TruAlt Bioenergy Limited — Q3 FY26 earnings call

Call held 9 Feb 2026

Management summary

TruAlt Bioenergy reported robust growth in Q3 FY26, driven by increased ethanol plant utilization and strong performance in the CBG segment. The company is aggressively expanding its CBG and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) verticals, with significant capex plans and strategic partnerships. Despite a slight dip in 9-month PBT due to fixed cost absorption during partial plant shutdowns, management is confident in future revenue and margin expansion, supported by policy tailwinds and new project commissioning.

Highlights

  • Total Income for 9 months ended Dec 31, 2025, grew by 13.37% YoY to INR1,187 crores.

  • Q3 FY26 Total Income saw a significant QoQ growth of 69.77% to INR730.86 crores.

  • CBG segment revenue contribution for 9 months grew by 55.70% to INR30.97 crores, with EBITDA margin at 63.34% and PAT margin at 43.38%.

  • Ethanol segment achieved >95% capacity utilization on operating days, with a monthly revenue run rate of INR350-400 crores.

  • Company projects 36-37 crore liters of ethanol production for FY26 and targets 55 crore liters for FY27.

  • Planned capex of INR2,000+ crores for a 100 million liters per annum SAF facility, targeting completion by July-October 2027.

  • 24 new CBG units planned over 2-3 years with JVs, involving a total capex of INR1650 crores.

  • Retail network aims to scale to ~75 outlets in calendar year FY26, with current sales of INR48-50 crores.

Key financials

2 periods

Q3

  • Total Income
    ₹730.86 Cr
    QoQ +69.8%
  • PAT
    ₹69.19 Cr
    QoQ -8%
  • PBT
    ₹89.68 Cr
    QoQ +3.8%

9M

  • Total Income
    ₹1,187 Cr
    YoY +13.4%
  • PAT
    ₹35.92 Cr
    YoY +2.8%
  • EBITDA
    ₹170.99 Cr
    YoY +10%

What they filed

Q1 FY27: revenue up 106.3%, net profit up 1080.0% against the same quarter last year.

₹ Cr · quarterly
Line itemQ2 FY25Q3 FY25Q4 FY25Q1 FY26Q2 FY26Q3 FY26Q4 FY26Q1 FY27
Revenue388 415 907 304 115 −70%713 +72%596 −34%627 +106%
EBITDA17 125 154 42 -5 −129%134 +7%129 −16%133 +217%
Net profit-19 75 112 5 -38 −100%69 −8%69 −38%59 +1080%
How to read this

₹ crore, as filed. The percentage beside a figure is the change against the same quarter a year earlier — never the quarter before, which would make every seasonal business look like it collapses and booms each year.

Segment breakdown

  • CBG Business (9 Months)
    ₹30.97 Cr Revenue Contribution63.3% EBITDA Margin43.4% PAT Margin

Guidance & targets

Ethanol Production

  • Monthly Revenue Run Rate Ethanol Production · Ongoing · High confidence INR350-400 crores
    all ethanol plants are now fully operational with a monthly revenue run rate of approximately INR350 crores to INR400 crores in the ethanol segment.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Monthly Gross Production Ethanol Production · Ongoing · High confidence 5.5-6 crore liters
    That is a gross production of around 5.5 crores to 6 crores liters per month.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • FY26 Production Ethanol Production · FY26 · Medium confidence 36-37 crore liters

    Previously 41-odd crores36-37 crore liters

    we are projecting a revised production of about 36 to 37 crore liters for the year.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • FY27 Production Target Ethanol Production · FY27 · High confidence 55 crore liters
    Our performance litmus test to all our investors is to ensure 55 crores liters of production in my ethanol which is today at 35-36 or let's say 37 for this year.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

Profitability

  • Q4 FY26 EBITDA Margin Profitability · Q4 FY26 · Medium confidence 20-22%
    It is looking somewhere in the range of 20% to 22%. This is the projected EBITDA of about 20% to 22% that is what we are trying to achieve.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

Capacity Utilization

  • Q4 FY26 Ethanol Capacity Utilization Capacity Utilization · Q4 FY26 · High confidence 90-95%
    For Q4, we project at least about 90% to 95% between that number for capacity use.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Q1 FY27 Ethanol Capacity Utilization Capacity Utilization · Q1 FY27 · Medium confidence 80%
    We are projecting a 80% capacity use for Q1 because all the capacity is in play.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

CBG Expansion

  • New Greenfield CBG Units CBG Expansion · next 2-3 years · High confidence 24 units
    our focus is now on disciplined scaling with plans to develop 24 Greenfield CBG units over the next two to three years through joint ventures with Sumitomo Corporation and Maharatna PSU Gas Authority of India Limited

