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Kaiser Aluminum Corp (KALU)
NASDAQ:KALU

Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) AI Stock Analysis

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Kaiser Aluminum

(NASDAQ:KALU)

Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
$84.00
▲(6.34%Upside)
Kaiser Aluminum's stock score is driven by positive earnings call guidance and strong technical indicators, suggesting potential growth. However, high valuation and challenges in free cash flow and certain revenue streams pose risks. Continuous monitoring of financial performance and market conditions is recommended.
Positive Factors
Product Expansion
The roll coat expansion is considered a significant positive catalyst, adding higher-margin ends and tabs for packaging applications.
Revenue Growth
The new Warrick roll coat line is set to open, supporting a 20%-25% year-over-year increase in conversion revenue.
Trade Policies
Kaiser is benefiting from trade policies, providing a favorable environment for domestic supply.
Negative Factors
Aerospace Segment
Aerospace revenue declined due to short-term disruptions in aircraft OEM supply chains.
Automotive Tariffs
Kaiser's automotive segment is heavily exposed to potential tariffs, adding uncertainty to its performance.
Price Target Reduction
The price target for Kaiser Aluminum has been reduced from $100 to $74, indicating a less optimistic outlook.

Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Kaiser Aluminum Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKaiser Aluminum Corporation engages in manufacture and sale of semi-fabricated specialty aluminum mill products in the United States and internationally. The company offers rolled, extruded, and drawn aluminum products used for aerospace and defense, aluminum beverage and food packaging, automotive and general engineering products. The company's automotive extrusions include extruded aluminum products for structural components, crash management systems, anti-lock braking systems, and drawn tubes for drive shafts, as well as offers fabrication services, including sawing and cutting to length. Its packaging products consist of bare and coated 3000- and 5000-series alloy aluminum coil used for beverage and food packaging industry; and Its general engineering products comprise alloy plate, sheet, rod, bar, tube, wire, and standard extrusion shapes used in various applications, including the production of military vehicles, ordnances, semiconductor manufacturing cells, electronic devices, after-market motor sport parts, tooling plates, parts for machinery and equipment, bolts, screws, nails, and rivets. In addition, it offers rerolled, extruded, drawn, and cast billet aluminum products for industrial end uses. It sells its products directly to customers through sales personnel located in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and China, as well as through independent sales agents in other regions of Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyKaiser Aluminum generates revenue primarily through the production and sale of semi-fabricated aluminum products. The company's main revenue streams include the sale of rolled aluminum products, such as sheet and plate, and extruded aluminum products, including rods, bars, and tubes. These products are sold directly to manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors, who use them to create finished goods. The company's earnings are bolstered by strategic partnerships with key customers and suppliers, enabling it to secure long-term contracts and maintain a steady demand for its products. Additionally, Kaiser Aluminum benefits from its strong operational efficiency and ability to innovate, which help in sustaining its competitive edge and profitability in the market.

Kaiser Aluminum Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 23, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 35.74%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 23, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Kaiser Aluminum demonstrated resilience with strong financial performance and strategic investment progress despite challenges in aerospace revenue and overall conversion revenue decline. The highlights, particularly in financial metrics and investment projects, outweigh the lowlights.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Start to 2025
Despite market volatility, Kaiser Aluminum's end markets are tracking expectations, with improved full-year outlook due to solid Q1 results.
Major Investments Progressing
The fourth coating line at Warrick rolling mill is moving into customer qualification, while Trentwood Phase VII project progresses smoothly. These investments are expected to drive a step change in EBITDA and margin performance.
Solid Financial Performance
Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $73 million, a $19 million increase from the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of conversion revenue improved by 550 basis points to 20.2%.
Positive Cash Flow and Liquidity
Generated $57 million cash flow from operations; with $38 million in capital expenditures, resulting in approximately $19 million in free cash flow. Strong liquidity position of $577 million with no borrowings under revolving credit.
Dividend Confidence
Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per common share, reinforcing confidence in long-term strategy.
Negative Updates
Aerospace Revenue Decline
Aerospace and High Strength conversion revenue was $121 million, down $16 million or approximately 12%, due to commercial aircraft OEM order pattern disruptions.
Packaging Shipments Decline
Packaging shipments declined 9% due to a reduction in bare products as the company pivots towards higher volumes of coated material.
Overall Conversion Revenue Decrease
Conversion revenue for Q1 was $363 million, a decrease of approximately $4 million or 1% compared to the prior year period.
Company Guidance
During the Kaiser Aluminum Corporation's first quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided updated guidance reflecting a positive outlook for the remainder of the year. The company reported a conversion revenue of $363 million for the first quarter, a slight decrease of 1% from the previous year, and adjusted EBITDA of $73 million, up $19 million year-over-year, with an EBITDA margin improvement of approximately 550 basis points to 20.2%. They project a year-over-year growth in conversion revenue of 5% to 10% for 2025 and have raised their full-year EBITDA expectations by 5% to 10% above the re-casted 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $241 million. Capital expenditures for the year are projected to be between $120 million and $130 million, with an expected free cash flow generation of over $100 million. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per share, highlighting confidence in their long-term strategy. Kaiser Aluminum anticipates a strong performance driven by strategic investments, particularly in their new coating line at the Warrick rolling mill and the Trentwood Phase VII expansion, which are expected to significantly enhance their production capacity and margins.

