SAIL Posts 60% Jump in Profit on Higher Volumes and Debt Reduction

State-owned Steel Authority of India Limited delivered a sharp improvement in its financial performance during the first nine months of FY26, reflecting a recovery in volumes, disciplined cost management and a healthier balance sheet. The Maharatna public sector steel major reported a net profit of Rs 1,553.97 crore, marking a 60 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.

Revenue from operations for the April to December period stood at Rs 79,996.79 crore, registering a growth of around 10 percent year-on-year. The improvement in topline was supported by stronger demand from infrastructure, construction and manufacturing segments, which continued to drive domestic steel consumption during the period.

Operationally, SAIL reported a robust performance with sales volumes rising 16.3 percent to 14.61 million tonnes during the nine-month period. Crude steel production also improved, increasing by about 2 percent to 14.35 million tonnes. The higher volume throughput helped the company benefit from operating leverage, cushioning the impact of input cost volatility.

A key highlight of the results was the company’s continued focus on strengthening its balance sheet. During the first nine months of FY26, SAIL reduced its debt by close to Rs 5,000 crore, improving financial flexibility and lowering interest costs. As of December 31, 2025, the company’s standalone net worth stood at Rs 56,236.45 crore, with a debt-equity ratio of 0.62, reflecting a stable capital structure.

On a consolidated basis, which includes subsidiaries and joint ventures, SAIL posted a net profit of Rs 1,537.33 crore for the nine-month period, compared with Rs 1,120.82 crore in the year-ago period. Consolidated revenue was reported at Rs 79,997.35 crore, broadly in line with standalone performance.

Management attributed the improved performance to higher volumes, better product mix and sustained cost optimisation measures. Despite challenges such as raw material price fluctuations, the company remains focused on operational efficiency and market penetration as domestic steel demand continues to show resilience.