Alcoa Corporation press release

Alcoa Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results

2026-07-16

NYSE - New York Stock Exchange · Aluminium · Magnesium · United States · Corporate Finance

Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA; ASX: AAI) (Alcoa or the Company) today reported results for the second quarter 2026 that included record quarterly revenue, strong operational performance, and progress on multiple smelter capacity restarts, in addition to the announced acquisition of South32 Limited’s (South32) interests in its bauxite, alumina, and aluminum assets.

Financial Results and Highlights

| M, except per share amounts | 2Q26 | | 1Q26 | | 2Q25 | | | | | | Revenue | $ | 3,966 | | $ | 3,193 | | $ | 3,018 | | | Net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation | $ | 407 | | $ | 425 | | $ | 164 | | | Earnings per common share | $ | 1.53 | | $ | 1.60 | | $ | 0.62 | | | Adjusted net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation | $ | 562 | | $ | 373 | | $ | 103 | | | Adjusted earnings per common share | $ | 2.12 | | $ | 1.40 | | $ | 0.39 | | | Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items | $ | 901 | | $ | 595 | | $ | 313 | |

Revenue increased to a quarterly record of $4 billion, a 24 percent increase sequentially Recorded net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation of $407 million, or $1.53 per share Adjusted net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation increased 51 percent sequentially to $562 million, or $2.12 per share Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items increased 51 percent sequentially to $901 million Generated $608 million in cash from operations; free cash flow was $422 million Finished the second quarter 2026 with a cash balance of $1.4 billion, including the redemption of the remaining $219 million of outstanding 6.125% Senior Notes due 2028 (2028 Notes) Set year-to-date production records at four aluminum smelters and at one alumina refinery Completed negotiations for new collective bargaining agreements in Australia, the U.S., and Canada Executed on strategic initiatives, including: Entered into definitive agreement to acquire South32’s interests in its bauxite, alumina, and aluminum assets (referred to as AliGroup) Reached final investment decision for gallium production plant in Australia Announced $65 million capital investment at the Mosjøen smelter in Norway

“During the second quarter, in addition to delivering strong financial results that captured favorable aluminum prices, our team executed on strategic initiatives, most notably the announced agreement with South32,” said Alcoa President and CEO William F. Oplinger. “We continue to demonstrate operational excellence and positive momentum in our disciplined approach to maximize value creation.”

Second Quarter 2026 Results

Production: Alumina production decreased 6 percent sequentially to 2.2 million metric tons primarily related to lower production at the Pinjarra, Australia refinery as instability that began in late March was further exacerbated by gas supply disruptions associated with Cyclone Narelle. In the Aluminum segment, production increased 5 percent sequentially to 636,000 metric tons primarily due the completion of the San Ciprián, Spain smelter restart on April 7, 2026, continued progress on the Alumar, Brazil smelter restart, and completion of capacity restarts at the Lista, Norway and Portland, Australia smelters. Shipments: In the Alumina segment, third-party shipments of alumina were flat sequentially at 1.6 million metric tons, as shipments in Australia delayed from March 2026 were completed in the second quarter 2026, partially offset by decreased trading activity and lower production at the Pinjarra refinery. In Aluminum, total shipments increased 18 percent sequentially primarily due to shipments of inventory repositioned within North America in the first quarter 2026 and increased production related to capacity restarts. Revenue: The Company’s total third-party revenue of $4.0 billion increased 24 percent sequentially. In the Alumina segment, third-party revenue decreased 3 percent on lower volumes and price from bauxite offtake and supply agreements, partially offset by favorable currency impacts. In the Aluminum segment, third-party revenue increased 31 percent on higher shipments, including higher value add product sales, and an increase in average realized third-party price, partially offset by impacts from certain energy contracts linked to metal pricing and lower third-party energy sales. Net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation was $407 million, or $1.53 per share. Sequentially, the results reflect unfavorable mark-to-market changes on the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) shares and energy contracts; unfavorable currency impacts, primarily due to the non-recurrence of gains recognized in Other income in the first quarter 2026; unfavorable energy impacts; and higher production costs in the Alumina segment; partially offset by higher aluminum prices and shipments. Adjusted net income attributable to Alcoa Corporation was $562 million, or $2.12 per share, excluding the impact from net special items of $155 million. Notable special items include a mark-to-market loss on the Ma’aden shares of $123 million and mark-to-market losses on energy contracts of $45 million. Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items was $901 million, a sequential increase of $306 million primarily due to higher aluminum prices and shipments, partially offset by higher production costs in the Alumina segment primarily at the Pinjarra refinery; increased tariff costs on imported aluminum; higher energy prices, primarily fuel oil and diesel increases associated with the Middle East conflict; and lower third-party energy sales. Cash: Alcoa ended the quarter with a cash balance of $1.4 billion. Cash provided from operations was $608 million. Cash used for financing activities was $353 million, primarily related to the $219 million redemption of outstanding 2028 Notes, $109 million of payments on short-term borrowings primarily associated with inventory repositioning in the first quarter 2026, and $26 million of cash dividends on stock. Cash used for investing activities was $203 million, primarily related to capital expenditures of $186 million and equity investment contributions of $40 million. Free cash flow was $422 million. Working capital: For the second quarter, Receivables from customers of $1.5 billion, Inventories of $2.3 billion and Accounts payable, trade of $1.9 billion comprised DWC working capital. Alcoa reported 46 days working capital, a sequential decrease of 2 days primarily due to a decrease in inventory days, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable days, both on higher sales.

