8-KLeadership ChangesMaterial AgreementsOther Events+1

Howmet Aerospace Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Feb 6, 2018)

Filed February 6, 2018For Securities:HWM

Summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (formerly Arconic Inc. at the time of this filing) reported several key events in this 8-K filing dated February 6, 2018. Most notably, the company announced its intention to redeem approximately $500 million of its outstanding 5.72% Notes due 2019 on or about March 7, 2018. This debt redemption signifies a strategic move by the company to manage its capital structure and potentially reduce interest expenses. Additionally, the company entered into an amendment to its registration rights agreement with Elliott Associates, L.P. and related entities, adjusting the deadline for filing a Shelf Registration Statement. The Board of Directors also approved amendments to the Change in Control Severance Plan and the Stock Incentive Plan, standardizing the definition of "change in control" across various compensation arrangements and making specific adjustments to severance provisions and the stock plan.

Key Highlights

  • 1Arconic (now Howmet Aerospace) intends to redeem $500,001,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 5.72% Notes due 2019 on or about March 7, 2018.
  • 2The redemption price for the notes will be the greater of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest, or the present value of remaining payments discounted at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points.
  • 3An amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement with Elliott Associates was executed, modifying the deadline for the company's obligation to file a Shelf Registration Statement.
  • 4The company standardized the "change in control" definition across its Change in Control Severance Plan (CIC Plan) and 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (SIP).
  • 5Amendments to the CIC Plan include a reduction in the post-change in control termination period from three years to two years and the addition of a prorated target bonus.
  • 6Amendments were made to the 2013 Arconic Stock Incentive Plan, details of which are included in Exhibit 10.4.
  • 7The filing is dated February 6, 2018, and reflects events as of January 31, 2018, for the debt redemption and February 1-2, 2018, for the other agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most significant financial action is the company's intention to redeem approximately $500 million of its outstanding 5.72% Notes due in 2019 on or about March 7, 2018. This indicates a proactive approach to debt management.

The company amended its Change in Control Severance Plan (CIC Plan) and its 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (SIP) to align the definition of 'change in control' across all compensation plans. Key changes to the CIC Plan include a shortened severance eligibility window (two years post-change in control) and the inclusion of a prorated target bonus upon termination.

The amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement with Elliott Associates delays the deadline for Arconic (Howmet Aerospace) to file a Shelf Registration Statement. Instead of a fixed deadline, the company now has twelve business days from receiving a written request from Elliott to file this statement, subject to the agreement's terms.

Redeeming the 5.72% Notes due 2019 could reduce the company's outstanding debt and future interest expenses. The specific cost of redemption will depend on market interest rates at the time, as the redemption price is tied to the greater of par value plus interest or a present value calculation based on Treasury rates.