ARNC Arconic Corp - 10-K
0001790982-23-000006Year-over-year tone shift - average net-tone change across Risk Factors and MD&A vs the prior 10-K. This filing is -0.32pp more bearish than last year's.
Why YoY instead of absolute: the LM lexicon has ~6.6× more negative words than positive (legal/risk-disclosure language is heavy on hedging), so every 10-K reads bearish on raw tone. Year-over-year change strips that bias and surfaces the actual shift in management's framing.
Tone shift by section
The two components the gauge averages: how Risk Factors and MD&A each shifted in net tone versus last year's 10-K. The headline above is their average, so a green needle over a soft section just means the other section carried it.
Sentence-level sentiment highlighting with category and subcategory filters is coming once the snippet-scoring pipeline lands. For now, dig into the actual section text on the Sections tab.
Language change vs prior 10-K
Risk Factors (Item 1A) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase- unavailability+3
- unforeseen+3
- failure+2
- damage+2
- outages+2
- satisfy+2
- greater+1
- despite+1
- improve+1
- enhanced+1
Risk Factors (Item 1A)
15,820 words
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be impacted by a number of factors. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this report, the following risks and uncertainties could materially harm our business, financial condition, or results of operations, including causing our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. The following list of significant risk factors is not all-inclusive or necessarily in order of importance. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially adversely affect us in future periods
Business Risks – Global Conditions
The markets for our products are cyclical and are influenced by a number of factors, including global economic conditions, that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We are subject to cyclical fluctuations in global economic conditions and lightweight metals end-use markets. Many of our products are sold to industries that are cyclical, such as the aerospace, automotive, commercial transportation and building and construction industries, and the demand for our products are sensitive to, and quickly impacted by, demand for the finished goods manufactured by our customers in these industries, which may change as a result of changes in regional or worldwide economies, currency exchange rates, energy prices or other factors beyond our control.
In particular, we derive a significant portion of our revenue from products sold to the aerospace industry, which can be cyclical and reflective of changes in the general economy. The commercial aerospace industry is historically driven by the demand from commercial airlines for new aircraft. The U.S. and international commercial aviation industries may face challenges arising from competitive pressures and fuel costs. Demand for commercial aircraft is influenced by airline industry profitability, trends in airline passenger traffic, the state of U.S., regional and world economies, the ability of aircraft purchasers to obtain required financing and numerous other factors, including the effects of terrorism, health and safety concerns,
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environmental constraints imposed upon aircraft operators, the retirement of older aircraft, the performance and cost of alternative materials, and technological improvements to aircraft.
Further, the demand for our ground transportation products is driven by the number of vehicles produced by automotive and commercial transportation manufacturers and volume of aluminum content per vehicle. The automotive industry is sensitive to general economic conditions, including credit markets and interest rates, and consumer spending and preferences regarding vehicle ownership and usage, vehicle size, configuration and features. Automotive and commercial transportation sales and production can also be affected by other factors, including supply chain disruptions, the age of the vehicle fleet and related scrap rates, labor relations issues, fuel prices, regulatory requirements, government initiatives, trade agreements, interest rates, health and safety concerns and levels of competition both within and outside of the aluminum industry.
Our products are used in a variety of industrial applications, including mold and tooling plate for semiconductors; general engineering/machinery and injection molding applications; specialty finishes for appliances, cosmetic packaging, and vehicle components; tread plate and sheet; and building and construction products. Common alloy sheet, which is a significant portion of the total industrial products market, is particularly sensitive to the volume of imports of common alloys into the U.S. The implementation of anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed on Chinese common alloy sheet during 2018 has led to a significant decrease in the volume of imports from China. That decrease was followed by a significant increase in imports of common alloy into the U.S. from other countries, which led to softening prices. In 2021, the U.S. government imposed new anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of common alloy aluminum sheet from 16 additional countries. The anti-dumping and countervailing duties have led to improved pricing in the U.S. for common alloy sheet, though the long-term impact of the tariffs on import levels and pricing, as well as the likelihood of extension of such duties, remains difficult to predict.
We are unable to predict the future course of industry variables, the strength of the U.S., regional or global economies, or the effects of government actions. Negative economic conditions, such as a major economic downturn, a prolonged recovery period, or disruptions in the financial markets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows have been, and in the future could be, materially adversely affected by the effects of widespread public health epidemics/pandemics.
Outbreaks of contagious diseases, public health epidemics or pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in travel restrictions, governmental restrictions on certain activities, and shutdown of certain businesses globally, Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Avian Influenza, H1N1 virus, or the Ebola virus) or other adverse public health developments in countries where we, our employees, customers and suppliers operate could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and/or cash flows. Any such epidemics or pandemics could experience resurgences in cases, communicability or severity as a result of the development of different variants, as with the COVID-19 pandemic, which could extend the magnitude or duration of the adverse impact on our operations. The extent to which any such outbreak affects our operations over time is highly uncertain and beyond our control, and is dependent on a variety of factors, including the duration and severity of the initial outbreak or subsequent variants, the imposition of governmental quarantine or other public health measures, the availability of vaccines or other medical remedies and preventive measures, and determinations regarding, among other things, health and safety, demand for specific products, and broader economic conditions. Many of the actions that may be taken to mitigate the impact of an epidemic or pandemic, including declarations of states of emergency, governmental quarantines, shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders, social distancing requirements, business closures and staged procedures for reopening, manufacturing restrictions and a prolonged period of travel, commercial and/or other similar restrictions and limitations, are highly likely to impact our business and the business of many of our customers, and therefore are likely to magnify the risks of a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and/or cash flows, as well as on our business strategies and initiatives. In addition, the impact of any epidemic or pandemic, and the related restrictions, may differ in the areas in which our products are manufactured, distributed or sold, or may change on short notice in response to new variants or other circumstances and, accordingly, any such impact on our operations or the operations of our customers and suppliers is difficult to predict. Because we rely on supply chain continuity, restrictions in one location may materially impact operations in multiple locations, and the impact of an epidemic or pandemic in one location may have a disproportionate effect on our operations in the future.
An epidemic or pandemic subjects our operations, financial performance and financial condition to a number of risks, including, but not limited to modification of business practices, including idling or production decreases at our facilities and workforce reductions; actions we may take associated with the safety and welfare of our employees, including increased costs associated with recruiting, hiring, training and supervising new employees or employees required to perform new roles, maintaining high levels of employee awareness of and compliance with our internal procedures and regulatory requirements, and implementing employee health and safety initiatives; lower demand for our products should our customers experience labor shortages, supply chain issues or other operational impacts; concessions or contract modifications that we may grant to our
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customers; supply chain disruption, including labor shortages, unavailability of or price volatility for raw materials or energy, and transportation and logistics challenges; volatility in financial and commodities markets adversely impacting asset valuations, including pension assets; and the impact on our customers’ businesses related to the financial condition of or other restrictions on the end users of their products or services, including air travel, construction and the trends in the purchases of automobiles, industrial products and other manufactured goods. In addition, we may experience decreased availability of liquidity under our asset-based lending credit facility (the "ABL Credit Facility" and the credit agreement forming a part of the ABL Credit Facility, the "ABL Credit Agreement"), which is based on a borrowing base calculation based on our financial results and cash from operations, or credit rating downgrades that could adversely affect our cost of funding and related margins, liquidity, competitive position, access to capital markets, and ability to refinance indebtedness on favorable terms. The magnitude of the adverse effects of these and other risks on our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows will vary depending on the duration and severity of an epidemic or pandemic and the responses of governmental authorities, suppliers, customers and Arconic. A sustained impact to our operations and financial results may require material impairments of our assets including, but not limited to, inventory, goodwill, intangible assets, long-lived assets, right-of-use assets, and deferred income tax assets.
An epidemic or pandemic may also exacerbate other risks disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including, but not limited to, risks related to global economic conditions and inflation, competition, loss of customers, costs of supplies, manufacturing difficulties and disruptions, our credit profile, our credit ratings and interest rates. In addition, a future epidemic or pandemic may also affect our operating and financial results in a manner that is not presently known to us, or present significant risks to our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and/or cash flows that are different from the risks presented by prior epidemics or pandemics.
Climate change, and evolving customer and stakeholder expectations, legal, regulatory and policy requirements, and market dynamics driven by climate change, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
There are inherent climate-related risks in various regions where we conduct business. Global climate change is resulting, and is expected to continue to result, in certain natural disasters and adverse weather conditions, such as drought, wildfires, storms, tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, changes in sea-levels, flooding, and extreme temperatures, occurring more frequently or with greater intensity and unpredictability. Such conditions could result in disruptions to any facility or surrounding community directly impacted by a climate-related event, including physical damage resulting in shutdowns and requiring repair or our employees’ unavailability to work, and could also adversely impact our suppliers, customers, and shipping and transportation networks. These disruptions could make it more difficult and costly for us to produce and deliver our products, obtain raw materials or other supplies, maintain our critical corporate functions, and could reduce customer demand for our products.
In addition, customers, communities, investors and other stakeholders are increasingly focusing on environmental issues, including climate change and the carbon footprint of businesses throughout our supply chain. Changing customer preferences may result in increased demands regarding, among other matters, the source of aluminum, alloying metals and other materials used in our products, demand for increased use of recycled materials in our products, the manner in which power we consume is generated, our use and treatment of water and other natural resources, and the packing materials and shipping methods we use to deliver our products. In order to respond to these demands, we may need to make changes to our facilities, operations or production methods, or increase research and development efforts, any of which are likely to result in significant additional costs. Additional costs, or diminished customer demand for our products, loss of market share, or reputational damage resulting from our failure to satisfy customer preferences or to meet evolving investor, stakeholder or industry expectations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Additionally, concerns over climate change have resulted in ongoing public pressure to address, and to adopt legal and regulatory requirements designed to address, climate change, including regulating greenhouse gas emissions (and the establishment of enhanced internal processes or systems to track emissions), policies mandating or promoting the use of renewable or zero-carbon energy and sustainability initiatives, and additional taxes on or other costs related to fuel and energy. For example, in January 2021, the U.S. recommitted to the Paris Agreement and in April 2021, President Biden announced targets to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. If newly enacted laws or regulations, or newly adopted policies or initiatives, are more stringent than current requirements, we, our suppliers and our customers may be subject to increased compliance burdens, incur significant additional costs, or experience disruption in the sourcing of materials and the manufacturing and distribution of products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Governments of countries in which we operate could nationalize or expropriate private enterprises, or otherwise change their policies regarding private enterprise, which could adversely impact the value of our operations in those countries.
Certain countries in which we operate are subject to political, social, diplomatic and economic uncertainty. The governments of these countries may develop or implement political, social or economic policies contrary to, or reversing current policies encouraging, private enterprise, economic decentralization and/or outside investment in such countries. Changes in policies, the enactment of new laws or regulations, or changes in the interpretation of current policies, laws or
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regulations could result in, among other impacts, the imposition of confiscatory taxation, trade sanctions or embargoes, our inability to protect our intellectual property rights, renegotiation or nullification of existing agreements or property rights, restrictions on currency conversion, restrictions or prohibitions on the payment of dividends or distributions, or the nationalization or expropriation of private enterprises, including our operations. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, and nationalization or expropriation could result in the loss of all revenues generated in, and the entire value or our investment in, such countries.
We are exposed to economic factors, including inflation, fluctuations in aluminum prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, and currency controls in the countries in which we operate.
We have experienced, and continue to experience, inflationary pressures on the prices of aluminum, materials, transportation, energy and labor. In an inflationary environment, such as the current economic environment, our ability to implement customer pricing adjustments or surcharges to pass-through or offset the impacts of inflation may be limited. Continued inflationary pressures could reduce our profit margins and profitability.
Other economic factors, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, competitive factors in the countries in which we operate, and continued volatility or deterioration in the global economic and financial environment could affect our revenues, expenses and results of operations. Changes in the valuation of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, including the Euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, and Chinese yuan (renminbi), may affect our profitability as some important inputs are purchased in other currencies, while our products are generally sold in U.S. dollars.
Our ABL Credit Facility bears interest at rates equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a credit spread adjustment, plus a margin. Accordingly, we will be subject to risk from changes in interest rates on the variable component of the rate.
We also face risks arising from the imposition of cash repatriation restrictions and exchange controls. Cash repatriation restrictions and exchange controls may limit our ability to convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars or to remit dividends and other payments by our foreign subsidiaries or businesses located in or conducted within a country imposing restrictions or controls. While we currently have no need, and do not intend, to repatriate or convert cash held in countries that have significant restrictions or controls in place, should we need to do so to fund our operations, we may be unable to repatriate or convert such cash, or be unable to do so without incurring substantial costs. We currently have substantial operations in countries that have, or that may in the future impose, cash repatriation restrictions or exchange controls in place, including China, and, if we were to need to repatriate or convert such cash, these controls and restrictions may have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
Our global operations expose us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or the market price of our securities.
