Century Aluminum CEO sells shares amid rising aluminum prices
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 22 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
Century Aluminum Co's stock fell 3.66% as it hit a 20-day low amid broader market gains.
CEO Jesse Gary sold 150,000 shares for approximately $8.32 million on March 16, 2026, marking the largest individual sale in three years. This sale, executed under a pre-arranged plan, may raise concerns about management's outlook despite the ongoing rise in aluminum prices, which surged to $3,440 per metric ton due to geopolitical tensions. Additionally, the company has formed a strategic partnership with Emirates Global Aluminum to build the first U.S. aluminum smelting plant in 47 years, expected to create 1,000 jobs and enhance Century's market position.
The implications of this stock sale could affect investor confidence, especially as the company navigates a volatile market environment. However, the rising aluminum prices and strategic partnerships may provide a buffer against potential negative perceptions.
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Analyst Views on CENX
Wall Street analysts forecast CENX stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 46.550
Low
42.00
Averages
55.67
High
64.00
Current: 46.550
Low
42.00
Averages
55.67
High
64.00
About CENX
Century Aluminum Company is a global producer of primary aluminum and alumina with production facilities in the United States, Iceland and Jamaica. The Company also owns a carbon anode production facility located in the Netherlands (Vlissingen). Carbon anodes are consumed in the production of primary aluminum. Vlissingen supplies carbon anodes to its aluminum smelter in Iceland. Its bauxite mining and alumina refinery in Clarendon, Jamaica (Jamalco) produces smelter grade alumina for consumption around the world. It also owns and operates aluminum reduction facilities in the United States and Iceland. It operates a United States aluminum smelter in Goose Creek, South Carolina and one smelter in Grundartangi, Iceland (Noroural, commonly referred to as Grundartangi). Its primary aluminum facilities produce standard grade and value-added primary aluminum products, including low-carbon aluminum products, Natur-Al, produced in Iceland.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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See More
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- Reducing Import Dependence: This partnership seeks to bolster supply chain resilience and reduce reliance on imports, particularly as China accounts for 60% of global alumina and aluminium production, thus mitigating risks from international disruptions.
- Production Capacity Goals: Brimstone's demonstration plant in Reno, Nevada, is set to begin operations in 2028, with the first industrial-scale plant targeted for completion by 2034, expected to produce around 350,000 tons of smelter-grade alumina annually, significantly boosting US aluminium production capacity.
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See More
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- Production Recovery Challenges: ING economists noted that aluminum production is under strain due to energy supply disruptions, and even if the war were to end immediately, restoring smelting capacity could take months and require significant investment.
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- Real-Time Webcast: The session will be available via a real-time audio webcast on the investor section of Century's website, ensuring that investors can stay updated on the company's latest developments and market insights.
- Market Outlook Assessment: Management will discuss assessments of the aluminum market and prices, including key raw material costs and supply conditions, which are crucial for the company's operational and financial performance.
- Future Development Plans: Century Aluminum will share updates on its new smelter project, including the potential to secure $500 million in DOE funding, which will support the company's expansion and profitability.
See More
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- Project Scale: The proposed smelter is set to produce over 750,000 metric tons of aluminum annually, marking it as the first major aluminum production facility built in the U.S. since 1980, highlighting its significance in the U.S. aluminum industry.
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