Q1 2027 Hindalco Industries Ltd Earnings Call

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, good day and welcome to the earnings conference call of Hindalco Industries Q1 results for FY27. As a reminder, all participant lines will be in the listen only mode, and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions after the presentation concludes. Should you need assistance during the conference call, please signal an operator by pressing star then zero on your touchtone phone. Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Subir Sen, Head of Investor Relations at Hindalco. Thank you, and over to you, Mr. Sen.

Speaker #1: Should you need assistance during the conference call, please signal an operator by pressing star, then zero, on your touchtone phone. Please note that this conference is being recorded.

Speaker #1: I now hand the conference over to Mr. Subir Sen, Head of Investor Relations at Hindalco. Thank you, and I wish you, Mr. Sen.

Speaker #2: Thank you, and a very good morning and evening to everyone. On behalf of Hindalco Industries, I welcome you all to the earnings call for the first quarter of financial year 2027.

Subir Sen: Thank you. A very good morning and evening, everyone. On behalf of Hindalco Industries, I welcome you all to the earnings call for Q1 FY27. In this call, we refer to the Q1 FY27 investor presentation posted on our company's website. Some of the information on this call may be forward-looking in nature and is covered by the safe harbor language on slide number two of the said presentation. In this presentation, we have covered the key highlights of our consolidated performance for Q1 FY27 versus the corresponding period of the prior year. A segment-wise comparative financial analysis of Novelis and Indian aluminum and copper business is also provided. The corresponding segment information of prior periods have also been reinstated accordingly for a comparative analysis.

Speaker #2: In this call, we'll refer to the first quarter of financial year 2027 investor presentation, posted on our company's website. Some of the information on this call may be forward-looking in nature and is covered by the Safe Harbor language on slide number two of the said presentation.

Speaker #2: In this presentation, we have covered the key highlights of our consolidated performance for the first quarter of financial year 2027, versus the corresponding period of the prior year.

Speaker #2: A segment-wise comparative financial analysis of Novelis and the Indian Aluminium and Copper Business is also provided. The corresponding segment information for prior periods has also been reinstated accordingly for comparative analysis.

Speaker #2: Today, we have with us on the call from Hindalco's management: Mr. Satish Pai, Managing Director, and Mr. Bharat Goinkar, Chief Financial Officer. From Novelis's management, we have Mr. Steve Fisher, President and CEO, and Mr. Dev Ahuja, Chief Financial Officer.

Subir Sen: Today, we have with us on the call from Hindalco's management, Mr. Satish Pai, Managing Director, and Mr. Bharat Goenka, Chief Financial Officer. From Novelis' management, we have Mr. Steve Fisher, President and CEO, and Mr. Dev Ahuja, Chief Financial Officer. Following this presentation, this forum will be open for questions and answers. Post this call, an audio replay will also be available on our company's websites. Let me turn this call to Mr. Pai to take you through the company's performance and key highlights in Q1 FY27.

Speaker #2: Following this presentation, this forum will be open for questions and answers. After this call, an audio replay will also be available on our company's website.

Speaker #2: Now, let me turn this call over to Mr. Pai to take you through the company's performance and key highlights in the first quarter of the financial year 2027.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Subir. Good morning and good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining Hindalco's earnings call today. On slides five to nine of this presentation, you can see our achievements and progress across quarterly metrics of safety and sustainability for this quarter versus prior periods.

Satish Pai: Thanks, Subir. Good morning and good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining Hindalco's earnings call today. On slides five to nine of this presentation, you can see our achievements and progress across quarterly metrics of safety and sustainability for this quarter versus prior periods. I will take you through the key highlights of these initiatives. At Hindalco, safety is always our highest priority, and I am pleased to report that there were no fatalities this quarter across all our Indian operations. Our LTIFR for this year stands at 0.21, showing significant improvement over the prior period. As a significant step, we have strengthened our emergency response capabilities through realistic scenario-based mock drills conducted in collaboration with key agencies, including NDRF. These exercises help our team sharpen their response coordination and decision-making during critical situations.

Speaker #3: I will now take you through the key highlights of these initiatives. At Hindalco, safety is always our highest priority, and I'm pleased to report that there were no fatalities this quarter across all our Indian operations.

Speaker #3: Our LTIFR for this year stands at 0.21, showing significant improvement over the prior period. As a significant step, we have strengthened our emergency response capabilities through realistic scenario-based mock drills conducted in collaboration with key agencies, including the NDRF.

Speaker #3: These exercises help our team sharpen their response coordination and decision-making during critical situations. We also took a proactive step towards preventing incidents by implementing the Risk AI Advisor, which helps us identify potential serious incidents at an early stage.

Satish Pai: We also took a proactive step towards preventing incidents by implementing the Risk AI Advisor, which helps us identify potential serious incidents at an early stage. By combining technology with on-ground vigilance, we are improving our ability to anticipate risks, intervene early, and create a safer working place for everyone. At Hindalco, we continue to make strong progress on circularity and responsible waste management. This quarter, 80% of all total waste generated was recycled or reused, indicating strong waste management performance. We achieved 142% recycling of bauxite residue, excluding Utkal, 95% recycling of ash, and 127% recycling of copper slag this quarter. Let me briefly touch upon our circularity initiatives. Demand for fly ash and bauxite residue remains strong across cement, road construction, and quarry backfilling applications. Although fly ash dispatches were temporarily impacted by the railway availability.

Speaker #3: By combining technology with on-ground vigilance, we are improving our ability to anticipate risks, intervene early, and create a safer workplace for everyone. At Hindalco, we continue to make strong progress on circularity and responsible waste management.

Speaker #3: This quarter, 80% of all total waste generated was recycled or reused, indicating strong waste management performance. We achieved 142% recycling of bauxite residue excluding UTCARs, 95% recycling of ash, and 127% recycling of copper slag this quarter.

Speaker #3: Let me briefly touch upon our circularity initiatives. Demand for fly ash and bauxite residue remains strong across cement, road construction, and quarry backfilling applications, although fly ash dispatches were temporarily impacted by rail rake availability.

Speaker #3: A key milestone was the Dallas stone quarry backfilling project, the first initiative of its kind in India, supporting restoration while contributing to the creation of additional carbon sinks.

Satish Pai: A key milestone was the Dalla Stone Quarry backfilling project, the first initiative of its kind in India, supporting degraded forest restoration while contribution to the creation of additional carbon sinks. In our copper business, recycling of copper slag continues to gain traction, driven by demands from the abrasives and ready-mix concrete industries. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how we are turning industrial byproducts into valuable resources while advancing our sustainability goals. We have made consistent progress in improving water efficiency across our operations through a series of focused interventions, such as adoption of zero liquid discharge systems, optimization of cooling tower operations, and reuse practices. These initiatives have helped us significantly reduce dependence on freshwater sources while improving overall process efficiency.

Speaker #3: In our copper business, recycling of copper slag continues to gain traction, driven by demand from the abrasives and ready-mix concrete industries. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how we are turning industrial byproducts into valuable resources while advancing our sustainability goals.

Speaker #3: We have made consistent progress in improving water efficiency across our operations through a series of focused interventions, such as adoption of zero-liquid discharge systems, optimization of cooling tower operations, and reuse practices.

Speaker #3: These initiatives have helped us significantly reduce dependence on freshwater sources while improving overall process efficiency. In our aluminium business, higher recycling rates of 29% this quarter, up from 27% a year ago, along with focused optimization initiatives at our Aditya and Utkal operations, helped us reduce freshwater consumption on a year-on-year basis.

Satish Pai: In our aluminum business, higher recycling rates of 29% this quarter, up from 27% a year ago, along with focused optimization initiatives at the Aditya and Utkal operations, helped us reduce freshwater consumption on a year-on-year basis. Sequentially, water consumption was higher in this quarter, mainly due to the seasonal impacts of the summer months. In our copper business as well, specific water consumption improved year-on-year, largely due to lower freshwater requirements during the plant shutdown. These efforts reflect our continued focus on improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental footprint of our operations. Together, these efforts underscore a strong commitment to sustainable water stewardship and resource conservation across the value chains. We remain deeply committed to preserving and enhancing our biodiversity in and around our areas of operation. Biodiversity conservation remains an integral part of our sustainability agenda.

Speaker #3: Sequentially, water consumption was higher in this quarter, mainly due to the seasonal impacts of the summer months. In our copper business as well, specific water consumption improved year-on-year, largely due to lower freshwater requirements during the planned shutdown.

Speaker #3: These efforts reflect our continued focus on improving resource efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of our operations. Together, these efforts underscore a strong commitment to sustainable water stewardship and resource conservation across the value chains.

Speaker #3: We remain deeply committed to preserving and enhancing our biodiversity in and around our areas of operation. Biodiversity conservation remains an integral part of our sustainability agenda.

Speaker #3: As of the end of Q1 FY27, accumulated tree plantation has crossed 6.3 million trees, with nearly 80,000 saplings planted during the quarter to strengthen Green Belt coverage and enhance local biodiversity around our operations.

Satish Pai: As of the end of Q1 FY27, our cumulative tree plantation has crossed 6.3 million trees, with nearly 80,000 saplings planted during the quarter to strengthen green belt coverage and enhance local biodiversity around our operations. We launched the Madhu Palanam initiative at our Baphlimali bauxite mines to promote apiculture, support pollinator conservation, and further enhance, enrich local ecosystems. In addition, at our Aditya Aluminium Biodiversity Park, we have created artificial islands within a water body to support avian conservation and provide a conducive habitat for birdlife. These initiatives reflect our commitment to go beyond compliance and actively contribute to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancements in the region where we operate. Renewable energy remains a key pillar of our decarbonization strategy.

Speaker #3: We launched the Madhupalanam initiatives at our Baltimore Lee bauxite mines to promote apiculture, support pollinator conservation, and further enrich local ecosystems. In addition, at our Aditya Aluminium Biodiversity Park, we have created artificial islands within a water body to support avian conservation and provide a conducive habitat for bird life.

Speaker #3: These initiatives reflect our commitment to go beyond compliance and actively contribute to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancements in the region where we operate. Renewable energy remains a key pillar of our decarbonization strategy.

Speaker #3: As of the end of Q1, we have 470 megawatts of renewable energy capacity across solar, wind, and hydro resources, along with 35 megawatts of pumped storage tie-ups under a round-the-clock renewable energy program.

Satish Pai: As of the end of Q1, we have 470 megawatts of renewable energy capacity across solar, wind, hydro resources, along with 35 megawatts of pump storage tie-ups under our round-the-clock renewable energy program. We remain on track to add another 414 megawatts of solar and wind capacity, as well as 90 megawatts of RE RTC pump storage capacity during the year. With these additions, our renewable portfolio is expected to reach 884 megawatts of solar, wind, hydro capacity, along with 125 megawatts of RE RTC capacity by the end of FY27. These investments underscore our commitment to reduce carbon intensity, strengthening energy security, and building a more sustainable and future-ready Hindalco. Our aluminum-specific greenhouse gas footprint stood at 19 tons of CO2 per ton of aluminum in Q1, lower than the comparable period last year.

Speaker #3: We remain on track to add another 414 megawatts of solar and wind capacity, as well as 90 megawatts of RERTC pump storage capacity during the year.

Speaker #3: With these additions, our renewable portfolio is expected to reach 884 megawatts of solar, wind, and hydro capacity, along with 125 megawatts of RERTC capacity, by the end of FY27.

Speaker #3: These investments underscore our commitment to reducing carbon intensity, strengthening energy security, and building a more sustainable and future-ready Hindalco. Our aluminium-specific greenhouse gas footprint stood at 19 tons of CO2 per ton of aluminium in Q1, lower than the comparable period last year.

Speaker #3: What is encouraging is this is not a one-time improvement, but part of a sustained, structural reduction in our emission intensity. This reflects the progress we are making through our decarbonization initiatives, greater use of renewable energy, improved recycling, and ongoing operational efficiency.

Satish Pai: What is encouraging is this is not a one-time improvement but a part of a sustained structural reduction in our emission intensity. This reflects the progress we are making through our decarbonization initiatives, greater use of renewable energy, improved recycling, and ongoing operational efficiency. As we move forward, we remain focused on building a globally competitive low-carbon aluminum business that meets the evolving expectations of our customers while creating long-term sustainable value. Let me now give you a glimpse of the current broader economic environment on slide 11. IMF projects global growth at 3% in 2026, moderating from 3.5% during 2025. A significant drag is arising from the Middle East and Central Asia region, which is expected to witness slowing growth down to 0.7 in 2026 from 3.7% a year ago due to the direct disruptions associated with the conflict.

Speaker #3: As we move forward, we remain focused on building a globally competitive, low-carbon aluminium business that meets the evolving expectations of our customers while creating long-term sustainable value.