We have operations or activities in numerous countries and regions outside the U.S., including Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and China. As a result, our global operations are affected by economic, political and other conditions in the foreign countries in which we do business as well as U.S. laws regulating international trade, including:
• economic and commercial instability risks, including those caused by sovereign and private debt default, corruption, and changes in local government laws, regulations and policies, such as those related to tariffs, sanctions and trade barriers (including tariffs imposed by the U.S. as well as retaliatory tariffs imposed by the European Union or other foreign entities), import or export restrictions, taxation, environmental regulations, production curtailments, exchange controls, employment regulations and repatriation of assets or earnings;
• the ongoing uncertainty regarding the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (known as “Brexit”) and its impact and long-term effects on trade, imports and exports, tariffs and currencies, and our relationships with customers and suppliers;
• geopolitical risks such as political instability, civil unrest, expropriation, nationalization of properties by a government, imposition of sanctions, and renegotiation or nullification of existing agreements;
• the potential for increased tensions between the U.S. and countries in which we operate, including China and European Union nations;
• the global impact of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including tariffs, economic sanctions and import-export restrictions imposed by either nation, and retaliatory actions by the other nation;
• war or terrorist activities;
• kidnapping of personnel;
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• major public health issues such as an outbreak of a pandemic or epidemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which could cause disruptions in our operations, workforce, supply chain and/or customer demand;
• shipping, freight and supply chain disruptions;
• difficulties enforcing contractual rights and intellectual property, including a lack of remedies for misappropriation, in certain jurisdictions;
• changes in trade and tax laws that may impact our operations and financial condition and/or result in our customers being subjected to increased taxes, duties and tariffs and reduce their willingness to use our services in countries in which we are currently manufacturing products we supply to them;
• rising labor costs;
• labor unrest, including strikes;
• compliance with antitrust and competition regulations;
• compliance with foreign labor laws, which generally provide for increased notice, severance and consultation requirements compared to U.S. laws;
• aggressive, selective or lax enforcement of laws and regulations by national governmental authorities;
• compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery and corruption laws;
• compliance with U.S. laws concerning trade, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the Export Administration Regulations, and the sanctions, regulations and embargoes administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control;
• imposition of currency controls;
• compliance with data privacy regulations; and
• adverse tax laws and audit rulings.
Although the effect of any of the foregoing factors is difficult to predict, any one or more of them could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Our international operations subject us to complex and dynamic laws and regulations that, in some cases, could result in conflict or inconsistency between applicable laws and/or legal obligations. While we believe we have adopted appropriate risk management, compliance programs and insurance arrangements to mitigate the associated risks, such measures may provide inadequate protection against costs, penalties, liabilities or other potential risks such as loss of export privileges or repatriation of assets that may arise from such events.
An adverse decline in the liability discount rate, lower-than-expected investment return on pension assets and other factors could affect our results of operations or amount of pension funding contributions in future periods.
We provide defined benefit pension and retiree healthcare benefits to eligible employees and retirees. Our results of operations may be negatively affected by the amount of expense we record for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans, reductions in the fair value of plan assets, significant changes in market interest rates, investment losses or lower than expected returns on plan assets, and other factors. We calculate income or expense for our plans using actuarial valuations in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
These valuations reflect assumptions about financial market and other economic conditions, which may change based on changes in key economic indicators. The most significant year-end assumptions used to estimate pension or other postretirement benefit income or expense for the following year are the discount rate applied to plan liabilities and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. In addition, we are required to make an annual measurement of plan assets and liabilities, which may result in a significant charge to stockholders’ equity. For a discussion regarding how our financial statements can be affected by pension and other post-retirement benefits accounting policies, see Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II. Item 8, and Part II. Item 7. “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations--Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.” Although GAAP expense and pension funding contributions are impacted by different regulations and requirements, the key economic factors that affect GAAP expense would also likely affect the amount of cash or securities we would contribute to the pension plans. The defined benefit pension plans were underfunded as of December 31, 2022 by $578 million based on actuarial methods and assumptions in accordance with GAAP. In the event that actual results differ from the actuarial assumptions, the funded status of our defined benefit plans and future cash contributions may increase or decrease. See Part II. Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements--Contractual Obligations" and "--Obligations for Operating Activities" for additional information regarding expected contributions and benefit payments in 2023.
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Business Risks – Competition and Customers
We face significant competition, which may have an adverse effect on profitability.
The markets for our products are highly competitive. Our competitors include a variety of both U.S. and non-U.S. companies in all major markets. We may also face competition from emerging competitors, particularly in China and other developing economies, as customers seek to globalize their supply bases in order to reduce costs. New product offerings, new technologies in the marketplace or new facilities may compete with or replace our products. The willingness of customers to accept substitutes for our products, the ability of large customers to exert leverage in the marketplace to affect the pricing for our products, and technological advancements or other developments by or affecting our competitors or customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. See Part I. Item 1. Business “Description of the Business—Rolled Products—Competitive Conditions,” “—Extrusions—Competitive Conditions,” and “—Building and Construction Systems—Competitive Conditions” for additional information about competition in the markets for our products.
In addition, we may face increased competition due to industry consolidation. As companies attempt to strengthen or maintain their market positions in an evolving industry, they could be acquired or merged. Companies that are strategic alliance partners in some areas of our business may acquire or form alliances with our competitors, thereby reducing their business with us. Industry consolidation may result in stronger competitors who are better able to obtain favorable terms from suppliers or who are better able to compete as sole-source vendors for customers. Consolidation within our customer base may result in customers who are better able to command increased leverage in negotiating prices and other terms of sale, which could adversely affect our profitability. Moreover, if, as a result of increased leverage, customers require us to reduce our pricing such that our gross margins are diminished, we could decide not to sell certain products to a particular customer, or not to sell certain products at all, which would decrease our revenue. Consolidation within our customer base may also lead to reduced demand for our products, a combined entity replacing our products with those of our competitors, and cancellations of orders. The result of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We could be adversely affected by the loss of key customers, the impact of supply chain disruptions or other economic conditions on our key customers, or significant changes in the business or financial condition of our customers.
We have long-term contracts with a significant number of our customers, some of which are subject to renewal, renegotiation or re-pricing at periodic intervals or upon changes in competitive supply conditions. Our failure to successfully renew, renegotiate or favorably re-price such agreements, or a material deterioration in or termination of these customer relationships, could result in a reduction or loss in customer purchase volume or revenue.
Additionally, a significant downturn or deterioration in the business or financial condition or loss of a key customer could affect our financial results. Our customers may experience unavailability or price volatility of raw materials, key components or other supply chain disruptions, weak demand for their products, delays in the certification or la unch of new products, inability to achieve expected future orders in China or other markets, labor strikes, diminished liquidity or credit unavailability that negatively impact the customer's ability to make full or timely payment or that require us to restructure payment terms, or other difficulties in their businesses, any of which could significantly reduce demand for our products. These impacts may be unique to one customer or a small number of customers. For example, Boeing has experienced negative impacts in recent periods, including the temporary reduction in the production rate and subsequent temporary suspension of production of the 737 MAX aircraft, and delays in certification of the 737 MAX aircraft in China; and reduced passenger travel during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting elevated inventory of airframes and fuselages. These events have negatively impacted sales of aluminum sheet and plate products that we produce for Boeing airplanes and may continue to negatively impact sales for future periods. The impacts may also be experienced by a broader group of customers within an end market that we serve. For example, in 2020, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global factors contributed to a severe shortage in semiconductors used in automotive manufacturing. As a result, automotive customers were forced to curtail production at various intervals and across many different product lines resulting in reductions in the volume of vehicles manufactured. For 2020, 2021 and 2022, global vehicle production was reduced by more than 10 million vehicles, resulting in a significant reduction in sales of aluminum sheet and extrusions products that we produce for a number of key automotive customers. Customer initiatives to recover lost volume as business and economic conditions improve may not be successfully implemented, or may be implemented over extended time periods. Depending on the nature, extent and duration of negative business or economic conditions impacting our customers, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected acutely or over a longer period of time.
Our customers may also change their business strategies or modify their business relationships with us, including to reduce the amount of our products they purchase or to switch to alternative suppliers. If our customers reduce, terminate or delay
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purchases from us due to the foregoing factors or otherwise and we are unsuccessful in replacing such business in whole or in part or replace it with less profitable business, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Our customers may reduce their demand for aluminum products in favor of alternative materials.
Certain applications of our aluminum-based products compete with products made from other materials, such as steel, titanium, plastics, glass and composites. The willingness of customers to pursue materials other than aluminum often depends upon the desire to achieve specific performance attributes. For example, the commercial aerospace industry has used and continues to evaluate the further use of alternative materials to aluminum, such as titanium and composites, in order to further reduce the weight and increase the fuel efficiency of aircraft. The automotive industry, while motivated to reduce vehicle weight through the use of aluminum, may substitute with steel or other materials for certain applications. The packaging industry continues to experience advances in alternative materials, such as plastics, glass and organic or compostable materials, which may compare favorably to aluminum with respect to preservation of food and beverage quality and recyclability. Further, the decision to use aluminum may be impacted by aluminum prices or compatibility of aluminum with other materials used by a customer in a given application. The willingness of customers to accept other materials in lieu of aluminum could adversely affect the demand for certain of our products, and thus adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may face challenges to our intellectual property rights which could adversely affect our reputation, business and competitive position, financial condition and results of operations.
We own important intellectual property, including patents, trademarks and copyrights. Our intellectual property plays an important role in maintaining our competitive position in a number of the markets that we serve. Our competitors may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our proprietary technologies or design around the patents we own or license. Despite our controls and safeguards, our technology may be misappropriated by our employees, our competitors or other third parties. The pursuit of remedies for any misappropriation of our intellectual property is expensive and the ultimate remedies may be deemed insufficient. Further, in jurisdictions where the enforcement of intellectual property rights is less robust, the risk of misappropriation of our intellectual property increases despite efforts we undertake to protect it. Developments or assertions by or against us relating to intellectual property rights, and any inability to protect or enforce our rights sufficiently, could adversely affect our business and competitive position, financial condition and results of operations.
Business Risks – Operations and Product Development
We could encounter manufacturing difficulties or other issues that impact product performance, quality or safety, which could affect our ability to supply customers or meet contractual obligations, reputation, business and financial condition and results of operations.
The manufacture of many of our products is a highly exacting and complex process. Problems may arise during manufacturing for a variety of reasons, including equipment malfunction or unforeseen maintenance outages, failure to follow specific protocols, specifications and procedures, including those related to quality or safety, unavailability of raw materials, supply chain interruptions, natural disasters, health pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), labor shortages or unrest, and environmental factors. Such problems could have an adverse impact on our ability to fulfill customer orders or meet contractual obligations, including with respect to quantity, delivery times, or product quality, specifications or performance, which could result in recalls, customer penalties, contract cancellation and product liability exposure. Because of approval, license and qualification requirements applicable to manufacturers and/or their suppliers, alternatives to mitigate manufacturing disruptions may not be readily available to us or our customers. Accordingly, manufacturing problems, product defects or other risks associated with our products could result in significant costs related to remediation and other liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, including the payment of potentially substantial monetary damages, fines or penalties, as well as negative publicity and damage to our reputation, which could adversely impact product demand and customer relationships.
Our business depends, in part, on our ability to meet increased customer demand successfully and to mitigate the impact of customer program cancellations, reductions and delays.
We are under contract to supply aluminum sheet, plate and extrusions for a number of new and existing commercial and general aviation aircraft programs, as well as aluminum sheet and extrusions for a number of aluminum-intensive automotive vehicle programs. Many of these programs are scheduled for production increases over the next several years. In addition, we expect customer demand for packaging materials to continue to increase. If we fail to meet production levels or encounter difficulty or unexpected costs in meeting such levels, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
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or results of operations. Similarly, program cancellations, reductions or delays could also have a material adverse effect on our business.
A material disruption or limitation of our operations, particularly at one or more of our manufacturing facilities, could adversely affect our business.
If our operations, particularly one of our manufacturing facilities, were to be disrupted as a result of significant equipment failures, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, power outages, fires, floods, explosions, terrorism, theft, sabotage, public health crises, labor shortages or disputes or other reasons, we may be unable to effectively meet our obligations to or demand from our customers, which could adversely affect our financial performance.
Our operations depend on the continued and efficient functioning of our facilities, including critical equipment. Despite our routine maintenance programs for our facilities and equipment, we may experience periods of reduced production or production delays due to planned and unplanned equipment outages at our facilities. Our facilities also require significant capital improvements, including upgrades to or replacements of equipment, from time to time. Repairs, equipment replacement or other facility improvement projects may also result in periods of reduced or delayed production. Supply chain issues and labor shortages may impact our ability to obtain parts, materials or replacement equipment necessary to make repairs or improvements, and may increase the time required to complete such repairs or improvements. Unforeseen delays or unavailability of parts or materials could significantly increase the costs associated with repairs or improvements.
Interruptions in production could result in significant increases in our costs and reductions in our sales. Any interruption in production capability could require us to incur costs for premium freight, make substantial capital expenditures or purchase alternative material at higher costs to fill customer orders, which could negatively affect our profitability and financial condition. Furthermore, because customers may be dependent on planned deliveries from us, customers that have to reschedule their own production due to our delivery delays may be able to pursue financial claims against us, and we may incur costs to correct such problems in addition to any liability resulting from such claims. While we maintain property damage insurance that we believe to be adequate to provide for reconstruction of facilities and equipment, as well as business interruption insurance to mitigate certain of our losses resulting from significant production interruption or shutdown caused by an insured loss, not all events leading to a disruption of operations are covered events. Additionally, any recovery under our insurance policies may not fully offset the lost profits or increased costs that may be experienced during the disruption of operations, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
We may be unable to develop innovative new products or implement technology initiatives successfully.
Our competitive position and future performance depend, in part, on our ability to:
• identify and evolve with emerging technological and broader industry trends in our target end-markets;
• identify and successfully execute on a strategy to remain an essential and sustainable element of our customers’ supply chains;
• fund, develop, manufacture and bring innovative new products and services to market quickly and cost-effectively;
• monitor disruptive technologies and understand customers’ and competitors’ abilities to deploy those disruptive technologies; and
• achieve sufficient return on investment for new products based on capital expenditures and research and development spending.
We continuously work on new developments for strategic projects, including alloy development, engineered finishes and product design, high speed continuous casting and rolling technology and other advanced manufacturing technologies. For more information on our research and development programs, see Part I, Item 1. Business “Research and Development.”
