Higher Prices Could Put A Squeeze On Century Aluminum Margins Near Term

Alumina prices should ease from peak prices later in 2018, but the profitability and margins of Century Aluminum Co are going to be under pressure for the next few quarters, said Gambardella. He decided to decrease his 2017 EPS estimate from 58 cents to 36 cents because of higher alumina and carbon raw material costs. He is also expecting higher logistics costs due to issues with the Ohio River locks.

Gambardella also lowered his 2018 EPS estimate from $1.98 to 88 cents. His estimate is assuming alumina prices of $465/t in first-quarter 2018, $349/t in second-quarter 2018, $349/t in third-quarter 2018 and $332/t in fourth-quarter 2018, up from the previous estimate of $300/t for the full year. Gambardella estimates that every $10/t increase in the alumina price above a starting price of $300/t is going to have a negative $14 mm impact on annual EBITDA.

The company reported earnings on Oct. 26. It failed to meet EPS expectations because of higher SG&A costs and hedging losses. EBITDA and revenue were roughly in line with expectations.

At time of publication, shares of Century Aluminum were down 11.30 percent at $13.47.