Century Aluminum Hammered (CENX)

When it comes to the stock market and especially earnings, it's all about expectations. Century Aluminum CENX reported a profit last night of $5.1 million, or 5 cents per share for the second quarter. In the second quarter of 2009 the company lost $107.1 million, or $1.45 per share. Sales also rose 52% year-over-year to $287.9 million. While these numbers look great compared to 2009, they still fell far short of analysts expectations for earnings of 25 cents a share on revenue of $292 million. Shares are taking it on the chin today, down $1.00, or 9.48%, to $9.55. Over the last 52-weeks shares have traded between $7.12 and $18.77.