Speaker #3: Let me now give you a glimpse of the current broader economic environment on slide 11. The IMF projects global growth at 3% in 2026, moderating from 3.5% during 2025.

Speaker #3: A significant drag is arising from the Middle East and Central Asia region, which is expected to witness slowing growth down to 0.7% in 2026, from 3.7% a year ago, due to the direct disruptions associated with the conflict.

Speaker #3: While the war has created a negative supply shock through higher energy and commodity prices, its impact has been partially offset by strong technology-led investments and demand.

Satish Pai: While the war has created a negative supply shock through higher energy and commodity prices, its impact has been partially offset by strong technology-led investments and demand. The US economy is projected to grow by 2.3% in 2026 versus 2.1% in 2025, supported by favorable financial conditions, fiscal support, technology investments, and its net energy exporter status. China is expected to slow from five to 4.6 as higher energy prices, persistent uncertainty, and structural headwinds weigh on activity. Global growth remains vulnerable to renewed geopolitical escalation, commodity price volatility, tighter financial conditions, trade fragmentation, and a possible correction in the technology-related expectations. Global inflation is projected to rise from 4.1 in 2025 to 4.7 in 2026, reflecting higher energy, food, and fertilizer prices and signaling a temporary pause in the global disinflation process.

Speaker #3: The US economy is projected to grow by 2.3% in 2026, versus 2.1% in 2025, supported by favorable financial conditions, fiscal support, technology investments, and its net energy exporter status.

Speaker #3: China is expected to slow from 5% to 4.6% as higher energy prices, persistent uncertainty, and structural headwinds weigh on activity. Global growth remains vulnerable to renewed geopolitical escalation, commodity price volatility, tighter financial conditions, trade fragmentation, and a possible correction in technology-related expectations.

Speaker #3: Global inflation is projected to rise from 4.1% in 2025 to 4.7% in 2026, reflecting higher energy, food, and fertilizer prices, and signaling a temporary pause in the global disinflation process.

Speaker #3: The Indian economy continues to navigate this challenging global environment. The RBI projects GDP growth in FY27 at 6.7%, compared to 7.7% in 2025. The performance of high-frequency indicators suggests that growth momentum remains buoyant.

Satish Pai: Indian economy continues to navigate this challenging global environment. RBI projects GDP growth in FY27 at 6.7%, against 7.7 in 2025. The performance of high-frequency indicators suggests that growth momentum remains buoyant. Industry activity continues to hold, driven by strong progress in manufacturing. Sustained momentum in the service sector continues to support economic activity, while agriculture remains on a stable footing. Domestic demand conditions remain healthy, with both rural and urban consumption showing steady growth. Investments remain stable, led by government CapEx. However, downside risks persist, particularly from geopolitical uncertainties, volatility in global financial markets, external headwinds, and weather-related disruptions. Inflation is expected to rise to 5% in FY27 from 2.1% in FY26, with upside risk emerging from global commodity price shocks, uncertainty around the monsoon, and El Niño conditions.

Speaker #3: Industry activity continues to hold, driven by strong progress in manufacturing. Sustained momentum in the service sector continues to support economic activity, while agriculture remains on a stable footing.

Speaker #3: Domestic demand conditions remain healthy, with both rural and urban consumption showing steady growth. Investments remain stable, led by government capex. However, downside risks persist, particularly from geopolitical uncertainties, volatility in global financial markets, external headwinds, and weather-related disruptions.

Speaker #3: Inflation is expected to rise to 5% in FY27 from 2.1% in FY26, with upside risk emerging from global commodity price shocks and uncertainty around the monsoon and El Niño conditions. Reflecting this balance of opportunities and challenges, the RBI has retained a neutral policy stance, allowing it the flexibility to support both sustainable growth and price stability.

Satish Pai: Reflecting this balance of opportunities and challenges, the RBI has retained a neutral policy stance, allowing it the flexibility to support both sustainable growth and price stability. Moving on to the industry outlook on slides 12 to 14. On slide 12, from a pricing perspective, the quarter was marked by significant volatility. Even before the Middle East conflict escalated, aluminum prices had strengthened to around $3,150 per ton, largely due to the closure of the Mozal smelter. Heightened concerns over potential supply disruption then drove prices sharply higher, peaking at nearly $3,850 per ton before moderating down to $3,200 following the ceasefire. Looking ahead, we remain constructive on aluminum. The market is expected to have a deficit of 1 million tons in calendar year 2026 compared to pre-conflict expectations of about 0.3 million tons.

Speaker #3: Moving on to the industry outlook on slides 12 to 14. On slide 12, from a pricing perspective, the quarter was marked by significant volatility.

Speaker #3: Even before the Middle East conflict escalated, aluminium prices had strengthened to around $3,150 per ton, largely due to the closure of the Mosal smelter.

Speaker #3: Heightened concerns over potential supply disruptions then drove prices sharply higher, peaking at nearly $3,850 per ton before moderating down to $3,200 following the ceasefire.

Speaker #3: Looking ahead, we remain constructive on aluminium. The market is expected to have a deficit of 100,000 tons in calendar year '26, compared to pre-conflict expectations of about 0.3 million tons.

Speaker #3: While demand remains relatively subdued, supply-side constraints continue to support market balances and prices. That said, higher prices are likely to incentivize a supply response, including smelter restarts in Europe and West Asia, and faster ramp-ups in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, which should help rebalance the market over the medium term.

Satish Pai: While demand remains relatively subdued, supply-side constraints continue to support market balances and prices. That said, higher prices are likely to incentivize a supply response, including smelter restarts in Europe and West Asia, and faster ramp-ups in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, which should help rebalance the market over the medium term. Looking at the global aluminum market in Q1 of calendar year 2026, Chinese aluminum production grew about 3% year-on-year to nearly 11 million tons, supported by capacity additions in regions such as Yunnan and Inner Mongolia. This was partially offset by capacity rationalization in Shandong. Outside China, production declined by around 8% to 7 million tons, largely due to disruptions related to the Middle East conflict and the closure of Mozal, although higher outputs from Indonesia and Europe provided some support. As a result, global aluminum production stood at 18 million tons, down 1% year-on-year.

Speaker #3: Looking at the global aluminium market in Q1 of calendar year '26, Chinese aluminium production grew about 3% year-on-year to nearly 11 million tons, supported by capacity additions in regions such as Yunnan and Inner Mongolia.

Speaker #3: This was partially offset by capacity rationalization in Shandong. Outside China, production declined by around 8% to 7 million tons, largely due to disruptions related to the Middle East conflict and the closure of Mosal, although higher outputs from Indonesia and Europe provided some support.

Speaker #3: As a result, global aluminium production stood at 18 million tons, down 1% year-on-year. On the demand side, China continues to see healthy growth, with consumption up 2% to around 12 million tons, driven by strong demand from new energy vehicles and robust exports of semi-fabricated and finished products.

Satish Pai: On the demand side, China continues to see healthy growth, with consumption up 2% to around 12 million tons, driven by strong demand from new energy vehicles and robust exports of semi-fabricated and finished products. However, the property sector remains weak. Outside China, demand declined by around 2% as softer conditions in Europe, North America, and Middle East more than offset growth in India. Overall, global aluminum consumption increased 1% year-on-year to approximately 19 million tons. While demand is continuing to outpace supply, the global aluminum market remains in deficit by roughly 1 million tons this quarter, providing continued support to market fundamentals. Turning to India, demand continues to be relatively resilient and remains ahead of most global markets. We estimate aluminum demand in Q1 of FY27 at around 1.5 million tons, representing growth of approximately 3% year-on-year.

Speaker #3: However, the property sector remains weak. Outside China, demand declined by around 2%, with softer conditions in Europe, North America, and the Middle East more than offsetting growth in India.

Speaker #3: Overall, global aluminium consumption increased 1% year-on-year to approximately 19 million tons. While demand continues to outpace supply, the global aluminium market remains in deficit by roughly 1 million tons this quarter, providing continued support to market fundamentals.

Speaker #3: Turning to India, demand continues to be relatively resilient and remains ahead of most global markets. We estimate aluminium demand in Q1 of FY27 at around 1.5 million tons, representing growth of approximately 3% year-on-year.

Speaker #3: The key growth drivers were automotive demand, supported by GST 2.0-related benefits, and continued vehicle production growth. Along with stable demand from the packaging, industrial machinery, and consumer durable segments, the only area that saw some moderation was the electrical segment, where certain contractor-led projects were deferred due to price volatility during the quarter.

Satish Pai: The key growth drivers were automotive demand, supported by GST 2.0 related benefits and continued vehicle production growth, along with stable demand from the packaging, industrial machinery, and consumer durable segments. The only area that saw some moderation was the electrical segment, where certain contractor-led projects were deferred due to price volatility during the quarter. Overall, India continues to outgrow global aluminum demand and remains one of the most attractive long-term growth markets for the industry. Within domestic products, flat roll products performed particularly well, with demand growing by more than 10% year-on-year, driven primarily by strong demand from packaging and consumer durables. Turning to the Indian copper industry on slide 14. In India, refined copper demand remained somewhat subdued during the quarter, driven by inventory optimization by customers and a more cautious purchasing approach amid uncertainties arising from the West Asia conflict.

Speaker #3: Overall, India continues to outgrow global aluminium demand and remains one of the most attractive long-term growth markets for the industry. Within domestic products, flat-rolled products performed particularly well, with demand growing by more than 10% year-on-year, driven primarily by strong demand from packaging and consumer durables.

Speaker #3: Turning to the Indian copper industry on slide 14. In India, refined copper demand remained somewhat subdued during the quarter, driven by inventory optimization by customers and a more cautious purchasing approach amid uncertainties arising from the West Asia conflict.

Speaker #3: Total demand, including domestic supplies and scrap, in Q1 FY27 stood at 359 kt, compared to 396 kt in the same period last year, reflecting a 9% year-on-year decline.

Satish Pai: Total demand, including domestic supplies and scrap in Q1 of FY27, stood at 359 Kt, compared to 396 Kt in the same period last year, reflecting a 9% year-on-year decline. In Q2 of calendar year 2026, the global copper production grew 2.6% year-on-year to 7.2 million tons, while consumption increased more modestly to 7.5 million tons, resulting in a net global deficit of around 0.3 million tons for the quarter. On the copper concentrate side, the quarter remained quite challenging. Availability of concentrate was tight across the industry, and treatments and refining charges stayed at historically low levels, and at times even negative levels at the range of -$0.26 to -$0.30 per pound. While stronger by-product credits provided some support to smelter economics, concentrate supply remains the key constraint.

Speaker #3: In Q2 of calendar year '26, global copper production grew 2.6% year-on-year to 7.2 million tons, while consumption increased more modestly to 7.5 million tons, resulting in a net global deficit of around 0.3 million tons for the quarter.

Speaker #3: On the copper concentrate side, the quarter remained quite challenging. Availability of concentrate was tight across the industry, and treatment and refining charges stayed at historically low levels—and at times, even negative levels—in the range of minus 26 to minus 30 cents per pound.

Speaker #3: This reflects a broader trend, where global smelting capacity continues to grow faster than the availability of mine supply. While stronger byproduct credits provided some support to smelter economics, concentrate supply remains the key constraint.

Speaker #3: Looking ahead, we expect these tight market conditions to persist, with concentrate availability and TCRCs likely to remain under pressure throughout the rest of this year.

Satish Pai: Looking ahead, we expect these tight market conditions to persist, with concentrate availability and TCRCs likely to remain under pressure throughout the rest of this year. Coming to slide 16. Our consolidated business segment EBITDA was up 58% year-on-year at INR 13,481 crore this quarter. The consolidated profit after tax was up 75% on a year-on-year basis at INR 7,013 crore this quarter. At Hindalco India business, our business segment EBITDA was up 73% year-on-year at INR 8,606 crore this quarter, whereas our quarterly profit after tax was INR 5,301 crore, up 86% on a year-on-year basis this quarter. Before we get into the details of our quarterly segment-wise performance, I would like to highlight two structural tailwinds that we believe will provide incremental support to our profitability and long-term growth trajectory.

Speaker #3: Continuing, coming to slide 16, our consolidated business segment EBITDA was up 58% year-on-year at ₹13,481 crore this quarter. The consolidated profit after tax was up 75% on a year-on-year basis, at ₹7,013 crore this quarter.

Speaker #3: At Hindalco India Business, our business segment EBITDA was up 73% year-on-year at ₹8,606 crore this quarter, whereas our quarterly profit after tax was ₹5,301 crore, up 86% on a year-on-year basis this quarter.

Speaker #3: Before we get into the details of our quarterly, segment-wise performance, I would like to highlight two structural tailwinds that we believe will provide incremental support to our profitability and long-term growth trajectory.

