10-KPeriod: FY2016

ATI INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2016

Filed February 24, 2017For Securities:ATI

Summary

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) reported a challenging 2016, marked by a significant net loss of $640.9 million. This performance was heavily impacted by substantial restructuring charges of $538.5 million, primarily related to the idling of their Rowley, UT titanium sponge facility and closures within the Flat Rolled Products (FRP) segment. Despite these headwinds, ATI continued to strategically focus on its High Performance Materials & Components (HPMC) segment, which saw a 5% increase in sales to the aerospace & defense market, driven by commercial jet engines. The company also reported progress in repositioning the FRP segment towards higher-value products, achieving near-breakeven results in the fourth quarter of 2016. Looking ahead, ATI expressed optimism about the HPMC segment's growth prospects, particularly from next-generation jet engines, projecting a 10% sales increase for 2017. The company's financial health was supported by $230 million in cash and cash equivalents and $310 million in available borrowing capacity under its ABL facility at year-end 2016. However, a material weakness in internal controls related to deferred tax asset valuation allowances was identified, which management is actively addressing.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1ATI reported a significant net loss of $640.9 million in 2016, largely due to $538.5 million in restructuring and impairment charges.
  • 2Sales to the aerospace & defense market, the company's largest segment, increased by 5% year-over-year, driven by commercial jet engine demand.
  • 3The company is strategically repositioning its Flat Rolled Products (FRP) segment to focus on higher-value products, showing improved performance with near-breakeven results in Q4 2016.
  • 4ATI idled its Rowley, UT titanium sponge production facility and took a $470.8 million impairment charge related to this action.
  • 5The company expects HPMC segment sales growth of approximately 10% in 2017, driven by strong demand from next-generation jet engine platforms.
  • 6ATI ended 2016 with $230 million in cash and cash equivalents and $310 million in available borrowing capacity.
  • 7A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting was identified concerning the calculation and review of deferred tax asset valuation allowances.

Frequently Asked Questions

ATI reported a net loss of $640.9 million in 2016, a significant decline from 2015, primarily due to substantial restructuring and impairment charges totaling $538.5 million. Sales decreased by 16% to $3.1 billion.

The aerospace & defense market remains ATI's largest segment, with sales increasing by 5% in 2016 to $1.59 billion, representing 51% of total sales. This growth was driven by demand from commercial jet engines, and the company anticipates continued growth in this sector from next-generation platforms.

Key restructuring actions included the indefinite idling and impairment of the Rowley, UT titanium sponge production facility, permanent closure of the Midland, PA and Bagdad, PA facilities within the FRP segment, and workforce reductions. These actions resulted in significant restructuring and impairment charges.

ATI anticipates continued profitable growth in its High Performance Materials & Components (HPMC) segment, with an expected 10% sales growth and improved operating profit margins. The Flat Rolled Products (FRP) segment is expected to achieve sequential sales growth and low-single digit operating profit levels as it continues its repositioning towards higher-value products.