Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total shipments in Q4 2025 were 3.8 million tons, slightly lower than Q3 due to seasonal impacts, with expectations to improve to 4 million tons in Q1 2026 [17] - Q4 price realization was $993 per net ton, down by approximately $40 per net ton, but expected to improve by about $60 per ton in Q1 2026 [18][22] - Unit costs decreased by $40 per ton in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of reductions, with further expectations of a $10 per ton decrease in 2026 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has shifted melting capacity from low-margin slabs to higher-margin flat-rolled products, anticipating continued demand for domestically produced slabs [5] - The automotive sector remains the core end market, with multi-year fixed-price contracts signed with major OEMs, expected to enhance market share and profitability in 2026 [7][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The spot steel price is at a two-year high, benefiting from Section 232 tariffs and increased domestic production [6] - Canadian pricing and shipments have improved following government restrictions on imported steel, positively impacting the Canadian subsidiary, Stelco [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging existing production capacity without the need for new plants, positioning itself to benefit from the anticipated increase in domestic automotive production [8][10] - A strategic partnership with POSCO is a top priority, aimed at enhancing collaboration and meeting U.S. trade requirements [14][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the improving business environment, citing a solid order book, rising prices, and declining costs as key factors for 2026 [22] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the return of vehicle production to pre-COVID levels, with expectations of significant throughput and profitability gains [23] Other Important Information - The company achieved a record low total recordable incident rate in 2025, reflecting a 43% improvement compared to 2021 [15] - Capital expenditures in 2025 were $561 million, with projections for 2026 to be around $700 million, reflecting normalized maintenance spending [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expected benefits from the cancellation of the slab contract - Management anticipates an EBITDA improvement of approximately $500 million from the cancellation of the slab contract, with benefits expected to materialize more significantly in Q2 2026 [27][31] Question: CapEx expectations beyond 2026 - CapEx is projected to be $700 million in 2026, increasing to $900 million in 2027 due to a blast furnace reline, then returning to $700 million in 2028 [34] Question: Open capacity and potential for contracting - The company has significant downstream capacity available, with the ability to produce specialized steel products, contingent on increased domestic automotive production [39][41] Question: Outlook for Q1 2026 - Shipments are expected to return to 4 million tons in Q1 2026, with ASP projected to increase by $60 per ton, driven by improved demand and pricing dynamics [44][46] Question: Impact of Stelco on earnings - Stelco's performance in 2025 was disappointing, but improvements are expected in 2026 as Canadian market dynamics change, contributing positively to overall results [60][64]

Core Insights - Alcoa Corporation (AA) is expected to report a 4.1% increase in revenues for Q3 2025, with estimates at $3.02 billion compared to the previous year [1][11] - The company is projected to experience a decline in earnings per share, with a consensus estimate of an adjusted loss of seven cents, reflecting a 112.3% increase from last year's quarterly level [2][11] Revenue and Sales Performance - The Aluminum segment is anticipated to benefit from increased demand for products such as slab, billet, and rod in Europe and North America, with third-party sales estimated at $2.11 billion, indicating a 17% increase from the prior year [3][4] - The Alumina segment, however, is expected to show weakness, with third-party sales projected at $813 million, representing an 18.9% decrease from the previous year [7][11] Strategic Developments - Alcoa's partnerships and acquisitions, including a joint venture with IGNIS EQT and the acquisition of Alumina Limited, are expected to enhance revenue streams [5] - Efforts to increase smelter and refinery capacity are likely to support performance in the upcoming quarter [6] Market Conditions - The company faces challenges in the Alumina segment due to a weak bauxite market 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 operations [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue decreased by 10% sequentially to $3 billion [11] - Net income attributable to Alcoa was $164 million, down from $548 million in the prior quarter, with earnings per share decreasing to $0.62 [12] - Adjusted EBITDA was $313 million, reflecting a sequential decrease of $542 million primarily due to lower alumina and aluminum prices [12][14] - Year-to-date return on equity was positive at 22.5% [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Alumina segment, third-party revenue decreased by 28% due to lower average realized prices, partially offset by increased shipments [11] - In the Aluminum segment, third-party revenue increased by 3% due to increased shipments and favorable currency impacts, despite a decrease in average realized prices [11][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alumina prices rebounded somewhat after a sharp decline in the first quarter, with production cuts in China contributing to a more balanced market [29] - The U.S. Midwest premium increased to $0.68 per pound but remains below analyst estimates needed to fully offset tariff costs [32] - Demand conditions remain steady in Europe and North America, with mixed sector performance [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its 2025 priorities, enhancing operational competitiveness, and navigating market dynamics to deliver long-term value [40] - Alcoa is advocating for trade policies that support both the company and the broader U.S. aluminum industry [10] - The company is progressing approvals for new mine regions in Western Australia, although timelines have been extended [36][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while tariffs create near-term volatility, the broader outlook for aluminum demand remains robust, driven by megatrends in transportation, construction, and packaging [24][28] - The company expects to adjust its annual outlook for aluminum shipments due to reduced shipments from the San Ciprian smelter [17] Other Important Information - The company successfully concluded a five-year tax dispute in Australia with a favorable ruling [8] - Cash from operations was positive, providing $488 million, with a working capital release of $251 million [15] - The company ended the quarter with cash of $1.5 billion [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of potential 50% tariffs on Brazil - Management indicated that the impact depends on whether alumina is excluded from tariffs, with options to source from Western Australia if necessary [42][43] Question: Contingency plans for Western Australia - Management stated that they do not anticipate any cost impact in 2025 or 2026, with contingency plans in place for mining deeper in current pits [44] Question: Tariff costs and Midwest premium - Management clarified that the second quarter tariff costs were approximately $115 million, with a Midwest premium uptick of about $60 million, leading to margin compression [52][56] Question: San Ciprian smelter cash burn expectations - Management noted that while the smelter is expected to be profitable after full ramp-up, the refinery will struggle and move into a loss position for the rest of the year [64][66] Question: Restarting spare capacity at Warrick - Management explained that restarting the fourth line at Warrick would require significant investment and time, with current operations focused on three lines [71][72] Question: Discussions with the government regarding tariffs - Management emphasized ongoing advocacy efforts to educate the government on the aluminum market's tightness and the importance of Canadian supply chains [120] Question: Capital management and debt reduction - Management indicated that they are nearing the high end of their adjusted net debt target and will consider capital allocation priorities once that target is reached [124]

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]