Aluminum Stocks Surge Amid Middle East Conflict
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
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Should l Buy AA?
Source: stocktwits
- Aluminum Price Surge: Amid U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran, aluminum prices have surged past $3,600 per tonne, with analysts warning they could reach $4,000 if regional production losses persist, significantly impacting the global aluminum market and enhancing U.S. producers' profitability.
- Strong Company Performance: Since the onset of the conflict, Alcoa (AA) and Century Aluminum (CENX) have seen their stock prices rise by 20% and 28%, respectively, reflecting market optimism about the aluminum sector, particularly in light of Trump's increased tariffs on aluminum imports.
- Earnings Report Analysis: Although Alcoa reported a 5.2% decline in Q1 revenue, falling short of Wall Street estimates, its earnings per share of $1.4 met expectations, indicating the company's resilience in a high aluminum price environment, with production projected to remain between 2.4 to 2.6 million metric tons in 2026.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Morgan Stanley upgraded Alcoa to 'Overweight' with a price target raised to $80, reflecting analysts' confidence in rising aluminum prices and Alcoa's high operating leverage, with expectations that future aluminum supply shortages will further drive stock prices upward.
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Analyst Views on AA
Wall Street analysts forecast AA stock price to fall
8 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
4 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 70.380
Low
38.00
Averages
57.63
High
78.00
Current: 70.380
Low
38.00
Averages
57.63
High
78.00
About AA
Alcoa Corporation is a vertically integrated aluminum company comprised of bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum production (smelting and casting), and energy generation. The Company's operations are comprised of two business segments: Alumina and Aluminum. The Alumina segment primarily consists of its bauxite mines and alumina refineries, and its operations include the mining of bauxite and other aluminous ores, as well as the refining, production, and sale of smelter grade and non-metallurgical alumina. The alumina produced by this segment is sold primarily to internal and external aluminum smelter customers; a portion of the alumina is sold to external customers who process it into industrial chemical products. The Aluminum segment consists of the Company's aluminum smelting and casting operations along with the Company's energy production assets in Brazil, Canada, and the United States. It has direct and indirect ownership of over 25 operating locations across eight countries.
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.
- Aluminum Segment Outlook: The company anticipates a favorable impact of approximately $55 million in Q2 for the Aluminum segment, driven by increased shipments and the restart of the San Ciprián smelter in Spain, although this is partially offset by lower energy sales.
- Alumina Segment Challenges: Due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Alcoa expects a negative impact of about $15 million in Q2 on the Alumina segment's adjusted core profit, primarily from rising energy prices and shipment delays.
- Q1 Financial Results: In Q1, Alcoa reported revenue of $3.193 billion, down from $3.369 billion a year ago and below the analyst estimate of $3.3 billion, with adjusted earnings per share at $1.40, significantly lower than $2.15 from the previous year, reflecting shipment delays and lower volumes.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Despite a flat close during regular trading, AA shares fell 3% in after-hours trading, while retail sentiment shifted from bearish to neutral, indicating increased investor attention on the company's future performance.
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- Alcoa's Earnings Miss: Alcoa reported adjusted earnings of $1.40 per share, missing the $1.49 forecast by analysts, and its revenue of $3.19 billion also fell short of the $3.28 billion estimate, leading to a 2% decline in stock price.
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- Ally Financial's Earnings Beat: Ally Financial reported first-quarter earnings of $1.11 per share, exceeding the $0.93 estimate, although revenue slightly missed expectations at $2.10 billion, resulting in a 2.5% increase in stock price.
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- Aluminum Price Surge: Amid U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran, aluminum prices have surged past $3,600 per tonne, with analysts warning they could reach $4,000 if regional production losses persist, significantly impacting the global aluminum market and enhancing U.S. producers' profitability.
- Strong Company Performance: Since the onset of the conflict, Alcoa (AA) and Century Aluminum (CENX) have seen their stock prices rise by 20% and 28%, respectively, reflecting market optimism about the aluminum sector, particularly in light of Trump's increased tariffs on aluminum imports.
- Earnings Report Analysis: Although Alcoa reported a 5.2% decline in Q1 revenue, falling short of Wall Street estimates, its earnings per share of $1.4 met expectations, indicating the company's resilience in a high aluminum price environment, with production projected to remain between 2.4 to 2.6 million metric tons in 2026.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Morgan Stanley upgraded Alcoa to 'Overweight' with a price target raised to $80, reflecting analysts' confidence in rising aluminum prices and Alcoa's high operating leverage, with expectations that future aluminum supply shortages will further drive stock prices upward.
See More
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- Alcoa Earnings Miss: Alcoa's shares dipped 3% after reporting Q1 EPS of $1.40 and revenue of $3.19 billion, both below consensus expectations, while the company maintained its 2026 production guidance but flagged near-term EBITDA headwinds, as it explores asset monetization opportunities including the sale of its Messina East smelter site for a data center project.
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- ALCOA's Market Performance: ALCOA shares fell by 3% in pre-market trading following the release of their Q1 financial results.
- Financial Results Overview: The company reported a miss in both profit and revenue expectations for the first quarter.
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- Asset Disposal Strategy: Alcoa is in advanced talks to sell its inactive Messina East smelter for a data center project, indicating the company's proactive approach to asset optimization and transformation.
- Financial Health Improvement: This divestiture is part of a broader effort by Alcoa to clean up its balance sheet and capitalize on the high demand for data center land, thereby enhancing the company's financial stability and market competitiveness.
- Management Confidence: During the latest earnings conference call, CEO William Oplinger noted that while a final valuation has not been disclosed, the project is progressing through necessary public review channels, reflecting management's confidence in the project's advancement.
- Progress on Other Assets: Oplinger also mentioned that similar
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