SMO expands capacity and eyes Q4 profit as palm oil prices stay high
New palm kernel crushing plant to add 1.5bn baht revenue SMO is building a palm kernel crushing plant (300 tonnes/day) at its Phanom branch, set to start in Q2 2027 and add 1.5 billion baht in yearly revenue. It makes high-margin CPKO for export to oleochemical makers, supporting future profit growth.
This is a major new investment that directly adds future revenue and earnings power, a key reason the stock is moving.
Q2 revenue up 2.48% on higher palm oil prices and capacity jump Q2/2026 revenue rose 2.48% year-on-year to 3.52 billion baht, with net profit of 29.56 million baht. Average palm oil selling price jumped to 38.48 baht/kg from 33.75 baht, and total capacity rose 35.29% to 345 tonnes/hour after the Phanom plant started commercial runs.
This shows the company's current financial health and the positive impact of higher prices and expansion, which drives investor confidence.
Q3 recovery expected, 130m baht new plant, bio-power expansion eyed SMO expects Q3/2026 to recover from Q2, helped by higher crude palm oil exports as exchange rates stabilize. It is investing 130 million baht in a new palm kernel oil plant (300 tonnes/day) and may compete for new power purchase agreements in 2027 to nearly double biomass and biogas capacity.
This signals improving near-term performance and new growth avenues, which can lift the stock price.
Q4 profit turnaround targeted after H1 loss, but raw material shortage cuts output SMO aims to return to net profit in Q4/2026 after a 29.48 million baht H1 loss, driven by higher raw material volumes and high selling prices. However, El Nino delayed palm output, forcing production to about 70% of capacity. Also, the expiry of biodiesel price subsidies on Sept 24 creates uncertainty for pricing.
This is the key counterweight: it explains the risk from raw material shortages and subsidy expiry, which could pressure the stock if not resolved.
DBS Vickers names SMO as beneficiary of biofuel tax cuts DBS Vickers Securities Thailand named SMO in a group of integrated palm oil producers set to benefit from the government's plan to cut excise taxes on biofuels. Lower taxes should boost biodiesel demand, helping SMO's sales and margins.
This is a new regulatory catalyst that could increase demand for SMO's products, directly supporting the stock price.