Century Aluminum Company (CENX)

In the past six months, Century Aluminum Co. (CENX) stock has experienced several significant events. The stock saw a notable surge, increasing by over 110% in the six months leading up to October 2025. In April 2025, Century Aluminum received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) due to rising earnings estimates. The company's stock hit a 52-week high in October 2025, reflecting strong market tailwinds and strategic initiatives. A major catalyst for this performance was the company's commitment to reactivating idle capacity at its Mt. Holly aluminum smelter, backed by an extended power purchase agreement through 2031 and a $50 million investment to increase production by 50,000 metric tons. However, in October 2025, the company announced a temporary production halt on one of its two potlines at the Grundartangi smelter in Iceland due to an electrical equipment failure, reducing the smelter's output by approximately two-thirds. Despite this setback, analysts have maintained mixed ratings, with a consensus of "Buy" and an average target price of $27.75. The stock price as of October 3, 2025, was $29.87, an increase of 87.98% from October 7, 2024.

Demand for aluminum products can exhibit seasonality, influenced by various end-use industries. The period around September-October is considered a "peak season" in the broader aluminum processing industry. Demand for certain products like aluminum plate/sheet and strip is expected to decline after November. Demand for primary aluminum alloy has shown stability. In Europe, extrusion demand experienced a 20% decrease in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the second quarter due to seasonality. Similarly, North American extrusion demand also decreased by 2% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the second quarter.

Century Aluminum Co. (CENX) is a global producer of primary aluminum, operating within the Basic Materials sector and the Aluminum industry. The company produces and sells standard-grade and value-added primary aluminum products, including high purity aluminum, standard-grade aluminum sow and tee bars, and value-added billet and foundry products. Century Aluminum also offers low-carbon aluminum products through its Natur-Al product line. The company owns and operates a carbon anode production facility in the Netherlands, which supplies its Icelandic smelter, and is involved in bauxite mining and alumina refining in Jamaica.

Century Aluminum Co. has a global operational presence. In the United States, it operates aluminum smelters in Hawesville, Kentucky; Robards, Kentucky (Sebree); and Goose Creek, South Carolina (Mt. Holly). Internationally, the company has an aluminum smelter in Grundartangi, Iceland, operated by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nordural Grundartangi ehf. Its carbon anode production facility is located in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. Additionally, Century Aluminum holds a 55-percent interest in Jamalco, a bauxite mining and alumina refinery operation situated in Jamaica.

Century Aluminum Co.'s brand reputation has been influenced by its strategic expansions and market performance. The company has received positive analyst sentiment, with ratings ranging from "Strong Buy" to "Hold," and a consensus "Buy" rating from Wall Street analysts. Its stock has outperformed the US Metals and Mining industry and the broader US market over the past year. The restart of the Mt. Holly smelter and securing a long-term power agreement through 2031 have been viewed as positive strategic moves. However, the temporary production halt at its Grundartangi smelter in Iceland in October 2025 could impact its reputation.

Century Aluminum Co. has a diverse ownership structure comprising institutional, insider, and retail investors. International Ag Glencore is the largest individual shareholder, owning 55.46% of the company. Glencore plc is also a major institutional owner. Other significant institutional owners include BlackRock, Inc., The Vanguard Group Inc, State Street Corp, Dimensional Fund Advisors Lp, Citadel Advisors Llc, Boston Partners, and Wexford Capital Lp. As of recent data, institutional shareholders hold approximately 12.69% to 58.4% of the company's stock, while insiders hold around 44.67%. Retail investors hold approximately 21.12% of the stock. Insider selling activity has been observed in the past three months leading up to October 2025.