filings.toolsItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
223K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Management’s Reports to Howmet Shareholders
Management’s Report on Financial Statements and Practices
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Howmet Aerospace Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) were prepared by management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include amounts that are based on management’s best judgments and estimates. The other financial information included in the annual report is consistent with that in the financial statements.
Management also recognizes its responsibility for conducting the Company’s affairs according to the highest standards of personal and corporate conduct. This responsibility is characterized and reflected in key policy statements issued from time to time regarding, among other things, conduct of its business activities within the laws of the host countries in which the Company operates and potentially conflicting outside business interests of its employees. The Company maintains a systematic program to assess compliance with these policies.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management has conducted an assessment, including testing, using the criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Based on the assessment, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.
| /s/ John C. Plant | ||
| John C. Plant Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
| /s/ Ken Giacobbe | ||
| Ken Giacobbe Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Howmet Aerospace Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Howmet Aerospace Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of changes in equity, of comprehensive income and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill Impairment Assessment – Engineered Structures Reporting Unit
As described in Notes A and O to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $4,035 million as of December 31, 2023, and the amount of the goodwill associated with the Engineered Structures reporting unit was $304 million. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually (in the fourth quarter) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Howmet uses a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to estimate the current fair value of the reporting unit, which is compared to its carrying value, when testing for impairment. Fair value is estimated by management using a discounted cash flow model. The determination of fair value using this technique requires management to use significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasting operating cash flows, including sales growth, production costs, capital spending and discount rate.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment of the Engineered Structures reporting unit is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value estimate of the Engineered Structures reporting unit; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to sales growth, production costs, and discount rate; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the valuation of the Company’s Engineered Structures reporting unit. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s process for determining the fair value of the reporting unit; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow model; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the model; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management related to sales growth, production costs, and discount rate. Evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to sales growth and production costs involved evaluating whether the significant assumptions used by management were reasonable by considering: (i) the current and past performance of the reporting unit; (ii) the consistency with relevant industry data; and (iii) considering whether the assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the discounted cash flow model and the evaluation of the reasonableness of the discount rate significant assumption.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 13, 2024
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1950.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Statement of Consolidated Operations
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Sales (C) | $ | 6,640 | $ | 5,663 | $ | 4,972 | |||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold (exclusive of expenses below) | 4,773 | 4,103 | 3,596 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general administrative, and other expenses | 333 | 288 | 251 | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 36 | 32 | 17 | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for depreciation and amortization | 272 | 265 | 270 | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges (D) | 23 | 56 | 90 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 1,203 | 919 | 748 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt redemption (Q) | 2 | 2 | 146 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net (E) | 218 | 229 | 259 | ||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net (F) | 8 | 82 | 19 | ||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 975 | 606 | 324 | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes (H) | 210 | 137 | 66 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 765 | $ | 469 | $ | 258 | |||||||||||
| Amounts Attributable to Howmet Aerospace Inc. Common Shareholders (J): | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 763 | $ | 467 | $ | 256 | |||||||||||
| Earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 1.85 | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.60 | |||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 1.83 | $ | 1.11 | $ | 0.59 | |||||||||||
| Average Shares Outstanding (I): | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 412 | 416 | 430 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 416 | 421 | 435 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income
(in millions)
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 765 | $ | 469 | $ | 258 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (K): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrecognized net actuarial loss and prior service (benefit) cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits | (36) | 146 | 181 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 57 | (131) | (96) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in unrecognized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges | (10) | 7 | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other comprehensive income, net of tax | 11 | 22 | 80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | 776 | $ | 491 | $ | 338 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(in millions)
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 610 | $ | 791 | |||||||
| Receivables from customers, less allowances of $— in 2023 and $1 in 2022 (L) | 675 | 506 | |||||||||
| Other receivables (L) | 17 | 31 | |||||||||
| Inventories (M) | 1,765 | 1,609 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 249 | 206 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 3,316 | 3,143 | |||||||||
| Properties, plants, and equipment, net (N) | 2,328 | 2,332 | |||||||||
| Goodwill (A and O) | 4,035 | 4,013 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes (H) | 46 | 54 | |||||||||
| Intangibles, net (O) | 505 | 521 | |||||||||
| Other noncurrent assets (A and P) | 198 | 192 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 10,428 | $ | 10,255 | |||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable, trade | $ | 982 | $ | 962 | |||||||
| Accrued compensation and retirement costs | 263 | 195 | |||||||||
| Taxes, including income taxes | 68 | 48 | |||||||||
| Accrued interest payable | 65 | 75 | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities (A and P) | 200 | 202 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt due within one year (Q and R) | 206 | — | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,784 | 1,482 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, less amount due within one year (Q and R) | 3,500 | 4,162 | |||||||||
| Accrued pension benefits (G) | 664 | 633 | |||||||||
| Accrued other postretirement benefits (G) | 92 | 109 | |||||||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits (A and P) | 351 | 268 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 6,391 | 6,654 | |||||||||
| Contingencies and commitments (U) | |||||||||||
| Equity | |||||||||||
| Howmet Aerospace Inc. shareholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
| Preferred stock (I) | 55 | 55 | |||||||||
| Common stock (I) | 410 | 412 | |||||||||
| Additional capital (I) | 3,682 | 3,947 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings (A) | 1,720 | 1,028 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss (A and K) | (1,830) | (1,841) | |||||||||
| Total equity | 4,037 | 3,601 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 10,428 | $ | 10,255 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows
(in millions)
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 765 | $ | 469 | $ | 258 | |||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided from operations: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 272 | 265 | 270 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 108 | 79 | 38 | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 23 | 56 | 90 | ||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized losses | 22 | 18 | 9 | ||||||||||||||
| Net periodic pension cost (G) | 37 | 24 | 18 | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 50 | 54 | 41 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt redemption (Q) | 2 | 2 | 146 | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 3 | 12 | 20 | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign currency translation adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||
| Increase in receivables | (164) | (161) | (337) | ||||||||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in inventories | (142) | (234) | 60 | ||||||||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets | (24) | (6) | 11 | ||||||||||||||
| (Decrease) increase in accounts payable, trade | (7) | 246 | 144 | ||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses | 37 | 23 | (146) | ||||||||||||||
| Decrease in taxes, including income taxes | (7) | (12) | (41) | ||||||||||||||
| Pension contributions | (36) | (43) | (96) | ||||||||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in noncurrent assets | (4) | 1 | (13) | ||||||||||||||
| Decrease in noncurrent liabilities | (34) | (60) | (23) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash provided from operations | 901 | 733 | 449 | ||||||||||||||
| Financing Activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Net change in short-term borrowings | — | (5) | (9) | ||||||||||||||
| Additions to debt (Q) | 400 | — | 700 | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchases and payments on debt (Q) | (876) | (69) | (1,538) | ||||||||||||||
| Debt issuance costs (Q) | (2) | — | (11) | ||||||||||||||
| Premiums paid on early redemption of debt (Q) | (1) | (2) | (138) | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock (I) | (250) | (400) | (430) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options | 11 | 16 | 22 | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends paid to shareholders (I) | (73) | (44) | (19) | ||||||||||||||
| Taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards | (77) | (22) | (21) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash used for financing activities | (868) | (526) | (1,444) | ||||||||||||||
| Investing Activities | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures (C and S) | (219) | (193) | (199) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses (N and T) | 2 | 58 | 32 | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of securities | 2 | — | 6 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash receipts from sold receivables (L) | — | — | 267 | ||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash (used for) provided from investing activities | (215) | (135) | 107 | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | — | (2) | (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (182) | 70 | (889) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year | 792 | 722 | 1,611 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year | $ | 610 | $ | 792 | $ | 722 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Statement of Changes in Consolidated Equity
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
| Preferred stock | Common stock | Additional capital | Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit) | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Total equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 55 | $ | 433 | $ | 4,668 | $ | 364 | $ | (1,943) | $ | 3,577 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 258 | — | 258 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (K) | — | — | — | — | 80 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred–Class A @ $3.75 per share | — | — | — | (2) | — | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common @ $0.04 per share | — | — | — | (17) | — | (17) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock (I) | — | (13) | (417) | — | — | (430) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation (I) | — | — | 40 | — | — | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued: compensation plans (I) | — | 2 | — | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 55 | $ | 422 | $ | 4,291 | $ | 603 | $ | (1,863) | $ | 3,508 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 469 | — | 469 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (K) | — | — | — | — | 22 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred–Class A @ $3.75 per share | — | — | — | (2) | — | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common @ $0.10 per share | — | — | — | (42) | — | (42) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock (I) | — | (12) | (388) | — | — | (400) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation (I) | — | — | 54 | — | — | 54 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued: compensation plans (I) | — | 2 | (10) | — | — | (8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 55 | $ | 412 | $ | 3,947 | $ | 1,028 | $ | (1,841) | $ | 3,601 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 765 | — | 765 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (K) | — | — | — | — | 11 | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred–Class A @ $3.75 per share | — | — | — | (2) | — | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common @ $0.17 per share | — | — | — | (71) | — | (71) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock (I) | — | (5) | (246) | — | — | (251) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation (I) | — | — | 50 | — | — | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued: compensation plans (I) | — | 3 | (69) | — | — | (66) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 55 | $ | 410 | $ | 3,682 | $ | 1,720 | $ | (1,830) | $ | 4,037 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in millions, except share and per-share amounts)
A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation. The Consolidated Financial Statements of Howmet Aerospace Inc. (formerly known as Arconic Inc.) and subsidiaries (“Howmet” or the “Company” or “we” or “our”) are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and require management to make certain judgments, estimates, and assumptions. These estimates are based on historical experience and, in some cases, assumptions based on current and future market experience, including considerations relating to changes in the aerospace industry. We have made our best estimates using all relevant information available at the time, but it is possible that our estimates will differ from our actual results and affect the Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods and potentially require adverse adjustments to the recoverability of goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets, the realizability of deferred tax assets, and other judgments and estimations and assumptions. These may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. They also may affect the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters. Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
The Company derived approximately 49%, 46%, and 41% of its revenue from products sold to the commercial aerospace market for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, which is substantially less than the pre-pandemic 2019 annual rate of approximately 60%. Aircraft production in the commercial aerospace industry continues to recover based on increases in demand for narrow body and wide body aircraft. We expect commercial aerospace wide body demand to grow faster than narrow body demand on a production percentage basis. The timing and level of future aircraft builds by original equipment manufacturers are subject to changes and uncertainties, which may cause our future results to differ from prior periods due to changes in product mix in certain segments.
Principles of Consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Howmet Aerospace Inc. and companies in which Howmet Aerospace Inc. has a controlling interest. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Investments in affiliates in which Howmet Aerospace Inc. cannot exercise significant influence that do not have readily determinable fair values are accounted for at cost less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.
Management also evaluates whether a Howmet Aerospace Inc. entity or interest is a variable interest entity and whether Howmet Aerospace Inc. is the primary beneficiary. Consolidation is required if both of these criteria are met. Howmet Aerospace Inc. does not have any variable interest entities requiring consolidation.
Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Inventory Valuation. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value with the cost of inventories determined under a combination of the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”), last-in, first-out (“LIFO”), and average-cost methods. See Note M for further details.
Properties, Plants, and Equipment. Properties, plants, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded principally on the straight-line method at rates based on the estimated useful lives of the assets.
The following table details the weighted-average useful lives of structures and machinery and equipment by reporting segment (numbers in years):
| Structures | Machinery and equipment | ||||||||||
| Engine Products | 30 | 17 | |||||||||
| Fastening Systems | 27 | 17 | |||||||||
| Engineered Structures | 28 | 19 | |||||||||
| Forged Wheels | 28 | 18 |
Gains or losses from the sale of asset groups or properties are generally recorded in Restructuring and other charges while the sale of individual assets are recorded in Other expense, net (see policy below for assets classified as discontinued operations and held for sale). Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Interest related to the construction of qualifying assets is capitalized as part of the construction costs.
Properties, plants, and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets (asset group) may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations related to the assets (asset group) to their carrying amount.
An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets (asset group) exceeds the estimated undiscounted net cash flows. The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the assets (asset group) over their fair value, with fair value determined using the best information available, which generally is a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. The determination of what constitutes an asset group, the associated estimated undiscounted net cash flows, and the estimated useful lives of the assets also require significant judgments. See Note N for further details.
Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized; instead, it is reviewed for impairment annually (in the fourth quarter) or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist or if a decision is made to sell or realign a business. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include deterioration in general economic conditions, negative developments in equity and credit markets, adverse changes in the markets in which an entity operates, increases in input costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows, or a trend of negative or declining cash flows over multiple periods, among others. The fair value that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from that used to evaluate the impairment of goodwill.
Goodwill is allocated among and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. Howmet has four reporting units composed of the Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels segments.
Howmet determines annually, based on facts and circumstances, which of its reporting units will be subject to the qualitative assessment. Under the qualitative assessment, various events and circumstances (similar to the impairment indicators above) that would affect the estimated fair value of a reporting unit are identified to determine if a quantitative assessment should be performed. Management also considers the most recent forecasted cash flows and discount rates in determining if the prior fair value measurement estimate may be reduced to a level that would indicate impairment is more likely than not and compares the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) between the current and prior years for each reporting unit. If management concludes it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. Howmet will periodically refresh a reporting unit’s fair value measurement and this is based on a number of factors, including how much fair value exceeded carrying value in the most recent quantitative assessment and the reporting unit’s recent performance. Our policy is that a quantitative impairment test be performed for each reporting unit at least once during every three-year period. For those reporting units where a qualitative assessment is either not performed or for which the conclusion is that an impairment is more likely than not, a quantitative impairment test will be performed.
