Alcoa Cuts 2026 Alumina Output Forecast, Shares Fall After Earnings Miss Estimates
[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alcoa lowered its 2026 alumina production guidance by 200,000–300,000 tonnes to 9.5–9.6 million tonnes after Cyclone Narelle and organic contamination in bauxite disrupted operations at its Pinjarra refinery in Western Australia. Alumina shipment guidance was also reduced by 300,000–400,000 tonnes, although the refinery has since returned to stable operations. The weaker outlook weighed on investor sentiment, with Alcoa shares falling after second-quarter earnings missed market expectations despite year-on-year profit growth. The company said alumina demand remains strong in China but weaker in the Middle East amid disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.