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Century Aluminum (CENX)
NASDAQ:CENX

Century Aluminum (CENX) AI Stock Analysis

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Century Aluminum

(NASDAQ:CENX)

Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
$20.00
▲(9.65%Upside)
Century Aluminum's improved profitability and operational recovery are significant strengths, supported by a positive earnings call outcome. Nevertheless, high leverage and cash flow issues, alongside moderate technical signals, temper the overall score. The valuation is fair, but absent dividend yield is a minor drawback.
Positive Factors
Balance Sheet
Free cash flow generation is expected to remain strong and translate to further strengthening of the balance sheet.
Profitability and Tariffs
Century's profitability profile has improved with the acquisition of a majority stake in the Jamalco refinery and benefits from tariffs.
Strategic Asset Management
The strategic review of the idled Hawesville smelter continues, with Century indicating that interest in the asset remains high, offering multiple options for potential value generation.
Negative Factors
Earnings Forecast
The 2Q'25 EBITDA guided range of $80–90mm is disappointing and below prior estimates.
Operational Costs
Higher costs associated with major planned maintenance and seasonal labor costs are considered one-time but impact the current outlook.

Century Aluminum (CENX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Century Aluminum Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCentury Aluminum Company, together with its subsidiaries, produces standard-grade and value-added primary aluminum products in the United States and Iceland. It also owns and operates a carbon anode production facility in the Netherlands. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
How the Company Makes MoneyCentury Aluminum makes money primarily through the production and sale of primary aluminum. The company's revenue model is driven by the demand for aluminum in various sectors, including transportation, packaging, and construction. Century Aluminum operates several smelters that convert raw materials into aluminum products, which are then sold to manufacturers and other end-users. Key revenue streams include sales contracts with industrial customers and partnerships with other companies to provide specialized aluminum products. Additionally, the company may engage in strategic partnerships or joint ventures to enhance its production capabilities and market reach.

Century Aluminum Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 15.30%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 06, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a balanced view with significant achievements in financial performance, liquidity, and operational recovery, particularly in alumina production and tariff benefits. However, challenges such as increased energy costs due to weather events, operational issues at Mt. Holly, and European market weakness were noted.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance and Liquidity Improvement
Century generated $78 million of adjusted EBITDA in Q1, reducing net debt by $55 million and increasing liquidity by $94 million.
Record Alumina Production
Jamalco achieved its highest quarterly volume in Q1 since its acquisition in 2023, with ongoing investments in capital improvement programs.
Positive Impact of Section 232 Tariffs
Midwest premium doubled post-tariff announcement, benefiting Q1 results by $16 million, with further benefits expected in Q2.
Full Production Recovery at Grundartangi
Grundartangi returned to full production in March after power curtailments were lifted, with a new power supply agreement extending to 2032.
Operational Improvements at Sebree
Sebree achieved higher volumes and lower costs, allowing for advanced maintenance to improve reliability.
Negative Updates
Impact of Polar Vortex on Energy Costs
Cold temperatures increased energy prices at U.S. operations, impacting Q1 adjusted EBITDA by $18 million.
Operational Instability at Mt. Holly
Mt. Holly faced operational instability, increasing costs and reducing production, with recovery efforts ongoing.
European Market Weakness
European billet orders were lower than expected, with demand weakness continuing, although showing slight improvement entering Q2.
Increased Raw Material Costs
Coke, pitch, and caustic soda prices rose in Q1, contributing to a $27 million headwind quarter-over-quarter.
Company Guidance
In the Century Aluminum Company's First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the executives provided detailed guidance on their financial and operational outlook. The company reported a strong financial performance with an adjusted EBITDA of $78 million, a reduction in net debt by $55 million, and an increase in liquidity by $94 million. Realized LME prices averaged $2,553 per ton in Q1, with Midwest and European premiums at $602 and $336, respectively. For Q2, they project an adjusted EBITDA between $80 million and $90 million, with anticipated benefits from a rise in the U.S. Midwest premium to $866 per ton. Operationally, they highlighted significant improvements in safety outcomes and production levels, especially at their Icelandic and Jamalco facilities, and detailed ongoing capital improvement projects like the installation of a new steam turbine at Jamalco. The company anticipates these measures will contribute to future cost reductions and operational efficiencies.

