Alcoa(AA)
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Alcoa(AA) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-01-22 23:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 20% sequentially to $3.5 billion [10] - Net income attributable to Alcoa was $202 million, up from $90 million in the prior quarter, with earnings per share doubling to $0.76 [10] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by $222 million to $677 million, driven by higher alumina and aluminum prices, increased shipments, and lower energy costs [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the alumina segment, third-party revenue increased by 45% due to higher average realized prices and higher shipments [10] - The aluminum segment saw a 5% increase in third-party revenue, primarily from higher average realized prices [10] - The alumina segment's adjusted EBITDA increased by $349 million, mainly due to higher alumina prices and volumes [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alumina prices reached an all-time high in Q4 due to tight market conditions and lower-than-expected supply [26] - Global demand for aluminum remained resilient, particularly in the packaging and electrical sectors, while building and construction faced challenges [27] - The bauxite market is currently tight, with pricing into China at $120-$130 per ton, impacting alumina availability [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance safety and operational excellence, particularly in Brazilian operations, and prioritize customer-focused decisions to become the supplier of choice [24] - Plans for targeted growth through organic and inorganic opportunities where returns exceed the cost of capital [25] - Deleveraging and repositioning debt are priorities for 2025, with expectations of generating sufficient cash for further debt reductions [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that alumina prices are expected to remain tight in the first half of 2025, with new production in India and Indonesia needed to balance the market [57] - The outlook for aluminum demand outside China is expected to rebound, supported by higher real incomes and lower interest rates [29] - Management expressed caution regarding potential tariffs and their impact on supply, demand, and trade flows [35] Other Important Information - The company completed a $385 million debt repayment while maintaining its quarterly dividend [9] - The profitability improvement program exceeded its $645 million target ahead of schedule, with significant savings from raw materials and productivity initiatives [8][14] - The company has a cash balance of $1.1 billion and expects capital expenditures of $700 million in 2025 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of potential tariffs on Midwest premium and trade flows - Management indicated that the Midwest premium would likely increase significantly if tariffs are imposed, disrupting trade flows and potentially leading to higher costs for U.S. customers [43][45] Question: Net debt position and capital return timing - The company closed the year with $2.1 billion in adjusted net debt and will prioritize deleveraging in 2025, considering capital returns if excess cash is available [50][52] Question: Bauxite availability for new refineries - The bauxite market is tight, and alumina prices are expected to remain high, impacting the ramp-up of new refineries in India and China [56] Question: Cash balance and MOU progress at San Cyprian - Cash consumption is still depleting weekly, and while the MOU is a positive step, it does not guarantee a deal will be reached [62][64] Question: Monetizing excess energy offtake - The company has opportunities to monetize energy in Brazil and potentially in Wort, but these are currently being utilized for smelting operations [66] Question: Monetizing idle sites for data centers - The company has a history of successfully monetizing legacy assets and is in contact with developers for potential sales, but maximum value is the priority [70][73]
Alcoa(AA) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Results
2025-01-22 21:15
Revenue and Sales Performance - Revenue increased to $3.5 billion in Q4 2024, a 20% increase sequentially[5] - Full-year 2024 revenue increased 13% to $11.9 billion[5] - Sales for Q4 2024 increased to $3.486 billion, up 20% from $2.904 billion in Q3 2024 and 34% from $2.595 billion in Q4 2023[27] - Full-year 2024 sales reached $11.895 billion, a 13% increase from $10.551 billion in 2023[28] - Sales grew to $3,486 million in Q4 2024, compared to $2,595 million in Q4 2023[45] Net Income and Profitability - Net income increased 124% sequentially to $202 million in Q4 2024[5] - Net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation for Q4 2024 was $202 million, compared to $90 million in Q3 2024 and a loss of $150 million in Q4 2023[27] - Net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation for 2024 was $60 million, a significant improvement from a loss of $651 million in 2023[28] - Net income for 2024 improved to $24 million from a loss of $773 million in 2023[30] - Net income (loss) attributable to Alcoa Corporation for Q4 2024 was $202 million, compared to $90 million in Q3 2024 and a loss of $150 million in Q4 2023[34] - Diluted EPS for Q4 2024 was $0.76, compared to $0.38 in Q3 2024 and a loss of $0.84 in Q4 2023[34] Adjusted EBITDA and Segment Performance - Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items increased 49% sequentially to $677 million in Q4 2024[5] - Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items for FY2024 increased to $1.6 billion[5] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $2,065 million, compared to $734 million in 2023[31] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $675 million, compared to $429 million in Q3 2024 and $92 million in Q4 2023[38] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2024 was $1.519 billion, compared to $473 million in 2023[38] Cash Flow and Financial Position - The company ended 2024 with a cash balance of $1.1 billion[11] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $1.138 