In spite of our expenditure of financial resources and dedicated effort to develop innovative new products and services, we may not be able to successfully differentiate our products or services from those of our competitors or match the level of research and development spending of our competitors, including those developing technology to displace our current products. In addition, we may not be able to adapt to evolving markets and technologies or achieve and maintain technological advantages. There can be no assurance that any of our new products or services, development programs or technologies will be commercially adopted or beneficial to us.
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Business Risks – Supply Chain
Our business could be adversely affected by increases in the cost or volatility in the availability of aluminum or other raw materials.
We derive a significant portion of our revenue from aluminum-based products. The price of primary aluminum has historically been subject to significant cyclical price fluctuations, and the timing of changes in the market price of aluminum is largely unpredictable. Although the pricing of most of our products is generally intended to pass substantially all the risk of metal price fluctuations on to our customers or is otherwise hedged, there are situations where we are unable to pass on the entire cost of increases to our customers and there is a potential time lag on certain products between increases in costs for aluminum and the point when we can implement a corresponding increase in price to our customers and/or there are other timing factors that may result in our exposure to certain price fluctuations which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Further, since metal prices fluctuate among the various exchanges, our competitors may enjoy a metal price advantage from time to time.
We may be adversely affected by changes in the availability or cost of other raw materials (including, but not limited to, copper, magnesium, silicon and zinc), as well as labor costs, energy costs and freight costs associated with transportation of materials. Prices for and the availability of materials necessary for production may fluctuate due to a number of factors, including inflationary pressure, supply shortages and disruptions caused by geopolitical or global health events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The availability and costs of certain raw materials necessary for the production of our products may also be influenced by private or government entities, including mergers and acquisitions, changes in world politics or regulatory requirements (such as human rights regulations, environmental regulations or production curtailments), labor relations between the producers and their work forces, labor shortages, political instability in exporting nations, export quotas, sanctions, new or increased import duties, countervailing or anti-dumping duties, infrastructure and transportation issues, market forces of supply and demand, and inflation. In addition, from time to time, commodity prices may fall rapidly. When this happens, suppliers may withdraw capacity from the market until prices improve, which may cause periodic supply interruptions. We may be unable to offset fully the effects of material shortages or higher costs through customer price increases, productivity improvements or cost reduction programs. Shortages or price fluctuations in raw materials could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
We are dependent on a limited number of suppliers for a substantial portion of our primary and scrap aluminum and certain other raw materials essential to our operations.
We have supply arrangements with a limited number of suppliers for aluminum and other raw materials. We maintain annual or long-term contracts for a majority of our supply requirements, and for the remainder we depend on spot purchases. From time to time, increasing aluminum demand levels have caused regional supply constraints in the industry and further increases in demand levels could exacerbate these issues. Such constraints could impact our production or force us to purchase primary metal and other supplies from alternative sources, which may not be available in sufficient quantities or may only be available on terms that are less favorable to us. Further, there can be no assurance that we will be able to renew, or obtain replacements for, any of our long-term contracts when they expire on terms that are as favorable as our existing agreements or at all. Additionally, we could have exposure if a key supplier in a particular region is unable to deliver sufficient quantities of a necessary material on a timely basis. A significant interruption in the operations of a key supplier could jeopardize the ability of plants in that region to operate at capacity, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. In addition, a significant downturn in the business or financial condition of our significant suppliers exposes us to the risk of default by the supplier on our contractual agreements, and this risk is increased by weak and deteriorating economic conditions on a global, regional or industry sector level.
We also depend on scrap aluminum for our operations and acquire our scrap inventory from numerous sources. These suppliers generally are not bound by long-term contracts and have no obligation to sell scrap metal to us. In periods of low inventory prices, suppliers may elect to hold scrap until they are able to charge higher prices. Additionally, the purity and attributes of scrap material can vary significantly, which could result in a shortage of useable scrap metal. If an adequate supply of scrap metal is not available to us, we would be unable to recycle metals at desired volumes and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
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Business Risks – Strategy
We may not be able to realize the expected benefits of our re-entry into the packaging market in the U.S. and other geographies.
We have made a significant investment of management time and financial resources in our re-entry into the U.S. packaging market, including capital investments in machinery, application of research and development resources to developing innovations in packaging materials, re-tooling portions of our rolled products capacity to produce materials designed to suit the needs of customers in the packaging market, supplementing our workforce to fulfill capacity, and engaging with a new customer base that has different needs than our aerospace, automotive, and industrial customers. In addition, the competitive landscape in the packaging market involves not only some of our current key competitors, with whom we compete for customers, labor and materials including scrap, but also new competitors offering alternative packaging materials, particularly plastics and glass products, many of whom are larger and more established in the packaging market than we are. Our ability to realize the benefits of our strategic decision to re-enter the packaging market could be impacted by availability of labor, raw materials or scrap necessary to produce sufficient volume to satisfy customer demands, unforeseen outages at our facilities that serve the packaging market, or unexpected costs. If we are unable to realize the projected benefits of our re-entry into the packaging market in the U.S. or other geographies, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
We may be unable to realize future targets or goals established for our business segments, or complete capital or other projects at the levels, projected costs or by the dates targeted.
From time to time, we may announce future targets or goals for our business, which are based on our then current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the operating environment, economies and markets in which we operate. Future targets and goals reflect our beliefs and assumptions and our perception of historical trends, then current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate in the circumstances. As such, targets and goals are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events, including the risks discussed therein. The actual outcome may be materially different from projected or target outcomes, and there can be no assurance that any targets or goals established by us will be accomplished at the levels or by the dates targeted, if at all. Failure to achieve our targets or goals may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or the market price of our securities.
In addition, the implementation of our business strategy may involve the entry into and the execution of complex capital or other projects, which place significant demands on our management and personnel, and the completion and ultimate impact of such projects on our operations may depend on numerous factors beyond our control. There can be no assurance that such projects will be completed within budgeted costs, on a timely basis, or at all, whether due to the risks described herein, or other factors. The failure to complete a material project as planned, a significant delay in a material project, increased or unforeseen costs associated with a project, or the failure of a project to have the projected impact on our business or operations, whatever the cause, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Our business and growth prospects may be negatively impacted by limits in our capital expenditures.
We require substantial capital to invest in growth opportunities and to maintain and prolong the life and capacity of our existing facilities. Insufficient cash generation or capital project overruns or delays may negatively impact our ability to fund as planned our sustaining and return-seeking capital projects. Over the long term, our ability to take advantage of improved market conditions or growth opportunities in our businesses may be constrained by earlier capital expenditure restrictions, which could adversely affect the long-term value of our business and our position in relation to our competitors.
We may be unable to realize the expected benefits from acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic alliances.
We have made, and may continue to plan and execute, acquisitions and divestitures and take other actions to grow our business or streamline our portfolio. There is no assurance that anticipated benefits will be realized. Acquisitions present significant challenges and risks, including our effective integration of the acquired business, unanticipated costs and liabilities, and the ability to realize anticipated benefits, such as growth in market share, revenue or margins, at the levels or in the timeframe expected. We may be unable to manage acquisitions successfully. Additionally, adverse factors may prevent us from realizing the benefits of our growth projects, including unfavorable global economic conditions, currency fluctuations, or unexpected delays in target timelines.
With respect to portfolio optimization actions such as divestitures, curtailments and closures, we may face barriers to exit from unprofitable businesses or operations, including high exit costs or objections from customers, suppliers, unions, local or
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national governments, or other stakeholders. In addition, we may retain unforeseen liabilities for divested entities or businesses, including, but not limited to, if a buyer fails to honor all commitments. Our business operations are capital intensive, and curtailment or closure of operations or facilities may include significant charges, including employee separation costs, asset impairment charges and other measures.
In addition, we have participated in, and may continue to participate in, joint ventures, strategic alliances and other similar arrangements from time to time. Although we have, in connection with past and existing joint ventures, sought to protect our interests, joint ventures and strategic alliances inherently involve special risks. Whether or not we hold majority interests or maintains operational control in such arrangements, our partners may:
• have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with or opposed to ours;
• exercise veto rights to block actions that we believe to be in our or the joint venture’s or strategic alliance’s best interests;
• take action contrary to our policies or objectives with respect to investments; or
• as a result of financial or other difficulties, be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the joint venture, strategic alliance or other agreements, such as contributing capital to expansion or maintenance projects.
There can be no assurance that acquisitions, growth investments, divestitures, closures, joint ventures, strategic alliances or similar arrangements will be undertaken or completed in their entirety as planned or that they will be beneficial to us, whether due to the above-described risks, unfavorable global economic conditions, increases in construction costs, currency fluctuations, political risks, or other factors.
A decline in our financial performance or outlook or a deterioration in our credit profile could negatively impact our access to the capital markets and commercial credit, reduce our liquidity, and increase our borrowing costs.
We have significant capital requirements and may require, in the future, the issuance of debt to fund our operations and contractual commitments or to pursue strategic acquisitions. A decline in our financial performance or outlook due to internal or external factors could affect our access to, and the availability or cost of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions. There can be no assurance that we will have access to the capital markets on terms we find acceptable.
Major credit rating agencies evaluate our creditworthiness and give us specified credit ratings. These credit ratings are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength and financial policies as well as our strategies, operations and execution. These credit ratings are limited in scope, and do not address all material risks related to investment in us, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating is issued. Nonetheless, the credit ratings we receive will impact our borrowing costs as well as the terms upon which we will have access to capital. Failure to obtain sufficiently high credit ratings could adversely affect the interest rate in future financings, our liquidity or our competitive position, and could also restrict our access to capital markets.
There can be no assurance that one or more of the credit rating agencies will not take negative actions with respect to our ratings in the future. Increased debt levels, macroeconomic conditions, a deterioration in our debt protection metrics, a contraction in our liquidity, or other factors could potentially trigger such actions. A credit rating agency may lower, suspend or withdraw entirely a rating or place it on negative outlook or watch if, in that rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant. A downgrade of our credit ratings by one or more credit rating agencies could result in adverse consequences, including: adversely impact the market price of our securities; adversely affect existing financing; limit access to the capital (including commercial paper) or credit markets or otherwise adversely affect the availability of other new financing on favorable terms, if at all; result in more restrictive covenants in agreements governing the terms of any future indebtedness that we incur; increase the cost of borrowing or fees on undrawn credit facilities; or result in vendors or counterparties seeking collateral or letters of credit from us.
Limitations on our ability to access the global capital markets, a reduction in our liquidity or an increase in borrowing costs could materially and adversely affect our ability to maintain or grow our business, which in turn may adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
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Business Risks – Information Security and Internal Controls
Information technology system failures, cyber-attacks and security breaches may threaten the integrity of our intellectual property and sensitive information, disrupt our business operations, and result in reputational harm and other negative consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on our information technology systems to manage and operate our business, process transactions, and summarize our operating results. Our information technology systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer, network and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, and catastrophic events, such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, acts of war or terrorism, and usage errors by employees. If our information technology systems are damaged or cease to function properly, we may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them, and we may suffer loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our operations. Any material disruption in our information technology systems, or delays or difficulties in implementing or integrating new systems or enhancing current systems, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We believe that we face the threat of cyber-attacks due to the industries we serve, the locations of our operations and our technological innovations. These cyber-attacks may range from uncoordinated individual attempts to sophisticated and targeted measures, known as advanced persistent threats, directed at us and our customers, suppliers and vendors. Cyber-attacks and security breaches may include, but are not limited to, attempts to access information, computer viruses, denial of service and other electronic security breaches, any of which could manipulate or improperly use our systems or networks, compromise confidential information, destroy or corrupt data, or otherwise disrupt our operations. We have experienced cybersecurity attacks in the past, including breaches of our information technology systems in which information was taken, and may experience them in the future, potentially with more frequency or sophistication. Based on information known to date, past attacks have not had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. However, due to the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, the scope and impact of any future incident cannot be predicted.
We continually work to safeguard our systems and mitigate potential risks, and our enterprise risk management program and disclosure controls and procedures include elements intended to ensure that we analyze potential disclosure obligations arising from cyber-attacks and security breaches. However, there is no assurance that these safeguards and controls will be sufficient to detect, prevent, engage in timely response to, or report cyber-attacks or security breaches. The occurrence of cyber-attacks or security breaches could negatively impact our reputation and competitive position and could result in litigation with third parties, regulatory action, loss of business, diminution of the value of investments in research and development, potential liability and increased remediation costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report financial results or prevent fraud.
We are subject to reporting and other obligations under the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, and to the requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley which requires management to establish and maintain internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal controls are also important in the prevention and detection of fraudulent activity. Disclosure controls and procedures are processes designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is communicated to management and reported in a timely fashion. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to the reliability of reporting, including financial reporting and financial statement preparation. If we are not able to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, or other accounting, financial management or reporting systems or procedures, or experience difficulties or delays in the implementation of systems or controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and in some cases may be required to restate financial results. As a result, stockholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, could result in adverse regulatory consequences and/or loss of investor confidence, which could limit our ability to access the global capital markets and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or the market price of our securities. In addition, the remediation of any ineffective internal controls could result in unforeseen expenses.
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Risks Related to Employee and Labor Matters
Labor disputes and difficulties retaining or hiring skilled employees could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The continuity of our operations depends on maintaining a skilled workforce. We have previously experienced shortages of qualified labor due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors, and may see similar labor shortages in the future. Any labor shortage could decrease our ability to effectively produce and deliver product and to achieve our strategic objectives. In addition, any potential labor shortage may result in increased expenses related to hiring and retention of qualified employees.
Furthermore, a significant portion of our employees are represented by labor unions in a number of countries under various collective bargaining agreements with varying durations and expiration dates. While we previously have been successful in renegotiating our collective bargaining agreements with various unions, we may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate all collective bargaining agreements in the U.S. and other countries when they expire. In addition, existing collective bargaining agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage at our facilities in the future. We may also be subject to general country strikes or work stoppages unrelated to our business or collective bargaining agreements. Any such work stoppages could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
A failure to attract, retain or provide adequate succession plans for key personnel could adversely affect our operations and competitiveness.