Key Actions

Strategic

AliGroup acquisition: On June 30, 2026, Alcoa entered into a definitive agreement to acquire South32’s interests in its bauxite, alumina, and aluminum assets in Australia, Brazil, and South Africa for upfront consideration of approximately $4.1 billion, plus a contingent value right of up to $750 million. The transaction reinforces Alcoa’s position as a leading pure-play upstream aluminum company, while strengthening its global portfolio, enhancing competitiveness, and creating long-term value for shareholders by unlocking synergies. Gallium joint venture: On July 14, 2026, Alcoa and the government and industry partners of Australia, Japan, and the United States announced a final investment decision for a gallium production plant to be co-located at the Wagerup refinery in Australia. Mosjøen casthouse: On May 11, 2026, Alcoa announced a $65 million investment to expand foundry production capabilities to include recycled content in the casting process at its Mosjøen smelter in Norway. The upgrade project is expected to be completed in phases, with commissioning and ramp-up scheduled to progress throughout 2028.

Financial

Note redemption: On May 15, 2026, the Company redeemed the remaining $219 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 6.125% notes due in 2028 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption was funded using cash on hand.

Operational

Western Australia collective bargaining agreement: On July 2, 2026, a new four-year collective bargaining agreement was ratified with the Australian Workers Union (AWU), representing approximately 1,400 employees across the mining and refining operations in Western Australia. USW collective bargaining agreement : On June 15, 2026, Alcoa announced the ratification of a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW) at the Company’s U.S. smelters, representing approximately 1,000 employees at Warrick, Indiana and Massena, New York. ABI collective bargaining agreements: On May 5, 2026, the Company announced that new five-year collective bargaining agreements were ratified with the United Steelworkers in Canada (Syndicat des Métallos) at the ABI smelter in Québec, Canada, representing approximately 1,000 employees.

2026 Outlook

The Company does not provide reconciliations of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income, including transformation, intersegment eliminations and other corporate Adjusted EBITDA; operational tax expense; and other expense; each excluding special items, to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because it is impractical to forecast certain special items, such as restructuring charges and mark-to-market contracts, without unreasonable efforts due to the variability and complexity associated with predicting the occurrence and financial impact of such special items. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to future results.

The Company has decreased its 2026 projection for alumina production to range between 9.5 and 9.6 million metric tons, a reduction of between 0.2 and 0.3 million metric tons from the prior projection. The Company has also decreased its 2026 projection for alumina shipments to range between 11.5 and 11.6 million metric tons, a reduction of between 0.3 and 0.4 million metric tons from the prior projection. The reductions are primarily due to lower production at the Pinjarra refinery as instability that began in late March was further exacerbated by gas supply disruptions associated with Cyclone Narelle. The overall difference between production and shipments reflects trading volumes and externally sourced alumina to fulfill customer contracts.

Alcoa expects 2026 total Aluminum segment production and shipments to remain unchanged from its prior projection, ranging between 2.4 and 2.6 million metric tons, and between 2.6 and 2.8 million metric tons, respectively.

Within the third quarter 2026 Alumina Segment Adjusted EBITDA, the Company expects sequential favorable net impacts of approximately $10 million due to recovered stability at the Pinjarra refinery and lower energy prices, partially offset by planned maintenance at the Alumar refinery and Juruti mine in Brazil.

For the third quarter 2026 Aluminum Segment Adjusted EBITDA, Alcoa expects sequential favorable impacts from efficiencies at higher production rates to fully offset higher carbon prices and seasonally lower third-party energy sales in Brazil. Based on recent pricing and expected lower shipments, Section 232 tariff costs on U.S. imports of aluminum from Canada are expected to decrease by approximately $10 million sequentially. Alumina costs in the Aluminum segment are expected to be unfavorable by approximately $10 million sequentially.

Based on current alumina and aluminum market conditions, Alcoa expects third quarter 2026 operational tax expense to approximate $80 million to $90 million, which may vary with market conditions and jurisdictional profitability.

Conference Call

Alcoa will hold its quarterly conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) / 7:00 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on Thursday, July 16, 2026 / Friday, July 17, 2026, to present second quarter 2026 financial results and discuss the business, developments, and market conditions.

The call will be webcast via the Company’s homepage on www.alcoa.com . Presentation materials for the call will be available for viewing on the same website at approximately 4:15 p.m. EDT on July 16, 2026 / 6:15 a.m. AEST on July 17, 2026. Call information and related details are available under the “Investors” section of www.alcoa.com .

Dissemination of Company Information

Alcoa intends to make future announcements regarding company developments and financial performance through its website, www.alcoa.com , as well as through press releases, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, conference calls, media broadcasts, and webcasts. Alcoa does not incorporate the information contained on, or accessible through, its corporate website or such other websites or platforms referenced herein into this press release.

