20-F 1 d159480d20f.htm 20-F 20-F
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

OR

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

 

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

OR

 

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

Commission File Number 001-35931

 

 

Constellium N.V.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

Constellium N.V.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

The Netherlands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

 

Tupolevlaan 41-61,

1119 NW Schiphol-Rijk

The Netherlands

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Ordinary Shares   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

 

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the period covered by the annual report:

105,476,899 Class A Ordinary Shares, Nominal Value €0.02 per share

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ¨  Yes    x  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    ¨  Yes    x  No

Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ¨  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x                 Accelerated filer  ¨                 Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  ¨

     International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  x    Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act).     ¨  Yes    x  No

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     1   

PART I

     3   

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

     3   

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     3   

Item 3. Key Information

     3   

Item 4. Information on the Company

     31   

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

     55   

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     55   

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     83   

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     97   

Item 8. Financial Information

     103   

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

     104   

Item 10. Additional Information

     105   

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     129   

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

     129   

PART II

     129   

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     129   

Item  14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

     129   

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

     129   

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

     130   

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

     131   

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     131   

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     132   

Item  16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     132   

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     132   

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

     132   

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

     135   

PART III

     135   

Item 17. Financial Statements

     135   

Item 18. Financial Statements

     135   

Item 19. Exhibits

     135   

EXHIBIT INDEX

  

SIGNATURES

  
Index to Financial Statements and Schedules      F-1   


Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report on Form 20-F contains “forward-looking statements” with respect to our business, results of operations and financial condition, and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events and conditions. You can identify certain forward-looking statements because they contain words such as, but not limited to, “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “approximately,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “could” and similar expressions (or the negative of these terminologies or expressions). All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Many risks and uncertainties are inherent in our industry and markets. Others are more specific to our business and operations. The occurrence of the events described and the achievement of the expected results depend on many events, some or all of which are not predictable or within our control. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 20-F.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements are disclosed under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F, including, without limitation, in conjunction with the forward-looking statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F and including with respect to our estimated and projected earnings, income, equity, assets, ratios and other estimated financial results. All forward-looking statements in this annual report on Form 20-F and subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Some of the factors that we believe could materially affect our results include:

 

    our ability to implement our business strategy, including our productivity and cost reduction initiatives;

 

    competition and consolidation in the industries in which we operate;

 

    our susceptibility to cyclical fluctuations in the metals industry, our end-markets and our customers’ industries, and changes in general economic conditions;

 

    the highly competitive nature of the metals industry and the risk that aluminium will become less competitive compared to alternative materials;

 

    adverse conditions and disruptions in regional and global economies, including Europe, North America and Asia;

 

    risk associated with our global operations, including natural disasters and currency fluctuations;

 

    unplanned business interruptions and equipment failure;

 

    the risk associated with being dependent on a limited number of suppliers for a substantial portion of our primary and scrap aluminium;

 

    our ability to maintain and continuously improve our information technology and operational systems and financial reporting and internal controls;

 

    our ability to manage our labor costs and labor relations;

 

    our ability to attract and retain qualified employees;

 

    losses or increased funding and expenses related to our pensions, other post-employment benefits and other long-term employee benefits plans;

 

    the risk that regulation and litigation pose to our business, including our ability to maintain required licenses and regulatory approvals and comply with applicable laws and regulations, and the effects of potential changes in governmental regulations;

 

    changes in our effective income tax rate or accounting standards;

 

    costs or liabilities associated with environmental, health and safety matters;

 

-1-


Table of Contents
    our increased levels of indebtedness as a result of the Wise Acquisition (as defined herein) and the funding of Body-in-White (“BiW”) investments, which could limit our operating flexibility and opportunities;

 

    the increased levels of working capital required to operate the Wise business, which we may be unable to obtain;

 

    volatility in aluminium prices and our inability to pass through the cost of regional premiums to our customers or adequately hedge the impact of regional premium differentials;

 

    our exposure to unknown or unanticipated costs or liabilities, including those related to environmental matters, in connection with the Wise Acquisition;

 

    disruptions to business operations resulting from the Wise Acquisition;

 

    a deterioration in our financial position or a downgrade of our ratings by a credit rating agency, which could increase our borrowing costs, lead to our inability to access liquidity facilities, and adversely affect our business relationships;

 

    slower or lower than expected growth in North America for Body-in-White aluminium rolled products;

 

    the possibility that Constellium’s joint investment with UACJ Corporation (“UACJ”) in BiW sheet in the U.S., as contemplated by the UACJ Term Sheet (as defined herein), may not be consummated, or may be consummated on terms materially different from those currently contemplated;

 

    our ability to timely complete our expected BiW investments in North America and achieve the anticipated benefits of such investments; and

 

    the other factors presented under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.”

We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all of the factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 20-F may not in fact occur. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

-2-


Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

Item 3. Key Information

 

A. Selected Financial Data

The following tables set forth our selected historical financial and operating data.

On January 4, 2011, Omega Holdco B.V., which later changed its name to Constellium Holdco B.V., and then again to Constellium N.V. (“Constellium”) acquired the Engineered Aluminum Products business unit (the “EAP Business”) from affiliates of Rio Tinto, a leading international mining group (the “Acquisition”).

The selected historical financial information as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected historical financial information as of December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2012 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this Annual Report.

The audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report have been prepared in a manner that complies, in all material respects, with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”), and as endorsed by the European Union (“EU”).

Effective January 1, 2013, we have adopted IAS 19 “Employee Benefits” (revised) (IAS 19) in our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and in accordance with transition rules in IAS 19 we have retrospectively applied this standard to the two years ending December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Effective January 1, 2014, we changed the measure of profitability for our segments under IFRS 8 Operating Segments from Management Adjusted EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA.

References to “tons” throughout this Annual Report are to metric tons.

 

-3-


Table of Contents

References to the Wise Acquisition refer to our January 5, 2015 acquisition of Wise Metals Intermediate Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, which companies we refer to collectively as “Wise.” The transaction is therefore not included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014.

 

    As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
(€ in millions other than per share and per ton data)   2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  

Statement of income data:

         

Revenue

    5,153        3,666        3,495        3,610        3,556   

Gross profit

    450        483        471        474        317   

(Loss)/Income from operations

    (426     150        209        263        (63

Net (loss)/income for the period—continuing operations

    (552     54        96        149        (170

Net (loss)/income for the period

    (552     54        100        141        (178

(Loss)/earnings per share—basic

    (5.27     0.48        1.00        1.55        (2.00

(Loss)/earnings per share—diluted

    (5.27     0.48        0.99        1.55        (2.00

(Loss)/earnings per share—basic—continuing operations

    (5.27     0.48        0.96        1.64        (1.91

(Loss)/earnings per share—diluted—continuing operations

    (5.27     0.48        0.95        1.64        (1.91

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

    105,097,442        105,326,872        98,890,945        89,442,416        89,338,433   

Dividends per ordinary share (euro)(1)

    —          —          —          —          —     

Balance sheet data:

         

Total assets(2)

    3,628        3,012        1,764        1,631        1,612   

Net (liabilities)/assets or total invested equity

    (540     (37     36        (37     (113

Share capital

    2        2        2        —          —     

Other operational and financial data (unaudited):

         

Net trade working capital(3)

    149        210        222        289        381   

Capital expenditure(4)

    350        199        144        126        97   

Volumes (in kt)

    1,478        1,062        1,025        1,033        1,058   

Revenue per ton (€ per ton)

    3,486        3,452        3,410        3,495        3,362   

 

(1) Prior to our initial public offering in May 2013 (the “IPO”), we paid certain dividends to holders of our ordinary shares, as well as to holders of our preferred shares.
(2) In the third quarter of 2015, the Group decided to withdraw its disposal plan for a company from the A&T operating segment classified as held for sale at the end of 2014. Accordingly, related assets and liabilities are not presented as held for sale at December 31, 2014 and 2015.
(3) Net trade working capital, a measurement not defined by IFRS, represents total inventories plus trade receivables less trade payables.
(4) Represents purchases of property, plant, and equipment.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

-4-


Table of Contents
D. Risk Factors

Risks Related to Our Business

If we fail to implement our business strategy, including our productivity and Lean initiatives, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our future financial performance and success depend in large part on our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, including investing in high-return opportunities in our core markets, focusing on higher-margin, technologically advanced products, differentiating our products, expanding our strategic relationships with customers in selected international regions, fixed-cost containment and cash management, and executing on our Lean manufacturing program. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully implement our business strategy or be able to continue improving our operating results.

Implementation of our business strategy could be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, such as increased competition, legal and regulatory developments, or general economic conditions (including slower or lower than expected growth in North America for BiW aluminium rolled products). Any failure to successfully implement our business strategy could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may decide to alter or discontinue certain aspects of our business strategy at any time. Although we have undertaken and expect to continue to undertake productivity and manufacturing system and process transformation initiatives to improve performance, such as the Lean manufacturing program, we cannot assure you that all of these initiatives will be completed or that any estimated cost savings from such activities will be fully realized. Even when we are able to generate new efficiencies in the short- to medium-term, we may not be able to continue to reduce costs and increase productivity over the long term.

Aluminium may become less competitive with alternative materials, which could reduce our share of industry sales, lower our selling prices and reduce our sales volumes.

Our fabricated aluminium products compete with products made from other materials—such as steel, glass, plastics and composites—for various applications. Higher aluminium prices relative to substitute materials tend to make aluminium products less competitive with these alternative materials. Environmental and other regulations may also increase our costs and may be passed on to our customers, and may restrict the use of chemicals needed to produce aluminium products. These regulations may make our products less competitive as compared to materials that are subject to fewer regulations.

Customers in our end-markets, including the can, aerospace and automotive sectors, use and continue to evaluate the further use of alternative materials to aluminium in order to reduce the weight and increase the efficiency of their products. Although trends in “light-weighting” have generally increased rates of using aluminium as a substitution of other materials, the willingness of customers to accept substitutions for aluminium, or the ability of large customers to exert leverage in the marketplace to reduce the pricing for fabricated aluminium products, could adversely affect the demand for our products, and thus materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The cyclical and seasonal nature of the metals industry, our end-use markets and our customers’ industries could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The metals industry is generally cyclical in nature, and these cyclical fluctuations tend to directly correlate with changes in general and local economic conditions. These conditions include the level of economic growth, financing availability, the availability of affordable energy sources, employment levels, interest rates, consumer confidence and housing demand. Historically, in periods of recession or periods of minimal economic growth, metals companies have often tended to underperform other sectors. In addition, economic downturns in regional and global economies, including in Europe, or a prolonged recession in our principal industry segments, have had a negative impact on our operations in the past and could have a negative impact on our future financial

 

-5-


Table of Contents

condition or results of operations. Although we continue to seek to diversify our business on a geographic and end-market basis, we cannot assure you that diversification would mitigate the effect of cyclical downturns.

We are particularly sensitive to cycles in the aerospace, defense, automotive, other transportation, building and construction and general engineering end-markets, which are highly cyclical. During recessions or periods of low growth, these industries typically experience major cutbacks in production, resulting in decreased demand for aluminium products. This leads to significant fluctuations in demand and pricing for our products and services. Because our operations are capital intensive and we generally have high fixed costs and may not be able to reduce costs and production capacity on a sufficiently rapid basis, our near-term profitability may be significantly affected by decreased processing volumes. Accordingly, reduced demand and pricing pressures may significantly reduce our profitability and materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In particular, we derive a significant portion of our revenues from products sold to the aerospace industry, which is highly cyclical and tends to decline in response to overall declines in the general economy. The commercial aerospace industry is historically driven by the demand from commercial airlines for new aircraft. Demand for commercial aircraft is influenced by airline industry profitability, trends in airline passenger traffic, the state of the U.S. and global economies and numerous other factors, including the effects of terrorism. A number of major airlines have undergone Chapter 11 bankruptcy or comparable insolvency proceedings and experienced financial strain from volatile fuel prices. The aerospace industry also suffered significantly in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, resulting in a sharp decrease globally in new commercial aircraft deliveries and order cancellations or deferrals by the major airlines. Despite existing backlogs, continued financial uncertainty in the industry, inadequate liquidity of certain airline companies, production issues and delays in the launch of new aircraft programs at major aircraft manufacturers, stock variations in the supply chain, terrorist acts or the increased threat of terrorism may lead to reduced demand for new aircraft that utilize our products, which could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Further, the demand for our automotive extrusions and rolled products and many of our general engineering and other industrial products is dependent on the production of cars, light trucks, and heavy duty vehicles and trailers. The automotive industry is highly cyclical, as new vehicle demand is dependent on consumer spending and is tied closely to the strength of the overall economy. We note that the demand for luxury vehicles in China has become significant over the past several years and therefore fluctuations in the Chinese economy may adversely affect the demand for our products. Production cuts by manufacturers may adversely affect the demand for our products. Many automotive-related manufacturers and first tier suppliers are burdened with substantial structural costs, including pension, healthcare and labor costs that have resulted in severe financial difficulty, including bankruptcy, for several of them. A worsening of these companies’ financial condition or their bankruptcy could have further serious effects on the conditions of the markets, which directly affects the demand for our products. In addition, the loss of business with respect to, or a lack of commercial success of, one or more particular vehicle models for which we are a significant supplier could have a materially adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Customer demand in the aluminium industry is also affected by holiday seasons, weather conditions, economic and other factors beyond our control. Our volumes are impacted by the timing of the holiday seasons in particular, with August and December typically being the lowest months and January to June being the strongest months. Our business is also impacted by seasonal slowdowns and upturns in certain of our customers’ industries. Historically, the can industry is strongest in the spring and summer season, whereas the automotive and construction sectors encounter slowdowns in both the third and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Therefore, our quarterly financial results could fluctuate as a result of climatic or other seasonal changes, and a prolonged period of unusually cool summers in different regions in which we conduct our business could have a negative effect on our financial results and cash flows.

 

-6-


Table of Contents

We may not be able to compete successfully in the highly competitive markets in which we operate, and new competitors could emerge, which could negatively impact our share of industry sales, sales volumes and selling prices.

We are engaged in a highly competitive industry. We compete in the production and sale of rolled aluminium products with a number of other aluminium rolling mills, including large, single-purpose sheet mills, continuous casters and other multi-purpose mills, some of which are larger and have greater financial and technical resources than we do. Producers with a different cost basis may, in certain circumstances, have a competitive pricing advantage. Our competitors may be better able to withstand reductions in price or other adverse industry or economic conditions.

In addition, a current or new competitor may also add or build new capacity, which could diminish our profitability by decreasing equilibrium prices in our marketplace. New competitors could emerge from within Europe or North America or globally, including from China, Russia and the Middle East, and could include existing producers and sellers of steel products that may seek to compete in our industry. Emerging or transitioning markets in these regions with abundant natural resources, low-cost labor and energy, and lower environmental and other standards may pose a significant competitive threat to our business. Our competitive position may also be affected by exchange rate fluctuations that may make our products less competitive. Changes in regulation that have a disproportionately negative effect on us or our methods of production may also diminish our competitive advantage and industry position. In addition, technological innovation is important to our customers who require us to lead or keep pace with new innovations to address their needs. If we do not compete successfully, our share of industry sales, sales volumes and selling prices may be negatively impacted.

In addition, the aluminium industry has experienced consolidation over the past years and there may be further industry consolidation in the future. Although industry consolidation has not yet had a significant negative impact on our business, if we do not have sufficient market presence or are unable to differentiate ourselves from our competitors, we may not be able to compete successfully against other companies. If as a result of consolidation, our competitors are able to obtain more favorable terms from suppliers or otherwise take actions that could increase their competitive strengths, our competitive position and therefore our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

The beverage can sheet industry is competitive, and our competitors have greater resources and product and geographic diversity than we do.

The market for beverage can sheet products is competitive. Our competitors have market presence, operating capabilities and financial and other resources that are greater than ours. They also have greater product and geographic diversity than we do. Because of their greater resources and product and geographic diversity, these competitors may have an advantage over us in their abilities to research and develop technology, pursue acquisition, investment and other business opportunities, market and sell their products and services, capitalize on market opportunities, enter new markets and withstand business interruptions or adverse global economic conditions. There are no assurances that we will be able to compete successfully in these circumstances.

In addition, we are subject to competition from non-aluminium sources of packaging, such as plastics and glass. Consumer demand and preferences also impact customer selection of packaging materials. While we believe that the recyclability of aluminium, coupled with increasing consumer focus on resource conservation, may reduce the impact of competition from certain alternative packaging sources, there is no guaranty that such competition will be reduced.

Our business involves significant activity in Europe, and adverse conditions and disruptions in European economies could have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial performance.

A material portion of our sales are generated by customers located in Europe. The financial markets remain concerned about the ability of certain European countries to finance their deficits and service growing debt burdens amidst difficult economic conditions. This loss of confidence has led to rescue measures by Eurozone

 

-7-


Table of Contents

countries and the International Monetary Fund. Despite these measures, concerns persist regarding the debt burden of certain Eurozone countries and their ability to meet future financial obligations, the overall stability of the euro and the suitability of the euro as a single currency given the diverse economic and political circumstances in individual Eurozone countries. In addition, the actions required to be taken by those countries as a condition to rescue packages, and by other countries to mitigate similar developments in their economies, have resulted in increased political discord within and among Eurozone countries. The interdependencies among European economies and financial institutions have also exacerbated concern regarding the stability of European financial markets generally. These concerns could lead to the re-introduction of individual currencies in one or more Eurozone countries, or, in more extreme circumstances, the possible dissolution of the euro currency entirely. Should the euro dissolve entirely, the legal and contractual consequences for holders of euro-denominated obligations would be determined by laws in effect at such time. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could materially adversely affect the value of the Company’s euro-denominated assets and obligations. In addition, concerns over the effect of this financial crisis on financial institutions in Europe and globally could have a material adverse impact on the capital markets generally. Persistent disruptions in the European financial markets, the overall stability of the euro and the suitability of the euro as a single currency or the failure of a significant European financial institution, could have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial performance.

In addition, there can be no assurance that the actions we have taken or may take in response to global economic conditions may be sufficient to counter any continuation or reoccurrence of the downturn or disruptions. A significant global economic downturn or disruptions in the financial markets would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Adverse changes in currency exchange rates could negatively affect our financial results.

The financial condition and results of operations of some of our operating entities are reported in various currencies and then translated into euros at the applicable exchange rate for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. As a result, the appreciation of the euro against the currencies of our operating local entities may have a negative impact on reported revenues and operating profit, and the resulting accounts receivable, while depreciation of the euro against these currencies may generally have a positive effect on reported revenues and operating profit. We do not hedge translation of forecasted results or actual results.

In addition, while the majority of costs incurred are denominated in local currencies, a portion of the revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars and other currencies. As a result, appreciation in the U.S. dollar may have a positive impact on earnings while depreciation of the U.S. dollar may have a negative impact on earnings. While we engage in significant hedging activity to attempt to mitigate this foreign transactions currency risk, this may not fully protect us from adverse effects due to currency fluctuations on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

A portion of our revenues is derived from our international operations, which exposes us to certain risks inherent in doing business globally.

We have operations primarily in the United States, Germany, France, Slovakia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and China and primarily sell our products across Europe, Asia and North America. We also continue to explore opportunities to expand our international operations. Our operations generally are subject to financial, political, economic and business risks in connection with our global operations, including:

 

    changes in international governmental regulations, trade restrictions and laws, including those relating to taxes, employment and repatriation of earnings;

 

    currency exchange rate fluctuations;

 

    tariffs and other trade barriers;

 

    the potential for nationalization of enterprises or government policies favoring local production;

 

-8-


Table of Contents
    renegotiation or nullification of existing agreements;

 

    interest rate fluctuations;

 

    high rates of inflation;

 

    currency restrictions and limitations on repatriation of profits;

 

    differing protections for intellectual property and enforcement thereof;

 

    divergent environmental laws and regulations; and

 

    political, economic and social instability.

The occurrence of any of these events could cause our costs to rise, limit growth opportunities or have a negative effect on our operations and our ability to plan for future periods. In certain emerging markets, the degree of these risks may be higher due to more volatile economic conditions, less developed and predictable legal and regulatory regimes and increased potential for various types of adverse governmental action.

We are dependent on a limited number of suppliers for a substantial portion of our aluminium supply and a failure to successfully renew, renegotiate or re-price our long-term agreements or related arrangements with our suppliers may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our ability to produce competitively priced aluminium products depends on our ability to procure competitively priced supply of aluminium in a timely manner and in sufficient quantities to meet our production needs. We have supply arrangements with a limited number of suppliers for aluminium and other raw materials. Our top 10 suppliers accounted for approximately 45% of our total purchases for the year ended December 31, 2015. Increasing aluminium demand levels have caused regional supply constraints in the industry, and further increases in demand levels could exacerbate these issues. We maintain long-term contracts for a majority of our supply requirements, and for the remainder we depend on annual and spot purchases. There can be no assurance that we will be able to renew, or obtain replacements for, any of our long-term contracts or any related arrangements when they expire on terms that are as favorable as our existing agreements or at all. Additionally, if any of our key suppliers is unable to deliver sufficient quantities of this material on a timely basis, our production may be disrupted and we could be forced to purchase primary metal and other supplies from alternative sources, which may not be available in sufficient quantities or may only be available on terms that are less favorable to us. As a result, an interruption in key supplies required for our operations could have a material adverse effect on our ability to produce and deliver products on a timely or cost-efficient basis and therefore on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, a significant downturn in the business or financial condition of our significant suppliers exposes us to the risk of default by the supplier on our contractual agreements, and this risk is increased by weak and deteriorating economic conditions on a global, regional or industry sector level.

We depend on scrap aluminium for our operations and acquire our scrap inventory from numerous sources. Our suppliers generally are not bound by long-term contracts and have no obligation to sell scrap metal to us. In periods of low inventory prices, suppliers may elect to hold scrap until they are able to charge higher prices. In addition, a decrease in the supply of used beverage containers (“UBCs”) available to us resulting from a decrease in the rate at which consumers consume or recycle products contained or packaged in aluminium beverage cans could negatively impact our supply of aluminium. For example, the slowdown in industrial production and consumer consumption during the recent economic crisis reduced and may continue to reduce the supply of scrap metal available. If an adequate supply of scrap metal is not available to us, we would be unable to recycle metals at desired volumes and our results of operation, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

In addition, we seek to take advantage of the lower price of scrap aluminium compared to primary aluminium to provide a cost-competitive product. A decrease in the supply of scrap aluminium could increase its cost per pound. To the extent the discount between the primary aluminium price and scrap price narrows, our competitive advantage may be reduced. We cannot make use of financial markets to effectively hedge against

 

-9-


Table of Contents

reductions in this discount as this market is not readily available. If the difference between the price of primary and scrap aluminium is narrow for a considerable period of time, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our financial results could be adversely affected by the volatility in aluminium prices.

The overall price of primary aluminium consists of several components: (1) the underlying base metal component, which is typically based on quoted prices from the London Metal Exchange (“LME”); (2) the regional premium, which represents an incremental price over the base LME component that is associated with the physical delivery of metal to a particular region (e.g., the Midwest premium for metal sold in the U.S. or the Rotterdam premium for metal sold in Europe); and (3) the product premium, which represents a separate incremental price for receiving physical metal in a particular shape (e.g., billet, slab, rod, etc.), alloy, or purity. Each of these three components has its own drivers of variability. The LME price is typically driven by macroeconomic factors, global supply and demand of aluminium, including expectations for growth and contraction and the level of global inventories. Regional premiums tend to vary based on the supply and demand for metal in a particular region and associated warehousing and transportation costs. Product premiums generally are a function of supply and demand as well as production and raw material costs for a given primary aluminium shape and alloy combination in a particular region.

Speculative trading in aluminium has increased in recent years, contributing to higher levels of price volatility. In 2015, the LME cash price of aluminium reached a high of $1,919 per metric ton and a low of $1,424 per metric ton compared to a high of $2,114 and a low of $1,642 per metric ton in 2014. During 2014, regional premiums reached levels substantially higher than historical averages, whereas in 2015, such premiums experienced significant decreases in all regions, reverting to levels that are closer to historical averages. The Rotterdam regional premium increased from an average of 3% of the LME base price in the period from 2000 to 2009 to 26% of the LME base price in December 2014. The Midwest regional premium increased from an average of 6% of the LME base price to 27% of the LME base price during the same periods. New LME warehousing rules, which took effect in February 2015, and increasing exports from China led to an increase in the supply of aluminium entering the physical market and in turn caused regional premiums to decrease sharply between February and April 2015 to reach 11% of the LME base price for the Rotterdam regional premium and to 13% of the LME base price for the Midwest regional premium in December 2015. Sustained high aluminium prices, increases in aluminium prices, the inability to meaningfully hedge our exposure to aluminium prices, or the inability to pass through any fluctuation in regional premiums or product premiums to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations and cash flow.

If we are unable to adequately mitigate the cost of price increases of our raw materials, including aluminium, our profitability could be adversely affected.

Prices for the raw materials we require are subject to continuous volatility and may increase from time to time. Although our sales are generally made on a “margin over metal price” basis, if prices increase we may not be able to pass on the entire cost of the increases to our customers. There could also be a time lag between when changes in prices under our purchase contracts are effective and the point when we can implement corresponding changes under our sales contracts with our customers. As a result, we are exposed to fluctuations in raw materials prices, including metal, since during this time lag we may have to temporarily bear the additional cost of the price change under our purchase contracts. Further, although most of our contracts allow us to pass through metal prices to our customers, we have certain contracts that are based on fixed metal pricing where pass through is not available. Similarly, in certain contracts we have ineffective pass through mechanisms related to Midwest regional premium fluctuation. A related risk is that a sustained significant increase in raw materials prices may cause some of our customers to substitute our products with other materials. We attempt to mitigate these risks, including through hedging, but we may not be able to successfully reduce or eliminate any resulting negative impact, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and financial results.

 

-10-


Table of Contents

Our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity could be adversely affected if we are unable to execute on our hedging policy, if counterparties to our derivative instruments fail to honor their agreements or if we are unable to purchase derivative instruments.

We purchase and sell LME and other forwards, futures and options contracts as part of our efforts to reduce our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates, aluminium prices and other raw materials prices. If we are unable to purchase derivative instruments to manage those risks due to the cost or availability of such instruments or other factors, or if we are not successful in passing through the costs of our risk management activities, our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity could be adversely affected. Our ability to realize the benefit of our hedging program is dependent upon many factors, including factors that are beyond our control. For example, our foreign exchange hedges are scheduled to mature on the expected payment date by the customer; therefore, if the customer fails to pay an invoice on time and does not warn us in advance, we may be unable to reschedule the maturity date of the foreign exchange hedge, which could result in an outflow of foreign currency that will not be offset until the customer makes the payment. We may realize a gain or a loss in unwinding such hedges. In addition, our metal-price hedging programs depend on our ability to match our monthly exposure to sold and purchased metal, which can be made difficult by seasonal variations in metal demand, unplanned changes in metal delivery dates by either us or by our customers and other disruptions to our inventories, including for maintenance. In 2015, we were unable to hedge all of our exposure to the increase in the Midwest regional premium component of aluminium prices, resulting in unrecovered Midwest premium charges of €22 million at Wise.

We may also be exposed to losses if the counterparties to our derivative instruments fail to honor their agreements. Further, if major financial institutions continue to consolidate and are forced to operate under more restrictive capital constraints and regulations, there could be less liquidity in the derivative markets, which could have a negative effect on our ability to hedge and transact with creditworthy counterparties.

To the extent our hedging transactions fix prices or exchange rates, if primary aluminium prices, energy costs or foreign exchange rates are below the fixed prices or rates established by our hedging transactions, then our income and cash flows will be lower than they otherwise would have been. Similarly, if we do not adequately hedge for prices and premiums (including the Midwest regional premium) of our aluminium and other raw materials, our financial results may also be negatively impacted. Further, we do not apply hedge accounting to our forwards, futures or option contracts. As a result, unrealized gains and losses on our derivative financial instruments must be reported in our consolidated results of operations. The inclusion of such unrealized gains and losses in earnings may produce significant period over period earnings volatility that is not necessarily reflective of our underlying operating performance. In addition, in certain scenarios when market price movements result in a decline in value of our current derivatives position, our mark-to-market expense may exceed our credit line and counterparties may request the posting of cash collateral which, in turn, can be a significant demand on our liquidity.

At certain times, hedging instruments may simply be unavailable or not available on terms acceptable to us. In addition, recent legislation has been adopted to increase the regulatory oversight of over-the-counter derivatives markets and derivative transactions. The companies and transactions that are subject to these regulations may change. If future regulations subject us to additional capital or margin requirements or other restrictions on our trading and commodity positions, this could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our production capacity might not be able to meet growing market demand or changing market conditions.

We may be unable to meet market demand due to production capacity constraints or operational challenges. Meeting such demand may require us to make substantial capital investments to repair, maintain, upgrade, and expand our facilities and equipment. We intend to invest to increase Wise’s current hot mill capacity and we also

 

-11-


Table of Contents

recently announced that we executed a Term Sheet with UACJ to expand our joint venture with UACJ to produce automotive BiW sheet in the U.S., and to establish a leadership position in the growing North American BiW market. We also intend to install a new pusher furnace at our Ravenswood, West Virginia facility and have recently invested in equipment in our European facilities. Notwithstanding these plans and investments, we may not be able to expand our production capacity quickly enough in response to changing market conditions, and there can be no assurance that our production capacity will be able to meet our obligations and the growing market demand for our products. If we are unable to adequately expand our production capacity, we may be unable to take advantage of improved market conditions and increased demand for our products. We may also experience loss of market share, operational difficulties, increased costs, penalties for late delivery, reduction in demand for our products, and our reputation with our customers may be harmed, resulting in loss of business and a negative impact on our financial performance.

We are subject to unplanned business interruptions that may materially adversely affect our business.

Our operations may be materially adversely affected by unplanned events such as explosions, fires, war or terrorism, inclement weather, accidents, equipment, information technology systems and process failures, electrical blackouts or outages, transportation interruptions and supply interruptions. Operational interruptions at one or more of our production facilities could cause substantial losses and delays in our production capacity or increase our operating costs. In addition, replacement of assets damaged by such events could be difficult or expensive, and to the extent these losses are not covered by insurance or our insurance policies have significant deductibles, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be materially adversely affected by such events. For example, in 2008, a stretcher at Constellium’s Ravenswood, West Virginia facility was damaged due to a defect in its hydraulic system, causing a substantial outage at that facility that had a material impact on our production volumes at this facility and on our financial results for the affected period. In September 2015, Constellium’s Neuf-Brisach plant suffered an unplanned outage at the manufacturing facility as a result of the breakdown of a scalper. The outage had an adverse impact on the earnings for the third quarter of 2015.

Furthermore, because customers may be dependent on planned deliveries from us, customers that have to reschedule their own production due to our delivery delays may be able to pursue financial claims against us, and we may incur costs to correct such problems in addition to any liability resulting from such claims. Interruptions may also harm our reputation among actual and potential customers, potentially resulting in a loss of business.

If we were to lose order volumes from any of our largest customers, our sales volumes, revenues and cash flows would be reduced.

Our business is exposed to risks related to customer concentration. Our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 52% of our consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015, two of which accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues over the same period. A significant downturn in the business or financial condition of our significant customers exposes us to the risk of default on contractual agreements and trade receivables, and this risk is increased by weak and deteriorating economic conditions on a global, regional or industry sector level.

If we fail to successfully renew, renegotiate or re-price our long-term agreements or related arrangements with our largest customers, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

We have long-term contracts and related arrangements with a significant number of our customers, some of which are subject to renewal, renegotiation or re-pricing at periodic intervals or upon changes in competitive and regulatory supply conditions. They also provide certain termination rights to our customers. Our failure to successfully renew, renegotiate or re-price such agreements, at all or on terms as favorable as our existing contracts and arrangements, or a material deterioration in or termination of these customer relationships, could result in a reduction or loss in customer purchase volume or revenue, and if we are not successful in replacing business lost from such customers, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

 

-12-


Table of Contents

In addition, our strategy of having dedicated facilities and arrangements with customers subjects us to the inherent risk of increased dependence on a single or a few customers with respect to these facilities. In such cases, the loss of such a customer, or the reduction of that customer’s business at one or more of our facilities, could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations, and we may be unable to timely replace, or replace at all, lost order volumes and revenue.

The price volatility of energy costs may adversely affect our profitability.

Our operations use natural gas and electricity, which represent the third largest component of our cost of sales, after metal and labor costs. We purchase part of our natural gas and electricity on a spot-market basis. The volatility in costs of fuel, principally natural gas, and other utility services, principally electricity, used by our production facilities affects operating costs. Fuel and utility prices have been, and will continue to be, affected by factors outside our control, such as supply and demand for fuel and utility services in both local and regional markets as well as governmental regulation and imposition of further taxes on energy. Although we have secured some of our natural gas and electricity under fixed price commitments or long-term contracts with suppliers, future increases in fuel and utility prices, or disruptions in energy supply, may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Regulations regarding carbon dioxide emissions, and unfavorable allocation of rights to emit carbon dioxide or other air emission-related issues, as well as other environmental laws and regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Many scientists, legislators and others attribute climate change to increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, which has led to significant legislative and regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Measures to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that could directly or indirectly affect us or our suppliers are currently being developed or may be developed in the future. Substantial quantities of greenhouse gases are released as a consequence of our operations. Compliance with regulations governing such emissions tend to become more stringent over time and could lead to a need for us to further reduce such greenhouse gas emissions, to purchase rights to emit from third parties, or to make other changes to our business, all of which could result in significant additional costs or could reduce demand for our products. In addition, we are a significant purchaser of energy. Existing and future regulations relating to the emission of carbon dioxide by our energy suppliers could result in materially increased energy costs for our operations, and we may be unable to pass along these increased energy costs to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, a revised European emissions trading system or a successor to the Kyoto Protocol under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our fabrication process is subject to regulations that may hinder our ability to manufacture our products. Some of the chemicals we use on our fabrication processes are subject to government regulation, such as REACH (“Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals”) in the EU. Under REACH, we are required to register some of our products with the European Chemicals Agency, and this process could cause significant delays or costs. If we fail to comply with these or similar laws and regulations, we may be required to make significant expenditures to reformulate the chemicals that we use in our products and materials or incur costs to register such chemicals to gain and/or regain compliance, and we may lose customers or revenue as a result. Additionally, we could be subject to significant fines or other civil and criminal penalties should we not achieve such compliance. To the extent that other nations in which we operate also require chemical registration, potential delays similar to those in Europe may delay our entry into these markets. Any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining regulatory approvals for chemical products used in our facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

-13-


Table of Contents

We may not be able to successfully develop and implement new technology initiatives and other strategic investments in a timely manner.

We have invested in, and are involved with, a number of technology and process initiatives, including the development of new aluminium-lithium products. Being at the forefront of technological development is important to remain competitive. Several technical aspects of certain of these initiatives are still unproven and/or the eventual commercial outcomes and feasibility cannot be assessed with any certainty. Even if we are successful with these initiatives, we may not be able to bring them to market as planned before our competitors or at all, and the initiatives may end up costing more than expected. As a result, the costs and benefits from our investments in new technologies and the impact on our financial results may vary from present expectations.

In addition, we have undertaken and may continue to undertake growth, streamlining and productivity initiatives to improve performance. For example, we anticipate additional investments in the U.S. to increase our current hot mill capacity and build dedicated BiW finishing capacity. We cannot assure you that these initiatives will be completed or that they will have their intended benefits. Capital investments in debottlenecking or other organic growth initiatives may not produce the returns we anticipate. Even if we are able to generate new efficiencies successfully in the short- to medium-term, we may not be able to continue to reduce cost and increase productivity over the long term.

Our business requires substantial capital investments that we may be unable to fulfill. We may be unable to timely complete our expected capital investments, including in BiW, or may be unable to achieve the anticipated benefits of such investments.

Our operations are capital intensive. Our total capital expenditures were €350 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and €199 million and €144 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We further anticipate remaining capital investments requirements to total approximately €1,480 million in the years ending December 31, 2016 to 2021, in the aggregate. Investments in Wise and in our Joint Venture with UACJ, after giving effect to the contemplated transaction with UACJ, including both maintenance and growth investments are expected to aggregate to approximately €345 million and €193 million respectively in the years ending December 31, 2016 to 2021. After giving effect to the transaction contemplated with UACJ, investments in our BiW Expansion program are expected to be approximately €284 million in the years ending December 31, 2016 to 2021, in the aggregate. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Recent Developments—Expansion of Joint Venture with UACJ.”

There can be no assurance that we will be able to complete our capital investments, including our expected investments in BiW, on schedule, or that we will be able to achieve the anticipated benefits of such capital investments. In addition, we are under no legal obligation to complete the BiW Expansion program. We may at any time determine not to complete the BiW Expansion program. Additionally, we may not generate sufficient operating cash flows and our external financing sources may not be available in an amount sufficient to enable us to make anticipated capital expenditures (including completing our expected BiW investments), service or refinance our indebtedness or fund other liquidity needs.

If we are unable to make upgrades or purchase new plants and equipment, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by higher maintenance costs, lower sales volumes due to the impact of reduced product quality, and other competitive factors. If we are unable or determine not to complete our expected BiW investments, or such investments are delayed, we will not realize the anticipated benefits of such investments, which may adversely affect our results of operations.

Our planned joint investment with UACJ in BiW sheet in the U.S. may not be consummated, or may be consummated on terms that differ materially from those currently contemplated by the UACJ Term Sheet. We may be unable to execute on our strategy with respect to the joint venture with UACJ.