Speaker #3: In India, our move to the new tax regime is a structural benefit that permanently lowers our effective tax rate to 26%, creating an uplift to profitability ratios of EPS and return on equity.

Satish Pai: In India, our move to the new tax regime is a structural benefit that permanently lowers our effective tax rate to 26%, creating an uplift to profitability ratios of EPS and return on equity. Secondly, Novelis' dollar-denominated earnings get a significant uplift in consolidated financials in an environment where the rupee depreciates against the US dollar. Together, these advantages improve the quality, predictability, and growth potentials of our earnings, supporting long-term shareholder value creation. Coming to our business-wise performance this quarter on slide 17. The India upstream aluminum shipments were up 3% year-on-year, and revenues were up 44% year-on-year. Our quarterly EBITDA was a record INR 7,390 crore, up 81% year-on-year, backed by favorable macros and our strong performance across the value chains. This delivered an all-time high EBITDA of INR 2,331 per ton this quarter.

Speaker #3: Secondly, Novelis's dollar-denominated earnings get a significant uplift in consolidated finances in an environment where the rupee depreciates against the US dollar. Together, these advantages improve the quality, predictability, and growth potential of our earnings.

Speaker #3: Supporting long-term shareholder value creation. Coming to our business-wise performance this quarter, on slide 17, the India upstream aluminum shipments were up 3% year-on-year, and revenues were up 44% year-on-year.

Speaker #3: Our quarterly EBITDA was a record ₹7,390 crore, up 81% year-on-year, backed by favorable macros and our strong performance across the value chain. This delivered an all-time high EBITDA of $2,331 per ton this quarter.

Speaker #3: EBITDA margins were at a record 55% and continue to be among the best in the global industry. Our hedging positions in aluminium, for the rest of FY27, stand at around 29% on the commodity at $3,004 per ton, and 18% in the currency at ₹91.63 per dollar.

Satish Pai: EBITDA margins were at a record 55% and continue to be amongst the best in the global industry. Our hedging positions in aluminum for the rest of FY27 stand at around 29% on the commodity at INR 3,004 per ton, and 18% in the currency at INR 91.63 per dollar. Our Indian downstream aluminum business continued to deliver a strong performance where quarterly shipments were up 3% year-on-year at 104 KT. Aluminum downstream delivered a quarterly EBITDA of INR 298 crore, up by 30% year-on-year this quarter versus INR 229 crore in the prior period. This was driven by higher volumes, product mix, and premiumization. The resulted EBITDA per ton stood a little more than 300, at INR 303 per ton this quarter. On India's copper business performance this quarter, our overall metal shipments were at 105 KT, down 16% year-on-year, due to the plant maintenance shutdown.

Speaker #3: Our Indian downstream aluminium business continued to deliver a strong performance, with quarterly shipments up 3% year-on-year at 104 kt. Aluminium downstream delivered a quarterly EBITDA of ₹298 crores, up 30% year-on-year this quarter versus ₹229 crores in the prior period.

Speaker #3: This was driven by higher volumes, product mix, and premiaisation. The resulting EBITDA per ton stood a little more than $300, at $303 a ton this quarter.

Speaker #3: On India's copper business performance this quarter, our overall metal shipments were at 105 kt, down 16% year-on-year due to the planned maintenance shutdown. The CCR volumes were at 96 kt, down 8% year-on-year due to tighter market conditions.

Satish Pai: The CCR volumes were at 96 KT, down 8% year-on-year due to tighter market conditions. Our quarterly copper EBITDA stood at a record INR 918 crore, up 36% year-on-year on account of better realizations in byproducts and operational efficiencies. Our plant maintenance shutdown during the quarter impacted anode production through the concentrate route. Excluding the shutdown effect, our EBITDA per ton with this quarter would have been around INR 1,000, reflecting the underlying strength of the business. Novelis recorded shipments of 916 KT, reflecting a decline of 5% year-on-year over 963 KT shipments in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter stood at $516 million or $563 per ton, reflecting a 24% and 30% increase respectively year-on-year. This includes an $18 million net positive impact from the Oswego fires and is inclusive of $47 million insurance proceeds received during the quarter.

Speaker #3: Our quarterly copper EBITDA stood at a record ₹918 crore, up 36% year-on-year, on account of better realizations in byproducts and operational efficiencies. Our planned maintenance shutdown during the quarter impacted anode production through the concentrate route.

Speaker #3: Excluding this shutdown effect, our EBITDA per ton this quarter would have been around 1,000 dollars, reflecting the underlying strength of the business. Novelis recorded shipments of 916 kt, reflecting a decline of 5% year-on-year over 9 5% year-on-year over 963 kt shipments in the same period last year.

Speaker #3: Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter stood at $516 million, or $563 per ton, reflecting a 24% and 30% increase respectively year-on-year. This includes an $18 million net positive impact from those weeks of fires, and is inclusive of $47 million in insurance proceeds received during the quarter.

Speaker #3: With another quarter of solid execution behind us, our run-rate cost savings are now at $225 million, as we accelerate all cost efficiency initiatives.

Satish Pai: With another quarter of solid execution behind us, that run rate cost savings are now at INR 225 million as we accelerate all cost efficiency initiatives. Looking ahead, we remain committed to our three-year goal of permanently reducing our cost structure by INR 350 to 400 million by FY28 exit. Additionally, scrap prices continue to move in a positive direction, supporting margin improvement. Turning to slide 19, we continue to maintain a strong and resilient balance sheet. As of June 2026, our consolidated net debt to EBITDA stood at 1.95x below our stated threshold of 2 times. Despite the temporary impact of the Oswego fire incident, our businesses continue to generate healthy cash flows, demonstrating the strength and resilience of our portfolio. We remain disciplined in our capital allocation approach and committed to maintain net leverage at around 2 times on a consolidated basis.

Speaker #3: Looking ahead, we remain committed to our three-year goal of permanently reducing our cost structure by $350 to $400 million by FY28 exit. Additionally, scrap prices continue to move in a positive direction, supporting margin improvement.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide 19, we continue to maintain a strong and resilient balance sheet. As of June 2026, our consolidated net debt to EBITDA stood at 1.95x, below our stated threshold of 2 times.

Speaker #3: Despite the temporary impact of those weeks of fire incidents, our businesses continue to generate healthy cash flows, demonstrating the strength and resilience of our portfolio.

Speaker #3: We remain disciplined in our capital allocation approach, and committed two times on a consolidated basis. At the same time, we continue to strike the right balance between investing in high-growth opportunities that enhance our long-term value and deliver attractive returns to our shareholders.

Satish Pai: At the same time, we continue to strike the right balance between investing in high growth opportunities that enhance our long-term value and deliver attractive returns to our shareholders. Details of the operational and financial performance in each of our business segments this quarter compared to the corresponding period of last year, as well as the previous quarters, are covered in further slides and annexures to this presentation. Now, let me conclude today's presentation with some key takeaways. At Novelis, our first quarter performance once again demonstrated the strength and resilience of the underlying business despite the temporary impact of the Oswego fire last year. We have successfully restarted the mill in June, and it is now ramping up steadily towards normal operating levels.

Speaker #3: Details of the operational and financial performance in each of our business segments this quarter, compared to the corresponding period of last year as well as the previous quarters, are covered in further slides and annexures to this presentation.

Speaker #3: Now, let me conclude today's presentation with some key takeaways. At Novelis, our first quarter performance once again demonstrated the strength and resilience of the underlying business, despite the temporary impact of those weeks of fire last year.

Speaker #3: We have successfully restarted the mill in June, and it is now ramping up steadily towards normal operating levels. We view the impact of the outages largely as a timing issue rather than a structural one, with a significant portion of the current year's headwinds expected to be recovered over the course of the next fiscal year.

Satish Pai: We view the impact of the outage largely as a timing issue rather than a structural one, with significant portion of the current year's headwinds expected to be recovered over the course of the next fiscal year. Importantly, our long-term EBITDA per ton guidance of INR 600 remains unchanged. This confidence is supported by the accelerated execution of our INR 350 to 400 million structural cost reduction program, which is delivering sustainable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and margins across the businesses. At the same time, we continue to make significant progress on our growth agenda. The 600 KT Bay Minette greenfield rolling and recycling facility, which is on track for completion this year, represents a transformational milestone for Novelis. With the initial commissioning of key assets already underway, Bay Minette will further strengthen our operating footprint, expand our recycling capabilities, and position Novelis for its next phase of long-term profitable growth.

Speaker #3: Importantly, our long-term EBITDA per ton guidance of 600 remains unchanged. This confidence is supported by the accelerated execution of our $350 to $400 million structural cost reduction program, which is delivering sustainable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and margins across the businesses.

Speaker #3: At the same time, we continue to make significant progress on our growth agenda. The 600 kt daily net greenfield rolling and recycling facility, which is on track for completion this year, represents a transformational milestone for Novelis.

Speaker #3: With the initial commissioning of key assets already underway, daily net will further strengthen our operating footprint, expand our recycling capabilities, and position Novelis for its next phase of long-term, profitable growth.

Speaker #3: Coming to our India business, we have once again delivered an exceptional quarter, achieving record and industry-leading EBITDA per ton and margins across both our upstream and downstream aluminium businesses, alongside a record EBITDA performance in copper.

Satish Pai: Coming to our India business, we have once again delivered an exceptional quarter achieving record and industry-leading EBITDA per ton and margins across both our upstream and downstream aluminum businesses, alongside a record EBITDA performance in copper. This reflects the strength of our integrated business model, relentless focus on operational excellence, disciplined cost management, and consistent execution across market cycles. On the growth front, all our key upstream expansion projects, including the Aditya Alumina Refinery and aluminum smelter expansions are progressing well and remain on track. These projects are integral to our strategy of doubling our upstream capacities while strengthening our integration and cost leadership. We are also making steady progress on our captive coal mine development projects, including Chakla, Banda, and Minasi.

Speaker #3: This reflects the strength of our integrated business model, relentless focus on operational excellence, disciplined cost management, and consistent execution across market cycles. On the growth front, all our key upstream expansion projects, including the Aditya Alumina refinery and aluminium smelter expansions, are progressing well and remain on track.

Speaker #3: These projects are integral to our strategy of doubling upstream capacities while strengthening our integration and cost leadership. We are also making steady progress on our captive coal mine development projects, including Chakla, Banda, and Meenakshi.

Speaker #3: As these mines become operational, they will strengthen our resource security, lower production costs, support margin expansion, and further enhance the earnings profile of our upstream business.

Satish Pai: As these mines become operational, they will strengthen our resource security, lower production costs, support margin expansion, and further enhance the earnings profile of our upstream business. On the downstream side, we continue to make good progress on our growth projects. The Aditya FRP plant is ramping up well and is already making a meaningful contribution to overall production. We also commissioned the Aditya battery foil and the Taloja AC fin facilities last quarter, and both projects are progressing well with customer qualification process currently underway. In specialty aluminum, our precipitated hydrate facility is advancing through customer approval stages, bringing us closer to commercialization. In copper, the business continues to demonstrate resilience and strong execution. Our copper smelter expansion, e-waste recycling projects, and other sustainability-led initiatives are progressing as planned. In addition, the inner groove tubes project will further strengthen our downstream portfolio and enhance our value-added product capabilities.

Speaker #3: On the downstream side, we continue to make good progress on our growth projects. The Aditya FRP plant is ramping up well and is already making a meaningful contribution to overall production.

Speaker #3: We also commissioned our Aditya battery foil and the Taloja AC film facilities last quarter, and both projects are progressing well, with the customer qualification process currently underway.

Speaker #3: In Specialty Alumina, our precipitated hydrate facility is advancing through customer approval stages, bringing us closer to commercialization. In Copper, the business continues to demonstrate resilience and strong execution.

Speaker #3: Our copper smelter expansion, e-waste recycling projects, and other sustainability-led initiatives are progressing as planned. In addition, the inner groove tubes project will further strengthen our downstream portfolio and enhance our value-added productivities.

Speaker #3: Looking ahead, our strategic priorities are clear in India. We are accelerating our upstream expansion in both aluminium and copper, while building a significantly stronger downstream portfolio, with the ambition of delivering a four-fold increase in downstream EBITDA by FY30.

Satish Pai: Looking ahead, our strategic priorities are clear in India. We are accelerating our upstream expansion in both aluminum and copper while building a significantly strong downstream portfolio with the ambition of delivering a fourfold increase in downstream EBITDA by FY30. At Novelis, we remain focused on executing the mid to long-term 3x30 strategy, which is aimed at driving sustainable growth, higher profitability, and stronger returns. Overall, Hindalco is exceptionally well-positioned for the future, backed by our integrated business model, strong resource base, disciplined capital allocation, and growth investments across the value chain. We remain committed to our purpose of engineering better futures while creating long-term sustainable value for our stakeholders. Thank you very much for your attention, and the forum is now open for questions.

