Alcoa Inc. earnings estimates have plunged the most in three years as analysts’ expectations mount that the biggest U.S. aluminum producer may even record a fourth-quarter loss.

Net income will tumble 96-percent to 1 cent a share from 21-cents a year earlier, according to the average of 18 analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. That’s 82-percent less than the average projection from a month ago. Nine of the 12-estimates compiled within the last 28-days are for New York-based Alcoa, which has a product finishing plant in Hutchinson, to post a loss in the fourth quarter.

The average price of aluminum, which is used in beverage cans, aircraft and window frames, was 11-percent lower in the quarter from a year earlier after global growth decelerated amid a sovereign-debt crisis in Europe and government action to control inflation in China. Supply is exceeding demand and inventories have soared, leaving some smelters unprofitable at current metal prices.

Other major companies with ties to Hutchinson will also report their earnings later this month including Union Pacific January 19th….Siemens January 24th and Eaton January 26th.