About Alcoa Corporation

Alcoa Corporation is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminum products with a vision to build a legacy of excellence for future generations. With a values-based approach that encompasses integrity, operating excellence, care for people and courageous leadership, our purpose is to Turn Raw Potential into Real Progress. Since developing the process that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life, our talented Alcoans have developed breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to greater safety, efficiency, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate.

Discover more by visiting www.alcoa.com . Follow us on our social media channels: Facebook , Instagram , X , YouTube and LinkedIn .

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that relate to future events and expectations and as such constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include those containing such words as “aims,” “ambition,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “develop,” “endeavors,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “intends,” “may,” “outlook,” “potential,” “plans,” “projects,” “reach,” “seeks,” “sees,” “should,” “strive,” “targets,” “will,” “working,” “would,” or other words of similar meaning. All statements by Alcoa that reflect expectations, assumptions or projections about the future, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding Alcoa’s proposed transaction to acquire South32 Limited’s interests in bauxite mine, alumina refinery, and aluminum smelter operations (the proposed transaction); the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction on the expected timeline or at all considering the closing conditions; the expected benefits of the proposed transaction, including the anticipated synergies and earnings per share and free cash flow accretion; the competitive ability and position following completion of the proposed transaction; the ability to complete any proposed debt financing in connection with the proposed transaction; forecasts concerning global demand growth for bauxite, alumina, and aluminum, and supply/demand balances; statements, projections or forecasts of future or targeted financial results, or operating performance (including our ability to execute on strategies related to environmental, social and governance matters); statements about strategies, outlook, and business and financial prospects (including related to production and shipments); and statements about capital allocation and return of capital. These statements reflect beliefs and assumptions that are based on Alcoa’s perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors that management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Although Alcoa believes that the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that these expectations will be attained and it is possible that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (a) the non-satisfaction or non-waiver, on a timely basis or otherwise, of one or more closing conditions to the proposed transaction; (b) the prohibition or delay of the consummation of the proposed transaction by a governmental entity; (c) the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed in the expected time frame or at all; (d) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction; (e) uncertainty of the expected financial performance following completion of the proposed transaction; (f) uncertainty of any contingent payment required to be made in connection with the proposed transaction following completion; (g) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; (h) the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the proposed transaction; (i) potential litigation in connection with the proposed transaction or other settlements or investigations that may affect the timing or occurrence of the contemplated transaction or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (j) the impact of global economic conditions on the aluminum industry and aluminum end-use markets; (k) volatility and declines in aluminum and alumina demand and pricing, including global, regional, and product-specific prices, or significant changes in production costs which are linked to the London Metal Exchange (LME) or other commodities; (l) the disruption of market-driven balancing of global aluminum supply and demand by non-market forces; (m) competitive and complex conditions in global markets; (n) our ability to obtain, maintain, or renew permits or approvals necessary for our mining operations; (o) rising energy costs and interruptions or uncertainty in energy supplies; (p) unfavorable changes in the cost, quality, or availability of raw materials or other key inputs, or by disruptions in the supply chain; (q) economic, political, and social conditions, including the impact of trade policies, tariffs, and adverse industry publicity; (r) legal proceedings, investigations, or changes in foreign and/or U.S. federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or policies; (s) changes in tax laws or exposure to additional tax liabilities; (t) climate change, climate change legislation or regulations, and efforts to reduce emissions and build operational resilience to extreme weather conditions; (u) disruptions in the global economy caused by ongoing regional conflicts and wars; (v) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, inflation and other economic factors in the countries in which we operate; (w) global competition within and beyond the aluminum industry; (x) our ability to achieve our strategies or expectations relating to environmental, social, and governance considerations; (y) claims, costs, and liabilities related to health, safety and environmental laws, regulations, and other requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate; (z) liabilities resulting from impoundment structures, which could impact the environment or cause exposure to hazardous substances or other damage; (aa) dilution of the ownership position of the Company’s stockholders (including as a result of the proposed transaction), price volatility, and other impacts on the price of Alcoa common stock by the secondary listing of the Alcoa common stock on the Australian Securities Exchange; (bb) our ability to obtain or maintain adequate insurance coverage; (cc) our ability to execute on our strategy to reduce complexity and optimize our asset portfolio and to realize the anticipated benefits from announced plans, programs, initiatives relating to our portfolio, capital investments, and developing technologies; (dd) our ability to integrate and achieve intended results from joint ventures, other strategic alliances, and strategic business transactions; (ee) significant declines in the market value of our marketable securities; (ff) our ability to fund capital expenditures; (gg) deterioration in our credit profile or increases in interest rates; (hh) impacts on our current and future operations due to our indebtedness and our ability to reduce indebtedness; (ii) our ability to continue to return capital to our stockholders through the payment of cash dividends and/or the repurchase of our common stock; (jj) cyber attacks, security breaches, system failures, software or application vulnerabilities, or other cyber incidents; (kk) labor market conditions, union disputes and other employee relations issues; and (ll) the other risk factors discussed in Alcoa’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and other reports filed by Alcoa with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).