Speaker #3: At Novelis, we remain focused on executing the mid- to long-term '3 by 30' strategy, which is aimed at driving sustainable growth, higher profitability, and stronger returns.

Speaker #3: Overall, Hindalco is exceptionally well-positioned for the future, backed by our integrated business model, strong resource base, disciplined capital allocation, and growth investments across the value chain.

Speaker #3: We remain committed to our purpose of engineering better futures, while creating long-term sustainable value for our stakeholders. Thank you very much for your attention, and the forum is now open for questions.

Speaker #1: Thank you. We will now begin the question-and-answer session. Anyone who wishes to ask a question may do so when you touch 'star and one' on your telephone. If you wish to remove yourself from the question queue, you may press 'star and two.'

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. Anyone who wishes to ask a question may press star and one on your touchtone telephone. If you wish to remove yourself from the question queue, you may press star and two. Participants are requested to use handsets while asking a question. Ladies and gentlemen, we will wait for a moment while the question queue assembles. The first question comes from the line of Satyadeep Jain with Ambit Capital. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Participants are requested to use handsets while asking a question. Ladies and gentlemen, we will wait for a moment while the question queue assembles. The first question comes on the line of Satideep Jain with Ambit Capital.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Hi, thank you. Mr. Pai, I just wanted to check if you can clarify: in the Novelis 10-Q, it is mentioned that Novelis will pay up to 0.25% of revenue as royalty to an entity—I'm not sure if it's a promoter entity.

Satyadeep Jain: Hi. Thank you. Mr. Pai, just wanted to check, if you can clarify. In the Novelis 10-Q, it is mentioned that Novelis will pay up to 0.25% of revenue as royalty to an entity, not sure if it's a promoter entity. Can you clarify what that is, and why is that royalty being paid from Novelis?

Speaker #2: Can you clarify what that is, and why that royalty is being paid from Novelis?

Speaker #3: So, I think that as part of the brand royalties concern, let me just give you an update. I think the ownership of the Aditya Birla brand has remained with the Birla Group Holdings Private Limited.

Satish Pai: I think that, as far as the brand royalty is concerned, let me just give you an update. I think the ownership of the Aditya Birla brand has remained with the Birla Group Holdings Private Limited, and in the past, this ABG has not charged any royalty for the use of ABG marks all these years, making it one of the exceptions among large Indian conglomerates. What is happening is that this brand royalty, this framework, it marks a transition from family driven stewardship to structured governance. I think, investing in the brand, keeping it better for the future. I think Novelis declared it in its 10-Q. Hindalco comes under SEBI regulation. Under SEBI LODR, all our related party transactions will be disclosed biannually through exchange filings due in October.

Speaker #3: And in the past, this VGH has not charged any royalty for the use of ABG marks all these years, making it one of the exceptions among large Indian conglomerates.

Speaker #3: So what is happening is that this brand royalty, this framework, marks a transition from family-driven stewardship to structured governance. So I think investing in the brand, keeping it better for the future.

Speaker #3: So I think Novelis declared it in its 10-Q. Hindalco comes under SEBI regulations, so under SEBI LODR, all our related party transactions will be disclosed biannually through exchange filings due in October.

Speaker #3: So, I think even Hindalco will be paying that same type of royalty to Bella Group Holdings Private Limited.

Satish Pai: I think even Hindalco will be paying that same type of royalty to Birla Group Holdings Private Limited.

Speaker #2: Good point. Hindalco would also be 0.25%.

Satyadeep Jain: For Hindalco would also be 0.25%?

Speaker #3: Yes. And it's capped at ₹225 crore. I think it's also important to note, for us, this royalty amount is below what we say is our materiality threshold.

Satish Pai: Yes. It's capped at INR 225 crores. I think it's important to note for us this royalty amount is below what we say is our materiality threshold.

Speaker #2: That ₹225 crore is for six months for this year, right? Otherwise, on a plain basis,

Satyadeep Jain: That INR 225 crore is for six months for this year, right? Otherwise on a recurring basis.

Speaker #3: For the year, Satish.

Satish Pai: No, for the year. For the year, Satyadeep.

Satyadeep Jain: For this year, because it is starting from September, otherwise for next year, would that INR 225 crore cap it?

Speaker #2: For this year, because it's starting from September, but otherwise for next year, should it be that ₹225 crore cap?

Speaker #3: It's for 12 months, capped at ₹225 crore.

Satish Pai: No. It is for 12 months capped at INR 225 crore.

Speaker #2: Okay. For Novelis, you're saying, right?

Satyadeep Jain: Okay. For Novelis, you're saying, right?

Satish Pai: Hindalco will be exactly the same.

Speaker #3: And Hindalco will be exactly the same.

Speaker #2: Okay. So this is going to apply—I'm sure you can't talk about other entities, but it's going to apply generally to all the other entities also.

Satyadeep Jain: Okay. This is going to apply, I'm sure you can't talk about other entities, but this is going to apply general to all the other entities also.

Satish Pai: I cannot comment.

Speaker #3: I cannot.

Speaker #2: Yeah, so the other one was just—I know Novelis. Again, we thought we'll get more clarity on—there have been many investor questions on the $70 million of tariff impact at Novelis.

Satyadeep Jain: Yeah. The other one was, this I know Novelis again we thought we'll get more clarity on. There have been many investor questions on the $70 million of tariff impact at Novelis. I know the team tried to clarify that on the call, but if we exclude that $770 million, it looks like EBITDA per ton would have been more than $600 per ton for Novelis. Just trying to understand why did the tariff impact increase so significantly from $24 million last quarter to $70 million, and why is that not excluded from EBITDA to report an adjusted EBITDA?

Speaker #2: I know the team tried to clarify that on the call, but is that if we exclude that $70 million, it looks like EBITDA per ton would have been more than $600 per ton for Novelis.

Speaker #2: Just trying to understand why the tariff impact increased so significantly from $24 million last quarter to $70 million, and why is that not excluded from EBITDA to report an adjusted EBITDA?

Speaker #3: Steve, Dave, you want to.

Satish Pai: Steve, there you want to-

Steve Fisher: Okay. Yeah, Satyadeep. No, we cannot take it out of adjusted EBITDA. Number one. Number two, Satyadeep, I can basically just amplify what I said on the call the other day. You got to think about this as related to the fact that we are not able to produce enough yet in the US. We have to depend on more imports. As far as capacity is concerned, theoretically, if all the assets start running optimally, we will have enough onshore capacity. But given the fact that we have had to reconfigure so many things post the Oswego fire, and particularly in this quarter, we have had to really keep our customers. This is related to keeping customers as much as we can fully serviced. Net net, this is an impact that will stay with us for some time.

Speaker #4: Okay. So, yeah, Satideep, no, we cannot take it out of adjusted EBITDA—number one. Number two, Satideep, I mean, I can basically just amplify what I said on the call the other day.

Speaker #4: You have to think about this as related to the fact that we are not able to produce enough yet in the US. We have to depend on more imports.

Speaker #4: As far as capacity is concerned, theoretically, if all the assets start running optimally, we will have enough onshore capacity. But given the fact that we have had to reconfigure so many things post the Oswego fire, and particularly in this quarter, we have had to really keep our customers—so this is related to keeping customers—as much as we can, fully serviced.

Speaker #4: So net-net, this is an impact that will stay with us for some time. Now, be careful about literally sort of adding that back and taking the EBITDA per ton at over 600.

Steve Fisher: Now, be careful about literally sort of adding that back and taking the EBITDA per ton at over 600. I would not recommend you do those kinds of adjustments. There are many moving parts on a macro level, metal prices and so on. We just need to be careful. For the next couple of quarters, there will be some level of tariffs. I cannot say exactly how much. We still need to work on reconfiguring our supply chain. Be careful about just literally adding it back. All that I'm telling you is that it's not like this 70, unfortunately, will go to zero until the time we have just set all our supply chains back in order. That's really the best answer that I can provide to you.

Speaker #4: I mean, I would not recommend you do those kinds of adjustments. There are many moving parts on a macro level—metal prices and so on.

Speaker #4: I mean, we just need to be careful. For the next couple of quarters, there will be some level of tariffs. I cannot say exactly how much.

Speaker #4: I mean, we still need to work on reconfiguring our supply chain, so be careful about just literally adding it back. All that I'm telling you is that it's not like the 70, unfortunately, will go to zero until the time we adjust and get all our supply chains back in order.

Speaker #4: So that's really the best answer that I can provide to you.

Speaker #2: So, let's say once Oswego is up and running in two quarters from now. So this $70 million—basically, when Oswego production was impacted, some of it was being fulfilled by procuring metal from competitors in the US.

Satyadeep Jain: Just let's say once Oswego is up and running in two quarters from now, this $70 million, basically when Oswego production was impacted, some of it was being fulfilled by procuring metal from the competitors in the US. It seems like this quarter you used some of the other facilities to bring more imports into the US. Is that correct? The impact was mainly to fulfill Oswego shipments in Q1. What about the other raw material and all other material that you were seeing tariff impact in the previous quarters? That impact was not there at all this quarter.

Speaker #2: It seems like this quarter you used some of the other facilities to bring more imports into the US. Is that correct? And so the impact was mainly to fulfill Oswego shipments in one quarter.

Speaker #2: And what about the other Ultra and all other material where you were seeing tariff impact in the previous quarters? That impact was not there at all this quarter.

Steve Fisher: Yeah. Let's step back. Satish, we are really getting into the weeds and to explain the entire supply chain is really complicated. Let's just bring this back into why this quarter, why not so much earlier quarters. Look, as much as possible, we are trying to cut dependence on third parties and use our own system because there are benefits of quality, of reliability, of more consistency. As much as possible, we are trying to use our system, our network to bring in materials. Earlier, we had to really get a lot of third party, and that goes in the cost of the freight. Be careful. What we get from third parties goes in the cost of the freight, which is below the line. This is from our own network. We don't basically classify this tariff below the line in cost of freight, that is the difference.

Speaker #4: I mean, this is Satish. We are really getting into the weeds, and to explain the entire supply chain—it's really complicated. I think let's just bring this back to why this quarter, and not so much in earlier quarters.

Speaker #4: Look, as much as possible, we are trying to sort of cut dependence on third parties and use our own system, because there are benefits of quality, reliability, and more consistency.

Speaker #4: So, as much as possible, we are sort of trying to use our system—our network—to bring in materials. Earlier, we had to really get a lot from third parties, and that goes into the cost of the fire.

Speaker #4: So be careful, what we get from third parties goes in the cost of the fire, which is below the line. This is from our own network.

Speaker #4: We don't basically classify this tariff below the line in cost of fire, and that is a difference. So, I'm not—kind of—it's very difficult to explain the entire material flow and the supply chain.

Steve Fisher: It's very difficult to explain the entire material flow and the supply chain. I can only give you a direction and guidance to say that we'll have to live with some level of tariffs in the coming quarters, it is not like Oswego is up and everything just starts going back to normal. No, it takes time. There are materials in the pipeline. There is production that is already happening. It is not like you can time things so perfectly, right? That is why I'm staying away from giving very specific guidance. Let's just take the next quarter. By that time, we will have a little more clarity, we will talk about it again. For now, I would leave it at this. All right?

Speaker #4: I can only sort of give you a direction and guidance to say that we'll have to live with some level of tariffs in the coming quarters, and it is not like Oswego is up and everything sort of just starts going back to normal.

Speaker #4: No, it takes time. It takes time. There are materials in the pipeline; there is production—that is already happening. So, it's not like you can time things so perfectly, right?

Speaker #4: That is why I'm staying away from giving very specific guidance. Let's just take the next quarter; by that time, we will have a little more clarity and we will talk about it again.

Speaker #4: So, for now, I would leave it at this. All right?

Speaker #2: Okay. Thank you so much.

Satyadeep Jain: Okay. Thank you so much.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Steve Fisher: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Next question comes on the line of Vinakin with HSBC. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Pinakin with HSBC. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Yeah, thank you very much. Just three quick questions. Keeping prices aside for a moment, there was an operational impact in aluminum downstream and copper.

[Company Representative] (HSBC): Yeah. Thank you very much, sir. Just three quick questions. Keeping prices aside for a moment, there was an operational impact in aluminum downstream and copper. Should we expect these volumes to recover from Q2 onwards?

Speaker #5: Should we expect these volumes to recover from Q2 onwards?

Speaker #3: Yeah, I think the volumes in Q2, both for copper and downstream aluminum, will be higher. I mean, as I said in my prepared remarks, the electrical sector was a little bit weak.

