10-KPeriod: FY2011

Howmet Aerospace Inc. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2011

Filed February 16, 2012For Securities:HWM

Summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (formerly Alcoa Inc. during this period) reported its 2011 annual results, highlighting a year of operational improvements and strategic focus amidst a turbulent global economic environment. The company saw a significant increase in sales and improved income from continuing operations compared to 2010, driven by higher realized prices for alumina and aluminum, along with productivity gains. Despite challenges like weakening demand in the latter half of the year and volatile commodity pricing, Alcoa demonstrated resilience by managing costs effectively, generating strong cash flow from operations for the second consecutive year, and maintaining a stable debt-to-capital ratio. Strategic initiatives included continued cost-saving programs, a focus on improving liquidity, and planned capital expenditures. The company is also actively pursuing long-term growth projects, including significant joint ventures in Saudi Arabia and China, aimed at enhancing its market position and cost competitiveness. Management's outlook for 2012 projected continued, albeit slower, growth in global aluminum demand, with balanced supply and demand expected for alumina. Key priorities for the upcoming year included further cost savings, positive cash flow generation exceeding capital spending, and maintaining financial flexibility.

Financial Highlights

58 data points
Beta

Revenue

$24.95B

17.9% Gross Margin

Net Income

$611.00M

2.4% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.55

Total Assets

$40.12B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.94B

Free Cash Flow

$916.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$24.95B
Cost of Revenue$20.48B
Gross Profit$4.47B
R&D Expenses$184.00M
SG&A Expenses$1.03B
Operating Expenses$23.89B
Operating Income$614.00M
Interest Expense$524.00M
Net Income$611.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.57
EPS (Diluted)$0.55
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.06B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.16B

Key Highlights

  • 1Sales increased by 19% to $24.95 billion in 2011 compared to $21.01 billion in 2010.
  • 2Income from continuing operations improved significantly to $614 million ($0.55 per diluted share) in 2011, up from $262 million ($0.25 per diluted share) in 2010.
  • 3The company generated $2.19 billion in cash from operations for the second consecutive year, demonstrating strong cash flow generation.
  • 4Alcoa continued its strategic restructuring efforts, recording $281 million in restructuring and other charges in 2011, primarily related to workforce reductions and facility shutdowns to improve cost structure.
  • 5Significant growth projects, including the Saudi Arabia joint venture and expansion in Brazil, are progressing, with initial productions anticipated in the coming years.
  • 6The company's debt-to-capital ratio remained stable at 35%, reflecting a commitment to financial discipline.
  • 7Despite market volatility, Alcoa's management forecasts continued growth in global aluminum consumption for 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

The improved financial performance was primarily driven by higher realized prices for alumina and aluminum, stronger volumes in the midstream and downstream segments, net productivity improvements, and a favorable change in mark-to-market derivative contracts. These positive factors helped offset higher input costs and unfavorable foreign currency movements.

Management projected continued growth in global aluminum consumption in 2012, estimated at 7%, albeit at a slower pace than in 2011. China and India were expected to lead this growth with double-digit increases. For alumina, global consumption growth was estimated at 9%, with overall supply and demand expected to be balanced.

In 2011, Alcoa recorded $281 million in restructuring and other charges. This included asset impairments and exit costs related to the permanent shutdown of facilities in Tennessee and Rockdale, Texas. Additionally, the company approved partial or full curtailments of three European smelters (Portovesme, Italy; Avilés, Spain; and La Coruña, Spain) due to uncompetitive energy positions and rising costs, impacting approximately 650 employees.

Alcoa maintained a disciplined approach to cash management and strengthening its balance sheet. In 2011, the company issued $1.25 billion in 5.40% Notes due 2021 and used proceeds to retire existing debt and for general corporate purposes. The debt-to-capital ratio remained stable at 35%, and the company maintained a strong liquidity position with over $1.9 billion in cash on hand at year-end. A new $3.75 billion revolving credit facility was also put in place.