Other Intangible Assets. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized while intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized generally on a straight-line basis over the periods benefited.
The following table details the weighted-average useful lives of software and other intangible assets by reporting segment (numbers in years):
| Software | Other intangible assets | ||||||||||
| Engine Products | 7 | 33 | |||||||||
| Fastening Systems | 5 | 23 | |||||||||
| Engineered Structures | 3 | 18 | |||||||||
| Forged Wheels | 4 | 25 |
Leases. The Company determines whether a contract contains a lease at inception. The Company leases land and buildings, plant equipment, vehicles, and computer equipment which have been classified as operating leases. Certain real estate leases include one or more options to renew; the exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s discretion. The Company includes renewal option periods in the lease term when it is determined that the options are reasonably certain to be exercised. Certain of Howmet’s real estate lease agreements include rental payments that either have fixed contractual increases over time or adjust periodically for inflation. Certain of the Company’s lease agreements include variable lease payments. The variable portion of payments is not included in the initial measurement of the right-of-use asset or lease liability due to the uncertainty of the payment amount and is recorded as lease cost in the period incurred. The Company also rents or subleases certain real estate to third parties, which is not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities with an initial term greater than 12 months are recorded on the balance sheet at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the lease commencement date and are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company uses an incremental collateralized borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future payments, as most of its leases do not provide an implicit rate. The operating lease right-of-use assets also include any lease prepayments made and are reduced by lease incentives and accrued exit costs.
Environmental Matters. Expenditures for current operations are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate. Expenditures relating to existing conditions caused by past operations, which will not contribute to future sales, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when remediation costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The liability may include costs such as site investigations, consultant fees, feasibility studies, outside contractors, and monitoring expenses. Estimates are generally not discounted or reduced by potential claims for recovery. Claims for recovery are recognized when probable and as agreements are reached with third parties. The estimates also include costs related to other potentially responsible parties to the extent that Howmet has reason to believe such parties will not fully pay their proportionate share. The liability is continuously reviewed and adjusted to reflect current remediation progress, prospective estimates of required activity, and other factors that may be relevant, including changes in technology or regulations.
Litigation and Contingent Liabilities. From time to time, we are involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings. These matters may include speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages. Management determines the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome based on many factors, such as the nature of the matter, available defenses and case strategy, progress of the matter, views and opinions of legal counsel and other advisors, applicability and success of appeals processes, and the outcome of similar historical matters, among others. If an unfavorable outcome is deemed probable and the amount of the potential loss can be estimated, the most reasonable loss estimate is recorded. If an unfavorable outcome of a matter is deemed probable but the loss is not reasonably estimable, or if an unfavorable outcome is deemed reasonably possible, then the matter is disclosed but no liability is recorded. Legal matters are reviewed on a continuous basis to determine if there has been a change in management’s judgment regarding the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the estimate of a potential loss.
Revenue Recognition. The Company's contracts with customers are comprised of acknowledged purchase orders incorporating the Company’s standard terms and conditions, or for larger customers, may also generally include terms under negotiated multi-year agreements. These contracts with customers typically consist of the manufacturing of products which represent single performance obligations that are satisfied upon transfer of control of the product to the customer. The Company produces fastening systems; seamless rolled rings; investment castings, including airfoils; extruded, machined and formed aircraft parts; and forged aluminum commercial vehicle wheels. Transfer of control is assessed based on alternative use of the products we produce and our enforceable right to payment for performance to date under the contract terms. Transfer of control and revenue recognition generally occur upon shipment or delivery of the product, which is when title, ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer and is based on the applicable shipping terms. The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product, the country of origin, and the type of transportation (truck, train, or vessel). An invoice for payment is issued at the time of shipment. Our segments set commercial terms on which Howmet sells products to its customers. These terms are influenced by industry custom, market conditions, product line (specialty versus commodity products), and other considerations.
In certain circumstances, Howmet receives advanced payments from its customers for product to be delivered in future periods. These advanced payments are recorded as deferred revenue until the product is delivered and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer in accordance with the terms of the contract. Deferred revenue was $64 and $32 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is included in Other current liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, the provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable (or received or receivable) for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid, and result from differences between the financial and tax bases of Howmet’s assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when enacted.
Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that a tax benefit will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all potential sources of taxable income, including income available in carryback periods, future reversals of taxable temporary differences, projections of taxable income, and income from tax planning strategies, as well as all available positive and negative evidence. Positive evidence includes factors such as a history of profitable operations, projections of future profitability within the carryforward period, including from tax planning strategies, and Howmet’s experience with similar operations. Existing favorable contracts and the ability to sell products into established markets are additional positive evidence. Negative evidence includes items such as cumulative losses, projections of future losses, or carryforward periods that are not long enough to allow for the utilization of a deferred tax asset based on existing projections of income. Deferred tax assets for which no valuation allowance is recorded may not be realized upon changes in facts and circumstances, resulting in a future charge to establish a valuation allowance. Existing valuation allowances are re-examined under the same standards of positive and negative evidence. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be realized, the appropriate amount of the valuation allowance, if any,
is released. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are also remeasured to reflect changes in underlying tax rates due to law changes and the granting and lapse of tax holidays.
It is Howmet’s policy to apply a tax law ordering approach when considering the need for a valuation allowance on net operating losses expected to offset Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) income inclusions. Under this approach, reductions in cash tax savings are not considered as part of the valuation allowance assessment. Instead, future GILTI inclusions are considered a source of taxable income that support the realizability of deferred tax assets.
It is Howmet’s policy to treat taxes due from future inclusions in United States (“U.S.”) taxable income related to GILTI as a current period expense when incurred.
Tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return are recorded when such benefits meet a more likely than not threshold. Otherwise, these tax benefits are recorded when a tax position has been effectively settled, which means that the statute of limitations has expired or the appropriate taxing authority has completed their examination even though the statute of limitations remains open. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as part of the provision for income taxes and are accrued beginning in the period that such interest and penalties would be applicable under relevant tax law until such time that the related tax benefits are recognized.
Stock-Based Compensation. Howmet recognizes compensation expense for employee equity grants using the non-substantive vesting period approach, in which the expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period based on the grant date fair value. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. The fair value of performance awards containing a market condition is valued using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Determining the fair value at the grant date requires judgment, including estimates for the average risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, volatility, and exercise behavior. These assumptions may differ significantly between grant dates because of changes in the actual results of these inputs that occur over time.
Foreign Currency. The local currency is the functional currency for Howmet’s significant operations outside the U.S., except for certain operations in Canada and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), where the U.S. dollar is used as the functional currency. The determination of the functional currency for Howmet’s operations is made based on the appropriate economic and management indicators.
Derivatives and Hedging. Derivatives are held for purposes other than trading and are part of a formally documented risk management program. The Company uses commodity derivative financial instruments to manage its economic risk. For interest rate exposures, we use interest rate swaps to effect a fixed rate payment and hedge the variability in future payment changes.
The Company records derivative instruments on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value and evaluates hedge effectiveness when electing to apply hedge accounting. When electing to apply hedge accounting, the Company formally documents all derivative hedges at inception and the underlying hedged items, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction.
For derivatives and debt instruments that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Operations when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The remeasurements of debt instruments designated as net investment hedges are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and will be reclassified to earnings only upon the sale or liquidation of the Company’s hedged net investment. Cash flows from derivatives are recognized in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows in a manner consistent with the underlying transactions.
Acquisitions. Howmet’s business acquisitions are accounted for using the acquisition method. The purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. Any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. For all acquisitions, operating results are included in the Statement of Consolidated Operations from the date of the acquisition.
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale. For those businesses where management has committed to a plan to divest, each business is valued at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. Fair value is estimated using accepted valuation techniques such as a DCF model, valuations performed by third parties, earnings multiples, or indicative bids, when available. A number of significant estimates and assumptions are involved in the application of these techniques, including the forecasting of markets and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs and expenses, and multiple other factors. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the estimates are made; however, the fair value that is ultimately realized upon the divestiture of a business may differ from the estimated fair value reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Depreciation and amortization expense is not recorded on assets of a business to be divested once they are classified as held for sale. Businesses to be divested are generally classified in the Consolidated Financial Statements as either discontinued operations or held for sale.
For businesses classified as discontinued operations, the balance sheet amounts and results of operations are reclassified from their historical presentation to assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and to discontinued operations on the Statement of Consolidated Operations, respectively, for all periods presented. The gains or losses associated with these divested businesses are recorded in discontinued operations on the Statement of Consolidated Operations. The Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows is not required to be reclassified for discontinued operations for any period. Segment information does not include the assets or operating results of businesses classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented. These businesses are expected to be disposed of within one year.
For businesses classified as held for sale that do not qualify for discontinued operations treatment, the balance sheet and cash flow amounts are reclassified from their historical presentation to assets and liabilities of operations held for sale for all periods presented. The results of operations continue to be reported in continuing operations. The gains or losses associated with these divested businesses are recorded in Restructuring and other charges on the Statement of Consolidated Operations. The segment information includes the assets and operating results of businesses classified as held for sale for all periods presented. As of December 31, 2023, Howmet has no businesses that are classified as discontinued operations or held for sale.
B. Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance.
In September 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to enhance the transparency of disclosures regarding supplier finance programs (See Note S). These changes became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023.
On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB that were intended to simplify various aspects of accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions contained in existing guidance and amending other guidance to simplify several other income tax accounting matters. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance.
In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance to enhance the transparency of income tax disclosures. These changes become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance to enhance disclosures related to reportable segments. These changes become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these changes on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued amendments that provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. These amendments are effective immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB deferred the sunset date to December 31, 2024. The Company has amended its agreements in accordance with the new guidance (See Note L and Note Q). Management has concluded that the impact of these changes did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
C. Segment and Geographic Area Information
Howmet is a global leader in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing. Howmet’s innovative, multi-material products, which include nickel, titanium, aluminum, and cobalt, are used worldwide in the aerospace (commercial and defense), commercial transportation, and industrial and other markets. Segment performance under Howmet’s management reporting system is evaluated based on a number of factors; however, the primary measure of performance is Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Prior to the first quarter of 2022, the Company used Segment operating profit as its primary measure of performance. However, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer believes that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a better representation of its business because it provides additional information with respect to the Company’s operating performance and the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations. Howmet’s definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) is net margin plus an add-back for depreciation and amortization. Net margin is equivalent to Sales minus the following items: Cost of goods sold; Selling, general administrative, and other expenses; Research and development expenses; and Provision for depreciation and amortization. Special items, including Restructuring and other charges, are excluded from net margin and Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate.
Howmet’s operations consist of four worldwide reportable segments as follows:
Engine Products
Engine Products produces investment castings, including airfoils, and seamless rolled rings primarily for aircraft engines and industrial gas turbine applications. Engine Products produces rotating parts as well as structural parts.
Fastening Systems
Fastening Systems produces aerospace fastening systems, as well as commercial transportation, industrial and other fasteners. The business’s high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aero engines. Fastening Systems’ products are also critical components of commercial transportation vehicles, construction and industrial equipment, and renewable energy sectors.
Engineered Structures
Engineered Structures produces titanium ingots and mill products for aerospace and defense applications and is vertically integrated to produce titanium forgings, extrusions, forming and machining services for airframe, wing, aero-engine, and landing gear components. Engineered Structures also produces aluminum forgings, nickel forgings, and aluminum machined components and assemblies for aerospace and defense applications.
Forged Wheels
Forged Wheels provides forged aluminum wheels and related products for heavy-duty trucks and the commercial transportation market.
The operating results and assets of the Company's reportable segments were as follows:
| Year ended | Engine Products | Fastening Systems | Engineered Structures | Forged Wheels | Total Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party sales | $ | 3,266 | $ | 1,349 | $ | 878 | $ | 1,147 | $ | 6,640 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Inter-segment sales | 13 | — | 3 | — | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total sales | $ | 3,279 | $ | 1,349 | $ | 881 | $ | 1,147 | $ | 6,656 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Profit and loss: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 887 | $ | 278 | $ | 113 | $ | 309 | $ | 1,587 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other (credits) charges | (2) | 1 | 21 | — | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for depreciation and amortization | 130 | 46 | 47 | 39 | 262 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 112 | $ | 31 | $ | 26 | $ | 36 | $ | 205 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 4,926 | 2,749 | 1,415 | 724 | 9,814 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party sales | $ | 2,698 | $ | 1,117 | $ | 790 | $ | 1,058 | $ | 5,663 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Inter-segment sales | 4 | — | 6 | — | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total sales | $ | 2,702 | $ | 1,117 | $ | 796 | $ | 1,058 | $ | 5,673 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Profit and loss: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 729 | $ | 234 | $ | 111 | $ | 278 | $ | 1,352 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 29 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 46 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for depreciation and amortization | 125 | 45 | 48 | 40 | 258 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 94 | $ | 39 | $ | 17 | $ | 28 | $ | 178 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 4,784 | 2,661 | 1,273 | 701 | 9,419 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party sales | $ | 2,282 | $ | 1,044 | $ | 725 | $ | 921 | $ | 4,972 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Inter-segment sales | 4 | — | 6 | — | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total sales | $ | 2,286 | $ | 1,044 | $ | 731 | $ | 921 | $ | 4,982 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Profit and loss: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 564 | $ | 239 | $ | 103 | $ | 294 | $ | 1,200 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 74 | — | 16 | — | 90 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for depreciation and amortization | 124 | 49 | 49 | 39 | 261 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 74 | $ | 42 | $ | 21 | $ | 45 | $ | 182 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 4,663 | 2,635 | 1,280 | 684 | 9,262 |
The following table reconciles Total segment capital expenditures, which are presented on an accrual basis, with Capital expenditures as presented on the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate, including the impact of changes in accrued capital expenditures during the period.
