basic EPS (₹): 12.57 4.69 11.20 22.32 9.66

On the balance sheet, UPL significantly deleveraged during FY26. Gross debt stood at $2.3 Bn, reduced by $850 Mn versus March 2025, while net debt declined to $1.6 Bn, down $405 Mn versus March 2025. Net debt/EBITDA improved to 1.6x from 2.1x, and net debt/equity improved to 0.4x from 0.5x as of March 2025. Net working capital stood at 57 days, up 4 days versus March 2025. Total assets as at March 31, 2026 stood at ₹95,205 cr versus ₹88,002 cr as at March 31, 2025.

Revenue Performance by Region and Platform

Revenue growth in Q4FY26 was led by North America and Europe, while FY26 saw broad-based growth across Americas and Europe, among other regions. The regional breakdown is as follows:

In ₹ Cr Q4FY25 Q4FY26 YoY% FY25 FY26 YoY%
Latin America: 5,082 6,126 21% 17,600 19,358 10%
North America: 2,700 3,322 23% 6,065 7,182 18%
Europe: 3,112 3,707 19% 7,189 8,167 14%
India: 1,403 1,273 (9%) 5,951 6,343 7%
Rest of World: 3,275 3,908 19% 9,832 10,789 10%
Total: 15,573 18,335 18% 46,637 51,839 11%

Across platforms, UPL Corporation and Advanta were the primary growth drivers. The platform-wise revenue performance is detailed below:

In ₹ Cr Q4FY25 Q4FY26 YoY% FY25 FY26 YoY%
UPL Corporation: 12,068 14,531 20% 34,381 38,277 11%
UPL SAS: 677 607 (10%) 3,229 3,212 flat
Advanta: 1,789 2,198 23% 5,566 6,837 23%
SUPERFORM: 2,065 2,273 10% 10,181 10,298 1%
Elimination/Others: (1,026) (1,274) n.m. (6,720) (6,785) n.m.
Total: 15,573 18,335 18% 46,637 51,839 11%

Segment-Wise Performance

The consolidated segment information for FY26 reflects three business segments: Crop Protection, Seeds & Post Harvest, and Non Agro. During FY26, the Group undertook an internal reorganisation to align its post-harvest solutions business (Decco) with the Seeds segment, reclassifying it from Crop Protection. Comparative figures for FY25 have been restated accordingly.

Segment Revenue (₹ cr): Q4FY26 Q4FY25 FY26 FY25
Crop Protection: 15,422 13,123 42,399 38,865
Seeds & Post Harvest: 2,187 1,812 6,830 5,625
Non Agro: 774 682 2,803 2,383
Total Revenue from Operations: 18,335 15,573 51,839 46,637
Segment Assets (₹ cr): March 31, 2026 March 31, 2025
Crop Protection: 70,194 63,271
Seeds & Post Harvest: 8,107 6,033
Non Agro: 2,162 1,327
Unallocated: 14,742 17,371
Total Assets: 95,205 88,002

Platform-Wise Performance

UPL Corporation reported Q4FY26 revenue of ₹14,531 cr, up 20% YoY, with contribution of ₹4,872 cr (margin: 33.5%, up 100 bps) and EBITDA of ₹2,609 cr (margin: 18.0%, down 120 bps). For FY26, revenue stood at ₹38,277 cr, up 11% YoY, with contribution of ₹13,420 cr (margin: 35.1%, up 260 bps) and EBITDA of ₹6,008 cr (margin: 15.7%, up 110 bps). The platform delivered six consecutive quarters of EBITDA growth, with margin expansion driven by lower input costs and higher capacity utilization.

UPL SAS reported Q4FY26 revenue of ₹607 cr, down 10% YoY, with contribution of ₹202 cr (margin: 33.3%, up 540 bps) and EBITDA of ₹70 cr (margin: 11.6%, down 220 bps). For FY26, revenue was ₹3,212 cr, flat versus last year, with contribution of ₹1,033 cr (margin: 32.2%, up 530 bps) and EBITDA of ₹548 cr (margin: 17.1%, up 340 bps). Margin improvement was led by portfolio rationalization and new product launches.

