AHEAD OF THE BELL:

Alcoa kicks off earnings season

[July 09, 2012]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Alcoa Inc. may set the tone for what's expected to be a disappointing second-quarter earnings season when it announces results after the markets close on Monday.

Analysts surveyed by FactSet expect the aluminum manufacturer to report earnings of 5 cents per share in the April-through-June quarter. That compares with earnings of 28 cents per share a year ago.

Revenue is forecast at $5.83 billion which compares with $6.59 billion in the second quarter of 2011.

The aluminum industry has been challenged by weaker prices and rising inventories. Overall demand has been lackluster in the sluggish global economy.

Alcoa's performance reflects broader economic trends because aluminum is used to make a wide range of products from airplanes and automobiles to beverage cans and construction materials.

[Associated Press]

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