One of the world's biggest aluminum producer, Alcoa, said net income for the quarter had more than doubled, boosted by higher prices for the metal. The Pittsburgh-firm reported first-quarter net profit of $355m(�192.7m), up 135.1% from the year-ago quarter.
"Demand for aluminum fabricated products was the highest in three years, driving prices higher," said Alain Belda, Alcoa's chief executive.
The stock closed at $36.50, but dipped to $34.75 in early after-bell trading.
The drop came as earnings-per-share fell slightly short of Wall Street's consensus.
Alcoa provided an upbeat outlook for aluminum prices in the second quarter.
On a year-over-year basis, the alumina, aluminum, and flat-rolled products segments have all benefited from robust pricing.
One-Minute World News 
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