On March 10, 2016, Constellium announced that it had executed the UACJ Term Sheet with UACJ to expand the parties’ joint venture to produce automotive BiW sheet in the U.S. and establish a leadership position

 

-14-


Table of Contents

in the growing North American BiW market. Under the expanded joint venture, Constellium and UACJ contemplate a joint investment in two previously announced 100 kt finishing lines, which would be funded 51% by Constellium and 49% by Tri-Arrows Aluminium Holdings, a U.S. affiliate of UACJ. We currently expect the expanded joint venture, along with savings on upstream cost optimization, to reduce Constellium’s estimated capital requirement in North America to approximately $340 million through 2021 ($312 million or €284 million in the years ended December 31, 2016 to 2021), compared to the $620 million previously announced in October 2015 and $750 million announced in October 2014. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Recent Developments—Expansion of Joint Venture with UACJ.”

Pursuant to the terms of the UACJ Term Sheet, the joint investment is subject to board approval by each party and the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation. If the board of directors of either Constellium or UACJ does not approve the joint investment contemplated by the UACJ Term Sheet, or if Constellium and UACJ do not reach agreement on and execute definitive documents in respect of the joint investment, then Constellium will not obtain the anticipated benefits of the joint investments, including the reduction in Constellium’s estimated capital requirement to fund its BiW investments in the U.S. Any definitive documents executed pursuant to the UACJ Term Sheet may have terms that differ materially from those currently contemplated.

In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully implement the planned expansion or our business strategy with respect to our joint venture with UACJ. Any inability to execute on the expansion or our strategy with respect to the joint venture could inhibit or materially reduce our expected reduction in capital expenditures and could adversely affect our operations overall.

As part of our ongoing evaluation of our operations, we may undertake additional restructuring efforts in the future which could in some instances result in significant severance-related costs and other restructuring charges.

We recorded restructuring charges of €8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, €12 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and €8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Restructuring costs in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were primarily related to corporate and other sites restructuring operations. We may pursue additional restructuring activities in the future, which could result in significant severance-related costs, restructuring charges and related costs and expenses, including resulting labor disputes, which could materially adversely affect our profitability and cash flows.

A deterioration in our financial position or a downgrade of our ratings by a credit rating agency could increase our borrowing costs, lead to our inability to access liquidity facilities, and adversely affect our business relationships.

A deterioration in our financial position or a downgrade of our credit ratings could adversely affect our financing, limit access to the capital or credit markets or our liquidity facilities, or otherwise adversely affect the availability of other new financing on favorable terms, or at all, result in more restrictive covenants in agreements governing the terms of any future indebtedness that we incur, increase our borrowing costs, or otherwise impair our business, financial condition and results of operations.

While the terms of our other existing financing arrangements do not require us to maintain a specific credit rating, the commitments of Hitachi Capital America Corp. (the “New Wise RPA Purchaser”) under the New Wise Receivables Purchase Agreement (the “New Wise RPA”) are conditioned on, among other things, (i) Constellium’s corporate credit rating not having been withdrawn by either Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s or downgraded below B- by Standard & Poor’s and B3 by Moody’s, and (ii) there not having occurred a material adverse change in the business condition, operations, or performance of Wise Alloys Funding II LLC (the “New Wise RPA Seller”), Wise Alloys LLC, or Constellium Holdco II B.V. If Constellium’s corporate credit rating is withdrawn by either Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s or downgraded below B- by Standard & Poor’s and B3 by

 

-15-


Table of Contents

Moody’s, or a material adverse change occurs in the business condition, operations or performance of the New Wise RPA Seller, Wise Alloys LLC, or the Constellium Holdco II B.V., a condition precedent to the obligation of the New Wise RPA Purchaser under the New Wise RPA to purchase receivables from the New Wise RPA Seller will not be satisfied, and all purchases under the New Wise RPA will become uncommitted. If the New Wise RPA is not extended, refinanced or replaced, Wise’s cash collections from customers will be on longer terms than currently funded through the New Wise RPA. As a result, Wise’s liquidity could meaningfully decrease, causing Wise to have insufficient liquidity to operate its business and service its indebtedness, unless another source of liquidity, which may include capital contributions from the ultimate parent Constellium N.V., is identified. See “Item 10. Additional Information—C. Material Contracts—Wise Factoring Facilities” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Wise has substantial leverage and may be unable to obtain sufficient liquidity to operate its business and service its indebtedness. Constellium may elect to make capital contributions to Wise but is under no legal obligation to do so.”

A deterioration of our financial position or a further downgrade of our credit ratings for any reason could also increase our borrowing costs and have an adverse effect on our business relationships with customers, suppliers and hedging counterparties. As discussed above, we enter into various forms of hedging arrangements against currency, interest rate or metal price fluctuations and trade metal contracts on the LME. Financial strength and credit ratings are important to the availability and pricing of these hedging and trading activities. As a result, any downgrade of our credit ratings may make it more costly for us to engage in these activities, and changes to our level of indebtedness may make it more difficult or costly for us to engage in hedging and trading activities in the future.

Our indebtedness could materially adversely affect our ability to invest in or fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry or force us to take alternative measures.

Our indebtedness impacts our flexibility in operating our business and could have important consequences for our business and operations, including the following: (i) it may make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business or the economy; (ii) a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations will be dedicated to the repayment of our indebtedness and will not be available for other purposes; (iii) it may restrict us from making strategic acquisitions, introducing new technologies or exploiting business opportunities; and (iv) it may adversely affect the terms under which suppliers provide goods and services to us. Our indebtedness has materially increased as a result of the Wise Acquisition. By increasing our indebtedness, we have made ourselves more susceptible to the risks discussed above.

If we are unable to meet our debt service obligations, including our obligations under the May 2014 Notes, the December 2014 Notes, the Senior Secured Notes issued on March 30, 2016, and the Wise Notes, and pay our expenses, we may be forced to reduce or delay business activities and capital expenditures (including, without limitation, our expected investments in BiW), sell assets, obtain additional debt or equity capital, restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt before maturity or take other measures. Such measures may materially adversely affect our business. If these alternative measures are unsuccessful, we could default on our obligations, which could result in the acceleration of our outstanding debt obligations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The terms of our indebtedness contain covenants that restrict our current and future operations, and a failure by us to comply with those covenants may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our indebtedness contains, and any future indebtedness we may incur would likely contain, a number of restrictive covenants that will impose significant operating and financial restrictions on our ability to, among other things: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt; (ii) pay dividends and make other restricted payments and investments (including investments in and guarantees of certain indebtedness of Wise); (iii) create or incur certain liens; (iv) make certain loans, acquisitions or investments; (v) engage in sales of assets and subsidiary stock; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates (including transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries

 

-16-


Table of Contents

(other than Wise), on the one hand, and Wise, on the other, that are not at least as favorable to Wise as would be obtained in an arm’s-length transaction); (vii) transfer all or substantially all of our assets or enter into merger or consolidation transactions; and (viii) enter into sale and lease-back transactions.

In addition, the Wise ABL Facility provides that if borrowing availability thereunder drops below a threshold amount equal to the greater of (a) 10% of the aggregate commitments under the Wise ABL Facility and (b) $20 million, Wise Alloys LLC will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0, calculated on a trailing twelve month basis until such time as borrowing availability has been at least equal to the greater of $20 million and 10% of the aggregate commitments under the Wise ABL Facility for thirty consecutive days.

A failure to comply with our debt covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we default under our indebtedness, we may not be able to borrow additional amounts and our lenders could elect to declare all outstanding borrowings, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, to be due and payable, or take other remedial actions. Our indebtedness also contains cross-default provisions, which means that if an event of default occurs under certain material indebtedness, such event of default may trigger an event of default under our other indebtedness. If our indebtedness were to be accelerated, we cannot assure you that our assets would be sufficient to repay such indebtedness in full and our lenders could foreclose on our pledged assets. See “Item 10. Additional Information—C. Material Contracts.”

Our existing, and any future, variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our annual debt service obligations to increase significantly.

A portion of our indebtedness is, and our future indebtedness may be, subject to variable rates of interest, exposing us to interest rate risk. See “Item 10. Additional Information—C. Material Contracts.” If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase, resulting in a reduction of our net income that could be significant, even though the principal amount borrowed would remain the same.

We could be required to make unexpected contributions to our defined benefit pension plans as a result of adverse changes in interest rates and the capital markets.

Most of our pension obligations relate to funded defined benefit pension plans for our employees in the United States and Switzerland, unfunded pension benefits in France and Germany, and lump sum indemnities payable to our employees in France and Germany upon retirement or termination. Our pension plan assets consist primarily of funds invested in listed stocks and bonds. Our estimates of liabilities and expenses for pensions and other post-retirement benefits incorporate a number of assumptions, including interest rates used to discount future benefits. Our results of operations, liquidity or shareholders’ equity in a particular period could be materially adversely affected by capital market returns that are less than their assumed long-term rate of return or a decline in the rate used to discount future benefits. If the assets of our pension plans do not achieve assumed investment returns for any period, such deficiency could result in one or more charges against our earnings for that period. In addition, changing economic conditions, poor pension investment returns or other factors may require us to make unexpected cash contributions to the pension plans in the future, preventing the use of such cash for other purposes.

In addition, Wise provides benefits under a defined benefit pension plan that was frozen in 2007. Declines in interest rates or the value of pension assets or certain other changes could affect the level and timing of required contributions to the pension plan in the future. If future contributions are insufficient to fund the pension plan adequately to cover Wise’s future pension obligations, we could incur cash expenditures and costs materially higher than anticipated. Wise’s pension obligation is calculated annually and is based on several assumptions, including then prevailing conditions, which may change from year to year. In any year, if these assumptions are inaccurate, we could be required to expend greater amounts than anticipated.

 

-17-


Table of Contents

Wise also participates in various “multi-employer” pension plans administered by labor unions representing some of its employees. Wise’s withdrawal liability for any multi-employer plan would depend on the extent of the plan’s funding of vested benefits. In the ordinary course of Wise’s renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements with labor unions that maintain these plans, Wise could decide to discontinue participation in a plan, and in that event Wise could face a withdrawal liability. Wise could also be treated as withdrawing from participation in one of these plans if the number of its employees participating in these plans is reduced to a certain degree over certain periods of time. Such reductions in the number of Wise’s employees participating in these plans could occur as a result of changes in Wise’s business operations, such as facility closures or consolidations. Any withdrawal liability could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

A substantial percentage of our workforce is unionized or covered by collective bargaining agreements that may not be successfully renegotiated.

A significant number of our employees are represented by unions or equivalent bodies or are covered by collective bargaining or similar agreements that are subject to periodic renegotiation. Although we believe that we will be able to successfully negotiate new collective bargaining agreements when the current agreements expire, these negotiations may not prove successful, and may result in a significant increase in the cost of labor, or may break down and result in the disruption or cessation of our operations.

The loss of certain members of our management team may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Our success will depend, in part, on the efforts of our senior management and other key employees. These individuals possess sales, marketing, engineering, technical, manufacturing, financial and administrative skills that are critical to the operation of our business. If we lose or suffer an extended interruption in the services of one or more of our senior officers or other key employees, our ability to operate and expand our business, improve our operations, develop new products, and, as a result, our financial condition and results of operations, may be negatively affected. Moreover, the hiring of qualified individuals is highly competitive in our industry, and we may not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel to replace or succeed members of our senior management or other key employees.

As a result of the Wise Acquisition, we may not be able to retain key personnel or recruit additional qualified personnel and may experience disruptions and uncertainty surrounding our relationships with existing and future customers and suppliers.

We are highly dependent on the continuing efforts of our senior management team and other key personnel. As a result of the Wise Acquisition, our current and prospective employees, including Wise employees, could experience uncertainty about their future roles and relationships with Constellium and Wise. This uncertainty may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain current and prospective key management, sales, marketing and technical personnel, and may cause disruptions in our relationships with existing and future customers and suppliers. Any failure to attract and retain key personnel, including Wise employees, or disruption in our relationships with customers and suppliers, including customers and suppliers of Wise, could have a material adverse effect on our business. We do not maintain “key person” insurance covering any member of our management team.

The consummation of the Wise Acquisition could also cause disruptions in and create uncertainty surrounding our and Wise’s relationships with existing and future customers and suppliers. Such customers and suppliers may, in response to the consummation of the Wise Acquisition, delay or defer contracting decisions, or may not remain as customers and suppliers following the completion of the Wise Acquisition. Change of control provisions in certain of Wise’s contracts may have given customers the right to terminate or change the terms of those contracts as a result of the Wise Acquisition. The loss of significant customers or suppliers could have a material and adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

 

-18-


Table of Contents

If we are unable to successfully transition to new leadership following the expected retirement of our current Chief Executive Officer, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

Our Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Vareille, has informed the Company’s Board of Directors of his desire to retire during the course of 2016. At the request of the Company’s Board of Directors, Mr. Vareille has agreed to remain in his current role of Chief Executive Officer until a successor is appointed, and to thereafter become an advisor to the Company’s Board of Directors to facilitate this leadership transition. While the Company has identified a particular candidate, no agreement has been reached. We are working to ensure a smooth transition but we cannot assure you when we will reach an agreement with a successor, what impact, if any, the transition may have on our business, and what effect, if any, a new Chief Executive Officer may have on our business and our ability to retain our senior executives and other key personnel. The loss of the services of such senior executives or key personnel or any general instability in the composition of our senior management team could have a negative impact on our ability to execute our business and operating strategies and may adversely affect our operating results. Once we hire a new Chief Executive Officer, our financial and operational success will be dependent in large part on the new executive’s ability to gain proficiency in leading our company, implement or adapt our corporate strategies and initiatives and develop key professional relationships, including relationships with our team members, our key customers and suppliers and other business partners.

We could experience labor disputes and work stoppages that could disrupt our business and have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

From time to time, we may experience labor disputes and work stoppages at our facilities. For example, we experienced work stoppages and labor disturbances at our Ravenswood, West Virginia facility in 2012 in conjunction with the renegotiation of the collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, we experienced work stoppages and labor disturbances at our Issoire and Neuf-Brisach facilities in November 2013 and resumed normal operations in early December 2013. We also faced minor stoppages in our Issoire site in December 2015 during the yearly Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. Existing collective bargaining agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage at our facilities in the future. Any such stoppages or disturbances may have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations by limiting plant production, sales volumes, profitability and operating costs.

In addition, in light of demographic trends in the labor markets where we operate, we expect that our factories will be confronted with high levels of natural attrition in the coming years due to retirements. Strategic workforce planning will be a challenge to ensure a controlled exit of skills and competencies and the timely acquisition of new talent and competencies, in line with changing technological and industrial needs.

If we do not adequately maintain and continue to evolve our financial reporting and internal controls (which could result in higher operating costs), we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

We will need to continue to improve existing, and implement new, financial reporting and management systems, procedures and controls to manage our business effectively and support our growth in the future, especially because we lack a long history of operations as a standalone entity. Any delay in the implementation of, or disruption in the transition to, new or enhanced systems, procedures and controls, or the obsolescence of existing financial control systems, could harm our ability to accurately forecast sales demand and record and report financial and management information on a timely and accurate basis.

We could also suffer a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements if our independent registered public accounting firm reports a material weakness in our internal controls, if we do not develop and maintain effective controls and procedures or if we are otherwise unable to deliver timely and reliable financial information. Any loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements or other negative reaction to our failure to develop timely or adequate disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls could result in a

 

-19-


Table of Contents

decline in the trading price of our ordinary shares. In addition, if we fail to remedy any material weakness, our financial statements may be inaccurate, we may face restricted access to the capital markets and the price of our ordinary shares may be materially adversely affected.

We may not be able to adequately protect proprietary rights to our technology.

Our success depends in part upon our proprietary technology and processes. We believe that our intellectual property has significant value and is important to the marketing of our products and maintaining our competitive advantage. Although we attempt to protect our intellectual property rights both in the United States and in foreign countries through a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws, as well as through confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements and other measures, these measures may not be adequate to fully protect our rights. For example, we have a presence in China, which historically has afforded less protection to intellectual property rights than the United States. Our failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We have applied for patent protection relating to certain existing and proposed products and processes. While we generally apply for patents in those countries where we intend to make, have made, use or sell patented products, we may not accurately predict all of the countries where patent protection will ultimately be desirable. If we fail to timely file a patent application in any such country, we may be precluded from doing so at a later date. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that any of our patent applications will be approved. We also cannot assure you that the patents issued as a result of our foreign patent applications will have the same scope of coverage as our United States patents. The patents we own could be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by others and may not be of sufficient scope or strength to provide us with any meaningful protection or commercial advantage. Further, we cannot assure you that competitors or other third parties will not infringe our patents, or that we will have adequate resources to enforce our patents.

We also rely on unpatented proprietary technology. It is possible that others will independently develop the same or similar technology or otherwise obtain access to our unpatented technology. To protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information, we require employees, consultants, advisors and collaborators to enter into confidentiality agreements. We cannot assure you that these agreements will provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of such trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information. If we are unable to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies, we could be materially adversely affected.

We rely on our trademarks, trade names and brand names to distinguish our products from the products of our competitors, and have registered or applied to register many of these trademarks. We cannot assure you that our trademark applications will be approved. Third parties may also oppose our trademark applications, or otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks. In the event that our trademarks are successfully challenged, we could be forced to rebrand our products, which could result in loss of brand recognition, and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands. Further, we cannot assure you that competitors or other third parties will not infringe our trademarks, or that we will have adequate resources to enforce our trademarks.

We may institute or be named as a defendant in litigation regarding our intellectual property and such litigation may be costly and divert management’s attention and resources.

Any attempts to enforce our intellectual property rights, even if successful, could result in costly and prolonged litigation, divert management’s attention and resources, and materially adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. The unauthorized use of our intellectual property may adversely affect our results of operations as our competitors would be able to utilize such property without having had to incur the costs of developing it, thus potentially reducing our relative profitability.

 

-20-


Table of Contents

Furthermore, we may be subject to claims that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of another. Even if without merit, such claims could result in costly and prolonged litigation, cause us to cease making, licensing or using products or technologies that incorporate the challenged intellectual property, require us to redesign, reengineer or rebrand our products, if feasible, divert management’s attention and resources, and materially adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. We may also be required to enter into licensing agreements in order to continue using technology that is important to our business, or we may be unable to obtain license agreements on acceptable terms, either of which could negatively affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Interruptions in or failures of our information systems, or failure to protect our information systems against cyber-attacks or information security breaches, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems. We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business, data, accounting, financial reporting, communications, supply chain, order entry and fulfillment and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, and the loss of sales and customers, causing our business and results of operations to suffer.

Some of our information systems are nearing obsolescence, in that the software versions they are developed on are no longer fully supported or kept up-to-date by the original vendors. Whilst the correct day-to-day operations are not at risk, major new requirements (e.g., in legal or payroll) might require manual workarounds if the current software versions do not support those new functionalities.

Information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. A failure in or breach of our information systems as a result of cyber-attacks or information security breaches could disrupt our business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs or cause losses. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to enhance our information security measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.

Current liabilities under, as well as the cost of compliance with, environmental, health and safety laws could increase our operating costs and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we do business, which govern, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the remediation of contaminated sites, and employee health and safety. At December 31, 2015, we had close-down and environmental restoration costs provisions of €88 million. Future environmental regulations or more aggressive enforcement of existing regulations could impose stricter compliance requirements on us and on the industries in which we operate. Additional pollution control equipment, process changes, or other environmental control measures may be needed at some of our facilities to meet future requirements. If we are unable to comply with these laws and regulations, we could incur substantial costs, including fines and civil or criminal sanctions, or costs associated with upgrades to our facilities or changes in our manufacturing processes in order to achieve and maintain compliance. Additionally, evolving regulatory standards and expectations can result in increased litigation and/or increased costs. There are also no assurances that newly discovered conditions, or new or more aggressive enforcement of applicable environmental requirements, or any failure by counterparties to perform indemnification obligations, will not have a material adverse effect on our business.

Financial responsibility for contaminated property can be imposed on us where current operations have had an environmental impact. Such liability can include the cost of investigating and remediating contaminated soil

 

-21-


Table of Contents

or ground water, financial assurance, fines and penalties sought by environmental authorities, and damages arising out of personal injury, contaminated property and other toxic tort claims, as well as lost or impaired natural resources. Certain environmental laws impose strict, and in certain circumstances joint and several, liability for certain kinds of matters, such that a person can be held liable without regard to fault for all of the costs of a matter regardless of legality at the time of conduct and even though others were also involved or responsible.

Wise is subject to or party to certain environmental claims and matters and there can be no assurances that those matters will be resolved favorably or that such matters will not adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have accrued, and expect to accrue, costs relating to the above matters that are reasonably expected to be incurred based on available information. However, it is possible that actual costs may differ, perhaps significantly, from the amounts expected or accrued. Similarly, the timing of those expenditures may occur faster than anticipated. These differences could negatively affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Other legal proceedings or investigations, or changes in applicable laws and regulations, could increase our operating costs and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We may from time-to-time be involved in, or be the subject of, disputes, proceedings and investigations with respect to a variety of matters, including matters related to personal injury, intellectual property, employees, taxes, contracts, anti-competitive or anti-corruption practices as well as other disputes and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. It could be costly to address these claims or any investigations involving them, whether meritorious or not, and legal proceedings and investigations could divert management’s attention as well as operational resources, negatively affecting our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, as with the environmental laws and regulations, other laws and regulations which govern our business are subject to change at any time. Compliance with changes to existing laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Product liability claims against us could result in significant costs and could materially adversely affect our reputation and our business.

If any of the products that we sell are defective or cause harm to any of our customers, we could be exposed to product liability lawsuits and/or warranty claims. If we were found liable under product liability claims or are obligated under warranty claims, we could be required to pay substantial monetary damages. Even if we successfully defend ourselves against these types of claims, we could still be forced to spend a substantial amount of money in litigation expenses, our management could be required to devote significant time and attention to defending against these claims, and our reputation could suffer, any of which could harm our business.

Our operations present significant risk of injury or death.

Because of the heavy industrial activities conducted at our facilities, there exists a risk of injury or death to our employees or other visitors, notwithstanding the safety precautions we take. Our operations are subject to regulation by national, state and local agencies responsible for employee health and safety, which has from time to time levied fines against us for certain isolated incidents. While such fines have not been material and we have in place policies to minimize such risks, we may nevertheless be unable to avoid material liabilities for any employee death or injury that may occur in the future, and any such incidents may materially adversely impact our reputation.

 

-22-


Table of Contents

The insurance level that we maintain may not fully cover all potential exposures.

We maintain property, casualty and workers’ compensation insurance, but such insurance does not cover all risks associated with the hazards of our business and is subject to limitations, including deductibles and maximum liabilities covered. We may incur losses beyond the limits, or outside the coverage, of our insurance policies, including, but not limited to, liabilities for breach of contract, environmental compliance or remediation. In addition, from time to time, various types of insurance for companies in our industries have not been available on commercially acceptable terms or, in some cases, have not been available at all. In the future, we may not be able to obtain coverage at current levels, and our premiums may increase significantly on coverage that we maintain.

Increases in our effective tax rate, changes in income tax laws, additional income tax liabilities due to unfavorable resolution of tax audits and challenges to our tax position could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

We operate in multiple tax jurisdictions and pay tax on our income according to the tax laws and regulations of these jurisdictions. Various factors, some of which are beyond our control, determine our effective tax rate and/or the amount we are required to pay, including changes in or interpretations of tax laws and regulations in any given jurisdiction or global- and EU-based initiatives such as the Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the proposed EU anti-BEPS Directive which aim among other things to address tax avoidance by multinational companies, our ability to use net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards and other tax attributes, changes in geographical allocation of income and expense, and our judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets. Such changes to our effective tax rate could materially adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition, due to the size and nature of our business, we are subject to ongoing reviews by taxing jurisdictions on various tax matters, including challenges to positions we assert on our income tax and withholding tax returns. We accrue income tax liabilities and tax contingencies based upon our best estimate of the taxes ultimately expected to be paid after considering our knowledge of all relevant facts and circumstances, existing tax laws and regulations, our experience with previous audits and settlements, the status of current tax examinations and how the tax authorities and courts view certain issues. Such amounts are included in income taxes payable, other non-current liabilities or deferred income tax liabilities, as appropriate, and updated over time as more information becomes available. We record additional tax expense in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than the ultimate assessment we expect. We are currently subject to audit and review in a number of jurisdictions in which we operate, and further audits may commence in the future.

The Company is incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands and on this basis is subject to Dutch tax laws as a Dutch resident taxpayer. We believe that, because of the manner in which we conduct our business, the Company is resident solely in the Netherlands for tax purposes. However, if our tax position were successfully challenged by applicable tax authorities, or if there were changes in the tax laws, tax treaties, or the interpretation or application thereof (which could in certain circumstances have retroactive effect) or in the manner in which we conduct our business, this could materially adversely affect our financial position.

Our historical financial information presented in this report may not be representative of future results and our relatively short history operating as a standalone company may pose some challenges.

Due to inherent uncertainties of our business, the historical financial information does not necessarily indicate what our results of operations, financial position, cash flows or costs and expenses will be in the future as past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. In addition, we have a relatively short history operating as a standalone company which may pose some operational challenges to our management. Our

 

-23-


Table of Contents

management team has faced and could continue to face operational and organizational challenges and costs related to operating as a standalone company, such as continuing to establish various corporate functions, formulating policies, preparing standalone financial statements and continued integration of the management team. These challenges may divert their attention from running our core business or otherwise materially adversely affect our operating results.

We are a foreign private issuer under the U.S. securities laws within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules. As a result, we qualify for and rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements and may rely on other exemptions available to us in the future.

As a “foreign private issuer,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, we are permitted to follow our home country practice in lieu of certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, including the NYSE requirements that (i) a majority of the board of directors consists of independent directors; (ii) the nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and (iii) the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. Foreign private issuers are also exempt from certain U.S. securities law requirements applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including the requirement to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and to distribute a proxy statement pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) Section 14 in connection with the solicitation of proxies for shareholder meetings.

We rely on the exemptions for foreign private issuers and follow Dutch corporate governance practices in lieu of some of the NYSE corporate governance rules specified above. We currently rely on exemptions from the requirements set out in (i), (ii) and (iii) above, but in the future, we may change what home country corporate governance practices we follow, and, accordingly, which exemptions we rely on from the NYSE requirements. So long as we qualify as a foreign private issuer, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.

We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses. If we were to lose our foreign private issuer status, the regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer could be significantly more than costs we incur as a foreign private issuer.

If we were not a foreign private issuer, we would be required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, including proxy statements pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act. These SEC disclosure requirements are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. In addition, our directors, officers and 10% owners would become subject to insider short-swing profit disclosure and recovery rules under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We could also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with corporate governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications would involve additional costs.

In addition, we would lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain NYSE corporate governance requirements that are available to foreign private issuers. In particular, within six months of losing our foreign private issuer status we would be required to have a majority of independent directors and a nominating/corporate governance committee and a compensation committee comprised entirely of independent directors, unless other exemptions are available under the NYSE rules. Any of these changes would likely increase our regulatory and compliance costs and expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

We do not comply with all the provisions of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code which could affect your rights as a shareholder.

We are subject to the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, which applies to all Dutch companies listed on a government-recognized stock exchange, whether in the Netherlands or elsewhere, including the NYSE and

 

-24-


Table of Contents

Euronext Paris. The Dutch Corporate Governance Code contains principles and best practice provisions for boards of directors, shareholders and general meetings of shareholders, financial reporting, auditors, disclosure, compliance and enforcement standards. The Dutch Corporate Governance Code is based on a “comply or explain” principle. Accordingly, companies are required to disclose in their annual reports, filed in the Netherlands, whether they comply with the provisions of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code and, if they do not comply with those provisions, to give the reasons for such noncompliance. The principles and best practice provisions apply to the board (relating to, among other matters, the board’s role and composition, conflicts of interest and independence requirements, board committees and remuneration), shareholders and the general meeting of shareholders (for example, regarding anti-takeover protection and obligations of a company to provide information to its shareholders), and financial reporting (such as external auditor and internal audit requirements). We have decided not to comply with a number of the provisions of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code because such provisions conflict, in whole or in part, with the corporate governance rules of NYSE and U.S. securities laws that apply to our company whose ordinary shares are traded on the NYSE, or because such provisions do not reflect best practices of global companies listed on the NYSE. This may affect your rights as a shareholder and you may not have the same level of protection as a shareholder in a Dutch company that fully complies with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. See “Item 16G. Corporate Governance—Dutch Corporate Governance Code.”

The market price of our ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

The market price of our ordinary shares may be influenced by many factors, some of which are beyond our control and could result in significant fluctuations, including: (i) the failure of financial analysts to cover our ordinary shares, changes in financial estimates by analysts or any failure by us to meet or exceed any of these estimates; (ii) actual or anticipated variations in our operating results; (iii) announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts or acquisitions; (iv) the recruitment or departure of key personnel; (v) regulatory and litigation developments; (vi) developments in our industry; (vii) future sales of our ordinary shares; and (viii) investor perceptions of us and the industries in which we operate.

In addition, the stock market in general has experienced substantial price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies affected. These broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our ordinary shares, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of certain companies’ securities, securities class action litigation has been instituted against these companies. If any such litigation is instituted against us, it could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Sales of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline.

Sales of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline. This could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities. In addition, the sale of our ordinary shares by our officers and directors in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline. Prior to the completion of our IPO, we amended our memorandum and articles of association (the “Amended and Restated Articles of Association”) to provide authorization to issue up to 398,500,000 Class A ordinary shares and 1,500,000 Class B ordinary shares. A total of 105,476,899 Class A ordinary shares are outstanding as of December 31, 2015. We may issue ordinary shares or other securities from time to time as consideration for, or to finance, future acquisitions and investments or for other capital needs. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our shares or the effect, if any, that future sales and issuances of shares would have on the market price of our ordinary shares. If any such acquisition or investment is significant, the number of ordinary shares or the number or aggregate principal amount, as the case may be, of other

 

-25-


Table of Contents

securities that we may issue may in turn be substantial and may result in additional dilution to our shareholders. We may also grant registration rights covering ordinary shares or other securities that we may issue in connection with any such acquisitions and investments.

Any shareholder acquiring 30% or more of our voting rights may be required to make a mandatory takeover bid or be subject to voting restrictions.

Under Dutch law, if a party directly or indirectly acquires control of a Dutch company, all or part of whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market, that party may be required to make a public offer for all other shares of the company (mandatory takeover bid). “Control” is defined as the ability to exercise, whether or not in concert with others, at least 30% of the voting rights at a general meeting of shareholders. Controlling shareholders existing before an offering are generally exempt from this requirement, unless their controlling interest drops below 30% and then increases again to 30% or more. The purpose of this requirement is to protect the interests of minority shareholders. Any shareholder acquiring 30% or more of our voting rights may be limited in its ability to vote on our ordinary shares.

Provisions of our organizational documents and applicable law may impede or discourage a takeover, which could deprive our investors of the opportunity to receive a premium for their ordinary shares or to make changes in our board of directors.

Several provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Association and the laws of the Netherlands could make it difficult for our shareholders to change the composition of our board of directors, thereby preventing them from changing the composition of our management. In addition, the same provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, consolidation or acquisition that shareholders may consider favorable. Provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Association impose various procedural and other requirements, which could make it more difficult for shareholders to effect certain corporate actions. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of our shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may materially adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares and your ability to realize any potential change of control premium.

Our general meeting of shareholders has empowered our board of directors to issue shares and restrict or exclude preemptive rights on those shares for a period of five years. Accordingly, an issue of new shares may make it more difficult for a shareholder to obtain control over our general meeting of shareholders.

In addition, because certain of our products may have applications in the defense sector, we may be subject to rules and regulations in France and other jurisdictions that could impede or discourage a takeover or other change in control of Constellium or its subsidiaries. In particular, Constellium supplies aluminium alloy products, such as plates, sheets, profiles, tubes and castings, and related services and R&D activities in connection with aerospace and defense programs in France. As a result, a controlling investment in Constellium or certain of its French subsidiaries, or the purchase of assets constituting a business that produces products or provides services with applications in the defense sector, by a company or individual that is considered to be foreign or non-resident in France may be subject to the French Monetary and Financial Code, which requires prior authorization of the French Ministry of Economy.

United States civil liabilities may not be enforceable against us.

We are incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands and substantial portions of our assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, certain directors, officers and experts named herein reside outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or such other persons residing outside the United States, or to enforce outside the United States judgments obtained against such persons in U.S. courts in any action, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. In addition, it may be difficult for investors to enforce, in original actions brought in courts in jurisdictions located outside the United States, rights predicated upon the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

-26-


Table of Contents

There is no treaty between the United States and the Netherlands for the mutual recognition and enforcement of judgments (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters. Therefore, a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any federal or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon the U.S. federal securities laws, would not be enforceable in the Netherlands unless the underlying claim is re-litigated before a Dutch court. However, under current practice, the courts of the Netherlands may be expected to render a judgment in accordance with the judgment of the relevant United States court, provided that such judgment (i) is a final judgment and has been rendered by a court which has established its jurisdiction on the basis of internationally accepted grounds of jurisdictions, (ii) has not been rendered in violation of elementary principles of fair trial, (iii) is not contrary to the public policy of the Netherlands, and (iv) is not incompatible with (a) a prior judgment of a Netherlands court rendered in a dispute between the same parties, or (b) a prior judgment of a foreign court rendered in a dispute between the same parties, concerning the same subject matter and based on the same cause of action, provided that such prior judgment is not capable of being recognized in the Netherlands. It is uncertain whether this practice extends to default judgments as well.

Based on the foregoing, there can be no assurance that U.S. investors will be able to enforce against us or members of our board of directors, officers or certain experts named herein who are residents of the Netherlands or countries other than the United States any judgments obtained in U.S. courts in civil and commercial matters, including judgments under the U.S. federal securities laws.

In addition, there is doubt as to whether a Dutch court would impose civil liability on us, the members of our board of directors, our officers or certain experts named herein in an original action predicated solely upon the U.S. federal securities laws brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the Netherlands against us or such members, officers or experts, respectively.

The rights of our shareholders may be different from the rights of shareholders governed by the laws of U.S. jurisdictions.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our Amended and Restated Articles of Association and by the laws governing companies incorporated in the Netherlands. The rights of shareholders and the responsibilities of members of our board of directors may be different from the rights and obligations of shareholders in companies governed by the laws of U.S. jurisdictions. In the performance of its duties, our board of directors is required by Dutch law to consider the interests of our company, its shareholders, its employees and other stakeholders, in all cases with due observation of the principles of reasonableness and fairness. It is possible that some of these parties will have interests that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a shareholder. See “Item 16G. Corporate Governance—Dutch Corporate Governance Code.”

Although shareholders have the right to approve legal mergers or demergers, Dutch law does not grant appraisal rights to a company’s shareholders who wish to challenge the consideration to be paid upon a legal merger or demerger of a company. In addition, if a third party is liable to a Dutch company, under Dutch law shareholders generally do not have the right to bring an action on behalf of the company or to bring an action on their own behalf to recover damages sustained as a result of a decrease in value, or loss of an increase in value, of their stock. Only in the event that the cause of liability of such third party to the company also constitutes a tortious act directly against such stockholder and the damages sustained are permanent, may that stockholder have an individual right of action against such third party on its own behalf to recover damages. The Dutch Civil Code provides for the possibility to initiate such actions collectively. A foundation or an association whose objective, as stated in its articles of association, is to protect the rights of persons having similar interests, may institute a collective action. The collective action cannot result in an order for payment of monetary damages but may result in a declaratory judgment (verklaring voor recht), for example, declaring that a party has acted wrongfully or has breached a fiduciary duty. The foundation or association and the defendant are permitted to reach (often on the basis of such declaratory judgment) a settlement that provides for monetary compensation for damages. A designated Dutch court may declare the settlement agreement binding upon all the injured parties

 

-27-


Table of Contents

with an opt-out choice for an individual injured party. An individual injured party, within the period set by the court, may also individually institute a civil claim for damages if such injured party is not bound by a collective agreement.

The provisions of Dutch corporate law and our Amended and Restated Articles of Association have the effect of concentrating control over certain corporate decisions and transactions in the hands of our board of directors. As a result, holders of our shares may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by members of the board of directors than if we were incorporated in the United States.

Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect the foreign currency value of the ordinary shares and any dividends.

The ordinary shares are quoted in U.S. dollars on the NYSE and in euros on Euronext Paris. Our financial statements are prepared in euros. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between euros and the U.S. dollar will affect, among other matters, the U.S. dollar value and the euro value of the ordinary shares and of any dividends.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports or publish unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our ordinary shares depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business or our industry. We may have limited, and may never obtain significant, research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no additional securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our company, the trading price for our shares could be negatively affected. In the event we obtain additional securities or industry analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock, our share price will likely decline. If one or more of these analysts, or those who currently cover us, ceases to cover us or fails to publish regular reports on us, interest in the purchase of our shares could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could subject U.S. investors in our ordinary shares to significant adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

A foreign corporation will be a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a “PFIC”) in any taxable year in which, after taking into account the income and assets of the corporation and certain subsidiaries pursuant to applicable “look-through rules,” either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income,” or (ii) at least 50% of its assets produce or are held for the production of “passive income.” For this purpose, “passive income” generally includes dividends, interest, royalties and rents and certain other categories of income, subject to certain exceptions. We believe that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year and that we have not been a PFIC for prior taxable years and we expect that we will not become a PFIC in the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurance in this regard. The determination of whether we are a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination that includes ascertaining the fair market value (or, in certain circumstances, tax basis) of all of our assets on a quarterly basis and the character of each item of income we earn. This determination is made annually and cannot be completed until the close of a taxable year. It depends upon the portion of our assets (including goodwill) and income characterized as passive under the PFIC rules. Accordingly, it is possible that we may become a PFIC due to changes in our income or asset composition or a decline in the market value of our equity. Because PFIC status is a fact-intensive determination, no assurance can be given that we are not, have not been, or will not become, classified as a PFIC.