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Sumitomo JV Plants Commissioning (Phase 1) CBG Expansion · by June 2026 · High confidence 4 plants (80 TPD gross capacity)
    Sumitomo, we expect it in year two, that is the next financial year, starting in say June or October construction between that periods. That is the next four plants. And Phase 3 will be in the next financial year that is starting in June of FY'28.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • GAIL JV Plants Commissioning (Phase 1) CBG Expansion · Jan-Feb 2027 · Medium confidence 5 plants (12 TPD each)
    So by Jan-Feb '27 it will be come up and running.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

CBG Capex

  • GAIL JV Capex CBG Capex · Ongoing · High confidence INR650 crores
    So with the GAIL plant sir, the 12 TPDs will cost us INR60 crores to INR65 crores each. So that should be about INR650 odd crores.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Sumitomo JV Capex CBG Capex · Ongoing · High confidence INR1000 crores
    So gross it will be about around INR940 crores to INR980 crores. Give or take close to INR 1000 crores for the Sumitomo JV

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

SAF Project

  • Facility Completion SAF Project · by 2027 · High confidence July-October 2027
    our target to complete this project will be by July to October of 2027.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Revenue Start SAF Project · FY28 · High confidence FY28
    So FY '28 we should start seeing revenues coming in.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Capex SAF Project · Ongoing · High confidence INR2,000+ crores
    We have projected a capex of about INR2,000 -- upwards of INR2,000 crores to set up the plant.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Expected Sale Price SAF Project · Future · Medium confidence INR180-200 per liter
    Our estimates on sale price is around INR200 a liter. INR180 to INR200 a liter.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • EBITDA Target SAF Project · Future · Medium confidence 20-25%
    when we speak of aviation fuel, we are looking at an EBITDA of somewhere between 20% to 25%.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Viability Gap Funding (VGF) SAF Project · Ongoing · High confidence INR150 crores
    We are also at an advanced stage of approvals and are positive about receiving INR150 crores of Viability Gap Funding under the PM JI-VAN scheme

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Andhra Pradesh Capital Subsidy SAF Project · Ongoing · Medium confidence INR1.5 crores per KL (negotiating for more)
    in the state of Andhra Pradesh there is the Integrated Clean Energy Policy which almost gives INR1.5 crores per KL of capital subsidy. Which we are negotiating with the Andhra government to increase it to a certain level.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

Retail Network

  • Number of Outlets Retail Network · calendar year FY26 · High confidence ~75 outlets
    visibility to scale approximately 75 outlets in the calendar year FY 2026

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Number of Outlets (Peak) Retail Network · by 2029 · Medium confidence 250 outlets
    we are setting up 250 retail outlets at peak which will be done by 2029.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

  • Peak Retail Sales Retail Network · by 2029 · Medium confidence ~30 crore liters
    And we'll end up making close to about 30 crores liters of sales, gross fuel sales.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

DDGS Revenue

  • Q4 FY26 Revenue DDGS Revenue · Q4 FY26 · Medium confidence INR70-80 crores
    for the quarter to come we expect a revenue of somewhere about -- considering the production plan, should be upwards of about INR70 crores to INR80 crores for DDGS.

    — Vijay Nirani, Managing Director

Risks & concerns

  • Policy Clarity for SAF Promotion in India

    medium

    India is still deriving its policy framework for SAF promotion (e.g., cess/tax vs. incentives), which could impact demand drivers.

    Management acknowledged

  • High Upfront Capex for SAF Project

    medium

    The SAF plant has a high capex per KLPD (INR2,000+ crores), though management highlights significant VGF and state subsidies to mitigate this.

    Analyst acknowledged

  • Operational Disruptions (e.g., Farmer Protests)

    low

    Q3 FY26 operations were impacted for 58 days due to farmer protests and road blockages in Karnataka, affecting utilization.

    Management acknowledged

  • Mechanical Maintenance Downtime for Ethanol Plants

    low

    Ethanol plants are expected to operate for ~300 days a year, not 365, due to necessary mechanical maintenance, which is factored into projections.

    Management acknowledged

Areas of evasion (1)

  • exact future outlook numbers beyond ranges

Q&A highlights

3 direct
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Engine Compatibility and Demand Risks Direct
So in the SAF, there is already an approval by ASTM that Alcohol-to-Jet route, the technology that we are using to convert ethanol into SAF molecules. We can in all the engines that are currently in operation, the air turbines, we can go up to 50% of blending using the Alcohol-to-Jet route, using Ethanol-to-Jet SAF.

Analyst questioned potential barriers to SAF adoption, and management provided clear technical and regulatory approvals already in place, mitigating demand risk concerns.

Asked by Aanchal Jalan, Lotus Wealth

High Capex for SAF Plant and Justification Direct
It's definitely on a very higher side Piyush ji because one this is going to be one of the largest plant in the world, right. It is supposed to be amongst the top five largest plants in the announced projects in SAF. Number two because it's the initial phases the cost of the project is usually higher because technology transfer fee and the cushions for risks involved... And which is why there are two schemes. One is the PM JI-VAN Yojana where a INR150 crores viability gap funding is almost at the final stage... And second is in the state of Andhra Pradesh there is the Integrated Clean Energy Policy which almost gives INR1.5 crores per KL of capital subsidy.

