Kaiser Aluminum (NASDAQ: KALU) reported Q1 EPS of $1.85, $0.06 better than the analyst estimate of $1.79. Revenue for the quarter came in at $395 million versus the consensus estimate of $404.05 million.

Outlook

“The recent reduction in Boeing 737-MAX build rates has introduced uncertainty for commercial aerospace industry demand. While it is likely that the reduced build rates will eventually lead to some level of supply chain destocking, the amount and timing are uncertain until the situation is resolved. Meanwhile, demand for military aircraft continues to increase for the new generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the modernized F-15X Super-fighter and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft,” said Mr. Hockema.

“While facing some uncertainty in aerospace and automotive demand this year, we are focused on executing on our strategic initiatives to capture the full efficiency and capacity benefits from our recent Trentwood investments and to position the Company for expected strong automotive extrusion shipments growth in 2020 and 2021.”

As the Company has previously discussed, significant maintenance activity and equipment downtime is scheduled to occur in the second quarter 2019 for the casting complex, hot line and large stretcher at Trentwood. The Company estimates a one-time EBITDA impact in the quarter of approximately $15 million related to operating inefficiencies, maintenance costs and lost production and sales compared to steady-state operations.

“Overall, while we continue to monitor the 737 MAX situation, at this time we have no specific information to warrant a change in our full year 2019 outlook for EBITDA margin above 25% and low to mid-single digit percent year-over-year increase in both shipments and value added revenue,” concluded Mr. Hockema.

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