Mumbai: Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a Government of India enterprise and the country’s only vertically integrated copper producer, reported a remarkable 148% year-on-year increase in standalone net profit for the third quarter of FY2025-26. The company’s revenue more than doubled to ₹687 crore, reflecting strong domestic demand and favorable copper prices. HCL also announced an interim dividend of ₹1 per equity share (20% of face value), with a record date set for February 13, 2026. Q3 FY26 Standalone Financial Highlights Net Profit: ₹156.31 crore (up 148.5% YoY from ₹62.90 crore) Revenue from Operations: ₹687.34 crore (up 109.7% YoY) Profit Before Tax (PBT): ₹212.53 crore (up 152% YoY) Earnings Per Share (EPS): ₹1.62 Total Income: ₹705.31 crore Net Profit Margin: 22.2% PBT Margin: 30.1% The significant increase in profitability was supported by higher copper prices, efficient operations, and controlled finance costs of just ₹2.03 crore. Read also: Hindustan Copper Emerges Preferred Bidder for Baghwari–Khirkhori Copper Block in Madhya Pradesh Nine-Month FY26 Performance (April–December 2025) For the first nine months of FY26, HCL reported: Net Profit: ₹476.61 crore (up 71.4% YoY) Revenue: ₹1,921.84 crore (up 43.4% YoY) EPS: ₹4.93 The company continues to benefit from strong domestic demand and government initiatives supporting mineral security and domestic manufacturing. Interim Dividend Declaration The Board of Directors approved an interim dividend of ₹1 per equity share (20% of face value ₹5), payable electronically on or before March 6, 2026. Shareholders must ensure their bank account details and PAN are updated for seamless credit. Record Date: February 13, 2026 Payment Mode: Electronic transfer only Operational and Cost Performance During Q3 FY26, HCL’s operational expenses included: Employee Benefits Expense: ₹191.79 crore (up from ₹74.84 crore YoY) Depreciation: ₹47.94 crore Other Expenses: ₹212.25 crore Finance Costs: ₹2.03 crore The company introduced a Post-Retirement Medical Scheme (PRMS) with a one-time provision of ₹95.75 crore during the quarter, strengthening employee benefits. Segment Performance and Joint Ventures HCL operates primarily in copper mining and processing and has strategic investments in: Chhattisgarh Copper Limited (CCL): 74% stake; focused on mining and beneficiation of copper. Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL): 30% stake; overseas mineral exploration; reported a loss of ₹2.33 crore for 9M FY26. These entities had minimal impact on HCL’s consolidated results for Q3 FY26. Governance and Legal Updates HCL currently faces board composition challenges, including vacant independent and woman director positions and non-constitution of the audit committee. Gujarat Copper Project (GCP): Lease deed for land (₹48.20 crore) pending execution; writ filed in Gujarat High Court. New Labour Codes: Implementation effective November 21, 2025; financial impact being evaluated. Despite these, the company’s financial performance remained strong, driven by operational efficiency and favorable market conditions. About Hindustan Copper Hindustan Copper Limited, a Government of India enterprise, is the country’s only vertically integrated copper producer, engaged in mining, beneficiation, refining, and manufacturing of copper products. Established to ensure domestic copper supply, HCL plays a critical role in India’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and mineral security initiatives. Read also: Leadership Updates: Ghanshyam Das Gupta Recommended as Director (Mining) of Hindustan Copper Ltd by PESB
