New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- Driven by strong upstream and downstream domestic aluminium sales, Aditya Birla Group's metals flagship Hindalco Industries on Friday reported a better-than-expected revenue and profitability. Its net profit rose 18.4% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) to Rs.4,741 crore for July-September, while the revenue was up 2.8% to Rs.66,058 crore.

The jump in profitability, driven by a higher inventory drawdown-from Rs.3,080 crore to Rs.1,644 crore-released about Rs.1,436 crore in working capital, aiding cash flows and margins. It underscored the company's ability to harness rising aluminium prices and operational efficiencies, even as copper sales declined and its crown jewel subsidiary, Novelis, grappled with a disruptive fire at ...