Norsk Hydro profit sinks 18% as aluminium extrusion, energy sales drop
Adds CEO comments in paragraphs 8-10
By Jesus Calero
July 23 (Reuters) - Profit at aluminiumproducer Norsk Hydro NHY.OL sank 18% in the second quarter as extrusion volumes for the metal, energy spot sales and recycling margins all fell and fixed costs climbed, the company saidon Tuesday.
Analysts expected profit to remain weak in the third quarter, weighed down by limp aluminium prices and demand.
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the quarter ended June 30 of 5.84 billion Norwegian crowns ($533 million) missed theaverage analyst forecast of 6.15 billion crowns, sending shares down5.4% in morning trading.
Norsk Hydro said among its challenges wereweakened demand in European residential construction, a shortage of aluminium scrap and a slowdown in automotive extrusion tied to a drop in electric vehicle production. Profit fell in its energy segment on lower output and prices.
Aluminium prices have dropped this year as China ramped up its production to nearly a decade high. Peakingat about $3,500 per ton in early 2022, prices have dropped along with demand, to $2,326 per ton.
Those factors offset bright spots, including stronger results in Norsk'sbauxite and alumina division, buoyed byhigher alumina prices and sales volumes.
Looking ahead, thetermination of EV subsidies inGerman budget talks earlier in July will likely further rein in Norsk Hydro's European aluminium volumes.
JP Morgan analysts expect a slower third-quarter due to falling aluminium prices and reduced demand in the extrusions segment.
Norsk Hydro's new deal to supply low-carbon aluminium to PorschePSHG_p.DE could face challenges after Porscheslashed its sales outlook due to an unexpected aluminium shortage from a supplier's flood-impacted facility.
Recently appointed CEO Eivind Kallevik said in a statement the company was"executing cost-saving measures and maintaining extrusion margins" to help prop up earnings.
($1 = 10.9549 Norwegian crowns)
Reporting by Jesus Calero; editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips, Alexander Smith and Bernadette
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