
LME aluminium prices are on a solid upward track. Although technical analysis by major global research firms indicate at a possible correction which might result in trend reversal, the higher prices, as of now, are turning out to be real boon for the Indian aluminium producers. Vedanta is expected to post a whopping 162 per cent increase in its Q1 profit; Hindalco’s standalone profit increased 28 per cent; and Nalco’s production was up by 6.5 per cent year-over-year.

Higher metal prices signify improved realization. Even though cost plays critical in deciding a company’s profitability, it definitely helps in improving the topline. Hindalco Industries had flagged rising costs in their aluminium business; but thanks to the rising global aluminium prices, the company’s revenue increased by 28 per cent YoY to stand at INR 10,407 crore in Q1 FY2018. EBITDA was INR1,404 crore, up 4 per cent from Q1 FY2017.
Hindalco’s standalone aluminium revenue for Q1 FY2018 was INR 5,008 crore, up 9 per cent YoY driven by higher sales of the metal and increased realisation. Quarterly aluminium production was also up by 4 per cent at 3,20,000 tonnes.
Mining and metals behemoth Vedanta also reported more than doubling of its consolidated net profit to INR 1,525 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up by 27 per cent YoY to INR 18,203 crore. EBITDA rose 40 per cent YoY to INR 4,965 crore on account of ramp up of volumes at the Aluminium business and higher commodity prices, the company said in a BSE filing.
The state-run aluminium producer National Aluminium Company Limited too benefited partially from the improving aluminium prices. Nalco’s total income rose to INR1,997.43 crore in June quarter this fiscal, up from INR1,799.72 crore in the corresponding period previous year. However, the firm’s net profit fell by 4.44 per cent due to rising expenses.
With the aluminium prices surging higher (LME aluminium is currently five per cent higher than its early-July level and up 19 per cent from 2017 beginning), the company expects to cover up the expenses in the next quarters.
Aluminium premiums paid for immediate delivery also play a significant role in improving financials for the metal makers. The companies said they got slightly higher premiums than the previous quarter. Supply side dynamics were favourable, which helped keep premiums in check.
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