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Total segment capital expenditures | $ | 205 | $ | 178 | $ | 182 | |||||||||||
| Corporate | 14 | 15 | 17 | ||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 219 | $ | 193 | $ | 199 |
The following tables reconcile certain segment information to consolidated totals. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate.
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Sales: | |||||||||||||||||
| Total segment sales | $ | 6,656 | $ | 5,673 | $ | 4,982 | |||||||||||
| Elimination of inter-segment sales | (16) | (10) | (10) | ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated sales | $ | 6,640 | $ | 5,663 | $ | 4,972 |
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,587 | $ | 1,352 | $ | 1,200 | |||||||||||
| Segment provision for depreciation and amortization | (262) | (258) | (261) | ||||||||||||||
| Unallocated amounts: | |||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | (23) | (56) | (90) | ||||||||||||||
| Corporate expense | (99) | (119) | (101) | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 1,203 | $ | 919 | $ | 748 | |||||||||||
| Loss on debt redemption | (2) | (2) | (146) | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (218) | (229) | (259) | ||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net (F) | (8) | (82) | (19) | ||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | 975 | $ | 606 | $ | 324 |
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||
| Total segment assets | $ | 9,814 | $ | 9,419 | |||||||
| Unallocated amounts: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 610 | 791 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 46 | 54 | |||||||||
| Corporate fixed assets, net | 83 | 91 | |||||||||
| Fair value of derivative contracts | — | 6 | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable securitization | (250) | (250) | |||||||||
| Other | 125 | 144 | |||||||||
| Consolidated assets | $ | 10,428 | $ | 10,255 |
Segment assets include third-party receivables while the accounts receivable securitization item includes the impact of sold receivables under the Company’s Accounts Receivable securitization programs. See Note L for further details.
Geographic information for sales was as follows (based upon the destination of the sale):
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Sales: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 3,273 | $ | 2,928 | $ | 2,542 | |||||||||||
| France | 578 | 394 | 330 | ||||||||||||||
| Japan | 378 | 319 | 319 | ||||||||||||||
| Germany | 363 | 292 | 257 | ||||||||||||||
| United Kingdom | 283 | 228 | 213 | ||||||||||||||
| Mexico | 263 | 235 | 225 | ||||||||||||||
| Italy | 220 | 180 | 181 | ||||||||||||||
| Canada | 145 | 138 | 127 | ||||||||||||||
| Poland | 130 | 96 | 77 | ||||||||||||||
| China | 98 | 111 | 71 | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 909 | 742 | 630 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 6,640 | $ | 5,663 | $ | 4,972 |
Geographic information for long-lived tangible assets was as follows (based upon the physical location of the assets):
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Long-lived assets: | |||||||||||
| United States | $ | 1,760 | $ | 1,793 | |||||||
| Hungary | 200 | 193 | |||||||||
| France | 121 | 114 | |||||||||
| United Kingdom | 120 | 107 | |||||||||
| Mexico | 71 | 58 | |||||||||
| Germany | 58 | 58 | |||||||||
| China | 46 | 46 | |||||||||
| Other | 80 | 74 | |||||||||
| $ | 2,456 | $ | 2,443 |
The following table disaggregates segment revenue by major market served. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate.
| Engine Products | Fastening Systems | Engineered Structures | Forged Wheels | Total Segment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aerospace - Commercial | $ | 1,798 | $ | 790 | $ | 641 | $ | — | $ | 3,229 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Aerospace - Defense | 670 | 173 | 172 | — | 1,015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Transportation | — | 255 | — | 1,147 | 1,402 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and Other | 798 | 131 | 65 | — | 994 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total end-market revenue | $ | 3,266 | $ | 1,349 | $ | 878 | $ | 1,147 | $ | 6,640 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aerospace - Commercial | $ | 1,495 | $ | 616 | $ | 495 | $ | — | $ | 2,606 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Aerospace - Defense | 526 | 158 | 239 | — | 923 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Transportation | — | 225 | — | 1,058 | 1,283 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and Other | 677 | 118 | 56 | — | 851 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total end-market revenue | $ | 2,698 | $ | 1,117 | $ | 790 | $ | 1,058 | $ | 5,663 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aerospace - Commercial | $ | 1,105 | $ | 537 | $ | 387 | $ | — | $ | 2,029 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Aerospace - Defense | 523 | 158 | 270 | — | 951 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Transportation | — | 208 | — | 921 | 1,129 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial and Other | 654 | 141 | 68 | — | 863 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total end-market revenue | $ | 2,282 | $ | 1,044 | $ | 725 | $ | 921 | $ | 4,972 |
The Company derived 64%, 62%, and 60% of its revenue from the aerospace (commercial and defense) markets for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
General Electric Company and RTX Corporation represented approximately 12% and 9%, respectively, of the Company’s third-party sales for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily from the Engine Products segment.
D. Restructuring and Other Charges
Restructuring and other charges were comprised of the following:
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Layoff costs | $ | 3 | $ | — | $ | 7 | |||||||||||
| Net reversals of previously recorded layoff reserves | (1) | (1) | (3) | ||||||||||||||
| Pension and other post-retirement benefits - net settlement (G) | 5 | 58 | 75 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-cash asset impairments and accelerated depreciation | 14 | 1 | 15 | ||||||||||||||
| Net gain related to divestitures of assets and businesses (T) | (1) | (8) | (8) | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 3 | 6 | 4 | ||||||||||||||
| Total restructuring and other charges | $ | 23 | $ | 56 | $ | 90 |
Layoff costs were recorded based on approved detailed action plans submitted by the operating locations that specified positions to be eliminated, benefits to be paid under existing severance plans, union contracts or statutory requirements and the expected timetable for completion of the plans.
2023 Actions. In 2023, Howmet recorded Restructuring and other charges of $23, which included a $12 charge for impairment of assets primarily related to decommissioned fixed assets in Engineered Structures; a $5 charge for U.S. and Canadian pension plans’ settlement accounting; a $3 charge for layoff costs, including the separation of 63 employees in Engineered Structures; a $3 charge for various other exit costs primarily for the closures of small manufacturing facilities and a $2 charge for accelerated depreciation primarily related to the closure of a small Engineered Structures facility in the U.K. These charges were partially offset by a gain of $1 on the sale of assets at a U.S. Engineered Structures facility and a benefit of $1 related to the reversal of layoff reserves related to prior periods.
As of December 31, 2023, 18 of the 63 employees were separated. The remaining separations for the 2023 restructuring programs are expected to be completed in 2024.
2022 Actions. In 2022, Howmet recorded Restructuring and other charges of $56, which included a $58 charge for U.S. and U.K. pension plans’ settlement accounting; a $6 charge for various other exit costs; and a $1 charge for accelerated depreciation primarily related to the closure of small U.S. manufacturing facilities in Engineered Structures. These charges were partially offset by a gain of $8 on the sale of assets at a small U.S. manufacturing facility in Engine Products and a benefit of $1 related to the reversal of a number of layoff reserves related to prior periods.
2021 Actions. In 2021, Howmet recorded Restructuring and other charges of $90, which included a $75 charge for U.K. and U.S. pension plans’ settlement accounting; a $15 charge for accelerated depreciation primarily related to the closure of small U.S. manufacturing facilities in Engine Products and Fastening Systems; a $7 charge for layoff costs, including the separation of 253 employees (171 in Engineered Structures, 75 in Engine Products, 6 in Fastening Systems and 1 in Corporate); a $4 charge for impairment of assets associated with an agreement to sell a small manufacturing business in France, and a $4 charge for various other exit costs. These charges were partially offset by a gain of $12 on the sale of assets at a small U.S. manufacturing facility in Fastening Systems and a benefit of $3 related to the reversal of a number of layoff reserves related to prior periods.
As of December 31, 2023, 173 of the 253 employees were separated. The remaining separations for the 2021 programs are expected to be completed in 2024.
Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges were as follows:
| Layoff costs | Other exit costs | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Reserve balances at December 30, 2020 | $ | 54 | $ | — | $ | 54 | |||||||||||
| 2021 Activity | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash payments | (41) | (2) | (43) | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 79 | 11 | 90 | ||||||||||||||
| Other(1) | (75) | (7) | (82) | ||||||||||||||
| Reserve balances at December 31, 2021 | $ | 17 | $ | 2 | $ | 19 | |||||||||||
| 2022 Activity | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash payments | $ | (9) | $ | (7) | $ | (16) | |||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 56 | — | 56 | ||||||||||||||
| Other(2) | (58) | 7 | (51) | ||||||||||||||
| Reserve balances at December 31, 2022 | $ | 6 | $ | 2 | $ | 8 | |||||||||||
| 2023 Activity | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash payments | $ | (3) | $ | (3) | $ | (6) | |||||||||||
| Restructuring and other charges | 7 | 16 | 23 | ||||||||||||||
| Other(3) | (5) | (13) | (18) | ||||||||||||||
| Reserve balances at December 31, 2023 | $ | 5 | $ | 2 | $ | 7 |
(1)In 2021, other for layoff costs included $75 in settlement accounting charges related to U.K. and U.S. pension plans; while other for other exit costs included a charge of $15 for accelerated depreciation and a $4 charge for various other exit costs, which were offset by a gain of $12 on the sale of assets.
(2)In 2022, other for layoff costs included $58 in settlement accounting charges related to U.S. and U.K. pension plans; while other for other exit costs included a gain of $8 on the sale of assets, which was offset by a $1 charge for accelerated depreciation.
(3)In 2023, other for layoff costs included $5 in settlement accounting charges related to U.S. and Canadian pension plans; while other for other exit costs included charges of $12 related to the impairment of assets and a $2 charge for accelerated depreciation which was offset by a gain of $1 on the sale of assets.
The remaining reserves as of December 31, 2023 are expected to be paid in cash during 2024.
E. Interest Cost Components
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Amount charged to interest expense, net | $ | 218 | $ | 229 | $ | 259 | |||||||||||
| Loss on debt redemption (Q) | 2 | 2 | 146 | ||||||||||||||
| Amount capitalized | 6 | 6 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
| Total interest cost | $ | 226 | $ | 237 | $ | 413 |
F. Other Expense, Net
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-service costs - pension and other postretirement benefits (G) | $ | 29 | $ | 16 | $ | 9 | |||||||||||
| Interest income | (23) | (6) | (2) | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency (gains) losses, net | (2) | (1) | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized losses | 22 | 18 | 9 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation | 10 | (8) | 8 | ||||||||||||||
| Legal proceeding(1) | (25) | 65 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other, net | (3) | (2) | (7) | ||||||||||||||
| Total other expense, net | $ | 8 | $ | 82 | $ | 19 |
(1) In 2023, due to the final settlement of the Lehman Brothers International (Europe) legal proceeding (See Note U) in June 2023, Legal proceeding included the reversal of $25 of the $65 pre-tax charge taken in 2022.
G. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Howmet maintains pension plans covering U.S. employees and certain employees in foreign locations. Defined pension benefits generally depend on length of service and job grade. The majority of benefits are paid through pension trusts that are sufficiently funded to ensure that all plans can pay benefits to retirees as they become due. Most salaried and non-bargaining hourly U.S. employees hired after March 1, 2006, participate in a defined contribution plan instead of a defined benefit plan.
Howmet also maintains health care and life insurance postretirement benefit plans covering eligible U.S. retired employees. Generally, the medical plans are unfunded and pay a percentage of medical expenses, reduced by deductibles and other coverage. Life benefits are generally provided by insurance contracts. Howmet retains the right, subject to existing agreements, to change or eliminate these benefits. Effective May 1, 2019, salaried and non-bargaining hourly U.S. employees and retirees are not eligible for postretirement life insurance benefits. Salaried and non-bargaining hourly U.S. employees that retire on or after January 1, 2022 are not eligible for any postretirement medical benefits. Certain previously retired salary and non-bargaining hourly U.S. employees remain eligible for Medicare Part B reimbursement.
In 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company applied settlement accounting to certain U.S., U.K. and Canadian pension plans due to lump sum payments to participants, which resulted in settlement charges of $2, $17, and $12, respectively, that were recorded in Restructuring and other charges.
In May and July 2023, Howmet entered into new collective bargaining agreements with the United Autoworkers and United Steel Workers, respectively. These agreements amended the existing health and welfare plans, resulting in an adjustment to the Company’s Accrued other postretirement benefits liability of $10, which was offset in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
In June 2023, the Company undertook additional actions to reduce U.S. gross pension obligations by $19 by purchasing group annuity contracts with a third-party carrier to pay and administer future annuity payments. These actions resulted in a settlement charge of $3 and were recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the second quarter ended June 30, 2023 in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. The funded status of the plans have not been significantly impacted.
In 2022, a certain U.S. pension plan attained funding levels that allowed full lump sum payments. These payments resulted in settlement charges of $41 that were recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
In December 2022, the Canadian pension plan was amended to provide for termination of the plan. As a result, the Company recognized a reduction of $2 in the pension benefit obligation through curtailment, which was offset in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The wind-up efforts and satisfaction of all plan liabilities are expected to be completed in 2024.