billion at the end of 2024, up from $944 million at the end of 2023[29] - Cash from operations increased significantly to $622 million in 2024, up from $91 million in 2023[30] - Free cash flow for Q4 2024 was $246 million, compared to a negative $3 million in Q3 2024 and $10 million in Q4 2023[40] - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, were $1.138 billion, compared to $944 million as of December 31, 2023[41] - Cash and Cash Equivalents rose to $1,138 million in December 2024 from $803 million in December 2023[43] Debt and Liabilities - Long-term debt increased to $2.470 billion in 2024, up from $1.732 billion in 2023[29] - Net debt as of December 31, 2024, was $1.457 billion, compared to $923 million as of December 31, 2023[41] - Total debt as of December 31, 2024, was $2.595 billion, compared to $1.867 billion as of December 31, 2023[41] - Adjusted Net Debt increased to $2,054 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $1,673 million in the previous year[43] - Net Debt (Net Cash) rose to $1,457 million in December 2024 from $1,033 million in December 2023[43] - Total Debt increased to $2,595 million in December 2024 from $1,836 million in December 2023[43] - Net Pension/OPEB Liability decreased to $597 million in December 2024 from $640 million in December 2023[43] Production and Shipments - Alcoa expects 2025 Alumina segment production to range between 9.5 to 9.7 million metric tons[13] - Aluminum segment production is expected to range between 2.3 and 2.5 million metric tons in 2025[14] - Alumina production decreased to 10,034 kmt in 2024 from 10,908 kmt in 2023[31] - Third-party alumina shipments dropped to 9,005 kmt in 2024 from 8,698 kmt in 2023[31] - Aluminum production increased to 2,215 kmt in 2024 from 2,114 kmt in 2023[31] - Total aluminum shipments grew to 2,590 kmt in 2024 from 2,491 kmt in 2023[31] Pricing and Realized Prices - Average realized third-party price per metric ton of alumina rose to $472 in 2024 from $358 in 2023[31] - Average realized third-party price per metric ton of aluminum increased to $2,841 in 2024 from $2,828 in 2023[31] Expenses and Charges - Research and development expenses for 2024 totaled $57 million, up 46% from $39 million in 2023[28] - Restructuring and other charges for 2024 amounted to $341 million, an 85% increase from $184 million in 2023[28] - Restructuring and other charges for Q4 2024 were $91 million, compared to $30 million in Q3 2024 and a negative $11 million in Q4 2023[34] Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures for 2024 were $580 million, up from $531 million in 2023[30] - Capital expenditures for Q4 2024 were $169 million, compared to $146 million in Q3 2024 and $188 million in Q4 2023[40] Working Capital and Receivables - Receivables from customers rose to $1.096 billion in 2024, a 67% increase from $656 million in 2023[29] - DWC Working Capital decreased to $1,289 million in Q4 2024 from $1,414 million in Q3 2024[45] - Days Working Capital improved to 34 days in Q4 2024, down from 45 days in Q3 2024[45] - Receivables from customers increased to $1,096 million in Q4 2024, up from $656 million in Q4 2023[45] - Inventories decreased to $1,998 million in Q4 2024 from $2,158 million in Q4 2023[45] Total Assets and Liabilities - Total assets decreased slightly to $14.065 billion in 2024 from $14.155 billion in 2023[29] Operational Tax Expense - Alcoa expects first quarter 2025 operational tax expense to approximate $120 million to $130 million[17] Profitability Improvements - Alcoa implemented $675 million of profitability improvements in 2024, exceeding its $645 million target[11]
4 Stocks to Gain From a Steady Rebound in Manufacturing Activity
ZACKS· 2025-01-22 20:01
Industry Overview - The U.S. manufacturing sector is experiencing a slow but steady recovery, with significant easing of price pressures over recent months, indicating a revival is gaining momentum [1] - Industrial production rose by 0.9% in December, surpassing the consensus estimate of 0.3%, while November's figures were revised from a decline of 0.1% to an increase of 0.2%, suggesting robust growth in the sector [3] - Capacity utilization for manufacturing increased by 0.4% to 76.6 in December, reflecting underlying economic strength and a robust consumer market [5] Company Insights - Alcoa Corporation (AA) is expected to see earnings growth of over 100% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 1, indicating strong buy potential [8] - EnerSys (ENS) anticipates earnings growth of 14.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2, showing solid investment potential [9] - Chart Industries, Inc. (GTLS) has an expected earnings growth of 48.1% for the current year and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating favorable investment prospects [12][13] - Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) expects earnings growth of 4.4% for the current year, maintaining a Zacks Rank of 2, suggesting it is a viable investment option [14] Sector Performance - The end of The Boeing Company's strike contributed to a 6.3% increase in aerospace output, while apparel and leather output rose by 1.2% [4] - Manufacturing output increased by 0.6% in December, following a 0.4% gain in the previous month, indicating a positive trend in production [4] - The recovery in industrial production follows a period of decline in September, aided by the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts, which have spurred demand in the manufacturing sector [6]
Buy These 3 Momentum Stocks Poised to Beat on Earnings This Month
ZACKS· 2025-01-22 13:46
Fourth-quarter 2024 earnings results have come in line with expectations so far. Looking at the fourth quarter as a whole, total earnings for the S&P 500 Index are expected to be up 8.5% from the same period last year on 4.8% higher revenues. This follows 8.4% year-over-year EPS growth on 5.5% higher revenues in the previous quarter.Meanwhile, three momentum stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank are set to beat on earnings this month. An earnings beat is likely to generate more momentum in these stock prices. ...
