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Kaiser Aluminum Corp (KALU)
NASDAQ:KALU

Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) AI Stock Analysis

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KALU

Kaiser Aluminum

(NASDAQ:KALU)

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Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$139.00
▲(9.60% Upside)
The score is driven mainly by improving fundamentals and a constructive earnings outlook (raised EBITDA outlook and stronger margins), supported by a strong price uptrend. It is held back by weak free cash flow trends, meaningful leverage, and overbought technical signals, with valuation only moderately attractive.
Positive Factors
High and Improving EBITDA Margins
Sustained 20%+ EBITDA margins and a raised full-year EBITDA outlook indicate durable operating leverage and pricing power. High margins support internal reinvestment and buffer commodity swings, enhancing long-term profitability and funding for growth or shareholder returns.
Strategic Capacity Expansions On Track
On-schedule, on-budget capacity additions (Trentwood Phase 7; Warrick coating line) expand higher-margin plate and packaging capabilities. These structural investments improve product mix, support revenue diversification, and increase long-term utilization and margin potential as demand normalizes.
Improved Liquidity and Proactive Refinancing
A $577M liquidity buffer and improving net debt leverage demonstrate stronger financial flexibility. Combined with recent note issuance and credit amendments, management is proactively extending maturities and lowering near-term refinancing risk, preserving capacity to fund capex and dividends.
Negative Factors
Weak Free Cash Flow Generation
Severely depressed free cash flow despite accounting profits limits the company's ability to self-fund capex, reduce leverage, or sustain dividends without external financing. Persistently weak FCF raises refinancing and liquidity risk over the medium term.
Elevated Balance Sheet Leverage
A debt-to-equity ratio above 1.3 signals material leverage that increases interest expense sensitivity and reduces strategic optionality. In a cyclical metals end market, elevated leverage heightens vulnerability to demand downturns and constrains capital allocation flexibility.
Aerospace Segment Exposure and Demand Weakness
Significant aerospace revenue and shipment declines highlight exposure to OEM destocking and outage-driven disruption. Given aerospace cyclicality and long lead-times, prolonged reduced shipments can depress utilization, margins and free cash flow for multiple quarters.

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 sale of its aluminum products, which are utilized in various sectors including aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. The company’s revenue model is based on long-term contracts and spot sales, allowing it to maintain a steady income stream from both repeat customers and new business. Key revenue streams include the production of aluminum extrusions, plates, and fabricated products that cater to specific customer requirements. Additionally, the company has established significant partnerships with major players in the aerospace and automotive industries, which contributes to its earnings stability. The demand for lightweight and durable materials in these sectors further enhances Kaiser Aluminum's profitability, especially as industries shift toward more sustainable solutions.

Kaiser Aluminum Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 14, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 25, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mix of strong operational performance and financial growth indicators, tempered by specific challenges in the aerospace and packaging segments due to planned outages and start-up costs. The outlook remains positive with improved market demand and strategic investments nearing full capacity.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong EBITDA Performance
Achieved 23% EBITDA margins in Q3 and over 20% year-to-date, marking the fourth consecutive period of performance ahead of expectations. Raised full-year EBITDA outlook by 10%, expecting 20% to 25% year-over-year growth.
Trentwood and Warrick Investments Progressing
Trentwood's Phase 7 plate capacity expansion project is on time and on budget. Warrick's fourth coating line marked its strongest output in September, with positive customer feedback and expectations to reach full run rate by 2026.
Positive Financial Metrics
Q3 operating income increased by $36 million year-over-year, and adjusted net income rose to $31 million from $5 million in the prior year. The net debt leverage ratio improved to 3.6x from 4.3x at the end of 2024.
General Engineering and Automotive Segments
General engineering conversion revenue up 6% year-over-year, with strong demand driven by reshoring activity. Automotive conversion revenue increased by 10% year-over-year despite a decrease in shipments.
Negative Updates
Aerospace Revenue and Shipments Decline
Aerospace conversion revenue fell by $28 million or 22% primarily due to a 30% decline in shipments caused by a planned 12-week partial outage and ongoing destocking in commercial aircraft OEM production.
Packaging Shipments Decline
Packaging conversion revenue increased by 7% year-over-year, but shipments declined by 5% due to a mix shift and delays in the start-up of the new roll coat line.
Temporary Start-up Costs
Incurred approximately $20 million in start-up costs tied to strategic investments, impacting the financial performance in Q3.
Company Guidance
During the third quarter of 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation reported a strong performance, surpassing expectations for the fourth consecutive period. The company raised its full-year EBITDA outlook, achieving a 23% EBITDA margin for the quarter and over 20% year-to-date. Key strategic investments in aerospace and packaging incurred approximately $20 million in start-up costs, which were offset by favorable metal pricing impacts on inventory. The Trentwood rolling mill's Phase 7 plate capacity expansion project remained on time and on budget, despite a 12-week outage that reduced conversion revenue by around $15 million to $20 million. The Warrick packaging mill's new coating line showed strong output, with expectations to reach full run rate by 2026. Conversion revenue for the third quarter was $351 million, a 3% decline from the previous year. Aerospace conversion revenue decreased by 22% due to a 30% decline in shipments, while packaging revenue increased by 7%. General engineering and automotive segments saw revenue growth of 6% and 10%, respectively, despite shipment decreases. The company's effective tax rate for the quarter was 17%, with expected full-year cash tax payments ranging from $5 million to $7 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $81 million, a $35 million increase year-over-year, despite an 8% reduction in shipments. The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $577 million in total liquidity and improved its net debt leverage ratio to 3.6x. Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be around $130 million, with free cash flow anticipated to be between $30 million and $50 million.

