Form 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 1-3610

 

 

ALCOA INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

PENNSYLVANIA   25-0317820
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
390 Park Avenue, New York, New York   10022-4608
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Investor Relations 212-836-2674

Office of the Secretary 212-836-2732

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of October 20, 2008, 800,317,368 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the registrant were outstanding.

 

 

 


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Alcoa and subsidiaries

Statement of Consolidated Income (unaudited)

(in millions, except per-share amounts)

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Sales (L)

   $ 7,234     $ 7,387     $ 22,229     $ 23,361  

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of expenses below)

     5,944       5,910       17,926       18,095  

Selling, general administrative, and other expenses

     283       365       917       1,089  

Research and development expenses

     64       64       194       171  

Provision for depreciation, depletion, and amortization (B)

     316       338       956       959  

Goodwill impairment charge

     —         133       —         133  

Restructuring and other charges (E)

     43       444       83       413  

Interest expense

     97       151       283       320  

Other expenses (income), net (K)

     17       (1,731 )     (22 )     (1,835 )
                                

Total costs and expenses

     6,764       5,674       20,337       19,345  

Income from continuing operations before taxes on income

     470       1,713       1,892       4,016  

Provision for taxes on income (N)

     117       1,079       553       1,768  
                                

Income from continuing operations before minority interests’ share

     353       634       1,339       2,248  

Less: Minority interests’ share

     84       76       221       301  
                                

Income from continuing operations

     269       558       1,118       1,947  

Loss from discontinued operations (D)

     (1 )     (3 )     (1 )     (15 )
                                

NET INCOME

   $ 268     $ 555     $ 1,117     $ 1,932  
                                

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (M)

        

Basic:

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.33     $ 0.64     $ 1.37     $ 2.24  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —         —         —         (0.02 )
                                

Net income

   $ 0.33     $ 0.64     $ 1.37     $ 2.22  
                                

Diluted:

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.33     $ 0.64     $ 1.36     $ 2.22  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —         (0.01 )     —         (0.02 )
                                

Net income

   $ 0.33     $ 0.63     $ 1.36     $ 2.20  
                                

Dividends paid per common share

   $ 0.17     $ 0.17     $ 0.51     $ 0.51  
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Alcoa and subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)

(in millions)

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 831     $ 483  

Receivables from customers, less allowances of $57 in 2008 and $72 in 2007

     2,700       2,602  

Other receivables

     588       451  

Inventories (G)

     3,844       3,326  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,309       1,224  
                

Total current assets

     9,272       8,086  
                

Properties, plants, and equipment

     32,877       31,601  

Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     14,901       14,722  
                

Properties, plants, and equipment, net

     17,976       16,879  
                

Goodwill

     5,084       4,806  

Investments (H)

     2,689       2,038  

Other assets

     4,014       4,046  

Assets held for sale (D)

     3       2,948  
                

Total assets

   $ 39,038     $ 38,803  
                

LIABILITIES

    

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term borrowings

   $ 498     $ 569  

Commercial paper

     1,207       856  

Accounts payable, trade

     2,791       2,787  

Accrued compensation and retirement costs

     896       943  

Taxes, including taxes on income

     380       644  

Other current liabilities

     1,217       1,165  

Long-term debt due within one year

     54       202  
                

Total current liabilities

     7,043       7,166  
                

Long-term debt, less amount due within one year

     8,370       6,371  

Accrued pension benefits

     858       1,098  

Accrued postretirement benefits

     2,577       2,753  

Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits

     1,852       1,943  

Deferred income taxes

     532       545  

Liabilities of operations held for sale (D)

     1       451  
                

Total liabilities

     21,233       20,327  
                

MINORITY INTERESTS

     2,740       2,460  
                

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (J)

    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Preferred stock

     55       55  

Common stock

     925       925  

Additional capital

     5,842       5,774  

Retained earnings

     13,600       13,039  

Treasury stock, at cost

     (4,326 )     (3,440 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,031 )     (337 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     15,065       16,016  
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 39,038     $ 38,803  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Alcoa and subsidiaries

Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows (unaudited)

(in millions)

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

CASH FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net income

   $ 1,117     $ 1,932  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations:

    

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization (B)

     957       959  

Deferred income taxes

     (15 )     518  

Equity income, net of dividends

     (66 )     (79 )

Goodwill impairment charge

     —         133  

Restructuring and other charges (E)

     83       413  

Gains from investing activities – asset sales (K)

     (30 )     (1,772 )

Provision for doubtful accounts

     8       13  

Loss from discontinued operations (D)

     1       15  

Minority interests

     221       301  

Stock-based compensation

     85       83  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements

     (15 )     (77 )

Other

     (32 )     (33 )

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign currency translation adjustments:

    

(Increase) decrease in receivables

     (213 )     224  

(Increase) decrease in inventories

     (595 )     184  

(Increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (73 )     (100 )

Increase in accounts payable, trade

     56       28  

(Decrease) in accrued expenses

     (369 )     (173 )

Increase in taxes, including taxes on income

     4       341  

Cash received on long-term aluminum supply contract

     —         93  

Pension contributions

     (485 )     (297 )

Net change in noncurrent assets and liabilities

     (16 )     (188 )

Decrease (increase) in net assets held for sale

     4       (49 )
                

CASH PROVIDED FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     627       2,469  

CASH USED FOR DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     (1 )     (1 )
                

CASH PROVIDED FROM OPERATIONS

     626       2,468  
                

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Net change in short-term borrowings

     (76 )     102  

Net change in commercial paper

     351       (1,116 )

Additions to long-term debt (I)

     2,105       2,049  

Debt issuance costs

     (13 )     (126 )

Payments on long-term debt

     (192 )     (848 )

Common stock issued for stock compensation plans

     177       819  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements

     15       77  

Repurchase of common stock

     (1,082 )     (1,548 )

Dividends paid to shareholders

     (420 )     (447 )

Dividends paid to minority interests

     (193 )     (310 )

Contributions from minority interests

     429       369  
                

CASH PROVIDED FROM (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     1,101       (979 )
                

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Capital expenditures

     (2,421 )     (2,615 )

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (F)

     (276 )     (15 )

Acquisitions of minority interests (F)

     (141 )     —    

Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses (F)

     2,684       87  

Additions to investments (H)

     (1,276 )     (123 )

Sales of investments

     72       1,981  

Net change in short-term investments and restricted cash

     (2 )     (23 )

Other

     (27 )     2  
                

CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (1,387 )     (706 )
                

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     8       25  
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     348       808  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     483       506  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 831     $ 1,314  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Alcoa and subsidiaries

Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)

(in millions, except per-share amounts)

 

     Preferred
stock
   Common
stock
   Additional
capital
    Retained
earnings
    Treasury
stock
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
(loss) income
    Total
shareholders’
equity
 

Balance at June 30, 2007

   $ 55    $ 925    $ 5,716     $ 12,146     $ (1,643 )   $ (367 )   $ 16,832  

Net income

     —        —        —         555       —         —         555  

Other comprehensive loss (P)

     —        —        —         —         —         (354 )     (354 )

Cash dividends:

                

Preferred @ $1.875 per share

     —        —        —         (1 )     —         —         (1 )

Common @ $0.34 per share

     —        —        —         (295 )     —         —         (295 )

Stock-based compensation

     —        —        32       —         —         —         32  

Common stock issued: compensation plans

     —        —        12       —         428       —         440  

Repurchase common stock

     —        —        —         —         (1,295 )     —         (1,295 )
                                                      

Balance at September 30, 2007

   $ 55    $ 925    $ 5,760     $ 12,405     $ (2,510 )   $ (721 )   $ 15,914  
                                                      

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 55    $ 925    $ 5,827     $ 13,607     $ (3,852 )   $ 140     $ 16,702  

Net income

     —        —        —         268       —         —         268  

Other comprehensive loss (P)

     —        —        —         —         —         (1,171 )     (1,171 )

Cash dividends:

                

Preferred @ $1.875 per share

     —        —        —         (1 )     —         —         (1 )

Common @ $0.34 per share

     —        —        —         (274 )     —         —         (274 )

Stock-based compensation

     —        —        15       —         —         —         15  

Common stock issued: compensation plans

     —        —        —         —         3       —         3  

Repurchase common stock

     —        —        —         —         (477 )     —         (477 )
                                                      

Balance at September 30, 2008

   $ 55    $ 925    $ 5,842     $ 13,600     $ (4,326 )   $ (1,031 )   $ 15,065  
                                                      

Balance at December 31, 2006

   $ 55    $ 925    $ 5,817     $ 11,066     $ (1,999 )   $ (1,233 )   $ 14,631  

Net income

     —        —        —         1,932       —         —         1,932  

Other comprehensive income (P)

     —        —        —         —         —         512       512  

Cash dividends:

                

Preferred @ $3.75 per share

     —        —        —         (2 )     —         —         (2 )

Common @ $0.68 per share

     —        —        —         (591 )     —         —         (591 )

Stock-based compensation

     —        —        83       —         —         —         83  

Common stock issued: compensation plans

     —        —        (140 )     —         1,037       —         897  

Repurchase common stock

     —        —        —         —         (1,548 )     —         (1,548 )
                                                      

Balance at September 30, 2007

   $ 55    $ 925    $ 5,760     $ 12,405     $ (2,510 )   $ (721 )   $ 15,914  
                                                      

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 55    $ 925    $ 5,774     $ 13,039     $ (3,440 )   $ (337 )   $ 16,016  

Net income

     —        —        —         1,117       —         —         1,117  

Other comprehensive loss (P)

     —        —        —         —         —         (694 )     (694 )

Cash dividends:

                

Preferred @ $3.75 per share

     —        —        —         (2 )     —         —         (2 )

Common @ $0.68 per share

     —        —        —         (554 )     —         —         (554 )

Stock-based compensation

     —        —        85       —         —         —         85  

Common stock issued: compensation plans

     —        —        (17 )     —         196       —         179  

Repurchase common stock

     —        —        —         —         (1,082 )     —         (1,082 )
                                                      

Balance at September 30, 2008

   $ 55    $ 925    $ 5,842     $ 13,600     $ (4,326 )   $ (1,031 )   $ 15,065  
                                                      

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Alcoa and subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(dollars in millions, except per-share amounts)

A. Basis of Presentation – The Consolidated Financial Statements (the “Financial Statements”) of Alcoa Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Alcoa” or the “company”) are unaudited. The Financial Statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary by management to fairly state the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. The results reported in these Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. The 2007 year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This Form 10-Q report should be read in conjunction with Alcoa’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which includes all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain amounts in the prior period Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

B. Properties, Plants, and Equipment – During the first quarter of 2008, Alcoa completed a review of the estimated useful lives of its alumina refining and aluminum smelting facilities. Such a review was performed because considerable engineering data and other information (readily available due to the recent construction of the Iceland smelter as well as various expansions and other growth projects in-process or completed over the past two years) indicated that the useful lives of many of the assets in these businesses were no longer appropriate. As a result of this review, for the majority of its refining and smelting locations, Alcoa extended the useful lives of structures to an average of 26 and 32 years (previously 23 and 29 years), respectively, and machinery and equipment to an average of 27 and 20 years (previously 17 and 19 years), respectively.

During the third quarter of 2008, Alcoa completed a review of the estimated useful lives of its flat-rolled products and engineered products and solutions facilities. As a result of the 2008 third quarter review, for a portion of its flat-rolled products locations, Alcoa extended the useful lives of structures to an average of 33 years (previously 29 years) and machinery and equipment to an average of 18 years (previously 16 years). No change was made to the useful lives related to the engineered products and solutions locations as the study determined that the average useful lives of structures (26 years) and machinery and equipment (17 years) were appropriate.

The extension of depreciable lives qualifies as a change in accounting estimate and was made on a prospective basis effective January 1, 2008 for the alumina refining and aluminum smelting facilities and July 1, 2008 for the flat-rolled products facilities. In the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense was $13 (after-tax and minority interests) and $24 (after-tax and minority interests), respectively, less than it would have been had the depreciable lives not been extended. The effect of this change on both basic and diluted earnings per share for the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period was $0.02 and $0.03, respectively.

C. Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards – On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis (the fair value option) with changes in fair value reported in earnings. Alcoa already records marketable securities at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and derivative contracts and hedging activities at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended (SFAS 133). The adoption of SFAS 159 had no impact on the Financial Statements as management did not elect the fair value option for any other financial instruments or certain other assets and liabilities.

On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (SFAS 157) as it relates to financial assets and financial liabilities. In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on at least an annual basis, until January 1, 2009 for calendar year-end entities. Also in February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13,” which states that SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” (SFAS 13) and other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements for

 

6


purposes of lease classification or measurement under SFAS 13 are excluded from the provisions of SFAS 157, except for assets and liabilities related to leases assumed in a business combination that are required to be measured at fair value under SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” (SFAS 141) or SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” (SFAS 141(R)).

SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of this standard apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and are to be applied prospectively with limited exceptions. The adoption of SFAS 157, as it relates to financial assets, except for pension plan assets in regards to the funded status of pension plans recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and financial liabilities, had no impact on the Financial Statements. Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS 157, as it relates to pension plan assets, will not have an impact on the 2008 Financial Statements. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of SFAS 157, as it relates to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, on the Financial Statements.

SFAS 157 defines fair value 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. This standard is now the single source in GAAP for the definition of fair value, except for the fair value of leased property as defined in SFAS 13. SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) 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 under SFAS 157 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 following sections describe the valuation methodologies used by Alcoa to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified. Where appropriate the description includes details of the valuation models, the key inputs to those models, and any significant assumptions.

Available-for-sale securities. Alcoa uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of available-for-sale securities. These financial instruments consist of exchange-traded fixed income and equity securities, and are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative contracts. Derivative contracts are valued using quoted market prices and significant other observable and unobservable inputs. Such financial instruments consist of aluminum, interest rate, commodity (principally energy-related), and foreign currency contracts. The fair values for the majority of these derivative contracts are based upon current quoted market prices. These financial instruments are typically exchange-traded and are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether the exchange is deemed to be an active market or not.

For certain derivative contracts whose fair values are based upon trades in liquid markets, such as aluminum options, valuation model inputs can generally be verified and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment. The fair values of such financial instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Alcoa has other derivative contracts that do not have observable market quotes. For these financial instruments, management uses significant other observable inputs (i.e., information concerning time premiums and volatilities for certain option type embedded derivatives and regional premiums for swaps). For periods beyond the term of quoted market prices for aluminum, Alcoa uses a macroeconomic model that estimates the long-term price of aluminum based on anticipated changes in worldwide supply and demand. Where appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads, and credit considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence (Level 2). In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used (Level 3).

 

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The following table presents Alcoa’s assets and liabilities that are measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2008:

 

     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Collateral*     Total

Assets:

             

Available-for-sale securities

   $ 28    $ —      $ —      $ —       $ 28

Derivative contracts

     5      37      4      (4 )     42
                                   

Total assets

   $ 33    $ 37    $ 4    $ (4 )   $ 70
                                   

Liabilities:

             

Derivative contracts

   $ 360    $ 139    $ 440    $ (2 )   $ 937
                                   

 

* These amounts represent cash collateral paid ($2) and held ($4) that Alcoa elected to net against the fair value amounts recognized for certain derivative instruments executed with the same counterparties under master netting arrangements. This election was made under the provisions of FSP FIN 39-1, which was adopted by Alcoa on January 1, 2008 (see below). The collateral paid of $2 relates to derivative contracts for aluminum included in Level 1 and the collateral held of $4 relates to derivative contracts for interest rates included in Level 2.

Financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy represent derivative contracts in which management has used at least one significant unobservable input in the valuation model. The following table presents a reconciliation of activity for such derivative contracts on a net basis:

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30, 2008
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2008
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 392     $ 408  

Total realized/unrealized (losses) or gains included in:

    

Sales

     (18 )     (48 )

Cost of goods sold

     1       3  

Other comprehensive income

     42       54  

Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements

     19       19  

Transfers in and (or) out of Level 3

     —         —    
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 436     $ 436  
                

Total (losses) or gains included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to derivative contracts still held at September 30, 2008:

    

Sales

   $ (18 )   $ (48 )

Cost of goods sold

     1       3  

As reflected in the table above, the net unrealized loss on derivative contracts using Level 3 valuation techniques was $436 as of September 30, 2008. This loss is mainly attributed to embedded derivatives in a power contract that index the price of power to the LME price of aluminum. These embedded derivatives are primarily valued using observable market prices. However, due to the length of the contract, the valuation model also requires management to estimate the long-term price of aluminum based upon anticipated changes in worldwide supply and demand. The embedded derivatives have been designated as hedges of forward sales of aluminum and their realized gains and losses are included in Sales on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income. Also, included within Level 3 measurements are derivative financial instruments that hedge the cost of electricity. Transactions involving on-peak power are observable as there is an active market. However, due to Alcoa’s power consumption, there are certain off-peak times when there is not an actively traded market for electricity. Therefore, management utilizes various forecast services, historical relationships, and near term market actual pricing to determine the fair value. Gains and losses realized for the electricity contracts are included in Cost of goods sold on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income. Additionally, an embedded derivative in a power contract that indexes the difference between the long-term debt ratings of Alcoa and the counterparty from any of the three major credit rating agencies is included in Level 3. Management uses forecast services, historical relationships, and market prices to determine fair value. None of the Level 3 positions on hand at September 30, 2008 resulted in any unrealized gains in the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income.

 

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Effective September 30, 2008, Alcoa adopted FSP No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (FSP FAS 157-3), which was issued on October 10, 2008. FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 had no impact on the Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted FSP No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39,” (FSP FIN 39-1). FSP FIN 39-1 amends FIN No. 39, “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts,” by permitting entities that enter into master netting arrangements as part of their derivative transactions to offset in their financial statements net derivative positions against the fair value of amounts (or amounts that approximate fair value) recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral under those arrangements. As a result, management elected to net cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty when a master netting arrangement exists. As of September 30, 2008, the obligation to return cash collateral in the amount of $4 was netted against the fair value of derivative contracts included in Other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and the right to receive cash collateral in the amount of $2 was netted against the fair value of derivative contracts included in Other current liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. The adoption of FSP FIN 39-1 did not impact the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2007 as no cash collateral was held or posted.

