8-K/AFinancial Events

Howmet Aerospace Inc. 8-K/A Report, Material Impairment (Jan 7, 2009)

Filed January 7, 2009For Securities:HWM

Summary

This filing is an amendment to Alcoa Inc.'s (now Howmet Aerospace Inc.) previous 8-K report, providing updated details on a strategic transaction with Orkla ASA. The core of the amendment concerns an asset impairment charge Alcoa expects to record in the fourth quarter of 2008. This charge stems from the fair value adjustment of Alcoa's 45% stake in the SAPA extrusion profiles business, which Alcoa is exchanging for Orkla's 50% stake in Elkem Aluminium. Investors should note that the anticipated asset impairment charge is estimated to be between $330 million and $340 million (pre-tax), or $220 million to $230 million after-tax. This adjustment reflects current market valuations and the company's strategic decision to focus on core competencies. While the impairment itself is a non-cash charge, it signals a downward revision in the perceived value of this specific asset in the current economic climate.

Key Highlights

  • 1Alcoa Inc. is amending its previous 8-K filing to provide more details on a transaction with Orkla ASA.
  • 2The companies are exchanging stakes in joint ventures: Alcoa will gain full control of Elkem Aluminium, and Orkla will gain full control of the SAPA extrusion profiles business.
  • 3Alcoa expects to record a significant asset impairment charge of $330-$340 million (pre-tax) in Q4 2008.
  • 4The impairment relates to Alcoa's 45% investment in the SAPA extrusion profiles business, reflecting its current estimated fair value.
  • 5The after-tax impact of the impairment charge is estimated to be $220-$230 million.
  • 6This transaction is part of Alcoa's strategy to focus on respective areas of expertise and best practices.
  • 7The filing includes forward-looking statements and a disclaimer about risks and uncertainties that could impact actual results.

Frequently Asked Questions

This filing is an amendment to a previous 8-K to provide additional details regarding an asset impairment charge related to a strategic transaction between Alcoa Inc. and Orkla ASA. Alcoa is adjusting the reported value of its investment in the SAPA extrusion profiles business.

Alcoa expects to record an asset impairment charge of approximately $330 million to $340 million before taxes, which translates to $220 million to $230 million after taxes, in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The impairment charge is related to Alcoa's 45% stake in the SAPA extrusion profiles business, which Alcoa is exchanging with Orkla ASA as part of a broader transaction.

The transaction is designed for both companies to focus on their respective areas of expertise and best practices. Alcoa will gain full ownership of Elkem Aluminium, while Orkla will gain full ownership of the SAPA extrusion profiles business.