Russian aluminium giant Rusal 0486.HKRUAL.MM swung to a first-half adjusted net profit on Wednesday, driven by higher aluminium prices linked to heightened global volatility.
The world’s largest aluminium producer outside China, posted adjusted net profit of $196 million for the six-month period ended June 30, a sharp turnaround from a loss of $194 million a year earlier. Revenue increased 10.9% to $8.34 billion.
“Aluminium prices surged to four-year highs within just a couple of months, and then rapidly retreated to their starting point,” said Chairman Bernard Zonneveld.
“In many markets where Rusal served as a responsible and reliable supplier, aluminium premiums reached historic levels.”
Total sales cost rose 3.3% to $6.31 billion, driven by higher energy costs.
“Currently, the group believes this tariff increase as temporary and expects tariffs to stabilise in the medium term,” Hong Kong-listed Rusal said, referring to electricity tariffs.
“However, should electricity prices rise to the average levels of 1H 2026, other variables being unchanged, an impairment charge would be recognised in the consolidated financial statements of the group.”
(Reporting by Shivangi Lahiri and Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Subhranshu Sahu)