Bull of the Day: Alcoa (AA)
ZACKS· 2025-01-22 13:01
Group 1 - The stock market is experiencing a rally due to a new Administration, with a focus on stocks with strong earnings trends for long-term performance [1] - Alcoa is highlighted as a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stock, recognized as a global leader in bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products [2] - Analyst estimate revisions have led to increased earnings estimates for Alcoa, with the current year estimate rising from 89 cents to 94 cents and next year's estimate increasing from $2.98 to $4.27, indicating a 354% growth [3] Group 2 - Alcoa is projected to achieve revenue growth of 11.48% for the current year and an additional 9.4% next year, reaching $12.87 billion [4] - The stock is currently trading at 9.26x forward earnings and less than 1x sales at 0.93, indicating a favorable valuation [4] - The Price, Consensus, and EPS Surprise Chart shows that Alcoa's earnings and stock price have bottomed out and are now on an upward trend, with growth expected to continue through 2026 [5]
New Strong Buy Stocks for January 21st
ZACKS· 2025-01-21 12:45
Here are five stocks added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List today:CareDx, Inc (CDNA) : This diagnostic solutions company for transplant patients and caregivers has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.5% over the last 60 days.Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALNY) : This biopharmaceutical company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 20.4% over the last 60 days.ICL Group Ltd (ICL) : This specialty minerals and chemicals com ...
Best Income Stocks to Buy for January 21st
ZACKS· 2025-01-21 10:26
Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, January 21st:Alcoa Corporation (AA) : This company that produces and sells bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 21.4% over the last 60 days.This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 1%, compared with the industry average of 0.6%.Fox Corporation (FOXA) : This news, sports, and entertainment company has witnessed ...
Alcoa Gears Up to Post Q4 Earnings: What Lies Ahead for the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-01-17 18:01
Alcoa Corporation (AA) is likely to register an increase in the top line from last year’s quarterly reading when it reports fourth-quarter 2024 earnings on Jan. 22, after market close. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $3.4 billion, reflecting an increase of 30.1% from the prior year’s quarterly figure.The bottom line of this leading producer of bauxite, alumina and aluminum products is expected to have increased from the earlier year’s quarterly figure. Over the past 60 days, the conse ...
Why Alcoa (AA) Stock Might be a Great Pick
ZACKS· 2025-01-15 16:31
One stock that might be an intriguing choice for investors right now is Alcoa Corporation (AA) . This is because this security in the Metal Products - Distribution space is seeing solid earnings estimate revision activity, and is in great company from a Zacks Industry Rank perspective.This is important because, often times, a rising tide will lift all boats in an industry, as there can be broad trends taking place in a segment that are boosting securities across the board. This is arguably taking place in t ...
Alcoa: Learn How To Trade A Sentiment-Based Stock (Technical Analysis)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-01-06 14:49
" Stockwaves is my bread and butter , and that's only catching maybe 10% of the charts they throw out! I had 7-10x+ trades with SW last year , and dozens more that were "slackers" (LOL) with "only" 3-4-5x returns. Amazing!" (Nicole)At opportune moments, we provide specific setups to the readership, typically using the synergy that we find between fundamentals and what most would define as “technicals.” However, what if the fundamental sideStock Waves is a team run by Zac Mannes and Garrett Patten and includ ...