Algoma Reports Q1 Revenue of C$296.9M
Reports Q1 revenue C$296.9M, consensus C$305.95M. Rajat Marwah, the company's CEO, commented, "The first quarter of 2026 represented a genuine turning point for Algoma. We permanently closed our blast furnace on January 18, bringing 125 years of coal-based steelmaking to an end and completing what we set out to do: transform this company into a modern, low-carbon steel producer. That transition was not without cost in the quarter, as shipment volumes were lower and transition costs remained elevated while we ramped up our new steelmaking platform. But the direction is clear and the trajectory is improving. Our EAF is running 24 hours a day, our plate mill is producing Volta low-carbon steel at scale, and we are leaning into our competitive advantage as Canada's only producer of discrete plate."
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- Shipment Expectations: Algoma anticipates steel shipments for Q2 2026 to range between 175,000 tons and 180,000 tons, reflecting the company's resilience amid market fluctuations, despite total shipment volumes being impacted by broader market conditions.
- Adjusted EBITDA Forecast: The company expects Adjusted EBITDA to be between CAD 5 million and CAD 15 million, which includes a CAD 45 million insurance settlement benefit and an expected capacity utilization adjustment benefit of CAD 50 million to CAD 55 million, indicating a significant improvement in financial performance.
- EAF Transition: Algoma's first electric arc furnace (EAF) unit is ramping up as planned, with a second EAF unit expected to come online in the second half of 2026, further advancing the company's transition to more sustainable steel production, projected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70%.
- Market Positioning Advantage: As Canada's only producer of discrete plate, Algoma demonstrates strong competitive positioning in the face of growing demand in infrastructure, construction, and defense sectors, particularly as rising steel prices enhance the strategic significance of its transformation for long-term growth potential.
- EAF Commissioning: Algoma successfully commissioned its first Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) in July 2025, marking the start of Volta™ steel production, which is expected to significantly enhance the company's low-carbon steel production capabilities in North American and global markets.
- Emission Reduction Goals: With the decommissioning of Blast Furnace No. 7, Algoma's transition is projected to reduce carbon emissions intensity by approximately 70%, aligning with global decarbonization trends and strengthening its competitive position in the green steel market.
- Commitment to Transparency: The 2025 Sustainability Report, prepared in accordance with SASB and TCFD standards, underscores Algoma's ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, aiming to provide investors and stakeholders with a clear pathway for long-term value creation.
- Future Outlook: Algoma plans to complete the construction of its second EAF unit in 2026, further advancing its commercial strategy and ensuring its leadership position in the steel industry while supporting Canada's industrial decarbonization efforts.
- Transformation Milestone: On January 18, Algoma Steel permanently halted blast furnace operations, ending 125 years of coal-based steelmaking and transitioning to a fully electric arc furnace operation, marking a significant strategic shift expected to enhance long-term operational efficiency.
- Sales Performance: The company achieved record plate sales of 116,000 tonnes in Q1, despite incurring CAD 27.4 million in tariff costs, demonstrating resilience under market pressures while reflecting a strategic pivot towards the Canadian market.
- Financial Position: At quarter-end, total available liquidity was approximately $553 million with cash of $65.3 million; although adjusted EBITDA showed a loss of $28.7 million, management remains confident in reaching breakeven EBITDA by Q4, indicating optimism for future performance.
- Market Challenges: Coil pricing in Canada is suppressed due to domestic oversupply and import pressures, prompting Algoma to adopt a plate-focused strategy aimed at addressing market challenges through diversification initiatives to enhance competitiveness.
- Disappointing Earnings: Algoma Steel Group reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of -C$1.46, indicating significant challenges in profitability, reflecting weak market demand and increased cost pressures.
- Revenue Decline: The company’s revenue of C$296.9 million represents a 42.6% year-over-year decrease, suggesting that Algoma's sales have been severely impacted in a competitive market environment, potentially leading to tighter future cash flows.
- Market Attention: Despite the concerning financial performance, the market remains attentive to Algoma's partnership for ballistic steel production, which could provide potential opportunities for recovery in the future.
- Cautious Investor Sentiment: Analysts advise investors to remain cautious regarding Algoma, as early signs of recovery exist, but the overall market environment remains uncertain, which may affect the company's long-term growth prospects.
- EAF Fully Operational: Algoma permanently closed its blast furnace on January 18, 2026, marking the end of 125 years of coal-based steelmaking and completing its transition to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) production, with an operational loss of $153.5 million during the transition period highlighting the challenges faced in modernizing to low-carbon steel production.
- Significant Revenue Decline: The company reported first-quarter revenue of $296.9 million, a 42.5% decrease from $517.1 million in the prior year, primarily due to reduced shipments and increased tariff costs during the EAF transition, indicating the difficulties in adapting to the new market environment.
- Adjusted EBITDA Loss Narrowed: The first quarter saw an adjusted EBITDA loss of $28.7 million, an improvement from a loss of $46.7 million in the previous year, reflecting better product mix and lower administrative expenses, despite incurring a $90.2 million capacity utilization charge.
- Strategic Partnerships Expand Market Reach: Algoma's joint venture with Roshel Inc. aims to enhance its competitiveness in the defense market by focusing on ballistic steel production, while the MOU with Hanwha Ocean could open new opportunities in the shipbuilding supply chain, showcasing the company's strategic growth initiatives.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Algoma Steel Group plans to release its first quarter financial results for 2026 after market close on May 12, showcasing the company's ongoing performance and growth in the steel industry.
- Conference Call Details: A webcast and conference call will be held on May 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review financial results and address investor questions, enhancing transparency and investor relations.
- EAF Transition: Algoma is transitioning to electric arc furnace steelmaking, expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70%, marking one of North America's largest industrial decarbonization initiatives and aligning with sustainability goals.
- Launch of Volta Brand: The newly introduced Volta brand represents steel produced through EAF technology, promising the same performance with significantly lower emissions, further solidifying Algoma's leadership in the green steel market.