In 2021, the Company undertook a number of actions to reduce pension obligations in the U.K. by offering lump sum payments to certain plan participants and entering into group annuity contracts with a third-party carrier to pay and administer future annuity payments. The Company applied settlement accounting to these U.K. pension plans, which resulted in settlement charges of $23 that were recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
In the first quarter of 2021, the Company announced a plan administration change of certain of its Medicare-eligible prescription drug benefits to an Employer Group Waiver Plan with a wrap-around secondary plan effective July 1, 2021. The administration change is expected to reduce costs to the Company through the usage of Medicare Part D and drug manufacturer subsidies. Due to this amendment, along with the associated plan remeasurements, the Company recorded a decrease to its Accrued other postretirement benefits liability of $39, which was offset in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
In October 2021, the Company undertook additional actions to reduce gross pension obligations by $125 by purchasing group annuity contracts with a third-party carrier to pay and administer future annuity payments. These actions resulted in a settlement charge of $34 and were recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021 in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. The funded status of the plans were not significantly impacted.
Obligations and Funded Status
| Pension benefits | Other postretirement benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in benefit obligation | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $ | 1,599 | $ | 2,296 | $ | 120 | $ | 165 | |||||||||||||||
| Service cost | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 80 | 51 | 7 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amendments | — | — | (10) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Actuarial losses (gains)(1) | 50 | (553) | (1) | (38) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | (31) | (72) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Curtailments | — | (2) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | (118) | (102) | (14) | (13) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation impact | 9 | (23) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit obligation at end of year(2) | $ | 1,592 | $ | 1,599 | $ | 103 | $ | 120 | |||||||||||||||
| Change in plan assets**(2)** | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | $ | 970 | $ | 1,531 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Actual return (loss) on plan assets | 57 | (383) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Employer contributions | 36 | 43 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | (101) | (87) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative expenses | (13) | (12) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement payments | (32) | (98) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation impact | 8 | (24) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets at end of year(2) | $ | 925 | $ | 970 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Funded status | $ | (667) | $ | (629) | $ | (103) | $ | (120) | |||||||||||||||
| Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet consist of: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noncurrent assets | $ | 13 | $ | 20 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | (16) | (16) | (11) | (11) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | (664) | (633) | (92) | (109) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net amount recognized | $ | (667) | $ | (629) | $ | (103) | $ | (120) | |||||||||||||||
| Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss consist of: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net actuarial loss (gain) | $ | 960 | $ | 907 | $ | (26) | $ | (28) | |||||||||||||||
| Prior service cost (benefit) | 2 | 2 | (41) | (40) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net amount recognized, before tax effect | $ | 962 | $ | 909 | $ | (67) | $ | (68) | |||||||||||||||
| Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss consist of: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net actuarial cost (benefit) | $ | 86 | $ | (53) | $ | (1) | $ | (38) | |||||||||||||||
| Amortization of accumulated net actuarial (loss) benefit | (33) | (107) | 3 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Prior service benefit | — | (1) | (10) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service benefit | — | — | 9 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net amount recognized, before tax effect | $ | 53 | $ | (161) | $ | 1 | $ | (30) |
(1)As of December 31, 2023, the actuarial losses impacting the benefit obligation were primarily due to changes in the discount rate as well as asset returns being lower than expected. At December 31, 2022, the actuarial gains impacting the benefit obligation were primarily due to changes in the discount rate as well as the alternative interest cost method.
(2)As of December 31, 2023, the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, and funded status for U.S. pension plans were $1,434, $780, and $(654), respectively. As of December 31, 2022, the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, and funded status for U.S. pension plans were $1,459, $833, and $(626), respectively.
Pension Plan Benefit Obligations
| Pension benefits | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| The projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans were as follows: | |||||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation | $ | 1,592 | $ | 1,599 | |||||||
| Accumulated benefit obligation | 1,591 | 1,598 | |||||||||
| The aggregate projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: | |||||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation | 1,459 | 1,482 | |||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets | 780 | 833 | |||||||||
| The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: | |||||||||||
| Accumulated benefit obligation | 1,459 | 1,481 | |||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets | 780 | 833 |
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
| Pension benefits**(1)** | Other postretirement benefits**(2)** | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | 3 | $ | 4 | $ | 4 | $ | 1 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 80 | 51 | 47 | 7 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (74) | (80) | (90) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) | 28 | 49 | 56 | (3) | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost (benefit) | — | — | 1 | (9) | (9) | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements(3) | 5 | 58 | 69 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Curtailment(4) | — | — | 6 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost(5) | $ | 42 | $ | 82 | $ | 93 | $ | (4) | $ | (2) | $ | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)In 2023, 2022, and 2021, net periodic benefit cost for U.S. pension plans was $40, $79, and $61, respectively.
(2)In 2021, net periodic benefit cost for other postretirement benefits reflects a reduction of less than $1 related to the recognition of the federal subsidy awarded under Medicare Part D.
(3)In 2023, settlements were related to U.S. and Canadian actions including an annuity buyout and lump sum benefit payments. In 2022, settlements were related to U.S. and U.K. lump sum benefit payments. In 2021, settlements were related to U.S. and U.K. actions including the purchase of group annuity contracts and lump sum benefit payments. See Note D for further details.
(4)In 2021, the curtailment was due to plan termination.
(5)Service cost was included within Cost of goods sold, Selling, general administrative, and other expenses; curtailment and settlements were included in Restructuring and other charges; and all other cost components were recorded in Other expense, net in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
Assumptions
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for pension and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Discount rate | 5.10 | % | 5.40 | % | |||||||
| Cash balance plan interest crediting rate | 3.00 | % | 3.00 | % |
The U.S. discount rate is determined using a Company-specific yield curve model (above-median) developed with the assistance of an external actuary, while both the U.K. and Canada utilize models developed internally by their respective actuary. The cash flows of the plans’ projected benefit obligations are discounted using a single equivalent rate derived from yields on high quality corporate bonds, which represent a broad diversification of issuers in various sectors, including finance and banking, industrials, transportation, and utilities, among others. The yield curve models parallel the plans’ projected cash
flows, which have a global average duration of 10 years. The underlying cash flows of the bonds included in the models exceed the cash flows needed to satisfy the Company’s plans’ obligations multiple times.
Benefit accruals for future compensation under the Company’s major salaried and non-bargained hourly defined benefit pension plans have ceased. The rate of compensation increase no longer impacts the determination of the benefit obligation.
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Discount rate to calculate service cost(1) | 5.50 | % | 2.80 | % | 2.80 | % | |||||||||||
| Discount rate to calculate interest cost(1) | 5.30 | % | 2.50 | % | 2.10 | % | |||||||||||
| Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 6.70 | % | 6.70 | % | 6.20 | % | |||||||||||
| Cash balance plan interest crediting rate | 3.00 | % | 3.00 | % | 3.00 | % |
(1)In all periods presented, the respective global discount rates were used to determine net periodic benefit cost for most pension plans for the full annual period. The discount rates for certain plans were updated during 2023, 2022, and 2021 to reflect the remeasurement of these plans due to settlements and/or curtailments. The weighted-average rates reflecting these remeasurements does not significantly differ from the rates presented.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (“EROA”) is generally applied to a five-year market-related value of plan assets. The process used by management to develop this assumption is one that relies on a combination of historical asset return information and forward-looking returns by asset class. As it relates to historical asset return information, management focuses on various historical moving averages when developing this assumption. While consideration is given to recent performance and historical returns, the assumption represents a long-term, prospective return. Management also incorporates expected future returns on current and planned asset allocations using information from various external investment managers and consultants, as well as management’s own judgment.
For 2024, management anticipates that approximately 7% will continue to be the expected long-term rate of return for global plan assets. EROA assumptions are developed by country. Annual changes in the weighted average EROA are impacted by the relative size of the assets by country.
For 2023, 2022, and 2021, the U.S. expected long-term rate of return used by management was based on the prevailing and planned strategic asset allocations, as well as estimates of future returns by asset class. These rates were within the respective range of the 20-year moving average of actual performance and the expected future return developed by asset class.
Assumed health care cost trend rates for U.S. other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year | 5.50 | % | 5.50 | % | 5.50 | % | |||||||||||
| Rate to which the cost trend rate gradually declines | 4.50 | % | 4.50 | % | 4.50 | % | |||||||||||
| Year that the rate reaches the rate at which it is assumed to remain | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
The assumed health care cost trend rate is used to measure the expected cost of gross eligible charges covered by Howmet’s other postretirement benefit plans. For 2024, a 5.50% trend rate will be used, reflecting management’s best estimate of the change in future health care costs covered by the plans. The plans’ actual annual health care cost trend experience over the past three years has ranged from (0.40)% to 11.30%. Management’s best estimate considering actual and expected annual health care costs is to maintain the 5.50% trend rate as indicative of expected increases for future health care costs over the long-term.
Plan Assets
Howmet’s pension plans’ investment policy as of December 31, 2023 by asset class, were as follows:
| Asset class | Policy range**(1)** | |||||||||||||
| Equities | 20–55% | |||||||||||||
| Fixed income | 25–55% | |||||||||||||
| Other investments | 15–35% | |||||||||||||
(1)Policy range is for U.S. plan assets only, as both the U.K. and Canadian asset investment allocations are controlled by a third-party trustee with input from Howmet.
The principal objectives underlying the investment of the pension plans’ assets are to ensure that Howmet can properly fund benefit obligations as they become due under a broad range of potential economic and financial scenarios, maximize the long-term investment return with an acceptable level of risk based on such obligations, and broadly diversify investments across and within various asset classes to protect asset values against adverse movements. Specific objectives for long-term investment strategy include reducing the volatility of pension assets relative to pension liabilities, and attaining and maintaining a sufficiently funded status. The use of derivative instruments is permitted where appropriate and necessary for achieving overall investment policy objectives. The investment strategy uses long duration bonds and derivative instruments to offset a portion of the interest rate sensitivity of U.S. pension liabilities. Exposure to broad equity risk is decreased and diversified through investments in hedge funds, private equity, private credit, private real estate, high-yield bonds, global and emerging market debt, and global and emerging market equities. Investments are further diversified by strategy, asset class, geography, and sector to enhance returns and mitigate downside risk. A large number of external investment managers are used to gain broad exposure to the financial markets and to mitigate manager-concentration risk.
Investment practices comply with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and other applicable laws and regulations.
The following section describes the valuation methodologies used to measure the fair value of pension plan assets, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each type of asset is generally classified (See Note R for the definition of fair value and a description of the fair value hierarchy).
Equities. These securities consist of: (i) direct investments in the stock of publicly traded U.S. and non-U.S. companies that are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded (generally classified in Level 1); (ii) the plans’ share of commingled funds that are invested in the stock of publicly traded companies and are valued at the net asset value of shares held at December 31 (included in Level 1 and Level 2); and (iii) direct investments in long/short equity hedge funds and private equity (limited partnerships and venture capital partnerships) that are valued at net asset value.
Fixed income. These securities consist of: (i) U.S. government debt that are generally valued using quoted prices (included in Level 1); (ii) cash and cash equivalents invested in publicly-traded funds and are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded (generally classified in Level 1); (iii) publicly traded U.S. and non-U.S. fixed interest obligations (principally corporate bonds and debentures) and are valued through consultation and evaluation with brokers in the institutional market using quoted prices and other observable market data (included in Level 2); (iv) fixed income derivatives that are generally valued using industry standard models with market-based observable inputs (included in Level 2); and (v) cash and cash equivalents invested in institutional funds and are valued at net asset value.
Other investments. These investments include, among others: (i) real estate investment trusts that are valued based on the quoted prices and other observable market data (included in Level 2) and (ii) direct investments of discretionary and systematic macro hedge funds and private real estate (includes limited partnerships) and are valued at net asset value.
The fair value methods described above may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Additionally, while Howmet believes the valuation methods used by the plans’ trustees are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
The following table presents the fair value of pension plan assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy or net asset value:
| December 31, 2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Net Asset Value | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | $ | — | $ | 85 | $ | 225 | $ | 310 | |||||||||||||||
| Long/short equity hedge funds | — | — | 18 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity | — | — | 108 | 108 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | — | $ | 85 | $ | 351 | $ | 436 | ||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermediate and long duration government/credit | $ | 199 | $ | 151 | $ | — | $ | 350 | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 6 | 63 | — | 69 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 205 | $ | 214 | $ | — | $ | 419 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate | $ | — | $ | 5 | $ | 68 | $ | 73 | |||||||||||||||
| Discretionary and systematic macro hedge funds | — | — | 29 | 29 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | — | $ | 5 | $ | 100 | $ | 105 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net plan assets(1) | $ | 205 | $ | 304 | $ | 451 | $ | 960 |
| December 31, 2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Net Asset Value | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | $ | — | $ | 133 | $ | 283 | $ | 416 | |||||||||||||||
| Long/short equity hedge funds | — | — | 18 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity | — | — | 107 | 107 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | — | $ | 133 | $ | 408 | $ | 541 | ||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermediate and long duration government/credit | $ | 107 | $ | 148 | $ | — | $ | 255 | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 6 | 59 | — | 65 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 113 | $ | 207 | $ | — | $ | 320 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate | $ | — | $ | 3 | $ | 62 | $ | 65 | |||||||||||||||
| Discretionary and systematic macro hedge funds | — | — | 29 | 29 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | 7 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | — | $ | 3 | $ | 98 | $ | 101 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net plan assets(2) | $ | 113 | $ | 343 | $ | 506 | $ | 962 |
(1)As of December 31, 2023, the total fair value of pension plans’ assets excludes a net payable of $35, which represents securities purchased and sold but not yet settled plus interest and dividends earned on various investments.
(2)As of December 31, 2022, the total fair value of pension plans’ assets excludes a net receivable of $8, which represents securities purchased and sold but not yet settled plus interest and dividends earned on various investments.
Funding and Cash Flows
It is Howmet’s policy to fund amounts for pension plans sufficient to meet the minimum requirements set forth in the benefits laws and tax laws of the applicable country. Periodically, Howmet contributes additional amounts as deemed appropriate. In 2023 and 2022, cash contributions to Howmet’s pension plans were $36 and $43, respectively.