Kaiser Aluminum Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Kaiser Aluminum shows signs of recovery with improved revenue and profitability metrics. However, high leverage and negative free cash flow growth present potential risks. The company needs to focus on enhancing operational efficiency and managing its debt levels to ensure long-term financial health.
Income Statement
Kaiser Aluminum shows a positive revenue growth rate of 3.08% in the TTM, indicating a recovery from previous declines. The gross profit margin is stable at 10.50%, and the net profit margin has improved to 2.85%, reflecting better profitability. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins, at 5.14% and 8.92% respectively, suggest room for operational efficiency improvements.
Balance Sheet
The company has a high debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, indicating significant leverage, which could pose risks if not managed carefully. Return on equity has improved to 12.16%, showing better utilization of equity. The equity ratio stands at 31.10%, suggesting a moderate level of financial stability.
Cash Flow
Kaiser Aluminum's cash flow situation is challenging, with a negative free cash flow growth rate of -75.96%. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.35, indicating some cash generation from operations, but the free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, highlighting cash flow constraints.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.21B3.02B3.09B3.43B2.62B1.17B
Gross Profit336.90M332.90M332.10M247.70M273.90M231.40M
EBITDA286.30M223.60M211.80M117.30M117.00M136.60M
Net Income91.40M46.80M47.20M-29.60M-18.50M28.80M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.59B2.31B2.27B2.29B2.42B1.86B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments17.20M18.40M82.40M57.40M303.20M780.30M
Total Debt1.07B1.09B1.08B1.09B1.09B876.20M
Total Liabilities1.79B1.65B1.62B1.66B1.73B1.13B
Stockholders Equity806.10M668.00M652.20M631.20M692.50M732.40M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow13.00M-13.70M68.70M-205.60M21.40M155.00M
Operating Cash Flow175.40M167.10M211.90M-63.10M79.40M206.90M
Investing Cash Flow-145.70M-174.60M-128.20M-125.80M-665.80M26.90M
Financing Cash Flow-56.70M-55.30M-54.30M-56.80M109.10M281.90M

Kaiser Aluminum Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price126.82
Price Trends
50DMA
105.16
Positive
100DMA
91.98
Positive
200DMA
81.77
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
5.91
Negative
RSI
79.35
Negative
STOCH
90.25
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 126.82 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 118.12, above the 50-day MA of 105.16, and above the 200-day MA of 81.77, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 5.91 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 79.35 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 90.25 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 (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Outperform
$16.49B14.4619.77%0.75%20.08%
69
Neutral
$1.99B22.2312.41%2.64%7.69%91.86%
69
Neutral
$2.86B150.522.08%0.43%3.93%-73.94%
62
Neutral
$2.87B27.2412.22%8.48%12.10%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
56
Neutral
$4.26B58.8712.22%20.15%-72.89%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KALU
Kaiser Aluminum
126.39
56.71
81.39%
AA
Alcoa
65.37
28.96
79.54%
MTRN
Materion
139.76
41.39
42.07%
CENX
Century Aluminum
46.34
26.40
132.40%
CSTM
Constellium
21.97
11.79
115.82%

Kaiser Aluminum Corporate Events

Dividends
Kaiser Aluminum Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend for Shareholders
Positive
Jan 13, 2026

