Preface: The flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group recorded a significant increase in its consolidated net profit for the December quarter, showing a 71% surge year-on-year. Despite this notable growth, the reported figure of ₹2,331 crore fell short of analyst predictions, which had anticipated a higher net profit of around ₹2,400 crore.
The company observed a slight dip in consolidated revenue, decreasing by 0.6% year-on-year to ₹52,808 crore. Hindalco’s EBITDA stood at ₹2,443 crore, compared to ₹1,591 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Shares of the major aluminum company faced pressure even prior to the release of its results, as its subsidiary Novelis announced a revision in both cost and timeline for the capital expenditure of its plant in Bay Minette, Alabama, USA, the day before. According to a press statement from Novelis, the plant’s capital expenditure surged from $2.50 billion (approximately ₹21,000 crore) to $4.10 billion (around ₹33,000 crore), marking a significant 64% increase. The plant, currently under construction, is aimed at aluminum recycling and rolling operations in Bay Minette.
Price Action: Hindalco’s share price experienced a decline of 12.42%, closing at ₹510.10 on Tuesday.
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Hindalco Industries witnessed a 14% decline in its stock price during morning trading on Tuesday, following the declaration of its December quarter performance by its US subsidiary, Novelis.
Although the financial results were in line with expectations, analysts expressed disappointment with the Capex guidance and extended timeline.
Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities stated, “Novelis’ 3QFY24 adjusted EBITDA met our estimates, with an improving demand outlook in America, while Europe and Asia continue to face pressure.”
For Bharat Forge:
- CLSA and Citi have upheld a ‘sell’ call on Bharat Forge stock with targets of Rs 977 and Rs 800, respectively.
- JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley have maintained an ‘overweight’ rating with targets of Rs 1,250 and Rs 1,346, respectively.
- Jefferies has retained an ‘underperform’ rating with a target of Rs 950.
For Samvardhana Motherson International:
- CLSA has an ‘outperform’ rating on the stock with a target of Rs 126.
- JP Morgan maintains an ‘overweight’ rating with a target of Rs 130.