Advanta posted Q4FY26 revenue of ₹2,198 cr, up 23% YoY, with EBITDA of ₹668 cr (margin: 30.4%, up 240 bps). For FY26, revenue grew 23% YoY to ₹6,837 cr, with EBITDA of ₹1,725 cr (margin: 25.2%, up 140 bps), driven by higher volumes in field corn and consistent performance across quarters.

SUPERFORM reported Q4FY26 revenue of ₹2,273 cr, up 10% YoY, with EBITDA of ₹243 cr (margin: 10.7%, down 20 bps). For FY26, revenue was ₹10,298 cr, up 1% YoY, with EBITDA of ₹1,258 cr (margin: 12.2%, up 100 bps). Super specialty chemicals grew 20%, led by contract manufacturing in lubricants and cyanide derivatives, with margins supported by favorable input costs and product mix.

Standalone Financial Results

On a standalone basis, UPL Limited reported revenue from operations of ₹5,748 cr for FY26. Profit before tax from continuing operations stood at ₹1,013 cr for FY26. The standalone results also reflect the transfer of the Specialty Chemicals business on a slump sale basis to Superform Chemistries Limited, completed on December 1, 2024, which is disclosed as Discontinued Operations in accordance with Ind AS 105 up to the date of transfer. The Board recommended a dividend of 300% i.e. ₹6/- per equity share of face value ₹2/- each, consistent with the consolidated recommendation, subject to AGM approval.

Standalone Metric (₹ cr): FY26 FY25
Revenue from Operations (Continuing): 5,748 5,330
Profit Before Tax (Continuing): 1,013 2,045
Profit from Discontinued Operations after tax: 296
Basic EPS – Continuing (₹): 9.46 33.63
Basic EPS – Total (₹): 9.46 37.40
Other Equity: 13,867 11,862

Composite Scheme of Arrangement

The Board of Directors, based on recommendations of the Audit Committee and Committee of Independent Directors, approved a Composite Scheme of Arrangement on February 20, 2026. The Scheme involves the amalgamation of UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Limited (UPL SAS / India Crop Protection business) into UPL Limited, demerger of the India Crop Protection business into UPL Global Sustainable Agri Solutions Limited (UPL Global), and amalgamation of UPL Crop Protection Holdings Limited (UPLCL) into UPL Global. The appointed date for the merger of UPL SAS is April 1, 2026; the demerger and UPLCL merger will be effective from the Scheme's Effective Date. The Scheme is subject to receipt of requisite approvals from shareholders, regulators, and NCLT, and is not yet effective. Accordingly, no effect has been given to the Scheme in the audited consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2026.

Management Commentary

Jai Shroff, Chairman & Group CEO, UPL Limited, stated that the company delivered a record year of high-quality performance, outperforming guidance across metrics despite unprecedented macroeconomic headwinds affecting the global agricultural sector. He highlighted that rising global food demand makes seeds, crop protection, and bio-solutions essential, and that UPL's integrated manufacturing and innovation capabilities position it to capture sustained growth in the agricultural ecosystem.

Bikash Prasad, Group CFO, UPL Limited, noted that FY26 was a year of driving profitable growth while significantly strengthening the financial foundation, with the company outperforming guidance on revenue, EBITDA, and gearing despite external geopolitical headwinds including US tariffs, continued farm stress, and low commodity prices. He added that the company repaid $500 Mn of debt in March and proactively refinanced its next short-term obligation due in September to enhance its liquidity profile.

Mike Frank, Chief Executive Officer, UPL Corp, highlighted that the international crop protection business delivered strong growth across key regions and segments in FY26, closing the year with a strong Q4 against a high base, while successfully navigating stress from the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis.

Historical Stock Returns for UPL

1 Day5 Days1 Month6 Months1 Year5 Years
+0.63%-1.86%-2.29%-17.16%-6.91%-5.03%

How will the Composite Scheme of Arrangement — involving the merger of UPL SAS into UPL Limited and subsequent demerger into UPL Global — impact the company's consolidated revenue recognition, tax structure, and minority shareholder interests once NCLT approval is obtained?

Given UPL's $87 mn investment in Sinova at valuations flagged as elevated by Kotak, what strategic synergies or revenue contributions is management expecting from this investment, and what is the timeline for returns?

With gross debt still at $2.3 bn and the next short-term obligation proactively refinanced beyond September 2026, how sustainable is UPL's deleveraging trajectory if commodity prices remain suppressed and farm stress persists through FY27?

