Century Aluminum Company (CENX) Earnings
Century Aluminum Company is expected to report next earnings on August 6, 2026 (in NaN days), with a consensus EPS estimate of $2.34. CENX has beaten EPS estimates in 6 of its last 12 reported quarters (average surprise -75.7% over the last four).
| Report date | EPS est | EPS actual | Surprise | Revenue | Rev. surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2026 | $1.16 | $1.06 | -8.6% | $649M | +2.0% |
| Feb 19, 2026 | $1.25 | $0.02 | -98.4% | $634M | -13.0% |
| Nov 6, 2025 | $0.79 | $0.15 | -81.0% | $632M | -4.4% |
| Aug 7, 2025 | $0.34 | $-0.05 | -114.7% | $628M | -2.9% |
| Feb 20, 2025 | $0.42 | $0.47 | +11.9% | $631M | +22.4% |
| Aug 8, 2024 | $0.02 | $-0.03 | -250.0% | $561M | +13.1% |
| May 1, 2024 | $-0.19 | $-0.39 | -105.3% | $490M | -2.3% |
| Feb 21, 2024 | $0.17 | $0.39 | +129.4% | $512M | +7.4% |
| Feb 23, 2023 | $-0.44 | $-0.31 | +29.5% | $530M | -1.8% |
| Apr 28, 2022 | $0.36 | $0.59 | +63.9% | $754M | +3.1% |
| Feb 24, 2022 | $-0.05 | $0.17 | +440.0% | $659M | -4.9% |
| Nov 3, 2021 | $-0.10 | $-0.06 | +40.0% | $581M | -0.6% |
Source: company filings + earnings calendar. For informational purposes only — not investment advice.
Earnings call summary
Q1 FY2026 · May 7, 2026
AI summary of management’s prepared remarks and analyst Q&A. For informational purposes only — not investment advice.
Management highlights
- Discussed dynamic global aluminum market, opportunities for Sentry, and support for US aluminum supply chain. - Reviewed first quarter operational performance including Mount Holly expansion progress and restart of Hotline 2 at Grundertage. - Jamalco refinery recovery from Hurricane Melissa, global Illumina market impact, and Seabury's performance. - Pete walked through Q1 results and Q2 outlook, including spending on projects and insurance recovery. - Jesse discussed market dynamics, operational projects, and Oklahoma smelter project with EGA.
Guidance
- Q2 expected realized LME $3,175 per ton, US Midwest premium $2,450 per ton, European duty paid premium $485 per ton, expected 85 - $95 million increase to Q2 adjusted EBITDA vs Q1. - US energy prices expected to improve $15 million from prior quarter but offset by heavy fuel oil and other raw material price increases. - Operating expenses expected to increase $15 - $20 million in Q2, with headwinds from lower bauxite quality at Jamalco. - Volume and sales mix expected to improve by 15 - 20 million dollars in Q2, full run rate volume impact from Mount Holly expansion and Grundertangi restart in Q3.
Segment performance
Q1 shipments totaled ~123,000 tons. Net sales reached $649 million. Net income was $338 million or $3.23 per share, adjusted net income excluding exceptional items was $171 million or $1.63 per share. Adjusted EBITDA was $231 million. Realized LME was $2,900 per ton, US Midwest premium $2,200 per ton, European premium ~$310 per ton. Cash balance stood at $332 million, net debt declined to $220 million. Q2 expected adjusted EBITDA range $315 - $335 million with various price and cost expectations.
Risks & headwinds
- Global Illumina market impacted by Middle East smelter closures, temporarily decreased demand and weighed on prices. - Closure of Strait of Hormuz impacted Cossack soda and heavy fuel oil prices. - Jamalco experiencing lower quality bauxite than expected from certain mining areas. - Higher energy prices for Seabury due to winter storm fern.
Analyst Q&A
Q: Opportunities to take market share while Middle East tons out of market and dialogue with EGA on Oklahoma project.
A: Focused on filling existing customer needs with Mount Holly tons, conversations with EGA around Oklahoma smelter are full go. -
Q: 2Q guide, OPEC seasonality, incremental potential in current spot environment.
A: Seasonality in operating expenses, Q2 not fully priced yet from spot market, potential additional $400 million+ in revenue if spot prices roll through. -
Q: Capital allocation and potential capital returns, $500 million DOE grant for Oklahoma smelter.
A: Priority on high return organic investments, will look at capital returns, DOE grant will reduce project costs. -
Q: Power agreement for Oklahoma smelter.
A: Good progress in negotiations with PSO, excited to bring project to Oklahoma. -
Q: Use of capital in second half.
A: Landscape will become simpler, more color on use of capital on next call