29 October 2019 Hindustan Zincs (HZL) EBITDA of INR21.2b (-15% QoQ) was in line with our estimate of INR21.1b as the impact of lower metal volumes (-1% QoQ; 5% miss) was offset by higher- than-expected zinc premiums. PBT of INR20.9b exceeded our estimate by 7% due to higher other income (INR5.9b) led by MTM gains on investments. PAT too increased 18% QoQ to INR20.8b (29% beat), driven by deferred tax credits of INR3.7b given the change in tax law. Geo-tech issues at SK mine continued, resulting in lower total mine production (-6% YoY). A new ore body of the mine encountered faults, necessitating a change in the mine plan and also a shift to lower-grade ore. Kayad mine too witnessed thinning out of ore body, leading to lower grades. Overall, grade slipped to 7.2% of ore mined (v/s 7.3% in 1QFY20 and 7.