KUALA LUMPUR: Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd's net profit is expected to decline by between 11 and 18 per cent quarter-on-quarter to RM610 million to RM660 million in the third quarter of 2026 (Q3 2026), mainly due to lower aluminium prices.

RHB Research said aluminium prices fell nine per cent quarter-on-quarter to US$3,228 per tonne, while the Main Japanese Ports (MJP) premium declined four per cent to US$303 per tonne.

It said alumina prices increased nine per cent quarter-on-quarter following recent production cuts, pushing the spot alumina-to-aluminium cost ratio to 11 per cent from nine per cent in the preceding quarter.

"Year-on-year, we expect earnings to increase by three to 11 per cent, supported by higher aluminium prices and lower alumina costs, though partly offset by higher carbon anode costs," it added.