10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2008

Howmet Aerospace Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2008

Filed April 24, 2008For Securities:HWM

Summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM), formerly Alcoa Inc., reported a significant decline in net income for the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Net income attributable to common shareholders fell to $303 million ($0.37 per diluted share) from $662 million ($0.75 per diluted share) in the prior year. This downturn was primarily driven by lower realized prices for alumina and aluminum, coupled with substantially higher costs for raw materials and energy. The company also experienced a notable decrease in sales, down 7% year-over-year, largely due to the divestiture of its Packaging and Consumer businesses and the absence of the soft alloy extrusion business. Despite these challenges, Howmet Aerospace successfully completed the sale of its Packaging and Consumer businesses for $2.49 billion, which, while incurring a $36 million loss on sale, bolstered its cash position. The company also made strategic acquisitions in the aerospace fastener manufacturing sector. Management highlighted productivity improvements as a key offset to cost pressures.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income decreased by 54% to $303 million in Q1 2008 from $662 million in Q1 2007.
  • 2Diluted earnings per share (EPS) fell to $0.37 from $0.75 year-over-year.
  • 3Sales declined by 7% to $7.375 billion from $7.908 billion due to divestitures and lower pricing.
  • 4The company completed the sale of its Packaging and Consumer businesses for $2.49 billion, recognizing a $36 million loss on sale.
  • 5Acquisitions were made in the aerospace fastener manufacturing sector for $276 million.
  • 6Restructuring and other charges increased to $38 million in Q1 2008, including a loss on the sale of businesses.
  • 7The company experienced significant cost pressures from higher raw materials and energy prices, alongside unfavorable foreign currency movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the decline in net income were lower realized prices for alumina and aluminum, and significantly higher costs for raw materials and energy. Sales decreased due to the divestiture of the Packaging and Consumer businesses, the absence of the soft alloy extrusion business, and lower realized prices for alumina and aluminum.

The sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses for $2.49 billion provided a significant cash inflow. However, the company recognized a $36 million loss on the sale, which was recorded under Restructuring and other charges. The divestiture also contributed to the overall decline in reported sales for the quarter.

The company anticipates continued cost pressures from energy and material costs, as well as currency risks. While some segments expect improved pricing and seasonal increases, overall market conditions for certain sectors like automotive and commercial transportation are expected to remain depressed. Management is focusing on productivity improvements to offset these challenges.

Yes, there are ongoing legal proceedings. Notably, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) filed a lawsuit alleging conspiracy and fraud, leading to a Department of Justice investigation and a stay of the civil litigation. Additionally, a class-action lawsuit concerning retiree health benefits is proceeding to trial. On the environmental front, the company continues to manage assessments and cleanups at various sites, with ongoing developments at Massena, NY, Sherwin, TX, and East St. Louis, IL.