Century Aluminum Company (CENX)

Interest coverage

Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) US$ in thousands 121,400 31,800 -150,200 66,000 -80,500
Interest expense US$ in thousands 6,700 35,500 29,300 30,400 31,600
Interest coverage 18.12 0.90 -5.13 2.17 -2.55

December 31, 2024 calculation

Interest coverage = EBIT ÷ Interest expense
= $121,400K ÷ $6,700K
= 18.12

The interest coverage ratio for Century Aluminum Company has fluctuated significantly over the years as follows:

- As of December 31, 2020, the interest coverage ratio was -2.55, indicating that the company's operating income was insufficient to cover its interest expenses.
- By December 31, 2021, the interest coverage ratio improved to 2.17, suggesting that the company's ability to meet interest payments had strengthened.
- However, by December 31, 2022, the interest coverage ratio plummeted to -5.13, signifying a significant decline in the company's ability to cover its interest costs.
- The ratio slightly recovered by December 31, 2023, reaching 0.90, though it remained below the ideal benchmark of 1. This indicates a continued struggle for Century Aluminum Company to consistently cover its interest obligations.

Finally, there was a substantial improvement in the interest coverage ratio by December 31, 2024, where it soared to 18.12. This remarkable increase suggests a substantial enhancement in the company's ability to cover its interest expenses, reflecting improved financial performance and potentially lower interest obligations.


Peer comparison

Dec 31, 2024

Company name
Symbol
Interest coverage
Century Aluminum Company
CENX
18.12
Alcoa Corp
AA
-3.32