Is Alcoa Corporation (AA) the Best Metal Stock to Buy According to Analysts?

Alcoa Corporation (AA) has been a subject of interest among analysts and investors alike, with many wondering if it is the best metal stock to buy. This article will delve into the reasons behind analysts' recommendations and price targets for AA, and explore whether the company lives up to its hype.



Analyst Recommendations and Price Targets

Analysts have been bullish on AA, with a consensus recommendation of "OUTPERFORM" from 23 analysts covering the company. The average target price for AA is $21.00, representing a potential increase of +21.15% from the last close price of $17.33. This positive sentiment is driven by several factors, including the company's strong earnings growth and undervalued valuation.

Earnings Growth and Valuation

AA's earnings are expected to grow by 21.41% per year, outpacing the average earnings growth rate of other metal stocks in the industry. This growth rate is supported by the company's strong financial performance and positive outlook. Additionally, AA is trading at 82.3% below its estimated fair value, indicating that the stock may be undervalued compared to other metal stocks in the industry.



Analyst Consensus and Dividend Yield

Analysts in good agreement that AA's stock price will rise by 44.5%, further supporting the company's strong potential for growth. While AA's dividend yield is lower than the industry average, analysts expect the dividend to grow in the future, making it an attractive investment option for income-oriented investors.

Risks and Challenges

Despite the positive outlook, AA faces several risks and challenges that analysts have taken into account when formulating their recommendations and price targets. These risks include shareholder dilution, large one-off items impacting financial results, and the potential for interruptions in the distribution chain caused by periodic mine closures. However, analysts believe that AA's risks are manageable compared to other metal stocks in the industry.



Conclusion

In conclusion, Alcoa Corporation (AA) is a strong contender for the title of the best metal stock to buy according to analysts. The company's strong earnings growth, undervalued valuation, positive analyst consensus, and attractive dividend yield make it an appealing investment option. While AA faces some risks and challenges, analysts believe that the company's potential for growth outweighs these concerns. As such, investors looking to gain exposure to the metal sector should consider adding AA to their portfolios.