If we were to be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, U.S. Holders (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”) generally would be subject to special tax rules that could result in materially adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. Further, investors should assume that a “qualified electing fund” election, which, if made, could serve as an alternative to the general PFIC

 

-28-


Table of Contents

rules and could reduce any adverse consequences to U.S. Holders if we were to be classified as a PFIC, will not be available because we do not intend to provide U.S. Holders with the information needed to make such an election. A mark-to-market election may be available, however, if our ordinary shares are regularly traded. For more information, see “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences” and consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning or disposing of our ordinary shares if we are or become classified as a PFIC.

Wise has substantial leverage and may be unable to obtain sufficient liquidity to operate its business and service its indebtedness. Constellium may elect to make capital contributions to Wise but is under no legal obligation to do so.

As of December 31, 2015, Wise had total indebtedness of €871 million, including €622 million of the Wise Senior Secured Notes ($650 million nominal amount), €145 million of the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes ($150 million nominal amount), and €99 million in outstanding borrowings under the Wise ABL facility.

Since Constellium acquired Wise on January 5, 2015, Wise has not generated sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy its financial obligations and has relied on capital contributions from Constellium to compensate for its negative cash flow. For the year ended December 31, 2015, cash capital contributions from Constellium to Wise totaled €118 million. Constellium is under no legal obligation to make further capital contributions to Wise but may continue to do so to the extent permitted by the covenants under Constellium’s indebtedness.

If Constellium elects to make further investments in Wise, such investments will reduce Constellium’s cash flow available to service its indebtedness, fund working capital and capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes,

In addition to contributions from Constellium, Wise is also reliant on the liquidity provided by (i) the Wise ABL Facility, (ii) Wise’s receivables factoring arrangements, and (iii) trade credit provided by Wise’s commercial counterparties.

We currently expect that Wise Alloys LLC may seek to finance, at any given time, pursuant to existing and any future receivables factoring arrangements, up to $250 million of receivables that are not included in the borrowing base under the Wise ABL and cannot be financed thereunder. On March 16, 2016, Wise Alloys LLC and Wise Alloys Funding II LLC entered into the New Wise RPA with the New Wise RPA Purchaser and Greensill Capital Inc., as purchaser agent, providing for the sale of certain receivables from Wise Alloys Funding II LLC to the New Wise RPA Purchaser in an amount not to exceed $100 million in the aggregate outstanding at any time. The existing Wise RPA between Wise Alloys LLC, a Wise Alloys Funding LLC, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association does not provide for further sales of receivables after March 23, 2016. The New Wise RPA contains customary covenants and termination events. See “Item 10. Additional Information—C. Material Contracts—Wise Factoring Facilities.” If the New Wise RPA terminates or otherwise becomes unavailable, and is not extended, refinanced, or replaced, Wise’s cash collections from customers will be on longer terms than currently funded through the Wise RPA and the New Wise RPA. As a result, Wise’s liquidity could meaningfully decrease. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—A deterioration in our financial position or a downgrade of our ratings by a credit rating agency could increase our borrowing costs, lead to our inability to access liquidity facilities, and adversely affect our business relationships.”

A deterioration of Wise’s financial position for any reason could also have an adverse effect on Wise’s business relationships with suppliers. If Wise is unable to obtain trade credit, or the terms of such trade credit become less favorable to Wise, Wise’s liquidity could meaningfully decrease.

If Wise’s liquidity decreases for any of the reasons set forth herein or otherwise, Wise may have insufficient liquidity to operate its business and service its indebtedness, unless another source of liquidity, which may

 

-29-


Table of Contents

include capital contributions from Constellium, is obtained. The Constellium Notes (as defined herein) include certain cross-default provisions that could be triggered by certain defaults under indebtedness or bankruptcy events of Wise.

Despite current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indentures and agreements governing our existing indebtedness do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now face could intensify.

Our level of indebtedness could limit cash flow available for our operations and capital expenditures and could adversely affect our ability to service our debt or obtain additional financing, if necessary.

We have now and will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2015, we would have had, after giving effect to the Senior Secured Notes issued on March 30, 2016, total indebtedness of €2,614 million (of which €381 million would have consisted of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes issued on March 30, 2016, net of €9 million of issuance costs, €1,281 million of May 2014 Notes and December 2014 Notes, €871 million of debt of Wise and its direct or indirect subsidiaries, and the balance would have consisted of debt under the Ravenswood ABL Facility and other debt). Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our operations. Among other things, our substantial indebtedness could:

 

    limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts, acquisitions and general corporate purposes;

 

    make it more difficult for us to satisfy leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios required for us to incur additional indebtedness under our existing indebtedness;

 

    make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations;

 

    increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

    require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts and other general corporate purposes;

 

    limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the markets in which we compete; and

 

    place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.

In addition, the agreements governing our existing indebtedness contain financial and other restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debts.

In addition, we have substantial pension and other post-employment benefit obligations, resulting in net liabilities of €701 million as of December 31, 2015.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures and research and development efforts will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Although there

 

-30-


Table of Contents

can be no assurances, we believe that the cash provided by our operations will be sufficient to provide for our cash requirements for the foreseeable future. However, our ability to satisfy our obligations will depend on our future operating performance and financial results, which will be subject, in part, to factors beyond our control, including interest rates and general economic, financial and business conditions. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt, we may be required to:

 

    refinance all or a portion of our debt;

 

    obtain additional financing;

 

    sell some of our assets or operations;

 

    reduce or delay capital expenditures and acquisitions;

 

    reduce or delay our research and development efforts; or

 

    revise or delay our strategic plans.

If we are required to take any of these actions, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that we would be able to take any of these actions, that these actions would enable us to continue to satisfy our capital requirements or that these actions would be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments.

We may fail to achieve the expected benefits of the Wise Acquisition, and Wise may not have the value we anticipated prior to the consummation of the Wise Acquisition.

Since the closing of the Wise Acquisition on January 5, 2015, we have been unable to achieve the strategic, operational, financial and other benefits originally contemplated with respect to the Wise Acquisition to the full extent expected or in a timely manner, and we may not be able to achieve such benefits in the future. Constellium has recorded an impairment charge of €400 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 against the carrying value of the Wise assets. This charge, which has no impact on cash flows, reflects management’s view of the future expected performance of Wise in light of the market conditions and competitive challenges faced by Wise in its can business. We may fail to achieve the expected benefits of the Wise Acquisition and incur additional impairment.

In connection with the Wise Acquisition, we currently expect to recognize approximately $25-30 million in annual run-rate cost synergies by the end of the third year following the closing of the Wise Acquisition (which we expect to be phased in over such three-year period). However, there can be no assurance that we will realize the anticipated synergies on the currently expected timeline or at all. In addition, we could incur greater than expected one-time costs in order to achieve these synergies, in which case the net benefit to us would be less than we currently anticipate.

We may experience or be exposed to unknown or unanticipated issues, expenses, and liabilities as a result of the Wise Acquisition.

As a result of the Wise Acquisition, we may be exposed to unknown or unanticipated costs or liabilities, such as undisclosed liabilities of Wise, including those relating to environmental matters, for which we, as successor owner, may be responsible. Such unknown or unanticipated issues, expenses, and liabilities could have an adverse effect on our business, financial results and cash flows.

Item 4. Information on the Company

 

A. History and Development of the Company

Constellium Holdco B.V. (formerly known as Omega Holdco B.V.) was incorporated as a Dutch private limited liability company on May 14, 2010. Constellium Holdco B.V. was formed to serve as the holding company for various entities comprising the EAP Business, which Constellium acquired from affiliates of Rio

 

-31-


Table of Contents

Tinto on January 4, 2011 (the “Acquisition”). On May 21, 2013, Constellium Holdco B.V. was converted into a Dutch public limited liability company and renamed Constellium N.V. Any references to Dutch law and the Amended and Restated Articles of Association are references to Dutch law and the articles of association of the Company as applicable following the conversion. On May 29, 2013, we completed our initial public offering.

The business address (head office) of Constellium N.V. is Tupolevlaan 41-61, 1119 NW Schiphol-Rijk, the Netherlands, and our telephone number is +31 20 654 97 80. The address for our agent for service of process in the United States is Corporation Service Company, 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207-2543, and its telephone number is (518) 433-4740.

 

B. Business Overview

The Company

Overview

We are a global leader in the design and manufacture of a broad range of innovative specialty rolled and extruded aluminium products, serving primarily the packaging, aerospace, and automotive end-markets. We have a strategic footprint of manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Europe and China. Our business model is to add value by converting aluminium into semi-fabricated products. We believe we are the supplier of choice to numerous blue-chip customers for many value-added products with performance-critical applications. Our product portfolio commands higher margins as compared to less differentiated, more commoditized fabricated aluminium products, such as common alloy coils, paintstock, foilstock and soft alloys for construction and distribution.

As of December 31, 2015, we operated 22 production facilities, 9 administrative and commercial sites, and one R&D center. We are building one new facility in our joint venture with UACJ Corporation in Bowling Green, USA and one new facility in Bartow County, USA, in response to growing demand for automotive in North America. We have approximately 11,000 employees. We believe our portfolio of flexible and integrated facilities is among the most technologically advanced in the industry. It is our view that our established presence in the United States and Europe and our presence in China strategically position us to service our global customer base. We believe our well-invested facilities combined with more than 50 years of manufacturing experience, quality and innovation and preeminent R&D capabilities have put us in a leadership position in our core markets.

We seek to sell to end-markets that have attractive characteristics for aluminium, including (i) higher margin products, (ii) stability through economic cycles, and (iii) favorable growth fundamentals supported by substitution trends in European can sheet and automotive customers as well as order backlogs in aerospace. As of 2015, we are a leading European and North American supplier of can body stock, the leading global supplier of aluminium aerospace plates, and believe that we are the second largest provider of aluminium auto crash management systems globally. Our unique platform has enabled us to develop a stable and diversified customer base and to enjoy long-standing relationships with our largest customers. Our customer base includes market leading firms in packaging, aerospace, and automotive, such as Rexam PLC (“Rexam”), Anheuser-Busch InBev (“AB InBev”), Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, Inc., Airbus, Boeing, and several premium automotive original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), including BMW AG, Daimler AG and Ford Motor Company (“Ford”). Excluding Wise, the customer base of which has undergone a strategic shift since 2010 and now includes AB InBev and Coke, the average length of our customer relationships with our most significant customers averages 25 years, and in some cases goes back as far as 40 years, particularly with our packaging and aerospace customers. Generally, we have 3 to 5 year terms in contracts with our packaging customers, five-year terms in contracts with our largest aerospace customers, and 6 to 7 year terms in our “life of a car platform/car model” contracts with our automotive customers. We believe that we are a “mission critical” supplier to many of our customers due to our technological and R&D capabilities as well as the long and complex qualification process required for many of our products. Our core products require close collaboration and, in many instances, joint development with our customers. We believe that this integrated collaboration with our customers for high value-added products reduces substitution risk and creates a competitive advantage.

 

-32-


Table of Contents

There are several ways in which our business model is designed to produce stable and consistent cash flows and profitability. For example, our pricing model allows us to pass through risks related to the volatility of commodity metal prices by charging customers London Metal Exchange (“LME”) aluminium prices plus a conversion premium. We endeavor to continue to minimize our exposure to commodity metal price volatility primarily by (i) passing through aluminium price risk to customers, whereby customers pay the same metal price we receive from our suppliers, (ii) using financial derivatives, (iii) utilizing metal owned by the customer (tolling) and (iv) aligning the price and quantity of physical aluminium purchases and sales. In addition, in 2015 we have actively re-negotiated customer contracts at Wise, in order to mitigate the risk from Midwest premium volatility, whereby customers now pay the same Midwest premium price as we pay to our suppliers.

Our business also features relatively countercyclical cash flows. During an economic downturn, lower demand causes our sales volumes to decrease, which results in a corresponding reduction in our working capital requirements and a positive impact on our operating cash flows. We believe this helps to drive robust free cash flow across cycles and provides significant downside protection for our liquidity position in the event of a downturn.

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we shipped approximately 1,478kt, 1,062kt and 1,025kt of finished products, generated revenues of €5,153 million, €3,666 million and €3,495 million, generated net loss of €552 million, net income of €54 million and €100 million, and generated Adjusted EBITDA of €343 million, €275 million and €280 million, respectively. The financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2015 represented a 39% increase in shipments, a 41% increase in revenues and a 25% increase in Adjusted EBITDA from the prior year. Please see the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Segment Results.”

Our objective is to expand our leading position as a supplier of high value-added, technologically advanced products in which we believe that we have a competitive advantage through the following business strategies:

 

    Continue to target investment in high-return opportunities in our core markets (packaging, aerospace, automotive), with the goal of driving growth and profitability.

 

    Focus on higher margin, technologically advanced products that facilitate long-term relationships as a “mission critical” supplier to our customers.

 

    Continue to differentiate our products, with the goal of maintaining our leading market positions and remaining a supplier of choice to our customers.

 

    Build a global footprint with a focus on expansion and work to gain scale through acquisitions in Europe, the United States and Asia.

 

    Establish best-in-class operations through Lean manufacturing.

Recent Developments

Issuance of Senior Secured Notes

On March 30, 2016, Constellium completed a private offering of $425 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the “Senior Secured Notes”, and together with the May 2014 Notes and the December 2014 Notes, the “Constellium Notes”) pursuant to an indenture among the Company, the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee and collateral agent. The Company invested €100 million of the net proceeds in Wise. We used and expect to continue to use the remaining net proceeds from the Constellium Notes for general corporate purposes, including to put additional cash on our balance sheet. See “Item 10. Additional Information—C. Material Contracts—March 2016 Senior Secured Notes.”

New Wise Receivables Purchase Agreement

On March 16, 2016, the New Wise RPA Seller and Wise Alloys LLC (“Wise Alloys”), as servicer, entered into a Receivables Purchase Agreement with the New Wise RPA Purchaser and Greensill Capital Inc., as

 

-33-


Table of Contents

purchaser agent, providing for the sale of certain receivables from the New Wise RPA Seller to the New Wise RPA Purchaser in an amount not to exceed $100 million in the aggregate outstanding at any time. Receivables under the New Wise RPA will be sold at a discount based on a rate equal to a LIBOR rate plus 2.00-2.50% (based on the credit rating of the account debtor) per annum. No additional sales of receivables will occur under the existing Receivables Purchase Agreement between Wise Alloys, Wise Alloys Funding LLC, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association. See “Item 10. Additional Information—C. Material Contracts—Wise Factoring Facilities.”

Expansion of Joint Venture with UACJ

On March 10, 2016, Constellium announced that it had executed a term sheet (the “UACJ Term Sheet”) with UACJ to expand the parties’ joint venture to produce automotive BiW sheet in the U.S and establish a leadership position in the growing North American BiW market. Under the expanded joint venture, Constellium and UACJ contemplate a joint investment in two previously announced 100 kt finishing lines, which would be funded 51% by Constellium and 49% by Tri-Arrows Aluminium Holdings, a U.S. affiliate of UACJ. We currently expect the expanded joint venture, along with savings on upstream cost optimization to reduce Constellium’s estimated investment needs in North America to approximately $340 million through 2021 ($312 million or €284 million in the years ended December 31, 2016 to 2021), compared to the $620 million previously announced in October 2015 and $750 million announced in October 2014.

Constellium currently expects the expanded joint venture to result in significant benefits, helping us to become a leading player in the North American BiW market, and combining both parties’ strengths in technology, know-how and customer relationships.

Pursuant to the terms of the UACJ Term Sheet, the joint investment is subject to board approval by each party and the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Our planned joint investment with UACJ in BiW sheet in the U.S. may not be consummated, or may be consummated on terms that differ materially from those currently contemplated and we may be unable to execute on our strategy with respect to the joint venture with UACJ.”

Impairment

Constellium has recorded an impairment charge of €400 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 against the carrying value of the Wise assets. This charge, which has no impact on cash flows, reflects management’s view of the future expected performance of Wise in light of the challenges the can/ packaging business experienced in 2015. This impairment charge is reflected in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”

New Manufacturing Facility

In November 2015, we announced the building of a new manufacturing facility in Bartow County, Georgia, United States, in response to growing demand for automotive structures in North America. This project represents approximately a $20 million investment and an additional expected $12 million investment by a third-party developer, for a total project value of approximately $32 million. Construction of the plant is expected to begin in early 2016 with start of production anticipated in 2017. We expect to create approximately 150 high-tech manufacturing jobs at this location by 2019. The planned 130,000 square foot greenfield facility may be expanded up to 208,000 square feet to adapt to customers’ supply needs in the future.

CEO to retire in 2016

Pierre Vareille, our Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of his desire to retire during the course of 2016. The Company is working to ensure a smooth transition, which may occur this summer. At the Board’s request, Mr. Vareille has agreed to remain in his current role until his successor is appointed, and to thereafter

 

-34-


Table of Contents

become an advisor to the Board to facilitate the transition. The Company is in discussions with a particular candidate, but no agreement has been finalized at this time. The Company currently expects to provide an update on the transition plan by early May 2016.

Table: Overview of Operating Segments (as of December 31, 2015)

 

   

Packaging &
Automotive
Rolled Products

 

Aerospace &
            Transportation
            

 

Automotive Structures &
                    Industry
                     

Commercial and
Manufacturing Sites

 

•    4 (France,

Germany,

Switzerland,

United States)

 

•    12 (France, United
States, Switzerland,
Italy, China, Japan,
South Korea,
Singapore)

 

•    14 (France, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, United States, China)

Employees (as of
December 31, 2015)

 

•    3,192

 

•    3,689

 

•    3,147

Key products

 

•    Can Body Stock

 

•    Can End Stock

 

•    Closure Stock

 

•    Auto Body
Sheet

 

•    Heat
Exchangers

 

•    Specialty
reflective sheet (Bright)

 

•    Aerospace plates
and sheets

 

•    Aerospace
wingskins

 

•    Plates for general
engineering

 

•    Sheets for
transportation
applications

 

•    Extruded products including:

 

•    Soft alloys

 

•    Hard alloys

 

•    Large profiles

 

•    Automotive structures

 

Key customers

 

•    Packaging:
Rexam, AB
InBev,
Can-Pack, Ball,
Crown, Amcor, Ardagh Group,
Coke

 

•    Automotive:
Daimler AG,
Audi,
Volkswagen,
Valeo, Peugeot
S.A.

 

•    Aerospace:
Airbus, Boeing,
Bombardier,
Dassault, Embraer

 

•    Transportation,
Industry and
Defense:
Ryerson, ThyssenKrupp,
FreightCar
America, Amari

 

•    Automotive: Audi, BMW AG, Daimler AG, Porsche, General Motors, Ford, Benteler, Peugeot S.A., Chrysler, Fiat, JLR

 

•    Rail: Stadler, CAF

Key facilities

 

•    Neuf-Brisach
(FR)

 

•    Singen (DE)

 

•    Muscle Shoals (USA)

 

•    Ravenswood (USA)

 

•    Issoire (FR)

 

•    Sierre (CH)

 

•    Děčín (CZ)

 

•    Gottmadingen (DE)

 

•    Van Buren (USA)

 

 

-35-


Table of Contents

Our Operating Segments

Our business is organized into three operating segments: (i) Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products, (ii) Aerospace & Transportation, and (iii) Automotive Structures & Industry.

 

Operating Segment

   Products   

Description

Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products

   Rolled Products    Includes the production of rolled aluminium products in our European and North American facilities. We supply the packaging market with can stock and closure stock for the beverage and food industry, as well as foil stock for the flexible packaging market. In addition, we supply products for a number of technically sophisticated applications such as automotive sheet, heat exchangers, and sheet and coils for the building and construction markets.

Aerospace & Transportation

   Rolled Products    Includes the production of rolled aluminium products for the aerospace market, as well as rolled products for transport, industry and defense end-uses. We produce aluminium plate, sheet and fabricated products in our European and North American facilities. Substantially all of these aluminium products are manufactured to specific customer requirements using direct-chill ingot cast technologies that allow us to use and offer a variety of alloys and products.

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Extrusions and
Structures
   Includes the production of hard and soft aluminium alloy extruded profiles in Germany, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Our extruded products are targeted at high demand end-uses in the automotive, engineering, building and construction and other transportation markets (rail and shipbuilding). In addition, we fabricate highly advanced crash-management systems in Germany, the United States and China.

The following charts present our revenues by operating segment and geography for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

LOGO

 

1 Revenue by geographic zone is based on the destination of the shipment.

 

-36-


Table of Contents

Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products Operating Segment

In our Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products operating segment, we produce and develop customized aluminium sheet and coil solutions. Approximately 85% of operating segment volume for the year ended December 31, 2015 was in packaging rolled products, which primarily include beverage and food can stock as well as closure stock and foil stock. Fifteen percent of operating segment volume for that period was in automotive and specialty and other thin-rolled products, which include technologically advanced products for the automotive and industrial sectors. Our Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products operating segment accounted for approximately 53% of revenues and 53%(1) of Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015.

As of December 2015, we are a leading European and North American supplier of can body stock and the leading worldwide supplier of closure stock. We are also a major European player in automotive rolled products for Auto Body Sheet (the structural framework of a car), and heat exchangers. We have a diverse customer base, consisting of many of the world’s largest beverage and food can manufacturers, specialty packaging producers, leading automotive firms and global industrial companies. Our customer base includes Rexam, AB InBev, Audi AG, Daimler AG, Peugeot S.A., Ball Corporation, Can-Pack S.A., Crown Holdings, Inc., Alanod GmbH & Co. KG, Ardagh Group S.A., Amcor Ltd. and ThyssenKrupp AG. Our packaging contracts have usually a duration of three to five years. Our automotive contracts are usually valid for the lifetime of a model, which is typically six to seven years.

We have two integrated rolling operations located in Europe’s industrial heartland and one integrated rolling operation in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, following our acquisition of Wise Metals. Neuf-Brisach, our facility on the border of France and Germany, is, in our view, a uniquely integrated aluminium rolling and finishing facility. Singen, located in Germany, is specialized in high-margin niche applications and has an integrated hot/cold rolling line and high-grade cold mills with special surfaces capabilities that facilitate unique metallurgy and lower production costs. We believe Singen has enhanced our reputation in many product areas, most notably in the area of functional high-gloss surfaces for the automotive, lighting, solar and cosmetic industries, other decorative applications, closure stock, paintstock and foilstock. Muscle Shoals is a highly focused factory mostly dedicated to can stock. After investment, the plant is expected to be capable of producing high-quality Body-in-White sheet.

Our Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products operating segment has historically been relatively resilient during periods of economic downturn and has had relatively limited exposure to economic cycles and periods of financial instability. According to CRU International Limited (“CRU”), during the 2008-2009 economic crisis, can stock volumes decreased by 10% in 2009 versus 2007 levels as compared to a 24% decline for flat rolled aluminium products volumes in aggregate during the same period in Europe. This demonstrates that demand for beverage cans tends to be less correlated with general economic cycles. In addition, we believe European can body stock has an attractive long-term growth outlook due to the following trends: (i) end-market growth in beer, soft drinks and energy drinks, (ii) increasing use of cans versus glass in the beer market, (iii) increasing use of aluminium in can body stock in the European market, at the expense of steel, and (iv) increasing consumption in Eastern Europe linked to purchasing power growth. The U.S. can body stock market on the other hand has seen gradual declines in volumes over the last ten years, mostly due to the decline in carbonated soft drinks consumption. Analysts expect however that the growth in Aluminium Auto Body Sheet will change the dynamic in the market, with capacity being shifted from can body stock to Auto Body Sheet. As a result, CRU expects that by the latter part of this decade, can stock conversion fees could increase, and even a step change upward may be possible.

 

(1) The difference between the sum of Adjusted EBITDA for our three segments and the Group Adjusted EBITDA, is attributable to amounts for Holdings and Corporate.

 

-37-


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our volume, revenues and Adjusted EBITDA for our Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products operating segment for the periods presented:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  

(€ in millions, unless otherwise noted)

       2015             2014             2013      

Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products:

      

Segment Revenues

     2,742        1,568        1,472   

Segment Shipments (kt)

     1,035        620        595   

Segment Revenues (€/ton)

     2,649        2,529        2,474   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1)

     183        118        105   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(€/ton)

     176        190        176   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin

     7     8     7

 

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure defined under IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA is defined and discussed in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Segment Results.”

Aerospace & Transportation Operating Segment

Our Aerospace & Transportation operating segment has market leadership positions in technologically advanced aluminium and specialty materials products with wide applications across the global aerospace, defense, transportation, and industrial sectors. We offer a wide range of products including plate, sheet, extrusions and precision casting products which allows us to offer tailored solutions to our customers. We seek to differentiate our products and act as a key partner to our customers through our broad product range, advanced R&D capabilities, extensive recycling capabilities and portfolio of plants with an extensive range of capabilities across Europe and North America. In order to reinforce the competitiveness of our metal solutions, we design our processes and alloys with a view to optimizing our customers’ operations and costs. This includes offering services such as customizing alloys to our customers’ processing requirements, processing short lead time orders and providing vendor managed inventories or tolling arrangements. The Aerospace & Transportation operating segment accounted for approximately 26% of our revenues and 30%(2) of Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015.

In 2015, seven of our manufacturing facilities produce products that were sold via our Aerospace & Transportation operating segment. Our aerospace plate manufacturing facilities in Ravenswood (West Virginia, United States), Issoire (France) and Sierre (Switzerland) offer the full spectrum of plate required by the aerospace industries (alloys, temper, dimensions, pre-machined) and have unique capabilities such as producing some wide and very high gauge plates required for some aerospace programs (civil and commercial).

Downstream aluminium products for the aerospace market require relatively high levels of R&D investment and advanced technological capabilities, and therefore tend to command higher margins compared to more commoditized products. We work in close collaboration with our customers to develop highly engineered solutions to fulfill their specific requirements. For example, we developed AIRWARE®, a lightweight specialty aluminium-lithium alloy, for our aerospace customers to address increasing demand for lighter and more environmentally sound aircraft.

Aerospace products are typically subject to long development and supply lead times and the majority of our contracts with our largest aerospace customers have a term of five years or longer, which provides excellent volume and profitability visibility. In addition, demand for our aerospace products typically correlates directly with aircraft backlogs and build rates. As of December 2015, the backlog reported by Airbus and Boeing for commercial aircraft reached 12,582 units on a combined basis, representing approximately 8 to 9 years of production at current build rates.

 

(2) The difference between the sum of Adjusted EBITDA for our three segments and the Group Adjusted EBITDA, is attributable to amounts for Holdings and Corporate.

 

-38-


Table of Contents

Additionally, aerospace products are generally subject to long qualification periods. Aerospace production sites are regularly audited by external certification organizations including the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (“NADCAP”) and/or the International Organization for Standardization. NADCAP is a cooperative organization of numerous aerospace OEMs that defines industry-wide manufacturing standards. NADCAP appoints private auditors who grant suppliers like Constellium a NADCAP certification, which customers tend to require. New products or alloys are certified by the OEM that uses the product. Our sites have been qualified by external certification organizations and our products have been qualified by our customers. We are typically able to obtain qualification within 6 months to one year. We believe we are able to obtain such qualifications within that time frame for two main reasons. First, some new product qualifications depend on having older qualifications regarding their alloy, temper or shape which we have already obtained through our long history of working with the main aircraft OEMs. This range of qualifications includes in excess of 100 specifications, some of which we obtained during programs dating back to the 1960s. Second, over the course of the decades that we have been working with the aerospace OEMs, we have invested in a number of capital intensive equipment and R&D programs to be able to qualify to the current industry norms and standards.

The following table summarizes our volume, revenues and Adjusted EBITDA for our Aerospace & Transportation operating segment for the periods presented:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  

(€ in millions, unless otherwise noted)

       2015             2014             2013      

Aerospace & Transportation:

      

Segment Revenues

     1,348        1,192        1,197   

Segment Shipments (kt)

     231        238        244   

Segment Revenues (€/ton)

     5,835        5,008        4,906   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1)

     103        91        120   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(€/ton)

     445        380        491   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin

     8     8     10

 

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure defined under IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA is defined and discussed in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Segment Results.”

Automotive Structures & Industry Operating Segment

Our Automotive Structures & Industry operating segment produces (i) technologically advanced structures for the automotive industry including crash management systems (CMS), side impact beams, body structures and cockpit carriers and (ii) soft and hard alloy extrusions and large profiles for automotive, rail, road, energy, building and industrial applications. We complement our products with a comprehensive offering of downstream technology and services, which include pre-machining, surface treatment, R&D and technical support services. Our Automotive Structures & Industry operating segment accounted for approximately 20% of revenues and 23%(3) of Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015.

We believe that we are the second largest provider of aluminium auto crash management systems globally and the leading supplier of hard alloys and large structural profiles for rail, industrial and other transportation markets in Europe. We manufacture automotive structures products for some of the largest European and North American car manufacturers supplying a global market, including Daimler AG, BMW AG, Audi, Chrysler Group LLC and Ford. We also have a strong presence in soft alloys in France and Germany, with customized solutions for a diversity of end-markets. We recently successfully expanded our Constellium Automotive USA, LLC plant, located in Michigan, which is producing highly innovative crash-management systems for the automotive market. We are also operating a joint venture, Engley Automotive Structures Co., Ltd., which is currently producing aluminium crash-management systems in China.

 

(3) The difference between the sum of Adjusted EBITDA for our three segments and the Group Adjusted EBITDA, is attributable to amounts for Holdings and Corporate.

 

-39-


Table of Contents

In November 2015, we announced to build a new manufacturing facility in Bartow County, Georgia, in response to growing demand for automotive structures in North America. Construction of the plant will begin in early 2016 with start of production anticipated in 2017. We expect to create approximately 150 high-tech manufacturing jobs at this location by 2019. The planned 84,000 square foot greenfield facility may be expanded up to 220,000 square feet to adapt to customers’ supply needs in the future.

During 2015, we continued the product offering of the new aluminium high-strength (CMS) technology designed for the front and the rear of a vehicle for enhanced structural protection in the event of a collision. Our innovative technology enables the production of aluminium CMS that are 15 percent lighter or 10 percent stronger than the current aluminium CMS on the market. The new-generation CMS combine the properties of the 6xxx aluminium alloy family—formability, corrosion resistance, energy absorption, recyclability—with high-strength mechanical performance.

Fourteen of our manufacturing and engineering facilities, located in Germany, the United States, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Switzerland and China, produce products sold in our Automotive Structures & Industry operating segment. We believe our local presence, downstream services and industry leading cycle times help to ensure that we respond to our customer demands in a timely and consistent fashion. Our two integrated remelt and casting centers in Switzerland and the Czech Republic both provide security of metal supply and contribute to our recycling efforts.

The following table summarizes our volume, revenues and Adjusted EBITDA for our Automotive Structures & Industry operating segment for the periods presented:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  

(€ in millions, unless otherwise noted)

   2015      2014     2013  

Automotive Structures & Industry:

       

Segment Revenues

     1,034         875        805   

Segment Shipments (kt)

     212         208        191   

Segment Revenues (€/ton)

     4,877         4,207        4,215   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1)

     80         73        58   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(€/ton)

     380         351        311   

Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin

     8      8     7

 

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure defined under IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA is defined and discussed in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Segment Results.”

For information on the seasonality of our business, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Key Factors Influencing Constellium’s Financial Conditions and Results of Operations—Seasonality.”

Our Industry

Aluminium Sector Value Chain

The global aluminium industry consists of (i) mining companies that produce bauxite, the ore from which aluminium is ultimately derived, (ii) primary aluminium producers that refine bauxite into alumina and smelt alumina into aluminium, (iii) aluminium semi-fabricated products manufacturers, including aluminium casters, extruders and rollers, and (iv) integrated companies that are present across multiple stages of the aluminium production chain.

The price of aluminium, quoted on the LME, is subject to global supply and demand dynamics and moves independently of the costs of many of its inputs. Producers of primary aluminium have limited ability to manage the volatility of aluminium prices and can experience a high degree of volatility in their cash flows and profitability. We do not smelt aluminium, nor do we participate in other upstream activities such as mining or refining bauxite. We recycle aluminium, both for our own use and as a service to our customers.

 

-40-


Table of Contents

Rolled and extruded aluminium product prices are generally based on the price of metal plus a conversion fee (i.e., the cost incurred to convert the aluminium into its semi-finished product). The price of aluminium is not a significant driver of our financial performance, in contrast to the more direct relationship of the price of aluminium to the financial performance of primary aluminium producers. Instead, the financial performance of producers of rolled and extruded aluminium products, such as Constellium, is driven by the dynamics in the end markets that they serve, their relative positioning in those markets and the efficiency of their industrial operations.

Aluminium Rolled Products Overview

Aluminium rolled products, i.e., sheet, plate and foil, are semi-finished products that provide the raw material for the manufacture of finished goods ranging from packaging to automotive body panels. The packaging industry is a major consumer of the majority of sheet and foil for making beverage cans, foil containers and foil wrapping. Sheet is also used extensively in transport for airframes, road and rail vehicles, in marine applications, including offshore platforms, and superstructures and hulls of boats and in building for roofing and siding. Plate is used for airframes, military vehicles and bridges, ships and other large vessels and as tooling plate for the production of plastic products. Foil applications outside packaging include electrical equipment, insulation for buildings, lithographic plate and foil for heat exchangers.

Independent aluminium rolled products producers and integrated aluminium companies alike participate in this market. Our rolling process consists of passing aluminium through a hot-rolling mill and then transferring it to a cold-rolling mill, which can gradually reduce the thickness of the metal down to more than 6 mm for plates and to approximately 0.2-6 mm for sheet. We do not produce aluminium foil.

There are two main sources of input metal for aluminium rolled or extruded products:

 

    Primary aluminium, which is primarily in the form of standard ingot.

 

    Recycled aluminium, which comes either from scrap from fabrication processes, known as recycled process material, or from recycled end products in their end of life phase, such as beverage cans.

Whether primary or recycled, the aluminium is then cast into shapes such as:

 

    Sheet ingot or rolling slab.

 

    Extrusion billets.

We buy various types of metal, including primary metal from smelters in the form of ingots, rolling slabs or extrusion billets, remelted metal from external casthouses (in addition to our own casthouses) in the form of rolling slabs or extrusion billets, production scrap from our customers, and end of life scrap.

Primary aluminium and sheet ingot can generally be purchased at prices set on the LME plus a premium that varies by geographic region on delivery, alloying material, form (ingot or molten metal) and purity.

Recycled aluminium is also an important source of input material and is tied to the LME pricing (typically sold at discounts of up to 20%). Aluminium is indefinitely recyclable and recycling it requires only approximately 5% of the energy required to produce primary aluminium. As a result, in regions where aluminium is widely used, manufacturers and customers are active in setting up collection processes in which used beverage cans and other end-of-life aluminium products are collected for remelting at purpose-built plants. Manufacturers may also enter into agreements with customers who return recycled process material and pay to have it re-melted and rolled into the same product again.

 

-41-


Table of Contents

The following charts illustrate expected global demand for aluminium extruded and rolled products. The expected growth between 2015 and 2020 for the extruded products market and the flat rolled products market is 2.5% and 4.2%, respectively.

Projected Aluminium Products Demand 2015-2020 (in thousand tons)

 

LOGO

The aluminium rolled products industry is characterized by economies of scale, as significant capital investments are required to achieve and maintain technological capabilities and demanding customer qualification standards. The service and efficiency demands of large customers have encouraged consolidation among suppliers of aluminium rolled products.

The supply of aluminium rolled products has historically been affected by production capacity, alternative technology substitution and trade flows between regions. The demand for aluminium rolled products has historically been affected by economic growth, substitution trends, down-gauging, cyclicality and seasonality.

Aluminium Extrusions Overview

Aluminium extrusion is a technique used to transform aluminium billets into objects with a defined cross-sectional profile for a wide range of uses. In the extrusion process, heated aluminium is forced through a die. Extrusions can be manufactured in many sizes and in almost any shape for which a die can be created. The extrusion process makes the most of aluminium’s unique combination of physical characteristics. Its malleability allows it to be easily machined and cast, and yet aluminium is one-third the density and stiffness of steel so the resulting products offer strength and stability, particularly when alloyed with other metals.

Extruded profiles can be produced in solid or hollow form, while additional complexities can be applied using advanced die designs. After the extrusion process, a variety of options are available to adjust the color, texture and brightness of the aluminium’s finish. This may include aluminium anodizing or painting.

 

-42-


Table of Contents

Today, aluminium extrusion is used for a wide range of purposes, including components of the transportation and industrial markets. Virtually every type of vehicle contains aluminium extrusions, including cars, boats, bicycles and trains. Home appliances and tools take advantage of aluminium’s excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The increased focus on green building is also leading contractors and architects to use more extruded aluminium products, as aluminium extrusions are flexible and corrosion-resistant. These diverse applications are possible due to the advantageous attributes of aluminium, from its particular blend of strength and ductility to its conductivity, its non-magnetic properties and its ability to be recycled repeatedly without loss of integrity. All of these capabilities make aluminium extrusions a viable and adaptable solution for a growing number of manufacturing needs.

Our Key End-markets

We have a significant presence in the can sheet and packaging end-markets, which have proved to be relatively stable and recession-resilient and the aerospace end-market, which is driven by global demand trends rather than regional trends. Our automotive products are predominantly used in premium models manufactured by the German OEMs, which are not as dependent on the European economy and continue to benefit from rising demand in developing economies, particularly China. For example, CRU International Limited reports that the consumption of automotive body sheet between 2015 and 2024 will have a growth of 19% per annum in North America, 31% per annum in China and 13% per annum in Western Europe.

Rigid Packaging

Aluminium beverage cans represented approximately 17% of the total European aluminium flat rolled demand by volume in 2015 and 36% of total U.S. and Canada aluminium flat rolled demand. Aluminium is a preferred material for beverage packaging as it allows drinks to chill faster, can be stacked for transportation and storage more densely than competing formats (such as glass bottles), is highly formable for unique or differentiated branding, and offers the environmental advantage of easy, cost- and energy-efficient recycling. As a result of these benefits, aluminium is displacing glass as the preferred packaging material in certain markets, such as beer. In Europe, aluminium is replacing steel as the standard for beverage cans. Between 2001 and 2015, we believe that aluminium’s penetration of the European can stock market versus tinplate increased from 58% to 83%. In the U.S., we believe aluminium’s penetration has been at 100% for many years. In addition, we are benefitting from increased consumption in Eastern Europe and Mexico and growth in high margin products such as the specialty cans used for energy drinks.

