NALCO delivered landmark financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, marking the company's best-ever performance across both operational and financial metrics. The Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines demonstrated exceptional growth momentum despite challenging market conditions in the alumina sector.
Outstanding Financial Performance
The company's nine-month performance showcased remarkable financial discipline and growth. Revenue increased by 13% while expenditure rose by only 6%, demonstrating effective cost management strategies. This operational leverage resulted in significant margin expansion across key profitability metrics.
| Financial Metric |
Nine Months Performance |
Growth Rate |
| Revenue Growth |
13% increase |
Strong expansion |
| Expenditure Growth |
6% increase |
Controlled costs |
| EBITDA Margin |
20% improvement |
Significant expansion |
| Profit Before Tax |
25% growth |
Exceptional performance |
The revenue increase of approximately Rs. 2,000 crores was primarily driven by volume growth, with alumina contributing Rs. 1,600 crores and metal adding Rs. 410 crores to the revenue expansion.
Robust Production and Sales Volumes
NALCO achieved exceptional volume growth across its product portfolio during the nine-month period. The company's focus on maximizing production efficiency and plant utilization delivered substantial results in both alumina and aluminium segments.
| Production Metrics |
Volume Growth |
Sales Performance |
| Alumina Production |
20% increase |
45% sales growth |
| Metal Production |
3.5% increase |
5% sales growth |
| Quarter-on-Quarter |
4-5% growth |
Strong momentum |
The significant increase in alumina sales of 45% reflects the company's enhanced export capabilities and market penetration strategies. Metal sales growth of 5% demonstrates steady domestic market performance despite competitive pressures.
Pricing Environment and Market Dynamics
The company navigated challenging pricing conditions in the alumina market while benefiting from stronger aluminium prices. Alumina prices declined from approximately $562 to $385 on average, creating a negative impact of Rs. 1,652 crores. However, metal prices increased from $2,538 to $2,867, providing a positive impact of Rs. 781 crores.
| Price Impact Analysis |
Alumina |
Aluminium |
| Price Change |
$562 to $385 |
$2,538 to $2,867 |
| Impact on Revenue |
-Rs. 1,652 crores |
+Rs. 781 crores |
| Net Price Impact |
-Rs. 871 crores |
Offset by volumes |
Operational Efficiency Improvements
NALCO achieved significant cost savings through operational improvements and efficiency enhancements. The company reduced power and fuel costs by Rs. 142 crores and employee costs by Rs. 118 crores during the nine-month period.
Key efficiency improvements included reducing caustic soda consumption from 121 kg to 99 kg per unit, generating savings of Rs. 129 crores despite price increases. The company's captive coal production reached 4 million tons, providing cost advantages over external procurement.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook
The company is advancing several strategic initiatives to enhance long-term growth prospects. The new alumina refinery is scheduled for commissioning in June 2026, with expected production of 3 lakh tons in the first year. NALCO is also exploring long-term contracts for the new refinery capacity with Middle East customers.
| Strategic Projects |
Timeline |
Expected Impact |
| New Alumina Refinery |
June 2026 commissioning |
3 lakh tons production |
| Smelter Expansion |
DPR by August 2026 |
0.5 million tons capacity |
| Critical Minerals |
Pilot phase ongoing |
Future revenue streams |
The company is developing critical mineral extraction capabilities from red mud through partnerships with NML Jamshedpur and BARC for gallium extraction from Bayer's liquid.
Quarterly Performance Highlights
Quarter-on-quarter comparison revealed consistent performance improvement with income increasing by Rs. 200 crores while expenditure rose by only Rs. 60-70 crores. Profit after tax improved from Rs. 2,121 crores to Rs. 2,131 crores, demonstrating sustained profitability.
The company maintained its aluminium cost of production within the Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 160,000 range, reflecting integrated operations with captive alumina supply. Domestic aluminium sales benefited from higher LME prices averaging above $2,800 compared to $2,500 in the previous year.