UPL Re-appoints Naina Lal Kidwai as Independent Director for Second Five-Year Term

2 min read     Updated on 12 May 2026, 09:00 AM
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AI Summary

UPL Limited's Board of Directors, on May 11, 2026, approved the re-appointment of Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai (DIN: 00017806) as Non-Executive, Independent Director for a second term of five consecutive years effective October 01, 2026 to September 30, 2031, subject to shareholder approval. Ms. Kidwai, an MBA from Harvard Business School and Padma Shri awardee, serves as Chairperson of Rothschild & Co India and holds board positions at Holcim SA, Biocon, and Gland Pharma. The disclosure was made pursuant to Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations and SEBI Master Circular dated January 30, 2026.

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The Board of Directors of UPL Limited, at its meeting held on May 11, 2026, approved the re-appointment of Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai (DIN: 00017806) as a Non-Executive, Independent Director of the Company. The decision was based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and was disclosed to the stock exchanges pursuant to Regulation 30 read with Schedule III of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The re-appointment details were also provided in compliance with SEBI Master Circular No. HO/49/14/14(7)2025-CFD-PoD2/1/3762/2026 dated January 30, 2026.

Re-appointment Details

The following table summarises the key details of Ms. Kidwai's re-appointment as disclosed by UPL:

Parameter: Details
Name: Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai
DIN: 00017806
Designation: Non-Executive, Independent Director
Nature of Change: Re-appointment (Second Term)
Term: 5 consecutive years
Effective From: October 01, 2026
Effective Until: September 30, 2031
Subject To: Approval of the Members of the Company

Profile of Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai

Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai is a highly accomplished business leader with extensive experience across banking, finance, and corporate governance. She serves as Chairperson and Senior Advisor of Rothschild & Co India, Senior Advisor of Advent International Private Equity and TPG Rise private equity, and venture advisor to Lightspeed Venture Partners India. She also serves as an Independent Director on the boards of Holcim SA, Biocon, Gland Pharma, and UPL.

Ms. Kidwai has held several distinguished leadership roles over her career. She is a Past President of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry), retired in December 2015 as Executive Director on the board of HSBC Asia Pacific and Chairman HSBC India, and retired in April 2018 from the global board of Nestle.

Advisory and Institutional Memberships

Ms. Kidwai is an active member of several prominent advisory bodies and institutions, including:

  • INDO-ASEAN Business Council
  • Punjab Innovation Mission Advisory Board
  • Army Group Insurance Fund's Investment Advisory Committee
  • Harvard Business School's South Asia Advisory Board
  • Standard Chartered Bank's International Advisory Council
  • Champion India for the World Bank's South Asia championing and visioning process
  • Member Advisory Board of the Wildlife Conservation Trust

Awards, Recognitions, and Authorship

An MBA from Harvard Business School, Ms. Kidwai is the recipient of several awards and honours, including the Padma Shri for her contribution to trade and industry. She is actively engaged with institutions focused on environment, water, and sanitation, and has authored three books, including the bestsellers "30 Women in Power: Their Voices, Their Stories" and "Survive or Sink: An Action Agenda for Sanitation, Water, Pollution, and Green Finance". She is also the founder and Chair of the India Sanitation Coalition and Chair of FICCI's Water Mission.

Regulatory Compliance

As required under the SEBI Listing Regulations, UPL confirmed that Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai is not related to any Director on the Board of the Company. Additionally, she is not debarred from holding the office of director pursuant to any SEBI order or any other authority, in compliance with BSE and NSE circulars dated June 20, 2018. The re-appointment is subject to the approval of the Members of the Company.

Historical Stock Returns for UPL

1 Day5 Days1 Month6 Months1 Year5 Years
+0.63%-1.86%-2.29%-17.16%-6.91%-5.03%

How might Ms. Kidwai's extensive connections with global private equity firms like Advent International and TPG Rise influence UPL's future capital-raising strategies or potential strategic partnerships?

Given UPL's ongoing debt reduction efforts and financial restructuring, how could Ms. Kidwai's banking and finance expertise at the board level impact the company's approach to managing its balance sheet through 2031?

Will UPL's shareholders approve Ms. Kidwai's re-appointment without significant opposition, and could any institutional investors raise governance concerns given her multiple concurrent board roles?

More News on UPL

1 Year Returns:-6.91%