SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Alcoa Inc. said Wednesday it swung to a second-quarter loss as aluminum prices plunged from a year ago and as top customers continued to grapple with the persistent economic recession. See full story.
Hasbro hitches bigger sales to Transformers sequel
The toy maker is revving up for bigger sales thanks to the blockbuster Transformers sequel, with merchandise sales topping the 2007 product line by up to 25%, analysts say. See full story.
Oil slumps 4%, falling for sixth day
Crude-oil futures tumble more than 4% to a seven-week low, falling for the sixth straight session, as government data shows demand for petroleum products remains weak and as U.S. inventories rise. See full story.
NRG Energy rejects Exelon offer, shares rise
NRG Energy shares rise as the wholesale-power generator rejects a sweetened $7.45 billion all-stock buyout offer from Exelon -- but leaves the door open to considering a higher bid. See full story.
Treasurys jump after 'best' 10-year note auction
Treasury prices jump, pushing 10-year yields to the lowest in about seven weeks, after the U.S. government garnered record demand for $19 billion in the benchmark securities, the third of four major auctions this week. See full story.
MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY
Dell Inc. is paving the way for possible large acquisitions, but as analysts and the press pontificate on potential targets, it becomes increasingly clear that no one really knows what direction the company should take. See full story.
MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE
Think about when you fall in love: You feel great. You look at the world differently. You’re ready to take on any challenge. Wouldn’t you love to stay in that state forever?
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/alcoa-posts-loss-on-sharply-lower-aluminum-prices-20097817040
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Couplings with aluminum hubs have low inertia
Couplings with aluminum hubs have low weight and low inertia making them an excellent choice for servo motor and other precision motion control applications.
Zero-Max CD couplings with aluminum hubs have low weight and low inertia making them an excellent choice for servo motor and other precision motion control applications.
Available in single and double disc pack models, these couplings have high torsional stiffness and zero-backlash.
These aluminum hub CD couplings provide the same torque as the steel hub versions along with a 15 to 20% increase in the couplings rev/min rating for most models.
Both single and double disc pack models combine the best features found in steel disc and elastomeric couplings through the use of a patented open arm disc design made of rugged composite material.
This unique design provides the high misalignment capacity found in many elastomeric couplings but with higher torsional stiffness.
Compared to steel disc couplings, CD couplings with aluminum hubs offer superior damping and isolation of shock and vibrating loads, including elimination of fretting corrosion and dramatic reduction of stress fractures at the bolt hole locations.
The CD coupling also provides excellent chemical and moisture resistance in hostile environments that prove difficult or impossible for elastomeric or steel disc couplings.
The aluminum hub CD Single Flex models are available in either clamp style or keyway with set screw style hubs from 1.85in to 6.00in diameters.
They handle speeds from 5,200 to 17,000 rev/min and have torsional stiffness of 1,800 to 41,485 in.lb/deg depending on size.
The aluminum hub CD Double Flex models are available in either clamp style or keyway with set screw style hubs from 1.85in to 6.00in diameters.
They handle speeds from 4,400 to 17,000 rev/min and have torsional stiffness of 850 to 20,196 in.lb/deg depending on size.
CD couplings are also available with custom designed disc packs for virtually any type or style of application.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/zer/zer107.html
Zero-Max CD couplings with aluminum hubs have low weight and low inertia making them an excellent choice for servo motor and other precision motion control applications.
Available in single and double disc pack models, these couplings have high torsional stiffness and zero-backlash.
These aluminum hub CD couplings provide the same torque as the steel hub versions along with a 15 to 20% increase in the couplings rev/min rating for most models.
Both single and double disc pack models combine the best features found in steel disc and elastomeric couplings through the use of a patented open arm disc design made of rugged composite material.
This unique design provides the high misalignment capacity found in many elastomeric couplings but with higher torsional stiffness.
Compared to steel disc couplings, CD couplings with aluminum hubs offer superior damping and isolation of shock and vibrating loads, including elimination of fretting corrosion and dramatic reduction of stress fractures at the bolt hole locations.
The CD coupling also provides excellent chemical and moisture resistance in hostile environments that prove difficult or impossible for elastomeric or steel disc couplings.
The aluminum hub CD Single Flex models are available in either clamp style or keyway with set screw style hubs from 1.85in to 6.00in diameters.