 

LOGO

 

-43-


Table of Contents

In addition to expected growth, demand for can sheet has been highly resilient across economic cycles. Between 2007 and 2009, during the economic crisis, European can body stock volumes decreased by less than 9% as compared to a 24% decline for total European flat rolled products volumes.

According to CRU, the aluminium demand for the can stock market globally is expected to grow by 3% per year between 2015 and 2020.

Aerospace

Demand for aerospace plates is primarily driven by the build rate of aircrafts, which we believe will be supported for the foreseeable future by (i) necessary replacement of aging fleets by airline operators, particularly in the United States and Western Europe, (ii) increasing global passenger air traffic (CRU estimates that the aerospace consumption for the aerospace market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of approximately 3%(4) from 2015 to 2020) and (iii) “light-weighting” (the substitution for lighter metals) to improve fuel efficiency and address increasingly rigorous environmental requirements. In 2015, Boeing and Airbus predicted respectively approximately 38,000 and 32,600 new aircraft over the next 20 years across all categories of large commercial aircraft. Boeing estimates that between 2014 and 2034, 38% of sales of new airplanes will be to Asia Pacific, 19% to Europe and 21% to North America. In early 2015, both Boeing and Airbus announced they will increase their single aisle build rates from a current 42 aircraft per month to nearly 50 to 60 monthly units by 2018.

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

(4) Calculated based on North America and Western Europe aerospace markets.

 

-44-


Table of Contents

Automotive

We supply the automotive sector with flat rolled products out of our Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products operating segment and extrusions and automotive structures out of our Automotive Structures & Industry operating segment.

In our view, the main drivers of automotive sales are overall economic growth, credit availability, consumer prices and consumer confidence. According to I.H.S., global light vehicle production is expected to grow from 89 million units in 2015 to 108 million units in 2023.

Within the automotive sector, the demand for aluminium has been increasing faster than the underlying demand for light vehicles due to recent growth in the use of aluminium products in automotive applications. We believe a main reason for this is aluminium’s high strength-to-weight ratio in comparison to steel. This light-weighting facilitates better fuel economy and improved emissions performance. As a result, manufacturers are seeking additional applications where aluminium can be used in place of steel and an increased number of cars are being manufactured with aluminium panels and crash management systems. We believe that this trend will continue as increasingly stringent EU and U.S. regulations relating to reductions in carbon emissions, will force the automotive industry to increase its use of aluminium to “lightweight” vehicles. European Union legislation sets mandatory emission reduction targets for new cars. The EU fleet average target of 130g/km in 2015 was phased in between 2012 and 2015. From 2015 onwards, all newly registered cars must comply with the limit value curve. A shorter phase in period will apply to the target of 95g/km: 95% of each manufacturer’s new cars will have to comply with the limit value curve in 2020, increasing to 100% in 2021. We expect that EU and U.S. regulations requiring reductions in carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, as well as relatively fluctuating fuel prices, will continue to drive aluminium demand in the automotive industry. Whereas growth in aluminium use in vehicles has historically been driven by increased use of aluminium castings, we anticipate that future growth will be primarily in the kinds of extruded and rolled products that we supply to the OEMs.

 

LOGO

We believe that Constellium is one of only a limited number of companies that is able to produce the quality and quantity required by car manufacturers for both flat rolled products and automotive structures, and that we are therefore well positioned to take advantage of these market trends.

Our R&D-focused approach led to the development of a number of innovative automotive product solutions; for example, Constellium worked with Mercedes-Benz to develop an all-aluminium crash management system that reduced the system’s weight by 50%. In 2015, Constellium provided Ford Motor Co. with aluminium structural parts for the all-new Ford F-150 pickup truck that extensively uses high-strength, military-grade, aluminium alloy as a build material. In addition, increasing demand for European luxury cars in emerging

 

-45-


Table of Contents

markets, particularly in China, and increasing demand of aluminium solutions for OEMs high volume series cars are expected to enhance the long-term growth prospects for our automotive products given our strong established relationships with the major car manufacturers.

 

LOGO

 

LOGO    LOGO

According to the CRU, the aluminium consumption for the Auto Body market is expected to grow by 21% between 2015 and 2020.1

 

1 Calculated based on NA Auto Body and Europe Auto Body.

Managing Our Metal Price Exposure

Our business model is to add value by converting aluminium into semi-fabricated products. It is our policy not to speculate on metal price movements.

For all contracts, we continuously seek to minimize the impact of aluminium price fluctuations in order to protect our net income and cash flows against the LME price variations of aluminium that we buy and sell, with the following methods:

 

    In cases where we are able to align the price and quantity of physical aluminium purchases with that of physical aluminium sales, we do not need to employ derivative instruments to further mitigate our exposure, regardless of whether the LME portion of the price is fixed or floating.

 

-46-


Table of Contents
    However, when we are unable to align the price and quantity of physical aluminium purchases with that of physical aluminium sales, we enter into derivative financial instruments to pass through the exposure to financial institutions at the time the price is set.

 

    For a small portion of our volumes, the aluminium is owned by our customers and we bear no aluminium price risk.

We mark-to-market derivatives at the period end giving rise to unrealized gains or losses which are classified as “other gains/(losses)—net”. These unrealized gains/losses have no bearing on the underlying performance of the business and are removed when calculating Adjusted EBITDA.

The price of the aluminium that we buy comprises other premiums (or in some cases discounts) on top of the LME price. These premiums relate to specific features of the metal being purchased, such as its location, purity, shape, etc.

The price of these premiums has been historically relatively stable. However, between 2012 and 2014, the price of the geographical premiums (“ECDU” or “ECDP” in Europe, “Midwest” in North America) has risen by more than 100%, before collapsing to initial levels. While we have always aimed at charging these premiums to our customers, the unexpected dramatic increase in the volatility has not fully been passed-through to our customers, and in the absence of a liquid and standardized market dedicated to premiums similar to what the LME is for the “LME price”, the use of financial instruments (OTC derivatives) has been limited and could not cover the overall need created by the commercial exposure.

Where possible, we have changed sales and purchases contracts to align premium formulas and mitigate premium exposure. We seek to apply the same policy and methods to minimize the impact of geographical premiums price fluctuations as we do for the LME aluminium price variations.

Sales and Marketing

Our sales force is based in Europe (France, Germany, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Italy), the United States and Asia (Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Singapore). We serve our customers either directly or through distributors.

Raw Materials and Supplies

Our primary metal supply is secured through long-term contracts with several upstream companies. In addition, approximately 75% of our slab demand is produced in our casthouses. All of our top 10 suppliers have been long-standing suppliers to our plants (in many cases for more than 10 years) and in aggregate accounted for approximately 45% of our total purchases for the year ended December 31, 2015. We typically enter into multi-year contracts with these metal suppliers pursuant to which we purchase various types of metal, including:

 

    Primary metal from smelters or metal traders in the form of ingots, rolling slabs or extrusion billets.

 

    Remelted metal in the form of rolling slabs or extrusion billets from external casthouses, as an addition to our own casthouses.

 

    Production scrap from customers and scrap traders.

 

    End-of-life scrap (e.g., used beverage cans) from customers, collectors and scrap traders.

 

    Specific alloying elements and primary ingots from producers and metal traders.

Our operations use natural gas and electricity, which represent the third largest component of our cost of sales, after metal and labor costs. We purchase part of our natural gas and electricity on a spot-market basis. However, in an effort to acquire the most favorable energy costs, we have secured some of our natural gas and

 

-47-


Table of Contents

electricity pursuant to fixed-price commitments. To reduce the risks associated with our natural gas and electricity requirements, we use financial futures or forward contracts with our suppliers to fix the price of energy cost. Furthermore, in our longer-term sales contracts, we try to include indexation clauses on energy prices.

Our Customers

Our customer base includes some of the largest leading manufacturers in the packaging. aerospace, and automotive end-markets. We have a relatively diverse customer base with our 10 largest customers representing approximately 52% of our revenues and approximately 58% of our volumes for the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding Wise, the customer base of which has undergone a strategic shift since 2010 and now includes AB InBev and Coke, the average length of our customer relationships with our most significant customers averages 25 years, and in some cases goes back as far as 40 years, particularly with our packaging and aerospace customers. Generally, we have 3 to 5 year terms in contracts with our packaging customers, five-year terms in contracts with our largest aerospace customers, and 6 to 7 year terms in our “life of a car platform/car model” contracts with our automotive customers.

Most of our major packaging, aerospace and automotive customers have multi-year contracts with us (i.e., contracts with terms of three to five years). We estimate that approximately 67% of our volumes for 2015 were generated under multi-year contracts, more than 65% were governed by contracts valid until 2016 and more than 56% were governed by contracts valid until 2017 or later. In addition, more than 51% of our packaging volumes are contracted through 2018. This provides us with significant visibility into our future volumes and earnings.

We see our relationships with our customers as partnerships where we work together to find customized solutions to meet their evolving requirements. In addition, we collaborate with our customers to complete a rigorous process for qualifying our products in each of our end-markets, which requires substantial time and investment and creates high switching costs, resulting in longer-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers. For example, in the packaging industry, where qualification happens on a plant-by-plant basis, we are currently the exclusive qualified supplier to several facilities of our customers.

Our product portfolio is predominantly focused on high value-added products, which we believe we are particularly well-suited to developing and manufacturing for our customers. These products tend to require close collaboration with our customers to develop tailored solutions, as well as significant effort and investment to adhere to rigorous qualification procedures, which enables us to foster long-term relationships with our customers. Our products typically command higher margins than more commoditized products, and are supplied to end-markets that we believe have highly attractive characteristics and long-term growth trends.

Our Service

We believe that there are significant opportunities to improve the services and quality that we provide to our customers and to reduce our manufacturing costs by implementing Lean manufacturing initiatives. “Lean manufacturing” is a production practice that improves efficiency of operations by identifying and removing tasks and process steps that do not contribute to value creation for the end customer. We continually evaluate debottlenecking opportunities globally through modifications of and investments in existing equipment and processes. We aim to establish best-in-class operations and achieve cost reductions by standardizing manufacturing processes and the associated upstream and downstream production elements where possible, while still allowing the flexibility to respond to local market demands and volatility.

To focus our efforts, we launched a Lean manufacturing program designed to improve the flow of value to customers by eliminating waste in both processes and resources. We measure operational success of this program in six key areas: (i) safety, (ii) quality, (iii) acceleration of the flows and working capital reduction, (iv) delivery performance, (v) equipment efficiency and (vi) innovation. Our Lean manufacturing program is overseen by a dedicated and experienced team with long track records of successfully implementing Lean manufacturing programs at other companies.

 

-48-


Table of Contents

The first phase of our Lean program aimed to establish a culture of continuous improvement to accelerate our performance, increase our capacity and build a robust company; Constellium sites achieved this by improving on various areas as standardization of visual management tools, management routines or customer satisfaction. Henceforth, to move forward, we choose to pursue with a second phase which put quality, delivery performance, and safety along with employee development at the top of the agenda. Phase 2 of the program will last until the end of 2019.

Competition

The worldwide aluminium industry is highly competitive and we expect this dynamic to continue for the foreseeable future. We believe the most important competitive factors in our industry are: product quality, price, timeliness of delivery and customer service, geographic coverage and product innovation. Aluminium competes with other materials such as steel, plastic, composite materials and glass for various applications. Our key competitors in our Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products operating segment are Novelis Inc., Norsk Hydro ASA, Alcoa, Inc. and Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc. Our key competitors in our Aerospace & Transportation operating segment are Alcoa, Inc., Aleris International, Inc., Kaiser Aluminum Corp., Austria Metall AG, and Universal Alloy Corporation. Our key competitors in our Automotive Structures & Industry operating segment are Sapa AB, Sankyo Tateyama, Inc., Eural Gnutti S.p.A., Otto Fuchs KG, Impol Aluminium Corp., Benteler International AG and YKK.

Research and Development

We believe that our research and development capabilities coupled with our integrated, longstanding customer relationships create a distinctive competitive advantage versus our competition. Our R&D center is based in Voreppe, France and provides services and support to all of our facilities. The R&D center focuses on product and process development, provides technical assistance to our plants and works with our customers to develop new products. In developing new products, we focus on increased performance that aims to lower the total cost of ownership for the end users of our products, for example, by developing materials that decrease maintenance costs of aircraft or increase fuel efficiency in cars. As of December 31, 2015, the research and development center employs 242 employees, including approximately 108 scientists and 104 technicians.

Within the Voreppe facility, we also focus on the development, improvement, and testing of processes used in our plants such as melting, casting, rolling, extruding, finishing and recycling. We also develop and test technologies used by our customers, such as friction stir welding and automotive hoods bumping and provide technological support to our customers.

The key contributors to our success in establishing our R&D capabilities include:

 

    Close interaction with key customers, including through formal partnerships or joint development teams—examples include Strongalex®, Formalex® and Surfalex®, which were developed with automotive Auto Body Sheet customers (mainly Daimler and Audi) and the Fusion bottle, a draw wall ironed technology created in partnership with Rexam.

 

    Technologically advanced equipment.

 

    Long-term partnerships with European universities—for example, Swiss Technology Partners and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland generate significant innovation opportunities and foster new ideas.

We invested €35 million in research and development in the year ended December 31, 2015, €38 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, and €36 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

-49-


Table of Contents

Trademarks, Patents, Licenses and IT

In connection with the acquisition, Rio Tinto assigned or licensed to us certain patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights. In connection with our collaborations with universities such as the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and other third parties, we occasionally obtain royalty-bearing licenses for the use of third-party technologies in the ordinary course of business.

We actively review intellectual property arising from our operations and our research and development activities and, when appropriate, apply for patents in the appropriate jurisdictions. We currently hold approximately 170 active patent families and regularly apply for new ones. While these patents and patent applications are important to the business on an aggregate basis, we do not believe any single patent family or patent application is critical to the business.

We are from time to time involved in opposition and re-examination proceedings that we consider to be part of the ordinary course of our business, in particular at the European Patent Office, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the State Intellectual Property Office of the People’s Republic of China. We believe that the outcome of existing proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Insurance

We have implemented a corporate-wide insurance program consisting of both corporate-wide master policies with worldwide coverage and local policies where required by applicable regulations. Our insurance coverage includes: (i) property damage and business interruption; (ii) general liability including operation, professional, product and environment liability; (iii) aviation product liability; (iv) marine cargo (transport); (v) business travel and personal accident; (vi) construction all risk (EAR/CAR); (vii) automobile liability; (viii) trade credit; and (ix) other specific coverages for executive and special risk.

We believe that our insurance coverage terms and conditions are customary for a business such as Constellium and are sufficient to protect us against catastrophic losses.

We also purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of our directors and officers.

Governmental Regulations and Environmental, Health and Safety Matters

Our operations are subject to a number of federal, state and local regulations relating to the protection of the environment and to workplace health and safety. Our operations involve the use, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances, and accordingly we are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations governing emissions to air, discharges to water emissions, the generation, storage, transportation, treatment or disposal of hazardous materials or wastes and employee health and safety matters. In addition, prior operations at certain of our properties have resulted in contamination of soil and groundwater which we are required to investigate and remediate pursuant to applicable environmental, health and safety (“EH&S”) laws. Environmental compliance at our key facilities is overseen by the Direction Régionale de l’Environnement de l’Aménagement et du Logement in France, the Umweltbundesamt in Germany, the Service de la Protection de l’Environnement du Canton du Valais in Switzerland, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the Alabama Department of the Environmental Management and the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection in the United States, the Regional Authority of the Usti Region in the Czech Republic, the Slovenká Inšpekcia životného prostredia in Slovakia, and the Environmental Monitoring Agency in China. Violations of EH&S laws, and remediation obligations arising under such laws, may result in restrictions being imposed on our operating activities as well as fines, penalties, damages or other costs. Accordingly, we have implemented EH&S policies and procedures to protect the environment and ensure compliance with these laws, and incorporate EH&S considerations into our planning for new projects. We perform regular risk assessments and EH&S reviews. We closely and systematically monitor and manage situations of noncompliance with EH&S

 

-50-


Table of Contents

laws and cooperate with authorities to redress any noncompliance issues. We believe that we have made adequate reserves with respect to our remediation obligations. Nevertheless, new regulations or other unforeseen increases in the number of our non-compliant situations may impose costs on us that may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Our operations also result in the emission of substantial quantities of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is regulated under the EU’s Emissions Trading System (“ETS”). Although compliance with ETS to date has not resulted in material costs to our business, compliance with ETS requirements currently being developed for the 2016-2020 period, and increased energy costs due to ETS requirements imposed on our energy suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We may also be liable for personal injury claims or workers’ compensation claims relating to exposure to hazardous substances. In addition, we are, from time to time, subject to environmental reviews and investigations by relevant governmental authorities.

Directive 2010/75 titled Industrial Emissions regulates some of our European activities as recycling or melting/casting. With the forthcoming final revision of the Best Available Technics Reference in 2016, which will define associated emissions limits values for these activities, within the next 4 years, staying in compliance with the law, could require significant expenditures to tune our processes or implement abatement installations.

Additionally, some of the chemicals we use in our fabrication processes are subject to REACH in the EU. Under REACH, we are required to register some of our products with the European Chemicals Agency, and this process could cause significant delays or costs. We are currently compliant with REACH, and expect to stay in compliance, but if the nature of the regulation changes in the future or if substances we use currently in our process, considered as Substances of Very High Concern, fall under need of authorization for use, we may be required to make significant expenditures to reformulate the chemicals that we use in our products and materials or incur costs to register such chemicals to gain and/or regain compliance. Future noncompliance could also subject us to significant fines or other civil and criminal penalties. Obtaining regulatory approvals for chemical products used in our facilities is an important part of our operations.

We accrue for costs associated with environmental investigations and remedial efforts when it becomes probable that we are liable and the associated costs can be reasonably estimated. The aggregate close down and environmental restoration costs provisions at December 31, 2015 were €88 million. All accrued amounts have been recorded without giving effect to any possible future recoveries. With respect to ongoing environmental compliance costs, including maintenance and monitoring, we expense the costs when incurred.

We have incurred, and in the future will continue to incur, operating expenses related to environmental compliance. As part of the general capital expenditure plan, we expect to incur capital expenditures for other capital projects that may, in addition to improving operations, reduce certain environmental impacts as energy consumption, air emissions, water releases, wastes streams optimization.

Litigation and Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are party to a variety of claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company is currently not involved, nor has it been involved during the twelve-month period immediately prior to the date of this Annual Report, in any governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings which may have or have had a significant effect on the Company’s business, financial position or profitability, and the Company is not aware of any such proceedings which are currently pending or threatened. From time to time, asbestos-related claims are also filed against us, relating to historic asbestos exposure in our production process. Constellium has implemented internal controls to comply with applicable environmental law. We have made reserves for potential occupational disease claims for a total of €5 million as of December 31, 2015. It is not anticipated that any of our currently pending litigation and proceedings will have a material effect on the future results of the Company.

 

-51-


Table of Contents
C. Organizational Structure

The following diagram summarizes our corporate legal entity structure as of April 18, 2016, including our significant subsidiaries.

 

LOGO

 

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

At December 31, 2015, we operated 22 production sites serving both global and local customers, including seven major facilities, and one world class R&D center. Our top seven sites Neuf-Brisach, Muscle Shoals, Ravenswood, Issoire, Děčín, Singen, and Sierre) make up a total of approximately 1,400,000 square meters. A summary of the seven major facilities is provided below:

 

    The Neuf-Brisach, France facility is an integrated aluminium rolling, finishing and recycling facility in Europe. Our recent investments in a can body stock slitter and recycling furnace has enabled us to secure long-term can stock contracts. Additionally, the facility’s automotive furnace has allowed it to become a significant supplier of aluminium Auto Body Sheet in the automotive market. We invested €145 million in the facility in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015.

 

    The Muscle Shoals, Alabama facility operates one of the largest and most efficient can reclamation facilities in the world. In addition, the facility utilizes multi-station electromagnetic casting, houses the widest hot line in North America and has the fastest can end stock coating line in the world. Production capabilities include body stock, tab stock, and end stock. After the acquisition in early 2015, we have invested approximately €71 million in the facility in the one-year period ended December 31, 2015.

 

   

The Ravenswood, West Virginia facility has significant assets for producing aerospace plates and is a recognized supplier to the defense industry. The facility has wide-coil capabilities and stretchers that make it the only facility in the world capable of producing plates of a size needed for the largest

 

-52-


Table of Contents
 

commercial aircraft. We spent approximately €61 million in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015 on significant equipment upgrades (including a new state-of-the-art pusher furnace), which are in the completion stages.

 

    The Issoire, France facility is one of the world’s two leading aerospace plate mills based on volumes. A second AIRWARE® industrial casthouse started operations in 2015 and currently uses recycling capabilities to take back scrap along the entire fabrication chain. Issoire works as an integrated platform with Ravenswood, providing a significant competitive advantage for us as a global supplier to the aerospace industry. We invested €103 million in the facility in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015.

 

    The Děčín, Czech Republic facility is a large extrusion facility, mainly focusing on hard alloy extrusions for industrial applications, with significant recycling capabilities. It is located near the German border, strategically positioning it to supply the German OEMs. Its integrated casthouse allows it to offer high value-add customized hard alloys to our customers. We invested €14 million in the facility in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015. The investment includes a new small lot size casthouse complemented with a recycling facility and extrusion line that is expected to increase production of hard alloys tubes and bars by almost 10,000 tons per year expanding our capabilities to serve the automotive market.

 

    The Singen, Germany facility has one of the largest extrusion presses in the world as well as advanced and highly productive integrated bumper manufacturing lines. The automotive press lines are fully dedicated to produce semis for crash management applications; a dedicated unit allows the production of finished side-impact beams ready for the OEMs assembly lines. We invested €38 million in the facility in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015. The rolling part has industry leading cycle times and high-grade cold mills with special surfaces capabilities.

 

    The Sierre, Switzerland facility is dedicated to precision plates for general engineering, aero plates and slabs and is a leading supplier of extruded products for high-speed train railway manufacturers and a wide range of applications. The Sierre facility includes the Steg casthouse that produces automotive, general engineering and aero slabs and the Chippis casthouse that has the capacity to produce non-standard billets and a wide range of extrusions. Its recent qualification as an aerospace plate and slabs plant increases our aerospace production and will help us to support the increased build rates of commercial aircraft OEMs. We invested €12 million in the facility in the two-year period ended December 31, 2015.

 

-53-


Table of Contents

Our production facilities are listed below by operating segment:

 

Operating Segment

  

Location

  

Country

  

Owned/Leased

Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products

   Biesheim, Neuf-Brisach    France    Owned

Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products

   Singen    Germany    Owned/Leased(1)

Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products

   Muscle Shoals, AL    United States    Owned

Aerospace & Transportation

   Ravenswood, WV    United States    Owned

Aerospace & Transportation

   Carquefou    France        Owned(2)

Aerospace & Transportation

   Issoire    France    Owned

Aerospace & Transportation

   Montreuil-Juigné    France    Owned

Aerospace & Transportation

   Ussel    France    Owned

Aerospace & Transportation

   Steg    Switzerland    Owned

Aerospace & Transportation

   Sierre    Switzerland    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Novi, MI    United States        Leased(3)

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Van Buren, MI    United States    Leased

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Changchun, Jilin Province (JV)    China    Leased

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Děčín    Czech Republic    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Nuits-Saint-Georges    France    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Burg    Germany    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Crailsheim    Germany    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Neckarsulm    Germany    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Gottmadingen    Germany    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Landau/Pfalz    Germany    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Singen    Germany    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Levice    Slovakia    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Chippis    Switzerland    Owned

Automotive Structures & Industry

   Sierre    Switzerland    Owned

 

(1) While a majority of the land is owned by us, certain plots of land are subject to a lease agreement.
(2) Divested on February 1, 2016.
(3) Leased / in the process of being fully transferred back to the owner by March 31, 2016.

The production capacity and utilization rate for our main plants are listed below as of December 31, 2015:

 

Plant

   Capacity    Utilization Rate

Neuf-Brisach

   450kt    90-95%

Muscle Shoals

   500-550kt    75%

Issoire

   100kt    90-95%

Ravenswood

   135-145kt    90-95%

Děčín

   75kt    80%

Singen

   290-310kt    70-75%

Sierre

   70-75kt    64-69%

 

Estimates assume currently operating equipment, current staffing configuration and current product mix.

For information concerning the material plans to construct, expand or improve facilities, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

-54-


Table of Contents

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

The following discussion and analysis is based principally on our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The following discussion is to be read in conjunction with Selected Historical Financial Information and our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

The following discussion and analysis includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report. See in particular “Important Information and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.”

Introduction

The following discussion and analysis is provided to supplement the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of our operations, and liquidity. This section is organized as follows:

 

    Company Overview. This section provides a general description of our business

 

    Our Operating Segments. This section provides a summary of each of our operating segments, including a description of the end markets to which they sell and the industries in which they operate.

 

    Discontinued Operations and Disposals. This section provides a summary of completed and contemplated disposals of businesses.

 

    Key Factors Influencing Constellium’s Financial Condition and Results from Operations. This section provides a description of the factors that may significantly affect our financial condition, results from operations, or liquidity from year to year.

 

    Results of Operations. This section provides a discussion of the results of operations on a historical basis for each of our fiscal periods in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

    Segment Results. This section provides a discussion of our segment results on a historical basis for each of our fiscal periods in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

    Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides an analysis of our cash flows for each of our fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

    Contractual Obligations. This section provides a discussion of our commitments as of December 31, 2015.

 

    Pension Obligations. This section provides a summary of the post-retirement benefit plans in which our employees across Constellium’s global operations participate.

Company Overview

We are a global leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of highly engineered, value-added specialty rolled and extruded aluminium products to the packaging, aerospace, automotive, other transportation and industrial end-markets. Our leadership positions include a leading position in European and

 

-55-


Table of Contents

North American can body stock market, a number one position in global aerospace plates and a leading global position as aluminium automotive structures provider. This global leadership is supported by our well-invested facilities in Europe and the United States, as well as more than 50 years of proven ability to deliver manufacturing quality and innovation, a global sales network and pre-eminent R&D capabilities.

As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 11,000 employees and 22 “state-of-the-art”, integrated production facilities, 9 administrative and commercial sites, and one R&D center.

Our product portfolio is predominantly focused on high value-added, technologically advanced specialty products that command higher margins than less differentiated aluminium products. This portfolio serves a broad range of end-markets that exhibit attractive growth trends in future periods such as the aerospace and automotive markets. Our technological advantage and relationship with our customers is driven by our pre-eminent R&D capabilities. We believe that our R&D capabilities are a key attraction for our customers. Many projects are designed to support specific commercial opportunities at the request of our customers and are carried out in partnership with them.

This regular interaction and partnership with our customers also help us maintain our leading market positions. We have long-standing, established relationships with some of the largest companies in the packaging, aerospace, automotive and other transportation industries including Rexam, Crown, Ball and Amcor, Boeing, Airbus, as well as a number of leading automotive firms. Excluding Wise, the customer base of which has undergone a strategic shift since 2010 and now includes AB InBev, the average length of our customer relationships amongst our top 20 customers averages 25 years.

Our primary metal supply is secured through long-term contracts with several upstream companies, including affiliates of Rio Tinto. In addition, a material portion of our slab and billet supply is produced in our own casthouses.

The table below presents our revenue, net income or loss from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. A reconciliation of the net income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA is included in “—Segment Results.”

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
         2015              2014              2013      
     (€ in millions)  

Revenue

     5,153         3,666         3,495   

Net (loss) income from continuing operations

     (552      54         96   

Adjusted EBITDA

     343         275         280   

Our Operating Segments

We serve a diverse set of customers across a broad range of end-markets with very different product needs, specifications and requirements. As a result, we have organized our business into the following three segments to better serve our customer base:

Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products Segment

Our Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products segment produces and develops customized aluminium sheet and coil solutions. Approximately 85% of segment volume for the year ended December 31, 2015 was in packaging applications, which primarily include beverage and food can stock as well as closure stock and foil stock. Fifteen percent of segment volume for that period was in automotive rolled products. Our Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products segment accounted for 53% of revenues and 53%(1) of Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

(1) The difference between the sum of reported segment Adjusted EBITDA and the Group Adjusted EBITDA is related to Holdings and Corporate.

 

-56-


Table of Contents

Aerospace & Transportation Segment

Our Aerospace & Transportation segment has market leadership positions in technologically advanced aluminium and specialty materials products with wide applications across the global aerospace, defense, transportation, and industrial sectors. We offer a wide range of products including plate and sheet which allows us to offer tailored solutions to our customers. We seek to differentiate our products and act as a key partner to our customers through our broad product range, advanced R&D capabilities, extensive recycling capabilities and portfolio of plants with an extensive range of capabilities across Europe and North America. In order to reinforce the competitiveness of our metal solutions, we design our processes and alloys with a view to optimizing our customers’ operations and costs. This includes offering services such as customizing alloys to our customers’ processing requirements, processing short lead time orders and providing vendor managed inventories or tolling arrangements. Aerospace & Transportation accounted for 26% of our revenues and 30%(1) of Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Automotive Structures & Industry Segment

Our Automotive Structures & Industry segment produces (i) technologically advanced structures for the automotive industry, including crash management systems, side impact beams and cockpit carriers and (ii) soft and hard alloy extrusions and large extruded profiles for automotive, rail, road, energy, building and industrial applications. We complement our products with a comprehensive offering of downstream technology and service activities, which include pre-machining, surface treatment, R&D and technical support services. Our Automotive Structures & Industry segment accounted for 20% of revenues and 23%(1) of Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Discontinued Operations and Disposals

In the first quarter of 2015, we decided to dispose of our plant in Carquefou (France) which is part of our A&T operating segment and accordingly it was classified as held for sale at December 31, 2015. An €8 million charge was recorded upon the write-down of the related assets to their net realizable value. The sale was completed on February 1, 2016 and no gain was recognized upon disposal.

In the year ended December 31, 2014, the sale of our Tarascon-sur-Ariège (Sabart) plant in France was completed generating a €7 million loss on disposal. This operation did not meet the criteria of discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS and therefore has not been classified or disclosed as such.

In the year ended December 31, 2013, we sold two of our soft alloy plants in France, Ham and Saint Florentin, which did not meet the criteria of discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS and therefore have not been classified or disclosed as such. We have excluded the revenue or shipments from these plants in some of our analysis, where indicated, to allow comparison of period-over-period production.

In the year ended December 31, 2013, the investment in Alcan Strojmetal Aluminium Forging s.r.o., previously accounted for under the equity method, was sold, generating a €3 million disposal gain.

Key Factors Influencing Constellium’s Financial Condition and Results from Operations

Acquisition of Wise

On January 5, 2015, we acquired 100% of Wise , a private aluminium sheet producer located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, United States of America. As we have a controlling interest in the acquired business, its results of operations have been consolidated as of the date of the acquisition. Given the size of the acquired business relative to our legacy businesses and the timing of the Wise Acquisition, the consolidation of the results of the acquired business have had a significant impact on our cash flows and the year over year change in certain key line items of the consolidated statement of income. To the extent our cash flows or the change in an income

 

(1) The difference between the sum of reported segment Adjusted EBITDA and the Group Adjusted EBITDA is related to Holdings and Corporate.

 

-57-


Table of Contents

statement item was significantly impacted by the addition of Wise to our consolidated results in the year ended December 31, 2015, we have indicated this and excluded the associated impact when discussing the results of our analysis of the year over year changes. The full results of Wise since its acquisition are included in the results of our P&ARP segment.

The Aluminium Industry

We participate in select segments of the aluminium semi-fabricated products industry, including rolled and extruded products. Aluminium is lightweight, has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is resistant to corrosion. It compares favorably to several alternative materials, such as steel, in these respects. Aluminium is also unique in the respect that it recycles repeatedly without any material decline in performance or quality. The recycling of aluminium delivers energy and capital investment savings relative to the cost of producing both primary aluminium and many other competing materials. Due to these qualities, the penetration of aluminium into a wide variety of applications continues to increase. We believe that long-term growth in aluminium consumption generally, and demand for those products we produce specifically, will be supported by factors that include growing populations, purchasing power and increasing focus globally on sustainability and environmental issues. Aluminium is increasingly seen as the material of choice in a number of applications, including packaging, aerospace and automotive.

We do not mine bauxite, refine alumina, or smelt primary aluminium as part of our business. Our industry is cyclical and is affected by global economic conditions, industry competition and product development.

The financial performance of our operations is dependent on several factors, the most critical of which are as follows:

Volumes

The profitability of our businesses is determined, in part, by the volume of tons sold and processed. Increased production volumes will result in lower per unit costs, while higher sold volumes will result in additional revenues and associated margins.

Price and Margin

For all contracts, we continuously seek to minimize the impact of aluminium price fluctuations in order to protect our net income and cash flows against the LME and premium/aluminium price variations of aluminium that we buy and sell, with the following methods:

 

    In cases where we are able to align the price and quantity of physical aluminium purchases with that of physical aluminium sales, we do not need to employ derivative instruments to further mitigate our exposure, regardless of whether the LME portion of the price is fixed or floating.

 

    However, when we are unable to align the price and quantity of physical aluminium purchases with that of physical aluminium sales, we enter into derivative financial instruments to pass through the exposure to financial institutions at the time the price is set.

 

    For a small portion of our volumes, the aluminium is owned by our customers and we bear no aluminium price risk.

We do not apply hedge accounting for the derivative instruments we enter into in connection with our ongoing commercial activities and therefore any mark-to-market movements for these instruments are recognized in “other (losses)/gains—net” (note that we did apply hedge accounting to the derivative instruments we entered into in connection with the Wise Acquisition). Our risk management practices aim to reduce, but do not eliminate, our exposure to changing primary aluminium prices and, while we limit our exposure to unfavorable price changes, we also limit our ability to benefit from favorable price changes.

 

-58-


Table of Contents

In addition, our operations require that a significant amount of inventory be kept on hand to meet future production requirements. The value of the base level of inventory is also susceptible to changing primary aluminium prices. In order to reduce these exposures, we focus on reducing inventory levels and offsetting future physical purchases and sales.

We refer to the timing difference between the price of primary aluminium included in our revenues and the price of aluminium impacting our cost of sales as “metal price lag.”

Also included in our results is the impact of differences between changes in the prices of primary and scrap aluminium. As we price our product using the prevailing price of primary aluminium but purchase large amounts of scrap aluminium to produce our products, we benefit when primary aluminium price increases exceed scrap price increases. Conversely, when scrap price increases exceed primary aluminium price increases, our results are negatively impacted. The difference between the price of primary aluminium and scrap prices is referred to as the “scrap spread” and is impacted by the effectiveness of our scrap purchasing activities, the supply of scrap available and movements in the terminal commodity markets.

The price we pay for aluminium also includes regional premiums, such as the Rotterdam premium for metal purchased in Europe or the Midwest premium for metal purchased in the U.S. The regional premiums which had historically been fairly stable have recently become more volatile. Notably, regional premiums increased significantly in 2013 and 2014, with the Rotterdam premium and the Midwest premium reaching unprecedented levels in the fourth quarter of 2014. During the second half of 2015, both the Rotterdam and Midwest premiums returned to levels seen prior to 2013. Although our business model seeks to minimize the impact of aluminium price fluctuations on our net income and cash flows, we are not always able to pass-through the cost of regional premiums to our customers or adequately hedge the impact of regional premium differentials. We refer to this exposure as “metal premium losses.” See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Our financial results could be adversely affected by the volatility in aluminium prices.”

Seasonality

Customer demand in the aluminium industry is cyclical due to a variety of factors, including holiday seasons, weather conditions, economic and other factors beyond our control. Our volumes are impacted by the timing of the holiday seasons in particular, with the lowest volumes typically delivered in August and December and highest volumes delivered in January to June. Our business is also impacted by seasonal slowdowns and upturns in certain of our customers’ industries. Historically, the can industry is strongest in the spring and summer seasons, whereas the automotive and construction sectors encounter slowdowns in both the third and fourth quarters of the calendar year. In response to this seasonality, we seek to scale back and may even temporarily close some operations to reduce our operating costs during these periods.

Economic Conditions, Markets and Competition

We are directly impacted by the economic conditions that affect our customers and the markets in which they operate. General economic conditions in the geographic regions in which our customers operate—such as the level of disposable income, the level of inflation, the rate of economic growth, the rate of unemployment, exchange rates and currency devaluation or revaluation—influence consumer confidence and consumer purchasing power. These factors, in turn, influence the demand for our products in terms of total volumes and the price that can be charged. In some cases we are able to mitigate the risk of a downturn in our customers’ businesses by building committed minimum volume thresholds into our commercial contracts. We further seek to mitigate the risk of a downturn by utilizing a temporary workforce for certain operations, which allows us to match our resources with the demand for our services. We are also seeking to purchase transportation and logistics services from third parties, to the extent possible, in order to limit capital expenditure and manage our fixed cost base.

 

-59-


Table of Contents

Although the metals industry and our end-markets are cyclical in nature and expose us to related risks, we believe that our portfolio is relatively resistant to these economic cycles in each of our three main end-markets (packaging, aerospace and automotive):

 

    Can packaging is a seasonal market peaking in the summer because of the increased consumption of soft drinks during the summer months. It tends not to be highly correlated to the general economic cycle and in addition, we believe European can body stock has an attractive long-term growth outlook due to ongoing trends in (i) end-market growth in beer, soft drinks and energy drinks, (ii) increasing use of cans versus glass in the beer market, and (iii) increasing penetration of aluminium in can body stock at the expense of steel.

