12 November 2018 2QFY19 EBITDA declined 16% QoQ (+140% YoY) to INR8.5b (in-line), led by lower Effective tax rate stood at 38%, higher than our estimate of 33% and 34% in 1Q. Production was down 18% QoQ at 477kt due to seasonal factors. Sales, however, increased ~1% QoQ to 324kt, led by destocking. Alumina Calculated cost of production (CoP) increased QoQ. Production increased 4% QoQ (8% YoY) to 114kt, which is now near full capacity. Sales increased ~10% QoQ to 115kt. Aluminum realization declined by USD357 QoQ to USD2,162/t, as against a decline in LME of ~USD200/t. CoP was lower QoQ, aided by operating leverage benefit and currency depreciation. NACL is a key beneficiary of higher alumina prices as it is net long and has the advantage of low-cost captive bauxite. We have cut our alumina price estimate from USD450 to USD400/t for 4QFY19 and FY20.