Vale Q3 iron ore output down 6.4%, sales edge up, Mid-Grade Carajás share climbs to 24% [SMM Analysis]

Vale reported Q3 2026 iron ore production of 88.35 million mt, down 6.4% YoY, while sales rose 0.3% to 86.29 million mt. Mid-grade IOCJ fines sales surged 75% YoY, now 24.3% of fines sales. Production declines were attributed to operational constraints, but Q4 growth is expected. The company maintained its 2026 production guidance of 335–345 million mt.

Vale's Q3 iron ore output fell 6.4% y/y to 88.4 Mt, while sales rose 0.3% to 86.3 Mt. Mid-Grade Carajás share climbed to 24.3% of fines sales. Watani Steel reported 111.59% YoY revenue growth in Q3 2026, with net profit of SAR 5.98 million, driven by higher sales and prices. The company expects sustained high sales in Q4 2026.

Vale's CFO stated no extraordinary dividend is expected this year due to geopolitical uncertainty. The company reported a 53% drop in Q3 net income to $1.255B, citing lower iron ore prices and higher costs. Vale's shares trade on the NYSE.

Vale reported Q3 updates, noting production challenges at Serra Norte but expecting flat output next year. Freight costs are managed via contracts, with 80% of 2027 needs secured. Iron ore costs rose 12% YoY but are down 4% sequentially. Copper and nickel production showed mixed trends, with new projects planned. Free cash flow was $2.2B, and debt is within target range. Vale sees 160M tons of seaborne iron ore supply operating at a loss.

Vale's copper and nickel unit reported a 61% increase in adjusted EBITDA to $1.105 billion in Q3 2026, driven by higher copper prices and by-product revenue. Copper EBITDA rose 66% to $1.021 billion, while nickel EBITDA fell 14% to $98 million due to higher feed costs. The company completed the Thompson Mine transaction and advanced the Salobo project.

Vale (VALE) reported Q3 2026 earnings, with sales of 86.3 million tonnes of iron ore, slightly above last year. Production challenges at Serra Norte were mitigated by initiatives like increased hematite ore access. The company expects to meet the low end of its annual production guidance. Vale's freight strategy protected margins amid rising spot rates, generating $3 billion in benefits. Base metals saw mixed results, with copper production down 6% and nickel up 6% year-on-year.