 

    We believe that the aerospace industry is currently insulated from the economic cycle through a combination of drivers sustaining its growth. These drivers include increasing passenger traffic and the replacement of the fleet fueled by the age of the planes in service and the need for more efficient planes. These factors have materialized in the form of historically high backlogs for the aircraft manufacturers; the combined order backlog for Boeing and Airbus currently represents approximately 8 to 9 years of manufacturing at current delivery rates.

 

    Although the automotive industry as a whole is a cyclical industry, its demand for aluminium has been increasing in recent years. This has been triggered by the light-weighting demand for new car models, which drives a positive substitution of heavier metals in favor of aluminium.

In addition to the counter-cyclicality of our key end-markets, we believe our cash flows are also largely protected from variations in LME prices due to the fact that we hedge our sales based on their replacement cost, by setting the maturity of our futures on the delivery date to our customers. As a result, when LME prices increase, we have limited additional cash requirements to finance the increased replacement cost of our inventory. Aluminium prices are determined by worldwide forces of supply and demand, and, as a result, aluminium prices are volatile. The average LME transaction price per ton of primary aluminium in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was €1,498, €1,410 and €1,390, respectively.

The average quarterly LME per ton using U.S. dollar prices converted to euros using the applicable European Central Bank rates are presented in the following table:

 

(Euros/ton)    2015      2014      2013  

First Quarter

     1,600         1,247         1,516   

Second Quarter

     1,600         1,312         1,405   

Third Quarter

     1,431         1,500         1,345   

Fourth Quarter

     1,366         1,573         1,300   

Average for the year

     1,498         1,410         1,390   

The average quarterly Midwest Premium per ton using U.S. dollar prices converted to euros using the applicable European Central Bank rates are presented in the following table:

 

(Euros/ton)    2015      2014      2013  

First Quarter

     449         301         193   

Second Quarter

     257         302         198   

Third Quarter

     159         338         190   

Fourth Quarter

     163         409         171   

Average for the year

     255         338         188   

 

-60-


Table of Contents

The average quarterly Rotterdam Premium per ton using U.S. dollar prices converted to euros using the applicable European Central Bank rates are presented in the following table:

 

(Euros/ton)    2015      2014      2013  

First Quarter

     382         249         222   

Second Quarter

     188         286         215   

Third Quarter

     139         345         198   

Fourth Quarter

     143         399         187   

Average for the year

     211         321         205   

A portion of our revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars while the majority of our costs incurred are denominated in local currencies. We engage in significant hedging activity to attempt to mitigate the effects of foreign transaction currency fluctuations on our profitability.

In accordance with IFRS, we mark-to-market derivatives at the period end giving rise to unrealized gains or losses which are classified as “other (losses)/gains—net”. These unrealized gains or losses have no bearing on the underlying performance of the business and are removed when calculating Adjusted EBITDA.

Personnel Costs

Our operations are labor intensive and, as a result, our personnel costs represent 18%, 20%, and 20% of our cost of sales, selling and administrative expenses and research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively. Personnel costs generally increase and decrease proportionately with the expansion, addition or closing of operating facilities. Personnel costs include the salaries, wages and benefits of our employees, as well as costs related to temporary labor. During our seasonal peaks and especially during summer months, we have historically increased our temporary workforce to compensate for staff on vacation and increased volume of activity.

Currency

We are a global company with operations as of December 31, 2015 in France, the United States, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and China. As a result, our revenue and earnings have exposure to a number of currencies, primarily the U.S. dollar, the euro and the Swiss Franc. As our presentation currency is the euro, and the functional currencies of the businesses located outside of the Eurozone are primarily the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc, the results of the businesses located outside of the Eurozone must be translated each period to euros. Accordingly, fluctuations in the exchange rate of the functional currencies of our businesses located outside of the Eurozone against the euro impacts our results of operations. This impact is referred to as the “effect of foreign currency translation” in the “Results of Operations” discussion below. We calculate the effect of foreign currency translation by converting our current period local currency financial information using the prior period foreign currency average exchange rates and comparing these adjusted amounts to our prior period reported results. This calculation may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies and, accordingly, the changes excluding the effect of foreign currency translation are not meant to substitute for changes in recorded amounts presented in conformity with IFRS nor should such amounts be considered in isolation. When discussing the revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of our P&ARP segment we exclude the impact of the Wise Acquisition on year over year changes. As Wise is the only business within our P&ARP segment with a functional currency that is different from our presentation currency, year over year changes that exclude the impact of the Wise Acquisition are not impacted by the effect of foreign currency translation.

Transaction impacts arise when our businesses transact in a currency other than their own functional currency. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk on payments and receipts in multiple currencies. Where we have multiple-year sale agreements for the sale of fabricated metal products in U.S. dollars, we have entered into derivative contracts to forward sell U.S. dollars to match these future sales. Hedge accounting is not applied to such ongoing commercial transactions and therefore the mark-to-market impact is recorded in “other gains/(losses)—net.”

 

-61-


Table of Contents

Presentation of Financial Information

The financial information presented in this section is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the EU.

Results of Operations

Description of Key Line Items of the Historical Consolidated Statements of Income

Set forth below is a brief description of the composition of the key line items of our historical consolidated statements of income for continuing operations:

 

    Revenue. Revenue represents the income recognized from the delivery of goods to third parties, including the sale of scrap metal and tooling, less discounts, credit notes and taxes levied on sales.

 

    Cost of sales. Cost of sales include the costs of materials directly attributable to the normal operating activities of the business, including raw material and energy costs, personnel costs for those involved in production, depreciation and the maintenance of producing assets, packaging and freight on-board costs, tooling, dyes and utility costs.

 

    Selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses include depreciation of non-producing assets, amortization, personnel costs of those personnel involved in sales and corporate functions such as finance and IT.

 

    Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses are costs in relation to bringing new products to market. Included in such expenses are personnel costs and depreciation and maintenance of assets offset by tax credits for research activities where applicable.

 

    Restructuring costs. Restructuring costs represent expenses incurred in implementing management initiatives for cost-cutting and efficiency improvements, primarily related to severance payments, pension curtailment costs and contract termination costs.

 

    Impairment. Impairment represents asset impairment charges.

 

    Other (losses)/gains—net. Other losses or gains include unusual infrequent or non-recurring items, realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments and exchange gains or losses on the remeasurement of monetary assets or liabilities.

 

    Other expenses. Other expenses are mainly comprised of expenses related to our May 2013 initial public offering and subsequent secondary offerings.

 

    Finance costs, net. Finance costs, net is comprised mainly of interest expense on borrowings, and the net impact of realized foreign exchange transaction gains or losses recognized on U.S. dollar denominated debt at euro functional currency entities and realized and unrealized gains or losses recognized on cross currency swaps entered in to in order to hedge this transactional exposure.

 

    Share of (loss)/profit of joint ventures. Results from investments in joint ventures represent Constellium’s share of results of joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.

 

    Income taxes. Income tax represents the aggregate of current and deferred tax expense or benefit. Current tax is the amount of income taxes payable (recoverable) in respect of the taxable profit/(loss) for a year. Deferred tax represents the amounts of income taxes payable/ (recoverable) in future periods in respect of taxable (deductible) temporary differences and unused tax losses.

 

-62-


Table of Contents

Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2015     2014  
     (€ in millions and as a % of revenues)  

Continuing operations

        %           %   

Revenue

     5,153         100     3,666         100

Cost of sales

     (4,703      91     (3,183      87
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

     450         9     483         13
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

     (245      5     (200      5

Research and development expenses

     (35      1     (38      1

Restructuring costs

     (8      —          (12      —     

Impairment

     (457      9     —           —     

Other losses net

     (131      3     (83      2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     (426      8     150         4

Finance costs, net

     (155      3     (58      2

Share of loss of joint ventures

     (3      —          (1      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (584      11     91         2

Income tax benefit/(expense)

     32         1     (37      1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

     (552      11     54         1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shipment volumes (in kt)

     1,478         n/a        1,062         n/a   

Revenue per ton (€ per ton)

     3,486         n/a        3,452         n/a   

Revenue

Revenue from continuing operations increased by 41% or €1,487 million to €5,153 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €3,666 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Wise, which contributed €1,198 million of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effect of foreign currency translation, revenue increased €125 million or 3%.

Excluding the impact of the Wise Acquisition, our volumes decreased by 3%, or 27 kt, to 1,035 kt for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to shipments of 1,062 kt for the year ended December 31, 2014. This decrease is primarily driven by lower shipment volumes from our P&ARP segment attributable to a decline in volumes of 28 kt or 5%, excluding the impact of the Wise Acquisition, over the period. The year over year decline in volumes was offset by a 6% increase in revenue per ton from €3,452 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €3,663 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2015, excluding the impact of the Wise Acquisition and the effect of foreign currency translation. This was primarily driven by favorable mix attributable to higher average prices on automotive and aerospace products.

Our revenue is discussed in more detail in the “—Segment Results” section.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

Cost of sales increased by 48%, or €1,520 million, to €4,703 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €3,183 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Wise, which contributed €1,219 million of cost of sales in the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effect of foreign currency translation, cost of sales increased by 5%, or €159 million.

Excluding the impact of the Wise Acquisition and the effect of foreign currency translation, the increase in cost of sales is driven by the following:

 

   

A 7% or €140 million increase in the total cost of raw material and consumables used. Although total shipment volumes declined as explained further in the “Revenue” section above, the raw material and

 

-63-


Table of Contents
 

consumables cost per ton increased by 9%, reflective of the impact of metal price lag which changed from a positive impact in 2014 to a negative impact in 2015 (€72 million negative impact on cost of sales over the period) and higher combined LME prices and premium in the earlier part of 2015 and late 2014 over the comparable period in the prior year;

 

    A 7% or €38 million increase in employee benefit expenses in cost of sales driven by an increase in headcount across our businesses to support the continued expansion of our aerospace and automotive production capabilities and €6 million of non-recurring employee benefit related manufacturing system and process transformation and start-up and development costs;

 

    A €31 million increase in depreciation and amortization in cost of sales driven by increased investment in our production facilities in prior years to support our operations and respond to market demand.

The decrease in metal premium losses over the period had a €15 million positive impact on gross profit and further investments in manufacturing system and process transformation related costs at businesses within our A&T segment in 2015 and increased start-up and development costs at businesses within our AS&I and P&ARP segments had an offsetting negative impact on gross profit over the period. Excluding the impact of these items on our gross profit and the impact of metal price lag, and despite the other factors described above, our gross profit margin as a percentage of revenue increased slightly to 14% in the year ended December 31, 2015 from 13% in the year ended December 31, 2014, excluding the impact of the Wise Acquisition and the effect of foreign currency translation.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased by 23%, or €45 million, to €245 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from €200 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Wise, which contributed €19 million in selling and administrative expenses in the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effect of foreign currency translation, the increase was 10%, or €19 million, driven by a €14 million increase in employee benefit expenses included in selling, general, and administrative expenses. The increase in employee related expenses is both attributable to an increase in support functions headcount and external workforce to support future expansion combined with non-recurring costs related to the turnover in executive personnel and increase in share equity plans.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses decreased by 8% or €3 million, to €35 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from €38 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. Wise did not contribute research and development expenses in the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding the impact of €9 million in French research and development tax credits (€9 million in the year ended December 31, 2014), research and development costs were €12 million, €20 million, €9 million, and €3 million at the P&ARP, A&T, AS&I, and Corporate & Holding segments, respectively, in the year ended December 31, 2015.

Restructuring Costs

Restructuring costs decreased by €4 million to €8 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from €12 million in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Impairment

Impairment charges of €457 million were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2015 while no impairment charges were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2014. The charges recorded during the period are primarily comprised of a €49 million impairment related to our operations in Valais, Switzerland within the AS&I and A&T segments and a €400 million impairment related to Wise within our P&ARP segment. The

 

-64-


Table of Contents

Valais impairment was triggered by a combination of factors including unfavorable exposure to the strengthening Swiss franc during the period and declining market share in the aerospace market. The Wise impairment was triggered by continued under performance and actual results for the year ended December 31, 2015 showing a much lower financial performance than the initial business plan prepared as part of the Wise Acquisition, and the downgrade of the revised budget and strategic plan, notably after taking into account the commercial conditions of new sale agreements for the can/packaging business.

Other (losses)/gains—Net

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2015     2014  

(€ in millions)

    

Realized losses on derivatives

     (93     (13

Unrealized losses on derivatives at fair value through profit and loss—net

     (20     (53

Unrealized exchange (losses)/gains from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities—net

     (3     1   

Swiss pension plan settlement

     —          6   

Ravenswood pension plan amendment

     (5     9   

Wise acquisition costs

     (5     (34

Income tax contractual reimbursements

     —          8   

Loss on disposal and assets classified as held for sale

     (5     (5

Other—net

     —          (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other losses, net

     (131     (83

Other losses—net were €131 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to €83 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Realized losses recognized upon the settlement of derivative instruments increased by €80 million, to €93 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €13 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Of these, realized losses on LME derivatives were €56 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to €3 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. The year over year increase in the LME related loss is attributable to the decline in LME prices throughout the year. Realized losses on foreign exchange derivatives increased by €25 million to €37 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 from €12 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro.

Unrealized losses on derivatives held at fair value through profit and loss were €20 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to €53 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. Of these, mark-to-market unrealized losses recognized on LME related derivative instruments were €10 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to €12 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. The mark-to-market unrealized losses recognized on foreign exchange derivatives, which relate primarily to the exposure on a multiple year sale agreement for products sold in U.S. dollars, which ends in 2016, decreased from €41 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €10 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. The year over year change can be attributed to a decrease in the notional value as of the end of 2015 compared to the end of 2014 as we near the end the agreement.

In the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized a €5 million loss and €9 million gain, respectively, associated with amendments made to our Ravenswood pension benefit plans.

The loss on disposal and assets classified as held for sale in the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily relates to the write-down of the value of assets at our plant in Carquefou, France upon our decision to sell the plant during the year. The loss recognized in the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily relates to the disposal of our Tarascon sur Ariege plant in October 2014.

 

-65-


Table of Contents

Finance Cost-Net

Finance costs—net increased by €97 million, to €155 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €58 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. Finance costs—net is comprised of finance costs of €226 million and €88 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and finance income of €71 million and €30 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Finance costs increased by €138 million to €226 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €88 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Wise, which contributed €61 million (net of the amortization of borrowing costs) of finance costs in the year ended December 31, 2015, finance costs increased by 87%, or €77 million. The increase in finance costs, excluding the impact of the Wise Acquisition, is primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense recognized on borrowings, an increase in realized and unrealized exchange losses on financing activities, and the offsetting impact of the absence of exit fees paid and the write-off of unamortized arrangement fees associated with the repayment of the 2013 Term Loan recognized in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Finance income increased by €41 million, to €71 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 from €30 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. There was no finance income contributed by Wise in the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in finance income is primarily attributable to an increase in realized and unrealized gains on debt derivatives and an increase in realized and unrealized gains on financing activities, which almost fully offset the losses included in finance costs.

Interest expense recognized on borrowings, excluding the interest expense contributed by Wise of €66 million, increased by €51 million to €83 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from €32 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase is mainly attributable to a full year of interest expense recognized on our Senior Notes issued in May and December 2014.

In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized €15 million of exit and arrangement fees related to the repayment of the 2013 Term Loan. No such fees were incurred in the year ended December 31, 2015. Interest expense on our factoring arrangements were stable over the period, being €11 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and €9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

We recognized a net €48 million loss related to realized and unrealized exchange losses on financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to a loss of €27 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. This activity is primarily comprised of foreign exchange transaction losses related to the revaluation of a portion of the Senior Notes denominated in U.S. dollars, which resides at euro functional currency entities, and is driven by the further strengthening of the U.S. dollar over the period. We have entered in to cross currency swaps and rolling foreign exchange forwards in order to offset this exposure to currency rate volatility. Realized and unrealized gains, included in finance income, recognized on the settlement and mark-to-market revaluation of these instruments, of €50 million and €29 million were recognized in the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Income Tax

Income tax for the year ended December 31, 2015 was a benefit of €32 million compared to an income tax expense of €37 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Our effective tax rate represented 5% of our loss before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 41% of our income before tax for the year ended December 31, 2014. This 36 percentage point change in our effective tax rate reflects an increase in composite statutory tax rate applicable by tax jurisdiction (the “blended tax rate”), from 31% in 2014 to 38 % in 2015 and significant reconciling items in both years.

 

-66-


Table of Contents

The blended tax rate for the group reflects the mix of profits and losses in the different jurisdictions in which we are operating and notably a higher proportion of profit and losses in higher tax rate jurisdictions, primarily in the United States in the year ended December 31, 2015.

Reconciling items between our blended rate and our actual effective tax rate in 2015 included the following:

 

    Unrecognized deferred tax assets in the amount of €174 million (or unfavorable 30 percentage points) primarily resulting from impairment charges recorded in connection with our Muscle Shoals assets,

 

    Unrecognized deferred tax assets in the amount of €46 million (or unfavorable 8 percentage points) relating to losses which are not expected to be recovered,

 

    Derecognition of certain deferred tax assets of one of our Swiss entities for €24 million (or unfavorable 4 percentage points), and

 

    Recognition of deferred tax assets previously unrecognized at one of our United States tax entities for €74 million (or favorable 13 percentage points).

Reconciling items between our blended rate and our actual effective tax rate in 2014, included the following:

 

    Unrecognized deferred tax assets in the amount of €16 million (or unfavorable 18 percentage points) relating to losses which are not expected to be recovered,

 

    Derecognition of certain deferred tax assets of one of our Swiss entities for €6 million (or unfavorable 7 percentage points) and

 

    Use of unrecognized deferred tax assets for €16 million (or favorable 18 percentage points) at one of our United States tax entities.

Net Income / Loss for the Year

As a result of the above factors, in the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a net loss of €552 million compared to income of €54 million in the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

-67-


Table of Contents

Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2014     2013  
     (€ in millions and as a % of revenues)  

Continuing operations

          

Revenue

     3,666         100     3,495         100

Cost of sales

     (3,183      87     (3,024      87
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

     483         13     471         13
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

     (200      5     (210      6

Research and development expenses

     (38      1     (36      1

Restructuring costs

     (12      —          (8      —     

Other (losses) /gains—net

     (83      2     (8      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

     150         4     209         6

Other expenses

     —           —          (27      1

Finance costs, net

     (58      2     (50      1

Share of profit / (losses) of joint ventures

     (1      —          3         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     91         2     135         4

Income tax expense

     (37      1     (39      1
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income for the year from continuing operations

     54         1     96         3

Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations

     —           —          4         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income/(Loss) for the year

     54         1     100         3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shipment volumes (in kt)

     1,062         n/a        1,025         n/a   

Revenue per ton (€ per ton)

     3,452         n/a        3,410         n/a   

Revenue

Revenue from continuing operations increased by 5% or €171 million to €3,666 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €3,495 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase can be attributed to a 4% increase in volumes shipped and stable average LME prices. On a like-for-like basis, revenues increased by 5%, excluding the impact of changes in LME metal prices, premiums and currency exchange rates, when compared to the full year 2013. Revenues per ton were stable at €3,452 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to €3,410 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Our volumes increased by 4%, or 37kt, to 1,062 kt for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to shipments of 1,025 kt for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase reflects higher shipment volumes from our P&ARP and AS&I segment, despite the sale of Ham and Saint-Florentin, two of our soft alloy plants in France.

Our revenues are discussed in more detail in the “—Segment Results” section.

Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

Cost of sales increased by 5%, or €159 million, to €3,183 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from €3,024 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, in line with the increase in shipments and aluminium prices. Higher LME prices and premiums contributed to a 5%, or €92 million, increase in raw materials and consumable expenses to €1,952 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to €1,860 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

-68-


Table of Contents

On a per ton basis, cost of sales increased by 2% to €2,997 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014, from €2,950 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2013, due primarily to higher spot prices for aluminium and premiums. Our raw materials cost per ton increased by 1% to €1,838 per ton in 2014.

Our gross profit benefitted from our accounting for inventory under the weighted average cost method. Due to LME price movements and the timing of transfers from inventory to cost of sales the effect of metal price lag improved our gross profit by €27 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to a negative impact of €29 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Employee benefit expenses recorded in cost of sales increased by 7% or €36 million, to €548 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €512 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, reflecting increases in salaries and in headcount.

Depreciation and impairment increased by €17 million to €49 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €32 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, reflecting our level of investments. As a result of the combination of the multiple factors described above, gross profit increased by €12 million or 3%, to €483 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from €471 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our gross profit margin remained stable at 13% of revenues in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses decreased by 5%, or €10 million, to €200 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from €210 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Consulting and audit fees decreased by 20%, or €10 million, to €40 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €50 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. External consulting expenses related primarily to costs incurred in preparing for and operating as a publicly traded company following our IPO in May 2013.

Other selling & administrative expenses, including personnel expenses recorded in selling and administrative expenses, were stable at €160 million in both years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, reflecting our continuous efforts to contain our costs.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased by 6% or €2 million, to €38 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, from €36 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Restructuring Costs

Restructuring expenses increased by 50% or €4 million, to €12 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

-69-


Table of Contents

Other (losses) / gains—Net

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2014     2013  

(€ in millions)

    

Realized losses on derivatives

     (13     (31

Unrealized gains on derivatives at fair value through profit and loss—net

     (53     12   

Unrealized exchange gains / (losses) from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities—net

     1        2   

Ravenswood pension plan amendment

     9        11   

Swiss pension plan settlement

     6        —     

Income tax contractual reimbursements

     8        —     

Loss on disposal

     (5     (5

Wise acquisition costs

     (34     —     

Other—net

     (2     3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other (losses) / gains—net

     (83     (8

Other losses—net were €83 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to €8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Other losses-net for the year ended December 31, 2014 included €34 million costs in connection with our acquisition of Wise, which was finalized in January 2015.

Unrealized (losses)/gains on derivatives held at fair value through profit and loss were a loss of €53 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to a gain of €12 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. Of these, unrealized losses on LME derivatives were €7 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to €7 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. Unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange derivatives relate primarily to the exposure on a multiple year sale agreement for products sold in U.S. dollars and the appreciation of the U.S. dollar compared to the euro in 2014 led to unrealized losses on foreign exchange derivatives of €41 million compared to a gain of €21 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Realized losses on derivatives decreased by €18 million, to €13 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €31 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Of these, realized losses on LME derivatives were nil in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to €29 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. Realized losses on foreign exchange derivatives were a loss of €12 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to a loss of €1 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

In the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized a €9 million and €11 million gain, respectively, associated with amendments to our Ravenswood pension benefit plans reducing employee benefits and resulting in recognition of negative past service cost. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized an €8 million gain related to certain contractual reimbursements of income tax from a previous shareholder.

Loss on disposal in the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 relates primarily to the disposal of our Tarascon sur Ariege plant in October 2014 and our Saint Florentin and Ham plants in May 2013 and amounted to €5 million in both periods.

Other Expenses

Other expenses were €27 million in the year ended December 31, 2013 (nil in the year ended December 31, 2014) and related to fees incurred in connection with our IPO in May 2013, amounting to €24 million, and with our secondary public offerings, amounting to €3 million.

 

-70-


Table of Contents

Finance Cost-Net

Finance costs—net increased by 16%, or €8 million, to €58 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €50 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Finance costs increased by €27 million, or 40%, to €94 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €67 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as a result of our refinancings.

Interest expense on borrowings increased by €10 million to €32 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €22 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, mainly attributable to the Senior Notes we issued in May 2014 and December 2014. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized:

 

    €23 million of interest expensed and accrued associated with the May and December Notes (nil in 2013)

 

    €7 million of interest expensed associated with our 2013 Term Loan, which was repaid with the proceeds from our May 2014 Notes. Our 2013 Term Loan had replaced our 2012 Term Loan we entered into in May 2012 and in the year ended December 31, 2013 we recognized €17 million and €3 million interest associated with our 2013 and 2012 Term Loan, respectively.

 

    Following the refinancing we recognized €15 million of exit and arrangement fees related to the repayment of the 2013 Term Loan in the year ended December 31, 2014 and €21 million following the repayment of the 2012 Term Loan in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Interest expense on our factoring arrangements were stable over the period, being €9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and €10 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Our realized and unrealized gains and losses on debt derivatives at fair value—net relate to the cross currency swap which was settled when the 2013 Term Loan was repaid and represent a €29 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2014 and a €9 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2013. We also recognized an €11 million gain—net related to unrealized and realized exchange gains on financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a €27 million net loss for the year ended December 31, 2014, reflecting the strengthening of the U.S. dollar over the period.

Income Tax

Income tax expenses decreased by 5% or €2 million, to €37 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €39 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our effective tax rate increased by 12 percentage points from 29% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 41% for the year ended December 31, 2014. This 12 percentage point increase in our effective tax rate reflects the following:

 

    a 12 percentage point unfavorable impact from the derecognition of the deferred tax assets of one of our Swiss entities,

 

    a 3 percentage point unfavorable impact from liquidation losses in 2014 as opposed to net gains on divestments in 2013,

 

    a 2 percentage point unfavorable impact from non-deductible interest expense primarily in France,

 

    a 5 percentage point favorable impact from the mix of profits as a result of a lower weight of profits in higher tax rate jurisdictions (most notably the United States).

Net Income for the Year from Continuing Operations

Net income from continuing operations was €54 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to €96 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, representing a decrease of €42 million. Gross profit margin

 

-71-


Table of Contents

remained stable and the decrease was primarily attributable to unrealized losses on derivatives of €53 million in fiscal year 2014 compared to unrealized gains on derivatives of €12 million in fiscal year 2013. In addition, fiscal year 2014 was impacted by €34 million of transaction costs related to the Wise Acquisition while the fiscal year 2013 had been impacted by €27 million of expenses related to our IPO and subsequent offerings.

Discontinued Operations

Net income from discontinued operations of €4 million in the year ended December 31, 2013 (nil in the year ended December 31, 2014) represented the impact of the agreement reached with the acquirer of our former AIN business.

Segment Results

Segment Revenue

The following table sets forth the revenues for our operating segments for the periods presented:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (millions of € and as a % of revenue)  

P&ARP

     2,742         53      1,568         43      1,472         42

A&T

     1,348         26      1,192         32      1,197         34

AS&I

     1,034         20      875         24      805         23

Holdings and Corporate

     29         1      31         1      21         1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues from continuing operations

     5,153         100      3,666         100      3,495         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

P&ARP. Revenues in our P&ARP segment increased by 75%, or €1,174 million, to €2,742 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from €1,568 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Wise, which contributed €1,198 million to the segment’s revenue in the year ended December 31, 2015, revenue decreased by €24 million or 2%. Excluding the impact of the Wise Acquisition, shipments decreased by 5% or 28 kt, to 592 kt for the year ended December 31, 2015, from 620 kt for the year ended December 31, 2014, driven by a 35 kt or 7% decrease in shipments of our packaging rolled products. The year over year decline in volumes is attributable to lower demand from can stock customers due to challenges and competition experienced in 2015, which was partially offset by automotive rolled product volume growth. A 3% increase in average prices from €2,529 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €2,608 in the year ended December 31, 2015, excluding the impact of the Wise Acquisition, partially offset the impact of the decline in volumes on the segment’s revenue.

Revenues in our P&ARP segment increased by 7%, or €96 million, to €1,568 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, from €1,472 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding the impact of LME and foreign exchange variations, our revenue would have increased by 6% over the period. Shipments increased by 4% or 25 kt, to 620 kt for the year ended December 31, 2014, from 595kt for the year ended December 31, 2013, driven by a 20kt or 36% increase in shipments of automotive rolled products as our BiW projects ramped up which contributed €63 million to the revenue increase. Stable packaging shipments contributed an additional €22 million to revenue as a result of increased average selling prices, with segment revenue per ton increasing by 2% to €2,529 / ton for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €2,474 / ton for the year ended December 31, 2013.

A&T. Revenue at our A&T segment increased by €156 million, or 13% from €1,192 million in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €1,348 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, the segment’s revenue increased by €39 million, or 3% over the period. Our volumes decreased by 7 kt, or 3% from 238 kt in the year ended December 31, 2014 to 231 kt in the year ended

 

-72-


Table of Contents

December 31, 2015, driven primarily by a 15 kt decrease in shipments of our transportation, industry, and other rolled products, which can be attributed to softer customer demand in the transportation and industry markets in 2015. This was partially offset by an 8 kt, or 7% increase in aerospace rolled product volume. Excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, revenue per ton increased by 6% from €5,008 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €5,329 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily driven by favorable mix within the aerospace product line.

Revenues in our A&T segment was stable, at €1,192 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €1,197 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our volumes decreased by 2%, or 6 kt, to 238 kt for the year ended December 31, 2014 from 244 kt for the year ended December 31, 2013, mostly attributable to a 4kt decrease in shipments of our aerospace rolled products. Excluding the impact of LME and foreign exchange, our revenue decreased by 1% over the period, in line with the decrease in shipments and following the adverse impact of a less favorable sales mix in aerospace and competitive pressure in our non-aerospace applications. Revenue per ton increased by 2% to €5,008 / ton for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €4,906 / ton for the year ended December 31, 2013.

AS&I. Revenues in our AS&I segment increased by 18%, or €159 million, to €1,034 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €875 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, segment revenues increased by 13%, or €112 million, primarily driven by an 11% increase in revenue per ton, from €4,207 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €4,656 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2015. Volumes remained stable, with a slight increase in automotive shipments offset by a decrease in the shipment of other products. The year over year improvement in revenue per ton can be attributed to a 21% increase within our automotive product line mainly due to favorable unit spread on sales to automotive customers.

Revenues in our AS&I segment increased by 9%, or €70 million, to €875 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €805 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a like-for-like basis, revenues for AS&I increased by 7% in 2014, adjusting for the sale of two of our soft alloy plants in 2013 and excluding the favorable effect of LME metal prices, premiums, and foreign exchange impacts. Our segment volumes increased by 9% or 17kt to 208kt for the year ended December 31, 2014, from 191 kt for the year ended December 31, 2013, driven by an additional 19kt shipped in automotive extruded products. Revenue per ton was stable at €4,207 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Holdings and Corporate. Revenues in the Holdings and Corporate segment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 related primarily to metal sales to our former soft alloy plants.

Adjusted EBITDA

In considering the financial performance of the business, management analyzes the primary financial performance measure of Adjusted EBITDA in all of our business segments. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure defined by IFRS. We believe the most directly comparable IFRS measure to Adjusted EBITDA is our net income or loss for the relevant period.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below, is useful to investors as it illustrates the underlying performance of continuing operations by excluding non-recurring and non-operating items. Similar concepts of adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of our company and in comparison to other companies, many of which present an adjusted EBITDA-related performance measure when reporting their results.

Our CODM measures the profitability and financial performance of our operating segments based on Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before income taxes, results from joint ventures, net finance costs, other expenses and depreciation and amortization as adjusted to

 

-73-


Table of Contents

exclude restructuring costs and impairment charges, unrealized gains or losses on derivatives and on foreign exchange differences, metal price lag, Share Equity Plan expense, effects of purchase accounting adjustments, start-up costs or acquisition, integration and separation costs, certain incremental costs and other exceptional, unusual or generally non-recurring items.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a measure defined by IFRS and therefore does not purport to be an alternative to operating profit or net income as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.

Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider these performance measures in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, our results of operations.

The following table shows Constellium’s consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

       For the year ended December 31,  
       2015     2014     2013  
       (millions of € and as a % of segment revenue)  

P&ARP

       183         7     118         8     105         7

A&T

       103         8     91         8     120         10

AS&I

       80         8     73         8     58         7

Holdings and Corporate

       (23      (79 %)      (7      (23 %)      (3      (14 %) 
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Adjusted EBITDA

       343         7     275         8     280         8
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015 was €343 million, an increase compared to €275 million of total Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Wise, which contributed €68 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the year ended December 31, 2015, and the effect of foreign currency translation, Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 4% or €10 million over the period to €265 million and represented 7% of revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding Holdings and Corporate, this decrease mainly reflects the net positive impact of improved shipment performance and mix at our AS&I segment, favorable product mix at the A&T segment, and lower shipment volumes at P&ARP segment, offset by increased spending during the year to support future growth and operational quality.

P&ARP. Adjusted EBITDA at our P&ARP segment increased by 55%, or €65 million, to €183 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €118 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the impact of the acquisition of Wise, which contributed €68 million of Adjusted EBITDA to this segment in the year ended December 31, 2015, Adjusted EBITDA decreased by €3 million or 3% and Adjusted EBITDA per ton increased by 2% from €190 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €194 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2015. Overall, Adjusted EBITDA remained relatively stable. Lower shipment volumes, which had a negative impact of €14 million, were offset by better mix on the sale of higher margin automotive products, which had a positive impact of €8 million, as well as premium loss favorability and better control of production costs and overhead spending.

Adjusted EBITDA in our P&ARP segment increased by 12%, or €13 million, to €118 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €105 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Adjusted EBITDA per ton increased by 8% over the same period, to €190 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €176 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2013, driven by increases across all product categories. Increased shipments in automotive rolled products contributed to a €14 million increase while price and mix had a limited negative effect of €1 million as the impact of a richer mix was offset by €6 million of increase in premiums not passed through to customers. Costs and inflation led to a €7 million decrease, mostly associated with labor inflation, while foreign exchange had a €4 million positive impact.

 

-74-


Table of Contents

A&T. Adjusted EBITDA at our A&T segment increased by 13%, or €12 million, for the year ended December 31, 2015 to €103 million, compared to €91 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 4% or €4 million over the period and Adjusted EBITDA per ton increased by 8% from €380 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €411 per ton. Shipments slightly decreased year over year however our shipments to high-end defense and aerospace customers, which typically carry higher margins due to a higher level of aluminium conversion complexity, increased, contributing to an overall positive price and mix effect of €43 million. Increased spending over the period to enhance our quality performance and optimize cost productivity had an offsetting impact of €31 million on Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA in our A&T segment decreased by 24%, or €29 million, for the year ended December 31, 2014 to €91 million, compared to €120 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Adjusted EBITDA in our A&T segment decreased to €380 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2014 from €491 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2013. This decrease reflected the lower shipments for €7 million and a negative price and mix effect for €28 million, including €8 million related to the increase in premiums throughout the year. The performance of our A&T segment for the year ended December 31, 2014, was also impacted by capacity constraints and operational issues, including significant unplanned equipment outages at our Ravenswood facility in the first and fourth quarters. This was partially offset by lower costs for €2 million and the positive impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar for €8 million.

AS&I. Adjusted EBITDA at our AS&I segment increased by 10%, or €7 million, in the year ended December 31, 2015 to €80 million, compared to €73 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding the effect of foreign currency translation, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7% or €5 million over the period and Adjusted EBITDA per ton increased by 5% from €351 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2014 to €368 per ton in the year ended December 31, 2015. In the year ended December 31, 2015, higher automotive volumes, mainly driven by growing demand from OEMs in the North American market, contributed to favorable pricing and mix effect. The combined impact of volumes, pricing, and mix had a €28 million positive impact on the year over year Adjusted EBITDA growth. The automotive favorability was partially offset by increased costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2015 to support our expansion in to the automotive market and increased maintenance and research and development costs over the period to support enhanced future performance.

Adjusted EBITDA in our AS&I segment increased by 26%, or €15 million, for the year ended December 31, 2014 to €73 million, compared to €58 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Adjusted EBITDA per ton in our AS&I segment increased by 16% to €351 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2014 from €311 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2013, driven by positive contributions from all product lines. The 9% increase in shipments represented a further €24 million, partially offset by €13 million incremental costs and inflation, mainly related to labor inflation, a €1 million negative price and mix effect including €9 million impact of the increase in premiums which were not passed through to customers, and €1 million associated with the unfavorable change in foreign exchange.

Holdings and Corporate. Our Holdings and Corporate segment generated Adjusted EBITDA losses of €23 million, €7 million and €3 million in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The increase in the loss from the year ended December 31, 2014 to the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily attributable to the impact of non-recurring costs incurred in the current period and the reversal of an environmental provision in the year ended December 31, 2014, which, together, contributed approximately €7 million of the year over year change. Foreign currency transactional losses at our Swiss corporate entity driven by the strengthening of the Swiss franc against the Euro during the period along with increased employee benefit expense also contributed significantly to the remaining balance of the year over year change.

 

-75-


Table of Contents

The following table reconciles our net income or loss for each of the three years in the period ending December 31, 2015 to our Adjusted EBITDA for the years presented:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
         2015             2014             2013      
(€ in millions)                   

Net (loss) income

     (552     54        100   

Net income from discontinued operations

     —          —          (4

Other expenses

     —          —          27   

Finance costs, net

     155        58        50   

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (32     37        39   

Share of (gain) loss of joint ventures

     3        1        (3

Metal price lag(a)

     34        (27     29   

Start-up and development costs(b)

     21        11        7   

Manufacturing system and process transformation costs(c)

     11        1        —     

Wise acquisition and integration costs

     14        34        —     

Wise one-time costs related to the acquisition(d)

     38        —          —     

Share Equity Plans

     7        4        2   

Losses / (Gains) on Ravenswood OPEB plan amendment

     5        (9     (11

Swiss pension plan settlements

     —          (6     —     

Income tax contractual reimbursements

     —          (8     —     

Apollo Management fees

     —          —          2   

Depreciation and amortization(e)

     140        49        32   

Restructuring costs

     8        12        8   

Impairment(f)

     457        —          —     

Losses on disposals and assets classified as held for sale

     5        5        5   

Unrealized losses / (gains) on derivatives

     20        53        (12

Unrealized exchange losses / (gains) from remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities—net

     3        (1     (2

Other

     6        7        11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

     343        275        280   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the financial impact of the timing difference between when aluminum prices included within Constellium revenues are established and when aluminum purchase prices included in Cost of sales are established. The Group accounts for inventory using a weighted average price basis and this adjustment is to remove the effect of volatility in LME prices. The calculation of the Group metal price lag adjustment is based on an internal standardized methodology calculated at each of Constellium manufacturing sites and is calculated as the average value of product recorded in inventory, which approximates the spot price in the market, less the average value transferred out of inventory, which is the weighted average of the metal element of cost of goods sold, multiplied by the quantity sold in the period.
(b) For the year ended December 31, 2015, start-up costs relating to new sites and business development initiatives amounted to €21 million of which €16 million related to Body in White growth projects both in Europe and the U.S and €5 million related to the expansion of the site in Van Buren, U.S.
(c) For the year ended December 31, 2015, manufacturing system and process transformation costs related to supply chain reorganization mainly in A&T operating segment.
(d) Wise one-time costs related to the acquisition include:

 

    Wise Mid-West premium losses: Constellium seeks to achieve a full pass-through model for LME and premiums, primarily through contractual arrangements with metal suppliers and customers. At the acquisition date (January 5, 2015), not all Wise contracts had this pass-through mechanism. Constellium has renegotiated these contracts to bring them in line with its usual practice. In addition, the Mid West Premium market conditions were abnormal in the year ended December 31, 2015 with premium falling from $524/metric ton as at January 5, 2015 to $198/metric ton as at December 31, 2015. This resulted in an un-recovered metal premium of €22 million.

