Kaiser Aluminum posts Q3 2026 earnings miss as margins compress, raises free‑cash‑flow outlook
Kaiser Aluminum reported third‑quarter 2026 net sales of $1.21 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.89 per share, missing Wall Street estimates. Adjusted EBITDA fell to $84 million and the EBITDA margin slipped to 19.1% amid metal‑price lag and outage costs. The company generated $72 million of free cash flow in the quarter and lifted its full‑year free‑cash‑flow target to above $200 million. Management kept its 2026 EBITDA growth outlook in the 45%‑55% range but now expects results near the low end.
Why it matters
The raised free‑cash‑flow guidance to over $200 million signals stronger cash generation for debt reduction and potential shareholder returns. The expectation that EBITDA growth will be near the low end of the 45%‑55% range may temper optimism about profit expansion.
Key facts
- 1Net sales for Q3 2026 were $1.21 billion. tradingview.com
- 2Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $84 million. tradingview.com
- 3Adjusted earnings per share were $1.89. tradingview.com
- 4Shipments increased to 300.2 million pounds. tradingview.com
- 5Conversion revenue reached a record $439 million, a 25% year‑over‑year increase. investing.com
- 6Free cash flow generated in Q3 was $72 million. investing.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 11 of 11 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.