Our existing operations and development projects require highly skilled executives and staff with relevant industry and technical experience. Our inability to attract and retain such people may adversely impact our ability to meet project demands adequately and fill roles in existing operations. Skills shortages in engineering, manufacturing, technology, construction and maintenance contractors and other labor market inadequacies may also impact activities. These shortages may adversely impact the cost and schedule of development projects and the cost and efficiency of existing operations.
In addition, the continuity of key personnel and the preservation of institutional knowledge are vital to the success of our growth and business strategy. The loss of key members of management and other personnel could significantly harm our business, and any unplanned turnover, or failure to develop adequate succession plans for key positions, could deplete our institutional knowledge base, result in loss of technical expertise, delay or impede the execution of our business plans and erode our competitiveness.
Failure to comply with domestic or international employment and related laws could result in penalties or costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business results.
We are subject to a variety of domestic and foreign employment laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (which governs such matters as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions), state and local wage laws, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and regulations related to health and safety, discrimination, organizing, whistleblowing, classification of employees, privacy, severance payments, citizenship requirements, and healthcare insurance mandates. Allegations that we have violated such laws or regulations could damage our reputation and lead to fines from or settlements with federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities or damages payable to employees, which could have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to Legal Proceedings and Government Regulations
Product liability, product safety, personal injury, property damage, and recall claims and investigations may materially affect our financial condition and damage our reputation.
The manufacture and sale of our products exposes us to potential product liability, personal injury, property damage and related claims. These claims may arise from our alleged failure to meet product specifications, design flaws in our products, malfunction of our products, misuse of our products, use of our products in an unintended, unapproved or unrecommended manner, or use of our products with systems not manufactured or sold by us. New data and information, including information about the ways in which our products are used, may lead regulatory authorities, government agencies or other entities or organizations to publish guidelines or recommendations, or impose restrictions, related to the manufacturing or use of our products.
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In the event that a product of ours fails to perform as expected, regardless of fault, or is used in an unexpected manner, and such failure or use results in, or is alleged to result in, bodily injury and/or property damage or other losses, we may be subject to product liability lawsuits and other claims, or may be required or requested by our customers to participate in a recall or other corrective action involving such product. In addition, if a product of ours is perceived to be defective or unsafe, sales of our products could be diminished, our reputation could be adversely impacted, and we could be subject to further liability claims. Moreover, events that give rise to actual, potential or perceived product safety concerns could expose us to government investigations or regulatory enforcement action.
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in defending any such proceedings or that insurance available to us will be sufficient to cover any losses associated with such proceedings. An adverse outcome in one or more of these proceedings or investigations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or profitability; impose substantial monetary damages and/or non-monetary penalties; result in additional litigation, regulatory investigations or other proceedings involving us; result in loss of customers; require changes to our products or business operations; damage our reputation and/or negatively impact the market price of our common stock. Even if we successfully defend against these types of claims, we could still be required to spend a substantial amount of money in connection with legal proceedings or investigations with respect to such claims; our management could be required to devote significant time, attention and operational resources responding to and defending against these claims and responding to these investigations; and our reputation could suffer. Product liability claims and related lawsuits and investigations, product recalls, and allegations of product safety or quality issues, regardless of their validity or ultimate outcome, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and reputation and on our ability to attract and retain customers.
For further discussion of potential liability associated with some of our products, including proceedings and investigations relating to the June 13, 2017 fire at the Grenfell Tower in London, U.K., see Note T to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II. Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" under the caption "Contingencies and Commitments - Contingencies."
We may be exposed to significant legal proceedings, investigations or changes in U.S. federal, state, local or foreign laws, regulations or policies.
Our results of operations or liquidity in a particular period could be affected by new or increasingly stringent laws, regulatory requirements or interpretations, or outcomes of significant legal proceedings or investigations adverse to us. We may experience an unfavorable change in effective tax rates or become subject to unexpected or rising costs associated with business operations or provision of health or welfare benefits to employees due to changes in laws, regulations or policies.
We are subject to a variety of legal and regulatory compliance risks in the U.S. and abroad in connection with our business and products. These risks include, among other things, potential claims relating to product liability, product testing, health and safety, environmental matters, employment matters, required record keeping and record retention, compliance with securities laws, intellectual property rights, government contracts and taxes, insurance or commercial matters, as well as compliance with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations governing import and export, anti-bribery, antitrust and competition, sales and trading practices, human rights and modern slavery, sourcing of raw materials, third-party relationships, supply chain operations and the manufacture and sale of products. We may be a party to litigation in a foreign jurisdiction where geopolitical risks might influence the ultimate outcome of such litigation. We could be subject to fines, penalties, damages (in certain cases, treble damages), or suspension or debarment from government contracts.
The global and diverse nature of our operations means that these risks will continue to exist, and additional legal proceedings and contingencies may arise from time to time. While we believe we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs to address and reduce these risks, including insurance arrangements with respect to these risks, such measures may provide inadequate protection against liabilities that may arise. In addition, various factors or developments can lead us to change current estimates of liabilities or make such estimates for matters previously insusceptible to reasonable estimates, such as a significant judicial ruling or judgment, a significant settlement, significant regulatory developments or changes in applicable law. A future adverse ruling or settlement or unfavorable changes in laws, regulations or policies, or other contingencies that we cannot predict with certainty could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in a particular period. Litigation and compliance efforts may require substantial attention from management and could result in significant legal expenses, settlement costs or damage awards that could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. For additional information regarding our legal proceedings, including proceedings and investigations relating to the June 13, 2017 fire at the Grenfell Tower in London, U.K., see Note T to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" under the Caption "Contingencies and Commitments - Contingencies."
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We are exposed to environmental and safety risks and are subject to a broad range of health, safety and environmental laws and regulations, which may result in substantial costs and liabilities.
Our operations worldwide are subject to numerous complex and increasingly stringent health, safety and environmental laws and regulations. The costs of complying with such laws and regulations, including participation in assessments and cleanups of sites, as well as internal voluntary programs, are significant and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in significant penalties or criminal liability. Environmental laws may impose cleanup liability on owners and occupiers of contaminated property, including present, past or divested properties, regardless of whether the owners and occupiers caused the contamination or whether the activity that caused the contamination was lawful at the time it was conducted. Environmental matters for which we may be liable may arise in the future at our present sites, at sites owned or operated by our predecessors or affiliates, at sites that we may acquire in the future, or at third-party sites used by our predecessors or affiliates for material and waste handling and disposal. Compliance with health, safety and environmental laws and regulations, including remediation obligations, may prove to be more challenging and costly than we anticipate. Our results of operations or liquidity in a particular period could be affected by certain health, safety or environmental matters, including remediation costs and damages related to certain sites as well as other health and safety risks relating to our operations and products. Additionally, evolving regulatory standards and expectations can result in increased litigation and/or increased costs, including increased remediation costs, all of which can have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, the heavy industrial activities conducted at our facilities present a significant risk of injury or death to our employees, customers or third parties that may be on site. We have experienced serious injuries in the past, notwithstanding the safety protocols, practices and precautions we take. Our operations are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local agencies in the U.S. and regulation by foreign government entities abroad responsible for employee health and safety, including OSHA. From time to time, we have incurred fines for violations of various health and safety standards. While we maintain insurance and have in place policies to minimize such risks, we may nevertheless be unable to avoid material liabilities for any injury or death that may occur in the future. These types of incidents may not be covered by or may exceed our insurance coverage and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition or result in negative publicity and/or significant reputational harm.
We are subject to privacy and data security/protection laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate and may be exposed to substantial costs and liabilities associated with such laws and regulations.
The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding, with frequent imposition of new and changing requirements as well as significant fines for non-compliance. While Arconic has appropriate processes and procedures in place regarding compliance with existing data protection regulations in other countries, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, the California Privacy Rights Act, and China’s Personal Information Protection Law, further changes may be necessary to ensure those processes and procedures will be adequate to implement additional state and country specific requirements. Compliance with changes in privacy and information security laws and standards may result in significant expense due to increased investment in technology and the development of new operational processes, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the payment of potentially significant fines or penalties in the event of a breach of privacy and information security laws, as well as the negative publicity associated with such a breach, could damage our reputation and adversely impact product demand and customer relationships.
Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional tax liabilities could affect our future profitability.
We are subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. Our domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the distribution of income among these different jurisdictions. Changes in applicable domestic or foreign tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility of retroactive effect, could affect our tax expense and profitability. Our tax expense includes estimates of additional tax that may be incurred for tax exposures and reflects various estimates and assumptions. The assumptions include assessments of our future earnings that could impact the valuation of our deferred tax assets. Our future results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in the effective tax rate as a result of a change in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in our overall profitability, changes in tax legislation and rates, changes in generally accepted accounting principles, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the results of tax audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns or related litigation and continuing assessments of our tax exposures. Any failure to comply with all such tax laws or regulations could subject us to liability.
Corporate tax law changes continue to be analyzed in the U.S. and in many other jurisdictions. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and current U.S. presidential administration have proposed changes that could
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adversely impact the taxation of corporations in the U.S. and abroad. Any change to the U.S. corporate tax system could have a substantial impact, positive or negative, on our future effective tax rate, cash tax expenditures, and deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
We have significant debt obligations, and may in the future incur, additional debt obligations that could adversely affect our business and profitability and our ability to meet other obligations.
On February 7, 2020, we completed an offering for $600 million of 6.125% (fixed rate) Senior Secured Second-Lien Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”). On May 13, 2020, we completed an offering of $700 million principal amount of 6.0% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"). Also on May 13, 2020, we entered into the ABL Credit Agreement, which provides for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $800 million, including a letter of credit sub-facility, a swingline loan sub-facility and an accordion feature allowing the Company to request one or more increases to the revolving commitments in an aggregate principal amount up to $350 million. On March 3, 2021, we completed an offering for an additional $300 million principal amount of the 2028 Notes, which were issued under the indenture governing the existing 2028 Notes. We increased the aggregate principal amount of the ABL Credit Agreement in February 2022 to $1.2 billion. We may also incur additional indebtedness in the future, including by drawing under the ABL Credit Facility.
This significant amount of debt could potentially have important consequences to us and our debt and equity investors, including:
• requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make interest payments;
• making it more difficult to satisfy debt service and other obligations;
• increasing the risk of a future credit ratings downgrade of our debt, which could increase future debt costs and limit the future availability of debt financing;
• increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
• reducing the cash flow available to fund capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to grow our business;
• limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry;
• placing us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors that may not be as highly leveraged with debt; and
• limiting our ability to borrow additional funds as needed or take advantage of business opportunities as they arise, pay cash dividends or repurchase securities.
Subject to the restrictions in the indenture governing the 2025 Notes, the indenture governing the 2028 Notes and the ABL Credit Agreement, we, including our subsidiaries, have the ability to incur significant additional indebtedness. Although the terms of the 2025 Notes indenture, the 2028 Notes indenture and the ABL Credit Facility include restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of important exceptions, and indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. Adding new debt to our current debt levels could intensify the related risks that we and our subsidiaries face now or may face in the future. In addition, our actual cash requirements in the future may be greater than expected. Our cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to repay all of the outstanding debt as it becomes due, and we may not be able to borrow money, sell assets or otherwise raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, to refinance our debt.
Our indebtedness restricts our current and future operations, which could adversely affect our ability to respond to changes in our business and manage our operations.
The terms of the 2025 Notes indenture, the 2028 Notes indenture and the ABL Credit Agreement include a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to, among other things:
• make investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions;
• dispose of assets;
• incur or guarantee additional debt and issue certain disqualified equity interests and preferred stock;
• make certain restricted payments, including a limit on dividends on equity securities or payments to redeem, repurchase or retire equity securities or other indebtedness;
• engage in transactions with affiliates;
• enter into certain restrictive agreements;
• create liens on assets to secure debt; and
• consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our or a subsidiary guarantor’s assets.
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These covenants limit our operational flexibility and could prevent us from taking advantage of business opportunities as they arise, growing our business or competing effectively. In addition, the ABL Credit Facility contains a financial maintenance covenant applicable when the excess availability is less than the greater of (a) 10% of the lesser of (x) the aggregate amount of the commitments under the ABL Credit Facility and (y) the borrowing base and (b) $50.0 million. In such circumstances, we would be required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00. Our ability to draw under the ABL Credit Facility could be impacted by a number of factors, including but not limited to any impact by disruptions to our operations and financial performance.
The ABL Credit Facility also provides for “springing control” over the cash in our deposit accounts constituting ABL priority collateral for the ABL Credit Facility, and such cash management arrangement includes a cash sweep at any time that excess availability under the ABL Credit Facility is less than the greater of (x) 12.5% of the lesser of the borrowing base and the aggregate amount of the commitments under the ABL Credit Facility at such time and (y) $62.5 million for five consecutive business days. Such cash sweep, if in effect, will cause all our available cash in deposit accounts subject to such “springing control” to be applied to outstanding borrowings under our ABL Credit Facility. If we satisfy the conditions to borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility while any such cash sweep is in effect, we may be able to make additional borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility to satisfy our working capital and other operational needs. If we do not satisfy the conditions to borrowing, we will not be permitted to make additional borrowings under our ABL Credit Facility, and we may not have sufficient cash to satisfy our working capital and other operational needs.
Our ability to comply with these agreements may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. These covenants could have an adverse effect on our business by limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, merger and acquisition or other opportunities. The breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default under the 2025 Notes indenture, the 2028 Notes indenture or the ABL Credit Agreement.