The contributions to the Company’s pension plans in 2024 are estimated to be $52 (of which $45 is for U.S. plans).
Due to the plan administration change of certain Medicare-eligible prescription drug benefits to an Employer Group Waiver Plan with a wrap-around secondary plan in 2021, there will be no direct Medicare Part D subsidy receipts going forward. Benefit payments expected to be paid to pension and other postretirement benefit plans’ participants utilizing the current assumptions outlined above are as follows:
| For the year ended December 31, | Pension benefits paid | Other post- retirement benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | 134 | $ | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 130 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 129 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | 127 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | 129 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2029 - 2033 | 589 | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,238 | $ | 90 |
Defined Contribution Plans
Howmet sponsors savings and investment plans in various countries, primarily in the U.S. Howmet’s contributions and expenses related to these plans were $82, $76, and $66 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. U.S. employees may contribute a portion of their compensation to the plans, and Howmet matches a portion of these contributions in equivalent form of the investments elected by the employee. Additionally, for certain U.S. employees, Howmet makes a contribution of either a percentage of applicable eligible compensation or per hour worked.
H. Income Taxes
The components of income before income taxes were as follows:
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 538 | $ | 287 | $ | 28 | |||||||||||
| Foreign | 437 | 319 | 296 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 975 | $ | 606 | $ | 324 |
The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal(1) | $ | 5 | $ | 3 | $ | (9) | |||||||||||
| Foreign | 94 | 53 | 39 | ||||||||||||||
| State and local | 2 | — | (2) | ||||||||||||||
| 101 | 56 | 28 | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | 92 | 71 | 22 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 16 | 5 | 11 | ||||||||||||||
| State and local | 1 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
| 109 | 81 | 38 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 210 | $ | 137 | $ | 66 |
(1)Includes U.S. taxes related to foreign income.
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to Howmet’s effective tax rate was as follows (the effective tax rate for 2023, 2022, and 2021 was a provision on income):
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| U.S. federal statutory rate | 21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign tax rate differential | (0.1) | 0.1 | (0.7) | ||||||||||||||
| U.S. and residual tax on foreign earnings(1) | 0.6 | 1.2 | 6.5 | ||||||||||||||
| U.S. state and local taxes, net of federal income tax effect | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-deductible officer compensation | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Statutory tax rate and law changes | (0.3) | 0.1 | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax holidays | (0.4) | (0.5) | (0.4) | ||||||||||||||
| Tax credits(2) | (0.7) | (0.9) | (10.4) | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in valuation allowances | (1.1) | 1.4 | 4.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in uncertain tax positions(3) | 2.1 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Excess benefit for stock compensation | (0.8) | (0.8) | (0.3) | ||||||||||||||
| Prior year tax adjustments | — | (0.1) | (3.7) | ||||||||||||||
| Other | (0.2) | (0.6) | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 21.5 | % | 22.6 | % | 20.4 | % |
(1)It is Howmet’s policy to treat taxes due from future inclusions in U.S. taxable income related to GILTI as a current period expense when incurred.
(2)In 2021, a $32 benefit for income tax credits related to development incentives in Hungary was recognized.
(3)In 2023, the Company recorded an income tax reserve of $21 related to an uncertain French tax position.
The components of net deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | Deferred tax assets | Deferred tax liabilities | Deferred tax assets | Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | $ | 8 | $ | 486 | $ | 11 | $ | 492 | |||||||||||||||
| Employee benefits | 240 | 4 | 232 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss provisions | 28 | 1 | 26 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income/expense | 32 | 1,210 | 62 | 1,161 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | 32 | — | 99 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tax loss carryforwards | 2,905 | — | 2,955 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tax credit carryforwards | 216 | — | 268 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 10 | 4 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 3,471 | $ | 1,705 | $ | 3,659 | $ | 1,661 | ||||||||||||||||
| Valuation allowance | (1,821) | — | (1,965) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,650 | $ | 1,705 | $ | 1,694 | $ | 1,661 |
The following table details the expiration periods of the deferred tax assets presented above:
| December 31, 2023 | Expires within 10 years | Expires within 11-20 years | No Expiration**(1)** | Other**(2)** | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax loss carryforwards | $ | 330 | $ | 533 | $ | 2,042 | $ | — | $ | 2,905 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tax credit carryforwards | 159 | 45 | 12 | — | 216 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other(3) | — | — | 314 | 36 | 350 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valuation allowance | (450) | (234) | (1,131) | (6) | (1,821) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 39 | $ | 344 | $ | 1,237 | $ | 30 | $ | 1,650 |
(1)Deferred tax assets with no expiration may still have annual limitations on utilization.
(2)Other represents deferred tax assets whose expiration is dependent upon the reversal of the underlying temporary difference.
(3)A substantial amount of Other deferred tax assets relates to employee benefits that will become deductible for tax purposes in jurisdictions with unlimited expiration over an extended period of time as contributions are made to employee benefit plans and payments are made to retirees.
The total deferred tax asset (net of valuation allowance) is supported by projections of future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences (3%), and taxable temporary differences that reverse within the carryforward period (97%).
Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that a tax benefit will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management considers all potential sources of taxable income, including income available in carryback periods, future reversals of taxable temporary differences, projections of taxable income, and income from tax planning strategies, as well as all available positive and negative evidence. Positive evidence includes factors such as a history of profitable operations, projections of future profitability within the carryforward period, including from tax planning strategies, and Howmet’s experience with similar operations. Existing favorable contracts and the ability to sell products into established markets are additional positive evidence. Negative evidence includes items such as cumulative losses, projections of future losses, or carryforward periods that are not long enough to allow for the utilization of a deferred tax asset based on existing projections of income. Deferred tax assets for which no valuation allowance is recorded may not be realized upon changes in facts and circumstances, resulting in a future charge to establish a valuation allowance. Existing valuation allowances are re-examined under the same standards of positive and negative evidence. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be realized, the appropriate amount of the valuation allowance, if any, is released. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are also remeasured to reflect changes in underlying tax rates due to law changes and the granting and lapse of tax holidays.
It is Howmet’s policy to apply a tax law ordering approach when considering the need for a valuation allowance on net operating losses expected to offset GILTI income inclusions. Under this approach, reductions in cash tax savings are not considered as part of the valuation allowance assessment. Instead, future GILTI inclusions are considered a source of taxable income that support the realizability of deferred tax assets.
Howmet’s foreign tax credits in the U.S. have a 10-year carryforward period with expirations ranging from 2024 to 2027 (as of December 31, 2023). Valuation allowances were initially established in prior years on a portion of the foreign tax credit carryforwards, primarily due to insufficient foreign source income to allow for full utilization of the credits within the expiration period. Foreign tax credits of $20 and $68 expired at the end of 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in a corresponding decrease to the valuation allowance. In 2022, the Company increased the valuation allowance by $12 in order to fully reserve the foreign tax credit carryover after weighing all available evidence including foreign source income projections. In 2023, the Company developed a tax planning strategy that will allow for the utilization of a portion of the foreign tax credit carryover and decreased the valuation allowance by $14, accordingly. As of December 31, 2023, the cumulative amount of the valuation allowance was $90. The need for this valuation allowance will be reassessed on a continuous basis in future periods and, as a result, the allowance may increase or decrease based on changes in facts and circumstances.
The Company recorded a net $2 decrease, $1 decrease, and $3 increase to U.S. state valuation allowances in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. After weighing all available positive and negative evidence, the Company determined the adjustments based on the underlying net deferred tax assets that were more likely than not realizable based on projected taxable income. Changes in fully reserved U.S. state tax losses, credits and other deferred tax assets resulting from expirations, audit adjustments, tax rate, and tax law changes also resulted in a corresponding net $49 decrease, $142 decrease, and $20 increase in the valuation allowance in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Valuation allowances of $438 remain against state deferred tax assets expected to expire before utilization. The need for valuation allowances against state deferred tax assets will be reassessed on a continuous basis in future periods and, as a result, the allowance may increase or decrease based on changes in facts and circumstances.
In 2022, after weighing all available evidence, the Company released a $6 valuation allowance in the U.K. related to interest deduction carryforwards. In 2021, after weighing all available evidence, the Company recognized a discrete income tax cost to establish a valuation allowance of $8 in Switzerland. The need for valuation allowances will be reassessed by entity and by jurisdiction on a continuous basis in future periods and, as a result, the allowances may increase or decrease based on changes in facts and circumstances.
The following table details the changes in the valuation allowance:
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 1,965 | $ | 2,279 | $ | 2,307 | |||||||||||
| Increase to allowance | 21 | 40 | 113 | ||||||||||||||
| Release of allowance | (198) | (154) | (94) | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions, divestitures and liquidations | (16) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Tax apportionment, tax rate and tax law changes | (11) | (110) | 63 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | 60 | (90) | (110) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 1,821 | $ | 1,965 | $ | 2,279 |
Foreign U.S. GAAP earnings that have not otherwise been subject to U.S. tax, will generally be exempt from future U.S. tax under the 2017 Act when distributed. Such distributions, as well as distributions of previously taxed foreign earnings, could potentially be subject to U.S. state tax in certain states, and foreign withholding taxes. Foreign currency gains/losses related to the translation of previously taxed earnings from functional currency to U.S. dollars could also be subject to U.S. tax when distributed. Howmet would expect the potential withholding tax, U.S. state tax, and U.S. capital gains tax impacts to be immaterial and the potential deferred tax liability associated with future currency gains to be impracticable to determine.
Howmet and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With a few minor exceptions, Howmet is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2014. All U.S. tax years prior to 2023 have been audited by the Internal Revenue Service. Various state and foreign jurisdiction tax authorities are in the process of examining the Company’s income tax returns for various tax years through 2022. The Company had net cash income tax payments of $104, $50, and $53 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) was as follows:
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | |||||||||||
| Additions for tax positions of the current year | 1 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Additions for tax positions of prior years | 13 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 16 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 |
For all periods presented, a portion of the balance pertains to state tax liabilities, which are presented before any offset for federal tax benefits. The effect of unrecognized tax benefits, if recorded, that would impact the annual effective tax rate for 2023, 2022, and 2021 would be 2%, less than 1%, and 1%, respectively, of pre-tax book income. Howmet does not anticipate that changes in its unrecognized tax benefits will have a material impact on the Statement of Consolidated Operations during 2024.
It is Howmet’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of the Provision for income taxes in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. Howmet recognized interest of $7, less than $1, and less than $1 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, settlements with tax authorities, reductions in prior accruals, and refunded overpayments, Howmet recognized interest income of $2, less than $1, and $3 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the amount accrued for the payment of interest and penalties was $11, less than $1, and less than $1, respectively.
I. Preferred and Common Stock
Preferred Stock. Howmet has two classes of preferred stock: $3.75 Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Class A Preferred Stock”) and Class B Serial Preferred Stock. Class A Preferred Stock has 660,000 shares authorized at a par value of $100 per share with an annual $3.75 cumulative dividend preference per share. There were 546,024 shares of Class A Preferred Stock outstanding as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. Class B Serial Preferred Stock has 10,000,000 shares authorized at a par value of $1 per share. There were no shares of Class B Serial Preferred Stock outstanding as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Common Stock. As of December 31, 2023, there were 600,000,000 shares authorized at a par value of $1 per share, and 409,914,461 shares issued and outstanding. Dividends paid were $0.17 per share in 2023 ($0.04 per share in each of the first, second, and third quarters of 2023 and $0.05 per share in the fourth quarter of 2023), $0.10 per share in 2022 ($0.02 per share in each of the first, second, and third quarters of 2022 and $0.04 per share in the fourth quarter of 2022), and $0.04 per share in 2021 ($0.02 per share in each of the third and fourth quarters of 2021).
As of December 31, 2023, 47 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under Howmet’s stock-based compensation plans. As of December 31, 2023, 26 million shares remain available for issuance. Howmet issues new shares to satisfy the exercise of stock options and the conversion of stock awards.
Common Stock Outstanding and Share Activity (number of shares)
| Balance at December 30, 2020 | 432,906,377 | ||||||||||
| Issued for stock-based compensation plans | 2,195,681 | ||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (13,410,146) | ||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 421,691,912 | ||||||||||
| Issued for stock-based compensation plans | 1,819,651 | ||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (11,356,506) | ||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | 412,155,057 | ||||||||||
| Issued for stock-based compensation plans | 2,993,340 | ||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (5,233,936) | ||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | 409,914,461 |
The following table provides details for share repurchases during 2023, 2022, and 2021:
| Number of shares | Average price per share**(1)** | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Q1 2023 open market repurchase | 576,629 | $43.36 | $25 | ||||||||||||||
| Q2 2023 open market repurchase | 2,246,294 | $44.52 | $100 | ||||||||||||||
| Q3 2023 open market repurchase | 506,800 | $49.32 | $25 | ||||||||||||||
| Q4 2023 open market repurchase | 1,904,213 | $52.52 | $100 | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 Share repurchase total | 5,233,936 | $47.76 | $250 | ||||||||||||||
| Q1 2022 open market repurchase | 5,147,307 | $34.00 | $175 | ||||||||||||||
| Q2 2022 open market repurchase | 1,770,271 | $33.89 | $60 | ||||||||||||||
| Q3 2022 open market repurchase | 2,764,846 | $36.17 | $100 | ||||||||||||||
| Q4 2022 open market repurchase | 1,674,082 | $38.83 | $65 | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 Share repurchase total | 11,356,506 | $35.22 | $400 | ||||||||||||||
| Q2 2021 accelerated share repurchase | 5,878,791 | $34.02 | $200 | ||||||||||||||
| Q3 2021 open market repurchase | 769,274 | $32.50 | $25 | ||||||||||||||
| Q4 2021 open market repurchase | 6,762,081 | $30.32 | $205 | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 Share repurchase total | 13,410,146 | $32.07 | $430 | ||||||||||||||
(1)Excludes commissions cost.
