CHICAGO, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ:CENX) has signed an extension of its power agreement with South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper) to secure a stable power supply for its Mt. Holly smelter through 2031, a critical step forward in its plans to re-start idle capacity at the facility located outside Charleston. This power purchase agreement extension marks another milestone in the company’s efforts to lead the comeback of the U.S. primary aluminum indu ...

Summary of Alcoa's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Alcoa - **Industry**: Metals and Mining, specifically focusing on alumina and aluminum production Key Points and Arguments Market Outlook - The alumina market is currently in surplus, with prices stabilizing around $360 to $370 per metric ton due to supply disruptions and capacity offline in China [3][4] - Expectations for alumina market surplus to continue into 2026, with new projects in Indonesia and China coming online [5] - Aluminum demand remains strong in North America and Europe, particularly in packaging and electrical markets, despite some weakness in the foundry sector [7][8] - Long-term demand for aluminum is expected to grow, driven by decarbonization goals [9][10] Tariffs and Regulatory Environment - Alcoa is advocating for a preferential tariff rate for Canadian aluminum imports into the U.S., as 70% of its Canadian production historically goes to the U.S. [11][12][14] - Current Midwest premium pricing is neutral for Alcoa, balancing out tariff impacts on Canadian and U.S. production [12] - The company is cautiously optimistic about easing tariff concerns following recent meetings between U.S. and Canadian trade officials [21][22] Mining Operations and Approvals - Alcoa is focused on securing mining approvals in Western Australia, with timelines for new mine operations pushed back to 2028 [23][26] - The company is utilizing AI tools to efficiently respond to public comments regarding mining plans, with a record number of submissions received [24][31] - Plans to transition to new mining regions are expected to improve alumina production efficiency and reduce costs [28][29] Financial Performance and Capital Allocation - Alcoa aims to reduce its adjusted net debt to between $1 billion and $1.5 billion, with a notable decrease from $2.1 billion to $1.7 billion in the second quarter [38][39] - The company has a $500 million authorization for share buybacks and is considering changes to shareholder returns as it approaches its debt target [41][44] - Cash generation is expected to be strong in the second half of the year, despite some lumpiness in working capital [42] Operational Improvements - Alcoa has successfully implemented a profitability improvement program, with ongoing efforts to enhance operational stability and cost control [49][50] - The Alumar smelter has recently moved into profitability, contributing positively to cash flow [67] Challenges and Future Considerations - The Spanish operations face challenges due to high energy prices, with a restart of the smelter delayed until 2026 [70][72] - Future aluminum supply constraints are anticipated due to power shortages and regulatory challenges, potentially leading to a persistent deficit in the market [55][57] Market Perception - Alcoa's fundamentals are strong, with stable operations and a focus on reducing debt, but the market may not fully recognize the operational upside and strategic improvements made [61][62][65] Additional Important Points - Alcoa employs over 4,000 people in Western Australia, contributing significantly to the local economy [34] - The company is exploring growth opportunities, including potential M&A, but remains cautious about entering unfamiliar areas like recycling [46][47] This summary encapsulates the key insights from Alcoa's conference call, highlighting the company's market position, operational strategies, and financial outlook.

Production Disruption - Labor disputes at United Co Rusal's Guinea refinery have led to a strike, halting alumina shipments [1] Supply Chain Impact - The strike is blocking alumina shipments, potentially impacting the global aluminum supply chain [1]

Core Points - Century Aluminum Company closed a private offering of 6.875% senior secured notes due August 2032, raising gross proceeds of $400 million [1] - The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $395 million, which will be used to refinance existing debt, repay borrowings, and cover offering expenses [2] - The Secured Notes will pay interest semi-annually at a rate of 6.875% per annum, starting February 1, 2026, and will mature on August 1, 2032 [3] Company Overview - Century Aluminum is the largest producer of primary aluminum in the United States and operates production facilities in Iceland, the Netherlands, and Jamaica [6]

Group 1 - Century Aluminum Company announced a proposed private offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due July 2032 [1] - The net proceeds from the offering will be used to refinance the existing 7.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, repay borrowings under credit facilities, and cover related fees and expenses [1] - The interest rate and other terms of the secured notes will be determined at the pricing of the offering [2] Group 2 - The secured notes will be offered to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to certain non-U.S. persons under Regulation S of the Securities Act [3] - The secured notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and cannot be offered or sold in the U.S. without registration or an applicable exemption [3] Group 3 - Century Aluminum is an integrated producer of bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminum products, and is the largest producer of primary aluminum in the United States [5]

Core Viewpoint - Alcoa Corporation is expected to report an increase in revenue for the second quarter of 2025, with a consensus estimate of $2.91 billion, reflecting a 0.3% increase from the previous year [1] Revenue Expectations - The Aluminum segment's third-party sales are estimated at $1.96 billion, indicating a 3.2% increase year-over-year, while total sales for the segment are projected at $2.02 billion, a 6.2% rise from the prior year [4] - The Alumina segment's third-party sales are expected to be $836 million, representing an 8.5% decrease from the previous year, with total sales estimated at $1.37 billion, indicating a 6.5% decline [7] Earnings Expectations - The consensus estimate for earnings per share has decreased by 65.5% to 30 cents, although this reflects an 87.5% increase from the same quarter last year [2] Key Factors Influencing Performance - Increased demand for aluminum products in Europe and North America is anticipated to benefit the Aluminum segment, alongside the restart of the San Ciprián smelter and rising aluminum prices [3][10] - Synergistic gains from partnerships, such as the joint venture with IGNIS EQT and the acquisition of Alumina Limited, are expected to enhance revenues [5] - Efforts to increase smelter and refinery capacity are likely to support performance in the upcoming quarter [6] Challenges - The Alumina segment is expected to face challenges due to weakness in the bauxite market in China, influenced by safety and environmental inspections [7] - Global political risks and foreign exchange headwinds, particularly a stronger U.S. dollar, may negatively impact Alcoa's overseas business [8] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Alcoa, as the Earnings ESP stands at 0.00% with both the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate at 30 cents [9]