Our failure to comply with the agreements relating to our outstanding indebtedness, including as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
If there were an event of default under any of the agreements relating to our outstanding indebtedness, including the 2025 Notes indenture, the 2028 Notes indenture and the ABL Credit Agreement, we may not be able to incur additional indebtedness and the holders of the defaulted indebtedness could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that indebtedness to be immediately due and payable. We cannot assure you that our assets or cash flow would be sufficient to fully repay our outstanding indebtedness if accelerated upon an event of default, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue to operate as a going concern. Further, if we are unable to repay, refinance or restructure our secured indebtedness, the holders of such indebtedness could proceed against the collateral securing that indebtedness. In addition, any event of default under or declaration of acceleration under one debt instrument also could result in an event of default under one or more of the agreements governing our other indebtedness.
Risks Related to the Separation
We have a limited history of operating as an independent company and our historical financial information may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.
The historical information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for periods prior to the Separation refers to Arconic as operated by and integrated with ParentCo for those periods. Our historical financial information is derived from ParentCo’s accounting records and is presented on a standalone basis as if Arconic was independent of ParentCo. Accordingly, the historical information does not necessarily reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company during the periods presented or those that we will achieve in the future primarily as a result of significant changes in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of operating as a company separate from ParentCo. For additional information about the past financial performance of our business, see Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
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In connection with the Separation, we and Howmet have agreed to indemnify each other for certain liabilities. If we are required to pay under these indemnities to Howmet, our financial results could be negatively impacted. The Howmet indemnities may not be sufficient to hold us harmless from the full amount of liabilities for which Howmet has been allocated responsibility, and Howmet may not be able to satisfy its indemnification obligations in the future.
Pursuant to the separation agreement and certain other agreements between ParentCo and us, each party has agreed to indemnify the other for certain liabilities, in each case for uncapped amounts. Indemnities that we may be required to provide Howmet are not subject to any cap, may be significant and could negatively impact our business. Third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that Howmet has agreed to retain. Any amounts we are required to pay pursuant to these indemnification obligations and other liabilities could require us to divert cash that would otherwise have been used in furtherance of our operating business. Further, the indemnities from Howmet for our benefit may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, and Howmet may not be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations.
Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Howmet any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves. Each of these risks could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Howmet may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that were executed as part of the Separation.
In connection with the Separation, we and ParentCo have entered into the separation agreement and various other agreements, including a tax matters agreement, an employee matters agreement, intellectual property license agreements, an agreement relating to the Davenport, Iowa plant, metal supply agreements and real estate and office leases. We will rely on Howmet to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Howmet is unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties and/or losses.
If the distribution, together with certain related transactions, does not qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we, as well as Howmet and Howmet's stockholders, could be subject to significant tax liabilities, and, in certain circumstances, we could be required to indemnify Howmet for material taxes and other related amounts pursuant to indemnification obligations under the tax matters agreement.
It was a condition to the distribution of our common stock to ParentCo stockholders in connect with the Separation that ParentCo receive an opinion of its outside counsel, satisfactory to the ParentCo Board of Directors, regarding the qualification of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The opinion of counsel was based upon and relied on, among other things, various facts and assumptions, as well as certain representations, statements and undertakings of ParentCo and us, including those relating to the past and future conduct of ParentCo and us. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations, statements or undertakings was, or becomes, inaccurate or incomplete, or if ParentCo breaches its or we breach any of our respective representations or covenants contained in the separation agreement and certain other agreements and documents or in any documents relating to the opinion of counsel, the opinion of counsel may be invalid and the conclusions reached therein could be jeopardized.
Notwithstanding receipt of the opinion of counsel, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) could determine that the distribution and/or certain related transactions should be treated as taxable transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes if it determines that any of the representations, assumptions or undertakings upon which the opinion of counsel was based are false or have been violated. In addition, the opinion of counsel represented the judgment of such counsel and is not binding on the IRS or any court, and the IRS or a court may disagree with the conclusions in the opinion of counsel. Accordingly, notwithstanding receipt of the opinion of counsel, there is no assurance that the IRS will not assert that the distribution and/or certain related transactions do not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. In the event the IRS were to prevail with such challenge, we, as well as ParentCo and ParentCo’s stockholders, could be subject to significant U.S. federal income tax liability.
If the distribution were to fail to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, in general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, ParentCo would recognize taxable gain as if it had sold the our common stock in a taxable sale for its fair market value, and ParentCo stockholders who received our shares in the distribution would be subject to tax as if they had received a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of such shares.
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Under the tax matters agreement entered into between ParentCo and us in connection with the separation, we generally are required to indemnify Howmet for any taxes resulting from the separation (and any related costs and other damages) to the extent such amounts resulted from (1) an acquisition of all or a portion of our equity securities or assets, whether by merger or otherwise (and regardless of whether we participated in or otherwise facilitated the acquisition), (2) certain of our other actions or failures to act, or (3) any of our representations, covenants or undertakings contained in the separation agreement and certain other agreements and documents or in any documents relating to the opinion of counsel being incorrect or violated. Any such indemnity obligations could be material. In addition, we, Howmet, and the respective subsidiaries may continue to incur certain tax costs in connection with the separation, including non-U.S. tax costs resulting from transactions (including the internal reorganization) in non-U.S. jurisdictions, which may be material.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
We cannot be certain that an active trading market for our common stock will be sustained and our stock price may fluctuate significantly.
For many reasons, including the risks identified in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the market price of our common stock may be volatile. These factors may result in short-term or long-term negative pressure on the value of our common stock. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:
• sales of a significant number of our shares or other shifts in our investor base;
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
• changes in earnings estimated by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;
• the operating and stock price performance of comparable companies;
• changes to the regulatory and legal environment under which we operate;
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in commodities prices; and
• domestic and worldwide economic conditions.
Actions of activist shareholders could have an adverse effect on our business.
Companies across a variety of industries are experiencing an increase in shareholder activism, particularly shareholder proposals regarding ESG and DEI matters. If we are required to respond to shareholder proposals (including the implementation of any proposals), proxy contests or other actions by activist shareholders, we could incur significant expense, disruptions to our operations and diversion of the attention of management and our employees. In addition, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction, strategy or leadership created as a consequence of activist shareholder initiatives may result in reputational damage, which could negatively impact relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, impair our ability to attract and retain employees, and cause volatility in our stock price.
Individual stockholders' percentage of ownership of our common stock may be diluted in the future.
In the future, individual stockholders' percentage of ownership in our common stock may be diluted because of equity issuances for acquisitions, capital market transactions or otherwise. In addition, from time to time, we grant stock-based awards to our directors, officers and employees. Such awards will have a dilutive effect on the number of our shares outstanding, and therefore on our earnings per share, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We cannot guarantee the timing, amount or payment of dividends on our common stock.
The initiation, timing, declaration, amount and payment of future dividends to our stockholders falls within the discretion of our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors’ decisions regarding the payment of dividends depends on many factors, such as our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, debt service obligations, covenants associated with certain of our debt service obligations, industry practice, legal requirements, regulatory constraints and other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant. For more information, see Part II, Item 5. “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.”
Anti-takeover provisions could enable us to resist a takeover attempt by a third party and limit the power of our stockholders.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain, and Delaware law contains, provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by making such practices or bids unacceptably expensive to the bidder and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions include, among others:
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• the ability of our remaining directors to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors that do not arise as a result of removal by stockholders;
• limitations on stockholders’ ability to call a special stockholder meeting;
• rules regarding how stockholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at stockholder meetings; and
• the right of our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval.
In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law (the “DGCL”), which could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control that stockholders may favor. Section 203 provides that, subject to limited exceptions, persons that acquire, or are affiliated with persons that acquire, more than 15% of the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation may not engage in a business combination with that corporation, including by merger, consolidation or acquisitions of additional shares, for a three-year period following the date on which that person or any of its affiliates becomes the holder of more than 15% of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock.
We believe these provisions will protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors and by providing our Board of Directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers; however, these provisions will apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our Board of Directors determines is not in our best interests and our stockholders’ best interests. These provisions may also prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates the state courts within the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could discourage lawsuits against us and our directors and officers.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, the state courts within the State of Delaware (or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, any action asserting a claim for or based on a breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors or officers to us or our stockholders, including a claim alleging the aiding and abetting of such a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us or any of our current or former directors or officers arising under any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws, any action asserting a claim relating to or involving us governed by the internal affairs doctrine, or any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, this exclusive forum provision applies to state and federal law claims, including claims under the federal securities laws, including the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and the Exchange Act, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. The enforceability of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that, in connection with claims arising under federal securities laws or otherwise, a court could find the exclusive forum provision contained in the amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable.
This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that our stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors and officers. Alternatively, if a court were to find this exclusive forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings described above, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Language change vs prior 10-K
MD&A (Item 7) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase- impairment+10
- outages+5
- losses+3
- challenges+3
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- gains+4
- favorable+3
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MD&A (Item 7)
10,883 words
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(dollars in millions, except per-share amounts and per-metric ton amounts; shipments in thousands of metric tons (kmt))
Overview
Our Business
Arconic Corporation (“Arconic” or the “Company”) is a manufacturer of fabricated aluminum products, including sheet and plate, extrusions, and architectural products and systems, with a primary focus on the ground transportation, aerospace, building and construction, industrial products, and packaging end markets. The Company has 20 primary operating locations in 7 countries around the world, situated in the United States, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hungary, and the United Kingdom. Arconic’s previous operations in Russia were divested in November 2022 (see Rolled Products within Segment Information under Results of Operations below).
Management Review of 2022 and Outlook for the Future
Arconic had strong sales growth in 2022 resulting primarily from completion of our re-entry into the North American packaging end market and continued recovery in the aerospace end market, while we navigated challenges associated with our facility in Russia that was ultimately divested in November 2022 and the operational challenges and production outages experienced at the North American rolling mills in the second half of the year. We implemented actions to help offset inflation in alloying materials, energy prices and freight costs through increased pricing. We returned capital to shareholders as we repurchased $185 of shares of the Company’s common stock and continued to progress high-return, low-risk organic capital projects in the Rolled Products segment that are expected to drive future EBITDA growth starting in 2023.
In 2022, Sales of $8,961 rose 19% from 2021, reflecting higher aluminum prices and favorable product pricing and mix that drove double digit increases in all of our end markets. The Company recorded a net loss of $182, or $1.75 per share, compared to a net loss of $397, or $3.65 per share, in 2021. The 2022 results included a pre-tax charge of $306 ($304 after-tax) for the loss on sale of the Russian operations and a pre-tax charge of $92 ($70 after-tax) for the impairment of long-lived assets in the Extrusions segment.
We ended the year with a cash balance of $261, and total liquidity of $1,450 (comprised of Cash and cash equivalents of $261 and undrawn availability of $1,189 under the Company’s ABL Credit Agreement).
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As we look forward to 2023, we anticipate continued growth in packaging volumes and ongoing recovery in the aerospace end-market. Growth in North America is also expected to continue in the ground transportation and building and construction end markets and is anticipated to occur in the industrial products end market, while these end markets in Europe are anticipated to improve later in the year. Based on current internal and external projections of build rates and leading indicators in the markets we serve, our expectations for sales by major end market, excluding the impact of changes in aluminum prices, in 2023 follow. For the ground transportation end market, we expect sales to be relatively flat to an increase of approximately 5% in 2023 compared with 2022, driven by continued strength in North American automotive, offset partly by weakness in European commercial transportation and automotive. For the industrial products end market, we anticipate sales to be relatively flat to an increase of approximately 10% in 2023 compared with 2022, driven by improved operations in North America, as production outages that reduced output in 2022 have been addressed and the Company’s rolling mills work through backlog, while European recovery is anticipated in the second half of the year. For the building and construction end market, we anticipate sales to be relatively flat to an increase of approximately 5% in 2023 compared with 2022, as North American non-residential spend is expected to continue driving growth while the current European weakness is expected to improve later in the year. For the packaging end market, we expect sales to increase by approximately 5% to 10% in 2023 compared with 2022, as incremental North American can sheet production is expected to drive growth. For the aerospace end market, we expect sales to grow by approximately 25% to 30% in 2023 compared with 2022, as the market continues to recover, driven by increased aircraft build rates and consumer air travel.
Results of Operations
The discussion and analysis that follows includes a comparison of Arconic’s results of operations between the 2022 and 2021 annual periods for both the total company and each reportable segment. Please refer to the Results of Operations section included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (filed on February 22, 2022) for a discussion and analysis of Arconic’s results of operations between the 2021 and 2020 annual periods for both the total company and each reportable segment.
Earnings Summary
Sales. Sales were $8,961 in 2022 compared to $7,504 in 2021, an increase of $1,457, or 19%. The increase was principally due to favorable impacts from higher aluminum prices, aluminum hedging activities, product pricing, and product mix, all of which were partially offset by the sale of the Company’s Russian operations and unfavorable foreign currency movements driven by a weaker euro.
In March 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with a customer related to the terms of an existing long-term contract. As a result, the customer agreed to pay Arconic $18, which was recognized over the applicable three-year period. Accordingly, the Company’s sales in 2022 and 2021 included $6 and $12, respectively, associated with this settlement.
Cost of Goods Sold. COGS was $8,032 in 2022 compared to $6,573 in 2021, an increase of $1,459, or 22%. COGS as a percentage of Sales was 89.6% in 2022 compared to 87.6% in 2021. This percentage was negatively impacted by higher costs for direct materials, including alloying materials, energy, and transportation; operational issues and production outages affecting the Rolled Products segment; higher aluminum prices (underlying metal price is contractually passed-through to most customers at cost); an unfavorable impact related to environmental remediation matters (change of $39); and the sale of the Company’s Russian operations. These negative impacts were partially offset by favorable product pricing driven by pricing pressures as a result of inflation.