Kaiser Aluminum Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Kaiser Aluminum demonstrates moderate financial performance. Improvements in gross profit margin and reduced debt-to-equity ratio signal better cost management and reduced leverage risk. However, challenges with free cash flow and slight decrease in net profit margin indicate areas for improvement.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Kaiser Aluminum has shown a mixed performance in its income statement. The gross profit margin improved significantly in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) to 31.3% from 11.0% in the prior year, indicating better cost management. However, net profit margin decreased slightly to 1.4% from 1.5%. Revenue growth over the last year (from 2024 to TTM 2025) is moderate at 1.32%, showing some level of business expansion. EBIT and EBITDA margins remain relatively low but are improving, signaling a potential turnaround in operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position, with a debt-to-equity ratio improving significantly to 0.03 in TTM 2025 from 1.61 in 2023, which reduces leverage risk. The equity ratio is stable at around 31.0%, indicating a consistent reliance on equity financing. Return on equity (ROE) is moderate at 5.8%, reflecting average returns for shareholders.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
The cash flow statement indicates challenges with generating free cash flow, which is negative at -$47 million in TTM 2025. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 2.37, showing solid cash generation from operations. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, reflecting high capital expenditures that weigh on free cash performance. Free cash flow growth is negative, suggesting potential cash strain.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
3.06B3.02B3.09B3.43B2.62B1.17B
Gross Profit
284.30M332.90M332.10M140.80M182.40M179.20M
EBIT
103.20M87.70M95.80M-73.80M-66.80M35.00M
EBITDA
221.50M223.60M211.80M131.50M151.00M136.60M
Net Income Common Stockholders
43.80M46.80M47.20M-29.60M-18.50M28.80M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
21.30M18.40M82.40M57.40M303.20M780.30M
Total Assets
2.44B2.31B2.27B2.29B2.42B1.86B
Total Debt
1.07B1.08B1.08B1.07B1.08B863.70M
Net Debt
1.05B1.06B996.70M1.02B773.90M83.40M
Total Liabilities
1.68B1.65B1.62B1.66B1.73B1.13B
Stockholders Equity
756.80M668.00M652.20M631.20M692.50M732.40M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-28.20M-13.70M68.70M-205.60M21.40M155.00M
Operating Cash Flow
160.80M167.10M211.90M-63.10M79.40M206.90M
Investing Cash Flow
-182.90M-174.60M-128.20M-125.80M-665.80M26.90M
Financing Cash Flow
-56.50M-55.30M-54.30M-56.80M109.10M281.90M

Kaiser Aluminum Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price78.99
Price Trends
50DMA
64.89
Positive
100DMA
67.09
Positive
200DMA
69.65
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.31
Negative
RSI
75.91
Negative
STOCH
87.70
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KALU, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 78.99 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 73.49, above the 50-day MA of 64.89, and above the 200-day MA of 69.65, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.31 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 75.91 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 87.70 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for KALU.

Kaiser Aluminum Risk Analysis

Kaiser Aluminum disclosed 39 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Kaiser Aluminum reported the most risks in the “Ability to Sell” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Kaiser Aluminum Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
AAAA
72
Outperform
$7.25B8.2917.53%1.43%21.56%
70
Outperform
$1.82B17.2218.03%11.42%-49.21%
69
Neutral
$1.85B28.637.93%-2.29%-48.13%
67
Neutral
$1.26B29.236.16%3.94%1.56%-22.11%
56
Neutral
$639.68M-16.64%12.30%42.72%
53
Neutral
$835.34M-41.03%2.53%-2.75%-339.59%
51
Neutral
$2.02B-1.19-21.37%3.64%2.88%-30.57%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KALU
Kaiser Aluminum
78.99
-9.23
-10.46%
AA
Alcoa
28.56
-12.10
-29.76%
CENX
Century Aluminum
20.12
4.33
27.42%
RDUS
Schnitzer Steel Industries
29.60
14.03
90.11%
CSTM
Constellium
12.85
-7.35
-36.39%
NEXA
Nexa Resources SA
4.93
-2.83
-36.47%

Kaiser Aluminum Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Kaiser Aluminum Announces Leadership Changes for 2025
Positive
Jan 6, 2025

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced the retirement of Jack A. Hockema as Executive Chair, effective January 1, 2025, with CEO Keith A. Harvey appointed as Chairman of the Board. Kimberly T. Glas has been appointed as a new director, filling the vacancy left by Mr. Hockema. Ms. Glas brings over 20 years of experience in government policy development and advocacy, particularly with labor unions, and will serve on the Board’s audit and sustainability committees. This leadership transition is expected to continue the company’s legacy of operational excellence and enhance stakeholder value.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.