They handle speeds from 5,200 to 17,000 rev/min and have torsional stiffness of 1,800 to 41,485 in.lb/deg depending on size.
The aluminum hub CD Double Flex models are available in either clamp style or keyway with set screw style hubs from 1.85in to 6.00in diameters.
They handle speeds from 4,400 to 17,000 rev/min and have torsional stiffness of 850 to 20,196 in.lb/deg depending on size.
CD couplings are also available with custom designed disc packs for virtually any type or style of application.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/zer/zer107.html
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Aluminum Heads for Biggest Weekly Gain in 21 Years in London
Aluminum rose in London, heading for the biggest weekly gain in 21 years, as inventory figures signaled a possible strengthening in demand.
Aluminum earmarked for shipment from warehouses registered with the London Metal Exchange jumped almost 15 percent to 81,375 metric tons. That was the highest since April 17 and accounted for about 1.9 percent of total inventories.
“Some distributors are showing renewed buying interest on concern that they will not be prepared to meet orders when demand returns,” Deutsche Bank AG analysts Michael Lewis and Joel Crane said today in an e-mailed report.
Aluminum for three-month delivery added $7.25, or 0.5 percent, to $1,571.75 a ton at 5:05 p.m. on the LME. The contract has added 9.1 percent this week, closing in on the largest gain since June 1988, after sliding for three weeks.
Industries from packaging to aerospace use aluminum, which has risen 2 percent this year in London, the least among the LME’s six main metals. Copper has soared 63 percent and lead is up 66 percent.
Aluminum futures open interest, or the number of contracts outstanding, rose to a record 829,336 lots as of yesterday. The increase suggested investors were making purchases, which may represent new bets on higher prices, Deutsche Bank’s Lewis and Crane said.
Still, LME-monitored aluminum stockpiles have almost quadrupled in a year. Supply will exceed demand by 380,000 tons this year, less than last year’s 1.29 million-ton surplus, according to the analysts.
‘Significant Improvement’
United Co. Rusal, the world’s largest producer, said June 3 it expects a “significant improvement” in prices from the third quarter as the global economy rebounds.
Copper for three-month delivery dropped $32, or 0.6 percent, to $4,993 a ton on the LME, after earlier advancing as much as 2 percent. Copper for July delivery fell 0.9 percent to $2.2805 a pound on the New York Mercantile Exchange’s Comex division.
U.S. employers cut 345,000 workers from payrolls in May, the smallest drop in eight months, the Labor Department said today in Washington. Other figures released this week showed that fewer Americans filed claims for jobless benefits and sales of previously owned homes advanced.
Copper stockpiles monitored by the LME dropped 3,225 tons to 299,975 tons. Inventories tracked by the Shanghai Futures Exchange have jumped 15,263 tons, or almost 51 percent, to 45,480 tons this week. Including Comex stockpiles, inventories totaled 396,999 tons, up 1 percent for the week.
Economic Rebound
Optimism about an economic rebound has helped to drive copper and other metals higher this year. Tobias Merath, head of commodity research at Credit Suisse Group AG in Zurich, said today by phone he has yet to see any signs of improved demand and Western economies remain in recession.
“As demand continues to be weak, metals can’t rally indefinitely,” he said.
Among other LME metals for three-month delivery, nickel fell 0.9 percent to $14,575 a ton, and lead lost 0.2 percent to $1,663 a ton. Zinc gained 0.6 percent to $1,565.25 a ton, and tin was unchanged at $14,700 a ton.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aP8z_WtJWM44&refer=latin_america
Aluminum earmarked for shipment from warehouses registered with the London Metal Exchange jumped almost 15 percent to 81,375 metric tons. That was the highest since April 17 and accounted for about 1.9 percent of total inventories.
“Some distributors are showing renewed buying interest on concern that they will not be prepared to meet orders when demand returns,” Deutsche Bank AG analysts Michael Lewis and Joel Crane said today in an e-mailed report.
Aluminum for three-month delivery added $7.25, or 0.5 percent, to $1,571.75 a ton at 5:05 p.m. on the LME. The contract has added 9.1 percent this week, closing in on the largest gain since June 1988, after sliding for three weeks.