On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 06-10, “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements,” (EITF 06-10). Under the provisions of EITF 06-10, an employer is required to recognize a liability for the postretirement benefit related to a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement in accordance with either SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” or Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 12, “Omnibus Opinion – 1967,” if the employer has agreed to maintain a life insurance policy during the employee’s retirement or provide the employee with a death benefit based on the substantive arrangement with the employee. The provisions of EITF 06-10 also require an employer to recognize and measure the asset in a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement based on the nature and substance of the arrangement. The adoption of EITF 06-10 had no impact on the Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. E23, “Hedging—General: Issues Involving the Application of the Shortcut Method under Paragraph 68” (Issue E23). Issue E23 provides guidance on certain practice issues related to the application of the shortcut method by amending paragraph 68 of SFAS 133 with respect to the conditions that must be met in order to apply the shortcut method for assessing hedge effectiveness of interest rate swaps. In addition to applying the provisions of Issue E23 on hedging arrangements designated on or after January 1, 2008, an assessment was required to be made on January 1, 2008 to determine whether preexisting hedging arrangements met the provisions of Issue E23 as of their original inception. Management performed such an assessment and determined that the adoption of Issue E23 had no impact on preexisting hedging arrangements. Alcoa will apply the provisions of Issue E23 on future hedging arrangements so designated.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,” (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, including (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This standard becomes effective for Alcoa on January 1, 2009. Earlier adoption of SFAS 161 and, separately, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption are encouraged. As SFAS 161 only requires enhanced disclosures, this standard will have no impact on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of Alcoa.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This standard defines a noncontrolling interest, sometimes called a minority interest, as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. SFAS 160 requires, among other items,

 

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that a noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity separate from the parent’s equity; consolidated net income to be reported at amounts inclusive of both the parent’s and noncontrolling interest’s shares and, separately, the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interest all on the consolidated statement of income; and if a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be measured at fair value and a gain or loss be recognized in net income based on such fair value. SFAS 160 becomes effective for Alcoa on January 1, 2009. Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS 160 will not have an impact on the Financial Statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), which replaces SFAS 141 and retains the fundamental requirements in SFAS 141, including that the purchase method be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. This standard defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control instead of the date that the consideration is transferred. SFAS 141(R) requires an acquirer in a business combination, including business combinations achieved in stages (step acquisition), to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions. It also requires the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from certain contractual contingencies as of the acquisition date, measured at their acquisition-date fair values. SFAS 141(R) becomes effective for Alcoa for any business combination with an acquisition date on or after January 1, 2009. Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will not have a material impact on the Financial Statements.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets,” (FSP FAS 142-3). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (SFAS 142) in order to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141(R) and other GAAP. FSP FAS 142-3 becomes effective for Alcoa on January 1, 2009. Management has determined that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 will not have an impact on the Financial Statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities,” (FSP EITF 03-6-1). FSP EITF 03-6-1 states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 becomes effective for Alcoa on January 1, 2009. Management has determined that the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 will not have an impact on the Financial Statements.

D. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale – For the third quarter and nine-month period of 2008 and 2007, there were no active businesses classified as discontinued operations.

The following table details selected financial information for the businesses included within discontinued operations:

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Sales

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

Loss from operations

   $ (1 )   $ (1 )   $ (1 )   $ (2 )

Loss on sale of businesses

     —         —         —         (17 )

Loss from impairment

     —         (3 )     —         (3 )
                                

Total pretax loss

     (1 )     (4 )     (1 )     (22 )

Benefit for income taxes

     —         1       —         7  
                                

Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (1 )   $ (3 )   $ (1 )   $ (15 )
                                

In the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, Alcoa recorded a loss of $1 (after-tax) from discontinued operations due to a settlement of litigation related to the telecommunications business prior to its divestiture in 2005.

 

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In the third quarter of 2007, Alcoa recorded a loss of $3 (after-tax) from discontinued operations primarily due to the write-off of the carrying value of assets related to the Hawesville, KY automotive casting facility. In the 2007 nine-month period, Alcoa recorded a loss of $15 (after-tax) from discontinued operations primarily related to working capital and other adjustments associated with the 2006 fourth quarter sale of the home exteriors business and the write-off of the carrying value of assets related to the Hawesville, KY automotive casting facility.

For both periods presented in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet, the assets and liabilities of operations classified as held for sale include the Hawesville, KY automotive casting facility, the wireless component of the telecommunications business, and a small automotive casting business in the U.K. Additionally, the assets and related liabilities of the businesses within the Packaging and Consumer segment and a soft alloy extrusion facility in the U.S. that was not contributed to the Sapa AB joint venture were also classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2007. In February 2008, Alcoa completed the sale of the businesses within the Packaging and Consumer segment (see Note F for additional information) and all locations were transferred to the buyer as of September 30, 2008.

The major classes of assets and liabilities of operations held for sale are as follows:

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Assets:

     

Receivables, less allowances

   $ 1    $ 308

Inventories

     —        377

Properties, plants, and equipment, net

     2      738

Goodwill

     —        1,094

Intangibles

     —        375

Other assets

     —        56
             

Assets held for sale

   $ 3    $ 2,948
             

Liabilities:

     

Accounts payable, trade

   $ —      $ 304

Accrued expenses

     1      114

Other liabilities

     —        33
             

Liabilities of operations held for sale

   $ 1    $ 451
             

E. Restructuring and Other Charges – In the third quarter and nine-month period of 2008, Alcoa recorded restructuring and other charges of $43 ($29 after-tax and minority interests) and $83 ($61 after-tax and minority interests), respectively. Restructuring and other charges in both periods include $48 ($31 after-tax) related to the temporary idling of the Rockdale, TX smelter, which consists of $44 ($29 after-tax) for the layoff of approximately 870 employees (terminations are expected to be mostly complete by the end of 2008) and a curtailment of other postretirement benefit plans (see Note O for additional information), and $4 ($2 after-tax) for other exit costs; and a credit of $12 ($8 after-tax) for the reversal of a reserve related to a shutdown facility. Also included in Restructuring and other charges in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period was $2 ($1 after-tax) and $43 ($32 after-tax), respectively, as a result of the loss recognized on the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses (see Note F for additional information), and the remaining amount was for net charges, primarily related to severance costs for the layoff of approximately 1,900 employees at six Electrical and Electronic Solutions locations in Mexico and Honduras through 2009.

In the third quarter and nine-month period of 2007, Alcoa recorded charges of $444 ($311 after-tax and minority interests) and $413 ($308 after-tax and minority interests), respectively. The net charge in both periods included $357 ($251 after-tax) in asset impairments related to the Packaging and Consumer businesses, the Electrical and Electronic Solutions business, and the Automotive Castings business; $53 ($36 after-tax) in severance charges associated with the Electrical and Electronic Solutions business; and $34 ($24 after-tax and minority interests) in net charges, primarily for severance charges and asset impairments of various other facilities. The 2007 nine-month period also includes net charges, primarily for accelerated depreciation associated with the shutdown of certain facilities in 2007, of $34 ($24 after-tax and minority interests) related to the restructuring program initiated in the fourth quarter of 2006. All of these amounts were slightly offset in the nine-month period of 2007 by a $65 ($27 after-tax) adjustment to the original impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006 related to the estimated fair value of the soft alloy extrusion business, which was contributed to a joint venture effective June 1, 2007.

Restructuring and other charges are not included in the segment results.

 

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As of September 30, 2008, approximately 1,700 of the 2,800 employees associated with 2008 restructuring programs and 3,900 of the 6,300 employees associated with 2007 restructuring programs were terminated. The remaining terminations for 2007 restructuring programs are expected to be completed by the end of 2008. Also, the terminations associated with the 2006 restructuring program are essentially complete. For further details on the 2007 and 2006 restructuring programs, see Note D to the audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

In the 2008 nine-month period, cash payments of $15, $51, and $10 were made against total reserves related to the 2008, 2007, and 2006 restructuring programs, respectively. The remaining reserves are expected to be paid in cash during 2008, with the exception of approximately $50 to $55, which is expected to be paid over the next several years for ongoing site remediation work and special termination benefit payments.

Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges are as follows:

 

     Employee
termination and
severance costs
    Other exit
costs
    Total  

Reserve balances at December 31, 2006

   $ 153     $ 40     $ 193  
                        

2007:

      

Cash payments

     (101 )     (13 )     (114 )

Restructuring charges

     88       22       110  

Reversals of previously recorded restructuring charges

     (25 )     (7 )     (32 )
                        

Reserve balances at December 31, 2007

     115       42       157  
                        

2008:

      

Cash payments

     (65 )     (17 )     (82 )

Restructuring charges

     53       9       62  

Other

     (7 )     (12 )     (19 )
                        

Reserve balances at September 30, 2008

   $ 96     $ 22     $ 118  
                        

F. Acquisitions and Divestitures – On February 29, 2008, Alcoa completed the sale of its Packaging and Consumer businesses to Rank Group Limited (Rank). In the 2008 first quarter, Alcoa received $2,490 in cash in exchange for a combination of assets and shares of stock in certain subsidiaries, and recognized a loss in Restructuring and other charges on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income (see Note E for additional information) of $36 ($28 after-tax) on the sale mainly as a result of changes in the net book value of the businesses and additional transaction costs. Also, a discrete income tax charge of $28 was recognized in the 2008 first quarter due to the allocation of the sale proceeds to higher tax rate jurisdictions as opposed to the allocation previously contemplated.

In the 2008 second quarter, Alcoa received regulatory and other approvals for a small number of locations that did not close in the 2008 first quarter. Following the transfer of these locations to Rank, Alcoa received an additional $196 in cash and recognized an additional loss of $5 ($3 after-tax) in Restructuring and other charges on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income (see Note E for additional information). Also, a discrete income tax benefit of $9 was recognized in the 2008 second quarter, mainly as a result of changes in tax assumptions surrounding transaction costs and the divestiture of certain foreign locations that were finalized in the second quarter. Furthermore, in the second quarter of 2008, Alcoa paid Rank $53 as a result of working capital and certain other post-closing adjustments as defined in the sales agreement.

In the 2008 third quarter, Alcoa transferred the final remaining location to Rank in exchange for $7 in cash. Additionally, as a result of various post-closing adjustments on the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses, Alcoa recognized a loss of $2 ($1 after-tax) in Restructuring and other charges on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income (see Note E for additional information) and received $11 from Rank.

This transaction is no longer subject to working capital and other post-closing adjustments. Alcoa will sell metal to Rank under a supply agreement that was entered into in conjunction with the sale agreement in December 2007. This metal supply agreement constitutes continuing involvement in the sold businesses by Alcoa, and, therefore, the results of operations of the Packaging and Consumer businesses were not classified as discontinued operations.

 

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The Packaging and Consumer segment generated sales of $3,288 in 2007 and had approximately 9,300 employees in 22 countries. The Packaging and Consumer segment no longer contains any operations. The following is a description of the four businesses that were included in this segment:

 

   

Flexible Packaging, manufacturers of laminated, printed, and extruded non-rigid packaging materials such as pouch, blister packaging, unitizing films, high quality shrink labels, and foil lidding for the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, tobacco, and industrial markets;

 

   

Closure Systems International, a leading global manufacturer of plastic and aluminum packaging closures and capping equipment for beverage, food, and personal care customers;

 

   

Consumer Products, a leading manufacturer of branded and private label foil, wraps and bags, and includes the Reynolds® and Baco® branded products;

 

   

Food Packaging, makers of stock and customer products for the foodservice, supermarket, food processor, and agricultural markets, including foil, film, and both plastic and foil food containers.

On March 3, 2008, Alcoa acquired the remaining outstanding minority interest of four percent in the Belaya Kalitva fabricating facility in Russia for $15 in cash. Based on the allocation of the purchase price, Alcoa recorded $6 in goodwill, all of which is non-deductible for income tax purposes.

On March 12, 2008, Alcoa acquired the stock of Republic Fastener Manufacturing Corporation (“Republic”) and Van Petty Manufacturing (“Van Petty”) from The Wood Family Trust for $276 in cash. The two aerospace fastener manufacturing businesses are located in Newbury Park, California, and employ a combined 240 people. Republic offers a wide variety of sheet metal and aerospace fasteners and Van Petty produces high performance precision aerospace fasteners, and, combined, the businesses had revenue of $51 in 2007. These businesses are included in the Engineered Products and Solutions segment. Based on the current purchase price allocation, $248 of goodwill was recorded for these transactions, all of which is deductible for income tax purposes. The final allocation of the purchase price will be based upon valuation and other studies, including environmental and other contingent liabilities, which will be completed by the end of 2008.

On March 31, 2008, Alcoa received formal approval from regulators in China for the acquisition of the 27% outstanding minority interest in Alcoa Bohai Aluminum Industries Company Limited. In May 2008, Alcoa completed the purchase of such minority interest for $79 in cash. Based on the allocation of the purchase price, Alcoa recorded $24 in goodwill, all of which is non-deductible for income tax purposes. The final allocation of the purchase price will be based upon valuation and other studies, which will be completed by the end of 2008.

In connection with the August 2003 acquisition of 40.9% of Alcoa Alumínio S.A. (Alumínio), which was held by Camargo Corrêa Group (Camargo), the acquisition agreement provided for a contingent payment to Camargo based on the five-year performance of Alumínio limited by the appreciation in the market price of Alcoa’s common stock. On July 3, 2008, Alcoa paid Camargo $47 under the contingent payment provisions in the acquisition agreement. This payment resulted in $47 of goodwill, all of which is non-deductible for income tax purposes, representing an increase in the original purchase price. Alcoa is no longer subject to contingent payments related to the Alumínio acquisition.

G. Inventories

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Finished goods

   $ 967    $ 849

Work-in-process

     1,252      1,044

Bauxite and alumina

     753      652

Purchased raw materials

     625      547

Operating supplies

     247      234
             
   $ 3,844    $ 3,326
             

At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, 42% and 40% of total inventories, respectively, were valued on a LIFO basis. If valued on an average-cost basis, total inventories would have been $1,190 and $1,069 higher at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

H. Investments – On February 1, 2008, Alcoa joined with the Aluminum Corporation of China to acquire 12% of the U.K. common stock of Rio Tinto plc (RTP) for approximately $14,000. The

 

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investment was made through a special purpose vehicle called Shining Prospect Pte. Ltd. (SPPL), which is a private limited liability company, created solely for the purpose of acquiring the RTP shares. The RTP shares were purchased by SPPL in the open market through an investment broker. The following is a description of the transaction structure between Alcoa and SPPL and the related accounting impacts.

On February 6, 2008, Alcoa contributed $1,200 of the $14,000 through the purchase of a Convertible Senior Secured Note (the “Note”) executed on January 30, 2008 by SPPL which is convertible into approximately 8.5% of the equity shares of SPPL. Under the Note, Alcoa has the right, at any time on or before the close of business on the maturity date of the Note (February 1, 2011), to convert the Note, in whole or in part, for a number of shares of SPPL that will result in Alcoa having a debt to equity ratio in SPPL equal to the debt to equity ratio of all investors, in the aggregate, in SPPL. The unpaid principal amount of the Note will be proportionately reduced to reflect any conversion. The Note further provides that Alcoa is permitted at any time to increase the number of shares of SPPL which Alcoa would acquire on full conversion of the Note up to a maximum of 25% of the outstanding shares of SPPL by increasing the unpaid outstanding principal of the Note or acquiring shares of SPPL directly.

Additionally, under the Note, Alcoa has the right, at any time following the period ending six months from the issuance date of the Note or upon the liquidation or winding-up of SPPL, to require SPPL to either (i) distribute, in exchange for cancellation of the Note and any equity interests into which it may have been converted, to Alcoa a specified number of ordinary shares of RTP (the “Ordinary Shares”) or (ii) to purchase Alcoa’s debt and equity interest in SPPL at a price equal to the then-current market value of such specified number of Ordinary Shares.

The Note provides that SPPL will secure the principal, interest, and other obligations of SPPL to Alcoa under the Note with the number of Ordinary Shares it purchases with the proceeds it received from the issuance of the Note.

Alcoa’s investment in SPPL through the Note is in-substance an investment in common stock of SPPL. Additionally, investments of three to five percent or greater in limited liability companies that are essentially equivalent to partnerships are considered to be more than minor, and, therefore, are accounted for under the equity method. As a result, Alcoa accounted for its $1,200 investment in SPPL as an equity method investment. In the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, Alcoa recorded $7 and $14 in equity income, respectively, which represents Alcoa’s share of the semiannual dividends that SPPL received as a shareholder of RTP. Also, Alcoa recorded an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income of $303 ($467 pretax) and $292 ($450 pretax) in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, representing its share of SPPL’s total unrealized loss related to the decrease in fair value of the RTP shares, which are accounted for as available-for-sale securities by SPPL (see Note P for additional information).

Lehman Brothers International Europe (LBIE) is the custodian of the RTP shares for SPPL. SPPL is discussing with the administrators of LBIE in London the arrangements for the orderly transfer of the RTP shares out of LBIE. The RTP shares are held in custody only and are not assets of LBIE or any other Lehman Brothers affiliate. Therefore, the shares are not subject to the claims of Lehman Brothers’ general creditors.

In the 2008 second quarter, Alcoa and Orkla ASA’s SAPA Group reached a tentative agreement on the final ownership percentages of the Sapa AB joint venture created in June 2007. Alcoa expects its ultimate ownership percentage to be 45.45%, and, as of September 30, 2008, the carrying value of its investment was $819. Alcoa does not expect any material adjustments to the carrying value as a result of finalizing its ownership percentage.

I. Debt – On January 24, 2008, Alcoa entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement (RCA-1) with two financial institutions. RCA-1 provided a $1,000 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF-1), with a stated maturity of March 28, 2008. RCA-1 contained a provision that if there were amounts borrowed under RCF-1 at the time Alcoa received the proceeds from the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses, the company must use the net cash proceeds to prepay the amount outstanding under RCF-1. Additionally, upon Alcoa’s receipt of such proceeds, the lenders’ commitments under RCF-1 would be reduced by a corresponding amount, up to the total commitments then in effect under RCF-1, regardless of whether there was an amount outstanding under RCF-1. On February 12, 2008, Alcoa borrowed $1,000 under RCF-1 and used the proceeds to reduce outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes. As disclosed in Note F, Alcoa completed the sale of its Packaging and Consumer businesses on February 29, 2008 for $2,490 in cash. As a result, on February 29, 2008, Alcoa repaid the $1,000 under RCF-1, and the lenders’ commitments under RCF-1 were reduced to zero effectively terminating RCA-1.

