1. Opening Hook
Just when pharma investors were bracing for another “steady quarter with long-term promise,” Laurus Labs decided to drop a mic instead. While markets argued over rate cuts and ARV pricing pressure, Laurus quietly delivered numbers that looked less like recovery and more like a comeback tour. EBITDA doubled, margins expanded like they found free steroids, and debt finally behaved itself. Management, unsurprisingly, sounded calm—almost suspiciously so—while flashing ₹3,900 Cr of capex like a flex, not a warning. The CDMO engine is humming, generics are pulling weight again, and biology is warming up in the background. This wasn’t a turnaround whisper; it was a statement quarter. Stick around—because the real story hides between margins, molecules, and management confidence.
2. At a Glance
- Revenue up 30% (9M): Turns out growth was organic—no accounting yoga required.
- EBITDA up 104%: Operating leverage finally woke up and chose violence.
- EBITDA margin at 26.1%: From mid-teens to mid-twenties—same company, new attitude.
- Net profit up 388%: Last year’s base was on life support; this year pulled the plug on excuses.
- Net debt/EBITDA at 1.2x: Debt didn’t vanish, but it’s clearly on a diet.
- ROCE at 18.5%: Capex heavy, but returns are finally saying “worth it.”
3. Management’s Key Commentary
“Robust performance in 9M with ₹5,001 Cr revenues.”
(Translation: We told you FY26 would be better—thanks for waiting 😏)
“EBITDA margin expansion driven by operating leverage and
product mix.”
(Translation: Plants are finally sweating enough to justify their existence.)
“Strong momentum led by CDMO division.”
(Translation: Innovator clients pay better than commodity buyers—shocking, we know.)
“Muted Q3 growth due to campaign timing.”
(Translation: Nothing broke, shipments just took the scenic route.)
“Fermentation and gene/ADC facilities progressing as planned.”
(Translation: Capex pain today, biologics gain tomorrow 🧬)
“Generics growth supported by higher ARV volumes offsetting price pressure.”
(Translation: Volumes did what pricing couldn’t.)
“Balance sheet discipline while continuing growth investments.”
(Translation: Yes, capex continues—but we promise not to blow up leverage again.)
4. Numbers Decoded
| Metric | 9M FY26 | YoY Reality Check |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹5,001 Cr | Growth is broad-based, not one-off |
| EBITDA | ₹1,303 Cr | Operating leverage finally visible |
| EBITDA Margin | 26.1% | Structural improvement, not a fluke |
| Net Profit | ₹610 Cr | Base effect + real margin gains |
| OCF | ₹1,477 Cr | Profits actually turning into cash |
| Net Debt/EBITDA | 1.2x | Balance sheet rehab on track |
Decoded: This is what happens when capacity meets demand and utilization stops embarrassing management.
5. Analyst Questions
- Q: CDMO