Analyst challenged the high capex per KLPD for the SAF plant, prompting management to explain the reasons (scale, initial phase costs) and detail significant government subsidies (VGF, state capital subsidy) that will offset the cost.

Asked by Piyush Bangar, Vijit Global Securities Private Limited

Ethanol Volume Projections and CBG Plant Timelines Direct
So on the CBG what's the timeline? I mean can you throw some light? I mean I think out of 24 plants currently one is operational? Would that be right and what would be the timeline of these plants to be operational? ... I'll break it down for you sir. Plant one which is a 10 TPD plant is in operation since 2021. And now you've seen the revenues and the margins. It's at almost peak levels. We are doing four more plants which began construction in December and we project to complete, I mean we propose to complete it by June 2026 itself in the next three four months.

Analyst sought clarification on ethanol volume calculations and detailed timelines for the numerous upcoming CBG plants, leading management to provide a comprehensive breakdown of commissioning schedules for both Sumitomo and GAIL JVs.

Asked by Deepak Poddar, Sapphire Capital

3 min read 7 chapters

Detailed narrative

Q3 FY26 Financial Performance and 9-Month Overview

TruAlt Bioenergy reported a significant increase in total income for Q3 FY26, rising 69.77% QoQ to INR730.86 crores. For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, total income grew by 13.37% YoY to INR1,187 crores. Despite this, 9-month PBT saw a marginal dip of 4.71% to INR46.25 crores, primarily due to full fixed cost absorption during a period of partial plant shutdowns (48-50 operating days in Q3). PAT for the 9-month period increased by 2.80% to INR35.92 crores, while EBITDA grew by 9.99% to INR170.99 crores.

Ethanol Business Operations and Outlook

The company's five ethanol plants are now fully operational, with four achieving over 95% capacity utilization on operating days in Q3 FY26. Unit 5 received its consent to operate on December 17, 2025. The ethanol segment now has a monthly revenue run rate of approximately INR350-400 crores, corresponding to 5.5-6 crore liters of gross production per month. For FY26, the company projects a revised production of 36-37 crore liters (down from an earlier 41 crores) and targets 55 crore liters for FY27. Q4 FY26 EBITDA margin is expected to be 20-22% with 90-95% capacity utilization.

CBG Segment Expansion and Partnerships

The CBG business demonstrated strong financial performance, with its revenue contribution for the 9 months ended December 31, 2025, growing 55.70% to INR30.97 crores, achieving an EBITDA margin of 63.34% and a PAT margin of 43.38%. TruAlt plans to develop 24 Greenfield CBG units over the next 2-3 years through joint ventures with Sumitomo Corporation and GAIL. The GAIL JV (10 plants, 12 TPD each) involves a capex of approximately INR650 crores, with 5 plants expected to commission by Jan-Feb 2027. The Sumitomo JV (12 plants, with first 4 being 20 TPD each) has a capex of approximately INR1000 crores, with the first 4 plants expected to complete by June 2026.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Initiative

TruAlt Bioenergy is progressing with a proposed 100 million liters per annum SAF facility in Andhra Pradesh, targeting completion by July-October 2027 and revenue generation by FY28. The project involves a capex upwards of INR2,000 crores, with an expected sale price of INR180-200 per liter and an EBITDA target of 20-25%. The company is positive about receiving INR150 crores in Viability Gap Funding under the PM JI-VAN scheme and is negotiating for an additional INR1.5 crores per KL capital subsidy from the Andhra Pradesh government.

Biofuel Retail Network Development

In its retail business, TruAlt has commissioned seven biofuel retail outlets and plans to scale to approximately 75 outlets in the calendar year FY26. The company aims to complete 75-80 dispensing stations by March 31 (calendar year). Current sales from the retail stations contribute INR48-50 crores to total revenue, with a margin of 2%. The long-term vision is to establish 250 retail outlets by 2029, projecting gross fuel sales of about 30 crore liters.

DDGS Production and Market Outlook

DDGS (Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles) revenue for Q3 FY26 was approximately INR18 crores, with expectations to grow significantly to INR70-80 crores in Q4 FY26 as more grain-based plants operate. DDGS yield is typically 18-19% of grain input, and prices hover between INR15-35 per kg. Management noted that recent US trade deals allowing DDGS imports could stabilize average prices around INR22-26 per kg.

Strategic Vision for Energy Transition

Management emphasized the central role of biofuels in India's energy security and independence, highlighting the E20 target achievement and ongoing policy discussions for higher blending levels (E27, SAF). Beyond ethanol, the company is exploring advanced biofuels and chemicals like green methanol, green ammonia, and green hydrogen, leveraging its CO2 by-product from ethanol production. This positions TruAlt to capitalize on the broader energy transition opportunity.

This is an AI-generated summary of a publicly available earnings call transcript.