On January 31, 2008, Alcoa entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement (RCA-2) with Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. (LCPI), as administrative agent, and Lehman Brothers Commercial Bank (LBCB),

 

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as lender. RCA-2 provides a $1,000 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF-2), which matures on January 31, 2009. Loans will bear interest at (i) a base rate or (ii) a rate equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on the credit ratings of Alcoa’s outstanding senior unsecured long-term debt. Based on Alcoa’s current long-term debt ratings, the applicable margin on LIBOR loans will be 0.93% per annum. Loans may be prepaid without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs. Amounts payable under RCF-2 will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness of Alcoa.

RCA-2 includes the following covenants, among others, (a) a leverage ratio, (b) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to incur liens securing indebtedness for borrowed money, (c) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to consummate a merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, and (d) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to change the nature of its business.

The obligation of Alcoa to pay amounts outstanding under RCF-2 may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an “Event of Default” as defined in RCA-2. Such Events of Default include, among others, (a) Alcoa’s failure to pay the principal of, or interest on, borrowings under RCF-2, (b) any representation or warranty of Alcoa in RCA-2 proving to be materially false or misleading, (c) Alcoa’s breach of any of its covenants contained in RCA-2, and (d) the bankruptcy or insolvency of Alcoa.

As of September 30, 2008, there was no amount outstanding under RCF-2. On October 5, 2008, LCPI filed for bankruptcy protection under section 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. To Alcoa’s knowledge, LBCB has not filed for bankruptcy protection. On October 16, 2008, Alcoa gave notice in accordance with the provisions of RCA-2 to permanently terminate in whole LBCB’s total commitments under RCF-2 effective October 30, 2008.

On March 10, 2008, Alcoa filed an automatic shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an indeterminate amount of securities for future issuance. This shelf registration statement replaced Alcoa’s existing shelf registration statement. As of September 30, 2008, $1,500 in senior debt securities were issued under the new shelf registration statement (see below).

In March 2008, Alumínio entered into two separate loan agreements (the “Loans”) with BNDES (Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development). It is important to note that the interest rates presented below are based on amounts that will be borrowed in Brazil and are not equivalent to the interest rates Alcoa would pay if such amounts were borrowed in the U.S.

The first loan provides for a commitment of $256 (R$500), which is divided into five subloans, and will be used to pay for certain expenditures of the Juruti bauxite mine development. Interest on four of the subloans (R$470) is equal to BNDES’ long-term interest rate, currently 6.25%, plus a weighted-average margin of 2.13%. Interest on the fifth subloan (R$30) is equal to the average cost incurred by BNDES in raising capital outside of Brazil, currently 5.23%, plus a margin of 2.40%. Principal and interest are payable monthly beginning in September 2009 and ending in November 2014 for the four subloans totaling R$470 and beginning in November 2009 and ending in January 2015 for the subloan totaling R$30. Prior to these beginning payment dates, interest is payable quarterly on borrowed amounts.

The second loan provides for a commitment of $332 (R$650), which is divided into three subloans, and will be used to pay for certain expenditures of the São Luís refinery expansion. Interest on two of the subloans (R$589) is equal to BNDES’ long-term interest rate plus a weighted-average margin of 1.99%. Interest on the third subloan (R$61) is equal to the average cost incurred by BNDES in raising capital outside of Brazil plus a margin of 2.02%. Principal and interest are payable monthly beginning in December 2009 and ending in February 2015 for the two subloans totaling R$589 and beginning in February 2010 and ending in April 2015 for the subloan totaling R$61. Prior to these beginning payment dates, interest is payable quarterly on borrowed amounts.

The Loans may be repaid early without penalty with the approval of BNDES. Also, the Loans include a financial covenant that states that Alcoa must maintain a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.5 or lower. As of September 30, 2008, Alumínio borrowed $206 (R$403) and $254 (R$498) under the loans associated with the Juruti and São Luís growth projects, respectively.

In June 2008, Alumínio finalized certain documents related to another loan agreement with BNDES. This loan provides for a commitment of $351 (R$687), which is divided into three subloans, and will be used to pay for certain expenditures of the Estreito hydroelectric power project. Interest on the three subloans is equal to BNDES’ long-term interest rate plus a weighted-average margin of 1.48%. Principal and interest are payable monthly beginning in October 2011 and ending in September 2029 for the two subloans totaling R$667 and beginning in January 2011 and ending in December 2016 for the subloan totaling R$20. Prior to these beginning payment dates, interest is payable quarterly on borrowed amounts. This loan may be repaid early without penalty with the approval of BNDES. As of September 30, 2008, $75 (R$147) was borrowed under this loan.

 

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On July 15, 2008, Alcoa completed a public debt offering under its existing shelf registration statement (filed on March 10, 2008) for $1,500 in new notes. The $1,500 is comprised of $750 of 6.00% Notes due 2013 (the “2013 Notes”) and $750 of 6.75% Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes” and, collectively with the 2013 Notes, the “Notes”). Alcoa received $1,489 in net proceeds from the public debt offering reflecting original issue discounts and the payment of financing costs. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the reduction of outstanding commercial paper, purchases of outstanding common stock under the current stock repurchase program, working capital requirements, and capital expenditures. The original issue discounts and financing costs were deferred and will be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the respective terms of the Notes. Interest on the Notes is paid semi-annually in January and July, commencing January 2009. Alcoa has the option to redeem the Notes, as a whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, on at least 30 days, but not more than 60 days, prior notice to the holders of the Notes at a redemption price specified in the Notes. The Notes are subject to repurchase upon the occurrence of a change in control repurchase event (as defined in the Notes) at a repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes repurchased. The Notes rank pari passu with Alcoa’s other unsecured senior unsubordinated indebtedness.

Also in July 2008, Alcoa entered into $800 of forward starting swaps to hedge interest rates in anticipation of the Notes issuances. The swaps hedged equal amounts of the 2013 Notes and the 2018 Notes ($400 each). These swaps were terminated in conjunction with the issuances of the Notes at a loss of $11. This loss will be amortized over the life of the Notes as additional interest expense.

On July 28, 2008, Alcoa increased the capacity of its senior unsecured revolving credit facility by $175 as provided for under the related Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2007 (the “Credit Agreement”). As of September 30, 2008, there was no amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement. On October 5, 2008, LCPI, a lender under the Credit Agreement with $150 in commitments, filed for bankruptcy protection under section 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. It is not certain if LCPI will honor its obligations under the Credit Agreement. The total capacity of the credit facility, excluding LCPI’s commitment, is $3,275.

J. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

On February 27, 2008, Alcoa Inc. received notice that Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (“Alba”) had filed suit against Alcoa Inc. and Alcoa World Alumina LLC (collectively, “Alcoa”), and others, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (the “Court”), Civil Action number 08-299, styled Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. v. Alcoa Inc., Alcoa World Alumina LLC, William Rice, and Victor Dahdaleh. The complaint alleges that certain Alcoa entities and their agents, including Victor Phillip Dahdaleh, have engaged in a conspiracy over a period of 15 years to defraud Alba. The complaint further alleges that Alcoa and its employees or agents (1) illegally bribed officials of the government of Bahrain and (or) officers of Alba in order to force Alba to purchase alumina at excessively high prices, (2) illegally bribed officials of the government of Bahrain and (or) officers of Alba and issued threats in order to pressure Alba to enter into an agreement by which Alcoa would purchase an equity interest in Alba, and (3) assigned portions of existing supply contracts between Alcoa and Alba for the sole purpose of facilitating alleged bribes and unlawful commissions. The complaint alleges that Alcoa and the other defendants violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) and committed fraud. Alba’s complaint seeks compensatory, consequential, exemplary, and punitive damages, rescission of the 2005 alumina supply contract, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Alba seeks treble damages with respect to its RICO claims.

On February 26, 2008, Alcoa Inc. had advised the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that it had recently become aware of these claims, had already begun an internal investigation, and intended to cooperate fully in any investigation that the DOJ or the SEC may commence. On March 17, 2008, the DOJ notified Alcoa that it had opened a formal investigation and Alcoa has been cooperating with the government.

In response to a motion filed by the DOJ on March 27, 2008, the Court ordered the suit filed by Alba to be administratively closed and that all discovery be stayed to allow the DOJ to fully conduct an investigation without the interference and distraction of ongoing civil litigation. The Court further ordered that the case will be reopened at the close of the DOJ’s investigation. The DOJ investigation is continuing and the company is unable to reasonably predict an outcome or to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss.

 

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In November 2006, in Curtis v. Alcoa Inc., Civil Action No. 3:06cv448 (E.D. Tenn.), a class action was filed by plaintiffs representing approximately 13,000 retired former employees of Alcoa or Reynolds Metals Company and spouses and dependents of such retirees alleging violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Labor-Management Relations Act by requiring plaintiffs, beginning January 1, 2007, to pay health insurance premiums and increased co-payments and co-insurance for certain medical procedures and prescription drugs. Plaintiffs allege these changes to their retiree health care plans violate their rights to vested health care benefits. Plaintiffs additionally allege that Alcoa has breached its fiduciary duty to plaintiffs under ERISA by misrepresenting to them that their health benefits would never change. Plaintiffs seek injunctive and declaratory relief, back payment of benefits and attorneys’ fees. Alcoa has consented to treatment of plaintiffs’ claims as a class action. During the fourth quarter of 2007, following briefing and argument, the court ordered consolidation of the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction with trial, certified a plaintiff class, bifurcated and stayed the plaintiffs’ breach of fiduciary duty claims, struck the plaintiffs’ jury demand, but indicated it would use an advisory jury, and set a trial date of September 17, 2008. In August 2008, the court set a new trial date of March 24, 2009. Alcoa estimates that, in the event of an unfavorable outcome, the maximum exposure would be an additional postretirement benefit liability of approximately $300 and approximately $40 of expense (includes an interest cost component) annually, on average, for the next 11 years. Alcoa believes that it has valid defenses and intends to defend this matter vigorously. However, as this litigation is in its preliminary stages, the company is unable to reasonably predict the outcome.

In addition to the litigation discussed above, various other lawsuits, claims, and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against Alcoa, including those pertaining to environmental, product liability, and safety and health matters. While the amounts claimed may be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot now be determined because of the considerable uncertainties that exist. Therefore, it is possible that the company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in a particular period could be materially affected by certain contingencies. However, based on facts currently available, management believes that the disposition of matters that are pending or asserted will not have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the financial position, liquidity, or the results of operations of the company.

Environmental Matters

Alcoa continues to participate in environmental assessments and cleanups at a number of locations. These include 31 owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, 33 previously owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, and 70 waste sites, including Superfund sites. A liability is recorded for environmental remediation costs or damages when a cleanup program becomes probable and the costs or damages 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 and damages. The liability can change substantially due to factors such as the nature and extent of contamination, changes in remedial requirements, and technological changes. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the outcomes or to estimate with any degree of accuracy the potential costs for certain of these matters.

The following discussion provides additional details regarding the current status of Alcoa’s significant sites where the final outcome cannot be determined or the potential costs in the future cannot be estimated.

Massena, NY. Alcoa has been conducting investigations and studies of the Grasse River, adjacent to Alcoa’s Massena plant site, under order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also known as Superfund. Sediments and fish in the river contain varying levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

In 2002, Alcoa submitted an Analysis of Alternatives Report that detailed a variety of remedial alternatives with estimated costs ranging from $2 to $525. Because the selection of the $2 alternative (natural recovery) was considered remote, Alcoa adjusted the reserve for the Grasse River in 2002 to $30 representing the low end of the range of possible alternatives, as no single alternative could be identified as more probable than the others.

In June of 2003, based on river observations during the spring of 2003, the EPA requested that Alcoa gather additional field data to assess the potential for sediment erosion from winter river ice formation and breakup. The results of these additional studies, submitted in a report to the EPA in April of 2004, suggest that this phenomenon has the potential to occur approximately every 10 years and may impact sediments in certain portions of the river under all remedial scenarios. The EPA informed Alcoa that a final remedial decision for the river could not be made without substantially more information, including river pilot studies on the effects of ice formation and breakup on each of the remedial techniques. Alcoa

 

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submitted to the EPA, and the EPA approved, a Remedial Options Pilot Study (ROPS) to gather this information. The scope of this study includes sediment removal and capping, the installation of an ice control structure, and significant monitoring.

In May of 2004, Alcoa agreed to perform the study at an estimated cost of $35. Most of the construction work was completed in 2005 with monitoring work proposed through 2008. The findings will be incorporated into a revised Analysis of Alternatives Report, which is expected to be submitted in the first quarter of 2009. This information will be used by the EPA to propose a remedy for the entire river. Alcoa adjusted the reserves in the second quarter of 2004 to include the $35 for the ROPS. This was in addition to the $30 previously reserved.

The reserves for the Grasse River were re-evaluated in the fourth quarter of 2006 and an adjustment of $4 was made. This adjustment is to cover commitments made to the EPA for additional investigation work, for the on-going monitoring program, including that associated with the ROPS program, to prepare a revised Analysis of Alternatives Report, and for an interim measure that involves, annually, the mechanical ice breaking of the river to prevent the formation of ice jams until a permanent remedy is selected. This reserve adjustment is intended to cover these commitments through the first quarter of 2009 when the revised Analysis of Alternatives report will be submitted.

With the exception of the natural recovery remedy, none of the existing alternatives in the 2002 Analysis of Alternatives Report is more probable than the others and the results of the ROPS are necessary to revise the scope and estimated cost of many of the current alternatives.

The EPA’s ultimate selection of a remedy could result in additional liability. Alcoa may be required to record a subsequent reserve adjustment at the time the EPA’s Record of Decision is issued, which is expected in 2009 or later.

Sherwin, TX. In connection with the sale of the Sherwin alumina refinery, which was required to be divested as part of the Reynolds merger in 2000, Alcoa has agreed to retain responsibility for the remediation of the then existing environmental conditions, as well as a pro rata share of the final closure of the active waste disposal areas, which remain in use. Alcoa’s share of the closure costs is proportional to the total period of operation of the active waste disposal areas. Alcoa estimated its liability for the active disposal areas by making certain assumptions about the period of operation, the amount of material placed in the area prior to closure, and the appropriate technology, engineering, and regulatory status applicable to final closure. The most probable cost for remediation has been reserved. It is reasonably possible that an additional liability, not expected to exceed $75, may be incurred if actual experience varies from the original assumptions used.

East St. Louis, IL. In response to questions regarding environmental conditions at the former East St. Louis operations, Alcoa entered into an administrative order with the EPA in December 2002 to perform a remedial investigation and feasibility study of an area used for the disposal of bauxite residue from historic alumina refining operations. A draft feasibility study was submitted to the EPA in April 2005. The feasibility study includes remedial alternatives that range from no further action at $0 to significant grading, stabilization, and water management of the bauxite residue disposal areas at $75. Because the selection of the $0 alternative was considered remote, Alcoa increased the environmental reserve for this location by $15 in the second quarter of 2005, representing the low end of the range of possible alternatives, which met the remedy selection criteria, as no alternative could be identified as more probable than the others. In 2007, the EPA temporarily suspended its final review of the feasibility study based on Alcoa’s request for additional time to fully explore site redevelopment and material use options. Ultimately, the EPA’s selection of a remedy could result in additional liability, and Alcoa may be required to record a subsequent reserve adjustment at the time the EPA’s Record of Decision is issued, which is expected late in 2008 or later.

Vancouver, WA. In 1987, Alcoa sold its Vancouver smelter to a company that is now known as Evergreen Aluminum (Evergreen). The purchase and sale agreement contained a provision that Alcoa retain liability for any environmental issues that arise subsequent to the sale that pre-date 1987. As a result of this obligation, Alcoa recorded a reserve for the Vancouver location at that time. Evergreen is currently decommissioning the smelter and cleaning up the approximately 100 acres under a consent order with the Washington Department of Ecology (WDE). In February 2008, Evergreen notified Alcoa that it had identified numerous areas containing contamination that predated 1987. In response to this notification, Alcoa increased the existing reserve by $3 to reimburse Evergreen for its costs to cleanup this contamination. In August 2008, Evergreen presented additional information for contaminated areas discovered since February 2008.

Separately, in September 2008, Alcoa completed a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) under the Washington State Model Toxics Control Act and negotiated a consent decree with WDE, which requires Alcoa to complete cleanup of PCB contaminated sediments in the Columbia River as well as

 

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remediate soil contamination in upland portions of the Vancouver property. Alcoa is in the process of obtaining final permit approval for this work and dredging work will take place between November 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009.

As a result of the above items related to the Vancouver site, Alcoa increased the environmental reserve by $11 in the 2008 third quarter. As cleanup work progresses and final remedies are negotiated with WDE, a subsequent reserve adjustment may be necessary.

Based on the foregoing, it is possible that Alcoa’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, in a particular period, could be materially affected by matters relating to these sites. However, based on facts currently available, management believes that adequate reserves have been provided and that the disposition of these matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the financial position, liquidity, or the results of operations of the company.

Alcoa’s remediation reserve balance was $280 and $279 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (of which $50 and $51 was classified as a current liability), respectively, and reflects the most probable costs to remediate identified environmental conditions for which costs can be reasonably estimated. In the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, the remediation reserve was increased by $15 and $20, respectively, mostly due to the increase in the reserve related to the Vancouver property discussed above. The increase to the remediation reserve was charged to Cost of goods sold on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income for both periods. Payments related to remediation expenses applied against the reserve were $9 and $19 in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively. These amounts include 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 approximately 2% of cost of goods sold.

Other

Alumínio is a participant in several hydroelectric power construction projects in Brazil for purposes of increasing its energy self-sufficiency and providing a long-term, low-cost source of power for its facilities. Two of these projects, Machadinho and Barra Grande, were completed in 2002 and 2006, respectively.

Alumínio committed to taking a share of the output of the Machadinho and Barra Grande projects each for 30 years at cost (including cost of financing the project). In the event that other participants in either one of these projects fail to fulfill their financial responsibilities, Alumínio may be required to fund a portion of the deficiency. In accordance with the respective agreements, if Alumínio funds any such deficiency, its participation and share of the output from the respective project will increase proportionately.