 

-76-


Table of Contents
    Unwinding of Wise previous hedging policies: Constellium’s policies are to hedge all known exposures. Losses of €4 million were incurred on the unwinding of the predecessor’s hedging policies for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

    Effects of purchase accounting adjustment: Represents the non-cash step-up in inventory costs on the acquisition of Wise entities (€12 million).
(e) Includes €61 million of depreciation and amortization expenses from Muscle Shoals assets for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(f) Includes mainly for the year ended December 31, 2015, an impairment charge of €49 million related to Constellium Valais Property, plant and equipment and €400 million related to Muscle Shoals intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

Covenant Compliance

Our debt agreements contain no maintenance covenants and events of default but contain customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries, to incur indebtedness, sell assets, make investments, engage in acquisitions, mergers or consolidations and make dividends and other restricted payments.

The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility was terminated on March 30, 2016 in connection with the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes. The Ravenswood ABL Facility described in “Item 10. Additional Information—C. Material Contracts—Ravenswood ABL Facility,” contains a financial maintenance covenant that requires Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC (“Ravenswood”) to maintain excess availability of the greater of (i) $10 million and (ii) 10% of the aggregate revolving loan commitments. Ravenswood is currently in compliance with this financial maintenance covenant. The Ravenswood ABL Facility also contains customary negative covenants on liens, investments and restricted payments related to Ravenswood.

The Wise ABL Facility requires the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio if the excess availability falls below the greater of 10% of the aggregate revolving loan commitment and $20 million. Wise’s excess availability as of December 31, 2015 was above 10% of the aggregate borrowing base and was greater than $20 million and as such, the company was not required to comply with the ratio requirement.

We were in compliance with our covenants throughout 2015 and 2014 and as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of cash flow have historically been cash flows from operating activities and funding or borrowings from external parties and related parties.

As part of our cash flow management, we have improved our net working capital through procurement initiatives designed to leverage economies of scale and improve terms of payment to suppliers, as well as through collection initiatives designed to improve our billings and collections processes to reduce outstanding receivables. We define net working capital days, days of inventories, days of payables and days of sales outstanding as net trade working capital, inventories, trade payables and trade receivables divided by revenues for the last quarter, multiplied by 90, respectively. Net trade working capital is inventories plus trade receivables net, less trade payables. We believe this measure helps users of the financial statements compare our cash management from period to period and against our peers in respect to our efficiency of working capital employed and the ability to provide sufficient liquidity in the short and long term. Our net working capital as a percentage of annual revenue decreased from 6% in 2013 and 2014 to 3% in 2015. Excluding the impact of factoring €429 million of receivables at the end of 2015, €145 million of which was related to Wise, and the impact of factoring €94 million of receivables at the end of 2014, our net working capital as a percentage of annual revenue

 

-77-


Table of Contents

increased from 8% at December 31, 2014 to 11% at December 31, 2015, primarily driven by Wise. While inventory at Wise has significantly decreased during the year driven by improved inventory control and supply chain optimization, the net working capital as a percentage of annual revenue was 18%, excluding the impact of factoring. Excluding Wise and after adjusting for the impact of factoring, our net working capital as a percentage of annual revenues was 7% in the year ended December 31, 2015, representing a slight decrease from the year ended December 31, 2014.

Based on our current and anticipated levels of operations, and the condition in our markets and industry, we believe that our cash on hand, cash flows from operations, and availability under our revolving credit facilities will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and other funding requirements for the foreseeable future. However, our ability to fund working capital needs, debt payments and other obligations depends on our future operating performance and cash flows and many factors outside of our control, including the costs of raw materials, the state of the overall industry and financial and economic conditions and other factors, including those described under the following risk factors within “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.”

 

    Our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity could be adversely affected if we are unable to execute on our hedging policy, if counterparties to our derivative instruments fail to honor their agreements or if we are unable to purchase derivative instruments;

 

    A deterioration in our financial position or a downgrade of our ratings by a credit rating agency could increase our borrowing costs, lead to our inability to access liquidity facilities, and adversely affect our business relationships; and

 

    Wise has substantial leverage and may be unable to obtain sufficient liquidity to operate its business and service its indebtedness. Constellium may elect to make capital contributions to Wise but is under no legal obligation to do so.

 

    The terms of our indebtedness contain covenants that restrict our current and future operations, and a failure by us to comply with those covenants may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

It is our policy to hedge all highly probable or committed foreign currency operating cash flows. As we have significant third party future receivables denominated in U.S. dollars, we enter into combinations of forward contracts and currency options with financial institutions, selling forward U.S. dollars against euros. In addition, as discussed in “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Managing our Metal Price Exposure,” when we are unable to align the price and quantity of physical aluminium purchases with that of physical aluminium sales, we enter into derivative financial instruments to pass through the exposure to metal price fluctuations to financial institutions at the time the price is set. As the U.S. dollar appreciates versus the euro or the LME price for aluminium falls, the derivative contracts entered into with financial institution counterparties have a negative mark-to-market. Our financial institution counterparties may require margin calls should our negative mark-to-market exceed a pre-agreed contractual limit. In order to protect the Company from the potential margin calls for significant market movements, we hold a significant liquidity buffer in cash or in availability under our various borrowing facilities, we enter into derivatives with a large number of financial counterparties and we monitor margin requirements on a daily basis for adverse movements in the U.S. dollar versus the euro and in aluminium prices. No margins were posted at December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

At December 31, 2015, we had €733 million of total liquidity, comprised of €472 million in cash and cash equivalents, €56 million of undrawn credit facilities under our ABL facilities, €50 million available under our factoring arrangements, €145 million of undrawn credit facilities under our Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, and €10 million under a revolving credit facility. Our ability to borrow under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility is subject to financial covenants with which we were compliant at December 31, 2015. The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility was terminated on March 30, 2016 in connection with the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes.

 

-78-


Table of Contents

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
         2015             2014             2013      
     (€ in millions)  

Net cash provided by/(used) in:

      

Operating activities

     511        212        184   

Investing activities

     (722     (216     (132

Financing activities

     (308     753        43   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents, excluding the effect of exchange rate changes

     (519     749        95   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

Net cash from operating activities increased by €299 million, from an inflow of €212 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, to an inflow of €511 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. The year over year increase in operating cash flows is primarily attributable to a €335 million increase in the amount of receivables factored at the end of the year and the liquidation of the acquired Wise receivables during the year. This inflow was partially offset by the impact of the timing of vendor payments made.

Net cash from operating activities increased by €28 million, from an inflow of €184 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, to an inflow of €212 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net working capital days decreased by 5 days to 20 days for the year ended December 31, 2014, from 25 days for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in LME prices and foreign exchange drove all components of trade working capital up, especially inventories and in our A&T segment. Payables were also impacted by the expenses related to the Wise Acquisition, which were incurred in Q4 2014.

Net cash from investing activities

Cash flows used in investing activities increased by €506 million to €722 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €216 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, mainly driven by the net consideration paid in connection with the Wise Acquisition of €348 million, a €151 million increase in capital expenditures, €71 million of which was contributed by Wise. Cash flows used in investing activities also included €9 million related to an additional investment in joint ventures.

Cash flows used in investing activities increased by €84 million to €216 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €132 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, mainly driven by a €55 million increase in capital expenditures, to €199 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from €144 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our capital expenditures for the year included €36 million related to the ramp up of our body-in-white projects in our PA&RP segment, a further €12 million spent on projects related to Airware and major maintenance in our A&T segment. Cash flows used in investing activities also included €19 million related to our investment in joint ventures, which was created during the fourth quarter of 2014.

For further details on capital expenditures projects, see the “—Financing Arrangements—Historical Capital Expenditures” section below.

 

-79-


Table of Contents

Net cash from financing activities

Net cash flows from financing activities was an outflow of €308 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to an inflow of €753 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net cash provided by financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2014 reflected the net impact of €1,153 million in proceeds from the issuance of the Constellium N.V. Senior Notes in May and December and repayment of €331 million in outstanding principal under the Term Loan. In the year ended December 31, 2015, no new debt was issued and an additional €104 million in interest was paid, driven by interest paid of €70 million on the acquired Wise debt, and a full year of interest paid on the Constellium N.V. Senior Notes. The outflow in the year ended December 31, 2015 also included €211 million in repayments made on the Ravenswood ABL Facility and other loans.

Net cash provided by financing activities was an inflow of €753 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to an inflow of €43 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Net cash provided by financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2014 reflected €1,153 million in proceeds from the issuance of Senior Notes in May and December, which was partially used to repay €331 million outstanding under the New Term Loan. Net cash provided by financing activities also included €27 million cash outflows related to payment of deferred financing costs and €34 million of other financing activities.

Historical Capital Expenditures

The following table provides a breakdown of the historical capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment by segment for the periods indicated:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (€ in millions)  

P&ARP

     169         74         37   

A&T

     113         71         53   

AS&I

     60         48         49   

Intersegment and Other

     8         6         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from continuing operations

     350         199         144   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The main projects undertaken during the year ended December 31, 2015 included the Body-in-White capacity extension and the conversion of the Muscle Shoals plant acquired in 2015 from a can-stock to automotive product production facility within the P&ARP segment, and projects related to the Airware casthouse and capital investments, mainly at our Issoire and Ravenswood, West Virginia facilities, to support improved production capacity and manufacturing efficiency within the A&T segment.

Capital expenditures increased by €151 million, or 76%, to €350 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from €199 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, as a result of the continuation of existing projects and new projects, including €62 million spent on Body-in-White projects in Europe and the U.S. and €21 million spent on Airware-related projects which were in progress during 2014. Expenditures related to new projects included €33 million related to production capacity improvements at our A&T facilities and €39 million related to the Muscle Shoals plant conversion project.

As at December 31, 2015, we had €296 million of construction in progress which relates to our continued maintenance, modernization and expansion projects at our Muscle Shoals, Neuf Brisach, Issoire, Van Buren, Ravenswood, West Virginia and Singen facilities.

Our principal capital expenditures are expected to total approximately €1,480 million in the years ended December 31, 2016 to 2021, in the aggregate. After giving effect to the transaction contemplated with UACJ, investments in our BiW Expansion program are expected to be approximately €284 million in the years ended

 

-80-


Table of Contents

December 31, 2016 to 2021, in the aggregate. Investments in Muscle Shoals and in our Joint Venture with UACJ, after giving effect to the contemplated transaction (see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Recent Developments—Expansion of Joint Venture with UACJ”) including both maintenance and growth investments are expected to aggregate to approximately €345 million and €193 million respectively in the years ended December 31, 2016 to 2021. We currently expect all of our capital expenditures to be financed with cash on hand and external financing.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2015, we have no significant off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our estimated material contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments at December 31, 2015:

 

            Cash payments due by period  
     Total      Less than
1 year
     1-3 years      3-5 years      After 5
years
 
     (unaudited, € in millions)  

Borrowings(1)

     2,139         122         597         145         1,275   

Interest(2)

     799         140         294         169         196   

Derivatives relating to currencies and metal(3)

     126         111         15         —           —     

Operating lease obligations(4)

     60         14         19         6         21   

Capital expenditures

     103         80         23         —           —     

Finance leases(5)

     67         10         20         16         21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(6)

     3,294         477         968         336         1,513   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Borrowings include our ABL Facilities which are considered short-term in nature and is included in the category “Less than 1 year.”
(2) Interest includes approximately €40 million of interest related to the Wise Senior Payment-in-Kind (“PIK”) Toggle Notes, the principal of which is due in 2019. We may elect to settle our interest obligation with non-cash consideration. Interests under the May 2014 Senior Notes accrue at a rate of 5.750% per annum on the U.S. Dollar Notes and 4.625% per annum on the Euro Notes. Interests under the December 2014 Senior Notes accrue at a rate of 8.00% per annum on the U.S. Dollar Notes and 7.00% on the Euro Notes. Interests under the Wise Metals Group LLC Senior Notes accrue at a rate of 8.750% per annum. Cash interests and paid-in-kind interests under the Wise Metals Intermediate Holdings LLC Senior PIK Toggle Notes accrue at rates of 9.750% and 10.50% per annum, respectively.
(3) Foreign exchange options have not been included as they are not in the money.
(4) Operating leases relate to buildings, machinery and equipment.
(5) Finance leases primarily relates to a sale-leaseback transaction in the U.S.
(6) Retirement benefit obligations of €701 million are not presented above as the timing of the settlement of this obligation is uncertain.

Environmental Contingencies

Our operations, like those of other basic industries, are subject to federal, state, local and international laws, regulations and ordinances. These laws and regulations (i) govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as waste handling and disposal practices and (ii) impose liability for costs of cleaning up, and certain damages resulting from, spills, disposals or other releases or regulated materials. From time to time, our operations have resulted, or may result, in certain noncompliance with applicable requirements under such environmental laws. To date, any such noncompliance with such environmental laws has not had a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

-81-


Table of Contents

Pension Obligations

Constellium operates various pension plans for the benefit of its employees across a number of countries. Some of these plans are defined benefit plans and others are defined contribution plans. The largest of these plans are in the United States, Switzerland, Germany and France. Pension benefits are generally based on the employee’s service and highest average eligible compensation before retirement, and are periodically adjusted for cost of living increases, either by practice, collective agreement or statutory requirement.

We also provide health and life insurance benefits to retired employees and in some cases to their beneficiaries and covered dependents. These plans are predominantly in the United States.

United States pensions and healthcare plans

In the United States, we operate defined benefit plans, which, as of December 31, 2015, covered 1,159 active participants, 597 deferred participants and 1,981 retired employees.

There is a defined contribution (401(k)) savings plan and an unfunded post-employment benefit scheme.

Wise contributed €8 million in the Group’s net defined benefit obligation.

Switzerland

As of December 31, 2015, there were 785 employees and 114 retired employees in the Swiss pension plan.

Germany

In Germany, there are a number of defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes, which, as of December 31, 2015, covered a total of 1,466 active participants, 469 deferred participants and 2,765 retired employees.

France

In France, there are unfunded defined benefit pension plans and a healthcare plan, which, as of December 31, 2015, covered 3,909 active participants and 563 retired employees.

Our pension liabilities and other post-retirement healthcare obligations are reviewed regularly by a firm of qualified external actuaries and are revalued taking into account changes in actuarial assumptions and experience. The assumptions include assumed discount rates on plan liabilities and expected rates of return on plan assets. Both of these require estimates and projections on a variety of factors and these can fluctuate from period to period.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the total expense recognized in the income statement in relation to all our pension and post-retirement benefits was €48 million (compared to €30 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). At December 31, 2015, the fair value of the plans assets was €362 million (compared to €330 million as of December 31, 2014), compared to a present value of our obligations of €1,063 million (compared to €987 million as of December 31, 2014), resulting in an aggregate plan deficit of €701 million (compared to €657 million as of December 31, 2014).

Contributions to pension plans totaled €32 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (compared to €34 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). Contributions for other benefits totaled €18 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (compared to €15 million for the year ended December 31, 2014).

 

-82-


Table of Contents

Our estimated funding for our funded pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans is based on actuarial estimates using benefit assumptions for discount rates, rates of compensation increases, and health care cost trend rates. The deficit related to the funded pension plan and the present value of the unfunded obligations as of December 31, 2015 were €319 million and €382 million, respectively. The deficit related to funded pension plan and the present value of the unfunded obligations as of December 31, 2014 were €282 million and €375 million, respectively. Estimating when the obligations will require settlement is not practicable and therefore these have not been included in the Contractual Obligations table above.

Principal Accounting Policies, Critical Accounting Estimates and Key Judgments

Our principal accounting policies are set out in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements, which appear elsewhere in this Annual Report. New standards and interpretations not yet adopted are also disclosed in Note 2.3 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

The following table provides information regarding our executive officers and the members of our board of directors as of the date of this Annual Report (ages are given as of April 18, 2016). The business address of each of our executive officers and directors listed below is c/o Constellium, Tupolevlaan 41-61, 1119 NW Schiphol-Rijk, the Netherlands.

 

Name

   Age    Position    Date of
Appointment

Richard Evans

   68    Chairman    January 5, 2011

Pierre Vareille

   58    Director    March 1, 2012

Guy Maugis

   62    Director    January 5, 2011

Philippe Guillemot

   56    Director    May 21, 2013

Werner Paschke

   66    Director    May 21, 2013

Michiel Brandjes

   61    Director    June 11, 2014

Peter Hartman

   67    Director    June 11, 2014

John Ormerod

   67    Director    June 11, 2014

Lori Walker

   58    Director    June 11, 2014

Pursuant to a shareholders agreement between the Company and Bpifrance, Mr. Maugis was selected to serve as a director by Bpifrance.

Richard B. Evans. Mr. Evans has served as our Chairman since December 2012. Mr. Evans is currently an independent director of Noranda Aluminum Holding Corporation and an independent director of CGI, an IT consulting and outsourcing company. Mr. Evans retired in May 2013 as Non-Executive Chairman of Resolute Forest Products, a Forest Products company based in Montreal. He retired in April 2009 as an Executive Director of London-based Rio Tinto plc and Melbourne-based Rio Tinto Ltd., and as Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto. Previously, Mr. Evans was President and Chief Executive Officer of Montreal based Alcan Inc. from March 2006 to October 2007, and led the negotiation of the acquisition of Alcan by Rio Tinto in October 2007. He was Alcan’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from September 2005 to March 2006. Prior to joining Alcan in 1997, he held various senior management positions with the Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Company during his 27 years with that company. He is a past Chairman of the International Aluminum Institute (IAI) and is a past Chairman of the Washington, DC-based U.S. Aluminum Association. He previously served as Co-Chairman of the Environmental and Climate Change Committee of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and as a member of the Board of USCAP, a Washington, DC-based coalition concerned with climate change.

 

-83-


Table of Contents

Pierre Vareille. Mr. Vareille has been the Chief Executive Officer of Constellium since March 2012. Prior to joining Constellium, Mr. Vareille was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCI, a world-leading manufacturer of connectors. Mr. Vareille is a graduate of the French engineering school Ecole Centrale de Paris and the Sorbonne University (economics and finance). He started his career in 1982 with Vallourec, holding various positions in manufacturing, controlling, sales and strategy before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of several subsidiaries. From 1995 to 2000 Mr. Vareille was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GFI Aerospace (now LISI Aerospace), after which he joined Faurecia as a member of the executive committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Exhaust Systems business. In 2002, he moved to Pechiney as a member of the executive committee in charge of the aluminium conversion sector and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rhenalu. He was then named in 2004 as Group Chief Executive of Wagon Automotive, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, where he served until 2008. Mr. Vareille has been a member of the Societe Bic board of directors since 2009. Mr. Vareille has also been a director of Verallia since 2015.

Guy Maugis. Mr. Maugis has been the President of Robert Bosch France SAS since January 2004. The French subsidiary covers all the activities of the Bosch Group, a leader in the domains of the Automotive Equipments, Industrial Techniques and Consumer Goods and Building Techniques. Mr. Maugis is a former graduate of Ecole Polytechnique, Engineer of “Corps des Ponts et Chaussées” and worked for several years at the Equipment Ministry. At Pechiney, he managed the flat rolled products factory of Rhenalu Neuf-Brisach. At PPG Industries, he became President of the European Flat Glass activities. With the purchase of PPG Glass Europe by ASAHI Glass, Mr. Maugis assumed the function of Vice-President in charge of the business development and European activities of the automotive branch of the Japanese group.

Philippe Guillemot. Mr. Guillemot is Chief Operating Officer of Alcatel-Lucent. He has nearly thirty years of experience in quality control and management, particularly with automotive components manufacturers and power distribution product manufacturers. From April 2010 to February 2012, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Europcar Group, the leading provider of car rental services in Europe with a presence in 150 countries. From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Guillemot served as a director and audit committee member of Visteon Corp. Mr. Guillemot served as Chairman and CEO of Areva T&D from 2004 to 2010, and previously served in management positions at Valeo and Faurecia. Mr. Guillemot began his career at Michelin, where he was initially responsible for production quality and plant quality at sites in Canada, France and Italy. He was a member of Booz Allen Hamilton’s Automotive Practice from 1991 to 1993 before returning to Michelin to serve as an operations manager, director of Michelin Group’s restructuring in 1995-1996, Group Quality Executive Vice-President, and Chief Information Officer. Mr. Guillemot received his undergraduate degree in 1982 from Ecole des Mines in Nancy and received his MBA from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA in 1991.

Werner P. Paschke. Mr. Paschke is an independent Director of several companies, currently at Braas Monier Building Group SA, where he chairs the Audit Committee, and at Schustermann & Borenstein GmbH. In previous years he served on the Supervisory Boards of Conergy Aktiengesellschaft and Coperion GmbH. Between 2003 and 2006, Mr. Paschke served as Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Demag Holding in Luxemburg, where he was responsible for actively enhancing the value of seven former Siemens and Mannesmann units. From 1992 to 2003 he worked for Continental AG, since 1994 as ‘Generalbevollmächtigter’ for corporate controlling, plus later accounting. From 1989 to 1992 he served as Chief Financial Officer for General Tire Inc., in Akron, Ohio, USA. From 1973 to 1987 he held different positions at Continental AG in finance, distribution, marketing and controlling. Mr. Paschke studied economics at Universities Hannover, Hamburg and Munster/Westphalia and is a 1993 graduate of the International Senior Management Program at Harvard University.

Michiel Brandjes. Mr. Brandjes has served as director since June 2014. Mr. Brandjes serves as Company Secretary and General Counsel Corporate of Royal Dutch Shell plc since 2005. Mr. Brandjes formerly served as Company Secretary and General Counsel Corporate of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company. He served for 25 years on numerous legal and non-legal jobs in the Shell Group within the Netherlands and abroad, including as head of the legal department in Singapore and as head of the legal department for North East Asia based in Beijing and

 

-84-


Table of Contents

Hong Kong. Before he joined Shell, Mr. Brandjes worked at a law firm in Chicago after graduating from law school at the University of Rotterdam and at Berkeley, California. He has published a number of articles on legal and business topics, is a regular speaker on corporate legal and governance topics and serves in a number of advisory and non-executive director positions not related to Shell.

Peter F. Hartman. Mr. Hartman has served as a director since June 2014. Mr. Hartman serves as Vice Chairman of Air France KLM since July 2013. He also serves as member of the supervisory boards of Fokker Technologies Group B.V since 2013, Royal Ten Cate N.V. since 2013, Air France KLM S.A. since 2010 and Texel Airport N.V. since mid-2013. Mr. Hartman is also Chairman of ACARE (Advisory Council for Aviation Research and Innovation in Europe) and Chairman of Connekt. Mr. Hartman served as President and CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from 2007 to 2013, and as member of the supervisory boards of Kenya Airways from 2004 to 2013, Stork B.V. from 2008 to 2013, CAI Compagnia Aerea Italiana S.p.A. from 2009 to January 2014 and Delta Lloyd Group N.V. from 2010 to May 2014. Mr. Hartman received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from HTS Amsterdam, Amsterdam and a Master’s degree in Business Economics from Erasmus University, Rotterdam.

John Ormerod. Mr. Ormerod is a chartered accountant and has worked for over 30 years in public accounting firms. He served for 32 years at Arthur Andersen, serving in various client service and management positions, with last positions held from 2001 to 2002 serving as Regional Managing Partner UK and Ireland, and Managing Partner (UK). From 2002 to 2004, he was Practice Senior Partner for London at Deloitte (UK) and was member of the UK executives and Board. Mr. Ormerod is a graduate of Oxford University. Mr. Ormerod currently serves in the following director positions: since 2006, as Non-executive director and Chairman of the audit committee of Gemalto N.V., and as member of the compensation committee; since 2008, as Non-executive director of ITV plc and member of the remuneration and nominations committees, and as Chairman of the audit committee since 2010. Until December 31, 2015, Mr. Ormerod served as Non-executive director of Tribal Group plc., as a member of the audit, remuneration and nominations committees, and as Chairman of the board. Mr. Ormerod served as Non-executive director and Chairman of the audit committee of Computacenter plc and as member of the remuneration and nominations committees until April 1, 2015. Mr. Ormerod also served as senior independent director of Misys plc from 2006 to 2012, and as director and Chairman of the audit committee from 2005 until 2012.

Lori A. Walker. Ms. Walker has served as a director since June 2014. Ms. Walker currently serves as the Audit Committee Chair of Southwire since 2014, and as a member of the audit and compensation committees of Compass Minerals since 2015. Ms. Walker previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of The Valspar Corporation from 2008 to 2013, where she led the Finance, IT and Communications teams. Prior to that position, Ms. Walker served as Valspar’s Vice President, Controller and Treasurer from 2004 to 2008, and as Vice President and Controller from 2001 to 2004. Prior to joining Valspar, Ms. Walker held a number of roles with progressively increasing responsibility at Honeywell Inc. during a 20-year tenure, with her last position there serving as Director of Global Financial Risk Management. Ms. Walker holds a Bachelor of Science of Finance from Arizona State University and attended the Executive Institute Program and the Director’s College at Stanford University.

 

-85-


Table of Contents

The following persons are our officers as of the date of this Annual Report (ages are given as of April 18, 2016):

 

Name

   Age     

Title

Pierre Vareille

     58       Chief Executive Officer

Didier Fontaine

     54       Chief Financial Officer

Paul Warton

     54       President, Automotive Structures and Industry business unit

Marc Boone

     54       Vice President, Human Resources

Jeremy Leach

     54       Vice President and Group General Counsel

Nicolas Brun

     50       Vice President, Communications

Yves Merel

     49       Vice President, EHS & Lean Transformation

Simon Laddychuk

     49       Vice President & Chief Technical Officer

Ingrid Joerg

     47       President, Aerospace and Transportation business unit

Arnaud Jouron

     47       President, Packaging and Automotive Rolled Products business unit

Peter Basten

     40       Vice President, Strategy and Business Development

The following paragraphs set forth biographical information regarding our officers:

Didier Fontaine. Mr. Fontaine has been the Chief Financial Officer of Constellium since September 2012. Prior to joining Constellium, Mr. Fontaine was from March 2009 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Information Technology Director of the Plastic Omnium, a world-leading automotive supplier present in 27 countries with over 20,000 employees, which is listed on Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC Mid 60. Mr. Fontaine was also a member of the executive committee during his time at Plastic Omnium and was instrumental in orchestrating the company’s post-2008 recovery by generating a strong cash position and operating margin. In 2010, Plastic Omnium was recognized as the company with the highest share price improvement on Euronext Paris. Mr. Fontaine started his career in 1987 with Credit Lyonnais, holding various positions in Canada, France and Brazil in corporate and structured finance. From 1995 to 2001, he worked for the Schlumberger Group where he held various positions in the Treasury and Controller departments. In 2001, he joined Faurecia Exhaust System as Vice President of Finance and IT and managed the South American and South African operations up to 2004. In 2005, Mr. Fontaine joined Inergy Automotive System, a fuel tank business and a joint venture between Solvay Group and Plastic Omnium as the Chief Financial Officer and IT director (and was also a member of the company’s executive committee). Mr. Fontaine is a graduate of L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques of Paris “Sciences Po” (with a major in finance and tax) and has a master’s degree in econometrics from Lyon University.

Paul Warton. Mr. Warton has served as our President, Automotive Structures & Industry since January 2011, and previously held the same role at Alcan Engineered Products since November 2009. Mr. Warton joined Alcan Engineered Aluminum Products in November 2009 following manufacturing, sales and general management positions in the automotive and construction industries. He has spent 22 years managing aluminium extrusion companies across Europe, North America and China. He has held Managing Director positions in Alcoa Europe followed by the positions of President Sapa Building Systems and President Sapa North Europe Extrusions during the integration process with Alcoa soft alloy extrusions. Mr. Warton served on the Building Board of the European Aluminum Association (EAA) and is now Chairman of the Extruders Division of European Aluminium (EA). He holds a First Class Honours degree in Production Engineering and an MBA from London Business School.

Marc Boone. Mr. Boone joined Constellium in June 2011 as Vice-President, Human Resources. From 2003 through 2010, Mr. Boone served as the Human Resources Director at Uniq plc, and prior to 2003 held human resources and change management positions in industrial and service companies such as Alcatel Mietec, Johnson Controls, MasterCard, General Electric and KPMG.

Jeremy Leach. Mr. Leach joined Constellium as Vice President and Group General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Constellium in January 2011 and previously was Vice President and General Counsel at Alcan Engineered Products. Mr. Leach joined Pechiney in 1991 from the international law firm Richards Butler (now

 

-86-


Table of Contents

Reed Smith). Prior to becoming General Counsel at Alcan Engineered Products, he was the General Counsel of Alcan Packaging and has held various senior legal positions in Rio Tinto, Alcan and Pechiney. He has been admitted in a number of jurisdictions, holds a law degree from Oxford University (MA Jurisprudence) and an MBA from the London Business School.

Nicolas Brun. Mr. Brun has served as our Vice President, Communications since January 2011, and previously held the same role at Alcan Engineered Products since June 2008. From 2005 through June 2008, Mr. Brun served in the roles of Vice President, Communications for Thales Alenia Space and also as Head of Communications for Thales’ Space division. Prior to 2005, Mr. Brun held senior global communications positions as Vice President External Communications with Alcatel, Vice President Communications Framatome ANP/AREVA, and with the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Group. Mr. Brun attended University of Paris-La Sorbonne and received a degree in economics and also has a master’s degree in corporate communications from Ecole Française des Attachés de Presse and also a certificate in marketing management for distribution networks from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce in Paris.

Yves Mérel. Mr. Merel has served as our Vice President, EHS and Lean Transformation, since August 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Merel led several Lean Transformation programs with impressive improvement track records in the automotive and electronic industries. Mr. Merel discovered the Lean principles during his 10 years at Valeo, mostly as Plant Manager and has since implemented Lean within more than 21 countries and cultures. From May 2008 until he joined Constellium he served as Group Lean Director and then as Vice President Industrial Development at FCI. He also extends his Lean expertise to functions out of the usual EHS, Quality, Supply Chain and Production areas, such as to Engineering, Purchasing, Human Resource, Finance and Sales. Mr. Merel holds an Engineering degree from Compiegne University of Technology and a degree from Harvard Business School’s General Management Program.

Simon Laddychuk. A practiced leader with over 20 years of experience gained in the metals industry, Simon Laddychuk is the Vice President and Chief Technical Officer for Constellium. In this role he oversees the Research and Development, Technology and group Engineering activities. Prior to his current role he was the Vice President of Manufacturing for the Aerospace and Transportation Business Unit a global leader serving key aerospace customers with advanced aluminium solutions for current and future aircraft and other value-added market applications. Born in South Wales, United Kingdom, Simon graduated in the UK. He holds a number of Engineering qualifications, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Materials Science and an MBA. He is a member of the Institute of Materials. He joined Constellium (ex Alcan Engineered Products) in 1991, where he has held operational and corporate management positions in different sectors in packaging and aluminium conversion in Europe and North America. Throughout his career at Constellium, Simon has always shown his active personal involvement in health, safety and the environment, sustainability and climate issues between 2003 - 2007 personally leading the development and implementation of Alcan’s strategy for Sustainability and EHS.

Ingrid Joerg. Ingrid Joerg has been President of Constellium’s Aerospace and Transportation business unit since June 2015. Previously, Ms. Joerg served as Chief Executive Officer of Aleris Rolled Products Europe. Prior to joining Aleris, Ingrid Joerg held leadership positions with Alcoa where she was President of its European and Latin American Mill Products business unit, and commercial positions with Amag Austria. Ingrid Joerg received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Linz, Austria.

Arnaud Jouron. Arnaud Jouron has been President of Constellium’s Packaging and Automotive Rolled Products business unit since December 2015. Before joining Constellium, he worked for ten years at ArcelorMittal serving as CEO of the Tubular Products Division and as CFO of Long Carbon Europe, and Stainless segments. Prior to ArcelorMittal, Mr. Jouron worked 12 years in various consulting firms, including McKinsey & Company, Arthur D. Little and Bossard Consultants. Mr. Jouron is a graduate of France’s Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées.

Peter Basten. Mr. Basten has been Vice President Strategy and Business Planning since July 2015. He was previously the Managing Director of Soft Alloys Europe at Constellium’s Automotive Structures and Industry

 

-87-


Table of Contents

Business Unit. Prior to this position he was Constellium’s Vice President Strategic Planning & Business Development. Mr. Basten joined Alcan in 2005 as the Director of Strategy and Business Planning at Alcan Specialty Sheet, and became Director of Sales and Marketing in 2008, responsible for the aluminium packaging applications markets. Prior to joining Alcan, Peter worked as a consultant at Monitor Group, a strategy consulting firm. His responsibilities ranged from developing marketing, corporate, pricing and competitive strategy to M&A and optimizing manufacturing operations. Mr. Basten holds degrees in Applied Physics (Delft University of Technology, Netherlands) and Economics & Corporate Management (ENSPM, France).

There are no family relationships between the executive officers and the members of our board of directors.

 

B. Compensation

Non-Executive Director Compensation

For 2015, each of our non- executive directors was paid an annual retainer of €60,000 and received €2,000 for each meeting of the board they attended in person and €1,000 for each meeting they attended by telephone. In addition, the Chairman of the Audit Committee received an annual retainer of €15,000, and the Chairman of each of the Remuneration and the Nominating and Governance Committees received an annual retainer of €8,000.

Mr. Evans, as Chairman of the Board, was paid an additional €60,000 per year for his services, a position to which he was appointed on December 6, 2012.

The following table sets forth the approximate remuneration paid or payable in respect of our 2015 fiscal year to our non-employee directors:

 

Name

   Annual
Director Fees
     Board/
Committee
Attendance
Fees
     Equity
Awards(1)
     Total  

Richard B. Evans

   128,000       32,000       44,156       204,156   

Guy Maugis

   68,000       29,000       35,327       132,327   

Philippe Guillemot

   60,000       20,000       35,327       115,327   

Werner P. Paschke

   75,000       27,000       35,327       137,327   

Michiel Brandjes

   60,000       14,000       35,327       109,327   

Lori A. Walker

   60,000       31,000       35,327       126,327   

Peter F. Hartman

   60,000       22,000       35,327       117,327   

John Ormerod

   60,000       26,000       35,327       121,327   

Matthew H. Nord(2)

   68,000       25,000       35,327       128,327   

TOTAL

   639,000       226,000       326,772       1,191,772   

 

(1) The amount reported as Equity Awards represents the grant date fair value of the awards granted in 2015, computed in accordance with IFRS 2. In 2015, Richard B. Evans was granted 3,946 RSUs and all other non-executive directors were granted 3,157 RSUs each. These RSUs vest 50% on each anniversary date of the grant date (see Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements).
(2) Matthew H. Nord left the Board in November 2015. His RSUs were cancelled.

Officer Compensation

The table below sets forth the approximate remuneration paid during our 2015 fiscal year to certain of our executive officers, including Pierre Vareille, our Chief Executive Officer, Didier Fontaine, our Chief Financial Officer, Paul Warton, our President, Automotive Structures & Industry, Ingrid Joerg, our President, Aerospace & Transportation since June 2015 and Arnaud Jouron, our President, Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products since December 2015. It also includes Laurent Musy, our former President of Aerospace and Transportation who resigned effective June 30, 2015. The remuneration information for our executive officers other than Mr. Vareille is presented on an aggregate basis in the row labeled “Other Executive Officers” in the table below.

 

-88-


Table of Contents

The Executive Performance Award Plan (the “EPA”) bonuses paid in March 2015 to certain of our executive officers were paid in respect of 2014 EPA awards granted to such officers. In addition, each such executive officer was granted a restricted stock unit award under the Constellium N.V. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan pursuant to a shareholding retention program implemented by our remuneration committee. See “—Shareholding Retention Program” below.

 

Name

  Base
Salary Paid
    Bonus
EPA Paid
    Equity
Awards(1)
    Pension(2)     Other
Compensation(3)
    Total(4)  

Pierre Vareille

  884,810      525,575      942,122      156,840      1,875      2,511,222   

Other Executive Officers (Didier Fontaine, Laurent Musy, Paul Warton, Ingrid Joerg, Arnaud Jouron)

  1,459,845      578,394      1,042,125      163,234      618,661      3,862,259   

 

(1) The amount reported as Equity Awards represents the grant date fair value of the awards granted in 2015, computed in accordance with IFRS 2. In 2015, Pierre Vareille was granted 25,000 RSUs and 50,000 performance-based RSUs. In 2015, our Other Executive Officers (Didier Fontaine, Paul Warton, Ingrid Joerg, Arnaud Jouron) were granted, in the aggregate, 50,000 RSUs, and 50,000 performance-based RSUs. The RSUs vest after a 2- or 3-year service period from grant date and the performance-based RSUs vest after a 3-year service period from grant date, subject to certain market-related performance conditions (see Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements).
(2) Pension represents amounts contributed by the Company during the 2015 fiscal year to the French and Swiss states as part of the employer overall pension requirements apportioned to the base salary of these individuals.
(3) Other compensation primarily represents the costs to the Company of providing a Company car, lunch allowance, sign on bonus and tax services during 2015 to Messrs. Fontaine, Musy, Warton, Jouron and Mrs. Joerg.
(4) Amounts reported in the total reflect proration for individuals who were not employed by the Company for all of 2015.

