Constellium Q4 Earnings Call Highlights

Core Insights - Constellium reported strong financial performance in 2025, exceeding internal expectations despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, driven by cost control and operational execution [3][6] - The company is well-positioned for 2026, with expectations of continued free cash flow growth and strategic initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiencies [4][21] Financial Performance - Aerospace & Transportation (A&T) adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $83 million, a 43% increase year-over-year, with a full-year adjusted EBITDA of $339 million, up 16% from 2024 [1] - Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products (P&ARP) achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $136 million in Q4, up 143% year-over-year, with a full-year adjusted EBITDA of $353 million, a 46% increase from 2024 [7] - Automotive Structures & Industry (AS&I) adjusted EBITDA was $5 million for the quarter, up $1 million year-over-year, but full-year adjusted EBITDA was $72 million, down 3% from 2024 [8] Segment Performance - A&T shipments increased by 41% year-over-year, attributed to higher demand from onshoring in the U.S. and recovery from prior-year disruptions [1] - P&ARP benefited from a 15% increase in packaging shipments, with operational improvements at the Muscle Shoals facility contributing to performance [7] - AS&I faced challenges with a 10% decline in automotive shipments, impacted by supply shortages and a weak European market [8][19] Strategic Initiatives - The "Vision 2028" program aims to enhance asset reliability, optimize operations, and drive efficiencies, focusing on key facilities like Muscle Shoals [4][12] - Management expects to benefit from improved U.S. scrap spreads and tariff-driven pricing dynamics, which provided tailwinds in late 2025 [4][10] Free Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Constellium generated $178 million in free cash flow for 2025, with expectations of over $200 million for 2026, supported by higher segment adjusted EBITDA and lower capital expenditures [6][13] - The company repurchased 2.4 million shares for $40 million in Q4 2025, with total repurchases for the year amounting to 8.9 million shares for $115 million [13] Market Outlook - The aerospace sector shows strong demand with record backlogs, while packaging demand remains healthy in North America and Europe [16][18] - Automotive demand is mixed, with stability in North America but weakness in Europe due to increased competition and tariff impacts [19][20] 2026 Guidance - Constellium guided for 2026 adjusted EBITDA of $780 million to $820 million and free cash flow above $200 million, assuming stable demand trends [21]