With Machadinho and Barra Grande, Alumínio’s current power self-sufficiency is approximately 40%, to meet a total energy demand of approximately 690 megawatts from Brazilian primary plants. Alumínio accounts for the Machadinho and Barra Grande hydroelectric projects as equity method investments. Alumínio’s investment participation in these projects is 30.99% for Machadinho and 42.18% for Barra Grande. Its total investment in these projects was $224 (R$438) and $241 (R$426) at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Alcoa’s maximum exposure to loss on these completed projects is approximately $500 (R$990), which represents Alcoa’s investment and guarantees of debt as of September 30, 2008.

In the first quarter of 2006, Alumínio acquired an additional 6.41% share in the Estreito hydroelectric power project, reaching 25.49% of total participation in the consortium. This additional share entitles Alumínio to 38 megawatts of assured energy. Alumínio’s share of the project is estimated to have installed capacity of approximately 280 megawatts and assured power of approximately 150 megawatts. In December 2006, the consortium obtained the environmental installation license, after completion of certain socioeconomic and cultural impact studies as required by a governmental agency. Construction began in the first quarter of 2007 and is expected to be completed in 2011. Total estimated project costs are approximately $1,760 (R$3,360) and Alumínio’s share is approximately $450 (R$850). As of September 30, 2008, Alumínio has contributed $130 (R$220) towards the $450 commitment.

In the first quarter of 2007, construction began on the Serra do Facão hydroelectric power project. Construction of this facility is expected to be completed in 2010. The implementation of construction activities had been temporarily suspended in 2004 due to the temporary suspension of the project’s installation permit by legal injunction issued by the Brazilian Judicial Department (Public Ministry). Since 2004, this project was placed on hold due to unattractive market conditions. In mid-2006, market conditions became favorable and Alumínio proceeded with plans to begin construction. In September of 2006, the national environmental agency renewed the installation permit allowing construction to commence. Alumínio’s share of the Serra do Facão project is 34.97% and entitles Alumínio to approximately 65 megawatts of assured power. Total estimated project costs are approximately $420 (R$770) and Alumínio’s share is approximately $150 (R$270). As of September 30, 2008, Alumínio has contributed $90 (R$160) towards the $150 commitment.

 

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In 2004, Alcoa acquired a 20% interest in a consortium, which subsequently purchased the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) in Western Australia, in exchange for an initial cash investment of $17 (A$24). The investment in the DBNGP was made in order to secure a competitively priced long-term supply of natural gas to Alcoa’s refineries in Western Australia. This investment was classified as an equity investment. Alcoa has made additional contributions of $79 (A$101), including $3 (A$4) in the 2008 third quarter, and committed to invest an additional $66 (A$82) to be paid as the pipeline expands through 2011. In March 2008, additional equity contributions of $38 (A$40) were approved to support further expansion of the gas transmission capacity. In addition to its equity ownership, Alcoa has an agreement to purchase gas transmission services from the DBNGP. Alcoa’s maximum exposure to loss on the investment and the related contract is approximately $400 (A$490) as of September 30, 2008.

In July 2006, the European Commission (EC) announced that it has opened an investigation to establish whether an extension of the regulated preferential electricity tariff granted by Italy to some energy-intensive industries complies with European Union (EU) state aid rules. The new Italian power tariff modifies the preferential tariff that was in force until December 31, 2005 and extends it through 2010. Alcoa has been operating in Italy for more than 10 years under a power supply structure approved by the EC in 1996. That measure, like the new one, was based on Italian state legislation that provides a competitive power supply to the primary aluminum industry and is not considered state aid by the Italian Government. The EC’s announcement states that it has doubts about the measure’s compatibility with EU legislation and concerns about distortion of competition in the European market of primary aluminum, where energy is an important part of the production costs. The opening of an in-depth investigation gives interested parties the opportunity to comment on the proposed measures; it does not prejudge the outcome of the procedure. It is Alcoa’s understanding that the Italian Government’s continuation of the electricity tariff was done in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations. Alcoa believes that the total potential impact from a loss of the tariff would be approximately $21 pretax (€15) per month in higher power costs at its Italian smelters. While Alcoa believes that any additional cost would only be assessed prospectively from the date of the EC’s decision on this matter, it is possible that the EC could rule that the assessment must be retroactively applied to January 2006. A decision by the EC is not expected until late in 2008. On November 29, 2006, Alcoa filed an appeal before the European Court of First Instance seeking the annulment of the decision of the EC to open the investigation alleging that such decision did not follow the applicable procedural rules. This appeal, which may be withdrawn by Alcoa at any time, is expected to be resolved late in 2008.

In January 2007, the EC announced that it has opened an investigation to establish whether the regulated electricity tariffs granted by Spain comply with EU state aid rules. Alcoa has been operating in Spain for more than nine years under a power supply structure approved by the Spanish Government in 1986, an equivalent tariff having been granted in 1983. The investigation is limited to the year 2005 and it is focused both on the energy-intensive consumers and the distribution companies. The investigation provided 30 days to any interested party to submit observations and comments to the EC. With respect to the energy-intensive consumers, the EC is opening the investigation on the assumption that prices paid under the tariff in 2005 were lower than the pool price mechanism, therefore being, in principle, artificially below market conditions. Alcoa has submitted comments in which the company has provided evidence that prices paid by energy-intensive consumers were in line with the market, in addition to various legal arguments defending the legality of the Spanish tariff system. It is Alcoa’s understanding that the Spanish tariff system for electricity is in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations, and therefore no state aid is present in that tariff system. Alcoa believes that the total potential impact from an unfavorable decision would be approximately $12 pretax (€8). While Alcoa believes that any additional cost would only be assessed for the year 2005, it is possible that the EC could extend its investigation to later years. A decision by the EC is not expected until late in 2008. If the EC’s investigation concludes that the regulated electricity tariffs for industries are unlawful, Alcoa will have an opportunity to challenge the decision in the EU courts.

 

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K. Other (Expenses) Income, Net

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Equity income

   $ 10     $ 7     $ 60     $ 58  

Interest income

     15       15       47       46  

Foreign currency losses, net

     (60 )     (69 )     (40 )     (47 )

Gains from asset sales

     21       1,771       30       1,772  

Other, net

     (3 )     7       (75 )     6  
                                
   $ (17 )   $ 1,731     $ 22     $ 1,835  
                                

In the 2008 nine-month period, Other, net includes significant losses related to the deterioration of the cash surrender value of life insurance due to the decline in the investment markets.

In the 2007 third quarter and nine-month period, Gains from asset sales include the $1,754 gain from the sale of Alcoa’s investment in the Aluminum Corporation of China Limited.

L. Segment Information – In the first quarter of 2008, management approved a realignment of Alcoa’s reportable segments to better reflect the core businesses in which Alcoa operates and how it is managed. This realignment consisted of eliminating the Extruded and End Products segment and realigning its component businesses as follows: the building and construction systems business is reported in the Engineered Products and Solutions segment; the hard alloy extrusions business and the Russian extrusions business are reported in the Flat-Rolled Products segment; and the remaining segment components, consisting primarily of the equity investment/income of Alcoa’s interest in the Sapa AB joint venture, and the Latin American extrusions business, are reported in Corporate. Additionally, the Russian forgings business was moved from the Engineered Products and Solutions segment to the Flat-Rolled Products segment, where all Russian operations are now reported. Prior period amounts were reclassified to reflect the new segment structure. Also, the Engineered Solutions segment was renamed the Engineered Products and Solutions segment.

 

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Alcoa’s reportable segments, reclassified to exclude assets held for sale, are as follows (differences between segment totals and consolidated totals are in Corporate):

 

Third quarter ended September 30, 2008

   Alumina     Primary
Metals
   Flat-
Rolled
Products
   Engineered
Products
and
Solutions
   Packaging
and
Consumer
   Total

Sales:

                

Third-party sales

   $ 805     $ 2,127    $ 2,488    $ 1,716    $ —      $ 7,136

Intersegment sales

     730       1,078      58      —        —        1,866
                                          

Total sales

   $ 1,535     $ 3,205    $ 2,546    $ 1,716    $ —      $ 9,002
                                          

Profit and loss:

                

Equity income

   $ 2     $ 1    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 3

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     68       131      54      42      —        295

Income taxes

     91       29      21      42      —        183

After-tax operating income (ATOI)

     206       297      29      101      —        633

Third quarter ended September 30, 2007

                              

Sales:

                

Third-party sales

   $ 664     $ 1,600    $ 2,494    $ 1,662    $ 828    $ 7,248

Intersegment sales

     631       1,171      70      —        —        1,872
                                          

Total sales

   $ 1,295     $ 2,771    $ 2,564    $ 1,662    $ 828    $ 9,120
                                          

Profit and loss:

                

Equity (loss) income

   $ (1 )   $ 11    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 10

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     76       102      64      44      29      315

Income taxes

     89       80      32      46      17      264

ATOI

     215       283      62      82      36      678

 

22


Nine months ended September 30, 2008

   Alumina    Primary
Metals
   Flat-
Rolled
Products
   Engineered
Products
and
Solutions
   Packaging
and
Consumer
   Total

Sales:

                 

Third-party sales

   $ 2,202    $ 6,441    $ 7,505    $ 5,361    $ 516    $ 22,025

Intersegment sales

     2,163      3,291      212      —        —        5,666
                                         

Total sales

   $ 4,365    $ 9,732    $ 7,717    $ 5,361    $ 516    $ 27,691
                                         

Profit and loss:

                 

Equity income

   $ 6    $ 20    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 26

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     209      383      177      126      —        895

Income taxes

     215      276      66      168      10      735

ATOI

     565      1,032      125      396      11      2,129

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

                             

Sales:

                 

Third-party sales

   $ 2,021    $ 4,979    $ 7,496    $ 5,053    $ 2,401    $ 21,950

Intersegment sales

     1,797      3,931      212      —        —        5,940
                                         

Total sales

   $ 3,818    $ 8,910    $ 7,708    $ 5,053    $ 2,401    $ 27,890
                                         

Profit and loss:

                 

Equity income

   $ —      $ 51    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 51

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     194      299      185      126      89      893

Income taxes

     291      490      100      147      41      1,069

ATOI

     751      1,249      219      306      92      2,617

The following table reconciles total segment ATOI to consolidated net income:

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Total segment ATOI

   $ 633     $ 678     $ 2,129     $ 2,617  

Unallocated amounts (net of tax):

        

Impact of LIFO

     (5 )     10       (80 )     (33 )

Interest income

     10       10       31       30  

Interest expense

     (63 )     (98 )     (184 )     (208 )

Minority interests

     (84 )     (76 )     (221 )     (301 )

Corporate expense

     (77 )     (101 )     (250 )     (288 )

Restructuring and other charges

     (29 )     (311 )     (61 )     (308 )

Discontinued operations

     (1 )     (3 )     (1 )     (15 )

Other

     (116 )     446       (246 )     438  
                                

Consolidated net income

   $ 268     $ 555     $ 1,117     $ 1,932  
                                

Items required to reconcile segment ATOI to consolidated net income include: the impact of LIFO inventory accounting; interest income and expense; minority interests; corporate expense, comprised of general administrative and selling expenses of operating the corporate headquarters and other global administrative facilities, along with depreciation and amortization on corporate-owned assets; restructuring and other charges; discontinued operations; and other, which includes intersegment profit eliminations and other metal adjustments, differences between estimated tax rates used in the segments and the corporate effective tax rate, and other nonoperating items such as foreign currency translation gains/losses.

 

23


The following table details segment assets:

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Alumina

   $ 7,910    $ 6,875

Primary Metals

     12,394      11,858

Flat-Rolled Products

     6,510      6,048

Engineered Products and Solutions

     6,212      5,859
             

Total segment assets

   $ 33,026    $ 30,640
             

M. Earnings Per Share – The information used to compute basic and diluted EPS on income from continuing operations is as follows (shares in millions):

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Income from continuing operations

   $ 269    $ 558    $ 1,118    $ 1,947

Less: preferred stock dividends

     1      —        2      1
                           

Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders

   $ 268    $ 558    $ 1,116    $ 1,946
                           

Average shares outstanding – basic

     808      868      814      869

Effect of dilutive securities:

           

Potential shares of common stock, attributable to stock options, stock awards, and performance awards

     7      10      7      9
                           

Average shares outstanding – diluted

     815      878      821      878
                           

Options to purchase 43 million and 17 million shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $36.71 and $42.42 per share were outstanding as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive, as the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of Alcoa’s common stock.

N. Income Taxes – The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 was 24.9% and 63.0%, respectively. The rate for the 2008 third quarter differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to foreign income being taxed in lower rate jurisdictions. Additionally, the 2008 third quarter included a $23 discrete income tax benefit for the filing of the 2007 U.S. income tax return and an income tax benefit for a lower than anticipated tax rate for 2008, both of which were mostly offset by a $28 discrete income tax charge due to a decrease in deferred tax assets related to the Iceland operations as a result of an applicable tax rate change. The rate for the 2007 third quarter differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a $464 discrete income tax charge related to goodwill associated with the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses that would have been non-deductible for tax purposes under the transaction structure contemplated in the 2007 third quarter.

The effective tax rate for the 2008 and 2007 nine-month periods was 29.2% and 44.0%, respectively. The rate for the 2008 nine-month period differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to all of the same items mentioned above for the 2008 third quarter with an additional offset of a net $19 discrete income tax charge associated with the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses, mainly as a result of the allocation of the proceeds from the sale to higher tax rate jurisdictions as opposed to the allocation previously contemplated somewhat offset by changes in tax assumptions surrounding transaction costs and the divestiture of certain foreign locations that were finalized in the 2008 second quarter (see Note F for additional information). The rate for the 2007 nine-month period differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the aforementioned $464 discrete income tax charge, partially offset by foreign income being taxed in lower rate jurisdictions.

 

24


O. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits – The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 

Pension benefits

   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Service cost

   $ 42     $ 49     $ 129     $ 149  

Interest cost

     169       165       512       495  

Expected return on plan assets

     (200 )     (196 )     (609 )     (588 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     4       4       13       11  

Recognized actuarial loss

     26       32       75       96  

Curtailment

     —         —         2       2  

Settlement

     —         —         14       —    
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 41     $ 54     $ 136     $ 165  
                                
     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 

Postretirement benefits

   2008     2007     2008     2007  

Service cost

   $ 6     $ 8     $ 19     $ 22  

Interest cost

     48       49       144       147  

Expected return on plan assets

     (5 )     (5 )     (14 )     (13 )

Amortization of prior service benefit

     (3 )     (1 )     (8 )     (3 )

Recognized actuarial loss

     12       14       35       42  

Curtailment

     6       (7 )     9       (3 )
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 64     $ 58     $ 185     $ 192  
                                

As disclosed in Note F, Alcoa completed the sale of its Packaging and Consumer businesses to Rank on February 29, 2008. As a result, certain U.S. and non-U.S. pension and postretirement benefit plans were remeasured and Alcoa recognized curtailment losses as prescribed under SFAS No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits,” (SFAS 88) and SFAS 106 due to the significant reduction in the expected aggregate years of future service of the employees of the Packaging and Consumer businesses. In the first quarter of 2008, Alcoa recorded net curtailment losses of $2 and $3 related to these pension plans and postretirement benefit plans, respectively. The curtailment losses include recognition of the change in the projected benefit obligation (PBO) or accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) and a portion of the previously unrecognized prior service cost reflecting the reduction in expected future service.

The remeasurement of these pension and postretirement benefit plans generated an increase in 2008 annual net periodic benefit cost for pension plans of $23, of which $7 and $16 was recognized in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, and a decrease in 2008 annual net periodic benefit cost for postretirement benefit plans of $8, of which $2 and $5 was recognized in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively. The remaining cost increase for pension plans of $7 and the remaining cost decrease for postretirement benefit plans of $3 will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2008. Also, the pension plans’ PBO and plan assets decreased by $26 and $248, respectively, and the postretirement benefit plans’ APBO and plan assets decreased by $39 and $10, respectively, due to the remeasurement.

Also in the first quarter of 2008 as part of the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses, Rank assumed the obligations of certain other U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with PBOs of $59 and plan assets of $37. Rank’s assumption of these obligations resulted in a settlement of the pension plan obligations for Alcoa. The settlement of these obligations was accounted for under the provisions of SFAS 88 resulting in the recognition of previously deferred actuarial losses in the amount of $11 in the 2008 first quarter. Additionally, Alcoa will record less 2008 annual net periodic benefit cost in the fourth quarter of 2008 due to the settlement of these pension plans by an immaterial amount (the decrease in the 2008 third quarter was less than $1 and was $2 in the 2008 nine-month period).

Furthermore in the first quarter of 2008, Alcoa recorded a charge of $219 ($143 after-tax) for pension plans and a credit of $20 ($13 after-tax) for postretirement benefit plans to accumulated other comprehensive loss in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” (SFAS 158) due to the remeasurement of the curtailed and settled plans. In addition, a charge of $16 was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss due to the reclassification of deferred taxes related to the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Subsidy.

 

25


In the second quarter of 2008, Rank assumed the obligation of another non-U.S. pension plan with a PBO of $12 and plan assets of $9 in conjunction with the transfer of a location that did not close in the first quarter of 2008. Rank’s assumption of this obligation resulted in a settlement of the pension plan obligation for Alcoa and was accounted for under the provisions of SFAS 88. The settlement resulted in the recognition of previously deferred actuarial losses in the amount of $3 in the 2008 second quarter. Also, Alcoa will record less 2008 annual net periodic benefit cost in the fourth quarter of 2008 due to the settlement of this pension plan by an immaterial amount (the decrease in both the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period was less than $1). Also in the second quarter of 2008, Alcoa recorded a charge of $1 ($1 after-tax) to accumulated other comprehensive loss in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 158 due to the remeasurement of this settled plan.

