Vedanta well-positioned to gain from commodity cycle, deleveraging efforts: Analysts

New Delhi, Nov 2 (PTI) Vedanta's second-quarter results met street expectations on robust operational performance, with analysts viewing the miner as well-positioned to benefit from the commodity rebound while advancing its deleveraging strategy.

Brokerages Nuvama, Citi, ICICI Securities and Investec maintained a strong bullish stance on metals and natural resources major Vedanta Ltd.

They cited factors such as Vedanta Resources' leverage being at comfortable levels, potential medium-term upside in aluminium on the London Metal Exchange (LME), volume growth, likely lower costs, and the likely completion of the demerger process as reasons for the bullish call.

Nuvama said Vedanta's focus on demerger and delivery is on the verge of paying off, supported by tailwinds from commodity prices. The brokerage expects this to contribute to higher third-quarter earnings.

"Q3 FY26 EBITDA is likely to jump 20 per cent QoQ led by higher prices, volume, and lower aluminium cost of production," Nuvama said.

It increased Vedanta's FY27 estimated EBITDA by 4 per cent to Rs 63,450 crore, factoring in higher commodity prices.

Citi Research saw potential medium-term upside for aluminium on the LME as a positive factor.

"Our commodities team expects aluminium to average USD 3,500 in 2027. Aluminium has bullish fundamental exposure to structural energy-transition and AI trends and is leveraged to a cyclical growth rebound and US debasement concerns. During 2026, dovish Fed prospects, related lower US real interest rates, and a pickup in the US and global growth expectations are likely to be supportive," it said.

In its analysis, Citi factored in higher prices for zinc, aluminium, and silver in FY27, which will boost Vedanta's earnings.

"We incorporate FY27 zinc/aluminium/silver at USD 2,850/ USD 2,800/ USD 40 vs USD 2,700/ USD 2,600/ USD 38 earlier. We raise FY26/FY27/28 EBITDA by 6 per cent, 15 per cent and 16 per cent, largely on higher aluminium and zinc LME and power EBITDA (commissioning of new assets)," it said.

ICICI Securities said Vedanta is a prime beneficiary of the commodity cycle, with the company's aluminium division continuing to deliver strong earnings amid higher LME prices.

"Aluminium division is expected to drive the majority of earnings, aided by better volumes, lower costs, and potentially better LME (aluminium demand-supply likely to be favourable). Power segment and zinc shall play a supporting role," the brokerage said.

Stating that Vedanta is a pure commodity play, ICICI Securities noted that the mining major will likely be the biggest beneficiary of a rally in commodity prices.

"Aluminium, zinc, and silver contribute over 80 per cent of EBITDA, and the company has good growth plans for these segments, enabling the growth story to remain intact. Additionally, the aluminium segment would see backward integration into bauxite-alumina-coal, which would make Vedanta one of the lowest cost producers," it said.

UK-based Investec Bank PLC said that the management execution on debt refinancing at Vedanta Resources - the company's parent firm - is noteworthy, implying a tapering yield ask into FY27 or FY28.

Investec also noted that Vedanta's dividends in 1HFY26 stood at Rs 23 per share, with the brokerage estimating an incremental dividend of Rs 20 a share in H2 FY26.

Vedanta's profit after tax before exceptional items jumped 13 per cent year-on-year to Rs 5,026 crore. The company clocked second quarter EBITDA of Rs 11,612 crore, reflecting 12 per cent YoY growth with EBITDA margin expanded by 69 bps YoY to 34 per cent. PTI BAL BAL