**Market Brief: NALCO Q3 FY26 Financial Results** **Date:** January 31, 2026 **Subject:** Quarterly Earnings Update & Market Reaction National Aluminium Company (NALCO) released its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of FY26 (ended December 31, 2025) on Friday. Despite achieving its highest-ever nine-month performance, the state-run miner reported only a marginal rise in quarterly profit, leading to a sharp correction in its stock price. **Key Financial Highlights** * **Net Profit:** Rose marginally by **1.14%** YoY to **₹1,601 crore**, compared to ₹1,583 crore in Q3 FY25. * **Revenue:** Increased by **1.47%** YoY to **₹4,731 crore**, up from ₹4,662 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. * **Nine-Month Performance:** Recorded a **26%** surge in net profit to **₹4,098 crore** and an **11%** growth in revenue to **₹12,830 crore** for the April–December 2025 period. **Shareholder Returns** The Board declared a substantial second interim dividend of **₹4.50 per share** (90% of face value). * **Total Payout:** Approximately **₹826 crore**. * **Record Date:** February 6, 2026. * **Payment Date:** On or before March 1, 2026. **Market Reaction & Trends** Despite the steady operational numbers, the market reacted negatively, likely due to profit-booking or earnings missing elevated street expectations. * **Stock Price:** NALCO shares plunged approximately **10%** on Friday, closing near **₹385.45** on the NSE. * **Global Context:** Aluminium prices remain robust globally, with LME cash offer prices surging past **$3,325 per tonne** in late January 2026, supported by tight inventories and supply constraints. **Operational Insight** The marginal quarterly growth was sustained by firm global metal prices and higher sales volumes in both the alumina and aluminium segments. However, the stock's double-digit drop suggests that the positives were already priced in following a strong rally earlier in the month.