Century Aluminum Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Century Aluminum's financial performance reflects a recovery phase with significant improvements in profitability and revenue growth. However, the company faces high leverage and cash flow challenges, requiring strategic improvements to maintain long-term stability.
Income Statement
72
Positive
The income statement shows a strong recovery in profitability with a significant improvement in net income from a loss of $43.1 million in 2023 to a profit of $119.7 million in TTM 2025. The gross profit margin improved to 9.69% in TTM 2025 from 4.21% in 2022. Revenue growth is steady, with a TTM revenue of $2.36 billion, up from $2.22 billion in 2024. The EBIT margin has also improved to 7.00% in TTM 2025. However, the EBITDA margin decreased due to reduced EBITDA compared to 2024.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The balance sheet indicates a moderate level of financial stability. The debt-to-equity ratio is relatively high at 0.65 in TTM 2025, suggesting potential leverage risk. The equity ratio is stable at 37.2%, showing a balanced asset funding by equity. Return on equity has improved significantly, reflecting better utilization of equity for generating net income. However, the high total liabilities relative to equity might pose financial risks.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals challenges with negative free cash flow of $11.3 million in TTM 2025, though an improvement from the previous year. Operating cash flow has improved to $62.5 million but remains relatively low compared to net income, with an operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.52. The free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, indicating inefficiencies in converting income into free cash flow.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.36B2.22B2.19B2.78B2.21B1.61B
Gross Profit229.10M185.00M91.90M46.70M124.20M-36.50M
EBITDA225.40M448.70M43.40M82.60M-84.60M-11.70M
Net Income119.70M336.80M-43.10M-14.00M-167.00M-123.20M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.95B1.94B1.85B1.47B1.57B1.40B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments44.90M32.90M88.80M54.30M29.00M81.60M
Total Debt472.60M519.20M473.70M548.60M474.10M340.20M
Total Liabilities1.26B1.28B1.50B1.07B1.15B853.50M
Stockholders Equity726.30M694.40M355.60M399.30M421.00M546.10M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-11.30M-106.90M10.60M-60.40M-147.70M29.50M
Operating Cash Flow62.50M-24.60M105.60M25.90M-64.70M42.90M
Investing Cash Flow-53.10M-67.30M-57.80M-85.50M-82.60M-11.80M
Financing Cash Flow-56.70M37.30M-13.00M74.40M103.70M13.50M

Century Aluminum Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price18.24
Price Trends
50DMA
17.13
Positive
100DMA
17.88
Positive
200DMA
18.28
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.10
Positive
RSI
53.93
Neutral
STOCH
35.62
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CENX, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 18.24 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 18.32, above the 50-day MA of 17.13, and below the 200-day MA of 18.28, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.10 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 53.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 35.62 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for CENX.

Century Aluminum Risk Analysis

Century Aluminum disclosed 76 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Century Aluminum reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Century Aluminum Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (44)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
69
Neutral
$1.86B29.897.93%-2.29%-48.13%
67
Neutral
$1.61B16.0818.03%11.42%-49.21%
67
Neutral
$1.24B28.676.16%4.02%1.56%-22.11%
67
Neutral
$1.65B169.071.14%0.71%6.97%-87.87%
AMAMR
61
Neutral
$1.30B49.431.66%0.36%-23.34%-95.18%
44
Neutral
C$958.76M-6.68-13.31%2.79%17.55%-32.28%
BABAK
41
Neutral
$1.37B-8638.28%0.81%-34.74%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CENX
Century Aluminum
18.05
1.38
8.28%
MTRN
Materion
80.76
-23.65
-22.65%
BAK
Braskem SA
3.22
-3.05
-48.64%
KALU
Kaiser Aluminum
80.95
-2.66
-3.18%
CSTM
Constellium
13.36
-5.19
-27.98%
AMR
Alpha Metallurgical Resources
99.77
-228.70
-69.63%

Century Aluminum Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Century Aluminum Appoints New CFO Peter Trpkovski
Neutral
Mar 21, 2025

On March 21, 2025, Century Aluminum Company announced the appointment of Peter Trpkovski as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Gerald Bialek. Trpkovski, who has been with the company since 2013, will focus on advancing Century’s strategic initiatives and strengthening financial operations, ensuring continuity and leadership for the company’s future performance.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 27, 2025