Century Aluminum(US:CENX)2025-05-07 22:19Financial Performance - Century Aluminum's net sales for Q1 2025 increased by $3.0 million compared to Q4 2024, driven by realized LME and regional price premiums of $35.6 million and favorable volume and sales mix of $11.3 million, despite a decrease in third-party alumina sales of $44.5 million [158]. - For Q1 2025, net sales rose by $144.4 million compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to favorable realized LME and regional price premiums of $91.1 million and an increase in third-party alumina sales of $58.0 million, partially offset by unfavorable volume and sales mix of $4.7 million [159]. - Gross profit for Q1 2025 decreased by $5.7 million compared to Q4 2024, mainly due to unfavorable raw material price realization of $25.7 million and unfavorable power price realization of $22.2 million, partially offset by favorable realized LME and regional price premiums of $35.6 million [160]. - Gross profit increased by $44.1 million for Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to favorable metal price realization of $63.5 million and favorable regional price realization of $27.6 million, offset by higher power price realization of $26.7 million and increased operating expenses of $20.3 million [161]. Pricing and Premiums - The average price of primary aluminum per tonne for Q1 2025 was $2,631, compared to $2,199 in Q1 2024, reflecting a significant increase driven by tariff changes [149]. - The Midwest Premium (MWP) for aluminum increased from $402 per tonne in Q1 2024 to $729 per tonne in Q1 2025, influenced by the increase in Section 232 tariff rate from 10% to 25% effective March 12, 2025 [148]. Acquisitions and Investments - Century Aluminum acquired a 55% interest in Jamalco, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $245.9 million recognized in Q1 2024 [144]. - The company finalized a bargain purchase gain of $245.9 million related to the acquisition of General Alumina Holdings Limited for the three months ended March 31, 2024 [168]. - The company entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for up to $500 million to build a new aluminum smelter, marking the first new U.S. primary aluminum smelter in 45 years [140]. - The company entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the DOE for up to $500 million in IRA funding to build a new U.S. primary aluminum smelter [188]. Production and Operational Challenges - Jamalco experienced a production loss of approximately 84,000 tonnes in 2023 due to equipment failure, impacting gross margin by approximately $30.4 million [145]. - The expected capacity demand costs for power at the Sebree plant are projected to increase from approximately $3.1 million for the twelve months ending May 31, 2025, to approximately $5.9 million for the twelve months ending May 31, 2026 [152]. Expenses and Cash Flow - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the previous quarter [163]. - Net gain on forward and derivative contracts - nonaffiliates decreased by $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the previous quarter [165]. - Income tax expense increased to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $0.2 million for the previous quarter [169]. - Cash and cash equivalents were approximately $44.9 million as of March 31, 2025, an increase from $32.9 million at December 31, 2024 [177]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $72.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a net cash used of $14.8 million in the same period last year [178]. - Capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $21.2 million, with total capital spending estimated at $70 to $80 million for the year [189]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company had a liquidity position of $339.1 million, including cash and cash equivalents and unused availability under revolving credit facilities [173]. - The company had $43.7 million remaining under its stock repurchase program as of March 31, 2025, with no repurchases made during the three months ended March 31, 2025 [185].