Additionally, on May 14, 2022, the Company and the United Steelworkers reached a tentative four-year labor agreement covering approximately 3,300 employees at four U.S. locations; the previous labor agreement expired on May 15, 2022. The tentative agreement was ratified by the union employees on June 1, 2022. In 2022, Arconic recognized $19 in Cost of goods sold primarily for a one-time signing bonus for the covered employees.
In the 2022 fourth quarter, Arconic recorded both a $61 charge and a $53 benefit in Cost of goods sold to establish a liability for a potential settlement and a receivable for anticipated insurance reimbursement, respectively, related to a litigation matter. See the Reynobond PE matter in the Litigation section of Note T to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Selling, General Administrative, and Other Expenses. SG&A expenses were $246, or 2.7% of Sales, in 2022 compared to $247, or 3.3% of Sales, in 2021. The decrease of $1 was largely attributable to a benefit for an expected insurance reimbursement for legal fees related to a litigation matter and a reduction in stock-based compensation expense including the reversal of expense previously recognized in 2021 related to the performance condition portion of the 2021 performance stock units ($4), partially offset by higher labor costs, selling commission expense, and consulting fees.
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Research and Development Expenses. R&D expenses were $37 in 2022 compared to $34 in 2021. The increase was primarily driven by increased costs for contracted services and utilities as a result of inflation.
Provision for Depreciation and Amortization. The provision for depreciation and amortization was $237 in 2022 compared to $253 in 2021. The decrease of $16 was mainly caused by the absence of depreciation resulting from an impairment charge on Properties, plants and equipment in the Extrusions segment taken in the 2022 third quarter (See Extrusions in Segment Information below), the sale of the Company’s operations in Russia on November 15, 2022 (See Rolled Products in Segment Information below), and asset retirements.
Impairment of Goodwill. In 2022, after completing its annual review of goodwill for impairment, management determined there was no goodwill impairment for any of the Company's reporting units. In 2021, the Company recognized a charge of $65 in connection with its annual review of goodwill for impairment related to the Extrusions reporting unit. In accordance with Arconic’s accounting policy, this review is performed in the fourth quarter each calendar year. Accordingly, this charge was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2021. See Goodwill in Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates below for additional information.
Restructuring and Other Charges. In 2022 and 2021, Restructuring and other charges were comprised of a net charge of $456 and $624, respectively. See Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $104 in 2022 compared to $100 in 2021. The increase of $4, or 4%, was primarily due to $87 in weighted-average borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility in 2022 (no borrowings occurred in 2021) and a $300 debt offering completed in March 2021, somewhat offset by higher capitalized interest. See Financing Activities under Liquidity and Capital Resources below for additional information related to these financing transactions.
Other Expenses, Net. Other expenses, net was $41 in 2022 compared to $67 in 2021. See Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes. The Company’s effective tax rate, including discrete items, was 5.7% (benefit on a loss) in 2022 and 13.5% (benefit on a loss) in 2021. See Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a reconciliation of the effective tax rate for each of these years to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%.
Segment Information
Arconic’s operations consist of three reportable segments: Rolled Products, Building and Construction Systems, and Extrusions. Segment performance under the Company’s management reporting system is evaluated based on several factors; however, the primary measure of performance is Segment Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization).
The Company calculates Segment Adjusted EBITDA as Total sales (third-party and intersegment) minus each of (i) Cost of goods sold, (ii) Selling, general administrative, and other expenses, and (iii) and Research and development expenses, plus each of (i) Stock-based compensation expense, (ii) Metal price lag, and (iii) Unrealized (gains) losses on mark-to-market hedging instruments and derivatives (see below). Arconic’s Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies’ reportable segments.
Effective in the first quarter of 2022, management modified the Company's definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA to exclude the impact of unrealized gains and losses on mark-to-market hedging instruments and derivatives. This modification was deemed appropriate as Arconic is considering entering into additional hedging instruments in future reporting periods if favorable conditions exist to mitigate cost inflation. Certain of these instruments may not qualify for hedge accounting resulting in unrealized gains and losses being recorded directly to Sales or Cost of goods sold, as appropriate (i.e., mark-to-market). Additionally, this change was also applied to derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting for consistency purposes. The Company does not have a regular practice of entering into contracts that are treated as derivatives for accounting purposes. Ultimately, this change was made to maintain the transparency and visibility of the underlying operating performance of Arconic's reportable segments. Prior to this change, the Company had a limited number of hedging instruments and derivatives that did not qualify for hedge accounting, the unrealized impact of which was not material to Arconic's Segment Adjusted EBITDA performance measure. Accordingly, prior period information presented was not recast to reflect this change.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for all reportable segments totaled $729 in 2022, $757 in 2021, and $648 in 2020. The following information provides Sales and Segment Adjusted EBITDA for each reportable segment for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022. See Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
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Rolled Products
Third-party sales
Intersegment sales
Total sales
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Third-party aluminum shipments (kmt)
Overview. The Rolled Products segment produces aluminum sheet and plate for a variety of end markets. Sheet and plate are sold directly to customers and through distributors related to the aerospace, ground transportation, packaging, building and construction, and industrial products (mainly used in the production of machinery and equipment and consumer durables) end markets. While the customer base for flat-rolled products is large, a significant amount of sales of sheet and plate is to a relatively small number of customers. Prices for these products are generally based on the price of metal plus a premium for adding value to the aluminum to produce a semi-finished product, resulting in a business model in which the underlying price of metal is contractually passed-through to customers. Generally, the sales and costs and expenses of this segment are transacted in the local currency of the respective operations, which are the U.S. dollar and, to a lesser extent, each of the following: the Russian ruble (see below), the Chinese yuan, the euro, and the British pound.
On November 15, 2022 , the Company completed the sale o f all o f its operations in Russia to Promishlennie Investitsii LLC, the majority owner of VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation. Arconic’s former operations in Russia were comprised of one principal location in Samara, which manufactured sheet, plate, extrusions, and forgings across all of the Company’s end markets. The Samara facility generated third-party sales of $903, $968, and $705, in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, and, at the time of divestiture, had approximately 2,900 employees. See Note S to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Sales. Third-party sales for the Rolled Products segment increased $1,126, or 18%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The improvement was largely attributable to higher aluminum prices (see below), price increases for the pass-through of certain inflation impacts, favorable product mix, and favorable impacts from aluminum hedging activities partially offset by the divestiture of the Company’s Russian operations, unfavorable foreign currency movements due to a weaker euro, and a net decrease in volumes (see below).
The higher aluminum prices were mostly driven by a 9% rise in the average LME aluminum price and increases in regional premiums, including a 13% improvement in the average Midwest premium (United States).
The net decrease in volumes was negatively impacted by the absence of shipments from November 15, 2022 through December 31, 2022 due to the sale of this segment’s former operations in Russia (see Overview above). Otherwise, the overall net volume for this segment slightly increased in 2022 compared to 2021, largely driven by improvements in the packaging, aerospace, and automotive component of ground transportation end markets. Volume related to the packaging end market increased significantly as the can sheet operation at the Tennessee rolling mill essentially reached full capacity by the end of the 2022 second quarter. Higher volume associated with the aerospace end market was driven by continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. An improvement in volume for the automotive component of ground transportation was due to slow recovery from the global semiconductor chip shortage. These higher volumes were mostly offset by declines in the industrial products, building and construction, and the commercial transportation component of ground transportation end markets, which were impacted by supply chain disruptions. Additionally, the Rolled Products segment experienced operational challenges and production outages associated with electrical and mechanical issues at the Tennessee and Lancaster rolling mills and disruptions in both the Tennessee and Davenport casting operations.
In March 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with a customer related to the terms of an existing long-term contract. As a result, the customer agreed to pay Arconic $18, which was recognized over the applicable three-year period. Accordingly, in 2022 and 2021, Rolled Products’ sales included $6 and $12, respectively, associated with this settlement.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Rolled Products segment decreased $74, or 11%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The decline was primarily due to higher costs for alloying materials, energy, transportation, and maintenance all due to inflation, increased expenses for labor as this segment increases its workforce to address current and future volume growth, the impact of the previously mentioned operational challenges and production outages, and the divestiture of the Company’s Russian operations. These higher costs were partially offset by customer price increases due to adjustments for inflation impacts and a benefit derived from the absence of below normal absorption of fixed costs that occurred in the 2021 first quarter.
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Building and Construction Systems
Third-party sales
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Overview. The Building and Construction Systems segment manufactures products that are used primarily in the non-residential building and construction end market. These products include integrated aluminum architectural systems and architectural extrusions, which are sold directly to customers and through distributors. A limited amount of this segment’s product sales is directly impacted by metal pricing, which is a pass-through to the related customers. Generally, the sales and costs and expenses of this segment are transacted in the local currency of the respective operations, which are the U.S. dollar and, to a lesser extent, each of the following: the euro, the British pound, and Canadian dollar.
The Company is evaluating strategic options for the businesses that comprise the Building and Construction Systems segment. See Note S to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Sales. Third-party sales for the Building and Construction Systems segment increased $234, or 23%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The improvement was mostly due to multiple product price increases implemented since March 2021 across the entire portfolio to address inflationary cost pressures. Additionally, a positive impact from higher aluminum prices was virtually offset by a negative impact from unfavorable foreign currency movements due to a weaker euro.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Building and Construction Systems segment increased $65, or 50%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The improvement was principally driven by favorable product pricing, partially offset by higher costs for aluminum, alloying materials, maintenance, and transportation, all due to inflation.
Extrusions
Third-party sales
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Third-party aluminum shipments (kmt)
Overview. The Extrusions segment produces a range of extruded and machined parts for the aerospace, ground transportation, and industrial products end markets. These products are sold directly to customers and through distributors. Prices for these products are generally based on the price of metal plus a premium for adding value to the aluminum to produce a semi-finished product, resulting in a business model in which the underlying price of metal is contractually passed-through to customers. Generally, the sales and costs and expenses of this segment are transacted in the local currency of the respective operations, which are the U.S. dollar and, to a lesser extent, the euro.
In the 2022 third quarter, management initiated a business review of the Extrusions segment aimed at identifying alternatives to improve the financial performance of this segment in future periods. Management continues to assess alternatives and no decisions or commitments were made as of December 31, 2022. In connection with this review, the Company updated its five-year strategic plan, the results of which indicated that there is an expected decline in the forecasted financial performance for the Extrusions segment (and asset group), including continued forecasted losses. As such, management evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets of the Extrusions asset group by comparing the aggregate carrying value to the undiscounted future cash flows. The result of this evaluation was that the long-lived assets were deemed to be impaired as the aggregate carrying value exceeded the undiscounted future cash flows. The impairment charge was measured as the difference between the aggregate carrying value and aggregate fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value was determined using an orderly liquidation methodology for the machinery and equipment and a sales comparison approach for the land and structures. Significant judgments and assumptions were applied in estimating the fair value of the long-lived assets, including the use of market-based information specific to the machinery and equipment and information from recent sales or current listings of comparable properties for the land and structures. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $92, composed of $90 for Properties, plants, and equipment and $2 for intangible assets (included within Other noncurrent assets), in Restructuring and other charges on the Company's Statement of Consolidated Operations. See Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
In the 2021 first quarter, management approved the idling of the casthouse at the Lafayette (Indiana) plant. Additionally, in the 2021 second quarter, management approved the idling of the remaining operations (primarily small presses) at the Chandler
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(Arizona) plant. These actions were deemed necessary to address the then-depressed demand related to the aerospace end market and identified operational inefficiencies in the Extrusions portfolio. The Lafayette casthouse action is near completion. Ultimately, the casthouse function will be fully outsourced to third-party vendors. The Chandler action was completed in the 2021 third quarter. The commercial operations related to Chandler were integrated into Lafayette for the foreseeable future. In 2021, the Company incurred certain charges related to these decisions such as inventory write-downs, severance costs, and customer qualification costs. These items were not material, individually or in the aggregate, and were reported in Corporate (i.e., not included in Extrusion’s Segment Adjusted EBITDA). The Company may temporarily restart one or more of the presses at Chandler over short periods of time to address customer demand requirements.
Sales. Third-party sales for the Extrusions segment increased $103, or 34%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The improvement was largely attributable to favorable product mix, primarily due to higher volumes for aerospace; price increases due to adjustments for inflation impacts and higher aluminum prices; and a net increase in volumes, mostly driven by aerospace due to the lessened impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Extrusions segment decreased $19, or 68%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The decline was mostly related to higher costs for aluminum, maintenance, energy, transportation, and outside services . The higher costs were the result of both increased pricing due to inflation and usage due to operational issues. These negative impacts were mostly offset by customer price increases due to adjustments for inflation impacts. Overall, operational issues are driving underperformance in this segment.
Reconciliation of Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Consolidated Net Loss Attributable to Arconic Corporation
For the year ended December 31,
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Unallocated amounts:
Corporate expenses (1)
Stock-based compensation expense
Metal price lag (2)
Unrealized gains on mark-to-market hedging instruments and derivatives
Provision for depreciation and amortization
Impairment of goodwill
Restructuring and other charges (3),(4)
Other (5)
Operating (loss) income
Interest expense
Other expenses, net
Benefit (Provision) for income taxes
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Consolidated net loss attributable to Arconic (1)
(1) Corporate expenses are composed of general administrative and other expenses of operating the corporate headquarters and other global administrative facilities. The amounts presented for all periods prior to second quarter 2020 include an allocation of ParentCo’s corporate expenses, including research and development expenses, for the portion of the period prior to the Separation Date.
(2) Metal price lag represents the financial impact of the timing difference between when aluminum prices included in Sales are recognized and when aluminum purchase prices included in Cost of goods sold are realized. This adjustment aims to remove the effect of the volatility in metal prices and the calculation of this impact considers applicable metal hedging transactions.
