Press Metal affected by currency, hedging issues

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad has reported operating profits for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025, but its quarterly figure became a loss after accounting for “foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations” and cash flow tied to hedging positions.

The metals company reported nearly $180 million in operating profit in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, the same income statement lists close to $190 million in losses attributable to the currency conversion and hedging issues.

For the full year, Press Metal overcame the fourth quarter trading woes to record net income of nearly $480 million, a figure that is down more than 27 percent compared with 2024.

On its website, Press Metal indicates it has consumed approximately 19,000 metric tons of recyclable aluminum during its operating history, which traces back to 1986.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Press Metal says its revenue rose by 13.4 percent year on year, “driven mainly by higher sales volumes and stronger metal prices.” For the full year, the company says its revenue increased by 8.7 percent.

In addition to its operations in Malaysia, Press Metal has production facilities in the People’s Republic of China and Japan and distribution and trading offices in the Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Current evolving trade policies are reshaping regional business dynamics, influencing metal flows, regional premiums and overall market activities,” says Press Metals CEO Tan Sri Paul Koon.

“Despite this, global aluminum demand remains broadly stable, supported by low inventory levels and clean energy-related applications,” continues the CEO. “Aluminum prices stayed resilient, underpinned by a favorable copper-to-aluminium ratio and supply constraints.”

Concerning the year now underway, Koon remarks, “Barring unforeseen circumstances, the group expects to deliver satisfactory performance for 2026, supported by strengthening aluminum prices and moderated input costs from alumina.”

Press Metal describes itself as having an annual smelting capacity of more than 1 million metric tons and annual extrusion capacity of 230,000 metric tons.