On January 13, 2026, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced that its board of directors had declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.77 per share on its common stock, payable on February 13, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 23, 2026. The dividend declaration underscores the company’s ongoing return-of-capital policy and signals continued confidence by the board in Kaiser Aluminum’s financial position and cash-generation capabilities, which is notable for investors tracking income from specialty metals producers.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Hold with a $120.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Kaiser Aluminum Announces Executive Sales and Marketing Transition
Neutral
Jan 7, 2026

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation has implemented a planned leadership transition in its sales and marketing organization, appointing Hugh (Jack) J. Barger, III as Executive Vice President – Sales and Marketing effective January 1, 2026, as part of its succession planning for the anticipated retirement of former Executive Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Blain A. Tiffany. As of January 1, 2026, Tiffany moved into the role of Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer under a transition agreement signed on January 7, 2026, remaining an employee through December 31, 2026 while providing transition services, retaining his current salary, incentive compensation targets, and outstanding equity awards, continuing to receive customary benefits, and exiting the company’s key employee severance plan, signaling a structured and continuity-focused handover for the company’s commercial leadership.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Buy with a $127.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Kaiser Aluminum Strengthens Leadership with New Executive Appointments
Positive
Dec 19, 2025

On December 18, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum announced that Hugh (Jack) J. Barger, III will become Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing effective January 1, 2026, as part of a planned succession tied to the anticipated retirement of current EVP Blain A. Tiffany; Barger, who joined the company in June 2025 as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, brings more than 25 years of metals industry experience, including senior leadership roles at Central Steel & Wire and A.M. Castle & Company. Separately, on December 16, 2025, the company appointed Thomas H. Robb as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing, elevating him from senior manufacturing and finance roles he has held since rejoining Kaiser in August 2024, a move that underscores the company’s focus on experienced leadership to steer its commercial and manufacturing operations, including the Warrick rolling mill in Indiana, as it advances major projects such as the start-up of a new coating line.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Buy with a $115.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Kaiser Aluminum Announces Leadership Change in Manufacturing
Neutral
Nov 17, 2025

On November 14, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced that Jason D. Walsh, the Executive Vice President – Manufacturing, will take a leave of absence for health reasons starting November 17, 2025. Thomas H. Robb has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President – Manufacturing, effective immediately. Robb, who joined the company in August 2024, has a robust background in finance and manufacturing, making him a suitable successor to Walsh. This leadership change is expected to maintain the company’s operational stability and strategic direction, given Robb’s extensive experience in the aluminum and metals industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Hold with a $105.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Kaiser Aluminum Closes $500M Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Nov 5, 2025

On November 5, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced the successful closure of its $500 million senior notes offering, with the notes due in 2034 and carrying an interest rate of 5.875% per annum. The proceeds from this offering are intended to redeem the company’s existing 4.625% senior notes due in 2028, potentially impacting the company’s financial structure and stakeholder interests by optimizing its debt profile.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Hold with a $105.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Kaiser Aluminum Prices $500M Senior Notes Offering
Neutral
Oct 27, 2025

On October 27, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum announced the pricing of $500 million in senior notes due 2034, with a 5.875% interest rate, in a private transaction. The proceeds will be used to redeem the company’s existing 4.625% senior notes due 2028, with the completion of the offering expected on November 5, 2025, subject to customary conditions. This financial maneuver is aimed at optimizing the company’s debt structure and potentially enhancing its financial flexibility.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Buy with a $107.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Kaiser Aluminum Announces $500M Senior Notes Offering
Neutral
Oct 27, 2025

On October 27, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced its plan to offer $500 million in senior notes due 2034 through a private transaction exempt from the Securities Act of 1933 registration requirements. The proceeds, along with borrowings under its revolving credit facility or cash on hand, are intended to redeem all outstanding amounts of its 4.625% senior notes due 2028. The offering’s completion is subject to market conditions, and the company has provided a conditional notice to redeem the 2028 notes on November 6, 2025, contingent on the successful issuance of the new debt securities.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Buy with a $107.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Kaiser Aluminum Amends Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo
Neutral
Oct 16, 2025

On October 14, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation and its subsidiaries amended their Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo, extending the maturity date and modifying financial terms. This amendment allows for increased borrowing flexibility and potential debt restructuring, impacting the company’s financial strategy and operational capacity.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Buy with a $88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Kaiser Aluminum Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend
Neutral
Oct 14, 2025

On October 14, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.77 per share, payable on November 14, 2025, to shareholders recorded by October 24, 2025. This decision reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to returning value to its shareholders and may impact its financial flexibility and future dividend decisions, considering various economic and industry factors.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Buy with a $88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

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: Jan 14, 2026