Alcoa and Rio Tinto progress on emissions-free smelting By Investing.com

PITTSBURGH – Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: NYSE:) has announced that its ELYSIS technology, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto (NYSE:), is set to undergo an industrial-scale demonstration that promises to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the aluminum smelting process. The demonstration, slated to take place at Rio Tinto’s Arvida plant in Quebec, Canada, will feature 10 smelting pots operating at commercial capacity.

This groundbreaking technology, first devised at Alcoa’s Technical Center, is expected to produce aluminum without direct carbon emissions, releasing oxygen as a byproduct instead. The first production from the ELYSIS demonstration is targeted for 2027. Alcoa retains the option to purchase up to 40% of the metal produced, allowing its customers early access to this innovative, carbon-free aluminum.

William F. Oplinger, Alcoa’s President and CEO, emphasized the company’s legacy of innovation since its founding in 1886 and its commitment to advancing technologies that contribute to the global decarbonization effort. The ELYSIS technology is poised to transform the aluminum industry, aligning with Alcoa’s vision of a sustainable future.

To support this initiative, Alcoa will produce the proprietary anodes and cathodes necessary for the ELYSIS process at its Technical Center. The company anticipates that insights gained from the demonstration will inform future developments of the technology. Alcoa also expects the ELYSIS process to enhance its existing portfolio of lower carbon products, including the Sustana™ line.

ELYSIS, as the technology provider, will maintain full ownership of the intellectual property associated with its proprietary process. Alcoa, a leader in bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products, continues to focus on innovation and sustainability as core values in its operations.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and expectations, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially. These statements are based on current assumptions and projections and are not guarantees of future performance.

The information in this article is based on a press release statement from Alcoa Corporation.

In other recent news, Alcoa Corporation is making significant strides in the aluminum industry. The company is nearing the final stages of its acquisition of Alumina (OTC:) Limited, which is expected to strengthen Alcoa’s position in the aluminum industry.

Regulatory approvals have already been secured from Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

In recent financial developments, Alcoa reported flat revenues of $2.6 billion and a net loss of $252 million in its latest earnings call. Despite these figures, the company’s cash balance rose to $1.4 billion, supported by a $750 million green bond issuance.

Analyst firms Morgan Stanley and Citi have shown confidence in Alcoa’s market potential. Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock from Equalweight to Overweight and raised the price target for Alcoa’s shares to $50.00, citing disruptions in the global alumina supply.

Similarly, Citi increased Alcoa’s stock price target to $50.00, maintaining a Buy rating, highlighting anticipated cost savings and the cyclical nature of Alcoa’s earnings.

These recent developments underscore Alcoa’s strategic moves and the analysts’ faith in the company’s growth potential.

InvestingPro Insights

As Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA) forges ahead with its ELYSIS technology to revolutionize the aluminum industry, the financial landscape presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for the company. With a market capitalization of $7.16 billion, Alcoa is navigating a volatile market, underscored by a -10.14% one-month total return on its stock price. Yet, the company has shown resilience with a notable 15.17% three-month total return, indicating a strong recovery in a shorter time frame.

InvestingPro data highlights a -11.4% revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, reflecting the tough market conditions Alcoa has faced. Still, the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability could be key to turning the tide. With gross profit margins at 7.34%, there’s room for improvement, which the ELYSIS technology might address by potentially reducing costs associated with environmental compliance and carbon emissions.

InvestingPro Tips suggest that while Alcoa has not been profitable over the last twelve months, analysts predict the company will be profitable this year. This forecast aligns with Alcoa’s strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies like ELYSIS, which could enhance its product offerings and market position. However, investors should note that two analysts have revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period, signaling the need for cautious optimism.

For those interested in a deeper dive into Alcoa’s financials and future prospects, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available at Investing.com/pro/AA. To access these insights and more, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.

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