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Kaiser Aluminum Corp (KALU)
NASDAQ:KALU
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Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) AI Stock Analysis

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KALU

Kaiser Aluminum

(NASDAQ:KALU)

Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
$79.00
▲(6.97%Upside)
Kaiser Aluminum's overall score reflects stable financial performance and valuation, but is tempered by weak technical indicators and cash flow challenges. The positive earnings call guidance supports the score, though operational delays and revised cash flow projections present risks. The relatively high dividend yield provides a buffer, making it attractive for income-focused investors.
Positive Factors
Automotive Market
Confidence for the full year stems from a focus on high-demand SUV and light truck platforms and new programs, positioning Kaiser to outperform the overall market.
Product Expansion
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 exposure is vulnerable to potential tariffs and increased uncertainty.
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:Jul 23, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -19.58%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 22, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mix of positive and challenging aspects. Kaiser Aluminum exceeded expectations for the second quarter and improved their full year EBITDA outlook. They showed strong performance in the packaging and general engineering segments and maintained a solid liquidity position. However, they faced delays in the Warrick mill start-up, declines in aerospace and automotive revenues, and revised down their free cash flow projection due to higher working capital requirements.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Exceeded Expectations in Q2 2025
Kaiser delivered second quarter results that exceeded expectations, leading to an increased full year EBITDA outlook.
Improvement in Margins
Sustained margin levels above 19% in the first half of 2025, roughly 180 basis points stronger than in the prior year same period.
Growth in Packaging Segment
Packaging conversion revenue increased by approximately 9% year-over-year with an improved mix of higher value-added products.
Strong General Engineering Performance
General engineering conversion revenue was up $3 million or 3% year-over-year on a 5% increase in shipments.
Liquidity Position
Total liquidity of approximately $538 million as of June 30, 2025, including $525 million of borrowing availability.
Dividend Declaration
The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.77 per common share, showing confidence in long-term strategy.
Positive Full Year EBITDA Outlook
Full year EBITDA outlook increased by 5% versus February outlook, reflecting growth of 10% to 15% year-over-year.
Negative Updates
Delayed Start-up in Warrick Rolling Mill
The new coating line investment at Warrick rolling mill moved to the material qualifications phase later than initially planned, impacting packaging shipments and conversion revenue outlook.
Aerospace Revenue Decline
Aerospace and high-strength conversion revenue decreased by $6 million or approximately 5% due to a 4% decline in shipments.
Decrease in Automotive Revenue
Automotive conversion revenue of $32 million declined 4% year-over-year on a 15% decrease in shipments, impacted by tariff-related customer uncertainties.
Lower Free Cash Flow Projection
Free cash flow for full year 2025 revised down to $50 million to $70 million from an initial projection of $100 million, due to working capital requirements and metal pricing.
Higher Operating Costs
Higher operating costs due to startup expenses and major maintenance projects, affecting adjusted EBITDA for the quarter.
Company Guidance
During the Kaiser Aluminum Corporation's Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided updated guidance reflecting an increase in their full-year EBITDA outlook, now anticipating a growth of 10% to 15% year-over-year compared to the initial February outlook. This increase is attributed to favorable metal pricing, strong pricing, and an improving product mix, along with effective operating efficiencies and cost management, which have sustained margin levels above 19% in the first half of 2025. Despite challenges such as higher-than-anticipated working capital requirements tied to metal pricing and tariff-related uncertainties impacting the automotive segment, Kaiser projects free cash flow for the full year 2025 to be between $50 million and $70 million, down from the initial projection of $100 million. In terms of capital expenditures, the company expects to spend between $120 million and $130 million for the year, including significant investments in strategic initiatives at the Trentwood and Warrick rolling mills. Overall, Kaiser remains focused on long-term goals, aiming for mid- to high 20% EBITDA margins, and anticipates continued progress through demand cycles and investments coming online in the upcoming quarters.

Kaiser Aluminum Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Kaiser Aluminum demonstrates stable financial performance with steady revenue growth and modest profitability margins. Despite a strong equity base and low leverage, the company faces challenges in cash flow generation, primarily due to significant capital expenditures. Overall, financial stability is present, but improvements in cash flow management are needed.
Income Statement
75
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
70
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
60
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.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.02B3.09B3.43B2.62B1.17B
Gross Profit332.90M332.10M247.70M273.90M231.40M
EBITDA223.60M211.80M131.50M151.00M136.60M
Net Income46.80M47.20M-29.60M-18.50M28.80M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.31B2.27B2.29B2.42B1.86B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments18.40M82.40M57.40M303.20M780.30M
Total Debt1.09B1.08B1.08B1.09B876.20M
Total Liabilities1.65B1.62B1.66B1.73B1.13B
Stockholders Equity668.00M652.20M631.20M692.50M732.40M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-13.70M68.70M-205.60M21.40M155.00M
Operating Cash Flow167.10M211.90M-63.10M79.40M206.90M
Investing Cash Flow-174.60M-128.20M-125.80M-665.80M26.90M
Financing Cash Flow-55.30M-54.30M-56.80M109.10M281.90M

Kaiser Aluminum Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price73.85
Price Trends
50DMA
79.80
Negative
100DMA
71.15
Positive
200DMA
71.60
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.57
Positive
RSI
30.90
Neutral
STOCH
3.99
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KALU, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 73.85 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 85.32, below the 50-day MA of 79.80, and above the 200-day MA of 71.60, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.57 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 30.90 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 3.99 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative 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 (44)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Outperform
$7.35B7.2820.01%1.41%21.32%
70
Outperform
$1.91B18.0518.03%11.42%-49.21%
65
Neutral
$1.19B18.978.89%4.17%4.62%56.04%
61
Neutral
$1.84B68.753.02%2.52%-83.35%
59
Neutral
$618.49M-16.64%2.17%12.30%42.72%
55
Neutral
$847.73M-17.65%2.50%4.13%62.89%
44
Neutral
C$842.44M-6.68-16.47%2.80%16.34%-27.11%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KALU
Kaiser Aluminum
73.85
7.67
11.59%
AA
Alcoa
28.40
0.31
1.10%
CENX
Century Aluminum
20.47
8.38
69.31%
RDUS
Schnitzer Steel Industries
30.00
15.94
113.37%
CSTM
Constellium
13.22
-2.44
-15.58%
NEXA
Nexa Resources SA
4.67
-2.10
-31.02%

Kaiser Aluminum Corporate Events

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.

Dividends
Kaiser Aluminum Declares Quarterly Dividend Announcement
Positive
Jul 15, 2025

On July 15, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.77 per share, payable on August 15, 2025, to stockholders of record as of July 25, 2025. This announcement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing shareholder value and may impact its financial strength and flexibility, considering various economic and business conditions affecting its diverse market segments.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Hold with a $80.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Kaiser Aluminum stock, see the KALU Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Kaiser Aluminum Appoints Glenda J. Minor as Director
Neutral
Jun 10, 2025

On June 10, 2025, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation appointed Glenda J. Minor as a director, recognizing her extensive financial and business expertise in relevant industries. Ms. Minor will serve as a Class II director until the 2026 annual meeting and will be part of the audit and compensation committees. The same day, the company held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, where four Class I directors were elected for terms expiring in 2028, and the stockholders approved the executive compensation and ratified Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent accounting firm for 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (KALU) stock is a Hold with a $80.00 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: Aug 02, 2025