On September 30, 2008, Alcoa announced that it was temporarily idling the remaining production at its smelter in Rockdale (see Note D for additional information). As a result, a certain U.S. postretirement benefit plan was remeasured and Alcoa recognized a curtailment loss as prescribed under SFAS 106 due to the significant reduction in the expected aggregate years of future service of the employees of the Rockdale smelter. In the third quarter of 2008, Alcoa recorded a net curtailment loss of $6 related to this postretirement benefit plan. The curtailment loss includes recognition of the change in the APBO and a portion of the previously unrecognized prior service cost reflecting the reduction in expected future service. The remeasurement of this postretirement benefit plan generated a decrease in 2008 annual net periodic benefit cost of $2, which will be recognized in the 2008 fourth quarter. Also, the postretirement benefit plan’s APBO decreased by $92 due to the remeasurement. Additionally, Alcoa recorded a credit of $87 ($56 after-tax) for this postretirement benefit plan to accumulated other comprehensive loss in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 158 due to the remeasurement of the curtailed plan. Furthermore, a charge of $14 was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss due to the reclassification of deferred taxes related to the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Subsidy.

In the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, Alcoa made discretionary contributions of $400 and $433, respectively, and required contributions of $18 and $52, respectively, to its pension plans. Alcoa made discretionary contributions of $135 and $158 and required contributions of $71 and $139 in the 2007 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, to its pension plans.

P. Comprehensive Income

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net income

   $ 268     $ 555     $ 1,117     $ 1,932  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax and minority interests:

        

Change in unrecognized losses and prior service cost related to pension and postretirement benefit plans

     72       55       (17 )     132  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (1,202 )     459       (428 )     860  

Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:

        

Unrealized holding (losses) gains*

     (303 )     305       (294 )     748  

Net amount reclassified to income

     (1 )     (1,160 )     (1 )     (1,160 )
                                

Net change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities

     (304 )     (855 )     (295 )     (412 )

Unrecognized (losses) gains on derivatives:

        

Net change from periodic revaluations

     209       (3 )     (87 )     (63 )

Net amount reclassified to income

     54       (10 )     133       (5 )
                                

Net unrecognized gains (losses) on derivatives

     263       (13 )     46       (68 )
                                

Comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (903 )   $ 201     $ 423     $ 2,444  
                                

 

* Alcoa recognized unrealized losses of $303 ($467 pretax) and $292 ($450 pretax) in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2008, respectively, related to its investment in SPPL, which is included in Investments on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet (see Note H for additional information).

 

26


Q. Accounts Receivable Securitizations – Effective August 31, 2008, Alcoa terminated its accounts receivable securitization program that was conducted through a qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE). As of September 30, 2008, there was still $108 of accounts receivable yet to be collected by the QSPE. In conjunction with the decision to terminate the foregoing program, Alcoa increased the capacity of its other accounts receivable securitization program, which originally began in November 2007, from $100 to $250. As of September 30, 2008, Alcoa received $224 in cash proceeds, which reduced Receivables from customers on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

R. Subsequent Events – On October 6, 2008, Alumínio borrowed $70 with a weighted-average interest rate of 9.25% and a weighted-average maturity of 141 days from three financial institutions. These borrowings are collateralized with a portion of Alumínio’s future exports. The purpose of the borrowings is to provide Alumínio with additional liquidity for its short-term obligations.

On October 9, 2008, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) affirmed both Alcoa’s long-term debt rating of BBB+ and short-term debt rating of A-2. S&P did revise the current outlook for Alcoa from stable to negative because of weaker than expected third quarter earnings, the result of falling aluminum prices, and weak end markets coupled with large capital spending and share repurchases (the existing share repurchase program has been temporarily suspended).

On October 13, 2008, Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) affirmed both Alcoa’s long-term debt rating of Baa1 and short-term debt rating of Prime-2. Moody’s did revise the current outlook for Alcoa from stable to negative because of weak aluminum end markets.

On October 14, 2008, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) changed its long-term debt rating of Alcoa from BBB+ to BBB as a result of higher than expected debt levels and financial leverage. Fitch’s current outlook for Alcoa remains at stable.

On October 14, 2008, Alcoa entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement (RCA-3) with a syndicate of lenders. RCA-3 provides a $1,150 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF-3), which matures on October 12, 2009. Loans will bear interest at (i) a base rate or (ii) a rate equal to LIBOR, plus an applicable margin based on the credit ratings of Alcoa’s outstanding senior unsecured long-term debt. Based on Alcoa’s current long-term debt ratings, the applicable margin on base rate and LIBOR loans will be 1.375% and 1.875%, respectively, per annum. Alcoa will also pay a facility fee, currently 0.375%, on the aggregate commitments, whether used or unused, based on its long-term debt ratings. Additionally, if there is an amount outstanding under RCF-3 on the last calendar day of any of the next three quarterly periods, Alcoa will pay a duration fee to the lenders. The duration fee is equal to 0.5% of such outstanding amount on the respective day starting on December 31, 2008 and increases by 0.5% each quarter thereafter.

Loans may be prepaid without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs. RCA-3 also provides for a mandatory prepayment, not to exceed the amount outstanding under RCF-3 at such time, equal to 100% of the net proceeds Alcoa receives from certain future debt or equity issuances in capital markets transactions or 50% of the net proceeds Alcoa receives from asset sales (other than those in the ordinary course of business), if the proceeds from all asset sales exceed $50. Any prepayments made related to the net proceeds from assets sales or that would have been made if amounts were outstanding under RCF-3 also reduce the lenders’ commitments by a corresponding amount. Amounts payable under RCF-3 will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness of Alcoa.

RCA-3 includes the following covenants, among others, (a) a leverage ratio, (b) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to incur liens securing indebtedness for borrowed money, (c) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to consummate a merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, and (d) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to change the nature of its business.

The obligation of Alcoa to pay amounts outstanding under RCF-3 may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an “Event of Default” as defined in RCA-3. Such Events of Default include, among others, (a) Alcoa’s failure to pay the principal of, or interest on, borrowings under RCF-3, (b) any representation or warranty of Alcoa in RCA-3 proving to be materially false or misleading, (c) Alcoa’s breach of any of its covenants contained in RCA-3, and (d) the bankruptcy or insolvency of Alcoa.

Alcoa paid $30 in financing costs, which were deferred and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the facility.

On October 16, 2008, Alcoa gave notice in accordance with the provisions of RCA-2 to permanently terminate in whole LBCB’s total commitments under RCF-2 effective October 30, 2008 (see Note I for additional information).

 

27


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm*

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Alcoa Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Alcoa Inc. and its subsidiaries (Alcoa) as of September 30, 2008, and the related statements of consolidated income and shareholders’ equity for each of the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the statement of consolidated cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of Alcoa’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007, and the related statements of consolidated income, shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 15, 2008, except with respect to the effects of the segment realignment discussed in Note D and Note Q to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is August 29, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2007, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
October 21, 2008

 

* This report should not be considered a “report” within the meanings of Sections 7 and 11 of the 1933 Act and the independent registered public accounting firm’s liability under Section 11 does not extend to it.

 

28


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and ingot prices; production and shipments in thousands of metric tons [kmt])

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this report under this caption and elsewhere relate to future events and expectations and, as such, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include those containing such words as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “hopes,” “targets,” “should,” “will,” “will likely result,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “projects,” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of Alcoa Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Alcoa” or the “company”) to be different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the specific factors that may cause such a difference, see Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements; the disclosures included below under Segment Information, Environmental Matters, and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks; and Alcoa’s Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1A, for the year ended December 31, 2007. Alcoa disclaims any intention or obligation (other than as required by law) to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Results of Operations

Selected Financial Data:

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Sales

   $ 7,234     $ 7,387     $ 22,229     $ 23,361  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 269     $ 558     $ 1,118     $ 1,947  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (1 )     (3 )     (1 )     (15 )
                                

Net income

   $ 268     $ 555     $ 1,117     $ 1,932  
                                

Earnings per common share:

        

Diluted – Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.33     $ 0.64     $ 1.36     $ 2.22  

Diluted – Net income

     0.33       0.63       1.36       2.20  

Shipments of aluminum products (kmt)

     1,342       1,328       4,106       4,057  

Shipments of alumina (kmt)

     2,010       1,937       5,918       5,804  

Alcoa’s average realized price per metric ton of aluminum

   $ 2,945     $ 2,734     $ 2,940     $ 2,835  

Income from continuing operations was $269, or $0.33 per diluted share, in the 2008 third quarter compared with $558, or $0.64 per share, in the 2007 third quarter. Income from continuing operations in the 2008 third quarter declined $289, or 52%, compared to the corresponding period in 2007 primarily due to the following: the absence of the gain on the 2007 sale of the investment in Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chalco); significantly higher costs for raw materials, energy, and other inputs; the absence of all of the businesses within the Packaging and Consumer segment; and costs associated with a gas outage in Western Australia and a complete smelter curtailment in Rockdale, TX. These negative impacts were partially offset by higher realized prices for alumina and aluminum; the absence of the 2007 asset impairments and restructuring charges associated with the Packaging and Consumer businesses, the Electrical and Electronic Solutions business, and the Automotive Castings business, as well as a discrete income tax charge related to the Packaging and Consumer businesses; the absence of certain costs incurred in 2007 associated with the Rockdale, Tennessee, and Iceland smelters; and the absence of transaction costs and interest charges incurred in 2007 related to a potential business acquisition.

Income from continuing operations was $1,118, or $1.36 per share, in the 2008 nine-month period compared with $1,947, or $2.22 per share, in the 2007 nine-month period. Income from continuing operations in the 2008 nine-month period decreased $829, or 43%, compared to the same period in 2007 principally due to the following: the negative impacts discussed above for the 2008 third quarter; increased net unfavorable foreign currency movements; the absence of a favorable adjustment in 2007 to the original impairment charge related to the soft alloy extrusion business; and a loss on the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses along with a related net discrete income tax charge. All of these items were partly offset by the same positive impacts discussed above for the 2008 third quarter.

 

29


Net income for the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period was $268, or $0.33 per share, and $1,117, or $1.36 per share, respectively, compared with $555, or $0.63 per share, and $1,932, or $2.20 per share, for the corresponding periods in 2007. Net income in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period included a loss of $1 from discontinued operations due to a settlement of litigation related to the telecommunications business prior to its divestiture in 2005. Net income in 2007 included a loss from discontinued operations of $3 in the third quarter and $15 in the nine-month period. The loss from discontinued operations in both 2007 periods was mostly due to the write-off of the carrying value of assets related to the Hawesville, KY automotive casting facility, and, in the 2007 nine-month period, as a result of working capital and other adjustments associated with the 2006 fourth quarter sale of the home exteriors business.

On June 3, 2008, a major gas supplier to Alcoa’s Western Australia refining operations (part of Alcoa of Australia) suffered a pipeline rupture and fire, which resulted in a complete shutdown of the supplier’s gas production operations at a certain hub and a declaration of force majeure by the supplier to all customers. The disruption in gas supply caused an immediate reduction in production capacity and required the purchase of alternative fuel at a much higher cost than the natural gas displaced resulting in a significant negative impact on operations. As a result, on June 10, 2008, Alcoa of Australia notified its own customers that it was declaring force majeure under its alumina supply contracts. During the 2008 third quarter, the supplier partially restored the gas supply to Alcoa of Australia. In addition, insurance recoveries of $40 were received in the 2008 third quarter. Net of insurance proceeds, Alcoa’s earnings impact of the disruption in gas supply was $27 after-tax and minority interest ($53 before tax and minority interest) in the 2008 third quarter and $44 after-tax and minority interest ($88 before tax and minority interest) in the 2008 nine-month period. The Alumina segment was impacted by $25 after-tax ($35 before tax) in the 2008 third quarter and $41 after-tax ($58 before tax) in the 2008 nine-month period. The remaining impact of $12 after-tax ($18 before tax) in the 2008 third quarter and $20 after-tax ($30 before tax) in the 2008 nine-month period was reflected in Corporate due to Alcoa’s captive insurance program. In the fourth quarter of 2008, a negative impact of approximately $6 after-tax and minority interest ($14 before tax and minority interest – see Alumina segment below) is anticipated. This estimate is dependent upon the continued restoration of the gas supply throughout the 2008 fourth quarter. It is anticipated that Alcoa will receive additional insurance proceeds in future periods. Alcoa of Australia is part of Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC), which is 60% owned by Alcoa and 40% owned by Alumina Limited.

On June 19, 2008, Alcoa temporarily idled half of the aluminum production (three of six operating potlines or 120 kmt) at its Rockdale smelter due to ongoing power supply issues with Rockdale’s onsite supplier and the uneconomical power that Alcoa was forced to purchase in the open market as a result of such issues. In the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, the earnings impact of the idled potlines was $16 ($26 pretax) and $38 ($62 pretax), respectively. On September 30, 2008, Alcoa announced it was temporarily idling the remaining three potlines, or 147 kmt, effective immediately as a result of the cumulative effect of operating only half of the smelter, well-known issues regarding the cost and long-term reliability of the power supply, and overall current market conditions. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the curtailment at Rockdale is expected to have a negative impact of approximately $19 ($31 pretax). Alcoa is seeking damages and other relief from its power supplier through ongoing litigation. Additionally, in conjunction with the idling of all six potlines, Alcoa recorded restructuring charges in the 2008 third quarter of $31 ($48 pretax) mostly for the layoff of approximately 870 employees (see Restructuring and other charges below for additional information).

Sales for the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period decreased $153, or 2%, and $1,132, or 5%, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2007. The decline in both periods was driven mainly by the absence of sales from the businesses within the Packaging and Consumer segment in the 2008 third quarter and seven months in the 2008 nine-month period ($828 in the 2007 third quarter and $1,894 in the 2007 nine-month period); a decrease in volumes related to the automotive and commercial transportation markets, mainly due to weaker market conditions in Europe and North America; and the absence of sales from the soft alloy extrusion business in the respective 2008 periods ($23 in the 2007 third quarter and $1,113 in the 2007 nine-month period); all of which was mostly offset by a significant increase in primary aluminum volumes, mainly as a result of sales related to the production at the Iceland smelter that did not occur in 2007; higher realized prices for alumina and aluminum; and favorable foreign currency movements due to a stronger Euro and Australian dollar.

Cost of goods sold (COGS) as a percentage of sales was 82.2% in the 2008 third quarter and 80.6% in the 2008 nine-month period compared with 80.0% in the 2007 third quarter and 77.5% in the 2007 nine-month period. The percentage in both periods was negatively impacted by continued cost increases

 

30


in raw materials, energy, freight, and other inputs; unfavorable foreign currency movements due to a significantly weaker U.S. dollar; and the impacts of the gas outage in Western Australia and the 2008 smelter curtailment at Rockdale. These items were mostly offset by the absence of the businesses within the Packaging and Consumer segment in the 2008 third quarter and seven months in the 2008 nine-month period (83.6% in the 2007 third quarter and 84.4% in seven months in the 2007 nine-month period); the absence of the soft alloy extrusion business in the respective 2008 periods (COGS exceeded sales in the 2007 third quarter and 96.9% in the 2007 nine-month period); higher volumes in primary aluminum, mainly related to the production at the Iceland smelter; productivity improvements in most of the businesses within the Engineered Products and Solutions segment; and the absence of certain costs incurred in the respective 2007 periods as a result of production curtailments associated with the Tennessee and Rockdale smelters and startup costs at the Iceland smelter.

Selling, general administrative, and other expenses (SG&A) decreased $82 in the 2008 third quarter and $172 in the 2008 nine-month period compared with the corresponding periods in 2007. The decline in both periods was primarily due to the absence of the businesses within the Packaging and Consumer segment in the 2008 third quarter and seven months in the 2008 nine-month period ($49 in the 2007 third quarter and $116 in the 2007 nine-month period); the absence of the soft alloy extrusion business in the respective 2008 periods ($1 in the 2007 third quarter and $33 in the 2007 nine-month period); the absence of transaction costs (investment banking, legal, audit-related, and other third-party expenses) related to the 2007 offer for Alcan Inc. ($19 and $45 in the 2007 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively); and a decrease in stock-based compensation expense, which was higher in the respective 2007 periods, as a result of reload features of exercised stock options. SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased from 4.9% in the 2007 third quarter to 3.9% in the 2008 third quarter, and from 4.7% in the 2007 nine-month period to 4.1% in the 2008 nine-month period.

The Provision for depreciation, depletion, and amortization decreased $22, or 7%, in the 2008 third quarter and $3, or less than 1%, in the 2008 nine-month period compared with the same periods in 2007. The decline in both periods was principally the result of the absence of depreciation related to the Packaging and Consumer businesses ($29 and $89 in the 2007 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively), and a reduction in depreciation expense due to the extension of depreciable lives for a majority of refining and smelting locations based upon a review of estimated useful lives completed in the 2008 first quarter and various rolled products and hard alloy extrusions locations based upon a review completed in the 2008 third quarter (collectively, $22 in the 2008 third quarter and $41 in the 2008 nine-month period), partially offset by depreciation expense related to the Iceland smelter and Norway anode facility that were not in-service in the respective 2007 periods (collectively, $26 in the 2008 third quarter and $69 in the 2008 nine-month period). The decrease in the 2008 nine-month period was also partly offset due to unfavorable foreign currency movements as a result of a weaker U.S. dollar.

Restructuring and other charges in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period were $43 ($29 after-tax and minority interests) and $83 ($61 after-tax and minority interests), respectively. Restructuring and other charges in both periods include $48 ($31 after-tax) related to the temporary idling of the Rockdale smelter, which consists of $44 ($29 after-tax) for the layoff of approximately 870 employees (terminations are expected to be mostly complete by the end of 2008) and a curtailment of other postretirement benefit plans, and $4 ($2 after-tax) for other exit costs; and a credit of $12 ($8 after-tax) for the reversal of a reserve related to a shutdown facility. Also included in Restructuring and other charges in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period was $2 ($1 after-tax) and $43 ($32 after-tax), respectively, as a result of the loss recognized on the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses, and the remaining amount was for net charges, primarily related to severance costs for the layoff of approximately 1,900 employees at six Electrical and Electronic Solutions locations in Mexico and Honduras through 2009.

Restructuring and other charges in the 2007 third quarter and nine-month period were $444 ($311 after-tax and minority interests) and $413 ($308 after-tax and minority interests), respectively. The net charge in both periods included $357 ($251 after-tax) in asset impairments related to the Packaging and Consumer businesses, the Electrical and Electronic Solutions business, and the Automotive Castings business; $53 ($36 after-tax) in severance charges associated with the Electrical and Electronic Solutions business; and $34 ($24 after-tax and minority interests) in net charges, primarily for severance charges and asset impairments of various other facilities. The 2007 nine-month period also includes net charges, primarily for accelerated depreciation associated with the shutdown of certain facilities in 2007, of $34 ($24 after-tax and minority interests) related to the restructuring program initiated in the fourth quarter of 2006. All of these amounts were slightly offset in the nine-month period of 2007 by a $65 ($27 after-tax) adjustment to the original impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006 related to the estimated fair value of the soft alloy extrusion business, which was contributed to a joint venture effective June 1, 2007.

