8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

Howmet Aerospace Inc. 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Apr 12, 2017)

Filed April 12, 2017For Securities:HWM

Summary

Arconic Inc. (formerly Alcoa Inc.) is filing this Current Report on Form 8-K to disclose an event related to its executive compensation and benefit plans. The company has notified the trustee of a "potential change in control" as defined in its grantor trust agreement, which was established to fund nonqualified deferred compensation and retirement benefit plans. This trust agreement specifies that under certain "change in control" circumstances, the company is required to fund the trust. The estimated aggregate funding requirement is approximately $500 million. While the trust assets remain company assets, they would be exclusively used for benefit payments in the event of a change in control, unless the company becomes insolvent. This notification is particularly relevant given Elliott Management Corporation's ongoing proxy solicitation to elect new directors, which could lead to a change in control for Arconic.

Key Highlights

  • 1Arconic Inc. notified its trustee of a "potential change in control" event.
  • 2This event triggers potential funding obligations for a grantor trust established for nonqualified deferred compensation and retirement plans.
  • 3The estimated funding requirement for the trust is approximately $500 million.
  • 4Trust assets would be restricted to paying plan benefits in the event of a change in control, except in cases of insolvency.
  • 5The company acknowledges Elliott Management Corporation's proxy solicitation, which aims to replace four current directors.
  • 6Arconic has not yet determined if a change of control has actually occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to inform investors that Arconic Inc. has notified the trustee of its grantor trust that a "potential change in control" has occurred, as defined by the trust agreement. This event could trigger significant funding obligations for the trust.

The estimated aggregate amount of the required funding for the trust, based on the liabilities of the related plans, is approximately $500 million. These funds would be earmarked for paying benefits under the company's nonqualified deferred compensation and retirement plans.

The company is undergoing a proxy solicitation initiated by Elliott Management Corporation, which is seeking to elect four new directors to the board. This action has led Arconic to believe that a 'potential change in control' event, as defined in its trust agreement, may have occurred.

If a change in control occurs, the assets within the trust, while remaining company assets, would be solely dedicated to paying benefits under the company's nonqualified deferred compensation and retirement plans. This restriction would only be lifted in the event of the company's insolvency.