-- Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) is expected to return to earnings growth and generate stronger free cash flow, but deleveraging could be the near term priority, UBS said in a note Monday.
The report said EBITDA is expected to benefit from recent investments and a recovery in aerospace demand following a roughly two-year de-stocking cycle.
However, the note said elevated leverage will remain a constraint, with the company likely prioritizing debt reduction.
"In our view KALU is unlikely to lift cash returns (div growth + repurchases) until at least 2028," the report said.
The note also said its products are less reliant on scrap & imports due to impurity thresholds, meaning it gets a smaller benefit from tariffs compared with its peers.
UBS initiated coverage on the stock with a Neutral rating and a $176 price target.
Price: $176.63, Change: $+7.21, Percent Change: +4.26%