The total value of shares repurchased during 2023, 2022, and 2021 were $250, $400, and $430, respectively. All of the shares repurchased during 2023, 2022, and 2021 were immediately retired. After giving effect to the share repurchases made through December 31, 2023, approximately $697 remained available for share repurchases as of January 1, 2024 under the prior authorizations by the Board. Under the Company’s share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”), the Company may repurchase shares by means of trading plans established from time to time in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, block trades, private transactions, open market repurchases and/or accelerated share repurchase agreements, or other derivative transactions. There is no stated expiration for the Share Repurchase Program. Under its Share Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time, in amounts, at prices, and at such times as the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, legal requirements and other considerations. The Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares or to do so at any particular time, and the Share Repurchase Program may be suspended, modified, or terminated at any time without prior notice.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 imposes a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases after December 31, 2022. The Company recorded $1 to additional capital for excise tax on net repurchases in 2023.
Stock-Based Compensation
Howmet has a stock-based compensation plan under which stock options and/or restricted stock unit awards are granted, generally, in the first half of each year to eligible employees. Stock options are granted at the closing market price of Howmet’s common stock on the date of grant and typically vest over a three-year service period (1/3 each year) with a ten-year contractual term. Restricted stock unit awards typically vest over a three-year service period from the date of grant. As part of Howmet’s stock-based compensation plan design, individuals who are retirement-eligible have a six-month requisite service period in the year of grant. Certain of the restricted stock unit awards include performance and market conditions and are granted to certain eligible employees. For annual performance stock awards, the final number of shares earned will be based on Howmet’s achievement of profitability targets over the respective performance periods and will be earned at the end of the third year. Additionally, the annual performance stock awards include a total shareholder return (“TSR”) component, which depends upon relative performance against the TSRs of a group of peer companies.
In 2023, 2022, and 2021, Howmet recognized stock-based compensation expense of $50 ($44 after-tax), $54 ($49 after-tax), and $40 ($36 after-tax), respectively. Senior executive performance awards granted in April 2020 were modified in June 2020, resulting in incremental compensation expense of $12, which was amortized over the remaining service period that ended April 1, 2023.
All stock-based compensation expense recorded in 2023, 2022, and 2021 relates to restricted stock unit awards. No stock-based compensation expense was capitalized in any of those years. Stock-based compensation expense was reduced by $2 in 2021 for certain executive pre-vest cancellations, which were recorded in Restructuring and other charges within the Statement of Consolidated Operations. As of December 31, 2023, there was $24 (pre-tax) of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock unit award grants. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.
Stock-based compensation expense is based on the grant date fair value of the applicable equity grant. For restricted stock unit awards, the fair value is equivalent to the closing market price of Howmet’s common stock on the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the 2023, 2022, and 2021 performance stock awards with a market condition including a TSR component is $47.59, $44.44, and $43.41 respectively. The 2023, 2022, and 2021 performance awards were valued using a Monte Carlo model. A Monte Carlo simulation uses assumptions of stock price behavior to estimate the probability of satisfying market conditions and the resulting fair value of the award. The risk-free interest rate (4.4% in 2023, 2.0% in 2022, and 0.2% in 2021) was based on a yield curve of interest rates at the time of the grant based on the remaining performance period. In 2023, 2022, and 2021, volatility of 39.0%, 39.4%, and 56.0%, respectively, was estimated using Howmet's historical volatility in 2023 and 2022 and a blended rate of Howmet's historical volatility and a peer-based volatility in 2021 due to changes in the nature of the business. Stock options were last granted in 2018.
The activity for stock options and stock awards during 2023 was as follows (options and awards in millions in the table below):
| Stock options | Stock awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of options | Weighted average exercise price per option | Number of awards | Weighted average FMV per award | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2022 | 0.9 | $ | 23.86 | 6.5 | $ | 17.77 | |||||||||||||||||
| Granted | — | — | 0.6 | 45.25 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | (0.4) | 25.14 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Converted | — | — | (4.3) | 10.31 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expired or forfeited | — | — | (0.1) | 34.88 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Performance share adjustment | — | — | 0.3 | 21.33 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2023 | 0.5 | $ | 22.67 | 3.0 | $ | 34.23 |
As of December 31, 2023, the stock options outstanding had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.7 years and a total intrinsic value of $15. All of the stock options outstanding were fully vested and exercisable. In 2023, 2022, and 2021, the cash received from stock option exercises was $11, $16, and $22, respectively, and the total tax benefit realized from these exercises was $2, $2, and $2, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $9, $10, and $10, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock awards converted during 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $187, $61, and $55, respectively.
J. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts are computed by dividing earnings, after the deduction of preferred stock dividends declared, by the average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS amounts assume the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive share equivalents outstanding.
The information used to compute basic and diluted EPS attributable to Howmet common shareholders was as follows (shares in millions in the table below):
| For the year ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to common shareholders | $ | 765 | $ | 469 | $ | 258 | |||||||||||
| Less: preferred stock dividends declared | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income available to Howmet Aerospace common shareholders - basic and diluted | $ | 763 | $ | 467 | $ | 256 | |||||||||||
| Average shares outstanding - basic | 412 | 416 | 430 | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock and performance awards | 4 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
| Average shares outstanding - diluted | 416 | 421 | 435 |
Common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was approximately 410 million, 412 million, and 422 million, respectively.
The approximately 4 million decrease in average shares outstanding (basic) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to the approximately 5 million shares repurchased during 2023. As average shares outstanding are used in the calculation for both basic and diluted EPS, the full impact of share repurchases was not fully realized in EPS in the period of repurchase since share repurchases may occur at varying points during a period.
There were no shares relating to outstanding stock options excluded from the calculation of average shares outstanding - diluted during 2023, 2022, and 2021.
K. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table details the activity of the three components that comprise Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefits (G) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | (653) | $ | (799) | $ | (980) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrecognized net actuarial (loss) gain and prior service cost/benefit | (68) | 87 | 111 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit (expense) | 15 | (18) | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax | (53) | 69 | 85 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost(1) | 21 | 99 | 123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax expense(2) | (4) | (22) | (27) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(3) | 17 | 77 | 96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other comprehensive (loss) income | (36) | 146 | 181 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | (689) | $ | (653) | $ | (799) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | (1,193) | $ | (1,062) | $ | (966) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss)(4) | 57 | (131) | (96) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | (1,136) | $ | (1,193) | $ | (1,062) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 5 | $ | (2) | $ | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change from periodic revaluations | (19) | (8) | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit (expense) | 4 | 2 | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax | (15) | (6) | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net amount reclassified to earnings | 6 | 17 | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax (expense) benefit(2) | (1) | (4) | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(3) | 5 | 13 | (21) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other comprehensive (loss) income | (10) | 7 | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | (5) | $ | 5 | $ | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss balance at end of period | $ | (1,830) | $ | (1,841) | $ | (1,863) |
(1)These amounts were recorded in Restructuring and other charges (See Note D) and Other expense, net (See Note F) in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
(2)These amounts were included in Provision for income taxes (See Note H) in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
(3)A positive amount indicates a corresponding charge to earnings and a negative amount indicates a corresponding benefit to earnings.
(4)In all periods presented, no amounts were reclassified to earnings.
L. Receivables
Sale of Receivables Programs
The Company maintains an accounts receivables securitization arrangement through a wholly-owned special purpose entity (“SPE”). The net cash funding from the sale of accounts receivable was neither a use of cash nor a source of cash during 2023 or 2022.
The accounts receivables securitization arrangement is one in which the Company, through an SPE, has a receivables purchase agreement (the “Receivables Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the SPE may sell certain receivables to financial institutions until the earlier of January 2, 2026 or a termination event. The Receivables Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as affirmative and negative covenants. Pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement,
the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred receivables, and therefore accounts for these transfers as sales of receivables. The Receivables Purchase Agreement was previously amended on February 17, 2023 to update the reference rate and reduce the facility limit to $250 from $325, with a provision that allows the Company to increase the limit to $325.
The facility limit under the Receivables Purchase agreement was $250 and $325 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, of which $250 was drawn at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. As collateral against the sold receivables, the SPE maintains a certain level of unsold receivables, which were $197 and $190 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company sold $1,547 and $1,799 of its receivables without recourse and received cash funding under this program during 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in derecognition of the receivables from the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Costs associated with the sales of receivables are reflected in the Company’s Statement of Consolidated Operations for the periods in which the sales occur. Cash receipts from sold receivables under the Receivables Purchase Agreement are presented within operating activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows.
Other Customer Receivable Sales
In 2023, the Company sold $593 of certain customers’ receivables in exchange for cash (of which $158 was outstanding from customers as of December 31, 2023), the proceeds from which are presented in changes in receivables within operating activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows.
In 2022, the Company sold $474 of certain customers’ receivables in exchange for cash (of which $126 was outstanding from customers as of December 31, 2022), the proceeds from which are presented in changes in receivables within operating activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows.
M. Inventories
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Finished goods | $ | 451 | $ | 490 | |||||||
| Work-in-process | 891 | 748 | |||||||||
| Purchased raw materials | 355 | 317 | |||||||||
| Operating supplies | 68 | 54 | |||||||||
| Total inventories | $ | 1,765 | $ | 1,609 |
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the portion of inventories valued on a LIFO basis was $446 and $441, respectively. If valued on an average-cost basis, total inventories would have been $236 and $220 higher as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2023 and 2022, reductions in LIFO inventory quantities caused partial liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. These liquidations resulted in the recognition of a benefit of $1 in 2023 and a recognition of expense of less than $1 in 2022. In 2021, we did not have any LIFO inventory layer liquidations.
N. Properties, Plants, and Equipment, Net
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Land and land rights | $ | 88 | $ | 84 | |||||||
| Structures | 1,018 | 986 | |||||||||
| Machinery and equipment | 4,079 | 3,941 | |||||||||
| 5,185 | 5,011 | ||||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | 3,081 | 2,858 | |||||||||
| 2,104 | 2,153 | ||||||||||
| Construction work-in-progress | 224 | 179 | |||||||||
| Properties, plants, and equipment, net | $ | 2,328 | $ | 2,332 |
The proceeds from the sale of the corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA in June 2022 were $44, excluding $3 of transaction costs, and the carrying value at the time of sale was $41. A loss of less than $1 was recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the Statement of Consolidated Operations upon finalization of the sale in the second quarter of 2022. The Company entered into a 12-year lease with the purchaser for a portion of the property.
Depreciation expense related to Properties, plants, and equipment recorded in Provision for depreciation and amortization in the Statement of Consolidated Operations was $236, $227, and $232 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
O. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table details the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill:
| Engine Products | Fastening Systems | Engineered Structures | Forged Wheels | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 2,868 | $ | 1,611 | $ | 306 | $ | 7 | $ | 4,792 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated impairment losses | (719) | (4) | (2) | — | (725) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill, net | 2,149 | 1,607 | 304 | 7 | 4,067 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Translation and other | (38) | (16) | — | — | (54) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 2,830 | 1,595 | 306 | 7 | 4,738 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated impairment losses | (719) | (4) | (2) | — | (725) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill, net | 2,111 | 1,591 | 304 | 7 | 4,013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Translation and other | 13 | 9 | — | — | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances at December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 2,843 | 1,604 | 306 | 7 | 4,760 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated impairment losses | (719) | (4) | (2) | — | (725) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill, net | $ | 2,124 | $ | 1,600 | $ | 304 | $ | 7 | $ | 4,035 |
During the 2023 annual review of goodwill in the fourth quarter, management performed quantitative assessments on all reporting units. The estimated fair values of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values in excess of 50%; thus, there were no goodwill impairments. Howmet uses a DCF model to estimate the current fair value of the reporting unit, which is compared to its carrying value, when testing for impairment. Management believes forecasted cash flows are the best indicator of such fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including sales growth, production costs, capital spending, and discount rate. Assumptions can vary among the reporting units. Cash flow forecasts are generally based on approved business unit operating plans for the early years and historical relationships in later years. The WACC rate for the individual reporting units is estimated with the assistance of valuation experts. The annual goodwill impairment tests in the fourth quarters of 2023, 2022, and 2021 indicated that goodwill was not impaired for any of the Company’s reporting units. If actual results or external market factors decline significantly from management’s estimates, future goodwill impairment charges (or the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value without exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit) may be necessary and could be material.
Other intangible assets were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | Gross carrying amount | Accumulated amortization | Intangibles, net | ||||||||||||||
| Computer software | $ | 217 | $ | (182) | $ | 35 | |||||||||||
| Patents and licenses | 67 | (66) | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Other intangibles | 683 | (246) | 437 | ||||||||||||||
| Total amortizable intangible assets | 967 | (494) | 473 | ||||||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks | 32 | — | 32 | ||||||||||||||
| Total intangible assets, net | $ | 999 | $ | (494) | $ | 505 |
| December 31, 2022 | Gross carrying amount | Accumulated amortization | Intangibles, net | ||||||||||||||
| Computer software | $ | 204 | $ | (173) | $ | 31 | |||||||||||
| Patents and licenses | 67 | (66) | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Other intangibles | 678 | (221) | 457 | ||||||||||||||
| Total amortizable intangible assets | 949 | (460) | 489 | ||||||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks | 32 | — | 32 | ||||||||||||||
| Total intangible assets, net | $ | 981 | $ | (460) | $ | 521 |
Computer software consists primarily of software costs associated with enterprise business solutions across Howmet's businesses.