The total remuneration paid to such executive officers, including Messrs. Vareille and Fontaine, during our 2015 fiscal year amounted to €4,069,160, consisting of (i) an aggregate base salary of €2,344,655, (ii) aggregate short-term incentive compensation of €1,103,969, and (iii) aggregate other compensation in an amount equal to €620,536. The total amount contributed to the value of the pensions for such executive officers, including Messrs. Vareille and Fontaine, during our 2015 fiscal year was €320,074.

The total remuneration paid to such executive officers, including Messrs. Vareille and Fontaine, during our 2014 fiscal year amounted to €4,077,836, consisting of (i) an aggregate base salary of €2,294,329, (ii) aggregate short-term incentive compensation of €1,335,124, and (iii) aggregate other compensation in an amount equal to €448,383. The total amount contributed to the value of the pensions for such executive officers, including Messrs. Vareille and Fontaine, during our 2014 fiscal year was €363,469.

Below is a brief description of the compensation and benefit plans in which our officers participate.

Executive Performance Award Plan

Each of our officers participates in the EPA. The EPA is an annual cash bonus plan intended to provide performance-related award opportunities to employees who contribute substantially to the success of Constellium. Under the EPA, participants are granted opportunities to earn cash bonuses (expressed as a percentage of base salary) based on the level of achievement of certain financial metrics established by our remuneration committee for the applicable annual performance period, environmental, health and safety (“EHS”) performance objectives approved by our remuneration committee and individual and team objectives established by the applicable participant’s supervisor. The level of attainment of awards granted under the EPA is generally

 

-89-


Table of Contents

determined to be 70% based on the level of attainment of the applicable financial metrics, 10% based on the level of attainment of EHS performance objectives and 20% based on the level of attainment of individual and team objectives. Awards are paid (generally subject to continued service through the end of the applicable annual performance period) in the year following the year for which such awards were granted.

Long Term Incentive Cash Plan

The Long Term Incentive Cash Plan is intended to motivate and retain certain key senior employees of Constellium who are not eligible to participate in our management equity plan described below. Approximately 60 of our senior employees were selected by our remuneration committee to receive grants of cash awards under the Long Term Incentive Cash Plan. Participants’ award opportunities are based on job grade, with the amount earned in respect of such awards based on the level of attainment of the applicable performance criteria for the applicable measurement years. Awards earned under the plan are generally paid in the third year following the applicable measurement year, with the awards generally vesting based on continued service through the end of the year preceding the year in which payment of the award is made. There was a payment made in 2015 and the Long Term Incentive Cash Plan has been terminated and no other payments will be made under this plan. In addition, there is no other cash plan currently in effect.

Constellium N.V. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan

The Company adopted the Constellium N.V. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Constellium 2013 Equity Plan”). The principal purposes of this plan are to focus directors, officers and other employees and consultants on business performance that creates shareholder value, to encourage innovative approaches to the business of the Company and to encourage ownership of our ordinary shares by directors, officers and other employees and consultants.

The Constellium 2013 Equity Plan provides for a variety of awards, including “incentive stock options” (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) (“ISOs”), nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, other stock-based awards or any combination of those awards. The Constellium 2013 Equity Plan provides that awards may be made under the plan for ten years. We have reserved 7,292,291 ordinary shares for issuance under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances to prevent dilution or enlargement.

Administration

The Constellium 2013 Equity Plan is administered by our remuneration committee. The board of directors or the remuneration committee may delegate administration to one or more members of our board of directors. The remuneration committee has the power to interpret the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan and to adopt rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan according to its terms. The remuneration committee determines the number of our ordinary shares that will be subject to each award granted under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan and may take into account the recommendations of our senior management in determining the award recipients and the terms and conditions of such awards. Subject to certain exceptions as may be required pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, if applicable, our board of directors may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the remuneration committee under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan.

Eligibility

Certain directors, officers, employees and consultants are eligible to be granted awards under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan. Our remuneration committee determines:

 

    which directors, officers, employees and consultants are to be granted awards;

 

-90-


Table of Contents
    the type of award that is granted;

 

    the number of our ordinary shares subject to the awards; and

 

    the terms and conditions of such awards, consistent with the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan.

Our remuneration committee has the discretion, subject to the limitations of the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan and applicable laws, to grant stock options, SARs and rights to acquire restricted stock (except that only our employees may be granted ISOs).

Stock Options

Subject to the terms and provisions of the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan, stock options to purchase our ordinary shares may be granted to eligible individuals at any time and from time to time as determined by our remuneration committee. Stock options may be granted as ISOs, which are intended to qualify for favorable treatment to the recipient under U.S. federal tax law, or as nonqualified stock options, which do not qualify for this favorable tax treatment. Subject to the limits provided in the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan, our remuneration committee has the authority to determine the number of stock options granted to each recipient. Each stock option grant is evidenced by a stock option agreement that specifies the stock option exercise price, whether the stock options are intended to be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, the duration of the stock options, the number of shares to which the stock options pertain and such additional limitations, terms and conditions as our remuneration committee may determine.

Our remuneration committee determines the exercise price for each stock option granted, except that the stock option exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of an ordinary share on the date of grant. All stock options granted under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. Stock options are nontransferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or, in the case of nonqualified stock options, as otherwise expressly permitted by our remuneration committee. The granting of a stock option does not accord the recipient the rights of a shareholder, and such rights accrue only after the exercise of a stock option and the registration of ordinary shares in the recipient’s name.

Stock Appreciation Rights

Our remuneration committee in its discretion may grant SARs under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan. SARs may be “tandem SARs,” which are granted in conjunction with a stock option, or “free-standing SARs,” which are not granted in conjunction with a stock option. A SAR entitles the holder to receive from us, upon exercise, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the aggregate fair market value of a specified number of our ordinary shares to which such SAR pertains over the aggregate exercise price for the underlying shares. The exercise price of a free-standing SAR may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of an ordinary share on the date of grant.

A tandem SAR may be granted at the grant date of the related stock option. A tandem SAR may be exercised only at such time or times and to the extent that the related stock option is exercisable and has the same exercise price as the related stock option. A tandem SAR terminates or is forfeited upon the exercise or forfeiture of the related stock option, and the related stock option terminates or is forfeited upon the exercise or forfeiture of the tandem SAR.

Each SAR is evidenced by an award agreement that specifies the exercise price, the number of ordinary shares to which the SAR pertains and such additional limitations, terms and conditions as our remuneration committee may determine. We may make payment of the amount to which the participant exercising the SARs is entitled by delivering ordinary shares, cash or a combination of stock and cash as set forth in the award agreement relating to the SARs. SARs are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, with respect to SARs that are not granted in “tandem” with a stock option, as expressly permitted by our remuneration committee.

 

-91-


Table of Contents

Restricted Stock

The Constellium 2013 Equity Plan provides for the award of ordinary shares that are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transferability to the extent permitted by applicable law and as set forth in the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan, the applicable award agreement and as may be otherwise determined by our remuneration committee. Except for these restrictions and any others imposed by our remuneration committee to the extent permitted by applicable law, upon the grant of restricted stock, the recipient will have rights of a shareholder with respect to the restricted stock, including the right to vote the restricted stock and to receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect to the restricted stock on such terms as set forth in the applicable award agreement. During the restriction period set by our remuneration committee, the recipient is prohibited from selling, transferring, pledging, exchanging or otherwise encumbering the restricted stock to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Restricted Stock Units

The Constellium 2013 Equity Plan authorizes our remuneration committee to grant restricted stock units. Restricted stock units are not ordinary shares and do not entitle the recipient to the rights of a shareholder, although the award agreement may provide for rights with respect to dividend equivalents. The recipient may not sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber restricted stock units granted under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan prior to their vesting. Restricted stock units may be settled in cash, ordinary shares or a combination thereof as provided in the applicable award agreement, in an amount based on the fair market value of an ordinary share on the settlement date.

Performance Units

The Constellium 2013 Equity Plan provides for the award of performance units that are valued by reference to a designated amount of cash or to property other than ordinary shares. The payment of the value of a performance unit is conditioned upon the achievement of performance goals set by our remuneration committee in granting the performance unit and may be paid in cash, ordinary shares, other property or a combination thereof. Any terms relating to the termination of a participant’s employment will be set forth in the applicable award agreement.

Other Stock-Based Awards

The Constellium 2013 Equity Plan also provides for the award of ordinary shares and other awards that are valued by reference to our ordinary shares, including unrestricted stock, dividend equivalents and convertible debentures.

Performance Goals

The Constellium 2013 Equity Plan provides that performance goals may be established by our remuneration committee in connection with the grant of any award under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan.

Termination without Cause Following a Change in Control

Upon a termination of employment of a plan participant occurring upon or during the two years immediately following the date of a “change in control” (as defined in the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan) by the Company without “cause” (as defined in the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan), unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, (i) all awards held by such participant will vest in full (in the case of any awards that are subject to performance goals, at target) and be free of restrictions, and (ii) any option or SAR held by the participant as of the date of the change in control that remains outstanding as of the date of such termination of employment may thereafter be exercised until (A) in the case of ISOs, the last date on which such ISOs would otherwise be exercisable or (B) in the case of nonqualified options and SARs, the later of (x) the last date on which such nonqualified option or SAR would otherwise be exercisable and (y) the earlier of (I) the second anniversary of such change in control and (II) the expiration of the term of such nonqualified option or SAR.

 

-92-


Table of Contents

Amendments

Our board of directors or our remuneration committee may amend, alter or discontinue the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan, but no amendment, alteration or discontinuation will be made that would materially impair the rights of a participant with respect to a previously granted award without such participant’s consent, unless such an amendment is made to comply with applicable law, including, without limitation, Section 409A of the Code, stock exchange rules or accounting rules. In addition, no such amendment will be made without the approval of the Company’s shareholders to the extent such approval is required by applicable law or the listing standards of the applicable stock exchange.

Free Share Program

In connection with our IPO, our remuneration committee approved a free share program for all employees (other than short-term employees) situated in the United States, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. Under this program, each eligible employee received an award of 25 restricted stock units under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan in May 2013 that have vested and have been settled in ordinary shares on the second anniversary of our IPO, i.e., in May 2015 for those employees still employed by the Company or its subsidiaries through that date.

Shareholding Retention Program

In October 2013, our remuneration committee approved a shareholding retention program to encourage critical members of our senior management team to maintain a significant portion of their current investment under the Company’s Management Equity Plan (the “MEP”) (which it has now been resolved, with effect as of November 10, 2015, to wind up; further described in “—Management Equity Plan”). Pursuant to this program, certain members of our senior management team were awarded a one-time retention award under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan consisting of a grant of restricted stock units with a grant date value equal to a specified percentage of the recipient’s annual base salary. The restricted stock units will vest and be settled for our ordinary shares on the second anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the recipient remaining continuously employed with the Company through that date, and for any recipient who was an MEP participant, subject to his or her retaining, prior to the wind-up of the MEP, at least 75% of his or her interest in our ordinary shares under the MEP (including any interest in ordinary shares that becomes vested following the date of grant), and his or her compliance with the protocol to be established by the Company for the orderly liquidation of shares held in the MEP.

Co-investment Award Program

Also in October 2013, our remuneration committee approved a co-investment award program for certain critical members of our senior management team for 2014. Each participant in this program was given the opportunity to invest in our ordinary shares, between 30% and 50% of the gross annual bonus he or she earns under the EPA in respect of 2013. Participants who opted to invest under this program will be granted performance-based restricted stock units under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan (“performance RSUs”) in an amount equal to a specified multiple of the ordinary shares invested. The performance RSUs will vest and be settled for our ordinary shares on the second anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the achievement of certain performance goals based on total shareholder return, the participant remaining continuously employed with the Company through that date, his or her retaining at least 75% of his or her interest in our ordinary shares under the MEP (including any interest in ordinary shares that becomes vested following the date of grant), if applicable, and 100% of his or her investment under this program, and his or her compliance with the protocol to be established by the Company for the orderly liquidation of shares held in the MEP, if applicable.

Employment and Service Arrangements

We are party to employment or services agreements with each of our officers. We may terminate certain officers’ employment with or services to us for “cause” upon advance written notice, without compensation, for

 

-93-


Table of Contents

certain acts of the officer. Each officer may terminate his or her employment at any time upon advance written notice to us. In the event that the officer’s employment or service is terminated by us without cause or, in the case of certain executives, by him for “good reason,” the officer is entitled to certain payments as provided by applicable laws or collective bargaining agreements or as otherwise provided under the applicable employment or services agreements. Except for the foregoing, our officers are not entitled to any severance payments upon the termination of their employment or services for any reason.

Under such employment and services agreements, each of our officers has also agreed not to engage or participate in any business activities that compete with us or solicit our employees or customers for (depending on the officer) up to two years after the termination of his employment or services. They have further agreed not to use or disseminate any confidential information concerning us as a result of performing their duties or using our resources during their employment with or services to us.

 

C. Board Practices

Our board of directors (the “Board”) currently consists of nine directors, less than a majority of whom are citizens or residents of the United States.

We currently have a one-tier Board consisting of one Executive Director and eight Non-Executive Directors (each, a “Director”). Under Dutch law, the Board is responsible for our policy making and day-to-day management. The Non-Executive Directors supervise and provide guidance to the Executive director. Each Director owes a duty to us to properly perform the duties assigned to him and to act in our corporate interest. Under Dutch law, the corporate interest extends to the interests of all corporate stakeholders, such as shareholders, creditors, employees, customers and suppliers.

The Management and Supervision Act (Wet bestuur en toezicht), effective as of January 1, 2013, strives for a balanced composition of management and supervisory boards of “large” companies, such as Constellium, to the effect that at least 30% of the positions on the management and supervisory boards of such companies are held by women and at least 30% by men. There is no legal sanction if the composition of such company’s board is not balanced in accordance with the Act. An appointment contrary to these rules will therefore not be null and void. However, in such case, the company must explain any noncompliance with the 30% criteria in its annual report. The explanation must include the reasons for noncompliance and the actions the company intends to take in order to comply in the future. These rules have expired on January 1, 2016. New rules with respect to this may be introduced in the near future.

Our Articles of Association provide that our shareholders acting at a general meeting (a “General Meeting”) appoint directors upon a binding nomination by the Board. The General Meeting may at all times overrule the binding nature of such nomination by a resolution adopted by a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes cast, provided that such majority represents more than 50% of our issued share capital. If the binding nomination is overruled, the Non-Executive Directors may then make a new nomination. If such a nomination has not been made or has not been made in time, this shall be stated in the notice and the General Meeting shall be free to appoint a director in its discretion. Such a resolution of the General Meeting must be adopted by at least two-thirds of the votes cast, provided that such majority represents more than 50% of our issued share capital.

The Directors may be suspended or dismissed at any time by the General Meeting. A resolution to suspend or dismiss a Director must be adopted by at least two-thirds of the votes cast, provided that such majority represents more than 50% of our issued share capital. If, however, the proposal to suspend or dismiss the Directors is made by the Board, the proposal must be adopted by simple majority of the votes cast at the General Meeting. The Executive Director can at all times be suspended by the Board.

Director Independence

As a foreign private issuer under the NYSE rules, we are not required to have independent Directors on our Board, except to the extent that our Audit Committee is required to consist of independent Directors. However,

 

-94-


Table of Contents

our Board has determined that, under current NYSE listing standards regarding independence (which we are not currently subject to), and taking into account any applicable committee standards, Messrs. Evans, Brandjes, Guillemot, Hartman, Maugis, Ormerod and Paschke and Ms. Walker are independent directors.

Committees

Audit Committee

As of December 31, 2015 our Audit Committee consisted of the following independent directors under the NYSE requirements: Werner Paschke (Chair), Philippe Guillemot, Guy Maugis, John Ormerod and Lori Walker. Our Board has determined that at least one member is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC and also meets the additional criteria for independence of Audit Committee members set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act.

The principal duties and responsibilities of our Audit Committee are to oversee and monitor the following:

 

    our financial reporting process and internal control system;

 

    the integrity of our consolidated financial statements;

 

    the independence, qualifications and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

    the performance of our internal audit function;

 

    our related party transactions; and

 

    our compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory matters.

Remuneration Committee

As of December 31, 2015, our remuneration committee consisted of two directors: Peter Hartman (Chair) and Richard Evans. Until November 2015, the Committee consisted of three directors, including Matthew Nord (former Chair), who resigned in November 2015.

The principal duties of our Remuneration Committee are as follows:

 

    to review, evaluate and make recommendations to the full Board regarding our compensation policies and establish performance-based incentives that support our long-term goals, objectives and interests;

 

    to review and approve the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, all employees who report directly to our Chief Executive Officer and other members of our senior management;

 

    to review and make recommendations to the Board with respect to our incentive compensation plans and equity-based compensation plans;

 

    to set and review the compensation of and reimbursement policies for members of the Board;

 

    to provide oversight concerning selection of officers, management succession planning, expense accounts, indemnification and insurance matters, and separation packages; and

 

    to provide regular reports to the Board and take such other actions as are necessary and consistent with our Articles of Association.

Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee

As of December 31, 2015, our Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee consisted of two Directors: Richard Evans (Chair) and Michiel Brandjes. Until November 2015, the Committee consisted of three directors, including Matthew Nord who resigned in November 2015.

 

-95-


Table of Contents

The principal duties and responsibilities of the nominating/corporate governance committee are as follows:

 

    to establish criteria for Board and Committee membership and recommend to our Board proposed nominees for election to the Board and for membership on Committees of our Board; and

 

    to make recommendations to our Board regarding board governance matters and practices.

 

D. Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we employed approximately 11,000 permanent employees of which approximately 85% were engaged in production and maintenance activities and approximately 15% were employed in support functions. Approximately 40% of our employees were employed in France, 17% in Germany, 26% in the United States, 8% in Switzerland, and 9% in Eastern Europe and other regions. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we employed approximately 11,000 and 8,900 employees, respectively.

A vast majority of non-U.S. employees and approximately 49% of U.S. employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements are negotiated on site, regionally or on a national level and are of different durations. Except in connection with prior negotiations completed during the fourth quarter of 2011, around our plan to restructure our plant in Ham, France (which has since been disposed of), we have not experienced a prolonged labor stoppage in any of our production facilities in the past 10 years.

In addition to our employees, we employed 1,031, 600 and 1,500 temporary employees, respectively, as of December 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

 

E. Share Ownership

Information with respect to share ownership of members of our board of directors and our senior management is included in “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.”

Management Equity Plan

Following the Acquisition, a management equity plan (the “MEP”) was established effective from February 4, 2011, to facilitate investments by our officers and other members of management in Constellium. In connection with the MEP, a German limited partnership, Omega Management GmbH & Co. KG (“Management KG”), was formed. The general partner of Management KG is Omega MEP GmbH (“GP GmbH”), a German limited liability company, which is wholly owned by Stichting Management Omega.

Management KG is a vehicle which has allowed current and former directors, officers and employees of Constellium who invested in the MEP (either directly or indirectly through one or more investment vehicles) (the “MEP Participants”) to hold a limited partnership interest in Management KG that corresponded to a portion of the shares in Constellium held by Management KG. Certain of our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vareille, and our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Fontaine, each participated in the MEP. In connection with our IPO, the MEP was frozen and no other employees, officers or directors of Constellium were invited to become MEP Participants. Any future equity incentive awards were to be granted under the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan.

Following the advisory board resolution of GP GmbH dated November 6, 2015, it was resolved to wind-up the MEP, which is expected to be finalized in the course of 2016. In connection with the wind-up of the MEP, the respective shares held through the MEP were distributed to former MEP Participants in the amount of their corresponding investments and awards under the program. The shares distributed in connection with the previous investment of Mr. Vareille represented 972,080 Class A ordinary shares; and the shares distributed in connection with the previous MEP investment of Mr. Fontaine represented 131,985 Class A ordinary shares. In connection with the wind-up of the MEP and with effect as of November 10, 2015, 2,410,357 Class A ordinary shares were transferred to the 34 MEP Participants in accordance with their respective share allocations under the MEP.

 

-96-


Table of Contents

Management KG no longer holds any shares in Constellium and the limited partnership interests no longer represent an indirect economical interest in Constellium; it is therefore intended to terminate the Management KG (the “Termination”). Pursuant to an advisory board resolution of GP GmbH dated November 6, 2015, the Termination involves the following main steps: (a) the transfer by each of the remaining registered limited partners of their respective limited partnership interests to Stichting Management Omega and thereafter (b) the entry into a withdrawal agreement between GP GmbH and Stichting Management Omega, whereby GP GmbH shall withdraw from, and thus cease to be a partner in, Management KG, leaving Stichting Management Omega to assume all of Management KG’s residual assets and liabilities by way of universal succession (Gesamtrechtsnachfolge) without liquidation by way of accretion (Anwachsung). Following the Termination, the processes for liquidating GP GmbH and Stichting Management Omega will be implemented.

Equity Incentive Plan

The Company adopted the Constellium 2013 Equity Plan under which certain of our directors, officers, employees, and consultants are eligible to receive equity awards. See “—Constellium N.V. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan” above.

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

A. Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth the principal shareholders of Constellium N.V. (each person or group of affiliated persons who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of ordinary shares) and the number and percentage of ordinary shares owned by each such shareholder, in each case as of April 18, 2016.

Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of such securities as to which such person has voting or investment power.

The beneficial ownership percentages in this table have been calculated on the basis of the total number of Class A ordinary shares.

 

Name of beneficial owner

   Number of
Class A
ordinary shares
    Beneficial
ownership
percentage
 

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, Bpifrance Participations, BPI-Groupe (bpifrance), EPIC BPI-Groupe

     12,846,969 (1)      12.2

Adage Capital Partners, L.P., Adage Capital Partners GP, L.L.C., Adage Capital Advisors, L.L.C., Robert Atchinson, Phillip Gross

     10,354,586 (2)      9.8

North Run Capital, LP, North Run Advisors, LLC, Todd B. Hammer, Thomas B. Ellis

     8,124,132 (3)      7.7

Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P., Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, Inc.

     7,455,765 (4)      7.1

Steven A. Cohen.

     6,178,950 (5)      5.9

Prudential Financial, Inc.

     5,987,030 (6)      5.7

Jennison Associates LLC

     5,765,822 (7)      5.5

BlackRock, Inc.

     5,763,656 (8)      5.5

 

-97-


Table of Contents

Name of beneficial owner

   Number of
Class A
ordinary shares
    Beneficial
ownership
percentage
 

Directors and Senior Management

    

Richard B. Evans

     142,756 (9)      *   

Pierre Vareille

     1,325,001 (10)      1.3

Guy Maugis

     1,579 (11)      *   

Philippe Guillemot

     5,987 (12)      *   

Werner P. Paschke

     50,987 (13)      *   

Michiel Brandjes

     7,691 (14)      *   

Peter F. Hartman

     3,804 (15)      *   

John Ormerod

     8,804 (16)      *   

Lori A. Walker

     3,804 (17)      *   

Didier Fontaine

     161,942 (18)      *   

Paul Warton

     239,408 (19)      *   

Ingrid Joerg

     10,000 (20)      *   

Arnaud Jouron

     —          *   

 

 * Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent.
(1) This information is based on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on July 25, 2013. Bpifrance Participations (“Bpifrance”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BPI-Groupe (bpifrance), a French financial institution (“BPI”) jointly owned and controlled by the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, a French special public entity (établissement special) (“CDC”) and EPIC BPI-Groupe, a French public institution of industrial and commercial nature (“EPIC”). Bpifrance holds directly 12,846,969 ordinary shares and neither BPI, CDC nor EPIC holds any ordinary shares directly. BPI may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 12,846,969 ordinary shares, indirectly through its sole ownership of Bpifrance. CDC and EPIC may be deemed to be the beneficial owners of 12,846,969 ordinary shares, indirectly through their joint ownership and control of BPI. The principal address for CDC is 56, rue de Lille, 75007 Paris, France and for Bpifrance, BPI and EPIC is 27-31 avenue du Général Leclerc 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
(2) This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 16, 2016 by (i) Adage Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ACP”), (ii) Adage Capital Partners GP, L.L.C., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (“ACPGP”), as general partner of ACP, (iii) Adage Capital Advisors, L.L.C., a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (“ACA”), as managing member of ACPGP, general partner of ACP, (iv) Robert Atchinson (“Mr. Atchinson”), as managing member of ACA, managing member of ACPGP, general partner of ACP, (v) Phillip Gross (“Mr. Gross”), as managing member of ACA, managing member of ACPGP, general partner of ACP. The Schedule 13G/A reports that each of Adage Capital Partners, L.P., ACPGP, ACA, Mr. Atchinson and Mr. Gross may be deemed to have voting and sole dispositive power of 10,354,586 ordinary shares. ACP has the power to dispose of and the power to vote our ordinary shares beneficially owned by it, which power may be exercised by its general partner, ACPGP. ACA, as managing member of ACPGP, directs ACPGP’s operations. Neither ACPGP nor ACA directly own any of our ordinary shares. ACPGP and ACA may be deemed to beneficially own our ordinary shares owned by ACP. Messrs. Atchinson and Gross, as managing members of ACA, have shared power to vote our ordinary shares beneficially owned by ACP. Neither Mr. Atchinson nor Mr. Gross directly own any of our ordinary shares. Each may be deemed to beneficially own the ordinary shares beneficially owned by ACP. The address of the business office of each of ACP, ACPGP, ACA, Mr. Atchinson, and Mr. Gross is 200 Clarendon Street, 52nd floor, Boston, MA 02116.
(3)

This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2016 on behalf of North Run Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“North Run”), North Run Capital, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Investment Manager”), Todd B. Hammer and Thomas B. Ellis. Todd B. Hammer and Thomas B. Ellis are the principals and sole members of North Run. North Run is the general partner of the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager is the investment manager of certain private

 

-98-


Table of Contents
  pooled investment vehicles. North Run, the Investment Manager, Todd B. Hammer and Thomas B. Ellis may be deemed to have shared voting and share dispositive power over 8,124,132 of our ordinary shares. The address of the principal business office of North Run, Investment Manager, Mr. Hammer and Mr. Ellis is One International Place, Suite 2401, Boston, MA 02110.
(4) This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. (“Vaughan Nelson”) and Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, Inc. (“General Partner”) each reports that it may be deemed to have sole voting power with respect to 6,512,625 ordinary shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 6,966,175 ordinary shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 489,590 ordinary shares. Both Vaughan Nelson and General Partner disclaim beneficial ownership of the reported shares. The principal address for Vaughan Nelson and the General Partner is 600 Travis Street, Suite 6300, Houston, Texas 77002.
(5) This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 16, 2016 by (i) Point72 Asset Management, L.P. (“Point72 Asset Management”), (ii) Point72 Capital Advisors, Inc. (“Point72 Capital Advisors Inc.”), (iii) Cubist Systematic Strategies, LLC (“Cubist Systematic Strategies”), (iv) Rubric Capital Management, LLC (“Rubric Capital Management”) and (v) Steven A. Cohen. The Schedule 13G/A reports that Point72 Asset Management, Point72 Capital Advisors Inc., Cubist Systematic Strategies, Rubric Capital Management and Mr. Cohen own directly none of our ordinary shares. Pursuant to an investment management agreement, Point72 Asset Management maintains investment and voting power with respect to the securities held by certain investment funds it manages. Point72 Capital Advisors Inc. is the general partner of Point72 Asset Management. Pursuant to an investment management agreement, Cubist Systematic Strategies maintains investment and voting power with respect to the securities held by certain investment funds it manages. Pursuant to an investment management agreement, Rubric Capital Management maintains investment and voting power with respect to the securities held by certain investment funds it manages. Mr. Cohen controls each of Point72 Capital Advisors Inc., Cubist Systematic Strategies and Rubric Capital Management. As of December 31, 2015, each of (i) Point72 Asset Management, Point72 Capital Advisors Inc. and Mr. Cohen may be deemed to beneficially own 1,899,300 of our ordinary shares; (ii) Cubist Systematic Strategies and Mr. Cohen may be deemed to beneficially own 15,403 of our ordinary shares; and (iii) Rubric Capital Management and Mr. Cohen may be deemed to beneficially own 4,264,247 of our ordinary shares. Each of Point72 Asset Management, Point72 Capital Advisors Inc., Cubist Systematic Strategies, Rubric Capital Management and Mr. Cohen disclaims beneficial ownership of any of the securities covered by the Schedule 13G/A. The address of the principal business office of (i) Point72 Asset Management, Point72 Capital Advisors Inc., Rubric Capital Management and Mr. Cohen is 72 Cummings Point Road, Stamford, CT 06902 and (ii) Cubist Systematic Strategies is 330 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10173.
(6) This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 28, 2016. Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential”) reports that it has sole voting and sole dispositive power over 458,729 ordinary shares, shared voting power over 4,808,301 ordinary shares, and shared dispositive power over 5,528,301 shares. Prudential is a parent holding company and the indirect parent of Jennison Associates LLC and Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, who are the beneficial owners of 5,765,822 ordinary shares and 221,208 ordinary shares, respectively. As a result, Prudential may have direct or indirect voting and/or investment discretion over 5,987,030 shares. The principal address for Prudential Financial, Inc. is 751 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-3777.
(7) This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 4, 2016. Jennison Associates LLC (“Jennison”) reports that it has sole voting power with respect to 5,045,822 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 5,765,822 ordinary shares. Jennison furnishes investment advice to several investment companies, insurance separate accounts, and institutional clients (“Managed Portfolios”). As a result of its role as investment adviser of the Managed Portfolios, Jennison may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of our ordinary shares held by such Managed Portfolios. Prudential indirectly owns 100% of equity interests of Jennison. As a result, Prudential may be deemed to have the power to exercise or to direct the exercise of such voting and/or dispositive power that Jennison may have with respect to our ordinary shares held by the Managed Portfolios. Jennison does not file jointly with Prudential, as such, our ordinary shares reported on Jennison’s 13G/A may be included in the shares reported on the 13G/A filed by Prudential. The principal address for Jennison is 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017.

 

-99-


Table of Contents
(8) This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 26, 2016. BlackRock Inc. reports that it has sole voting power with respect to 5,763,656 ordinary shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 5,763,656 ordinary shares. The principal address for Blackrock Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.
(9) Consists of 140,783 Class A ordinary shares held indirectly by Mr. Evans through the Evans Family Inter Vivos Revocable Trust, and 1,973 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report) subject to Mr. Evans’s continued service to Constellium through such date. Excludes 1,973 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2017, subject to Mr. Evans’s continued service to Constellium through such date.
(10) Consists of 972,080 Class A ordinary shares transferred to Mr. Vareille in connection with the wind-up of the MEP, 12,500 Class A ordinary shares which Mr. Vareille purchased directly in 2014, 262,993 Class A ordinary shares purchased directly in 2015, 52,427 Class A ordinary shares underlying restricted stock units that vested on November 1, 2015, and due to Mr. Vareille’s contemplated retirement, also includes, 8,334 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units which will vest on April 30, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report) and 16,667 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units which could vest on June 15, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report). Excludes 8,333 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on each of April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2018; 16,667 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 15, 2017; and 16,666 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 15, 2018.
(11) Consists of 1,579 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report) subject to Mr. Maugis’ continued service to Constellium through such date. Excludes 1,578 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2017, subject to Mr. Maugis’ continued service to Constellium through such date.
(12) Consists of 4,408 Class A ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Guillemot, and 1,579 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Mr. Guillemot’s continued service to Constellium through such date. Excludes 1,578 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2017, subject to Mr. Guillemot’s continued service to Constellium through such date.
(13) Consists of 49,408 Class A ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Paschke, and 1,579 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Mr. Paschke’s continued service to Constellium through such date. Excludes 1,578 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2017, subject to Mr. Paschke’s continued service to Constellium through such date.
(14) Consists of 5,000 shares held directly by Mr. Brandjes, 1,112 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Mr. Brandjes’ continued service to Constellium through such date, and 1,579 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report) subject to Mr. Brandjes’ continued service to Constellium through such date. Excludes 1,578 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2017, subject to Mr. Brandjes’ continued service to Constellium through such date.
(15) Consists of 1,113 Class A ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Hartman, 1,112 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Mr. Hartman’s continued service to Constellium through such date, and 1,579 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Mr. Hartman’s continued service to Constellium through such date. Excludes 1,578 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2017, subject to Mr. Hartman’s continued service to Constellium through such date.
(16)

Consists of 6,113 Class A ordinary shares held directly by Mr. Ormerod, 1,112 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Mr. Ormerod’s continued service to Constellium through such date, and 1,579 Class A

 

-100-


Table of Contents
  ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Mr. Ormerod’s continued service to Constellium through such date. Excludes 1,578 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2017, subject to Mr. Ormerod’s continued service to Constellium through such date.
(17) Consists of 1,113 Class A ordinary shares held directly by Ms. Walker, 1,112 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Ms. Walker’s continued service to Constellium through such date, and 1,579 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2016 (within 60 days of the filing of this report), subject to Ms. Walker’s continued service to Constellium through such date. Excludes 1,578 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on June 11, 2017, subject to Ms. Walker’s continued service to Constellium through such date.
(18) Consists of 131,985 Class A ordinary shares transferred to Mr. Fontaine in connection with the wind-up of the MEP, 4,500 Class A ordinary shares Mr. Fontaine purchased directly in 2014, 25 Class A ordinary shares underlying restricted stock units, which vested on May 23, 2015 and 25,432 Class A ordinary shares underlying restricted stock units, which vested on November 1, 2015.
(19) Consists of 221,212 Class A ordinary shares transferred to Mr. Warton in connection with the wind-up of the MEP, 3,275 Class A ordinary shares Mr. Warton purchased directly in 2014, 25 Class A ordinary shares underlying restricted stock units, which vested on May 23, 2015 and 14,896 Class A ordinary shares underlying restricted stock units, which vested on November 1, 2015.
(20) Consists of 10,000 Class A ordinary shares which Ms. Joerg purchased directly in 2015. Excludes 50,000 Class A ordinary shares underlying unvested restricted stock units that will vest on August 5, 2017, subject to Ms. Joerg’s continued service to Constellium through such date.

None of our principal shareholders have voting rights different from those of our other shareholders.

Over the last three years, the only significant changes of which we have been notified in the percentage ownership of our shares by our major shareholders described above were that prior to the IPO, immediately following the completion of the purchase of the EAP Business: Apollo Funds held 51% of our Class A ordinary shares, Rio Tinto held 39% of our Class A ordinary shares, and Bpifrance (f/k/a FSI) held 10% of our Class A ordinary shares. As of the date of this Annual Report, Apollo Funds holds 0% of our Class A ordinary shares, Rio Tinto holds ten shares of our Class A ordinary shares and Bpifrance holds 12.2% of our class A ordinary shares, respectively. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company.”

 

B. Related Party Transactions

Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement

In connection with the Acquisition, Apollo Omega, Rio Tinto, Bpifrance and the other parties thereto entered into a pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2011 (the “Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement”). The Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement provided for, among other items, certain restrictions on the transferability of equity ownership in Constellium as well as certain tag-along rights, drag-along rights, and piggy-back registration rights. We amended and restated the Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement in connection with the IPO. See “—Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement” below.

Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement

The Company, Apollo Omega, Rio Tinto and Bpifrance entered into an amended and restated shareholders agreement on May 29, 2013 (the “Shareholders Agreement”). The Shareholders’ Agreement terminated with respect to Apollo Omega and Rio Tinto in connection with certain of their respective sales of our ordinary shares described elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Shareholders’ Agreement provides for, among other things, piggyback registration rights and demand registration rights for Bpifrance for so long as Bpifrance owns any of our ordinary shares.

In addition, the Shareholders Agreement provides that, except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bpifrance will be entitled to designate for binding nomination one director to our board of directors so long as its percentage ownership interest is equal to or greater than 4% or it continues to hold all of the ordinary shares it

 

-101-


Table of Contents

subscribed for at the closing of the Acquisition (such share number adjusted for the pro rata share issuance). Our directors will be elected by our shareholders acting at a general meeting upon a binding nomination by the board of directors as described in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—A. Directors and Senior Management.” A shareholder’s percentage ownership interest is derived by dividing (i) the total number of ordinary shares owned by such shareholder and its affiliates by (ii) the total number of outstanding ordinary shares.

The Company has agreed to share financial and other information with Bpifrance to the extent reasonably required to comply with its tax, investor or regulatory obligations and with a view to keeping Bpifrance properly informed about the financial and business affairs of the Company. The Shareholders Agreement contains provisions to the effect that Bpifrance is obliged to treat all information provided to it as confidential, and to comply with all applicable rules and regulations in relation to the use and disclosure of such information.

Management Equity Plan

Investments by our officers and directors in Constellium were facilitated by their participation in a management equity plan (the “MEP”), Management KG (a German limited partnership), which subscribed for Class A and Class B ordinary shares in Constellium. With effect as of November 6, 2015, it was resolved to wind up the MEP and terminate Management KG (further described in “—Management Equity Plan”). With effect as of November 6, 2015, it has been resolved to wind up the MEP and terminate Management KG.