Core Viewpoint - President Trump's decision to increase aluminum tariffs to 50 percent is aimed at bolstering domestic production and job creation in the U.S. aluminum industry [2][3]. Company Summary - Century Aluminum Company supports the increased tariffs, which will enhance the supply of critical metals for national security and promote investments in U.S. jobs [2]. - The company plans to construct the first new aluminum smelter in the U.S. in 50 years and aims to double its domestic production as a result of the supportive policies [2][3]. - Century Aluminum is the largest domestic producer of primary aluminum in the United States and operates production facilities in Iceland, the Netherlands, and Jamaica [4].

Core Viewpoint - Alcoa Corporation (AA) has shown strong stock performance, increasing 12.1% in the past month, outperforming both the industry and S&P 500 [1] Stock Performance - Alcoa's stock closed at $28.25, below its 52-week high of $47.77 and above its 52-week low of $21.53, indicating mixed sentiment as it trades above its 50-day moving average but below its 200-day moving average [4] Factors Influencing Performance - Demand for aluminum is rising due to the popularity of lighter electric vehicles, recycled aluminum, and increased aircraft production, which boosts demand for aluminum alloys [5] - U.S. tariffs of 25% on imported steel and aluminum have increased prices, benefiting domestic producers like Alcoa, although they have not revived U.S. smelting operations [6] - A lack of competitively priced electricity has led to smelter closures, including Alcoa's permanent closure of its Intalco smelter in March 2023, impacting production [7] Segment Performance - Alcoa's Aluminum segment is benefiting from strong demand in electrical and packaging markets, with production expected to reach 2.3-2.5 million tonnes in 2025 and shipments anticipated at 2.6-2.8 million tonnes [8] - The Alumina segment is seeing growth in its Sustana product line, with production expected to be 9.5-9.7 million tonnes and shipments likely to be 13.1-13.3 million tonnes in 2025 [9] Strategic Actions - Alcoa has made strategic moves to enhance growth, including the acquisition of Alumina Limited in August 2024, which strengthens its position in the bauxite and alumina market [10] Financial Metrics - Alcoa's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is 18.56%, higher than the industry average of 17.98%, indicating efficient use of shareholder funds [11] - The stock has a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 8.78X, below the industry average of 9.08X, making it an attractive valuation compared to peers [13] Earnings Estimates - Earnings estimates for 2025 have decreased by 13.1% to $3.57 per share, and for 2026, they have declined by 19.2% to $2.69 per share [16]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Aluminum Corp of China (Chalco) H/A shares, with target prices adjusted to HKD6.10 for H-shares and RMB9.80 for A-shares, implying upside potentials of approximately 42% and 48% respectively [5][40]. Core Insights - Chalco reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of approximately RMB3.5 billion in 1Q25, reflecting a 5% quarter-on-quarter increase and a 59% year-on-year increase, attributed to better-than-expected sales volume and average selling prices (ASP) for aluminum and alumina [1][9]. - The company expects capital expenditures of RMB14.8 billion in 2025, focusing on wind power projects and new alumina production sites, while aiming to increase green power usage from 47% in 2024 to 55% in 2025 [2][9]. - Despite solid fundamentals for aluminum, earnings are expected to decline by approximately 12% in 2025 due to lower alumina prices, with the alumina price already below breakeven levels [3][9]. Financial Performance - In 1Q25, Chalco's sales volumes for self-produced aluminum decreased by 5% quarter-on-quarter, while alumina sales increased by 6% quarter-on-quarter. However, revenue and gross profits fell by 12% and 29% quarter-on-quarter respectively due to a significant drop in alumina prices [1][31]. - The company recorded a decrease in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses by 6% year-on-year and 66% quarter-on-quarter, indicating effective cost control [1][31]. - Investment income rose by RMB0.37 billion in 1Q25, driven by higher alumina prices year-on-year and gains from hedging [36]. Production and Operational Strategy - Chalco's aluminum production operating rate reached 95% in China, supported by demand from electric vehicles, batteries, and solar products [3][9]. - The company plans to relocate alumina production from inland to coastal provinces to reduce transportation costs and expects to close down 1-2 million tons of alumina production in 2025 [2][34]. - Chalco aims to optimize its alumina capacity of 25 million tons by utilizing lower-cost imported bauxite, which may lead to some impairment losses [34]. Market Outlook - The report anticipates steady aluminum prices in 2025, supported by robust demand from the "New Three" sectors, while alumina prices are expected to have limited downside due to their current low levels [3][9]. - The coal price and electricity costs remained weak in 1Q25, which may benefit Chalco's operational costs [3][9].