BofA/Merrill downgraded Kaiser Aluminum to Neutral to reflect the view that the aero and auto end markets are in the later stages of the cycle and a typically slower 2H 2016 ahead. The firm's analyst cut 2017 EBITDA estimate to $207M from $213M, 2018 to $211M from $228M and reduced its price target to $92 from $94.

The company said, "Kaiser remains well positioned in the current demand environment as a key supplier in diverse end markets with multi-year contracts with strategic partners. The Company expects demand will improve across the majority of its end markets throughout 2024. In aerospace/high strength applications, a more cautious outlook is warranted on expected build rates for domestic large commercial jet production in the near-term resulting in anticipated flat conversion revenue in 2024 following a strong 2023. The long-term demand outlook for these platforms remains unchanged. The Company believes demand for other aerospace/high strength applications remains strong. Now that destocking is complete, the Company expects the rest of its end markets to perform consistent with the prior outlook. As a result, the Company continues to expect conversion revenue for the full year 2024 to improve 2% - 3% and adjusted EBITDA margins to improve 70 - 170 basis points over 2023 as it implements cost reduction measures in operations, increases manufacturing efficiencies and pursues its strategic growth initiatives."