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Kaiser Aluminum (KALU)
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Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) AI Stock Analysis

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KALU

Kaiser Aluminum

(NASDAQ:KALU)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$107.00
▲(34.17% Upside)
Kaiser Aluminum's stock is supported by strong technical momentum and a positive earnings call outlook. Financial performance shows improvement but is offset by high leverage and cash flow concerns. Valuation is reasonable but not exceptionally attractive.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue growth indicates strong demand for Kaiser Aluminum's products across key sectors, supporting long-term business stability and market presence.
Strategic Investments
Strategic investments in capacity expansion enhance production capabilities, positioning Kaiser Aluminum for future growth and improved competitive advantage.
Improved Financial Metrics
Significant improvement in net income reflects enhanced operational efficiency and profitability, contributing to stronger financial health and shareholder value.
Negative Factors
High Leverage
High leverage can limit financial flexibility and increase risk, potentially impacting Kaiser Aluminum's ability to invest in growth opportunities.
Negative Free Cash Flow
Negative free cash flow growth highlights cash constraints, which could affect the company's ability to fund operations and strategic initiatives without additional financing.
Aerospace Segment Challenges
Declines in aerospace revenue due to shipment reductions and outages may hinder growth in a key market segment, impacting overall revenue potential.

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

Kaiser Aluminum Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKaiser Aluminum Corporation (KALU) is a leading manufacturer of fabricated aluminum products, primarily serving the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. The company specializes in producing high-strength aluminum extrusions and fabricated aluminum products, including plate, sheet, and other custom solutions. With a focus on innovation and quality, Kaiser Aluminum operates multiple facilities across North America, leveraging advanced technologies to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
How the Company Makes MoneyKaiser Aluminum generates revenue through the sale of its aluminum products across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and general industrial applications. The company’s main revenue streams include the production and sale of aluminum extrusions, plates, sheets, and engineered products. Kaiser Aluminum often engages in long-term contracts with major clients, securing steady income and reducing volatility in revenue. Additionally, partnerships with key players in the aerospace and automotive sectors enhance its market presence and contribute to consistent earnings. The company’s focus on customer-driven solutions and continuous innovation further supports its financial performance, allowing it to capture value in niche markets and adapt to changing industry demands.

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 demonstrates stable financial performance with moderate profitability margins and steady revenue growth. The balance sheet shows low leverage and a strong equity position, contributing to financial stability. However, the cash flow position indicates challenges, with negative free cash flow and substantial capital expenditures, which need improvement.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Kaiser Aluminum shows a moderate financial performance with a gross profit margin of 9.67%, a net profit margin of 2.94%, and an EBIT margin of 3.82% in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months). The revenue growth rate over the past year is 2.96%, indicating stable but slow growth. The EBITDA margin of 6.49% reflects moderate operational efficiency. Overall, while the profitability ratios are modest, the company maintains steady revenue growth, which is a positive indicator.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company exhibits a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, showing low leverage and a strong equity base. The return on equity (ROE) of 11.81% in TTM is fairly healthy, indicating efficient use of equity. The equity ratio stands at 30.88%, suggesting a balanced capital structure. Despite the high total liabilities, the low debt-to-equity ratio mitigates the risk, demonstrating financial stability.
Cash Flow
58
Neutral
Kaiser Aluminum faces challenges in cash flow generation with a negative free cash flow of -$67.8 million in TTM, although the operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.84, showing some cash generation capability relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is negative due to significant capital expenditures, which may limit flexibility. The company needs to improve its cash flow management to enhance financial health.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.21B3.02B3.09B3.43B2.62B1.17B
Gross Profit336.90M332.90M332.10M247.70M273.90M231.40M
EBITDA286.30M223.60M211.80M131.50M151.00M136.60M
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 Debt1.07B1.09B1.08B1.08B1.09B876.20M
Total Liabilities1.79B1.65B1.62B1.66B1.73B1.13B
Stockholders Equity806.10M668.00M652.20M631.20M692.50M732.40M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-16.30M-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 Price79.75
Price Trends
50DMA
79.11
Positive
100DMA
79.18
Positive
200DMA
72.60
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.96
Negative
RSI
61.61
Neutral
STOCH
65.60
Neutral
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 79.75 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 83.17, above the 50-day MA of 79.11, and above the 200-day MA of 72.60, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.96 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 61.61 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 65.60 is Neutral, 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
$9.53B8.3619.77%1.12%20.08%
$1.47B16.3512.41%3.40%7.69%91.86%
$2.76B26.6417.74%15.39%-47.91%
$2.38B124.642.08%0.42%3.93%-73.94%
$2.17B19.5712.22%8.48%12.10%
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KALU
Kaiser Aluminum
90.53
16.20
21.79%
AA
Alcoa
36.79
-3.53
-8.75%
MTRN
Materion
114.63
9.19
8.72%
CENX
Century Aluminum
29.62
12.08
68.87%
CSTM
Constellium
15.73
4.54
40.57%
MTAL
MAC Copper
12.21
-0.32
-2.55%

Kaiser Aluminum Corporate Events

Kaiser Aluminum’s Earnings Call: Strong Growth Amid Challenges
Oct 25, 2025

Kaiser Aluminum’s recent earnings call reflected a balanced sentiment of robust operational performance and financial growth, juxtaposed with challenges in the aerospace and packaging sectors. Despite these hurdles, the outlook remains optimistic, buoyed by improved market demand and strategic investments nearing full capacity.

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.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Kaiser Aluminum Appoints James Hoffman as Director
Positive
Sep 19, 2025

On September 18, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced the appointment of James D. Hoffman as an independent director on its Board. Hoffman, with over 43 years of experience in the metals distribution and service center industries, previously served as CEO of Reliance, Inc. His extensive industry knowledge and leadership expertise are expected to significantly contribute to Kaiser’s strategic growth plans and long-term objectives.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Hold with a $84.00 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 Board Member Resigns Effective August 1
Neutral
Jul 30, 2025

On July 28, 2025, Kevin W. Williams announced his resignation from the board of directors of Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, effective August 1, 2025. His departure was not due to any disagreements with the company. The board plans to fill the vacancy with a candidate possessing critical skills to support the company’s strategic execution and board succession planning.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Hold with a $82.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Kaiser Aluminum Exceeds Q2 Expectations Amid Challenges
Jul 29, 2025

Kaiser Aluminum’s recent earnings call presented a balanced view of their financial performance, highlighting both achievements and challenges. The company exceeded expectations for the second quarter, leading to an improved full-year EBITDA outlook. They demonstrated strong performance in their packaging and general engineering segments and maintained a robust liquidity position. However, the company faced setbacks with delays in the Warrick mill start-up, declines in aerospace and automotive revenues, and a downward revision of their free cash flow projection due to increased working capital requirements.

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: Oct 26, 2025