Century Aluminum(US:CENX)2025-08-07 22:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Century Aluminum generated $74 million of adjusted EBITDA in Q2 2025, with net sales of $628 million, reflecting a $6 million decrease primarily due to lower third-party alumina sales [7][25] - The company reported a net loss of $5 million or $0.05 per share, while adjusted net income was $30 million or $0.30 per share excluding exceptional items [25] - Liquidity increased to $363 million, up $24 million quarter over quarter, with a cash balance of $41 million [26][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shipments increased to approximately 176,000 tons, a 4% sequential increase, reflecting strong operational performance across all smelters [25] - Realized LME prices averaged $2,540 per ton in Q2, down $11 from the prior quarter, while the Midwest premium increased to $850 per ton, up $247 due to the Section 232 aluminum tariffs [8][29] - Domestic billet shipments were up 8% year over year in the first half, indicating strong demand from downstream customers [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global aluminum supply remains constrained, with China near its production cap of 45 million tons, leading to expectations of a global market deficit in 2025 [12] - Spot Midwest premium is currently close to $1,600 per ton, reflecting the impact of increased tariffs [9] - The Atlantic region has seen an expanding alumina premium of about $30 due to short supplies [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced the restart of 50,000 metric tons of production at Mt. Holly, increasing its production capacity to over 220,000 metric tons per year, representing a $50 million investment [21][22] - Century aims to capitalize on the favorable market conditions and the Section 232 tariffs to enhance domestic aluminum production, potentially tripling U.S. production by the end of the decade [20][24] - The strategic review process for the Hawesville facility is ongoing, with final negotiations expected to conclude by the end of Q3 [19][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong domestic demand for aluminum products and the positive impact of tariffs on operational results [10][12] - The company anticipates Q3 adjusted EBITDA in the range of $115 million to $125 million, driven by lagged LME and Midwest premium increases [37] - Management highlighted the importance of the Section 232 program in restoring American manufacturing and supporting job creation [20][24] Other Important Information - The refinancing of $250 million senior secured notes was completed, simplifying the debt structure and lowering interest costs [26][27] - The company expects to receive tax credits related to U.S. production, with a receivable of $195 million as of June 30 [33][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about your sourcing plans for raw materials, especially alumina? - Management confirmed that the additional alumina needs for Mt. Holly will be serviced within the existing alumina sourcing plans for 2026 [43][44] Question: What is the expected timeline for receiving the manufacturing credit? - Management expects the FY 2023 credit imminently and the FY 2024 amount over the next six to nine months, with visibility into the tax return processing [48][49] Question: Can you provide an update on the Hawesville facility? - Management stated that the strategic review process is progressing well, with final negotiations expected to conclude soon [57] Question: What are the milestones for the new smelter project? - The next milestone will likely be site selection, which is tied to energy agreements, with major spending expected in 2026 [60] Question: How is the cast house project at Grundartangi progressing? - Management reported that the cast house project is going well, with production ramping up and positive market acceptance [71][73]