Satish Pai: Yeah, I think the volumes in Q2, both for copper and downstream aluminum, will be higher. As I said in my prepared remarks, the electrical sector was a little bit weak. In copper, we had a planned shutdown of a smelter. I think for, Pinakin, the volumes in the quarter, both for aluminum downstream and copper, will be higher.

Speaker #3: In copper, we had a planned shutdown of a smelter. So I think for Vinakin, the volumes in two quarters, both for aluminum downstream and copper, will be higher.

Speaker #5: Got it. My second question is, at the console level, we still see an exceptional hit of roughly ₹2,300 crore in this quarter. There was no exceptional one-time impact in Novelis.

[Company Representative] (HSBC): Got it. My second question is, at the consolidated level, we still see an exceptional hit of roughly INR 2,300 crores in this quarter. There was no exceptional one-time impact in Novelis. Given Oswego has restarted, should we continue to see exceptional losses from Q2 in the consolidated P&L? How should we look at this?

Speaker #5: So given Oswego has restarted, should we continue to see exceptional losses from the second quarter in the console P&L? How should we look at this?

Speaker #3: Look, Vinakin, it's a difference between US GAAP and India's. In India, we have to show it as exceptional. I think in US GAAP, it comes in unallocated.

Satish Pai: No, Pinakin, it's a difference between US GAAP and Ind AS. In Ind AS, we have to show it as exceptional. I think in US GAAP it comes in-

[Company Representative] (HSBC): Unallocated.

Satish Pai: Unallocated. We can explain that to you offline. It's a difference between US GAAP and Ind AS.

Speaker #3: So, we can explain that to you offline. It’s a difference between US GAAP and India's.

Speaker #5: So, do you have the Oswego plant restarted? Should we expect this quantum to reduce, or at the console level, will we see a similar hit?

[Company Representative] (HSBC): Given the Oswego plant has restarted, should we expect this quantum to reduce, or at the consolidated level will we see a similar hit?

Speaker #3: No, no, no. As the Oswego plant restarts, then it should go away.

Satish Pai: No. As the Oswego plant restarts, it should go away.

Speaker #5: It should go away. Got it.

[Company Representative] (HSBC): If you go. Got it.

Satish Pai: The insurance recoveries will start to come in then.

Speaker #3: And the insurance recoveries will start to come in then.

Speaker #5: Okay. Okay. Okay. And my last question is just on the net debt guidance. At the year end, we heard from the Novelis call about their expectations of leverage coming down below 4x.

[Company Representative] (HSBC): Okay. The last question is just on the net debt guidance for the year, as we heard from the Novelis call of their expectations of leverage to come down below 4x. At the consolidated Hindalco level, should we expect the net debt to be steady at these levels as of March end come down because the underlying cash flows are very strong?

Speaker #5: At the console, Dalco level, should we expect the net debt to be steady at these levels as of March and come down, because the underlying cash flows are very, very strong?

Speaker #3: Yeah, I think on the India side, Vinakin, this is a high capex year for us. So I don't expect our net debt to EBITDA to materially change across the coming quarters.

Satish Pai: Yeah, I think on the India side, Timucin, this is a high CapEx year for us. I don't expect our net debt to EBITDA to materially change across the coming quarters. I think that, if Novelis net debt to EBITDA starts to come down in Q4, then the consolidated should go down.

Speaker #3: So, I think that if Novelis' net debt to EBITDA starts to come down in Q4, then the console should go down.

Speaker #5: Got it. Thank you very much.

[Company Representative] (HSBC): Got it. Thank you very much.

Speaker #3: Yeah, thank you.

Satish Pai: Yeah. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Sumangal Nivatia with Kotak Securities. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Sumangal Nevatia with Kotak Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Yeah, good evening. Thanks for the chance. So, first question on the downstream aluminum business: the $300 margin is a multi-quarter high. Is there something unsustainable there, or with the ramp-up now of the FRP plant, should we expect to see these sorts of levels sustainably in the future as well?

Sumangal Nevatia: Yeah. Good evening. Thanks for the chance. First question on the downstream aluminum business. The INR 300 margin is multi-quarter high. Is it something unsustainable there or with the ramp-up now of the FRP plant, should we sustainably see these sort of levels in future as well?

Speaker #3: So, I think we have been sort of targeting more around the 250. There is also, with the metal premiums and all going up, we are on up.

Satish Pai: I think, we have been sort of targeting more around the INR 250. There is also, with the metal premiums and all going off, we have gone up. We have been able to hold our pricing in the downstream. I think, we will have to because the downstream pricing net to the customer is metal plus NJP plus the conversion premium. High NJP has helped us get those margins on the downstream also up. I would say more around INR 250 is a more sustainable number.

Speaker #3: We have been able to hold our pricing in the downstream. So I think we will have to, because the downstream pricing net to the customer is metal plus LME plus conversion premium.

Speaker #3: So, high NJP has helped us get those margins on the downstream also up. So, I would say more around 250 is a more sustainable number.

Speaker #6: Understood. Just a couple more clarifications on the royalty: for how long is it fixed, and will it come up for review every now and then in terms of percentage of sales?

Sumangal Nevatia: Understood. Just couple of more clarifications. On the royalty, for how long is it fixed, and will it come for review every now and then, in terms of percentage of sales?

Speaker #3: I don't know, Sumangal. I think that I would expect this to be there for a while at these levels.

Satish Pai: I don't know, Sumangal. I think that I would expect this to be there for a while at these levels.

Speaker #6: Okay, okay. But generally, we've seen there is an agreement for three years, five years, and then it is reviewed. So, no such time period—you have any clarity today?

Sumangal Nevatia: Okay. Generally we've seen there is agreement for three years, five years, and then it is reviewed. No such time period, you have any clarity today?

Speaker #3: I don't have the clarity. I can check and get back to you.

Satish Pai: I don't have the clarity. I can check and get back to you.

Speaker #6: Sure, sure, that's fine. And I just want to understand, for next year's FY28, what sort of domestic coal—or sorry, captive coal—production are we expecting for the full year, say, from Tesra and Banda?

Sumangal Nevatia: Sure. That's fine. I just want to understand, Next year, say FY28, what sort of captive coal production are we expecting for the full year, say from Chakla and Banda?

Speaker #3: So, Tesla will start to come in. We are expecting about 1 million tons from Chakla. Banda will only start from the middle of the year.

Satish Pai: Chakla will start to come in. We are expecting about a million tons from Chakla. Banda will only start from the middle of the year, I would say about half a million tons for Banda.

Speaker #3: So I would say about half a million tons for Banda.

Speaker #6: So, one and a half for next financial year, FY28. I'm asking, sir—not FY20.

Sumangal Nevatia: One and a half for next financial year, FY28, I am asking, sir.

Satish Pai: Yes.

Speaker #3: Yes. Yes.

Speaker #6: Okay. Okay. Okay.

Sumangal Nevatia: Okay.

Speaker #3: Yes.

Satish Pai: Yes.

Speaker #6: Okay, and just one last thing—do we expect any contribution from Aditya Refinery and the Phase One smelter anytime next year, or is it largely going to be end of year and then FY29 contribution?

Sumangal Nevatia: Okay. Just last thing, do we expect any contribution from Aditya Refinery and the Phase 1 smelter anytime next year, or it is largely going to be end of year and then FY29 contribution?

Speaker #3: I think FY29, because it commissions December to January of this fiscal—sorry, next fiscal. So I would put FY29 as the full, meaningful numbers coming in.

Satish Pai: I think FY29 because it commissions December to January of this next fiscal. I would put FY29 as the full contract, meaning meaningful numbers coming in.

Speaker #6: Got it. And just one last bookkeeping question: there's an intercompany profit in the India financials. What exactly is this? It's increased significantly quarter on quarter.

Sumangal Nevatia: Got it. Just one last bookkeeping. There is an intercompany profit in the India financials. What exactly is this? It has increased significantly quarter on quarter, around INR 750 odd crores.

Speaker #6: Around 750 odd crores.

Speaker #3: Yeah, I think that's because of the intercompany elimination, because an upstream sells to downstream. And there is a mismatch between the price at which it was bought, and then we have to revalue when the LME goes up.

Satish Pai: Yeah. I think that's because of intercompany elimination. Because when upstream sells to downstream and there is a mismatch between the price at which it was bought, and then we have to revalue if the LME goes up. That is sitting in that correction there.

Speaker #3: So that is sitting in that correction there.

Speaker #6: Okay.

Speaker #3: Again, better Subir will explain to you offline.

Sumangal Nevatia: Okay. All right.

Satish Pai: Again, better Subir will explain to you offline.

Speaker #6: Sure. Sure. I'll follow up. All right. Thank you and all the best, sir. Yeah.

Sumangal Nevatia: Sure. I'll follow up. All right. Thank you, and all the best, sir.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Satish Pai: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Next question comes on the line of Pallava Agarwal with Antique Stock Broking Limited. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Pallav Agarwal with Antique Stock Broking Limited. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Good evening, sir. The first question is: Is there any revision to our copper quarterly EBITDA guidance? Also, do we expect sulfuric acid prices to stay elevated?

Pallav Agarwal: Yeah. Good evening, sir. The first question was, is there any revision to our quarterly EBITDA guidance? Do we expect sulfuric acid prices to stay elevated?

Speaker #3: Oh, they are staying elevated. So I think it'd be fair to say a similar number like Q1 for Q2.

Satish Pai: They are staying elevated, I think it'd be fair to say a similar number like Q1 for Q2.

Speaker #6: Okay. And maybe some tapering off in the second half?

Pallav Agarwal: Okay, maybe some tapering off in the H2?

Speaker #3: I hope not, because with the TCRC so low, we are counting on sulfur-y. See, sulfur prices are impacted by the West Asia crisis, so sulfuric acid prices are driven by the sulfur index.

Satish Pai: I hope not because with the TCRC so low, we are counting on sulfuric. See, sulfur prices are impacted by West Asia crisis. Sulfuric acid prices are driven by the sulfur index. If you follow the sulfur index, it's pretty high right now.

Speaker #3: So, if you follow the sulfur index, it's pretty high right now.

Speaker #6: Sure. Also, if you could just give us the quantum of external alumina, say, this quarter.

Pallav Agarwal: Sure, sir. Also, if you could just give us the quantum of external alumina sales this Q.

Speaker #3: The external alumina sales, we actually missed one ship. So it was 138 kt. So next quarter, we will be selling about 190 kt. We missed one ship sale.

Satish Pai: The external alumina sales, we actually missed one ship, so it was 138 KT. Next Q we'll be selling about 190 KT. We missed one ship sale, that's why the volume is 138 this Q.

Speaker #3: That's why the volume is 138 this quarter.

Speaker #6: Sure. And lastly, are we seeing an uptick in global alumina prices because of that historic low? So, are they picking up?

Pallav Agarwal: Sure, sir. Lastly, are we seeing an uptick in global alumina prices, because they're at historic lows, are they picking up?

Speaker #3: They are slightly picking up. I mean, right now, it's around 330, 340. So yes, it's a slight uptick. Yes.

Satish Pai: They are slightly picking up. Right now it's around INR 330, INR 340. Yes, it's a slight uptick. Yes.

Speaker #6: Sure, sir. Okay. Yeah, thank you so much.

Pallav Agarwal: Sure, sir. Okay. Yeah, thank you so much.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Satish Pai: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. The next question comes from the line of Inderjeet Agarwal with CLSA. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Indrajit Agarwal with CLSA. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Hi, first year bookkeeping question. How has the cash cost being quarter over quarter in this quarter and how do we expect next quarter?

Indrajit Agarwal: Hi. First, a bookkeeping question. How has the cash cost been quarter-over-quarter in this quarter, and how do we expect next quarter?

Speaker #3: Yeah. So, I think this quarter, it was up by 5%—Q1 versus Q4. Actually, around 4%. I think I had guided 5%. It came in more or less at that same level.

Satish Pai: Yeah. I think this quarter it was up by 5% Q1 versus Q4. Actually around 4%. I think I had guided 5%. It came in more or less at the same level. Indrajit, I think actually we benefited from some of the low-cost inventories during Q1. In Q2, the coal prices in the northern region have gone up in the monsoon period. We are expecting maybe another 5% to 6% increase Q2 to Q1.

Speaker #3: And Inderjeet, I think actually we benefited from some of the low-cost inventories during Q1. In Q2, the coal prices in the northern region have gone up during the monsoon period.

Speaker #3: So, we are expecting maybe another 5 to 6 percent increase, Q2 over Q1.

Speaker #7: Sure. Understood. Secondly, can you help with what is happening in the MJP physical market premium?

Indrajit Agarwal: Sure. Understood. Secondly, if you can help with what is happening in the NJP physical market premium.

Speaker #3: Yeah, NJP is—sorry, go ahead. Please finish your question.

Satish Pai: Sorry, go ahead. Please finish your question.

Speaker #7: That has been elevated for a while. So, how do you see that panning out?