Amortization expense related to the intangible assets recorded in Provision for depreciation and amortization in the Statement of Consolidated Operations was $35, $36, and $36 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and is expected to be in the range of approximately $33 to $38 annually from 2024 to 2028.
P. Leases
Operating lease cost includes short-term leases and variable lease payments and approximates cash paid. Operating lease cost was $63, $61, and $63 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Operating lease cost in 2023 and the second half of 2022 includes the lease for the portion of the property in Pittsburgh, PA used as the corporate headquarters.
Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets classified in Other noncurrent assets | $ | 128 | $ | 111 | |||||||||||||
| Current portion of lease liabilities classified in Other current liabilities | $ | 32 | $ | 32 | |||||||||||||
| Long-term portion of lease liabilities classified in Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits | 97 | 83 | |||||||||||||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | 129 | $ | 115 |
Future minimum contractual operating lease obligations were as follows at December 31, 2023:
| 2024 | $ | 39 | |||||||||
| 2025 | 30 | ||||||||||
| 2026 | 23 | ||||||||||
| 2027 | 18 | ||||||||||
| 2028 | 12 | ||||||||||
| Thereafter | 40 | ||||||||||
| Total lease payments | $ | 162 | |||||||||
| Less: Imputed interest | (33) | ||||||||||
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | 129 |
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations (N) | $ | 68 | $ | 34 | $ | 16 | |||||||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term in years | 6.4 | 5.6 | 5.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate | 5.9 | % | 5.4 | % | 5.4 | % |
Q. Debt
Debt.
| December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| 5.125% Notes, due 2024(1) | $ | 205 | $ | 1,081 | |||||||
| 6.875% Notes, due 2025(1) | 600 | 600 | |||||||||
| USD Term Loan Agreement, due 2026 | 200 | — | |||||||||
| JPY Term Loan Agreement, due 2026 | 211 | — | |||||||||
| 5.900% Notes, due 2027 | 625 | 625 | |||||||||
| 6.750% Bonds, due 2028 | 300 | 300 | |||||||||
| 3.000% Notes, due 2029 | 700 | 700 | |||||||||
| 5.950% Notes, due 2037 | 625 | 625 | |||||||||
| 4.750% Iowa Finance Authority Loan, due 2042 | 250 | 250 | |||||||||
| Other, net(2) | (10) | (19) | |||||||||
| 3,706 | 4,162 | ||||||||||
| Less: amount due within one year | 206 | — | |||||||||
| Total long-term debt | $ | 3,500 | $ | 4,162 |
(1)The 5.125% Notes, due 2024 (the “5.125% Notes”) are due in October 2024 and the 6.875% Notes, due 2025 (the “6.875% Notes”) are due in May 2025.
(2)Includes unamortized debt discounts and unamortized debt issuance costs related to outstanding notes and bonds listed in the table above and various financing arrangements related to subsidiaries.
The principal amount of long-term debt maturing in each of the next five years is $205 in 2024, $600 in 2025, $411 in 2026, $625 in 2027, and $300 in 2028.
Public Debt. On December 28, 2023, the Company completed an early partial redemption of its outstanding 5.125% Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $500. Such 5.125% Notes were redeemed at par with approximately $106 of cash on hand and approximately $400 from the Company’s term loan facilities at an aggregate redemption price of approximately $506, including accrued interest of approximately $6.
On September 28, 2023, the Company completed an early partial redemption of its outstanding 5.125% Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $200. Such 5.125% Notes were redeemed at par with cash on hand at an aggregate redemption price of approximately $205, including accrued interest of approximately $5.
In March 2023, the Company completed the early partial redemption of an additional $150 aggregate principal amount of its 5.125% Notes in accordance with the terms of the notes, and paid an aggregate of $155, including accrued interest and an early termination premium of approximately $4 and $1, respectively, which were recorded in Interest expense, net, and Loss on debt redemption, respectively, in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
In January 2023, the Company repurchased approximately $26 aggregate principal amount of its 5.125% Notes through an open market repurchase (“OMR”). The OMR was settled at slightly less than par.
In the second and fourth quarters of 2022, the Company repurchased in the open market approximately $69 aggregate principal amount of its 5.125% Notes and paid approximately $71, including an early termination premium of approximately $2, which was recorded in Loss on debt redemption in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
In the third and fourth quarters of 2021, the Company repurchased an additional $100 aggregate principal amount of its 5.125% Notes in the open market and paid approximately $111, including an early termination premium and accrued interest of approximately $10 and $1, respectively, which were recorded in Loss on debt redemption and Interest expense, net, respectively, in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
On September 2, 2021, the Company completed a cash tender offer and repurchased approximately $600 aggregate principal amount of its 6.875% Notes. The amount of tender premium and accrued interest associated with the notes accepted for settlement were $105 and $14, respectively, which were recorded in Loss on debt redemption and Interest expense, net, respectively, in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
On September 1, 2021, the Company completed an offering of $700 aggregate principal amount of 3.000% Notes due 2029, the proceeds of which were used to fund the cash tender offer noted above and to pay related transaction fees, including applicable premiums and expenses.
On May 3, 2021, the Company completed the early redemption of all the remaining $476 aggregate principal amount of its 5.870% Notes due 2022 and paid an aggregate of $503, including $5 of accrued interest. The Company also incurred an early termination premium and other costs of $23, which was recorded in Loss on debt redemption in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
On January 15, 2021, the Company completed the early redemption of all the remaining $361 aggregate principal amount of its 5.400% Notes due 2021 at par and paid $5 in accrued interest.
The Company has the option to redeem certain of its notes and bonds in whole or part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the greater of principal amount or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments, discounted using a defined treasury rate plus a spread, plus in either case accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
Term Loan Facilities. On November 22, 2023, the Company entered into (i) a U.S. Dollar Term Loan Agreement, due 2026 (the “USD Term Loan Agreement”) and (ii) a Japanese Yen Term Loan Agreement, due 2026 (the “JPY Term Loan Agreement” and, together with the USD Term Loan Agreement, the “Term Loan Agreements” and each, individually, a “Term Loan Agreement”). Capitalized terms used in this “Term Loan Facilities” section but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to such terms in the applicable Term Loan Agreement.
The USD Term Loan Agreement provides a $200 senior unsecured delayed draw term loan facility (the “USD Term Loan Facility”) that matures on November 22, 2026, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of the USD Term Loan Agreement. The JPY Term Loan Agreement provides a ¥33,000 million senior unsecured delayed draw term loan facility (the “JPY Term Loan Facility” and, together with the USD Term Loan Facility, the “Term Loan Facilities”) that matures on November 22, 2026, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of the JPY Term Loan Agreement.
Each of the Term Loan Facilities is unsecured and amounts payable thereunder rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. Borrowings under the USD Term Loan Facility are denominated in U.S. dollars, and borrowings under the JPY Term Loan Facility are denominated in Japanese yen. Loans under each of the Term Loan Facilities may be prepaid without premium or penalty.
Under the USD Term Loan Facility, loans bear interest at a base rate or a rate equal to Term SOFR plus adjustment, plus, in each case, an applicable margin based on the credit ratings of the Company’s outstanding senior unsecured long-term debt. Based on the Company’s current long-term debt ratings, the applicable margin on base rate loans is 0.500% per annum and the applicable margin on Term SOFR loans is 1.500% per annum.
Under the JPY Term Loan Facility, loans bear interest at a rate equal to the Cumulative Compounded RFR Rate utilizing the Tokyo Overnight Average Rate plus an applicable margin based on the credit ratings of the Company’s outstanding senior unsecured long-term debt. Based on the Company’s current long-term debt ratings, the applicable margin on loans under the JPY Term Loan Facility is 1.625% per annum.
The obligations of the Company to pay amounts outstanding under the respective Term Loan Facilities may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an “Event of Default” as defined therein. Such Events of Default include, among others, (a) non-payment of obligations; (b) breach of any representation or warranty in any material respect; (c) non-performance of covenants and obligations; (d) with respect to other indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of $100, a default thereunder that causes such indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity or a default in the payment at maturity of any principal of such indebtedness; (e) the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company; and (f) a change in control of the Company.
The Term Loan Agreements contain respective covenants, including, among others, (a) limitations on the Company’s ability to incur liens securing indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) limitations on the Company’s ability to consummate a consolidation, merger, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets; (c) limitations on the Company’s ability to change the nature of its business; and (d) a limitation requiring the ratio of Consolidated Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDA as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended, to be less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00.
On December 27, 2023, the Company borrowed $200 under the USD Term Loan Facility. On December 1, 2023, the Company borrowed ¥29,702 million under the JPY Term Loan Facility.
The Company entered into interest rate swaps to exchange the floating interest rates of the USD Term Loan Facility and JPY Term Loan Facility to fixed interest rates of 5.795% and 2.044%, respectively.
Credit Facility. On July 27, 2023, the Company entered into the Second Amended and Restated Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement (as so amended and restated, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, a syndicate of lenders and issuers named therein, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders and issuers, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent. The Credit Agreement amended and restated the Company’s Amended and Restated Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2021, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 13, 2023.
The Credit Agreement provides a $1,000 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that matures on July 27, 2028, unless extended or earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement. The Company may make two one-year extension requests during the term of the Credit Facility, with any extension being subject to the lender consent requirements set forth in the Credit Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the Company may from time to time request increases in commitments under the Credit Facility, not to exceed $500 in aggregate principal amount, and may also request the issuance of letters of credit, subject to a letter of credit sublimit of $500 of the Credit Facility. Under the provisions of the Credit Agreement, based on Howmet’s current long-term debt ratings, Howmet pays an annual fee of 0.150% of the total commitment to maintain the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility is unsecured and amounts payable under it will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. Borrowings under the Credit Facility may be denominated in U.S. dollars or Euros. Loans will bear interest at a base rate or, in the case of U.S. dollar-denominated loans, a rate equal to the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus adjustment or, in the case of euro-denominated loans, the Euro inter-bank offered rate (“EURIBOR”), plus, in each case, an applicable margin based on the credit ratings of the Company’s outstanding senior unsecured long-term debt. Based on Howmet’s current long-term debt ratings, the applicable margin on base rate loans would be 0.100% per annum and the applicable margin on Term SOFR loans and EURIBOR loans would be 1.100% per annum. The applicable margin is subject to change based on the Company’s long-term debt ratings. Loans may be prepaid without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs.
The obligation of the Company to pay amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an “Event of Default” as defined in the Credit Agreement. Such Events of Default include, among others, (a) non-payment of obligations; (b) breach of any representation or warranty in any material respect; (c) non-performance of covenants and obligations; (d) with respect to other indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of $100, a default thereunder that causes such indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity or a default in the payment at maturity of any principal of such indebtedness; (e) the bankruptcy or insolvency of Howmet; and (f) a change in control of the Company.
The Credit Agreement contains covenants, including, among others, (a) limitations on the Company’s ability to incur liens securing indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) limitations on the Company’s ability to consummate a consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of its assets; (c) limitations on the Company’s ability to change the nature of its business; and (d) a limitation requiring the ratio of Consolidated Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDA (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended, to be less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00.
There were no amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and no amounts were borrowed during 2023, 2022 or 2021 under the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. Availability under the Credit Agreement could be reduced in future periods if the Company fails to maintain the required ratio referenced above.
R. Other Financial Instruments
Fair Value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (i) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (ii) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
-
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
-
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
-
Level 3 - Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
The carrying values of Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, derivatives, noncurrent receivables, Short-term debt and Long-term debt due within one year included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet approximate their fair value. The Company holds exchange-traded fixed income securities which are considered available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. The aforementioned securities are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and are included in Other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value of Long-term debt, less amount due within one year was based on quoted market prices for public debt and on interest rates that are currently available to Howmet for issuance of debt with similar terms and maturities for non-public debt. The fair value amounts for all Long-term debt were classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | Carrying value | Fair value | Carrying value | Fair value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, less amount due within one year | $ | 3,500 | $ | 3,504 | $ | 4,162 | $ | 4,059 |
Restricted cash was less than $1, $1, and $2 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and was recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
S. Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest and income taxes was as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest, net of amounts capitalized | $ | 221 | $ | 224 | $ | 267 | |||||||||||
| Income taxes, net of amounts refunded | $ | 104 | $ | 50 | $ | 53 |
The Company incurred capital expenditures which remain unpaid at December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 of $72, $55, and $49, respectively, and will result in cash outflows within investing activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows in subsequent periods.
In September 2022, the FASB issued guidance to enhance the transparency of disclosures regarding supplier finance programs. These changes became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the changes issued by the FASB related to disclosure requirements of supplier finance program obligations. We offer voluntary supplier finance programs to suppliers who may elect to sell their receivables to third parties at the sole discretion of both the supplier and the third parties. The program is at no cost to the Company and provides additional liquidity to our suppliers, if they desire, at their cost. Under these programs, the Company pays the third party bank, rather than the supplier, the stated amount of the confirmed invoices on the original maturity date of the invoices. The Company or the third party bank may terminate a program upon at least 30 days’ notice. Supplier invoices under the program require payment in full no more than 120 days of the invoice date. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, supplier invoices that are subject to future payment under these programs were $258 and $240, respectively, and are included in Accounts payable, trade in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
T. Divestitures
2021 Divestiture
On March 15, 2021, the Company reached an agreement to sell a small manufacturing plant in France within the Fastening Systems segment, which resulted in a charge of $4 related to the non-cash impairment of the net book value of the business, primarily goodwill, in the first quarter of 2021 which was recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. On June 1, 2021, the Company completed the sale for $10 (of which $8 of cash was received in the second quarter of 2021). The Company received the remaining $2 in the third quarters of 2022 and 2023.
