Hulamin has indicated that it will post a loss for the 2025 financial year, pointing to a combination of operational setbacks and unfavourable currency movements ahead of its full-year results due on Monday.

Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain

The aluminium manufacturer, headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, explained that a prolonged shutdown of its integrated plant formed part of a major project to expand its wide can body capacity. However, this interruption made it challenging to restore consistent mill performance once operations resumed.

Conversely, the disruption presented difficulties in re-establishing stable mill operations upon the resumption of activity. As indicated in the company's SENS disclosure, the production system functions as an interconnected process; consequently, any output lost during periods of inactivity is irretrievable. Subsequent to the restart, the company experienced persistent operational inefficiencies, which not only diminished the volumes of rolled products but also engendered losses stemming from quality-related problems. Furthermore, the appreciation of the rand relative to the US dollar exerted additional pressure on financial performance, diminishing the group's competitiveness within export markets and compressing profit margins.

Also Read: Kiran Bedi visits Vedanta Jharsuguda, addresses employees and women leaders

Hulamin now anticipates a headline loss per share ranging from 26 cents to 32 cents for the year ending December 2025, a sharp reversal from the headline earnings of 77 cents per share reported previously. On a normalised basis, headline losses from continuing operations are projected at between 25 cents and 31 cents per share, compared with earnings of 55 cents per share in the prior year.

At the bottom line level, total loss per share is expected to come in between 43 cents and 53 cents, compared with earnings of 93 cents per share a year earlier.

The company noted that both the shutdown and the subsequent operational difficulties had a significant effect on production levels, while currency fluctuations compounded the overall financial strain.

Investors responded negatively to the update, with the share price dropping by more than 11 per cent at one point during early trading on Friday.

In addition, Hulamin confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding a possible sale of its Hulamin Extrusions division. This unit has already been treated as a discontinued operation since June 2025, as the group sharpens its focus on its core Rolled Products business.

Don't miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform

Note: Image for referential purposes only