Indrajit Agarwal: That has been elevated for a while.

Satish Pai: Yes.

Indrajit Agarwal: How do you see that panning out?

Speaker #3: So the NJP is up because Middle East supplies to Japan and Korea have been impacted. So I think that as long as that metal is out of the market, the NJP will stay slightly high.

Satish Pai: The NJP is up because the Middle East supplies to Japan, Korea have been impacted. I think that as long as that metal is out of the market, the NJP will stay slightly high, and probably next year it will come down once Middle East smelters are back.

Speaker #3: And probably next year, it will come down once Middle East smelters are back online.

Speaker #7: So, are we changing our domestic and export sales mix because of this, or not?

Indrajit Agarwal: Are we changing our domestic and export sales mix because of this or not?

Speaker #3: No, I think that we certainly are trying to, on the exports, we try to get as much as we can. But no, I mean, because of our downstream requirements as well, and the Indian market is also still giving us a fairly good return.

Satish Pai: I think that we certainly are trying to. On the exports, we try to get as much as we can, but no. Of our downstream requirements as well, and the Indian market is also still giving us a fairly good return. I think we will try to catch a bit more exports, but not significantly change. No.

Speaker #3: So I think we will try to catch a bit more exports, but not significantly change. No.

Speaker #7: Thank you. That's all from me.

Indrajit Agarwal: Thank you. That's all.

Speaker #3: Yeah.

Satish Pai: Yeah.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Amit Lahotier with Aditya Bhilla Capital Institutional Equities. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Amit Lahoti with Aditya Birla Capital Institutional Equities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi, my first question is on the copper business. Given that TCRC continues to remain negative, and by-product prices are also normalizing, especially gold, and China is not closing its excess smelting capacity, how should we think about the backward integration plan in the medium term?

Amit Lahoti: Thanks. My first question is on the copper business. Given that TCRCs continue to remain negative, byproduct prices are also normalizing, especially gold, China is now closing its excess smelting capacity. How do we think about the backward integration plan in the medium term? Can we look for more copper deposits within the country and move towards self-dependence for the concentrate supply? That's my first question.

Speaker #4: Can we look for more copper deposits within the country and move towards self-dependence for concentrate supply? That's my first question.

Speaker #3: Yeah, we're trying to do that. We have got one copper exploration block that we are actually evaluating and drilling holes in right now, and we are expecting some more blocks to come.

Satish Pai: Yeah, we're trying to do that. We have got one copper exploration block that we are actually evaluating and drilling holes right now. We are expecting some more blocks to come. We are looking at copper mines around the country and in the neighboring countries. The copper mine prices, if you go to South America or Australia, at least elevated LME levels, is very high. We have got 85% of our concentrate requirements blocked in. It's not a question of can we get concentrate. We will get the concentrate. The question becomes, why would you go and pay money to get an equity in a mine at these elevated prices of LME? There's no problem with the security of supply for concentrate is what I'm trying to say. The backward integration, we are trying to look for mines.

Speaker #3: We are looking at copper mines around the country and in the neighboring countries. The copper mine prices—if you go to South America or Australia, at these elevated LME levels—are very high.

Speaker #3: And we have got 85% of our concentrate requirements blocked in. So it's not a question of can we get concentrate. We will get the concentrate.

Speaker #3: So, then the question becomes: why would you go and pay money to get equity in a mine at these elevated LME prices?

Speaker #3: There's no problem with the security of supply for concentrate, is what I'm trying to say. And for backward integration, we are trying to look for mines—we are exploring mines within the country.

Satish Pai: We are exploring mines within the country.

Speaker #4: So, any timeline when we could have some of the blocks ready with us? Maybe, is it two years or is it like five years from now?

Amit Lahoti: Any timeline when we could have some of the blocks ready with us? Maybe is it two years or is it five years from now?

Speaker #3: I think this block that we are evaluating—we'll get to know in another year. The preliminary samples are looking good, but the extent and the volumes will probably take more than another year to evaluate.

Satish Pai: I think this block that we are evaluating, we'll get to know in another year. The preliminary samples are looking good, but the extent and the volumes, which will probably take more than another year to evaluate it.

Speaker #4: Sure. My second question is on Novelis. As they target net leverage of four times, this is essentially a function of either net debt coming down or EBITDA going up.

Amit Lahoti: Sure. My second question is on Novelis. As we target net leverage of four times, this is essentially a function of either net debt coming down or EBITDA going up. Given that we are close to $2 billion of EBITDA run rate, which implies that $8 billion of net debt, we are already pretty likely at four times. Can we rather not expect a level which is well below four times?

Speaker #4: And given that we are close to a $2 billion EBITDA run rate, which implies that with $8 billion of net debt, we are already pretty likely at four times.

Speaker #4: So can we, rather, not expect a level which is well below four times?

Speaker #3: Dave, I think we got the question in your call as well, sir.

Satish Pai: Dev, I think we got the question in your call as well.

Speaker #6: Yeah, yeah. So I already said that, based on all the visibility that I can see right now, we will be below four. Now, your other question is about what is it between a function of lower net debt and EBITDA?

Steve Fisher: Yeah. I already said that based on all the visibility that I can see right now, we will be below four. Now, your other question is about what is it between a function of lower net debt and EBITDA. It's both. We will be releasing some cash into the system. Why? Because we will get more insurance recoveries. We will release some working capital as our supply chains normalize. That basically brings in more cash, which reduces net debt. Plus we have asset because our short-term borrowing facilities like ABL will go down. EBITDA run rate will go up. It's not one factor. It is both factors that will help us move in a positive direction.

Speaker #6: It's both. I mean, we will be releasing some cash into the system—why? Because we will get more insurance recoveries. We will release some working capital as our supply chains normalize.

Speaker #6: So that basically brings in more cash and reduces net debt, as well as gross debt, because our short-term borrowing facilities like ABL will go down.

Speaker #6: EBITDA run rate will go up. So it's not one factor; it is both factors that will help us move in a positive direction. And that's why I mean, from a level of 4.5, when we are saying it will grow—and by the way, the PC will probably be a little bit higher at the end of September.

Steve Fisher: That's why, from a level of 4.5, when we are saying it will go. By the way, the peak will be probably a little bit higher at the end of September. That will be the peak net leverage. From there for it to come down so sharply, it has to be a function of both.

Speaker #6: That will be the peak net leverage. So from there, for it to come down so sharply, I mean, it has to be a function of both.

Speaker #4: Sure. Thanks, Dave.

Amit Lahoti: Sure. Thanks, Dev.

Speaker #6: Perfect. Thanks.

Steve Fisher: Perfect. Thanks.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Next question comes from Ritesha with Investech India. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes on the line of Ritesh Shah with IndusInd Bank. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Yeah, hi. Thanks for the opportunity. A few questions. First, for Novelis, would it be possible to quantify the extent of working capital release over the next three quarters?

Ritesh Shah: Yeah. Hi. Thanks for the opportunity. A few questions. First for Novelis, would it be possible to quantify the extent of working capital release over the next few quarters?

Speaker #3: Yes. Dave?

Dev Ahuja: Dave? Sorry. I was on mute. Sorry. Yeah. It's difficult to be very precise, but I think that 300 to 400 million

Speaker #6: Sorry, sorry, I was on mute. Sorry. Yes. I mean, it's difficult to be very precise, but I think that $300–400 million. I think that.

Operator: Your voice is breaking. Can you cover the range and talk?

Speaker #7: Your voice is breaking. Can you come within range and talk?

Speaker #6: Oh, one minute. One minute. Give me a moment. Let me see. I'll just check my headphones for one minute.

Steve Fisher: Oh, one minute. Give me a moment. Let me see. I'll just check my headphones. One minute.

Speaker #7: Sure. Thank you.

Operator: Sure. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Are you hearing better now?

Steve Fisher: Are you hearing me better now?

Speaker #7: Yes, please go ahead.

Operator: Yes, please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Got it. Okay. All right. Yeah. So what I was saying is that, look, I mean, being very precise right now is a bit difficult.

Steve Fisher: Okay. All right. Yeah. What I was saying is that, look, I mean, being very precise right now is a bit difficult. We are working on many fronts, but if you want something directionally, I can see INR 300 to 400 coming out the system, in the next couple of quarters, which is a reduction of inventory, but also steady reduction of payables, because we have been buying a lot of third-party material and as we normalize our working capital cycle, all the payables on that account will go away. Net-net, I think, for modeling purpose, you can take INR 300 to 400 over the next couple of quarters. We'll see if we can do better than that.

Speaker #6: We are working on many fronts, but if you want something directionally, I can see ₹300 to ₹400 crore kind of the system in the next couple of quarters, which is a reduction of inventory, but also a set of reductions in payables because we have been buying a lot of third-party material and as we normalize our working capital cycle, all the payables on that account will go away.

Speaker #6: So net-net, I think for modern purposes, we can take 300 to 400 over the next couple of quarters. We'll see if we can do better than that.

Speaker #7: Sure. My second question is, I think you had a prior question on tariffs of $70 million. If you could put that in context, how does USMCA stack up for things?

Ritesh Shah: Sure. My second question is, I think, you had a prior question on tariffs of USD 70 million. If you could put in context, how does USMCA stack up for things? There's certainly a yo-yo going on between the government over there, between the Canadian and the US government. What is the sort of impact-

Speaker #7: There's certainly a yo-yo going on between the government over there, between the Canadian and the US government. So, what is the sort of impact in this $70 million?

Steve Fisher: Yeah

Ritesh Shah: in this USD 70 million? Basically you did indicate the 70 can actually go towards nil by end of the fiscal. What is the underlying assumption with respect to the material which moves to Kingston and back to US?

Speaker #7: So basically, you did indicate the 70 can actually go towards NIL by the end of the fiscal. So what is the underlying assumption with respect to the material which moves to Kingston and back to the US?

Speaker #6: Yeah, so it has nothing to do with the USMCA, to be clear. But when I say that it will go down as we normalize the supply chain, it's that we will depend less on imports, and imports attract 32% tariffs.

Steve Fisher: Yeah. It has nothing to do with the USMCA, to be clear. When I say that it will go down as we normalize the supply chain, is that we are dependent on imports and imports attract 232 tariffs. Okay. Basically our 232 net tariffs will go down by the end of the year because of less dependence on imports as Oswego normalizes and post that our supply chains normalize. It's as simple as that. As far as USMCA is concerned and bill of tariffs, honestly, nobody knows. This is going to be a bit long drawn, from the best that we can read in the current environment. We're not expecting that to be any major impact. If something happens, we'll have to see. Right now there is no basis to believe that anything quite will happen there.

Speaker #6: Okay? So basically, our 232 net tariffs will go down by the end of the year because of less dependence on imports. As Oswego normalizes, imports and our supply chains normalize.

Speaker #6: So, it's as simple as that. As far as USMCA is concerned and where the status is—honestly, nobody knows. I mean, this is going to be a bit long drawn, from the best that we can read in the current environment.

Speaker #6: So, we are not expecting there to be any major impact if something happens in Hennessy. But right now, there is no basis to believe that anything quite will happen there.

Speaker #7: Sure. And just a third question on payment. We indicated that we have certain contracts until the end of the year. We have kept certain contracts open.

Ritesh Shah: Sure. Just third question on payment. We indicated that we have certain contracts until end of the year. We have kept certain contracts open. Just wanted to have your comfort assuming, say, 9.2% WACC for Novelis. Will we be able to cover our cost of capital over here? The ask will be significantly steep upwards of $1,000. Are we still comfortable over here?

Speaker #7: I just wanted to have your comfort—assuming, say, 9 or 9.2% WACC—for Novelis, will we be able to cover our cost of capital over here?

Speaker #7: The ask will be significantly steep, upwards of $1,000. So, are we still comfortable over here?

Speaker #6: We are very comfortable. We don't agree with the 9% honestly—our VAC is lower. But I can give you a very confident assurance that we will cover the cost of capital.

Steve Fisher: We are very comfortable. We don't agree with the 9%, honestly. Our WACC is lower. I can give you a very confident assurance that we will cover the cost of capital. This project has potential. Despite the higher cost that happened, this project has potential to unlock value. On that front, we are very confident.

Speaker #6: This project has potential. I mean, despite the higher cost that happened, this project has potential to unlock value. So on that front, we are very confident.

Speaker #7: If you can help me correct the VAC number, should we break it into 8, 8 and a half?

Ritesh Shah: If you can help me correct on the WACC number. Should we bake in, say, eight and a half?

Steve Fisher: It is not nine. We don't do this. All that I'm telling you is that our cost of capital is not nine. It is lower than that. If you want to take eight, you're not too far off.

Speaker #6: I mean, it is not 9. It is like, in the high, we don't do this. But I mean, all that I'm telling you is that our cost of capital is not 9.