Industries from packaging to aerospace use aluminum, which has risen 2 percent this year in London, the least among the LME’s six main metals. Copper has soared 63 percent and lead is up 66 percent.
Aluminum futures open interest, or the number of contracts outstanding, rose to a record 829,336 lots as of yesterday. The increase suggested investors were making purchases, which may represent new bets on higher prices, Deutsche Bank’s Lewis and Crane said.
Still, LME-monitored aluminum stockpiles have almost quadrupled in a year. Supply will exceed demand by 380,000 tons this year, less than last year’s 1.29 million-ton surplus, according to the analysts.
‘Significant Improvement’
United Co. Rusal, the world’s largest producer, said June 3 it expects a “significant improvement” in prices from the third quarter as the global economy rebounds.
Copper for three-month delivery dropped $32, or 0.6 percent, to $4,993 a ton on the LME, after earlier advancing as much as 2 percent. Copper for July delivery fell 0.9 percent to $2.2805 a pound on the New York Mercantile Exchange’s Comex division.
U.S. employers cut 345,000 workers from payrolls in May, the smallest drop in eight months, the Labor Department said today in Washington. Other figures released this week showed that fewer Americans filed claims for jobless benefits and sales of previously owned homes advanced.
Copper stockpiles monitored by the LME dropped 3,225 tons to 299,975 tons. Inventories tracked by the Shanghai Futures Exchange have jumped 15,263 tons, or almost 51 percent, to 45,480 tons this week. Including Comex stockpiles, inventories totaled 396,999 tons, up 1 percent for the week.
Economic Rebound
Optimism about an economic rebound has helped to drive copper and other metals higher this year. Tobias Merath, head of commodity research at Credit Suisse Group AG in Zurich, said today by phone he has yet to see any signs of improved demand and Western economies remain in recession.
“As demand continues to be weak, metals can’t rally indefinitely,” he said.
Among other LME metals for three-month delivery, nickel fell 0.9 percent to $14,575 a ton, and lead lost 0.2 percent to $1,663 a ton. Zinc gained 0.6 percent to $1,565.25 a ton, and tin was unchanged at $14,700 a ton.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aP8z_WtJWM44&refer=latin_america
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Steel faces longer-term threat from auto aluminum
SEOUL (Reuters) - A collapse in steel demand from the ailing auto sector may be foremost on steelmakers' minds at the moment, but rising government fuel standards are the greater cause for alarm as aluminum and magnesium steal market share.
While the auto industry consumes only about 6 percent of the world's crude steel production, mills have long counted on steady growth in car sales to generate new business -- growth that may now be in doubt as aluminum and other super-light materials replace steel to help meet tougher environmental regulations.
The threat became more apparent this week as U.S. President Barack Obama introduced the most aggressive proposal yet to boost U.S. auto fuel economy standards, which would encourage automakers to invest in fuel-saving technology.
Under the new standards, U.S. passenger vehicles and light trucks must raise fuel efficiency by 5 percent yearly to an average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. The current law requires a similar gain by 2020.
"To achieve weight-saving and improve fuel efficiency, it's inevitable to replace steel to lighter materials, as steel accounts for around 50-60 percent of total vehicle weight," said Han Do-suck, principal researcher of South Korea's Hyundai Motor's (005380.KS) materials research team.
"We are open to all possibilities and new technologies but any dramatic and immediate change is unlikely, mainly because of cost issues."
The incentives are clear: fuel efficiency usually rises by 5-10 percent for every 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight, and per-vehicle steel consumption is well over 1 tonne.
That can be a big blow to already reeling steelmakers, such as Nippon Steel (5401.T), POSCO (005490.KS) and AK Steel (AKS.N), which count auto firms as a major client and face reduced demand as auto output falls by as much as 20 percent this year.
Already automakers are increasingly stripping off sheets of steel in favor of lighter and more stylish materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, plastics and carbon fiber.
The Mazda2 subcompact, for example, reduced weight by almost 100 kg from its predecessor by using lightweight and thinner ultra-tensile steel, altering the electrics, suspension and exhaust, and even by changing door speakers to save weight.
Aluminum LEADS, COST STILL CONCERN
The substitution has been led by aluminum, which can halve weight of vehicle body frames, thus dramatically reducing emissions of carbon dioxide blamed for global warming.
