10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2017

ATI INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2017

Filed May 2, 2017For Securities:ATI

Summary

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) reported a significant turnaround in its first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Sales increased by 14.3% year-over-year to $865.9 million, driven by improved performance in both the High Performance Materials & Components (HPMC) and Flat Rolled Products (FRP) segments. The company achieved a net income of $17.5 million, a substantial improvement from the net loss of $101.2 million in Q1 2016. This turnaround was attributed to strong demand in the aerospace and defense sector, benefits from 2016 restructuring actions, and improved operational efficiencies. Financially, ATI has strengthened its balance sheet with an increase in total equity and managed its debt effectively, though it is currently not meeting a key financial covenant on its ABL facility, limiting its immediate borrowing capacity. The company has adequate liquidity to meet its obligations. Management anticipates continued sales growth in HPMC and a return to profitability for FRP, although visibility into the latter half of 2017 remains cautious, particularly concerning the oil & gas market.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Sales increased 14.3% year-over-year to $865.9 million, driven by growth in both HPMC and FRP segments.
  • 2Achieved net income of $17.5 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $101.2 million in the prior year's quarter.
  • 3High Performance Materials & Components (HPMC) segment saw strong performance, with aerospace & defense sales up 8% and contributing to a segment operating profit margin of 10.0%.
  • 4Flat Rolled Products (FRP) segment returned to profitability with a segment operating profit of $19.0 million (5.3% of sales), a substantial recovery from a loss in Q1 2016.
  • 5The company made a significant $135 million contribution to its U.S. defined benefit pension plan in March 2017.
  • 6ATI is currently not meeting a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant on its ABL facility, resulting in restricted access to $62.5 million of its credit line.
  • 7Total debt increased slightly to $1,961.4 million, with net debt to total capitalization at 56.4%.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver is the strong demand in the aerospace and defense market, particularly for next-generation jet engines, which boosted sales in the High Performance Materials & Components (HPMC) segment. Additionally, the company benefited from the restructuring actions taken in 2016 and improved operating efficiencies across its segments, leading to a return to profitability in the Flat Rolled Products (FRP) segment.

ATI had $159.8 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter. The company believes its internally generated funds, current cash, and available borrowings under its ABL facility are adequate to meet its liquidity needs. They expect to finalize an extension for their Term Loan in Q2 2017.

Yes, ATI is currently not meeting the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant on its Asset Based Lending (ABL) facility. This means they cannot access the remaining 12.5% ($62.5 million) of the facility until the ratio is met. The company is working to address this situation.

ATI made a significant $135 million cash contribution to its U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan in March 2017 to improve its funded position and meet its 2017 funding requirements. Management expects similar annual funding requirements for the next few years, but notes potential uncertainties related to mortality assumptions and asset performance.