Speaker #6: It is lower than that. I mean, if you want to take, if you want to take 8, you're not too far off.

Speaker #7: Sure, that helps. My second question is for Mr. Pai. Sir, when we look at the capex that we have announced for India operations, and when we look at capex intensity—specifically for the Sambalpur smelter—on a per-ton basis, it looks very steep as compared to the recent announcements in the country.

Ritesh Shah: Sure. That helps. My second question is for Mr. Pai. Sir, when we look at the CapEx that we have announced for India operations, when we look at CapEx intensity, specifically for the Sambalpur smelter, on a per ton basis, it looks very steep as compared to the recent announcements in the country. I presume a part of it could be because of RTC facilities that we have, or I'm not sure whether we have couple downstream assets also inside that CapEx. What is the best way to appreciate this?

Speaker #7: I presume a part of it could be because of RTC facilities that we have, or I'm not sure whether we have coupled downstream assets also inside that capex.

Speaker #7: What is the best way to appreciate this?

Speaker #3: I think that—I think I've answered now to a couple of media people as well. Don't go by capex by people announcements; go by capex by people who actually have done the projects.

Satish Pai: I think I've answered now to a couple of media people as well. Don't go by CapEx by people announcements. Go by CapEx by people who actually have done the projects. I think, just making an announcement, I'm going to do X and X. I think the reality only happens when you actually place orders and there's been reality on the ground of what has happened with inflation, metal prices and all that. My only thing is that whatever we say and do, we have calculated and we are quite sure of it. What others have claimed and said, those are announcements in my opinion.

Speaker #3: I think just making an announcement—“I’m going to do X in X”—I think the reality only happens when you actually place orders, and there’s been reality on the ground of what has happened with inflation, metal prices, and all that.

Speaker #3: So my only thing is that whatever we say and do, we have calculated, and we are quite sure of it. What others have claimed and said—those are announcements, in my opinion.

Speaker #7: Fair, perfect. And just a last question on ESG. There's a recent proposal with respect to a single default value on carbon. This is more to simplify CBAM and avoid distortions.

Ritesh Shah: Perfect. Just a last question on ESG. There's a recent proposal with respect to a single default value on carbon. This is more to simplify CBAM and avoid distortions. If there is a single default value for, say, India, basically how should one look at it? Specifically, we are focusing on ESG, and our CapEx is also high. If something of the sort comes, how are we approaching it?

Speaker #7: If there is a single default value for, say, India, basically how should one look at it specifically? We are focusing on ESG, and our capex is also high.

Speaker #7: So if something of this sort comes, how should we — how are we approaching it?

Speaker #3: I just wanted to sort of, a little bit, challenge—I don't think our capex is high. If you look at any of the Western world smelter announcements and the cost, I think we are highly competitive.

Satish Pai: I just wanted to sort of little bit challenge. I don't think our CapEx is high. If you look at any of the Western world smelter announcements and the cost, I think we are highly competitive. The second part, when you say single value, are you talking about the cost of carbon?

Speaker #3: The second part—when you say single part, are you talking about the cost of carbon?

Speaker #7: Yes, carbon intensity per ton of aluminum.

Ritesh Shah: Yes. Carbon intensity per ton of aluminum.

Speaker #3: No, per ton of aluminum—look, there is no single number there. People have taken something like six tons per ton to be sort of the limit at which they will start to say this is low-carbon aluminum.

Satish Pai: No, per ton of aluminum, look, there is no single number there. People have taken 6 tons per ton to be sort of the limit at which they will start to say this is low carbon aluminum. Let me be clear that there is no consistency across any of the markets today on what really constitutes low carbon aluminum. If you look at the Platts index, the sort of upside on low carbon aluminum is $15 to $25, which is negligible. I don't think that right now what worries me more is things like CBAM, where there is an actual price of carbon, which is found out by trading on the European market, or there's a cost of carbon actually that developing in India on the CCTS platform.

Speaker #3: But let me be clear that there is no consistency across any of the markets today on what really constitutes low-carbon aluminum, and if you look at the Platts index, the sort of upside on low-carbon aluminum is $15 to $25, which is hardly negligible.

Speaker #3: So I don't think that right now. What worries me more is things like CBAM, where there is an actual price of carbon which is found out by trading on the European market, or there's a cost of carbon actually that is developing in India on the CTS platform.

Speaker #3: So I think those are the things to watch, because in Europe, it's more like €80 per ton of carbon, which is pretty high.

Satish Pai: I think those are the things to watch, because in Europe it's more like €80 per ton of carbon, which is pretty high.

Speaker #7: Sure. Just the last two questions I'll squeeze in. One is the outlook on alumina, and secondly, specifically on bauxite—I think at Bapi Mali, we have adequate lease life.

Ritesh Shah: Sure. Just the last two questions I'll squeeze in. One is outlook on alumina and secondly, specifically on bauxite, I think Baphlimali we have adequate lease life. There were two other blocks, Damchua and Surbena. Would you like to comment on what the status is over there and any color on basically participating in the bauxite auctions which are going on in the country?

Speaker #7: There were two other blocks, Damchua and Surbena. Would you like to comment on what the status is over there, and any color on basically participating in the bauxite auctions which are going on in the country?

Speaker #3: Have you seen the results of the auction that just finished today? So Karla Park just finished at 175 premium. It takes the cost of bauxite to about ₹8,000 per ton.

Satish Pai: Have you seen the results of the auction that just finished today?

Ritesh Shah: No.

Satish Pai: The Karlapat just finished at 175 premium, which takes the cost of bauxite like INR 8,000 a ton. Let me say that we are not new entrants to this field. Again, we have bauxite mines in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, and these will maintain, I think, a far more prudent financial way of looking at how we participate and what we are prepared to take. Those two mines you mentioned, I have never heard of them.

Speaker #3: So let me say that we are not new entrants to this field. Again, we have bauxite mines in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. And we will maintain, I think, a far more prudent financial way of looking at how we participate and what we are prepared to take.

Speaker #3: And those two mines you mentioned, I've never heard of them.

Speaker #7: Okay, sir. I'll send you a mail on that separately.

Ritesh Shah: Okay. Sir, I'll send you a mail on that separately.

Speaker #3: The auctions are ongoing right now. So, Karla Park just finished, and there are four more mines that will happen over the next month.

Satish Pai: The Odisha outcomes are ongoing right now. Karlapat just finished, and there are other four more mines that will happen over the next month.

Speaker #7: Okay.

Ritesh Shah: Okay. Thank you. On alumina outlook.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #7: And on alumina outlook?

Speaker #3: So, alumina—look, the prices are around $330 to $340 now. I think that as long as the Middle East smelters are out, that alumina—because that's the largest third-party alumina market, since China is more or less self-sufficient now.

Satish Pai: Alumina, look, the prices are around $330, $340 now. I think that as long as the Middle East smelters are out, that's the largest third party alumina market, because China is more or less self-sufficient now. I think that, until the Middle East smelters come back, it will remain in that range.

Speaker #3: So I think that until the Middle East smelters come back, it will remain in that range.

Speaker #7: Sure, this is helpful. Thank you so much. All the very best.

Ritesh Shah: Sure. This is helpful. Thank you so much. All the very best.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Thank you.

Satish Pai: Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. A reminder to all the participants, please restrict yourself to two questions. Next question comes from the line of Rahul Gupta with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Thank you. A reminder to all the participants: please restrict yourselves to two questions. Next question comes from Rahul Gupta with Morgan Stanley.

Speaker #7: Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Yeah, hi. Thank you for taking my question. If we remember, last year during your Analyst Day, you had guided to 4x your EBITDA for the downstream business in India by fiscal '30.

Rahul Gupta: Hi, thank you for taking my question. If you remember, last year in your analyst day, you had guided to 4 times of your EBITDA for downstream business in India by FY30.

Speaker #8: If I look at fiscal '25 and '26, cumulatively that's around 36 to 38 billion rupees of EBITDA. Now, can you help us understand how you are planning to get to 145 to 150 billion rupees of EBITDA in four years?

Rahul Gupta: Yes.

Rahul Gupta: If I look at FY25 and FY26 cumulatively is around INR 36 to 38 billion of EBITDA. Now, can you help us understand how are you planning to get to INR 145 to 150 billion of EBITDA in 4 years? To that extent, how should we think about margins for downstream aluminum and copper business? Thank you.

Speaker #8: And to that extent, how should we think about margins for the downstream aluminium and copper business? Thank you.

Satish Pai: First let me clarify what we meant by the downstream. In that downstream, we include aluminum downstream, aluminum specialty sales, as well as the copper downstream. These three put together is what we consider the Hindalco downstream business. That we said is going to go 4x, not just the aluminum downstream.

Speaker #3: So first, let me clarify what we meant by the downstream. So in that downstream, we include aluminium downstream, aluminium specialty sales, as well as the copper downstream.

Speaker #3: So these three put together is what we consider the Hindalco downstream business. And that, we said, is going to go 4x, not just the aluminium downstream.

Speaker #8: Oh, that's true. I take into account all three. I'm just giving an example that when you talk about $300, it's not sustainable for downstream aluminium, and maybe $250 is more sustainable, at least beyond volatility.

Rahul Gupta: No, that's true. I take into account all these three.

Satish Pai: Yeah.

Rahul Gupta: I'm just giving an example that when you talk about $300 are not sustainable for downstream aluminum, and maybe $250 is more sustainable.

Satish Pai: For this year

Rahul Gupta: Near-term volatility. How should we think about it maybe from a fiscal FY29, FY30 perspective? How should we think copper business ramping up beyond the near-term benefits?

Speaker #8: How should we think about it? Maybe from a fiscal '29 or '30 perspective? And how should we think about the copper business ramping up beyond the near-term benefits?

Speaker #3: So again, the $250 I said was for the remaining quarters of this year because Aditya FRP is just ramping up. So I think the longer-term aluminium downstream EBITDA per ton, we have always said, is going to be over $300.

Satish Pai: Again, the $250 I said was for the remaining quarters of this year because Aditya FRP is just ramping up. I think the longer term aluminum downstream EBITDA per ton, we have always said is going to be over $300. I think that what we probably will have to do is to give more clarity on the copper downstream, because today we merge it all together. I will try to give more clarity on the total downstream, probably in the next quarter. You will see that we are progressing quite well. The margins on that downstream side tend to be much higher than what we were expecting. The real challenge there is getting the products qualified and the volumes going up on the downstream side.

Speaker #3: And I think that what we probably will have to do is to give more clarity on the copper downstream, because today we merge it all together.

Speaker #3: So, I will try to give more clarity on the total downstream, probably in the next quarter. You will see that we are progressing quite well.

Speaker #3: The margins on that downstream time tend to be much higher than what we were expecting. The real challenge there is getting the products qualified and the volumes going up on the downstream side.

Speaker #8: That's reassuring. So what the thing that we are trying to understand is that how should we model from, say, 40 odd billion rupees to 140 odd billion rupees over the next three, four years?

Rahul Gupta: That's reassuring. The thing that we are trying to understand is how should we model from, say, INR 40 billion to INR 140 billion over the next 3, 4 years? We'll wait for more color on that.

Speaker #8: But yeah, we'll wait for more color on that. My final question is: can you help us understand in more detail how to look at the royalty payments that you're talking about?

Satish Pai: Yes.

Rahul Gupta: My final question is, can you help us understand more in detail how to look at the royalty payments that you're talking about? I'm sorry to harp on it again, but just to understand this better, if you have any clarity on this.

Speaker #8: I'm sorry to harp on it again, but just to understand this better, if you have any clarity on this.

Speaker #3: No, I don't have anything further than what I've already said. I mean, the brand is held by Builder Group Holdings Private Limited, which has not, in the past, charged any royalty.

Satish Pai: No, I don't have any further than what I said. I mean, the brand is held by Birla Group Holdings Private Limited, which has not in the past charged any royalty. Now we are putting in a framework where royalty will be charged, investments will be done to enhance the brand, and it has a percentage of the revenue capped at INR 225 crore a year. Hindalco and Novelis will pay INR 225 crore per year.

Speaker #3: Now, we are putting in a framework where royalty will be charged and investments will be made to enhance the brand. And it's as a percentage of the revenue, capped at ₹225 crores a year.

Speaker #3: So, Hindalco and Novelis will pay ₹225 crores per year.

Speaker #8: Yeah, so that I understand—sorry, one follow-up on this. Does this in any way distort the dividend payout policy for the company?

Rahul Gupta: Yeah. That I understand. Sorry, one follow-up on this. Does this in any way distort the dividend payout policy for the company?

Speaker #3: No, no. I mean, just again, I'll remit. This is significantly below any materiality point; I'll go. It doesn't change capital allocation, dividend, nothing. No.