A survey by research firm Ducker Worldwide showed that per-vehicle aluminum content in North America would rise to 376 pounds by 2020, or 10.4 percent of total vehicle weight, from an estimated 8.6 percent this year.
Aluminum, which is as stiff as steel but weighs one third as much, has been developed for around two decades for use in autos but its high price and relatively complicated processing structure have prevented its use for the whole auto-body frame.
"Aluminum is some three to four times more expensive than steel per volume, and as a relatively less standardized and commoditized processing tool it costs a lot more to process the metal for auto use," said Kim Hyung-wook, a chief researcher at Korea Institute of Materials Science.
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSTRE54L13Y20090522
While the auto industry consumes only about 6 percent of the world's crude steel production, mills have long counted on steady growth in car sales to generate new business -- growth that may now be in doubt as aluminum and other super-light materials replace steel to help meet tougher environmental regulations.
The threat became more apparent this week as U.S. President Barack Obama introduced the most aggressive proposal yet to boost U.S. auto fuel economy standards, which would encourage automakers to invest in fuel-saving technology.
Under the new standards, U.S. passenger vehicles and light trucks must raise fuel efficiency by 5 percent yearly to an average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. The current law requires a similar gain by 2020.
"To achieve weight-saving and improve fuel efficiency, it's inevitable to replace steel to lighter materials, as steel accounts for around 50-60 percent of total vehicle weight," said Han Do-suck, principal researcher of South Korea's Hyundai Motor's (005380.KS) materials research team.
"We are open to all possibilities and new technologies but any dramatic and immediate change is unlikely, mainly because of cost issues."
The incentives are clear: fuel efficiency usually rises by 5-10 percent for every 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight, and per-vehicle steel consumption is well over 1 tonne.
That can be a big blow to already reeling steelmakers, such as Nippon Steel (5401.T), POSCO (005490.KS) and AK Steel (AKS.N), which count auto firms as a major client and face reduced demand as auto output falls by as much as 20 percent this year.
Already automakers are increasingly stripping off sheets of steel in favor of lighter and more stylish materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, plastics and carbon fiber.
The Mazda2 subcompact, for example, reduced weight by almost 100 kg from its predecessor by using lightweight and thinner ultra-tensile steel, altering the electrics, suspension and exhaust, and even by changing door speakers to save weight.
Aluminum LEADS, COST STILL CONCERN
The substitution has been led by aluminum, which can halve weight of vehicle body frames, thus dramatically reducing emissions of carbon dioxide blamed for global warming.
A survey by research firm Ducker Worldwide showed that per-vehicle aluminum content in North America would rise to 376 pounds by 2020, or 10.4 percent of total vehicle weight, from an estimated 8.6 percent this year.
Aluminum, which is as stiff as steel but weighs one third as much, has been developed for around two decades for use in autos but its high price and relatively complicated processing structure have prevented its use for the whole auto-body frame.
"Aluminum is some three to four times more expensive than steel per volume, and as a relatively less standardized and commoditized processing tool it costs a lot more to process the metal for auto use," said Kim Hyung-wook, a chief researcher at Korea Institute of Materials Science.
http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSTRE54L13Y20090522
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Martin introduce carriage house doors in aluminum
Martin carriage house doors in aluminum offer almost all of the features of wood, without any of the heavy maintenance or the safety liabilities.
The aluminum doors feature Martin's patented FingerShield joint design as well as over 30 safety and quality items that are standard with each Martin Door.
"This door is the best in its class.
In fact, the Carriage House Collection Aluminum Doors are in a class all their own," David Martin, chairman of MDM, said of the door.
The doors will come in over 70 powder coat colors and include 1/4" thick antique hinges and handles in black or silver.
The doors are only available with a powder coat finish.
The door is almost maintenance free, according to Martin, because of the aluminum and powder coating.
The door comes with a lifetime warranty with few limitations.
Even the door's hardware lasts long on the super strong door because of its lightweight aluminum, according to Martin.
The door features a true 3-D design, he added.
The benefits of the new carriage house look to traditional wood doors are obvious.
"Experience has shown that wood warps, cracks and splits," Martin said.
"Wood has a short warranty and does not last long.
Steel also does not last as long as aluminum.
Hardware usually wears out faster on heavier doors".