(3) In 2022, Restructuring and other charges includes a loss of $306 related to the sale of the Company’s operations in Russia and a $92 asset impairment charge related to the Extrusions segment. See Note E to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
(4) In 2022, 2021, and 2020, Restructuring and other charges includes a $47, $584, and $199, respectively, charge for the settlement of certain employee retirement benefits virtually all of which were within the United States and the United
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Kingdom. See Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
(5) Other includes certain items that impact Cost of goods sold and Selling, general administrative, and other expenses on the Company’s Statement of Consolidated Operations that are not included in Segment Adjusted EBITDA. In 2022, Other includes costs related to environmental remediation charges of $27 (see Environmental Matters in Note T to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information) and costs related to the new labor agreement of $19 (see Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). These charges were recorded in Costs of goods sold on Arconic’s Statement of Consolidated Operations.
Environmental Matters
See the Environmental Matters section of Note T to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Arconic’s primary future cash needs are centered on operating activities, including working capital, as well as recurring and strategic capital expenditures. The Company’s ability to fund its cash needs depends on its ongoing ability to generate and raise cash in the future. Although management believes that Arconic’s future cash from operations, together with the Company’s access to capital markets, will provide adequate resources to fund Arconic’s operating and investing needs, the Company’s access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms in the future will be affected by many factors, including: (i) Arconic’s credit rating; (ii) the liquidity of the overall capital markets; and (iii) the current state of the economy. There can be no assurances that the Company will continue to have access to capital markets on terms acceptable to Arconic.
Cash provided from operations and financing activities is expected to be adequate to cover the Company’s operational and business needs over the next 12 months. For an analysis of long-term liquidity, see Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements below.
At December 31, 2022, the Company’s Cash and cash equivalents were $261, of which $110 was held outside the United States. Arconic has a number of commitments and obligations related to the Company’s operations in various foreign jurisdictions, resulting in the need for cash outside the United States. Management continuously evaluates the Company’s local and global cash needs for future business operations, which may influence future repatriation decisions.
The discussion and analysis that follows includes a comparison of Arconic’s cash flows between the 2022 and 2021 annual periods. Please refer to the Liquidity and Capital Resources section included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (filed on February 22, 2022) for a discussion and analysis of Arconic’s cash flows between the 2021 and 2020 annual periods.
Operating Activities
Cash provided from operations was $338 in 2022 compared with cash used for operations of $407 in 2021.
In 2022, cash provided from operations was mostly comprised of a positive add-back for non-cash transactions in earnings of $753, partially offset by an unfavorable change in working capital of $222 and a net loss of $181. The change in working capital was largely driven by inventory build due to operational disruptions at the Company’s North American rolling facilities.
In 2021, cash used for operations was comprised of an unfavorable change in working capital of $505, pension contributions of $458 (see below), and a net loss of $397, partially offset by a positive add-back for non-cash transactions in earnings of $953. The impact in working capital was largely driven by higher volumes and higher aluminum prices due to an increase in both the average LME price and regional premiums.
In January 2021, the Company contributed a total of $200 to its two funded U.S. defined benefit pension plans, comprised of the estimated minimum required funding for 2021 of $183 and an additional $17. Additionally, in April 2021, the Company contributed a total of $250 to its two funded U.S. defined benefit pension plans to maintain the funding level of the remaining plan obligations not transferred under a group annuity contract (see U.S. Pension Plan Annuitizations in Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). This contribution was funded with the net proceeds from a March 2021 debt offering (see 2021 Debt Activity in Financing Activities below).
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In addition, in 2022 and 2021, the Company received $6 and $12, respectively, related to a settlement agreement reached with a customer in March 2021. See Sales under Results of Operations above for additional information.
Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities was $196 in 2022 compared with cash provided from financing activities of $135 in 2021. The use of cash in 2022 was mostly due to $185 for the repurchase of 6,935,507 shares of the Company’s common stock (see Share Repurchase Programs below). In 2021, the source of cash was due to $314 in net proceeds from the issuance of new indebtedness (see 2021 Debt Activity below), somewhat offset by $161 for the repurchase of 4,912,505 shares of the Company's common stock (see Share Repurchase Programs below).
2022 Activity —On February 16, 2022, the Company amended its five-year credit agreement, dated May 13, 2020, with a syndicate of lenders named therein and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch as administrative agent (the “ABL Credit Agreement”) which provides for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”) to be used, generally, for working capital or other general corporate purposes. The ABL Credit Agreement was amended to increase the revolving commitments under the ABL Credit Facility to $1,200 from $800. Additionally, the accordion feature of the ABL Credit Facility was revised to provide for the Company to request a further increase to the revolving commitments in an aggregate principal amount equal to the greater of $350 and the excess of the borrowing base over the ABL Credit Facility commitments. Furthermore, the LIBOR-based floating interest rate was replaced with a term SOFR-based interest rate, plus a credit spread adjustment equal to 0.10%, 0.15%, or 0.25% per annum for SOFR-based borrowings with interest periods of one month, three months, or six months, respectively, under the ABL Credit Facility. Arconic paid $1 in upfront costs associated with these amendments.
In 2022, the Company borrowed $275 and repaid $275 under the ABL Credit Facility. These borrowings were designated as SOFR loans with either an initial one-month or three-month interest period. In 2022, the weighted-average interest rate and weighted-average days outstanding of the borrowings was 4.3% and 90 days, respectively.
2021 Debt Activity —On March 3, 2021, the Company completed a Rule 144A (U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) debt offering for an additional $300 aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Senior Secured Second-Lien Notes due 2028 (the “Additional 2028 Notes”). The Additional 2028 Notes were issued under the indenture governing Arconic’s existing 6.125% Senior Secured Second-Lien Notes due 2028. Other than with respect to the date of issuance and issue price, the Additional 2028 Notes are treated as a single series with and have the same terms as the referenced existing notes. The Additional 2028 Notes were sold at 106.25% of par (i.e., a premium) and, after reflecting a discount to the initial purchasers of the Additional 2028 Notes, the Company received $315 in net proceeds from the debt offering. Arconic used the net proceeds of this issuance to fund an annuitization of certain U.S. defined benefit pension plan obligations (see Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information). The premium ($19) and costs to complete the financing ($5) were deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Additional 2028 Notes. The amortization of the premium is reflected as a reduction to interest expense and the amortization of the costs to complete the financing is reflected as an addition to interest expense. Interest on the Additional 2028 Notes is paid semi-annually in February and August, and commenced August 15, 2021.
Descriptions of the 2028 Notes, 2025 Notes, and ABL Credit Agreement are set forth in Note Q to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Share Repurchase Programs —On May 4, 2021, Arconic announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock up to an aggregate transactional value of $300 over a two-year period expiring April 28, 2023. In 2022 and 2021, Arconic repurchased 4,863,672 and 4,912,505 shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock for $139 and $161, respectively, resulting in the completion of the total authorization under this program in August 2022. In connection with the establishment of a new repurchase program (see below), this repurchase program was terminated.
On November 16, 2022, Arconic announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock up to an aggregate transactional value of $200 over a two-year period expiring November 17, 2024. In 2022, Arconic repurchased 2,071,835 shares of the Company's common stock for $46 under this program. See Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Ratings —Arconic’s cost of borrowing and ability to access the capital markets are affected not only by market conditions but also by the ratings assigned to Arconic and its debt by the major credit rating agencies. As of December 31, 2022, the following are the most recent ratings for Arconic and its outstanding debt.
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Moody’s Investor Service (Moody’s) has assigned a Ba3 rating to both the Company and the 2028 Notes and a Ba1 rating to the 2025 Notes. Additionally, Moody's has given these ratings a stable outlook.
Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P) has assigned a BB rating to the Company, a B+ rating to the 2028 Notes, and a BB+ rating to the 2025 Notes. Additionally, S&P has given these ratings a stable outlook.
Fitch Ratings (Fitch) has assigned a BB+ rating to both the Company and the 2028 Notes and a BBB- rating to both the 2025 Notes and the ABL Credit Facility. On September 9, 2022, Fitch revised the rating outlook from stable to positive.
Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities was $214 in 2022 compared with $181 in 2021.
The use of cash in 2022 reflects capital expenditures of $245, more than half of which was attributable to sustaining spend at the U.S. rolling mills and the remaining amount due to growth spend at the Davenport and Lancaster mills, slightly offset by $27 in net proceeds from the sale of the Company’s operations in Russia (see Note S to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K).
The use of cash in 2021 reflects capital expenditures of $184, more than half of which was attributable to sustaining spend at the U.S. rolling mills.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Contractual Obligations. Arconic is required to make future payments under various contracts, including long-term purchase obligations, lease agreements, and financing arrangements. The Company also has commitments to make contributions to its funded pension plans, provide payments for pension (unfunded) and other postretirement benefit plans, and fund capital projects. As of December 31, 2022, a summary of Arconic’s outstanding contractual obligations is as follows (these contractual obligations are grouped in the same manner as they are classified in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows in order to provide a better understanding of the nature of the obligations and to provide a basis for comparison to historical information):
Total
Thereafter
Operating activities:
Raw material purchase obligations*
Energy-related purchase obligations
Other purchase obligations
Operating leases
Interest related to debt
Pension contributions - funded plans
Pension benefit payments - unfunded plans
Other postretirement benefit payments
Layoff and other restructuring payments
Uncertain tax positions
Financing activities:
Debt
Dividends to stockholders
Investing activities:
Capital projects
Totals
* Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company entered into additional aluminum supply contracts totaling approximately $765, of which approximately $375, $195, and $195 is expected to be purchased in 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. Additionally, through February 20, 2023, Arconic is currently negotiating terms for further aluminum supply contracts totaling approximately $2,580.
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Obligations for Operating Activities
Raw material purchase obligations consist mostly of aluminum with expiration dates ranging from less than one year to two years. Energy-related purchase obligations consist primarily of electricity and natural gas contracts with expiration dates ranging from one year to five years. Many of these purchase obligations contain variable pricing components, and, as a result, actual cash payments may differ from the estimates provided in the preceding table.
Operating leases represent multi-year obligations for certain land and buildings, plant equipment, vehicles, and computer equipment.
Interest related to debt is based on stated interest rates on debt with maturities that extend to 2028 (see the 2022 Debt Activity and 2021 Debt Activity sections of Financing Activities under Liquidity and Capital Resources above).
Pension contributions (funded plans) and pension (unfunded plans) and other postretirement benefit payments are based on actuarial estimates using current assumptions for, among others, discount rates, long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, and/or health care cost trend rates. It is Arconic’s policy to contribute amounts to funded pension plans sufficient to meet the minimum requirements set forth in applicable country employee benefit and tax regulations, including ERISA for U.S. plans. Management has determined that it is not practicable to present pension contributions (funded plans) and both pension (unfunded plans) and other postretirement benefit payments beyond 2027 and 2032, respectively.
Layoff and other restructuring payments primarily relate to severance costs.
Uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return may result in additional payments to tax authorities. As of December 31, 2022, there was no balance of uncertain tax positions and as such, no related interest and penalties were accrued. If a tax authority agrees with the tax position taken or expected to be taken or the applicable statute of limitations expires, then additional payments will not be necessary.
Obligations for Financing Activities
The debt amount in the preceding table represents the principal amounts of all outstanding long-term debt, which have maturities that extend to 2028 (see the 2022 Debt Activity and 2021 Debt Activity sections of Financing Activities under Liquidity and Capital Resources above).
As of December 31, 2022, Arconic had 99,432,194 outstanding shares of common stock. Dividends on common stock are subject to authorization by the Company’s Board of Directors. Arconic did not declare or pay any dividends from the Separation Date through December 31, 2022.
On November 16, 2022, Arconic announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock up to an aggregate transactional value of $200, depending on cash availability, market conditions, and other factors. This program has a predetermined expiration date of November 17, 2024; however, the Company is under no contractual obligation to make such repurchases. Accordingly, amounts have not been included in the preceding table. In 2022, the Company repurchased 2,071,835 shares of its common stock for $46 under this program. See the Common Stock section of Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Obligations for Investing Activities
Capital projects in the preceding table only include amounts approved by management as of December 31, 2022. Funding levels may vary in future years based on anticipated construction schedules of the projects. It is expected that significant expansion projects will be funded through various sources, including cash provided from operations. Total capital expenditures are anticipated to be approximately $275 in 2023.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Arconic Corporation has outstanding bank guarantees, letters of credit, and surety bonds related to outstanding responsibilities and obligations. See the Commitments section of Note T to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of Arconic’s Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates based on judgments and assumptions regarding uncertainties that may affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Areas that require such estimates include the review of properties, plants, and
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equipment and goodwill for impairment, and accounting for each of the following: environmental and litigation matters; pension and other postretirement employee benefit obligations; stock-based compensation; and income taxes.
Management uses historical experience and all available information to make these estimates, and actual results may differ from those used to prepare the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements at any given time. Despite these inherent limitations, management believes that Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, provide a meaningful and fair representation of the Company.
A summary of Arconic’s significant accounting policies is included in Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables the Company to provide the users of the Consolidated Financial Statements with useful and reliable information about Arconic’s operating results and financial condition.
Prior to the Separation Date, the Company did not operate as a separate, standalone entity. Arconic’s operations were included in ParentCo’s financial results. Accordingly, in all periods prior to the Separation Date, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared from ParentCo’s historical accounting records and were presented on a standalone basis as if the Arconic Corporation Businesses had been conducted independently from ParentCo. Such Consolidated Financial Statements include the historical operations that were considered to comprise the Arconic Corporation Businesses, as well as certain assets and liabilities that were historically held at ParentCo’s corporate level but were specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to the Arconic Corporation Businesses. The Critical Accounting Policies described below reflect any incremental judgments and assumptions made by management in the preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements prior to the Separation Date.
