Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ: CENX) announced a net loss of $24.4 million ($0.28 per basic and diluted common share) for the fourth quarter of 2009.

The press release is quoted as saying:

Financial results were negatively impacted by net after-tax expense of $11.5 million related to the purchase of downside aluminum price protection for a portion of Century's U.S. production through 2010, and a net after-tax charge of $5.3 million for losses on early extinguishment and modification of debt. Financial results were positively impacted by a $6.6 million benefit related to discrete income tax adjustments. Cost of sales for the quarter includes a $17.2 million net after-tax charge for the portion of power costs at Hawesville payable by the previous power supplier per the terms of the power agreements.

Click here to access the entire press release ^[1]

Click here to access Century Aluminum Corporate Site ^[2]