The new aluminum door is also environmentally friendly, because it offers the charm and appeal of a carriage house look, without cutting down any trees.
See the website for more details.
http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/amw/amw100.html
The aluminum doors feature Martin's patented FingerShield joint design as well as over 30 safety and quality items that are standard with each Martin Door.
"This door is the best in its class.
In fact, the Carriage House Collection Aluminum Doors are in a class all their own," David Martin, chairman of MDM, said of the door.
The doors will come in over 70 powder coat colors and include 1/4" thick antique hinges and handles in black or silver.
The doors are only available with a powder coat finish.
The door is almost maintenance free, according to Martin, because of the aluminum and powder coating.
The door comes with a lifetime warranty with few limitations.
Even the door's hardware lasts long on the super strong door because of its lightweight aluminum, according to Martin.
The door features a true 3-D design, he added.
The benefits of the new carriage house look to traditional wood doors are obvious.
"Experience has shown that wood warps, cracks and splits," Martin said.
"Wood has a short warranty and does not last long.
Steel also does not last as long as aluminum.
Hardware usually wears out faster on heavier doors".
The new aluminum door is also environmentally friendly, because it offers the charm and appeal of a carriage house look, without cutting down any trees.
See the website for more details.
http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/amw/amw100.html
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Century Aluminum (CENX) NewsBite - One of Today's Top Gainers
Century Aluminum (CENX) leads the list of top gainers so far today and is now at $5.43, up $1.39 (34.41%) on volume of 8,002,474 shares traded. Over the last 52 weeks the stock has ranged from a low of $1.04 to a high of $80.52. Century Aluminum stock has been showing support around $3.73 and resistance in the $4.31 range. Technical indicators for the stock are neutral and S&P does not currently have a STARS rating for CENX. If you are looking for a hedged play on CENX the stock seems like it could be a candidate for a September covered call above the 5 range. [ABR-Seven Summits Strategic Investments NewsBite]
http://www.marketintelligencecenter.com/articles/846576
http://www.marketintelligencecenter.com/articles/846576
Friday, April 24, 2009
Alcoa Transportation Products Wins 2009 Automotive News PACE Award
CLEVELAND, Apr 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) Alcoa Transportation Products was awarded a 2009 Automotive News PACE Award. The prestigious award recognizes automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.
Transportation Products was recognized for its Alcoa Vacuum Die Casting (AVDC) for Lightweight Door Assemblies developed as an integrated casting alloy, process and equipment "systems solution" which provides vehicle manufacturers within the passenger auto and commercial transportation market segments the opportunity to maximize weight savings (30-35%), consolidate parts (60-70% BOM/parts reduction) and reduce system costs of lightweight door systems.
The patented AVDC process integrates dimensionally stable high strength and high ductility casting alloys and large die part size capability to expand the lightweight options for door inner panels beyond multiple piece stamped aluminum or steel sheet stampings. The innovation has been utilized by leading auto manufacturers, including most recently with Nissan on its high performance GT-R sports sedan.
During his acceptance speech, Kevin Kramer, President - Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products stated, "We are honored to be recognized as a winner for this prestigious award. AVDC is our second win in the last three years and this is a big deal. The Automotive News PACE Award reinforces Alcoa's commitment that innovation is our past and our future."
The 15th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award was presented by Automotive News, Ernst & Young LLP and the Transportation Research Center Inc. The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. Alcoa Transportation Products was awarded in the Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment category following an extensive review by an independent panel of judges including a comprehensive written application and a site visit.
Alcoa most recently was awarded an Automotive News PACE award for Dura-Bright(R) technology for forged aluminum wheels in 2007. This latest win is Alcoa's second award in as many attempts. For complete details of the Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.automotivenews.com/pace.
About Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, serves the commercial vehicle, automotive, and defense markets with products used in a range of applications including cast and forged aluminum wheels, aluminum space frames, specialized vacuum die cast products, niche products such as Dura-Bright(R) and Dura-Flange(R) wheels and M-Series(TM) medium truck wheels, as well as a variety of other aluminum components for these markets. AWTP is composed of three divisions: Transportation Products, Commercial Vehicle Wheels, and Automotive Wheels. It employs 2,800 people at 30 locations worldwide.
About Alcoa
Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa(R) wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2284925/
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