U. Contingencies and Commitments
Contingencies
Environmental Matters. Howmet participates in environmental assessments and/or cleanups at more than 30 locations. These include owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, previously owned or operated facilities and adjoining properties, and waste sites, including Superfund (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”)) sites.
A liability is recorded for environmental remediation when a cleanup program becomes probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. As assessments and cleanups proceed, the liability is adjusted based on progress made in determining the extent of remedial actions and related costs. The liability can change substantially due to factors such as the nature and extent of contamination, changes in remedial requirements, and technological changes, among others.
The Company's remediation reserve balance was $17 and $16 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (of which $7 and $6, respectively, were classified as a current liability), and reflects the most probable costs to remediate identified environmental conditions for which costs can be reasonably estimated. Payments related to remediation expenses applied against the reserve were $3 and $4 in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and included expenditures currently mandated, as well as those not required by any regulatory authority or third party.
Included in annual operating expenses are the recurring costs of managing hazardous substances and environmental programs. These costs are estimated to be less than 1% of Cost of goods sold.
Tax. In December 2013 and 2014, the Company received audit assessment notices from the French Tax Authority (“FTA”) for the 2010 through 2012 tax years. In 2016, the Company appealed to the Committee of the Abuse of Tax Law, where it received a favorable nonbinding decision. The FTA disagreed with the Committee of the Abuse of Tax Law’s opinion, and the Company appealed to the Montreuil Administrative Court, where in 2020 the Company prevailed on the merits. The FTA appealed this decision to the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal in 2021. On March 31, 2023, the Company received an adverse decision from the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal. The Company appealed this decision to the French Administrative Supreme Court. The assessment amount is $18 (€16 million), including interest up through 2017 and penalties. The Company estimates the additional interest assessment up through 2023 to be $2 (€2 million).
As a result of the adverse decision from the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal, the Company has concluded that it is no longer more likely than not to sustain its position. In 2023, the Company recorded an income tax reserve in Provision for income taxes in the Statement of Consolidated Operations of $21 (€19 million), which includes estimated interest and penalties, for the 2010 through 2012 tax years, as well as the remaining tax years open for reassessment (2020-2023). In accordance with FTA dispute resolution practices, the Company paid the assessment amount to the FTA in December 2023 and is expecting to pay the additional interest assessment in 2024. The Company also paid the estimated tax related to the remaining open tax years during 2023. If an appeal to the French Administrative Supreme Court is successful, any payment would be refunded with interest.
Indemnified Matters. The Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated October 31, 2016, that the Company entered into with Alcoa Corporation in connection with its separation from Alcoa Corporation, provides for cross-indemnities between the Company and Alcoa Corporation for claims subject to indemnification. The Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated March 31, 2020, that the Company entered into with Arconic Corporation in connection with its separation from Arconic Corporation, provides for cross-indemnities between the Company and Arconic Corporation for claims subject to indemnification. Among other claims that are covered by these indemnities, Arconic Corporation indemnifies the Company (f/k/a Arconic Inc. and f/k/a Alcoa Inc.) for all potential liabilities associated with the fire that occurred at the Grenfell Tower in London, U.K. on June 14, 2017 (“Grenfell Fire”), including the following:
(i) Regulatory Investigations*.* Arconic Architectural Products SAS (“AAP SAS”) (now a subsidiary of Arconic Corporation) supplied Reynobond PE to its customer who used the product as one component of the overall cladding system on Grenfell Tower. Regulatory Investigations into the overall Grenfell Fire are being conducted, including a criminal investigation by the London Metropolitan Police Service and a Public Inquiry by the British government (regarding which AAP SAS is a participant) (together, the “U.K. Proceedings”). (ii) United Kingdom Litigation*.* On December 23, 2020, survivors and estates of decedents of the Grenfell Fire and emergency responders filed suit against 23 defendants, including the Company. The substantial majority of these suits were settled pursuant to the terms of a confidential settlement agreement and are now discontinued and closed. Those suits that have not been settled are stayed until the next case management conference, which will be heard on December 10, 2024. In December 2023, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea indicated that they plan to join Howmet as a party to proceedings currently pending against AAP SAS and Whirlpool arising out of the Grenfell Tower fire. That pending proceeding is stayed until December 20, 2024. (iii) Behrens et al. v. Arconic Inc. et al. (United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania). On June 6, 2019, 247 survivors and estates of decedents of the Grenfell Fire filed a complaint against Arconic Inc., Alcoa Inc. and Arconic Architectural Products, LLC (now a subsidiary of Arconic Corporation), among others, for product liability and wrongful death. In September 2020, the court dismissed the U.S. case, determining that the U.K. is the appropriate jurisdiction. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal in July 2022, and the U.S. Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs’ petition for a writ of certiorari in February 2023. This case is dismissed and closed. (iv) Howard v. Arconic Inc. et al. (United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania). In 2017, two purported class actions were filed against Arconic Inc., Klaus Kleinfeld and other former Arconic Inc. executives and directors, and certain banks. The actions, which later were consolidated, alleged violations of the federal securities laws relating to the Grenfell Fire. In June 2021, the court ruled that certain claims can proceed and dismissed all other claims with prejudice.
Following mediation, the parties reached a settlement, which was approved by the court in August 2023, in the amount of $74 to be covered by insurance proceeds in exchange for the dismissal of the action and a release of all claims against the defendants, which did not admit fault or wrongdoing. This case is dismissed and closed. (v) Raul v. Albaugh, et al. (United States District Court for the District of Delaware). On June 22, 2018, a derivative complaint was filed nominally on behalf of Arconic Inc. by a purported Arconic Inc. stockholder against the then members of Arconic Inc.’s Board of Directors, Klaus Kleinfeld and Ken Giacobbe, naming Arconic Inc. as a nominal defendant. The complaint asserts claims under federal securities laws, most of which are similar to those in Howard, as well as claims under Delaware state law for breaches of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement and abuse of control, and also alleges that the defendants improperly authorized the sale of Reynobond PE for unsafe uses. The Raul case had been stayed until the final resolution of the Howard case and the U.K. Proceedings. On December 6, 2023, the defendants moved the court for an order lifting the stay. The motion is currently pending.
Legal Proceedings.
Lehman Brothers International (Europe) Legal Proceeding. On June 26, 2020, Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”) filed proceedings in the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts of England and Wales (the “Court”) against two subsidiaries of the Company, FR Acquisitions Corporation (Europe) Ltd and JFB Firth Rixson Inc. (collectively, the “Firth Rixson Entities”). The proceedings concerned two interest rate swap transactions that the Firth Rixson Entities entered into with LBIE in 2007 and 2008. As a result of the ruling issued by the Court in October 2022, the Company recorded $65 in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and took a pre-tax charge of this amount in Other expense, net in the Statement of Consolidated Operations in the third quarter of 2022. The Firth Rixson Entities appealed the Court’s ruling. On June 15, 2023, the Company, the Firth Rixson Entities, and LBIE reached a full and final settlement of all claims arising out of the proceedings. The settlement provides for a payment of $40 to be paid to LBIE in two installments: $15 paid in July 2023 and $25 payable in July 2024. As a result of the settlement, $25 of the amount previously recorded for the Litigation as a pre-tax charge in Other expense, net was reversed as a credit to Other expense, net in the Company’s second quarter 2023 results.
Lockheed Martin Corp. v. Howmet Aerospace Inc. On November 30, 2023, Lockheed Martin Corporation (“Lockheed Martin”) filed a complaint in federal district court in the Northern District of Texas (the “District Court”) against the Company and its subsidiary RTI Advanced Forming, Inc. (“RTI”) as defendants. The complaint alleges that the Company and RTI breached a Master Purchase Order (“MPO”) between Lockheed Martin and RTI related to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production program between Lockheed Martin and the United States government (the “F-35 Program”) by seeking a fair market price adjustment for the provision of titanium mill products under RTI’s separate agreements with Lockheed Martin’s subcontractors for the F-35 Program (the “Qualified Suppliers”). The complaint also alleges that RTI’s decision to not provide Lockheed Martin and its suppliers with titanium products violates the Defense Production Act of 1950. As part of the litigation, Lockheed Martin sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction requiring the Company and RTI to perform under the terms of the MPO while the litigation is pending. The District Court granted a temporary restraining order on December 12, 2023. After expedited discovery and a hearing on December 26, 2023, however, the District Court denied Lockheed Martin’s motion for a preliminary injunction on December 29, 2023. On January 11, 2024, the District Court entered a scheduling order setting trial for the four-week docket beginning July 22, 2024 and ordering mandatory mediation, which is scheduled for March 11, 2024. On January 19, 2024, RTI filed counterclaims against Lockheed Martin alleging breach of a clause in the MPO that, in RTI’s view, requires “revert” (reusable scrap titanium) to be made available to RTI from the F-35 Program (the “Revert Clause”), and seeking a declaratory judgment that RTI is not obligated to supply titanium mill products at the MPO prices due to Lockheed Martin’s breach of the Revert Clause. RTI’s counterclaim also alleges Lockheed Martin’s tortious interference with RTI’s contracts and business relations with the Qualified Suppliers. On February 12, 2024, the District Court granted Lockheed Martin leave to file an amended complaint, adding, in relevant part, a claim against the Company and RTI for anticipatory breach for an alleged refusal to agree to a four-year extension option under the MPO that Howmet rejected.
The Company and RTI are vigorously contesting this case and, contrary to Lockheed Martin’s assertions, take their contractual and regulatory obligations seriously and believe that RTI has complied with those obligations in all material respects. The Company has not recorded any liability for this matter as it does not believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
Other. In addition to the matters discussed above, various other lawsuits, claims, and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against the Company, including those pertaining to environmental, product liability, safety and health, employment, tax and antitrust matters. While the amounts claimed in these other matters may be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot currently be determined because of the considerable uncertainties that exist. Therefore, it is possible that the Company’s liquidity or results of operations in a period could be materially affected by one or more of these other matters. However, based on facts currently available, management believes that the disposition of these other matters that are pending or asserted will not have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company.
Commitments
Purchase & Other Obligations. Howmet has entered into commitments for raw materials, energy and other obligations, which total $244 in 2024, $32 in 2025, $11 in 2026, and none in 2027, 2028 and thereafter.
Operating Leases. See Note P for the operating lease future minimum contractual obligations.
Guarantees. As of December 31, 2023, Howmet had outstanding bank guarantees related to tax matters, outstanding debt, workers’ compensation, environmental obligations, and customs duties, among others. The total amount committed under these guarantees, which expire at various dates between 2024 and 2040, was $24 as of December 31, 2023.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2016, between Howmet and Alcoa Corporation, Howmet was required to provide certain guarantees for Alcoa Corporation, which had a fair value of $6 as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022, and were included in Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining guarantee, for which the Company and Arconic Corporation are secondarily liable in the event of a payment default by Alcoa Corporation, relates to a long-term energy supply agreement that expires in 2047 at an Alcoa Corporation facility. The Company currently views the risk of an Alcoa Corporation payment default on its obligations under the contract to be remote. The Company and Arconic Corporation are required to provide a guarantee up to an estimated present value amount of approximately $1,131 and $1,040 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, in the event of an Alcoa Corporation default. In December 2021, December 2022, and December 2023, a surety bond with a limit of $80 relating to this guarantee was obtained by Alcoa Corporation to protect Howmet's obligation. This surety bond will be renewed on an annual basis by Alcoa Corporation.
Letters of Credit. The Company has outstanding letters of credit, primarily related to workers’ compensation, environmental obligations, and insurance obligations, among others. The total amount committed under these letters of credit, which automatically renew or expire at various dates, mostly in 2024, was $114 as of December 31, 2023.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreements between the Company and Arconic Corporation and between the Company and Alcoa Corporation, the Company is required to retain letters of credit of $52 (which are included in the $114 in the above paragraph) that had previously been provided related to the Company, Arconic Corporation, and Alcoa Corporation workers’ compensation claims that occurred prior to the respective separation transactions of April 1, 2020 and November 1, 2016. Arconic Corporation and Alcoa Corporation workers’ compensation and letters of credit fees paid by the Company are proportionally billed to, and are reimbursed by, Arconic Corporation and Alcoa Corporation, respectively. Also, the Company was required to provide letters of credit for certain Arconic Corporation environmental obligations and, as a result, the Company has $17 of outstanding letters of credit relating to such liabilities (which are also included in the $114 in the above paragraph). Arconic Corporation has issued surety bonds to cover these environmental obligations. Arconic Corporation is being billed for these letter of credit fees paid by the Company and will reimburse the Company for any payments made under these letters of credit.
Surety Bonds. The Company has outstanding surety bonds primarily related to tax matters, contract performance, workers’ compensation, environmental-related matters, energy contracts, and customs duties. The total amount committed under these annual surety bonds, which automatically renew or expire at various dates, primarily in 2024 and 2025, was $43 as of December 31, 2023.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreements between the Company and Arconic Corporation and between the Company and Alcoa Corporation, the Company is required to provide surety bonds of $21 (which are included in the $43 in the above paragraph) that had previously been provided related to the Company, Arconic Corporation, and Alcoa Corporation workers’ compensation claims that occurred prior to the respective separation transactions of April 1, 2020 and November 1, 2016. Arconic Corporation and Alcoa Corporation workers’ compensation claims and surety bond fees paid by the Company are proportionately billed to, and are reimbursed by, Arconic Corporation and Alcoa Corporation.
V. Subsequent Events
Management evaluated all activity of Howmet and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Previous: Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. · Next: Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.