Alcoa wins Australian tax dispute over alumina sales

Published 30/04/2025, 14:06
Alcoa wins Australian tax dispute over alumina sales

PITTSBURGH - Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA), a leader in bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products, with a market capitalization of $6.5 billion and trailing twelve-month revenue of $12.7 billion, has announced a favorable outcome in its dispute with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) over transfer pricing of historical alumina sales. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company maintains a healthy financial position with a "GOOD" overall health score, despite its stock experiencing significant volatility in recent months. The Administrative Review Tribunal of Australia (ART) ruled today that Alcoa of Australia Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation, does not owe additional tax, aligning with the company’s long-standing position.

The dispute centered on the ATO’s claim for additional tax based on past third-party alumina sales, which Alcoa contested. Following the ATO’s dispute resolution protocol, Alcoa had paid approximately $74 million (A$107 million) in the third quarter of 2020, representing half of the assessed tax amount. The company’s strong financial position, evidenced by a current ratio of 1.71 and manageable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, has enabled it to navigate such regulatory challenges while maintaining operational stability. As of March 31, 2025, this prepaid tax asset stood at $67 million (A$107 million). Alcoa also took deductions against its taxable income for the interest accrued on the disputed tax and the ATO’s initial interest assessment since the third quarter of 2020.

The ATO has 28 days to appeal the ART’s decision. If the ATO does not appeal, it will withdraw the disputed tax claims, including related interest and penalties. Consequently, Alcoa anticipates a refund of $67 million (A$107 million) in June 2025. Additionally, Alcoa will be required to pay cash taxes of about $216 million (A$343 million) by June 1, 2026, related to the interest deductions. The net cash impact, considering the expected refund and the payable taxes over the next fourteen months, is projected to be approximately $149 million (A$236 million) at the current exchange rates.

This announcement comes as part of Alcoa’s regular communication on company developments and financial performance, which it shares through its website, press releases, SEC filings, and other media. InvestingPro data indicates that Alcoa currently appears undervalued compared to its Fair Value, with analysts maintaining positive earnings expectations for the year. For detailed insights into Alcoa’s valuation and growth prospects, including 7 additional ProTips and comprehensive financial metrics, investors can access the full Pro Research Report on InvestingPro.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the timing, payments, and procedures associated with the tax dispute resolution. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.

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

In other recent news, Alcoa Corporation reported a strong first quarter in 2025, with earnings per share of $2.15, significantly exceeding the projected $1.58. However, the company’s revenue fell short of expectations, coming in at $3.37 billion compared to the anticipated $3.5 billion. The San Ciprián facility in Spain faced significant disruptions due to a nationwide power outage, prompting Alcoa to assess the operational and financial impact on this critical asset. Meanwhile, JPMorgan has adjusted its price target for Alcoa’s stock from $28 to $25, maintaining a Neutral rating. This revision follows Alcoa’s first-quarter earnings, which saw an adjusted EBITDA of $855 million, surpassing consensus estimates. The company continues to grapple with the effects of U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminum shipments, projecting a $100 million annual impact. Alcoa is also resuming production at its San Ciprián smelter, aiming to enhance output despite ongoing market challenges. These developments reflect Alcoa’s ongoing efforts to navigate a complex global market landscape.

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