Alro reported an adjusted net loss of RON 51 million

Alro SA, one of the largest aluminium producers in Central and Eastern Europe, reported an adjusted net loss of RON 51 million in Q1 2014, compared to an adjusted net loss of RON 27 million in Q1 2013. The net loss for Q1 2014 was of RON 144 million, compared to a net profit of RON 11 million, in Q1 2013.

The turnover for the period stood at RON 496 million, compared to RON 507 million in Q1 2013, according to a press release from the aluminium producer.

“While our overall results continued to be impacted by external factors, beyond our control, we managed to maintain our market position and to further invest in the Company’s efficiency”, said Marian Nastase, President of Alro’s Board of Directors.

”The high energy costs, determined mainly by the eco-taxes and the low aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange had a significant impact on the Company’s net result. In order to offset the energy consumption taxes costs, we continued and we will continue to pursue our long-term strategy, focused on increasing the output of higher value added products. This strategy allowed us to counteract the unfavorable and fragile aluminium market. Moreover, we are confident that it will allow us to take advantage of any opportunities that arise once the aluminium market recovers.”

During the first quarter of 2014, Alro continued to focus on supplying high value-added products, increasing its processed aluminium production to 20,100 tonnes, from 18,800 tonnes in Q1 2013.

Moreover, in March 2014 the Company reported a production record of 7,500 tonnes of processed aluminium products, the highest level reported until now, which represents the result of the Company’s aim of increasing its operations efficiency and the production of highly processed products.

The total primary aluminium production was of 62,500 tonnes, a similar level with the one reported in Q1 2013, of 62,400 tonnes.

The sales increased, accordingly, with primary aluminium up by approximately 6%, compared to the similar period of last year and with the processed aluminium up by 14%, compared to Q1 2013. However, the average aluminium price on the London Metal Exchange, which decreased to 1,708 USD/tonne in Q1 2014 from 2,003 USD/tonne in Q1 2013, offset the positive impact generated by the higher level of sales reported by the Company during Q1 2014.

Furthermore, the Company’s costs continued to increase in Q1 2014 and the level reported was by RON 31 million higher, compared to Q1 2013, mainly due to increased expenses with raw materials, including the overcompensation scheme of the renewable energy sector. Thus, the estimated annual quota for green certificates for 2014 increased to 0.237 for each MWh, from 0.210 green certificates for each MWh in Q1 2013.