Satish Pai: No. I mean, just again, I'll repeat, this is significantly below any materiality for Hindalco. It doesn't change capital allocation, dividend, nothing. No.

Speaker #8: Got it. Thank you so much. Wish you all the best.

Rahul Gupta: Got it. Thank you so much. Wish you all the best.

Satish Pai: Yeah.

Speaker #3: Yeah.

Speaker #7: Thank you. Next question comes on the line of Vikas Singh with ICICI Securities. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Vikas Singh with ICICI Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Good evening, sir, and thank you for the opportunity. Congratulations on a very good set of numbers. Sir, my question pertains to the insurance claim in Novelis.

Vikas Singh: Good evening, sir, and thank you for the opportunity, and congratulations on a very good set of numbers. My question pertains to the insurance claim in Novelis. If I remember, we claimed that at least 75% of all the business losses would be recoverable from the insurance claim. Since we got the first tranche, any idea as to what is the total sum which we will get, and how this will be coming to in the next quarter, or how this will be spread out in the next few quarters?

Speaker #5: If I remember, we claimed that at least 75% of all the business losses would be recoverable from the insurance claim. So, since we got the first structure, any idea what the totals are that we will get and how this will be coming in the next quarter, or how this will be spread out in the next few quarters?

Speaker #3: Yeah. Dave?

Satish Pai: Yeah. Dev?

Steve Fisher: Yes. I think that we have explained that. Look, as of the end of this quarter, our cumulative cash flow impact has been of the order of $1.4 billion net of all recoveries, which is $300 million so far. We expect steady insurance recoveries. It is almost impossible to exactly time them. It's a process. Net, what I can guide you is that at the end, when all insurance recoveries come, our net loss cash impact from the fire will be about $600 million. Right? The $1.4 billion impact so far will keep coming down with insurance recoveries, and at the end, we'll be left to bear net about approximately $600 million. Now, timing, we expect, as I said, steady recoveries, but a couple of $100 million may go into the following fiscal year, i.e., fiscal year 2028.

Speaker #2: Yes, so I think that we have explained that. So, look, as of the end of this quarter, our cumulative cash flow impact has been of the order of $1.4 billion, net of all recoveries, which is $300 million.

Speaker #2: So far, we expect steady insurance recoveries. It is almost impossible to exactly time them—it's a process. Net-net, what I can guide you is that at the end, when all insurance recoveries come, our net loss cash impact from the fire will be about $600 million.

Speaker #2: Right? So, the $1.4 billion impact so far will keep coming down with insurance recoveries. And at the end, we'll be left to bear net about approximately $600 million.

Speaker #2: Now, timing, we expect as I said, steady recoveries, but a couple of hundred million a couple of hundred million may go into the following fiscal year, i.e., fiscal year '28, but it could but a good decent recovery will happen within this fiscal year.

Steve Fisher: A good decent recovery will happen within this fiscal year.

Speaker #5: Noted, sir. Sir, I probably missed out on our total hedging on the aluminium side as well as the cost inflation in Q2. If you could repeat that, sir?

Vikas Singh: Noted, sir. Sir, I probably missed out on our total hedging on the aluminum side, as well as the cost inflation in the Q2. If you could repeat the same thing.

Speaker #3: I'll repeat it. So, for FY27, we are hedged 29% at $3,004 a ton, and the currency is 18% at 91.63. Our costs went up by about 5% from Q1 to Q4.

Satish Pai: I'll repeat it. For FY27, we are hedged 29% at INR 3,004 a ton, and the currency 18% at 91.63. Our costs went up by about 5% Q1 to Q4, and we are expecting another 5%, 6% Q2 to Q1 in INR terms.

Speaker #3: And we are expecting another 5–6% in Q2 over Q1, in rupee terms.

Speaker #5: Noted. Sir, just one clarification: If I remember correctly, last quarter, we said that we had stopped hedging once the war erupted. So why does this still seem to be on the blend, which seems to be on the lower side?

Vikas Singh: Noted, sir. Just one clarification. If I remember correctly, last quarter we said that we have stopped hedging once the war has erupted. Why this is still on the blend seems to be on a lower side. Just

Speaker #5: So just.

Speaker #3: No, no. I think this year, if you take FY27, we stopped because it's in deep backwardation. So this year, we are not adding any more.

Satish Pai: No, I think this year, if you take FY27, we stopped because it's in a deep backwardation. This year we are not adding any more. The hedging that we are doing from now on is for FY28. FY27, if you take the number that I had last time and now, there is no change.

Speaker #3: The hedging that we are doing from now on is for FY28. For FY27, if you take the number that I had last time, there's no change.

Speaker #5: Noted, sir. Noted. And for '28, how much is hedged at what price?

Vikas Singh: Noted, sir. For FY28, how much is hedged, at what price?

Speaker #3: So, FY28 currently now—we are at, where are we? 21% at 3,160. And we are trying to catch levels at 3,200. Our view on FY28—yeah, FY28—is that once the Middle East smelters come back, we think that 3,200 is a good level for FY28.

Satish Pai: 2028, currently now FY28, we are at 21% at 3,160, we are trying to catch levels at 3,200. Our view on FY28 is that once the Middle East smelters come back, we think that 3,200 is a good level for FY28. It is a high CapEx year for us, we want to protect our cash flows for FY28.

Speaker #3: It's a high CapEx year for us, so we want to protect our cash flow for FY28.

Speaker #5: Very well, sir. Thank you, and all the best for the future.

Vikas Singh: Very well, sir. Thank you, all the best for future.

Speaker #3: Yeah. Thank you.

Satish Pai: Thank you.

Speaker #7: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Rajesh Majumdar with 361 Capital. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Rajesh Majumdar with 360 ONE. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Yeah. Thanks for the opportunity, sir. My first question is on the copper smelter expansion. With the current crisis going on in the concentrate market, how, I mean, bad or good is the timing for the copper smelter expansion?

Rajesh Majumdar: Yeah, thanks for the opportunity, sir. My first question is on the copper smelter expansion.

Satish Pai: Yeah.

Rajesh Majumdar: With the current crisis going on in the concentrate market, how bad or good is the timing for the copper smelter expansion? A related question is that, can we be using scrap instead of concentrate in the smelter to get a different product mix? You have the smelter going to be commissioned in FY29. Yeah.

Speaker #5: And a related question is: can we use scrap instead of concentrate in the smelter to get a different product mix, as you have the smelter going to be commissioned in FY29?

Speaker #5: Yeah.

Speaker #3: So really, my theory always has been that you should do a smelter when it's the most adverse condition, because by the time the smelter comes up, it will be three years out.

Satish Pai: Really, my theory always has been that you should do a smelter when it's the most adverse condition, because by the time the smelter comes up, it will be three years out. We look at these things in the long term, and I think that if you look at the downstream copper demand in India, you look at the supply chain of precious metals and all that, we think it will still give us a good return. Having the capacity in India, where the market demand is very strong, we think will be economically beneficial. On the scrap, yes, the smelter uses some scrap, but we also have the scrap smelting project in Pakhajan commissioning this year. We'll be using quite a lot of copper scrap as well. That is certainly more financially viable.

Speaker #3: So we look at these things in the long term. And I think that if you look at the downstream copper demand in India, and you look at the supply chain of precious metals and all that, we think it will still give us a good return.

Speaker #3: And having the capacity in India, where the market demand is very strong, we think will be economically beneficial. On the scrap: yes, the smelter uses some scrap, but we also have the scrap melting project in Pakhajan commissioning this year.

Speaker #3: So, we'll be using quite a lot of copper scrap as well, and that is certainly more financially viable.

Speaker #5: And sir, what are the economics of the waste recycling project if you're going to commission in FY27? Any idea on that?

Rajesh Majumdar: Sir, what are the economics of the waste recycling project, is it going to commission FY27? A brief idea on that.

Speaker #3: So actually, we'll have to wait till some of these metals that we are looking at come out. But on a pure copper basis, it is quite attractive compared to copper smelting.

Satish Pai: Actually, we'll have to wait till some of these metals that we're looking at comes out. On a pure copper terms, return right now is quite attractive compared to the copper smelting. When I say copper smelting, I'm taking the sulfuric acid sale along with it. Recycling is quite more attractive than that.

Speaker #3: And when I say copper smelting, I'm taking the sulfuric acid sale along with it. Still, recycling is quite a bit more attractive than that.

Speaker #5: If I pin you down to a kind of feedback here, will it be possible for you to give that on the recycling?

Rajesh Majumdar: If I pin you down to a kind of payback year, will it be possible for you to give that on the recycling project?

Speaker #3: Also, the IRR of the project is in the high teens, so that should tell you a feedback.

Satish Pai: The IRR of the project is in the high teens. That should tell you a payback.

Speaker #5: That's useful. And sir, my other question is on the Aditya Alumina refinery, because already 95% of the purchase orders have been placed. And that will probably come somewhere in the middle of FY28, if I'm not mistaken.

Rajesh Majumdar: That's it. Sir, my other question is on Aditya Alumina Refinery, because that is already 95% purchase order has been placed, and that will come probably somewhere in the middle of FY28, if I'm not mistaken. I think maybe for a year. Okay. Because Aditya Aluminium smelter will not come before FY29, what is the kind of merchant alumina will be selling, say, in FY28 and that kind of figure? Or FY27 or FY28?

Speaker #5: So I think maybe for a year, we'll be okay. And because the Aditya Aluminum smelter will not come before FY29, what is the kind of merchant alumina we'll be selling, say, in FY28? Do you have a figure for FY27 or FY28?

Speaker #3: The first 180 pots of the Aditya smelter will come at exactly the same time as the refinery coming up. So, the Aditya smelter expansion is in two phases: 180, 180.

Satish Pai: First, the 180 pots of Aditya smelter will come at exactly the same time as the refinery coming up.

Rajesh Majumdar: Okay. You won't be able to

Satish Pai: Expansion is in two phases, 180-180. The first 180 will come in December 2027. The next 180 will come in December 2028. We will still be net long of alumina of about 800, which we will continue, which is just our position today.

Speaker #3: The first 180 will come in December of ’27. The next 180 will come in December of ’28. We will still be net long of alumina by about 800, which we will continue, which is just our position today.

Rajesh Majumdar: Okay. It will remain broadly the same.

Speaker #5: Okay, let me bring in probably the same amount. Not significant. And sir, can you give me the combined impact of the cost savings of the captive coal mines—Chakla, Bhenda, and Meenakshi—when fully commissioned?

Satish Pai: Yeah.

Rajesh Majumdar: Sir, can you give me the combined impact of the cost savings of the captive coal mines, Chakla, Banda, and Meenakshi when fully commissioned? What is the combined impact of the coal import on basis of aluminum making cost?

Speaker #5: What is the combined impact of coal on a per-ton basis of aluminum making cost? Yeah.

Speaker #3: I think I'll leave it at that and say it will be fairly attractive. I think you will see it in our results as they come in.

Satish Pai: I think I'll leave it at to say that it'll be fairly attractive. I think you will see it in our results as they come in.

Speaker #5: Okay, okay. So is it possible to give a per ton cost for FY28 reduction on the coal of 1.5 or whatever, 1.6 million tons we talked about from Chakla and Bhanda?

Rajesh Majumdar: Okay.

Satish Pai: Thank you.

Rajesh Majumdar: Sir, is it possible to give a per ton cost for FY20 reduction on the coal of 1.5 or whatever, 1.6 million tons we talked about from Chakla and Banda?

Speaker #3: No, no, no. I can't. I won't do that.

Satish Pai: No.

Rajesh Majumdar: Okay.

Satish Pai: I get it. I won't do that.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Rajesh Majumdar: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Satish Pai: Thank you.

Speaker #7: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, due to time constraints, this was the last question. You can connect with the IR team for your further questions. I now end the conference and hand it over to the management for closing comments.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, due to time constraints, this was the last question. You can connect with IR team for your further questions. I now hand the conference over to the management for closing comments.

Speaker #3: No, thank you very much for listening. And I think that the important part to note this quarter, besides the numbers, was that all the sectors of our business—upstream, downstream, Novelis, copper—did very well.

Satish Pai: No, thank you very much for listening. I think that the important part to note this quarter, besides the numbers, was that all the sectors of our business, upstream, downstream, Novelis, copper, did very well. I think the significant part for us was the strength of Novelis' performance in Q1, which I think is going to get better as we go forward this year. Overall, I think that Hindalco is poised for a good FY27. Thank you for your attention.

Speaker #3: And I think the significant part for us was the strength of Novelis's performance in Q1, which I think is going to get better as we go forward this year.

Speaker #3: So overall, I think that Hindalco is poised for a good FY27. Thank you for your attention.

Operator: Thank you. On behalf of Hindalco Industries Limited, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us. You may now disconnect your lines.

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