 

31


As of September 30, 2008, approximately 1,700 of the 2,800 employees associated with 2008 restructuring programs and 3,900 of the 6,300 employees associated with 2007 restructuring programs were terminated. The remaining terminations for 2007 restructuring programs are expected to be completed by the end of 2008. Also, the terminations associated with the 2006 restructuring program are essentially complete.

In the 2008 nine-month period, cash payments of $15, $51, and $10 were made against total reserves related to the 2008, 2007, and 2006 restructuring programs, respectively. The remaining reserves are expected to be paid in cash during 2008, with the exception of approximately $50 to $55, which is expected to be paid over the next several years for ongoing site remediation work and special termination benefit payments.

Restructuring and other charges are not included in the segment results. The pre-tax impact of allocating restructuring and other charges to the segment results would have been as follows:

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Alumina

   $ 1     $ —       $ 1     $ 1  

Primary Metals

     (48 )     —         (46 )     —    

Flat-Rolled Products

     —         (17 )     —         (36 )

Engineered Products and Solutions

     (6 )     (194 )     (6 )     (204 )

Packaging and Consumer

     (4 )     (215 )     (45 )     (220 )
                                

Segment total

     (57 )     (426 )     (96 )     (459 )

Corporate

     14       (18 )     13       46  
                                

Total restructuring and other charges

   $ (43 )   $ (444 )   $ (83 )   $ (413 )
                                

Interest expense decreased $54, or 36%, and $37, or 12%, in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, compared with the corresponding periods in 2007. The decline in both periods was primarily due to the absence of $67 in credit facility commitment fees related to the 2007 offer for Alcan Inc. and a lower weighted-average effective interest rate in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, driven mainly by the decrease in LIBOR. Both of these items were partially offset by a higher average debt level in the 2008 periods over the comparable periods in 2007, mostly due to the issuance of $1,500 in new senior notes in 2008 and higher commercial paper levels, and a decrease of $9 and $31 in capitalized interest for the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, principally due to placing growth projects, such as the Iceland smelter and the Norway anode facility, into service during 2007.

Other income, net declined $1,748 in the 2008 third quarter and $1,813 in the 2008 nine-month period compared with the same periods in 2007. The decrease in both periods is mostly due to the absence of a $1,754 gain on the 2007 sale of the Chalco investment.

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 was 24.9% and 63.0%, respectively. The rate for the 2008 third quarter differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to foreign income being taxed in lower rate jurisdictions. Additionally, the 2008 third quarter included a $23 discrete income tax benefit for the filing of the 2007 U.S. income tax return and an income tax benefit for a lower than anticipated tax rate for 2008, both of which were mostly offset by a $28 discrete income tax charge due to a decrease in deferred tax assets related to the Iceland operations as a result of an applicable tax rate change. The rate for the 2007 third quarter differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a $464 discrete income tax charge related to goodwill associated with the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses that would have been non-deductible for tax purposes under the transaction structure contemplated in the 2007 third quarter.

The effective tax rate for the 2008 and 2007 nine-month periods was 29.2% and 44.0%, respectively. The rate for the 2008 nine-month period differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to all of the same items mentioned above for the 2008 third quarter with an additional offset of a net $19 discrete income tax charge associated with the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses, mainly as a result of the allocation of the proceeds from the sale to higher tax rate jurisdictions as opposed to the allocation previously contemplated somewhat offset by changes in tax assumptions surrounding transaction costs and the divestiture of certain foreign locations that were finalized in the 2008 second quarter. The rate for the 2007 nine-month period differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the aforementioned $464 discrete income tax charge, partially offset by foreign income being taxed in lower rate jurisdictions.

 

32


Minority interests’ share of income from continuing operations for the 2008 third quarter increased $8, or 11%, and for the 2008 nine-month period decreased $80, or 27%, compared with the corresponding periods in 2007. The rise in the 2008 third quarter was primarily due to favorable foreign currency movements mostly offset by lower earnings at AWAC. The decline in the 2008 nine-month period was principally due to lower earnings at AWAC driven mainly by continued increases in raw materials and energy costs, unfavorable foreign currency movements due to a weaker U.S. dollar, and the impact of the gas outage in Western Australia.

Segment Information

In the first quarter of 2008, management approved a realignment of Alcoa’s reportable segments to better reflect the core businesses in which Alcoa operates and how it is managed. This realignment consisted of eliminating the Extruded and End Products segment and realigning its component businesses as follows: the building and construction systems business is reported in the Engineered Products and Solutions segment; the hard alloy extrusions business and the Russian extrusions business are reported in the Flat-Rolled Products segment; and the remaining segment components, consisting primarily of the equity investment/income of Alcoa’s interest in the Sapa AB joint venture, and the Latin American extrusions business, are reported in Corporate. Additionally, the Russian forgings business was moved from the Engineered Products and Solutions segment to the Flat-Rolled Products segment, where all Russian operations are now reported. Prior period amounts were reclassified to reflect the new segment structure. Also, the Engineered Solutions segment was renamed the Engineered Products and Solutions segment.

I. Alumina

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Alumina production (kmt)

     3,790      3,775      11,480      11,229

Third-party alumina shipments (kmt)

     2,010      1,937      5,918      5,804

Third-party sales

   $ 805    $ 664    $ 2,202    $ 2,021

Intersegment sales

     730      631      2,163      1,797
                           

Total sales

   $ 1,535    $ 1,295    $ 4,365    $ 3,818
                           

After-tax operating income (ATOI)

   $ 206    $ 215    $ 565    $ 751

Third-party sales for the Alumina segment rose 21% in the 2008 third quarter and 9% in the 2008 nine-month period compared with the corresponding periods in 2007. The increase in both the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period was primarily due to a 10% and 3% increase, respectively, in realized prices driven by higher LME prices and favorable foreign currency movements due to a stronger Australian dollar.

Intersegment sales increased 16% and 20% in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2007 mostly due to an increase in realized prices and higher volumes.

ATOI for this segment declined 4% in the 2008 third quarter and 25% in the 2008 nine-month period compared to the same periods in 2007. The decrease in both periods was primarily the result of significant cost increases for bauxite, caustic soda, fuel oil, natural gas, and electricity; and the impact of the gas outage in Western Australia ($25 in the 2008 third quarter and $41 in the 2008 nine-month period). These negative impacts were somewhat offset by an increase in realized prices in both periods. Unfavorable foreign currency movements due to a weaker U.S. dollar also significantly contributed to the reduction in ATOI for the 2008 nine-month period.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the disruption to the gas supply in Western Australia is expected to have a negative impact of approximately $10 ($14 before tax – see Results of Operations above). The cost for caustic soda is anticipated to significantly increase based upon recent market increases.

 

33


II. Primary Metals

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Aluminum production (kmt)

     1,011      934      3,036      2,734

Third-party aluminum shipments (kmt)

     704      584      2,119      1,667

Alcoa’s average realized price per metric ton of aluminum

   $ 2,945    $ 2,734    $ 2,940    $ 2,835

Third-party sales

   $ 2,127    $ 1,600    $ 6,441    $ 4,979

Intersegment sales

     1,078      1,171      3,291      3,931
                           

Total sales

   $ 3,205    $ 2,771    $ 9,732    $ 8,910
                           

ATOI

   $ 297    $ 283    $ 1,032    $ 1,249

Third-party sales for the Primary Metals segment climbed 33% and 29% in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, compared with the corresponding periods in 2007. The improvement in both periods was primarily due to higher volumes, mainly as a result of increased global demand and the sales related to the production of the Iceland smelter that did not occur in the respective 2007 periods, and a rise in realized prices of 8% in the 2008 third quarter and 4% in the 2008 nine-month period. Higher volumes in the 2008 nine-month period were also due to the shipments made in the first half of 2008 to the Sapa AB joint venture (shipments to Alcoa’s soft alloy extrusion business were included in intersegment sales in the 2007 periods).

Intersegment sales decreased 8% in the third quarter of 2008 and 16% in the 2008 nine-month period compared with the same periods in 2007 mostly as a result of a decline in volume, partially offset by an increase in realized prices. Lower volumes in the 2008 nine-month period were also due to the absence of shipments to Alcoa’s soft alloy extrusion business that occurred in the respective 2007 period.

ATOI for this segment increased 5% in the 2008 third quarter and declined 17% in the 2008 nine-month period compared to the corresponding periods in 2007. The improvement in the 2008 third quarter was principally due to higher realized prices and the absence of certain costs incurred in the respective 2007 period associated with the all of the following: the start-up of the Iceland smelter, the smelter production curtailment of one of the potlines in Rockdale, and the smelter curtailment associated with the power outage in Tennessee. These positive impacts were mostly offset by higher raw materials costs, mainly alumina and carbon; a continued rise in energy costs; and the impact of the 2008 curtailment at Rockdale ($16). The decrease in ATOI in the 2008 nine-month period was primarily due to the same negative impacts that affected the third quarter of 2008 (the 2008 curtailment at Rockdale was $38); unfavorable foreign currency movements due to a weaker U.S. dollar; and additional spending on repairs and maintenance, outside services, and labor; all of which was principally offset by the same positive impacts that affected the third quarter of 2008.

Alcoa had 566,000 metric tons per year (mtpy) of idle capacity on a base capacity of 4,573,000 mtpy. In the fourth quarter of 2008, idle capacity will increase by 147,000 mtpy due to the shutdown of the remaining three potlines at the Rockdale smelter.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the curtailment at Rockdale is expected to have a negative impact of approximately $19, and additional increases in energy and material costs are anticipated.

 

34


III. Flat-Rolled Products

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Third-party aluminum shipments (kmt)

     580      632      1,781      1,841

Third-party sales

   $ 2,488    $ 2,494    $ 7,505    $ 7,496

Intersegment sales

     58      70      212      212
                           

Total sales

   $ 2,546    $ 2,564    $ 7,717    $ 7,708
                           

ATOI

   $ 29    $ 62    $ 125    $ 219

Third-party sales for the Flat-Rolled Products segment were flat in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period compared with the corresponding periods in 2007 primarily as a result of a decline in volumes across all businesses, mainly due to weaker market conditions in Europe and North America, offset by positive foreign currency movements from a stronger Euro, and favorable product mix and pricing.

ATOI for this segment declined 53% and 43% in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2007. The decrease in both periods was primarily due to continued higher direct materials, energy, and other cost increases; and lower volumes across all businesses, mainly related to the automotive and commercial transportation markets; partially offset by favorable product mix and pricing.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, weaker than normal conditions are expected to persist in North American and European end markets, continued higher costs are anticipated for metals, energy, and coatings, and a prolonged strike at a major aerospace customer will negatively impact profitability.

IV. Engineered Products and Solutions

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Third-party aluminum shipments (kmt)

     45      51      142      158

Third-party sales

   $ 1,716    $ 1,662    $ 5,361    $ 5,053

ATOI

   $ 101    $ 82    $ 396    $ 306

Third-party sales for the Engineered Products and Solutions segment increased 3% in the 2008 third quarter and 6% in the 2008 nine-month period compared with the corresponding periods in 2007. The increase in both periods was primarily due to continued robust demand in the aerospace and industrial gas turbine markets; positive foreign currency movements, as a result of a stronger Euro; favorable pricing in the building and construction market; and the addition of the fastener businesses acquired in the 2008 first quarter; all of which was mostly offset by significant volume declines in the North American automotive and commercial transportation markets.

ATOI for this segment increased 23% and 29% in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2007. The improvement in both periods was principally a result of continued productivity improvements and demand in the aerospace and industrial gas turbine businesses; the positive contribution of the acquired fastener businesses; and the receipt of insurance proceeds related to the 2007 first quarter fire at a facility in the U.K.; all of which was partially offset by the significant volume declines in the North American automotive and commercial transportation markets.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, weaker than normal market conditions are expected to persist in the automotive and commercial transportation businesses, an accelerated decline in the commercial building and construction business is anticipated, and a prolonged strike at a major aerospace customer will negatively impact profitability. However, the industrial gas turbine market is expected to remain strong with the industry reaching capacity constraints.

 

35


V. Packaging and Consumer

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Third-party aluminum shipments (kmt)

     —        37      19      112

Third-party sales

   $ —      $ 828    $ 516    $ 2,401

ATOI

   $ —      $ 36    $ 11    $ 92

On February 29, 2008, Alcoa completed the sale of its Packaging and Consumer businesses to Rank Group Limited (Rank). In the 2008 second quarter, Alcoa received regulatory and other approvals to transfer a small number of locations to Rank that did not close in the 2008 first quarter. Also, in the 2008 third quarter, one final remaining location was transferred to Rank. The Packaging and Consumer segment no longer contains any operations.

Reconciliation of ATOI to Consolidated Net Income

Items required to reconcile segment ATOI to consolidated net income include: the impact of LIFO inventory accounting; interest income and expense; minority interests; corporate expense, comprised of general administrative and selling expenses of operating the corporate headquarters and other global administrative facilities, along with depreciation and amortization on corporate-owned assets; restructuring and other charges; discontinued operations; and other, which includes intersegment profit eliminations and other metal adjustments, differences between estimated tax rates used in the segments and the corporate effective tax rate, and other nonoperating items such as foreign currency translation gains/losses.

The following table reconciles total segment ATOI to consolidated net income:

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Total segment ATOI

   $ 633     $ 678     $ 2,129     $ 2,617  

Unallocated amounts (net of tax):

        

Impact of LIFO

     (5 )     10       (80 )     (33 )

Interest income

     10       10       31       30  

Interest expense

     (63 )     (98 )     (184 )     (208 )

Minority interests

     (84 )     (76 )     (221 )     (301 )

Corporate expense

     (77 )     (101 )     (250 )     (288 )

Restructuring and other charges

     (29 )     (311 )     (61 )     (308 )

Discontinued operations

     (1 )     (3 )     (1 )     (15 )

Other

     (116 )     446       (246 )     438  
                                

Consolidated net income

   $ 268     $ 555     $ 1,117     $ 1,932  
                                

The significant changes in the reconciling items between total segment ATOI and consolidated net income for the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period compared with the corresponding periods in 2007 (unless otherwise noted) consisted of:

 

   

an increase in the Impact of LIFO due to higher metal prices driven by the LME when comparing the 2008 and 2007 nine-month periods;

 

   

a decrease in Interest expense, mostly due to the absence of $43 in credit facility commitment fees related to the 2007 offer for Alcan Inc., somewhat offset by a decrease in capitalized interest;

 

   

an increase in Minority interests when comparing the 2008 third quarter to the 2007 third quarter, primarily due to favorable foreign currency movements mostly offset by lower earnings at AWAC; and a decline in Minority interests when comparing the 2008 nine-month period to the 2007 nine-month period, driven mainly by lower earnings at AWAC as a result of continued increases in raw materials and energy costs, unfavorable foreign currency movements due to a weaker U.S. dollar, and the impact of the gas outage in Western Australia;

 

   

a decrease in Corporate expense, principally due to the absence of $12 and $29 in transaction costs related to the 2007 offer for Alcan Inc., and a reduction in stock-based compensation expense, which was higher in the respective 2007 periods as a result of reload features of exercised stock options;

 

36


   

a decline in Restructuring and other charges, primarily due to the absence of asset impairment charges of $140 and $51 related to the Packaging and Consumer businesses and the Automotive Castings business, respectively, and asset impairment charges of $60 and severance charges of $36 associated with the Electrical and Electronic Solutions business from 2007, all of which was somewhat offset by charges of $31 related to the temporary idling of the Rockdale smelter in 2008; the decrease in the 2008 nine-month period was also affected by a $32 loss on the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses in 2008 and the absence of a $27 favorable adjustment to the estimated fair value of the soft alloy extrusion business recognized in 2007; and

 

   

a change in Other, principally the result of the absence of the following 2007 third quarter transactions: a $1,140 gain on the sale of the Chalco investment, partially offset by a $464 discrete income tax charge related to goodwill associated with the sale of the Packaging and Consumer businesses that would have been non-deductible for tax purposes under the transaction structure contemplated in the 2007 third quarter, and a $93 goodwill impairment charge related to the restructuring actions of the Electrical and Electronic Solutions business.

Segment Assets

The following table details segment assets:

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Alumina

   $ 7,910    $ 6,875

Primary Metals

     12,394      11,858

Flat-Rolled Products

     6,510      6,048

Engineered Products and Solutions

     6,212      5,859
             

Total segment assets*

   $ 33,026    $ 30,640
             

 

* The difference between total segment assets and consolidated assets is in Corporate.

The increase in segment assets in the 2008 nine-month period was primarily due to higher inventory levels driven by the cost of raw materials and other inputs for the Alumina, Primary Metals, and Flat-Rolled Products segments; capital spending, mostly related to the São Luís refinery expansion and Juruti bauxite mine development in Brazil for the Alumina segment and projects in Bohai and Russia for the Flat-Rolled Products segment; and an increase in various assets, principally goodwill, due to the acquisition of two aerospace fastener manufacturing businesses for the Engineered Products and Solutions segment and the purchase of outstanding minority interests in Bohai and Russia for the Flat-Rolled Products segment.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In response to recent changes in the economic markets across the globe and to enhance liquidity, Alcoa is halting all non-critical capital projects, suspending the existing share repurchase program, making targeted reductions to match market conditions, and adjusting manufacturing capacity to meet demand in rapidly changing upstream and downstream markets. Alcoa has entered into financing arrangements that have extended the average maturities of outstanding debt and has maintained higher-than-normal levels of cash on hand. Along with the foregoing actions, cash provided from operations and financing activities is expected to be adequate to cover Alcoa’s current operational and business needs.

