Key Stats
Norsk Hydro ASA operates as one of the largest aluminum companies worldwide. The Norwegian company produces aluminum products and renewable energy across operations spanning 50 countries.
The company manages the entire aluminum value chain from bauxite mining and alumina refining to primary aluminum production and recycling. Norsk Hydro runs significant operations in Brazil, including the Paragominas bauxite mine and Alunorte alumina refinery.
The Norwegian government holds a 34.3% stake through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Folketrygdfond owns an additional 6.5%. Eivind Kallevik serves as CEO since May 2024, with Rune Bjerke as Chairman.
Norsk Hydro ASA History
Norsk Hydro ASA Co-founders
Norsk Hydro ASA Revenue
Norsk Hydro generates revenue through aluminum production, energy operations, and related services. The company reported annual revenue of $19.4 billion USD in 2024, showing a 3.25% increase from the previous year.
Revenue peaked in 2022 at $22.3 billion USD during a period of high aluminum prices. The following year saw a 15.74% decline as commodity prices normalized.
Norsk Hydro ASA Marketcap
Norsk Hydro’s market capitalization stands at approximately 143.2 billion NOK (roughly $13.3 billion USD) as of late 2025. The company trades on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker NHY.
Market cap reached its peak in 2022 at 149.9 billion NOK before declining through 2024. Recent performance shows recovery with an 11.9% increase over the past year.
Norsk Hydro ASA Acquisitions
Norsk Hydro has pursued strategic acquisitions throughout its history to expand operations and enter new markets. The company’s acquisition strategy shifted significantly after divesting oil and gas assets in 2007.
In 1999, Norsk Hydro completed its largest acquisition at that time by purchasing Saga Petroleum ASA. This deal made Norsk Hydro a major player in Norwegian oil production, with oil and gas representing 65% of revenue following the transaction.
The 1980s saw aggressive expansion in petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Norsk Hydro acquired BIP Vinyl’s Aycliffe facility in 1982, KemaNord’s Swedish operations in 1984, and Singapore Polymer in 1987. The company also purchased Carmeda AB and NAF Laboratories to build its pharmaceutical division.
Recent acquisitions focus on aluminum recycling and sustainability. In 2023, Norsk Hydro completed the acquisition of Alumetal S.A., a Polish aluminum recycler, for approximately EUR 267 million. This purchase made Norsk Hydro the leading integrated aluminum recycler in Europe with four plants across Poland and Hungary.
The company sold a 30% share of its Alunorte alumina refinery to Glencore in 2023. This divestment provided capital for continued investment in recycling and extrusions businesses. Norsk Hydro’s largest disclosed sale occurred in 2021 when it sold Speira to KPS Capital Partners for $1.6 billion USD.
Norsk Hydro ASA Competitors
Norsk Hydro competes against major global aluminum producers and mining conglomerates. The aluminum industry includes companies with operations spanning bauxite mining through finished product manufacturing.
Key competitors include Rio Tinto, which operates one of the world’s largest aluminum divisions with integrated operations from mining to smelting. Alcoa Corporation pioneered aluminum production and maintains significant global capacity across multiple continents.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Tinto | London, UK / Melbourne, Australia | Diversified mining, aluminum production |
| Alcoa Corporation | Pittsburgh, USA | Bauxite, alumina, aluminum products |
| China Hongqiao Group | Shandong, China | Primary aluminum production |
| United Company RUSAL | Moscow, Russia | Aluminum and alumina production |
| Hindalco Industries | Mumbai, India | Aluminum, copper production |
| Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) | Beijing, China | Alumina refining, aluminum smelting |
| South32 | Perth, Australia | Diversified mining, aluminum |
| Century Aluminum | Chicago, USA | Primary aluminum production |
| Emirates Global Aluminium | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Primary aluminum, value-added products |
| Constellium | Paris, France | Rolled and extruded aluminum products |
FAQs
When was Norsk Hydro ASA founded?
Norsk Hydro ASA was founded on December 2, 1905 in Norway. Sam Eyde, Kristian Birkeland, and Marcus Wallenberg established the company to produce nitrogen-based fertilizers using hydroelectric power.
What does Norsk Hydro ASA produce?
Norsk Hydro produces aluminum products including extrusion ingots, sheet ingots, and foundry alloys. The company also generates renewable energy through hydropower facilities in Norway and operates recycling plants across Europe.
Who owns Norsk Hydro ASA?
The Norwegian government owns 34.3% of Norsk Hydro through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Folketrygdfond holds an additional 6.5% stake. The remaining shares trade publicly on the Oslo Stock Exchange.
Where is Norsk Hydro ASA headquartered?
Norsk Hydro ASA maintains its headquarters in Oslo, Norway. The company operates in approximately 50 countries across all continents with major production facilities in Norway, Brazil, and Europe.
How many employees does Norsk Hydro ASA have?
Norsk Hydro employs approximately 35,000 people worldwide. The workforce operates across mining, refining, smelting, extrusion, and recycling facilities spanning multiple continents.