Properties, Plants, and Equipment. Properties, plants, and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the related operations (asset group) to the carrying value of the associated assets. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying value of the assets exceeds the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the asset group. The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded is calculated as the excess of the carrying value of the assets over their fair value, with fair value determined using the best information available, which generally is a discounted cash flow (DCF) model. In certain circumstances, Arconic may use the services of a third-party to assist with other valuation techniques. The determination of what constitutes an asset group, the associated estimated undiscounted net cash flows, and the estimated useful lives of the assets also require significant judgments.
Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized; it is reviewed for impairment annually (in the fourth quarter) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist or if a decision is made to sell, exit, or realign a business. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others, deterioration in general economic conditions, negative developments in equity and credit markets, adverse changes in the markets in which an entity operates, increases in input costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows, or a trend of negative or declining cash flows over multiple periods. The fair value that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from that used to evaluate goodwill for impairment.
Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. Arconic has three reporting units, the Rolled Products segment, the Building and Construction Systems segment, and the Extrusions segment (full impairment of goodwill in 2021 – see below). At the time of the Company’s annual 2022 review of goodwill for impairment, the carrying value of goodwill for Rolled Products and Building and Construction Systems was $232 and $67, respectively.
In reviewing goodwill for impairment, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the entity is then required to perform a quantitative impairment test (described below), otherwise no further analysis is required. An entity also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. The ultimate outcome of the goodwill impairment review for a reporting unit should be the same whether an entity chooses to perform the qualitative assessment or proceeds directly to the quantitative impairment test.
Arconic determines annually, based on facts and circumstances, which of its reporting units will be subject to the qualitative assessment. For those reporting units where a qualitative assessment is either not performed or for which the conclusion is that an impairment is more likely than not, a quantitative impairment test will be performed. The Company’s policy is that a quantitative impairment test be performed for each reporting unit at least once during every three-year period.
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Under the qualitative assessment, various events and circumstances (or factors) that would affect the estimated fair value of a reporting unit are identified (similar to impairment indicators above). These factors are then classified by the type of impact they would have on the estimated fair value using positive, neutral, and adverse categories based on current business conditions. Additionally, an assessment of the level of impact that a particular factor would have on the estimated fair value is determined using high, medium, and low weighting. Furthermore, management considers the results of the most recent quantitative impairment test completed for a reporting unit and compares the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) between the current and prior years for each reporting unit.
During the 2022 annual review of goodwill for impairment, management performed the qualitative assessment for the Building and Construction Systems reporting unit. Management concluded it was not more likely than not that the estimated fair value of this reporting unit was less than the carrying value. As such, no further analysis was required. Management last proceeded directly to the quantitative impairment test for the Building and Construction Systems reporting unit in 2021. At that time, the estimated fair value of this reporting unit was substantially in excess of its carrying value, resulting in no impairment.
Under the quantitative impairment test, the evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill involves comparing the current fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Arconic uses a DCF model to estimate the current fair value of its reporting units when testing for impairment, as management believes forecasted cash flows are the best indicator of such fair value. Several significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including sales growth (volumes and pricing), production costs, capital spending, working capital levels, and discount rate. Certain of these assumptions may vary significantly among the reporting units. Cash flow forecasts are generally based on approved business unit five-year operating plans and a terminal value. The WACC rate for the individual reporting units is estimated by management with the assistance of valuation experts. In the event the estimated fair value of a reporting unit per the DCF model is less than the carrying value, the Company would recognize an impairment charge equal to the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value without exceeding the total amount of goodwill applicable to that reporting unit.
During the 2022 annual review of goodwill for impairment, management proceeded directly to the quantitative impairment test for the Rolled Products reporting unit. The result of this review indicated the estimated fair value of this reporting unit was substantially in excess of the carrying value, resulting in no impairment.
The respective annual review of goodwill for impairment in 2021 and 2020 indicated that goodwill was not impaired for any of Arconic’s reporting units, except for the Extrusions segment (see below), and there were no triggering events since that time that necessitated an interim quantitative impairment test for any of the Company’s reporting units. That said, in light of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., stock market volatility, customer demand disruption, etc.), Arconic did perform periodic qualitative assessments throughout 2020 in which management concluded that no impairment existed and, therefore, no further analysis was required.
In 2021, the estimated fair value of the Extrusions reporting unit was lower than the associated carrying value by an amount greater than the carrying value of the Extrusions reporting unit’s goodwill. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $65 in the fourth quarter of 2021. As a result, there is no goodwill remaining for the Extrusions reporting unit.
The impairment of the Extrusion reporting unit’s goodwill resulted from a combination of market-based factors, including continued delays in aerospace market improvement, the expectation that significant cost inflation will extend beyond 2021 resulting in increasingly limited ability for management to drive margin expansion, and a longer than previously anticipated shift in product mix to lower margin industrial products to replace most of the lost aerospace volume. Further, current market factors also resulted in a 150-basis point increase in the WACC compared to the fourth quarter of 2020. Accordingly, given these factors, the estimated fair value of the Extrusions reporting unit was less than the carrying value resulting in a full impairment of its goodwill.
Environmental Matters. Expenditures for current operations are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate. Expenditures relating to existing conditions caused by past operations, which will not contribute to future revenues, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when remediation costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The liability may include costs such as site investigations, consultant fees, feasibility studies, outside contractors, and monitoring expenses. Estimates are generally not reduced by potential claims for recovery, which are recognized when probable and as agreements are reached with third parties. The estimates may also include costs related to other potentially responsible parties to the extent that Arconic has reason to believe such parties will not fully pay their proportionate share. The liability is continuously reviewed and adjusted to reflect current remediation progress, prospective estimates of required activity, and other factors that may be relevant, including changes in technology or regulations. The portion of the liability associated with post-remediation operations, maintenance, and monitoring activities are discounted using a risk-free-rate.
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Litigation Matters. For asserted claims and assessments, liabilities are recorded when an unfavorable outcome of a matter is deemed to be probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management determines the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome based on many factors such as, among others, the nature of the matter, available defenses and case strategy, progress of the matter, views and opinions of legal counsel and other advisors, applicability and success of appeals processes, and the outcome of similar historical matters. Once an unfavorable outcome is deemed probable, management weighs the probability of estimated losses, and the most reasonable loss estimate is recorded. If an unfavorable outcome of a matter is deemed to be reasonably possible, the matter is disclosed and no liability is recorded. With respect to unasserted claims or assessments, management must first determine the probability an assertion will be made is likely; then a determination as to the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to reasonably estimate the potential loss is made. Legal matters are reviewed on a continuous basis to determine if there has been a change in management’s judgment regarding the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the estimate of a potential loss.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits. In all periods prior to January 1, 2020 (see below), certain employees attributable to the Arconic Corporation Businesses participated in defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by ParentCo (the “Shared Plans”), which also included participants attributable to non-Arconic Corporation Businesses. Arconic accounted for the portion of the Shared Plans related to its employees as multiemployer benefit plans. Accordingly, the Company did not record an asset or liability to recognize any portion of the funded status of the Shared Plans. However, the related expense recorded by Arconic was based primarily on pensionable compensation and estimated interest costs related to participants attributable to the Arconic Corporation Businesses.
In all periods prior to the Separation Date, certain other ParentCo plans that were entirely attributable to employees of the Arconic Corporation Businesses (“Direct Plans”) were accounted for as defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Accordingly, the funded or unfunded position of each Direct Plan was recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Actuarial gains and losses that have not yet been recognized in earnings were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, until they were amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost. The determination of benefit obligations and recognition of expenses related to the Direct Plans is dependent on various assumptions, including, among others, discount rates, long-term expected rates of return on plan assets, and future compensation increases. ParentCo’s management developed each assumption using relevant company experience in conjunction with market-related data for each individual location in which such plans exist.
In preparation for the Separation, effective January 1, 2020, certain of the Shared Plans were separated into standalone plans for both Arconic (“New Direct Plans”) and ParentCo (see Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K). Additionally, effective April 1, 2020, portions of the other remaining Shared Plans were assumed by Arconic (“Additional New Direct Plans”) (see Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K). Accordingly, beginning on the respective effective dates, the New Direct Plans and the Additional New Direct Plans are accounted for as defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. Additionally, the Direct Plans continue to be accounted for as defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.
Liabilities and expenses for pension and other postretirement benefits are determined using actuarial methodologies and incorporate significant assumptions, including the interest rate used to discount the future estimated liability, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, and several assumptions relating to the employee workforce (compensation increases, health care cost trend rates, retirement age, and mortality).
The interest rate used to discount future estimated liabilities is determined using a Company-specific yield curve model (above-median) developed with the assistance of an external actuary. The cash flows of the projected benefit obligations are discounted using a single equivalent rate derived from yields on high quality corporate bonds, which represent a broad diversification of issuers in various sectors. The yield curve model parallels the projected plan cash flows, which have a weighted average duration of 11 years, and the underlying cash flows of the bonds included in the model exceed the cash flows needed to satisfy the plan obligations multiple times. If a deep market of high quality corporate bonds does not exist in a country, then the yield on government bonds is used. In 2022, the weighted average discount rate used to determine benefit obligations for pension plans was 5.49% and for other postretirement benefit plans was 5.62%. The impact on the combined pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities of a change in the weighted average discount rate of 1/4 of 1% would be approximately $60 and either a charge or credit of approximately $1 to pretax earnings in the following year.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is generally applied to a five-year market-related value of plan assets (the fair value at the plan measurement date is used for certain non-U.S. plans). The process used by management to develop this assumption is one that relies on forward-looking investment returns by asset class. Management incorporates expected future investment returns on current and planned asset allocations using information from various external investment managers and consultants, as well as management’s own judgment. For 2022, management used 5.18% as its weighted-average expected long-term rate of return, which was based on the prevailing and planned strategic asset allocations, as well as estimates of future
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returns by asset class. For 2023, management anticipates that the weighted-average expected long-term rate of return will be in the range of 5.50% to 6.50%. A change in the assumption for the weighted average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 1/4 of 1% would impact pretax earnings by approximately $4 for 2023.
Stock-Based Compensation. In all periods prior to the Separation Date, eligible employees attributable to the Arconic Corporation Businesses participated in ParentCo’s stock-based compensation plan. The compensation expense recorded by the Company included the expense associated with these employees, as well as the expense associated with an allocation of stock-based compensation expense for ParentCo’s corporate employees. Beginning on the Separation Date, Arconic recorded stock-based compensation expense for all of the Company's employees eligible to participate in Arconic’s stock-based compensation plan. The following describes the manner in which stock-based compensation expense was initially determined for both Arconic and ParentCo.
Compensation expense for employee equity grants is recognized using the non-substantive vesting period approach, in which the expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period based on the grant date fair value. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the date of grant using a lattice-pricing model. The fair value of performance stock units containing a market condition is valued using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Determining the fair value at the grant date requires judgment, including estimates for the average risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, volatility, and exercise behavior. These assumptions may differ significantly between grant dates because of changes in the actual results of these inputs that occur over time.
In 2022, 2021, and 2020, Arconic recognized stock-based compensation expense of $15 ($12 after-tax), $22 ($17 after-tax), and $23 ($18 after-tax), respectively.
Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, the provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable (or received or receivable) for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid, and result from differences between the financial and tax bases of Arconic’s assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when enacted.
In all periods prior to the Separation Date, the Arconic Corporation Businesses were included in the income tax filings of ParentCo. The provision for income taxes was determined in the same manner described above, but on a separate return methodology as if the Company was a standalone taxpayer filing hypothetical income tax returns where applicable. Any additional accrued tax liability or refund arising as a result of this approach was assumed to be immediately settled with ParentCo as a component of Parent Company net investment. Deferred taxes were also determined in the same manner described above and were reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for net operating losses, credits or other attributes to the extent that such attributes were expected to transfer to Arconic upon the Separation. Any difference from attributes generated in a hypothetical return on a separate return basis was adjusted as a component of Parent Company net investment.
Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that a tax benefit will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all potential sources of taxable income, including income available in carryback periods, future reversals of taxable temporary differences, projections of taxable income, and income from tax planning strategies, as well as all available positive and negative evidence. Positive evidence includes factors such as a history of profitable operations, projections of future profitability within the carryforward period, including from tax planning strategies, and the Company’s experience with similar operations. Existing favorable contracts and the ability to sell products into established markets are additional positive evidence. Negative evidence includes items such as cumulative losses, projections of future losses, or carryforward periods that are not long enough to allow for the utilization of a deferred tax asset based on existing projections of income. Deferred tax assets for which no valuation allowance is recorded may not be realized upon changes in facts and circumstances, resulting in a future charge to establish a valuation allowance. Existing valuation allowances are re-examined under the same standards of positive and negative evidence. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be realized, the appropriate amount of the valuation allowance, if any, is released. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are also re-measured to reflect changes in underlying tax rates due to law changes and the grant and lapse of tax holidays.
Arconic applies a tax law ordering approach when considering the need for a valuation allowance on net operating losses expected to offset Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) income inclusions. Under this approach, reductions in cash tax savings are not considered as part of the valuation allowance assessment. Instead, future GILTI inclusions are considered a source of taxable income that support the realizability of deferred tax assets.
Tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return are recorded when such benefits meet a more likely than not threshold. Otherwise, these tax benefits are recorded when a tax position has been effectively
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settled, which means that the statute of limitations has expired or the appropriate taxing authority has completed its examination even though the statute of limitations remains open. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as part of the provision for income taxes and are accrued beginning in the period that such interest and penalties would be applicable under relevant tax law until such time that the related tax benefits are recognized.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
See the respective section of Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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- Exhibit 215a2022exhibit215b.htm · 41.7 KB
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- Ticker
- ARNC
- CIK
0001790982- Form Type
- 10-K
- Accession Number
0001790982-23-000006- Filed
- Feb 21, 2023
- Period
- Dec 31, 2022 (Q4 22)
- Industry
- Rolling Drawing & Extruding of Nonferrous Metals
External resources
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