Alcoa shares dip despite 25% earnings boost in FY25

On the back of a strongly rising aluminium price, Alcoa also doubled its EBITDA in the fourth quarter of FY25.

| More on:
a female miner looks straight ahead at the camera wearing a hard hat, protective goggles and a high visibility vest standing in from of a mine site and looking seriously with direct eye contact.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX 200 mining share Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI) is in the red after the aluminium giant released its full-year FY25 earnings.

On Friday morning, Alcoa shares opened at $93.61 and have fallen 2% to $91.76 at the time of writing.

Alcoa produces and sells bauxite, alumina, and aluminium products in the United States, Australia, Spain, Canada, and elsewhere.

Here are the 4Q FY25 and full-year FY25 results.

Alcoa shares weaken despite strong signs in fourth quarter

The highlight of 4Q FY25 was a doubling in the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) compared to 3Q.

Here are the numbers:

  • Revenue increased to $3.4 billion, up 15% on 3Q FY25
  • Net income of $226 million, down 2.6% on 3Q FY25
  • Adjusted net income increased to $335 million vs. a loss of $6 million in 3Q FY25
  • Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) excluding special items of $546 million, up 102% on 3Q FY25
  • Generated $537 million in cash from operations, up $452 million on 3Q FY25
  • Cash balance of $1.6 billion as of 31 December

Here are the details for full-year FY25:

  • Revenue increased to $12.8 billion, up 8% on FY24, equating to $4.42 per share vs. 26 cents per share in FY24
  • Adjusted net income increased to $1.2 billion, up from $60 million in FY24
  • Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items increased to $2 billion, up 25%
  • Generated $1.2 billion in cash from operations, up $563 million on FY24
  • Reduced total debt to $2.4 billion and adjusted net debt to $1.5 billion

What else happened in FY25?

Alumina production dipped 4% in FY25 primarily due to the full curtailment of the Kwinana refinery in Western Australia in the year prior.

Aluminium production increased 5%, mainly due to the restart of the Alumar smelter in Brazil, San Ciprián in Spain, and Lista in Norway.

Alcoa said it set annual production records at five aluminium smelters and at one alumina refinery over the year.

Revenue increased primarily due to higher average realised prices for aluminium, and higher volumes and prices from bauxite offtake and supply agreements.

This was partially offset by lower average realised prices for alumina and lower aluminium shipments.

The company noted increased tariff costs on imports into the US after President Donald Trump introduced a 50% tariff last year.

The company completed several strategic initiatives in FY25, including the divestment of its stake in the Ma'aden joint venture in July.

It also formed a joint venture with IGNIS Equity Holdings to support the continued operations of its San Ciprián complex in Spain.

News on Australian operations

Alcoa announced the permanent closure of Kwinana in September and received a favourable decision in an Australian tax dispute.

In October, the US and Australian Governments announced a US$200 million concessional equity finance package to help fund a new gallium plant to be co-located at Alcoa's Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia.

Alcoa shares got a 7.5% boost on the day of the announcement.

The gallium plant is a joint venture between Alcoa and Japan's Sojitz Corporation, with backing from the Japanese Government.

Gallium, which is naturally present in bauxite and can be extracted during the refining process, is on the US Critical Minerals List.

It is an essential input for semiconductors and defence sector technologies.

The deal is part of a US-Australia commitment to get a US$8.5 billion pipeline of critical materials projects into production over time.

What did Alcoa management say?

Alcoa President and CEO William F. Oplinger said:

Reflecting on 2025, we maintained our pace of delivering on key operational, strategic, and capital allocation objectives, while
setting numerous production records.

We continue to build on our positive momentum through disciplined operational and financial execution, along with strategic initiatives to maximize value creation.

What's next for Alcoa?

Alcoa expects annual alumina production of between 9.7 and 9.9 million tonnes in FY26.

This would be higher than the FY25 production of 9.64 million tonnes due to productivity improvements.

In Australia, Alcoa is seeking regulatory approval to extend its Western Australia bauxite mining.

It wants to expand into the Myara North and Holyoake areas, and re‑enter the O'Neil region.

These would be new mining zones beyond its existing Huntly and Willowdale mines.

This month, the company provided its responses to a Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority (WA EPA) regarding the feedback gathered during a 12-week public comment period for Alcoa's mining activities in Australia.

These activities include the mine plan for Myara North and Holyoake and the rolling five-year plan for 2023 to 2027.

Alcoa said:

The Company is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve Ministerial decisions by the end of 2026.

Alcoa CDI share price snapshot

The price of Alcoa CDI shares has risen by more than 90% over six months as aluminium prices have improved.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Alcoa. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Earnings Results

Woman with a scared look has hands on her face.
Earnings Results

Why is the REA share price crashing 18% today?

This property listings company is having a day to forget on Friday.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Earnings Results

Charter Hall Retail REIT posts higher earnings and distributions in 1H FY26

Charter Hall Retail REIT reported higher earnings and distributions for 1H FY26, with strong occupancy and portfolio growth.

Read more »

Media newspapers and tablet reporting the news online
Earnings Results

News Corp reports robust Q2 FY26 earnings growth

News Corp delivered higher revenue and EBITDA in Q2 FY26, driven by Dow Jones and Digital Real Estate Services growth.

Read more »

Happy homeowners receiving their new house keys from a real estate agent at office.
Earnings Results

REA Group earnings: Profit and dividend up in strong H1 FY26 result

REA Group lifts half-year profit and dividend as property market strength and digital leadership continue to drive growth.

Read more »

A man sits in contemplation on his sofa looking at his phone as though he has just heard some serious or interesting news.
Earnings Results

Beach Energy H1 FY26 earnings: Profit drops as costs rise and volumes slip

Beach Energy shares drop focus as H1 FY26 profit falls 32%, driven by lower prices, higher costs and reduced production.

Read more »

An older woman gazes over the top of her glasses with a quizzical expression as if she is considering some information.
Earnings Results

What can investors expect from ResMed, Cochlear and CSL shares this reporting season?

Here's updated analysis on three of Australia's largest healthcare stocks.

Read more »

Image of a shopping centre.
Earnings Results

Are these ASX REITs a buy, hold or sell this earnings season?

Here's what brokers are saying about these REITs

Read more »

Six smiling health workers pose for a selfie.
Earnings Results

Why this ASX healthcare stock is a speculative buy

This ASX healthcare stock has plenty of upside according to Bell Potter.

Read more »