Cash From Operations

Cash provided from operations was $626 in the 2008 nine-month period compared with cash provided from operations of $2,468 in the same period of 2007. The decline of $1,842 is principally due to a $1,694 cash outflow associated with working capital, $188 in higher pension contributions, and the absence of $93 in cash received in the 2007 nine-month period related to a long-term aluminum supply contract. The major components of the change in working capital are as follows: a $437 increase in receivables, primarily as a result of improved sales from businesses not classified as held for sale; a $779 increase in inventories, mostly due to higher costs of raw materials, freight, and other inputs; a decrease in accrued expenses of $196, driven mainly by a larger reduction in accrued interest, primarily as a result of the February 2008 interest payments made on the new long-term debt issued in January 2007 ($750 of 5.55% Notes due 2017, $625 of 5.9% Notes due 2027, and $625 of 5.95% Notes due 2037), and timing of various other expenses; and a decline of $337 in taxes, including taxes on income.

 

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Financing Activities

Cash provided from financing activities was $1,101 in the 2008 nine-month period, an increase of $2,080 compared with cash used for financing activities of $979 in the corresponding period of 2007. The change was primarily due to the following: a $1,467 change in commercial paper, principally due to an increase in commercial paper issued during the 2008 nine-month period for operating use and the absence of a $1,132 reduction of commercial paper with the proceeds from newly issued long-term debt in January 2007; a $656 decrease in payments on long-term debt, primarily due to the purchase ($333) and repayment ($459) in the 2007 nine-month period of 4.25% Notes due August 2007, as compared to the repayment in the 2008 nine-month period of $150 in 6.625% Notes due March 2008; and a $466 decline in the repurchase of common stock, mainly as a result of a smaller number of shares repurchased in the 2008 nine-month period. These cash inflows were somewhat offset by a $642 decrease in common stock issued for stock compensation plans due to fewer stock option exercises in the 2008 nine-month period.

On January 31, 2008, Alcoa entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement (RCA-2) with Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. (LCPI), as administrative agent, and Lehman Brothers Commercial Bank (LBCB), as lender. RCA-2 provides a $1,000 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF-2), which matures on January 31, 2009. Loans will bear interest at (i) a base rate or (ii) a rate equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on the credit ratings of Alcoa’s outstanding senior unsecured long-term debt. Based on Alcoa’s current long-term debt ratings, the applicable margin on LIBOR loans will be 0.93% per annum. Loans may be prepaid without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs. Amounts payable under RCF-2 will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness of Alcoa.

RCA-2 includes the following covenants, among others, (a) a leverage ratio, (b) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to incur liens securing indebtedness for borrowed money, (c) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to consummate a merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, and (d) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to change the nature of its business.

The obligation of Alcoa to pay amounts outstanding under RCF-2 may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an “Event of Default” as defined in RCA-2. Such Events of Default include, among others, (a) Alcoa’s failure to pay the principal of, or interest on, borrowings under RCF-2, (b) any representation or warranty of Alcoa in RCA-2 proving to be materially false or misleading, (c) Alcoa’s breach of any of its covenants contained in RCA-2, and (d) the bankruptcy or insolvency of Alcoa.

As of September 30, 2008, there was no amount outstanding under RCF-2. On October 5, 2008, LCPI filed for bankruptcy protection under section 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. To Alcoa’s knowledge, LBCB has not filed for bankruptcy protection. On October 16, 2008, Alcoa gave notice in accordance with the provisions of RCA-2 to permanently terminate in whole LBCB’s total commitments under RCF-2 effective October 30, 2008.

On March 10, 2008, Alcoa filed an automatic shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an indeterminate amount of securities for future issuance. This shelf registration statement replaced Alcoa’s existing shelf registration statement. As of September 30, 2008, $1,500 in senior debt securities were issued under the new shelf registration statement.

On April 23, 2008, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) changed its long-term debt rating of Alcoa from A- to BBB+ as a result of higher than expected debt levels and financial leverage. The current outlook was upgraded from negative to stable as Fitch cited current aluminum market conditions and Alcoa’s operating flexibility.

On July 28, 2008, Alcoa increased the capacity of its senior unsecured revolving credit facility by $175 as provided for under the related Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2007 (the “Credit Agreement”). As of September 30, 2008, there was no amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement. On October 5, 2008, LCPI, a lender under the Credit Agreement with $150 in commitments, filed for bankruptcy protection under section 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. It is not certain if LCPI will honor its obligations under the Credit Agreement. The total capacity of the credit facility, excluding LCPI’s commitment, is $3,275.

On October 9, 2008, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) affirmed both Alcoa’s long-term debt rating of BBB+ and short-term debt rating of A-2. S&P did revise the current outlook for Alcoa from stable to negative because of weaker than expected third quarter earnings, the result of falling aluminum prices, and weak end markets coupled with large capital spending and share repurchases (the existing share repurchase program has been temporarily suspended).

 

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On October 13, 2008, Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) affirmed both Alcoa’s long-term debt rating of Baa1 and short-term debt rating of Prime-2. Moody’s did revise the current outlook for Alcoa from stable to negative because of weak aluminum end markets.

On October 14, 2008, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) changed its long-term debt rating of Alcoa from BBB+ to BBB as a result of higher than expected debt levels and financial leverage. Fitch’s current outlook for Alcoa remains at stable.

On October 14, 2008, Alcoa entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement (RCA-3) with a syndicate of lenders. RCA-3 provides a $1,150 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF-3), which matures on October 12, 2009. Loans will bear interest at (i) a base rate or (ii) a rate equal to LIBOR, plus an applicable margin based on the credit ratings of Alcoa’s outstanding senior unsecured long-term debt. Based on Alcoa’s current long-term debt ratings, the applicable margin on base rate and LIBOR loans will be 1.375% and 1.875%, respectively, per annum. Alcoa will also pay a facility fee, currently 0.375%, on the aggregate commitments, whether used or unused, based on its long-term debt ratings. Additionally, if there is an amount outstanding under RCF-3 on the last calendar day of any of the next three quarterly periods, Alcoa will pay a duration fee to the lenders. The duration fee is equal to 0.5% of such outstanding amount on the respective day starting on December 31, 2008 and increases by 0.5% each quarter thereafter.

Loans may be prepaid without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs. RCA-3 also provides for a mandatory prepayment, not to exceed the amount outstanding under RCF-3 at such time, equal to 100% of the net proceeds Alcoa receives from certain future debt or equity issuances in capital markets transactions or 50% of the net proceeds Alcoa receives from asset sales (other than those in the ordinary course of business), if the proceeds from all asset sales exceed $50. Any prepayments made related to the net proceeds from assets sales or that would have been made if amounts were outstanding under RCF-3 also reduce the lenders’ commitments by a corresponding amount. Amounts payable under RCF-3 will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness of Alcoa.

RCA-3 includes the following covenants, among others, (a) a leverage ratio, (b) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to incur liens securing indebtedness for borrowed money, (c) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to consummate a merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, and (d) limitations on Alcoa’s ability to change the nature of its business.

The obligation of Alcoa to pay amounts outstanding under RCF-3 may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an “Event of Default” as defined in RCA-3. Such Events of Default include, among others, (a) Alcoa’s failure to pay the principal of, or interest on, borrowings under RCF-3, (b) any representation or warranty of Alcoa in RCA-3 proving to be materially false or misleading, (c) Alcoa’s breach of any of its covenants contained in RCA-3, and (d) the bankruptcy or insolvency of Alcoa.

Alcoa paid $30 in financing costs, which were deferred and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the facility.

Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities was $1,387 in the 2008 nine-month period compared with $706 in the 2007 nine-month period. The increase in cash used of $681 was mainly due to a $1,909 decline in sales of investments, as a result of the absence of $1,942 in proceeds received in the 2007 nine-month period from the sale of the Chalco investment; a $1,153 increase in additions to investments, due to the $1,200 investment made in February 2008 in Shining Prospect Pte. Ltd. to acquire common stock of Rio Tinto plc; and a $402 increase in acquisitions, including minority interests, driven by the purchase of two aerospace fastener manufacturing businesses for $276, the buyout of outstanding minority interests in Bohai for $79 and Russia for $15, and a $47 contingent payment made to Camargo Corrêa Group related to the 2003 acquisition of 40.9% of Alcoa Alumínio S.A., compared to a final contingent payment of $13 made in the 2007 nine-month period related to the 2002 acquisition of Fairchild Fasteners. These cash outflows were principally offset by a $2,597 increase in proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses, due to the $2,651 in net proceeds received from the sale of the businesses within the Packaging and Consumer segment.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Accounts Receivable Securitizations

Effective August 31, 2008, Alcoa terminated its accounts receivable securitization program that was conducted through a qualifying special purpose entity (QSPE). As of September 30, 2008, there was still $108 of accounts receivable yet to be collected by the QSPE. In conjunction with the decision to terminate the foregoing program, Alcoa increased the capacity of its other accounts receivable securitization program, which originally began in November 2007, from $100 to $250. As of September 30, 2008, Alcoa received $224 in cash proceeds, which reduced Receivables from customers on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

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Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis (the fair value option) with changes in fair value reported in earnings. Alcoa already records marketable securities at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and derivative contracts and hedging activities at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended (SFAS 133). The adoption of SFAS 159 had no impact on the Financial Statements as management did not elect the fair value option for any other financial instruments or certain other assets and liabilities.

On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (SFAS 157) as it relates to financial assets and financial liabilities. In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on at least an annual basis, until January 1, 2009 for calendar year-end entities. Also in February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13,” which states that SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” (SFAS 13) and other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements for purposes of lease classification or measurement under SFAS 13 are excluded from the provisions of SFAS 157, except for assets and liabilities related to leases assumed in a business combination that are required to be measured at fair value under SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” (SFAS 141) or SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” (SFAS 141(R)).

SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of this standard apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and are to be applied prospectively with limited exceptions. The adoption of SFAS 157, as it relates to financial assets, except for pension plan assets in regards to the funded status of pension plans recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and financial liabilities, had no impact on the Financial Statements. Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS 157, as it relates to pension plan assets, will not have an impact on the 2008 Financial Statements. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of SFAS 157, as it relates to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, on the Financial Statements.

SFAS 157 defines fair value 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. This standard is now the single source in GAAP for the definition of fair value, except for the fair value of leased property as defined in SFAS 13. SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) 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 under SFAS 157 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.

 

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The following sections describe the valuation methodologies used by Alcoa to measure different financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified. Where appropriate the description includes details of the valuation models, the key inputs to those models, and any significant assumptions.

Available-for-sale securities. Alcoa uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of available-for-sale securities. These financial instruments consist of exchange-traded fixed income and equity securities, and are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative contracts. Derivative contracts are valued using quoted market prices and significant other observable and unobservable inputs. Such financial instruments consist of aluminum, interest rate, commodity (principally energy-related), and foreign currency contracts. The fair values for the majority of these derivative contracts are based upon current quoted market prices. These financial instruments are typically exchange-traded and are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether the exchange is deemed to be an active market or not.

For certain derivative contracts whose fair values are based upon trades in liquid markets, such as aluminum options, valuation model inputs can generally be verified and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment. The fair values of such financial instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Alcoa has other derivative contracts that do not have observable market quotes. For these financial instruments, management uses significant other observable inputs (i.e., information concerning time premiums and volatilities for certain option type embedded derivatives and regional premiums for swaps). For periods beyond the term of quoted market prices for aluminum, Alcoa uses a macroeconomic model that estimates the long-term price of aluminum based on anticipated changes in worldwide supply and demand. Where appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads, and credit considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence (Level 2). In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used (Level 3).

The following table presents Alcoa’s assets and liabilities that are measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2008:

 

     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Collateral*     Total

Assets:

             

Available-for-sale securities

   $ 28    $ —      $ —      $ —       $ 28

Derivative contracts

     5      37      4      (4 )     42
                                   

Total assets

   $ 33    $ 37    $ 4    $ (4 )   $ 70
                                   

Liabilities:

             

Derivative contracts

   $ 360    $ 139    $ 440    $ (2 )   $ 937
                                   

 

* These amounts represent cash collateral paid ($2) and held ($4) that Alcoa elected to net against the fair value amounts recognized for certain derivative instruments executed with the same counterparties under master netting arrangements. This election was made under the provisions of FSP FIN 39-1, which was adopted by Alcoa on January 1, 2008 (see below). The collateral paid of $2 relates to derivative contracts for aluminum included in Level 1 and the collateral held of $4 relates to derivative contracts for interest rates included in Level 2.

 

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Financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy represent derivative contracts in which management has used at least one significant unobservable input in the valuation model. The following table presents a reconciliation of activity for such derivative contracts on a net basis:

 

     Third quarter ended
September 30, 2008
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2008
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 392     $ 408  

Total realized/unrealized (losses) or gains included in:

    

Sales

     (18 )     (48 )

Cost of goods sold

     1       3  

Other comprehensive income

     42       54  

Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements

     19       19  

Transfers in and (or) out of Level 3

     —         —    
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 436     $ 436  
                

Total (losses) or gains included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to derivative contracts still held at September 30, 2008:

    

Sales

   $ (18 )   $ (48 )

Cost of goods sold

     1       3  

As reflected in the table above, the net unrealized loss on derivative contracts using Level 3 valuation techniques was $436 as of September 30, 2008. This loss is mainly attributed to embedded derivatives in a power contract that index the price of power to the LME price of aluminum. These embedded derivatives are primarily valued using observable market prices. However, due to the length of the contract, the valuation model also requires management to estimate the long-term price of aluminum based upon anticipated changes in worldwide supply and demand. The embedded derivatives have been designated as hedges of forward sales of aluminum and their realized gains and losses are included in Sales on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income. Also, included within Level 3 measurements are derivative financial instruments that hedge the cost of electricity. Transactions involving on-peak power are observable as there is an active market. However, due to Alcoa’s power consumption, there are certain off-peak times when there is not an actively traded market for electricity. Therefore, management utilizes various forecast services, historical relationships, and near term market actual pricing to determine the fair value. Gains and losses realized for the electricity contracts are included in Cost of goods sold on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income. Additionally, an embedded derivative in a power contract that indexes the difference between the long-term debt ratings of Alcoa and the counterparty from any of the three major credit rating agencies is included in Level 3. Management uses forecast services, historical relationships, and market prices to determine fair value. None of the Level 3 positions on hand at September 30, 2008 resulted in any unrealized gains in the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income.

Effective September 30, 2008, Alcoa adopted FSP No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (FSP FAS 157-3), which was issued on October 10, 2008. FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 had no impact on the Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted FSP No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39,” (FSP FIN 39-1). FSP FIN 39-1 amends FIN No. 39, “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts,” by permitting entities that enter into master netting arrangements as part of their derivative transactions to offset in their financial statements net derivative positions against the fair value of amounts (or amounts that approximate fair value) recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral under those arrangements. As a result, management elected to net cash collateral against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty when a master netting arrangement exists. As of September 30, 2008, the obligation to return cash collateral in the amount of $4 was netted against the fair value of derivative contracts included in Other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and the right to receive cash collateral in the amount of $2 was netted against the fair value of derivative contracts included in Other current liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. The adoption of FSP FIN 39-1 did not impact the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2007 as no cash collateral was held or posted.

 

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On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 06-10, “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements,” (EITF 06-10). Under the provisions of EITF 06-10, an employer is required to recognize a liability for the postretirement benefit related to a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement in accordance with either SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” or Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 12, “Omnibus Opinion – 1967,” if the employer has agreed to maintain a life insurance policy during the employee’s retirement or provide the employee with a death benefit based on the substantive arrangement with the employee. The provisions of EITF 06-10 also require an employer to recognize and measure the asset in a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement based on the nature and substance of the arrangement. The adoption of EITF 06-10 had no impact on the Financial Statements.

On January 1, 2008, Alcoa adopted Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. E23, “Hedging—General: Issues Involving the Application of the Shortcut Method under Paragraph 68” (Issue E23). Issue E23 provides guidance on certain practice issues related to the application of the shortcut method by amending paragraph 68 of SFAS 133 with respect to the conditions that must be met in order to apply the shortcut method for assessing hedge effectiveness of interest rate swaps. In addition to applying the provisions of Issue E23 on hedging arrangements designated on or after January 1, 2008, an assessment was required to be made on January 1, 2008 to determine whether preexisting hedging arrangements met the provisions of Issue E23 as of their original inception. Management performed such an assessment and determined that the adoption of Issue E23 had no impact on preexisting hedging arrangements. Alcoa will apply the provisions of Issue E23 on future hedging arrangements so designated.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,” (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, including (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This standard becomes effective for Alcoa on January 1, 2009. Earlier adoption of SFAS 161 and, separately, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption are encouraged. As SFAS 161 only requires enhanced disclosures, this standard will have no impact on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of Alcoa.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This standard defines a noncontrolling interest, sometimes called a minority interest, as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. SFAS 160 requires, among other items, that a noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity separate from the parent’s equity; consolidated net income to be reported at amounts inclusive of both the parent’s and noncontrolling interest’s shares and, separately, the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interest all on the consolidated statement of income; and if a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be measured at fair value and a gain or loss be recognized in net income based on such fair value. SFAS 160 becomes effective for Alcoa on January 1, 2009. Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS 160 will not have an impact on the Financial Statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), which replaces SFAS 141 and retains the fundamental requirements in SFAS 141, including that the purchase method be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. This standard defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control instead of the date that the consideration is transferred. SFAS 141(R) requires an acquirer in a business combination, including business combinations achieved in stages (step acquisition), to recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions. It also requires the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from certain contractual contingencies as of the acquisition date, measured at

 

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their acquisition-date fair values. SFAS 141(R) becomes effective for Alcoa for any business combination with an acquisition date on or after January 1, 2009. Management has determined that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will not have a material impact on the Financial Statements.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets,” (FSP FAS 142-3). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (SFAS 142) in order to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141(R) and other GAAP. FSP FAS 142-3 becomes effective for Alcoa on January 1, 2009. Management has determined that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 will not have an impact on the Financial Statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities,” (FSP EITF 03-6-1). FSP EITF 03-6-1 states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 becomes effective for Alcoa on January 1, 2009. Management has determined that the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 will not have an impact on the Financial Statements.

Environmental Matters

Alcoa continues to participate in environmental assessments and cleanups at a number of locations. These include 31 owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, 33 previously owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, and 70 waste sites, including Superfund sites. A liability is recorded for environmental remediation costs or damages when a cleanup program becomes probable and the costs or damages 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 and damages. The liability can change substantially due to factors such as the nature and extent of contamination, changes in remedial requirements, and technological changes. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the outcomes or to estimate with any degree of accuracy the potential costs for certain of these matters.

The following discussion provides additional details regarding the current status of Alcoa’s significant sites where the final outcome cannot be determined or the potential costs in the future cannot be estimated.

Massena, NY. Alcoa has been conducting investigations and studies of the Grasse River, adjacent to Alcoa’s Massena plant site, under order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also known as Superfund. Sediments and fish in the river contain varying levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

In 2002, Alcoa submitted an Analysis of Alternatives Report that detailed a variety of remedial alternatives with estimated costs ranging from $2 to $525. Because the selection of the $2 alternative (natural recovery) was considered remote, Alcoa adjusted the reserve for the Grasse River in 2002 to $30 representing the low end of the range of possible alternatives, as no single alternative could be identified as more probable than the others.

In June of 2003, based on river observations during the spring of 2003, the EPA requested that Alcoa gather additional field data to assess the potential for sediment erosion from winter river ice formation and breakup. The results of these additional studies, submitted in a report to the EPA in April of 2004, suggest that this phenomenon has the potential to occur approximately every 10 years and may impact sediments in certain portions of the river under all remedial scenarios. The EPA informed Alcoa that a final remedial decision for the river could not be made without substantially more information, including river pilot studies on the effects of ice formation and breakup on each of the remedial techniques. Alcoa submitted to the EPA, and the EPA approved, a Remedial Options Pilot Study (ROPS) to gather this information. The scope of this study includes sediment removal and capping, the installation of an ice control structure, and significant monitoring.

In May of 2004, Alcoa agreed to perform the study at an estimated cost of $35. Most of the construction work was completed in 2005 with monitoring work proposed through 2008. The findings will be incorporated into a revised Analysis of Alternatives Report, which is expected to be submitted in the first quarter of 2009. This information will be used by the EPA to propose a remedy for the entire river. Alcoa adjusted the reserves in the second quarter of 2004 to include the $35 for the ROPS. This was in addition to the $30 previously reserved.

 

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The reserves for the Grasse River were re-evaluated in the fourth quarter of 2006 and an adjustment of $4 was made. This adjustment is to cover commitments made to the EPA for additional investigation work, for the on-going monitoring program, including that associated with the ROPS program, to prepare a revised Analysis of Alternatives Report, and for an interim measure that involves, annually, the mechanical ice breaking of the river to prevent the formation of ice jams until a permanent remedy is selected. This reserve adjustment is intended to cover these commitments through the first quarter of 2009 when the revised Analysis of Alternatives report will be submitted.

With the exception of the natural recovery remedy, none of the existing alternatives in the 2002 Analysis of Alternatives Report is more probable than the others and the results of the ROPS are necessary to revise the scope and estimated cost of many of the current alternatives.

The EPA’s ultimate selection of a remedy could result in additional liability. Alcoa may be required to record a subsequent reserve adjustment at the time the EPA’s Record of Decision is issued, which is expected in 2009 or later.

Sherwin, TX. In connection with the sale of the Sherwin alumina refinery, which was required to be divested as part of the Reynolds merger in 2000, Alcoa has agreed to retain responsibility for the remediation of the then existing environmental conditions, as well as a pro rata share of the final closure of the active waste disposal areas, which remain in use. Alcoa’s share of the closure costs is proportional to the total period of operation of the active waste disposal areas. Alcoa estimated its liability for the active disposal areas by making certain assumptions about the period of operation, the amount of material placed in the area prior to closure, and the appropriate technology, engineering, and regulatory status applicable to final closure. The most probable cost for remediation has been reserved. It is reasonably possible that an additional liability, not expected to exceed $75, may be incurred if actual experience varies from the original assumptions used.

East St. Louis, IL. In response to questions regarding environmental conditions at the former East St. Louis operations, Alcoa entered into an administrative order with the EPA in December 2002 to perform a remedial investigation and feasibility study of an area used for the disposal of bauxite residue from historic alumina refining operations. A draft feasibility study was submitted to the EPA in April 2005. The feasibility study includes remedial alternatives that range from no further action at $0 to significant grading, stabilization, and water management of the bauxite residue disposal areas at $75. Because the selection of the $0 alternative was considered remote, Alcoa increased the environmental reserve for this location by $15 in the second quarter of 2005, representing the low end of the range of possible alternatives, which met the remedy selection criteria, as no alternative could be identified as more probable than the others. In 2007, the EPA temporarily suspended its final review of the feasibility study based on Alcoa’s request for additional time to fully explore site redevelopment and material use options. Ultimately, the EPA’s selection of a remedy could result in additional liability, and Alcoa may be required to record a subsequent reserve adjustment at the time the EPA’s Record of Decision is issued, which is expected late in 2008 or later.

Vancouver, WA. In 1987, Alcoa sold its Vancouver smelter to a company that is now known as Evergreen Aluminum (Evergreen). The purchase and sale agreement contained a provision that Alcoa retain liability for any environmental issues that arise subsequent to the sale that pre-date 1987. As a result of this obligation, Alcoa recorded a reserve for the Vancouver location at that time. Evergreen is currently decommissioning the smelter and cleaning up the approximately 100 acres under a consent order with the Washington Department of Ecology (WDE). In February 2008, Evergreen notified Alcoa that it had identified numerous areas containing contamination that predated 1987. In response to this notification, Alcoa increased the existing reserve by $3 to reimburse Evergreen for its costs to cleanup this contamination. In August 2008, Evergreen presented additional information for contaminated areas discovered since February 2008.

Separately, in September 2008, Alcoa completed a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) under the Washington State Model Toxics Control Act and negotiated a consent decree with WDE, which requires Alcoa to complete cleanup of PCB contaminated sediments in the Columbia River as well as remediate soil contamination in upland portions of the Vancouver property. Alcoa is in the process of obtaining final permit approval for this work and dredging work will take place between November 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009.

As a result of the above items related to the Vancouver site, Alcoa increased the environmental reserve by $11 in the 2008 third quarter. As cleanup work progresses and final remedies are negotiated with WDE, a subsequent reserve adjustment may be necessary.

 

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Based on the foregoing, it is possible that Alcoa’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, in a particular period, could be materially affected by matters relating to these sites. However, based on facts currently available, management believes that adequate reserves have been provided and that the disposition of these matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the financial position, liquidity, or the results of operations of the company.

Alcoa’s remediation reserve balance was $280 and $279 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (of which $50 and $51 was classified as a current liability), respectively, and reflects the most probable costs to remediate identified environmental conditions for which costs can be reasonably estimated. In the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, the remediation reserve was increased by $15 and $20, respectively, mostly due to the increase in the reserve related to the Vancouver property discussed above. The increase to the remediation reserve was charged to Cost of goods sold on the accompanying Statement of Consolidated Income for both periods. Payments related to remediation expenses applied against the reserve were $9 and $19 in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively. These amounts include 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 approximately 2% of cost of goods sold.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

(dollars in millions; quantities in thousands of metric tons [kmt])

In addition to the risks inherent in its operations, Alcoa is exposed to financial, market, political, and economic risks. The following discussion provides information regarding Alcoa’s exposure to the risks of changing commodity prices, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates.

Alcoa’s commodity and derivative activities are subject to the management, direction, and control of the Strategic Risk Management Committee (SRMC). The SRMC is composed of the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, and other officers and employees that the chief executive officer selects. The SRMC reports to the Board of Directors on the scope of its activities.

The interest rate, foreign currency, aluminum, and other commodity contracts are held for purposes other than trading. They are used primarily to mitigate uncertainty and volatility, and to cover underlying exposures. The company is not involved in energy-trading activities, weather derivatives, or other nonexchange commodity trading activities.

Commodity Price Risks – Alcoa is a leading global producer of primary aluminum and aluminum fabricated products. As a condition of sale, customers often require Alcoa to enter into long-term, fixed-price commitments. These commitments expose Alcoa to the risk of higher aluminum prices between the time the order is committed and the time that the order is shipped. Alcoa also sells aluminum products to third parties at then-current market prices and is exposed to the risk of lower market prices at the time of shipment. Alcoa uses futures contracts, totaling 603 kmt at September 30, 2008, to reduce the aluminum price risk associated with a portion of these fixed-price firm commitments. The effects of this hedging activity will be recognized in earnings over the designated hedge periods in 2008 to 2012.

Alcoa has also entered into futures and option contracts, totaling 413 kmt at September 30, 2008, to hedge a portion of future production. The effect of this hedging activity will be recognized in earnings over the designated hedge periods in 2008 to 2011.

Alcoa has also entered into futures and option contracts to minimize its price risk related to other customer sales and pricing arrangements. Alcoa has not qualified these contracts for hedge accounting treatment, and therefore, the fair value gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in earnings. These contracts totaled 54 kmt at September 30, 2008. In addition, Alcoa has power supply and other contracts that contain pricing provisions related to the LME aluminum price. The LME-linked pricing features are considered embedded derivatives. A majority of these embedded derivatives have been designated as hedges of future sales of aluminum. Gains and losses on the remainder of these embedded derivatives are recognized in earnings.

The net mark-to-market pretax earnings impact from aluminum derivative and hedging activities were a gain of $7 and a loss of $3 in the 2008 third quarter and nine-month period, respectively.

Alcoa purchases certain energy commodities to meet its production requirements and believes it is highly likely that such purchases will continue in the future. These purchases expose the company to the risk of higher prices. To hedge a portion of these risks, Alcoa uses futures and forward contracts. The effects of this hedging activity will be recognized in earnings over the designated hedge periods in 2008 to 2011.

Financial Risk

Interest Rates – Alcoa uses interest rate swaps to help maintain a strategic balance between fixed- and floating-rate debt and to manage overall financing costs. For a portion of its fixed-rate debt, the company has entered into pay floating, receive fixed interest rate swaps to effectively change the fixed interest rates to floating interest rates. Alcoa is also subject to an exposure in the differential between its long-term debt rating and the long-term debt rating of its counterparty in a long-term power contract, which begins in 2011 and expires in 2028.

Currencies – Alcoa is subject to exposure from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency exchange contracts may be used from time to time to hedge the variability in cash flows from the forecasted payment or receipt of currencies other than the functional currency. These contracts cover periods consistent with known or expected exposures through 2008.

 

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Fair Values – The following table shows the fair values of outstanding derivative contracts at September 30, 2008:

 

     Fair value
(loss)/gain
 

Aluminum*

   $ (975 )

Interest rates*

     3  

Other commodities, principally energy related

     (3 )

Currencies

     (1 )

 

* Aluminum reflects $2 of cash collateral paid that Alcoa elected to net against the fair value amounts recognized for certain derivative instruments executed with the same counterparties under master netting arrangements. Interest rates reflect $4 of cash collateral held that Alcoa elected to net against the fair value amounts recognized for certain derivative instruments executed with the same counterparties under master netting arrangements. These elections were made under the provisions of FSP FIN 39-1, which was adopted by Alcoa on January 1, 2008 (see Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards under Part I Item 2).

Aluminum consists primarily of losses on hedge contracts, embedded derivatives in power contracts in Iceland and Brazil, and Alcoa’s share of losses on hedge contracts of Norwegian smelters that are accounted for under the equity method.

Material Limitations – The disclosures with respect to commodity prices, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange risk do not take into account the underlying commitments or anticipated transactions. If the underlying items were included in the analysis, the gains or losses on the futures contracts may be offset. Actual results will be determined by a number of factors that are not under Alcoa’s control and could vary significantly from those factors disclosed.

Alcoa is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on the above instruments, as well as credit or performance risk with respect to its hedged customers’ commitments. Although nonperformance is possible, Alcoa does not anticipate nonperformance by any of these parties. Contracts are with creditworthy counterparties and are further supported by cash, treasury bills, or irrevocable letters of credit issued by carefully chosen banks. In addition, various master netting arrangements are in place with counterparties to facilitate settlement of gains and losses on these contracts.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Alcoa’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report, and they have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

On July 21, 2008, the Teamsters Local #500 Severance Fund and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (collectively, “plaintiffs”) filed a shareholder derivative suit in the civil division of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania against certain officers and directors of Alcoa claiming breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, and other violations. This derivative action stems from the previously disclosed civil litigation brought by Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (“Alba”) against Alcoa, Alcoa World Alumina LLC, Victor Dahdaleh, and others, and the subsequent investigation of Alcoa by the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to Alba’s claims. The Alba suit alleges, among other things, that Alcoa and its employees or agents engaged in a conspiracy over a 15-year period to defraud Alba by illegally bribing Bahrainian government officials and/or officers of Alba to force Alba to purchase alumina at excessively high prices. The Alba suit and the investigation are more fully described in Part II, Item 1 of Alcoa’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. This derivative action claims that the defendants caused or failed to prevent the matters alleged in the Alba lawsuit. The derivative action is in its preliminary stage and the company is unable to reasonably predict an outcome or to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss.

As previously reported, in November 2006, in Curtis v. Alcoa Inc., Civil Action No. 3:06cv448 (E.D. Tenn.), a class action was filed by plaintiffs representing approximately 13,000 retired former employees of Alcoa or Reynolds Metals Company and spouses and dependents of such retirees alleging violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Labor-Management Relations Act by requiring plaintiffs, beginning January 1, 2007, to pay health insurance premiums and increased co-payments and co-insurance for certain medical procedures and prescription drugs. Plaintiffs allege these changes to their retiree health care plans violate their rights to vested health care benefits. Plaintiffs additionally allege that Alcoa has breached its fiduciary duty to plaintiffs under ERISA by misrepresenting to them that their health benefits would never change. Plaintiffs seek injunctive and declaratory relief, back payment of benefits and attorneys’ fees. Alcoa has consented to treatment of plaintiffs’ claims as a class action. During the fourth quarter of 2007, following briefing and argument, the court ordered consolidation of the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction with trial, certified a plaintiff class, bifurcated and stayed the plaintiffs’ breach of fiduciary duty claims, struck the plaintiffs’ jury demand, but indicated it would use an advisory jury, and set a trial date of September 17, 2008. In August 2008, the court set a new trial date of March 24, 2009. Alcoa estimates that, in the event of an unfavorable outcome, the maximum exposure would be an additional postretirement benefit liability of approximately $300 and approximately $40 of expense (includes an interest cost component) annually, on average, for the next 11 years. Alcoa believes that it has valid defenses and intends to defend this matter vigorously. However, as this litigation is in its preliminary stages, the company is unable to reasonably predict the outcome.

As previously reported, in January 2007, the City of Point Comfort (the “City”), Texas filed suit against Alcoa World Alumina LLC (AWA) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Victoria Division (the “court”). The suit alleged that air emissions from AWA’s Point Comfort facility caused personal injury and property damage to the City and its residents, and sought injunctive relief and damages. In April 2008, the City granted AWA a full release of its claims and agreed to dismiss the suit. In settling the litigation, AWA agreed to pay the City damages and attorneys’ fees, agreed to establish a “Point Comfort Citizen Panel” with the City to ensure the implementation of AWA commitments set forth in the settlement agreement, paid the City $30,000 for a community park project, and undertook certain operational improvements at the Point Comfort facility. At the request of the parties, the court entered an agreed order of dismissal of the case on May 20, 2008.

As previously reported, on March 7, 2008, Alcoa’s Hutchinson, Kansas facility received a Notice of Potential Violations and Opportunity for Pre-Filing Conference from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region VII proposing a civil penalty of $103,160 as a result of the facility’s alleged non-compliance with certain federal air emission regulations associated with the operation of the facility’s on-site solid waste incineration unit. Thereafter, Alcoa commenced pre-filing settlement discussions with the EPA to resolve the matter. On August 4, 2008, the Regional Judicial Officer for EPA Region VII approved a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) between Alcoa and the EPA formally resolving the matter. The CAFO required Alcoa to pay a $63,000 civil penalty, which has since been paid. This matter is now closed.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:

 

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (a)
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced
Repurchase Plans
or Programs (b)
   Maximum Number
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (b)

January 1 - January 31, 2008

   13,977,044    $ 30.79    13,971,626    135,250,571

February 1 - February 29, 2008

   24,319    $ 38.23    —      135,250,571

March 1 - March 31, 2008

   1,301    $ 38.71    —      135,250,571
                     

Total for quarter ended March 31, 2008

   14,002,664    $ 30.81    13,971,626    135,250,571
                     

April 1 - April 30, 2008

   —        —      —      135,250,571

May 1 - May 31, 2008

   1,140,723    $ 41.55    750,000    134,500,571

June 1 - June 30, 2008

   3,605,763    $ 39.94    3,600,000    130,900,571
                     

Total for quarter ended June 30, 2008

   4,746,486    $ 40.33    4,350,000    130,900,571
                     

July 1 - July 31, 2008

   5,350,000    $ 33.63    5,350,000    125,550,571

August 1 - August 31, 2008

   5,450,000    $ 31.99    5,450,000    120,100,571

September 1 - September 30, 2008

   4,300,000    $ 28.71    4,300,000    115,800,571
                     

Total for quarter ended September 30, 2008

   15,100,000    $ 31.64    15,100,000    115,800,571
                     

 

(a) This column includes (i) purchases under Alcoa’s publicly announced share repurchase program described in (b) below and (ii) the deemed surrender to the company by plan participants of shares of common stock to satisfy the exercise price upon the exercise of employee stock options, in each case to the extent applicable during the period indicated. The shares used to satisfy the exercise price related to stock options are not considered part of the publicly announced share repurchase program approved by Alcoa’s Board of Directors as described in (b) below.
(b) On October 8, 2007, Alcoa’s Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program, which was publicly announced by Alcoa on October 9, 2007. The new program authorizes the purchase of up to 25% (or approximately 217 million shares) of the outstanding common stock of Alcoa at December 31, 2006, in the open market or though privately negotiated transactions, directly or through brokers or agents, and expires on December 31, 2010. As of September 30, 2008, Alcoa has elected to temporarily suspend share repurchases under this program due to the recent changes in the economic markets.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits.

 

10.    Accession Agreement and Notices, each dated as of July 28, 2008, relating to the Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2007
12.    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
15.    Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information
31.    Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    Alcoa Inc.

October 24, 2008

  By  

/s/ CHARLES D. MCLANE, JR.

Date

    Charles D. McLane, Jr.
    Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

October 24, 2008

  By  

/s/ TONY R. THENE

Date

    Tony R. Thene
    Vice President and Controller
    (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

10.    Accession Agreement and Notices, each dated as of July 28, 2008, relating to the Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2007
12.    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
15.    Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information
31.    Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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