Stichting Reacquisition

Prior to our IPO, Rio Tinto, Apollo Omega, Bpifrance, Constellium and Stichting Management Omega had entered into an agreement (the “Funding Agreement”), effective as of July 1, 2011, that provided that limited partnership interests in Management KG held by Stichting Management Omega would be so held for the pro rata benefit and risk of Rio Tinto, Apollo Omega, and Bpifrance. In connection with the freezing of the MEP, our board of directors approved the reacquisition and our shareholders approved the cancellation of all Class A ordinary shares and Class B2 ordinary shares attributable to the Management KG interests held by Stichting Management Omega, and all such shares were reacquired by us prior to the completion of the IPO for an acquisition amount of approximately €900,000. As a result of this reacquisition, the Management KG interests held by Stichting Management Omega ceased to have economic value, and Stichting Management Omega ceased to be an indirect owner of our ordinary shares. In connection with the IPO, the Funding Agreement was amended to provide that any limited partnership interests in Management KG acquired by Stichting Management Omega following the completion of the IPO will be held for the benefit of Constellium. In connection with the winding up of the MEP, Management KG will be terminated and Stichting Management Omega, which does not own any shares in Constellium, liquidated (further described in “—Management Equity Plan”).

Share Sales by Management KG

During November 2013, limited partners of Management KG (other than the limited partners who were former employees of Constellium or who were to imminently become former employees of Constellium) were offered the opportunity to participate in trading plans to be established by Management KG under Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act (the “MEP Trading Plans”) for the orderly liquidation of shares held in the MEP. The first such plan was established on December 13, 2013 and a total of 30 limited partners elected to participate in such plan, which commenced trading on January 13, 2014. A second such trading plan was established on June 13, 2014 and a total of 33 limited partners elected to participate in such plan, which commenced trading on July 14, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, all Class A ordinary shares have been sold pursuant to the MEP Trading Plans.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

 

-102-


Table of Contents

Item 8. Financial Information

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 are included in this Annual Report at “Item 18. Financial Statements.”

Legal Proceedings

Legal proceedings are disclosed in “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Litigation and Legal Proceedings.”

Dividend Policy

Our board of directors periodically explores the potential adoption of a dividend program; however, no assurances can be made that any future dividends will be paid on the ordinary shares. Any declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our ordinary shares will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory future prospects and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends and other considerations that our board of directors deems relevant. In general, any payment of dividends must be made in accordance with our Amended and Restated Articles of Association and the requirements of Dutch law. Under Dutch law, payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders may be made only if our shareholders’ equity exceeds the sum of our called up and paid-in share capital plus the reserves required to be maintained by law and by our Amended and Restated Articles of Association.

Generally, we rely on dividends paid to Constellium N.V., or funds otherwise distributed or advanced to Constellium N.V. by its subsidiaries to fund the payment of dividends, if any, to our shareholders. In addition, restrictions contained in the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness limit our ability to pay dividends on our ordinary shares and limit the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. Future indebtedness that we may incur may contain similar restrictions.

 

B. Significant Changes

On March 30, 2016, the Company completed a private offering of $425 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes pursuant to an indenture among the Company, the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee and collateral agent. The Company invested €100 million of the net proceeds in Wise. We used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including to put additional cash on our balance sheet. Interest on the Senior Secured Notes accrues at a rate of 7.875% per annum and is payable semi-annually beginning October 1, 2016. The Senior Secured Notes mature on April 1, 2021. See “Item 10. Additional Information—C. Material Contracts—March 2016 Senior Secured Notes.”

 

-103-


Table of Contents

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

 

A. Offer and Listing Details

Price history of stock

The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low market prices of our shares on the NYSE (source: Bloomberg). Our ordinary shares are also listed on the professional segment of Euronext Paris; however, due to an insufficient volume of trading in our ordinary shares on Euronext Paris, information regarding high and low trading prices is not reported.

 

     NYSE  

Calendar period

   High      Low  

Monthly

     

April 2016 (through April 15)

   $ 5.50       $ 4.85   

March 2016

   $ 6.88       $ 4.31   

February 2016

   $ 5.88       $ 4.03   

January 2016

   $ 8.22       $ 5.45   

2015

     

First quarter

   $ 20.51       $ 16.22   

Second quarter

   $ 19.52       $ 11.65   

Third quarter

   $ 11.75       $ 5.89   

Fourth quarter

   $ 8.86       $ 3.66   

Full year

   $ 20.51       $ 3.66   

2014

     

First quarter

   $ 29.42       $ 21.99   

Second quarter

   $ 32.56       $ 26.64   

Third quarter

   $ 32.61       $ 23.86   

Fourth quarter

   $ 25.74       $ 15.25   

Full year

   $ 32.61       $ 15.25   

2013

     

Second quarter (beginning May 23, 2013)

   $ 16.47       $ 13.26   

Third quarter

   $ 20.67       $ 15.75   

Fourth quarter

   $ 23.47       $ 16.60   

Full year

   $ 23.47       $ 13.26   

 

B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

 

C. Markets

We began trading on the NYSE on May 23, 2013 and on the professional segment of Euronext Paris on May 27, 2013 through a public offering in the United States. Trading on the NYSE is under the symbol “CSTM.” For more information on our shares see “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

 

D. Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

 

E. Dilution

Not applicable.

 

-104-


Table of Contents
F. Expenses of the issue

Not applicable.

Item 10. Additional Information

 

A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

The information called for by this Item has been reported previously in our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-188556), filed with the SEC on May 22, 2013, as amended, under the heading “Description of Capital Stock,” and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

 

C. Material Contracts

The following is a summary of each material contract, other than material contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we are a party, for the two years immediately preceding the date of this Annual Report:

 

    Employment agreements and benefit plans. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership” for a description of the material terms of our employment agreements and benefits plans.

 

    Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” for a description of material terms of this contract.

 

    Term Loan, Notes, U.S. Revolving Credit Facility and the Factoring Agreements. As disclosed below.

 

    Metal Supply Agreement. As disclosed below.

May 2014 Notes

On May 7, 2014, the Company completed a private offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.750% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 U.S. Dollar Notes”) and €300 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Euro Notes”, and together with the 2024 U.S. Dollar Notes, the “May 2014 Notes”) pursuant to indentures among the Company, the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. A portion of the net proceeds of the May 2014 Notes were used to repay amounts outstanding under our senior secured term loan B facility, including related transaction fees, expenses, and prepayment premium thereon. We used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including to put additional cash on our balance sheet.

Interest on the 2024 U.S. Dollar Notes and 2021 Euro Notes accrues at rates of 5.750% and 4.625% per annum, respectively, and is payable semi-annually beginning November 15, 2014. The 2024 U.S. Dollar Notes mature on May 15, 2024, and the 2021 Euro Notes mature on May 15, 2021.

Prior to May 15, 2019, we may redeem some or all of the 2024 U.S. Dollar Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2024 U.S. Dollar Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a “make-whole” premium. On or after May 15, 2019, we may redeem the 2024 U.S. Dollar Notes at redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 102.875% during the twelve-month period commencing on May 15, 2019, 101.917% during the twelve-month period commencing on May 15, 2020, 100.958% during the twelve-month period commencing on May 15, 2021, and par on or after May 15, 2022, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

 

-105-


Table of Contents

Prior to May 15, 2017, we may redeem some or all of the 2021 Euro Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2021 Euro Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a “make-whole” premium. On or after May 15, 2017, we may redeem the 2021 Euro Notes at redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 102.313% during the twelve-month period commencing on May 15, 2017, 101.156% during the twelve-month period commencing on May 15, 2018, and par on or after May 15, 2019, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

In addition, at any time or from time to time prior to May 15, 2017, we may, within 90 days of a qualified equity offering, redeem May 2014 Notes of either series in an aggregate amount equal to up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the May 2014 Notes of the applicable series (after giving effect to any issuance of additional May 2014 Notes of such series) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus a premium (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 5.750% for the 2024 U.S. Dollar Notes and 4.625% for the 2021 Euro Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if any) to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of such qualified equity offering, provided that at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of May 2014 Notes of the series being redeemed would remain outstanding immediately after giving effect to such redemption.

Within 30 days of the occurrence of specific kinds of changes of control, the Company is required to make an offer to purchase all outstanding May 2014 Notes at a price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the May 2014 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the purchase date.

The May 2014 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Constellium and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of its restricted subsidiaries that guarantees the Senior Secured Notes. Each of Constellium’s existing or future restricted subsidiaries (other than receivables subsidiaries) that guarantees certain indebtedness of Constellium or certain indebtedness of any of the guarantors of the May 2014 Notes must also guarantee the May 2014 Notes. None of Wise or its direct or indirect subsidiaries currently guarantees our obligations under the May 2014 Notes, and none will to the extent that such action would violate the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing their existing indebtedness. If such covenant restrictions cease to apply, or if the provision of a guarantee would otherwise no longer violate such restrictive covenants, then Wise and its direct and indirect subsidiaries will provide a guarantee of the May 2014 Notes to the extent required by the indentures governing the May 2014 Notes.

The indentures governing the May 2014 Notes contain customary terms and conditions, including, among other things, negative covenants limiting our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur debt, grant liens, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, make investments, loans and advances, make acquisitions, sell assets, pay dividends and other restricted payments, prepay certain debt, merge, consolidate or amalgamate and engage in affiliate transactions.

The indentures governing the May 2014 Notes also contain customary events of default.

December 2014 Notes

On December 19, 2014, the Company completed a private offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.00% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “2023 U.S. Dollar Notes”) and €240 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.00% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “2023 Euro Notes”, and together with the 2023 U.S. Dollar Notes, the “December 2014 Notes”) pursuant to indentures among the Company, the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. A portion of the net proceeds of the December 2014 Notes were used to finance the Wise Acquisition, including related transaction fees and expenses. We used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes.

Interest on the 2023 U.S. Dollar Notes and 2023 Euro Notes accrues at rates of 8.00% and 7.00% per annum, respectively, and is payable semi-annually beginning July 15, 2015. The 2023 U.S. Dollar Notes and 2023 Euro Notes mature on January 15, 2023.

 

-106-


Table of Contents

Prior to January 15, 2018, we may redeem some or all of the 2023 U.S. Dollar Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 U.S. Dollar Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a “make-whole” premium. On or after January 15, 2018, we may redeem the 2023 U.S. Dollar Notes at redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 106.000% during the twelve-month period commencing on January 15, 2018, 104.000% during the twelve-month period commencing on January 15, 2019, 102.000% during the twelve-month period commencing on January 15, 2020, and par on or after January 15, 2021, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

Prior to January 15, 2018, we may redeem some or all of the 2023 Euro Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 Euro Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a “make-whole” premium. On or after January 15, 2018, we may redeem the 2023 Euro Notes at redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 105.250% during the twelve-month period commencing on January 15, 2018, 103.500% during the twelve-month period commencing on January 15, 2019, 101.750% during the twelve-month period commencing on January 15, 2020, and par on or after January 15, 2021, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

In addition, at any time or from time to time prior to January 15, 2018, we may, within 90 days of a qualified equity offering, redeem December 2014 Notes of either series in an aggregate amount equal to up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the December 2014 Notes of the applicable series (after giving effect to any issuance of additional December 2014 Notes of such series) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus a premium (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 8.00% for the 2023 U.S. Dollar Notes and 7.00% for the 2023 Euro Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if any) to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of such qualified equity offering, provided that at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of December 2014 Notes of the series being redeemed would remain outstanding immediately after giving effect to such redemption.

Within 30 days of the occurrence of specific kinds of changes of control, the Company is required to make an offer to purchase all outstanding December 2014 Notes at a price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the December 2014 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the purchase date.

The December 2014 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Constellium and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of its restricted subsidiaries that guarantees the Senior Secured Notes. Each of Constellium’s existing or future restricted subsidiaries (other than receivables subsidiaries) that guarantees certain indebtedness of Constellium or certain indebtedness of any of the guarantors of the December 2014 Notes must also guarantee the December 2014 Notes. None of Wise or its direct or indirect subsidiaries currently guarantees our obligations under the December 2014 Notes, and none will to the extent that such action would violate the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing their existing indebtedness. If such covenant restrictions cease to apply, or if the provision of a guarantee would otherwise no longer violate such restrictive covenants, then Wise and its direct and indirect subsidiaries will provide a guarantee of the December 2014 Notes to the extent required by the indentures governing the December 2014 Notes. If Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries guarantees certain indebtedness of Constellium N.V. or any of the guarantors of the December 2014 Notes in an amount exceeding €50 million in the aggregate, then Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC and/or any such direct or indirect subsidiary will guarantee the December 2014 Notes.

The indentures governing the December 2014 Notes contain customary terms and conditions, including, among other things, negative covenants limiting our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur debt, grant liens, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, make investments, loans and advances, make acquisitions, sell assets, pay dividends and other restricted payments, prepay certain debt, merge, consolidate or amalgamate and engage in affiliate transactions.

The indentures governing the December 2014 Notes also contain customary events of default.

 

-107-


Table of Contents

March 2016 Senior Secured Notes

On March 30, 2016, the Company completed a private offering of $425 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes pursuant to an indenture among the Company, the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee and collateral agent. The Company invested €100 million of the net proceeds in Wise. We used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including to put additional cash on our balance sheet.

Interest on the Senior Secured Notes accrues at a rate of 7.875% per annum and is payable semi-annually beginning October 1, 2016.

The Senior Secured Notes mature on April 1, 2021. In addition, each holder of Senior Secured Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of that holder’s Senior Secured Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase, if on the 136th day prior to May 15, 2021 (i.e. the final stated maturity of the 2021 Euro Notes) more than €30 million of the 2021 Euro Notes remain outstanding.

Prior to April 1, 2018, we may redeem some or all of the Senior Secured Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date plus a “make-whole” premium. On or after April 1, 2018, we may redeem the Senior Secured Notes at redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 103.938% during the twelve-month period commencing on April 1, 2018, 101.969% during the twelve-month period commencing on April 1, 2019, and par on or after April 1, 2020, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

In addition, at any time or from time to time prior to April 1, 2018, we may, within 90 days of a qualified equity offering, redeem Senior Secured Notes in an aggregate amount equal to up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes (after giving effect to any issuance of additional Senior Secured Notes) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus a premium (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 107.875%, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if any) to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of such qualified equity offering, provided that at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes would remain outstanding immediately after giving effect to such redemption.

Within 30 days of the occurrence of specific kinds of changes of control, the Company is required to make an offer to purchase all outstanding Senior Secured Notes at a price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the purchase date.

The Senior Secured Notes are senior secured obligations of Constellium and are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by Constellium Holdco II B.V., Constellium Holdco III B.V., Constellium France Holdco, Constellium Neuf Brisach, Constellium Issoire, Constellium Finance, Constellium Germany Holdco GmbH & Co. KG, Constellium Deutschland GmbH, Constellium Singen GmbH, Constellium Rolled Products Singen GmbH & Co. KG, Constellium Switzerland AG, Constellium US Holdings I, LLC, and Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC. In addition, the Company is required to cause (a) existing or future subsidiaries to guarantee the Senior Secured Notes from time to time so as to satisfy the Guarantor Coverage Test (as defined below), and (b) each existing or future subsidiary that directly or indirectly owns the capital stock of a guarantor of the Senior Secured Notes, or guarantees certain indebtedness of Constellium or certain indebtedness of any of the guarantors of the Senior Secured Notes, to guarantee the Senior Secured Notes. None of Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or its direct or indirect subsidiaries currently guarantees our obligations under the Senior Secured Notes, and none will to the extent that such action would violate the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing their existing indebtedness. If such covenant restrictions cease to apply, or if the provision of a guarantee would otherwise no longer violate such restrictive covenants, then Wise and its direct and indirect

 

-108-


Table of Contents

subsidiaries will provide a guarantee of the Senior Secured Notes to the extent required by the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes. If Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries guarantees certain indebtedness of Constellium N.V. or any of the guarantors of the Senior Secured Notes in an amount exceeding €10 million in the aggregate, then Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC and/or any such direct or indirect subsidiary will guarantee the Senior Secured Notes.

The “Guarantor Coverage Test” requires, on any one date between and including the date that the Company’s annual financial statements are delivered and the date that is forty-five (45) days following such delivery, that (a) the EBITDA of the Company and the guarantors of the Senior Secured Notes, taken together, represent not less than 80% of the EBITDA of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries (excluding Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC and its direct and indirect subsidiaries until such time as the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing the indebtedness of Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or such subsidiary cease to prohibit Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or such subsidiary from guaranteeing the Senior Secured Notes), taken together, and (b) the consolidated total assets of the Company and the guarantors of the Senior Secured Notes, taken together, represent not less than 80% of the consolidated total assets of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries (excluding Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC and its direct and indirect subsidiaries until such time as the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing the indebtedness of Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or such subsidiary cease to prohibit Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or such subsidiary from guaranteeing the Senior Secured Notes), taken together.

The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes provides for the obligations of the Company and the guarantors with respect to the Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees thereof to be secured by (i) a pledge by Constellium N.V. of its shares in Constellium Holdco II B.V., (ii) a pledge by Constellium Holdco II B.V. of its shares in certain of its subsidiaries, (iii) a pledge by certain other guarantors of their shares in certain of their subsidiaries, (iv) subject to certain exceptions, a pledge of intercompany indebtedness owed to the Company and the guarantors and bank accounts owned by the Company and the guarantors, and (v) subject to certain exceptions, substantially all the assets of each guarantor organized in the U.S. The liens on the collateral securing the Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees thereof are required to be first-priority, provided that (x) the liens on the Ravenswood ABL Priority Collateral (as defined below) securing the Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees thereof are required to be junior in priority to the liens on the Ravenswood ABL Priority Collateral securing the obligations under the Ravenswood ABL Facility, and (y) the liens on certain property of Ravenswood (the “PBGC Priority Collateral”) securing the Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees thereof are required to be junior in priority to the liens on such property securing certain obligations of Ravenswood to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”).The “Ravenswood ABL Priority Collateral” consists of the following property owned by Ravenswood: (i) accounts and payment intangibles, (ii) inventory, (iii) deposit accounts and any cash, financial assets or other assets in such accounts, (iv) cash and cash equivalents, (v) all general intangibles, chattel paper, instruments, investment property and books and records pertaining to any of the foregoing, and (vi) all proceeds of the foregoing, in each case subject to certain exceptions.

Certain of the security arrangements with respect to the Senior Secured Notes were not created, provided or perfected on the issue date, and the Company is required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to have all such security interests created and perfected within 75 days following the issue date, and thereafter to continue to use commercially reasonable efforts to have all such security interests created and perfected until such time, if any, as the Company determines that any further efforts would be futile. The liens on the PBGC Priority Collateral securing the Senior Secured Notes and the guarantees thereof will not be created unless and until the PBGC gives its reasonable consent and enters into an intercreditor agreement with the collateral agent for the Senior Secured Notes. To the extent that a lien and mortgage on the property, plant and equipment of our Ravenswood facility is not provided to secure the Senior Secured Notes with the priority required under the indenture and security documents governing the Senior Secured Notes (the “Collateral Condition”) on or prior to the date that is 90 days following the issue date, the Senior Secured Notes will accrue additional interest at a rate of 2.00% per annum from such 90th day following the issue date until (i) if the Collateral Condition is satisfied on or prior to the date that is 360 days following the issue date, the date the Collateral Condition is satisfied, or (ii) if the Collateral Condition is not satisfied on or prior to the date that is 360 days following the issue date, the date interest on the Senior Secured Notes is no longer payable in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

 

-109-


Table of Contents

The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes contains customary terms and conditions, including, among other things, negative covenants limiting our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur debt, grant liens, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, make investments (including investments in and guarantees of certain indebtedness of Wise), loans and advances, make acquisitions, sell assets, pay dividends and other restricted payments, prepay certain debt (including the May 2014 Notes and the December 2014 Notes), merge, consolidate or amalgamate and engage in affiliate transactions.

The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes also contains customary events of default.

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

On May 7, 2014, the Company entered into a new senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility”) pursuant to a credit agreement among the Company, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent. The Company amended the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility on December 5, 2014, February 5, 2015, September 30, 2015, and December 10, 2015 to, among other things, increase the total commitments and extend the maturity date thereunder, permit the consummation of the Wise Acquisition without Wise guaranteeing the obligations thereunder, permit the Wise ABL Facility to remain outstanding in an amount of up to $450 million following the consummation of the Wise Acquisition, and amend certain financial covenants thereunder. As amended, the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility provided for total commitments of up to €145 million, with a maturity date of January 5, 2018.

Interest under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility was calculated based on the adjusted eurocurrency rate plus 2.50% per annum.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding loans under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, we were required to pay (a) commitment fees equal to 1.00% per annum times the undrawn portion of the commitments under the facility and (b) utilization fees equal to (i) if the daily average drawn portion of the commitments under the facility (the “Drawn Amount”) was less than 50.0% of the aggregate commitments, 0.25% per annum times the Drawn Amount or (ii) if the Drawn Amount was greater than or equal to 50.0% of the aggregate commitments, 0.50% per annum times the Drawn Amount.

Subject to customary “breakage” costs, borrowings under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility were permitted to be repaid from time to time without premium or penalty.

Our obligations under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility were guaranteed by Constellium Holdco II B.V., Constellium France Holdco S.A.S., Constellium Issoire S.A.S., Constellium Neuf Brisach S.A.S., Constellium Finance S.A.S., Constellium Germany Holdco GmbH & Co. KG, Constellium Deutschland GmbH, Constellium Singen GmbH, Constellium Switzerland AG, Constellium US Holdings I, LLC, and Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC. None of Wise or its direct or indirect subsidiaries guaranteed our obligations under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility.

The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility contained customary terms and conditions, including, among other things, negative covenants limiting our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur debt, grant liens, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, make investments, loans and advances, make acquisitions, sell assets, pay dividends and other restricted payments, prepay certain debt, merge, consolidate or amalgamate and engage in affiliate transactions.

In addition, at any time that loans were (a) borrowed, to the extent that immediately after giving effect to such borrowing, loans in excess of 30% of the total commitments under the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility would be outstanding, or (b) outstanding on the last day of our fiscal quarter, the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility required us to (x) maintain a consolidated total net leverage ratio of no more than (1) in the case of each

 

-110-


Table of Contents

of the first four fiscal quarters ending after October 1, 2015, 5.00 to 1.00, and (2) in the case of each other fiscal quarter, 4.50 to 1.00, (y) maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than (1) in the case of each of the first four fiscal quarters ending after October 1, 2015, 2.00 to 1.00, and (2) in the case of each other fiscal quarter, 2.20 to 1.00, and (z) ensure that, taken together, the Company and the guarantors of the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility had (i) assets representing not less than 60% of the consolidated total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and (ii) EBITDA representing not less than 75% of the consolidated EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries (the requirement in the foregoing clause (z), the “Guarantor Coverage Test”). Wise and its subsidiaries were excluded from the calculation of the Guarantor Coverage Test. The Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility also contained customary events of default.

On March 30, 2016, concurrently with the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes, the Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility was terminated.

Ravenswood ABL Facility

On May 25, 2012, Ravenswood entered into a $100 million asset-based revolving credit facility (the “Ravenswood ABL Facility”), with the lenders from time to time party thereto and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent (the “Ravenswood ABL Administrative Agent”) and collateral agent. Ravenswood amended the Ravenswood ABL Facility on October 1, 2013 to, among other things, extend the maturity to October 2018 and reduce pricing. As amended, the Ravenswood ABL Facility has sublimits of $25 million for letters of credit and 10% of the revolving credit facility commitments for swingline loans. The Ravenswood ABL Facility provides Ravenswood a working capital facility for its operations.

Ravenswood’s ability to borrow under the Ravenswood ABL Facility is limited to a borrowing base equal to the sum of (a) 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus (b) up to the lesser of (i) 80% of the lesser of cost or market value of eligible inventory and (ii) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory minus (c) applicable reserves, and is subject to other conditions, limitations and reserve requirements.

Interest under the Ravenswood ABL Facility is calculated, at Ravenswood’s election, based on either the LIBOR or base rate (as calculated by the Ravenswood ABL Administrative Agent in accordance with the Ravenswood ABL Facility). LIBOR loans accrue interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 1.50-2.00% per annum (determined based on average quarterly excess availability). Base rate loans accrue interest at the base rate plus a margin of 0.50-1.00% per annum (determined based on average quarterly excess availability). Ravenswood is required to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Ravenswood ABL Facility of 0.25% or 0.375% per annum (determined on a ratio of unutilized revolving credit commitments to available revolving credit commitments).

Subject to customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans, borrowings under the Ravenswood ABL Facility may be repaid from time to time without premium or penalty.

Ravenswood’s obligations under the Ravenswood ABL Facility are guaranteed by Constellium U.S. Holdings I, LLC and Constellium Holdco II B.V. (“Holdco II”). Ravenswood’s obligations under the Ravenswood ABL Facility are not guaranteed by the Company, Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or any of its subsidiaries or any of Holdco II’s subsidiaries organized outside of the United States. Ravenswood’s obligations under the Ravenswood ABL Facility are, subject to certain permitted liens, secured on a first priority basis by substantially all assets of Ravenswood. Ravenswood’s obligations under the Ravenswood ABL Facility are not secured by any assets of Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or any of its subsidiaries or the Company or any of its subsidiaries organized outside of the United States. The guarantee by Holdco II of the Ravenswood ABL Facility is unsecured.

The Ravenswood ABL Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including, among other things, negative covenants limiting Ravenswood’s ability to incur debt, grant liens, enter into sale and lease-back

 

-111-


Table of Contents

transactions, make investments, loans and advances (including to other Constellium group companies), make acquisitions, sell assets, pay dividends and other restricted payments, prepay certain debt, merge, consolidate or amalgamate and engage in affiliate transactions. The negative covenants contained in the Ravenswood ABL Facility do not apply to Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC or any of its subsidiaries or the Company or any of its subsidiaries organized outside of the United States.

The Ravenswood ABL Facility also contains a minimum availability covenant that requires Ravenswood to maintain excess availability under the Ravenswood ABL Facility of at least the greater of (a) $10 million and (b) 10% of the aggregate revolving loan commitments.

The Ravenswood ABL Facility also contains customary events of default.

European Factoring Agreements

On January 4, 2011, certain of our French subsidiaries (the “French Sellers”) entered into a factoring agreement with GE Factofrance S.A.S., as factor (the “French Factor”), which has been amended from time to time, and has been fully restated on December 3, 2015 (the “French Factoring Agreement”). On December 16, 2010, certain of our German and Swiss subsidiaries (the “German/Swiss Sellers”) entered into factoring agreements with GE Capital Bank AG, as factor (the “German/Swiss Factor”), which have been amended from time to time or replaced with a factoring agreement entered into on March 26, 2014 (the “German/Swiss Factoring Agreements”). On June 26, 2015, our Czech subsidiary (the “Czech Seller”, and together with the German/Swiss Sellers and the French Sellers, the “European Factoring Sellers”) entered into a factoring agreement with GE Capital Bank AG, as factor (the “Czech Factor”, and together with the German/Swiss Factor and the French Factor, the “European Factors”), as amended from time to time (the “Czech Factoring Agreement”, and together with the German/Swiss Factoring Agreements and the French Factoring Agreement, the “European Factoring Agreements”).

The European Factoring Agreements provide for the sale by the European Factoring Sellers to the European Factors of receivables originated by the European Factoring Sellers, subject to a maximum financing amount of €235 million available to the French Sellers under the French Factoring Agreement and €115 million available to the German/Swiss Sellers and the Czech Seller under the German/Swiss Factoring Agreements and the Czech Factoring Agreement, respectively. The German/ Swiss Factoring Agreements have a termination date of June 4, 2017. The French Factoring Agreement has a termination date of December 31, 2018. The funding made available to the European Factoring Sellers by the European Factors is used by the Sellers for general corporate purposes.

Generally speaking, receivables sold to the European Factors under the European Factoring Agreements are with no recourse to the European Factoring Sellers in the event of a payment default by the relevant customer. The European Factors are entitled to claim the repayment of any amount financed by them in respect of a receivable by withdrawing the financing provided against such assigned receivable or requiring the European Factoring Sellers to repurchase/unwind the purchase of such receivable under certain circumstances, including when (i) the non-payment of that receivable arises from a dispute between a European Factoring Seller and the relevant customer or (ii) the receivable proves not to have satisfied the eligibility criteria set forth in the European Factoring Agreements.

The German/Swiss Factoring Agreements and the Czech Factoring Agreement are without recourse to the German/Swiss Sellers and the Czech Seller, respectively, for any credit risk resulting from the inability of a debtor to meet its payment obligations under the receivables sold to the German/Swiss Factor, respectively the Czech Factor. Constellium Holdco II B.V. has provided a performance guaranty for the Sellers’ obligations under the European Factoring Agreements.

Subject to some exceptions, the European Factoring Sellers will collect the transferred receivables on behalf of the European Factors pursuant to a receivables collection mandate under the European Factoring Agreements.

 

-112-


Table of Contents

The receivables collection mandate may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events. In the event that the receivables collection mandate is terminated, the European Factors will be entitled to notify the account debtors of the assignment of receivables and collect directly from the account debtors the assigned receivables.

The European Factoring Agreements contain customary fees, including (i) a financing fee on the outstanding amount financed in respect of the assigned receivables, (ii) a non-utilization fee on the portion of the facilities not utilized by the European Factors and (iii) a factoring fee on all assigned receivables in the case of the German/Swiss Factoring Agreements and sold receivables, which were approved by the French Factor in the case of the French Factoring Agreement. In addition, the European Factoring Sellers incur the cost of maintaining the necessary credit insurance (as stipulated in the European Factoring Agreements) on assigned receivables.

The European Factoring Agreements contain certain affirmative and negative covenants, including relating to the administration and collection of the assigned receivables, the terms of the invoices and the exchange of information, but do not contain restrictive financial covenants. As of and for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2015, the European Factoring Sellers were in compliance with all applicable covenants under the European Factoring Agreements.

Wise Senior Secured Notes

On December 11, 2013, Wise Metals Group LLC and Wise Alloys Finance Corporation issued $650 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (the “Wise Senior Secured Notes”). Wise used a portion of the proceeds from the offering of the Wise Senior Secured Notes to repay all outstanding indebtedness under a $400 million term loan and a $70 million delayed draw term loan owed to the Employees’ Retirement System of Alabama and the Teachers’ Retirement System of Alabama (collectively, the “RSA”) and to redeem all of the outstanding cumulative-convertible 10% paid-in-kind preferred membership interests in Wise Metals Group LLC held by the RSA.

Interest on the Wise Senior Secured Notes accrues at a rate of 8.75% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. The Wise Senior Secured Notes mature on December 15, 2018.

The Wise Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed by certain of Wise Metals Group LLC’s existing and future 100% owned domestic restricted subsidiaries. The Wise Senior Secured Notes are not guaranteed by the Company or any of its other subsidiaries. The Wise Senior Secured Notes and related guarantees are secured on a first-priority basis, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, by a lien on substantially all of the issuers’ and guarantors’ existing and after-acquired material domestic real estate, equipment, stock of subsidiaries, intellectual property and substantially all of the issuers’ and guarantors’ other assets that do not secure the Wise ABL Facility on a first-priority basis, other than the Specified Mill Assets Collateral (as defined below), which have been pledged to secure the Wise Senior Secured Notes and the related guarantees, as well as certain obligations to Rexam under the Rexam Advance Agreement, on a first-priority, equal and ratable basis. The Wise Senior Secured Notes and related guarantees are secured on a second-priority basis by a lien on all of the issuers’ and guarantors’ domestic assets that consist of Wise ABL Priority Collateral (as defined below).

Prior to June 15, 2016, the Wise Senior Secured Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Wise Senior Secured Notes redeemed plus an applicable make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date. Prior to June 15, 2016, up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Wise Senior Secured Notes outstanding may be redeemed with the net proceeds of specified equity offerings at 108.750% of the principal amount of the Wise Senior Secured Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

 

-113-


Table of Contents

On or after June 15, 2016, the Wise Senior Secured Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) of 104.375% for the twelve-month period beginning on June 15, 2016, 102.188% for the twelve-month period beginning on June 15, 2017, and par on or after June 15, 2018, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.

In addition, upon certain events constituting a “Change of Control” (as defined in the indenture governing the Wise Senior Secured Notes), the issuers of the Wise Senior Secured Notes must make an offer (a “Senior Secured Notes Offer to Purchase”) to repurchase all outstanding Wise Senior Secured Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Wise Senior Secured Notes so repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The Wise Senior Secured Notes contain customary covenants including, among other things, limitations and restrictions on Wise’s ability to: incur additional indebtedness; make dividend payments or other restricted payments; create liens; sell assets; sell securities of subsidiaries; agree to payment restrictions affecting Wise’s restricted subsidiaries; designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates; and enter into mergers, consolidations or certain asset sales.

On October 10, 2014, Constellium, on behalf of the issuers of the Wise Senior Secured Notes, solicited consents from the holders of the Wise Senior Secured Notes to certain amendments (the “Proposed Amendments”) to the indenture governing the Wise Senior Secured Notes. The Proposed Amendments provided that the Wise Acquisition would not constitute a “Change of Control.” On October 17, 2014, Constellium obtained the requisite consents to the Proposed Amendments and the issuers and guarantors of the Wise Senior Secured Notes and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent, entered into a supplemental indenture to the indenture governing the Wise Senior Secured Notes. Pursuant to the terms of the supplemental indenture, the Proposed Amendments became operative immediately prior to the effective time of the Wise Acquisition. Accordingly, the issuers of the Wise Senior Secured Notes were not required to make a Senior Secured Notes Offer to Purchase in connection with the Wise Acquisition.

Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes

On April 16, 2014, Wise Metals Intermediate Holdings LLC (“Wise Holdco”) and Wise Holdings Finance Corporation issued $150 million in aggregate principal amount of 9.75% / 10.50% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due 2019 (the “Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes”, and together with the Wise Senior Secured Notes, the “Wise Notes”) pursuant to an indenture among Wise Holdco, Wise Holdings Finance Corporation, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee. Wise used a portion of the proceeds from the offering of the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes to fund payments to the holders of equity interests in its parent company, Wise Metals Holdings LLC, that elected (i) to have Wise Metals Holdings LLC repurchase their equity interests or (ii) to take a loan from Wise Metals Holdings LLC in proportion to such holders’ ownership in Wise Metals Holdings LLC. Wise used the remainder of such proceeds for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of $22.5 million of outstanding indebtedness under the Wise ABL Facility.

The Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes mature on June 15, 2019. Interest on the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. The issuers must pay the first and last interest payments on the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes in cash. For each other interest period, the issuers are required to pay interest in cash unless certain conditions described in the indenture governing the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes are met, in which case the issuers may pay interest by increasing the principal amount of outstanding notes or by issuing new notes as payment-in-kind interest (“PIK Interest”). Cash interest on the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes accrues at a rate of 9.75% per annum, and PIK Interest accrues at a rate of 10.50% per annum. On November 5, 2015, Constellium announced that the issuers of the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes were electing to pay the June 2016 interest payment on the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes in kind.

The Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the issuers and are not guaranteed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (including Wise).

 

-114-


Table of Contents

Prior to June 15, 2016, the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes redeemed plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date. In addition, prior to June 15, 2016, up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes outstanding may be redeemed with the net proceeds of specified equity offerings at 109.750% of the principal amount of the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

On or after June 15, 2016, the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) of 104.875% for the twelve-month period beginning on June 15, 2016, 102.438% for the twelve-month period beginning on June 15, 2017, and par on or after June 15, 2018, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.

In addition, upon certain events constituting a “Change of Control” (as defined in the indenture governing the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes), the issuers of the Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes must offer to repurchase all outstanding Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes so repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase (such offer, a “PIK Notes Change of Control Offer”). On January 7, 2015, in connection with the Wise Acquisition, Constellium made a PIK Notes Change of Control Offer, which expired on February 6, 2015 with no Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes having been tendered for repurchase.

The Wise Senior PIK Toggle Notes contain customary covenants including, among other things, limitations and restrictions on Wise’s ability to: Incur additional indebtedness; make dividend payments or other restricted payments; create liens; sell assets; sell securities of subsidiaries; agree to payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries; enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates; and enter into mergers, consolidations or certain asset sales.

On March 7, 2016, Wilmington Trust, National Association was replaced by Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee under the indenture governing the Wise Senior PIK Toggles Notes.

Wise ABL Facility

On December 11, 2013, Wise Alloys LLC, as borrower, and Wise Metals Group LLC, Listerhill Total Maintenance Center, LLC (“TMC”), Wise Alloys Finance Corporation, and Alabama Electric Motor Services, LLC (“AEM”), as guarantors, entered into a $320 million asset-based revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Wise ABL Facility”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto and General Electric Capital Corporation as administrative agent (the “Wise ABL Facility Agent”). As described below, the Wise ABL Facility was amended in connection with the Wise Acquisition and in connection with the Wise RPA.

Wise Alloys LLC has the option to increase the commitments under the Wise ABL Facility from time to time by up to $100 million in the aggregate for all such increases. Any increase of the commitments under the Wise ABL Facility is subject to the commitment of one or more lenders to such increased amount and the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, including the absence of any default under the Wise ABL Facility and, to the extent otherwise required under the Wise ABL Facility at the time of the proposed increase, compliance with the financial covenant (as described below) on an as adjusted basis.

Wise Alloys LLC’s ability to borrow under the Wise ABL Facility is limited to a borrowing base equal to the sum of (a) 85% of net book value of Wise Alloys LLC’s, AEM’s, and TMC’s eligible accounts receivable (other than any accounts receivable from certain foreign account debtors (“Eligible Foreign Account Debtors”) and other ineligible account debtors (or 90% of the net book value of Wise Alloys LLC’s, AEM’s, and TMC’s eligible accounts receivable from Coke), plus (b) the lesser of (i) 85% of the net book value of Wise Alloys LLC’s, AEM’s, and TMC’s eligible accounts receivable from Eligible Foreign Account Debtors and (ii) $12.5

 

-115-


Table of Contents

million, plus (c) the lesser of (i) 75% of the value of Wise Alloys LLC’s eligible raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods inventory and (ii) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of Wise Alloys LLC’s eligible raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods inventory, plus (d) the lesser of (i) 5% of the value of Wise Alloys LLC’s eligible raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods inventory and (ii) 5% of the net orderly liquidation value of Wise Alloys LLC’s eligible raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventory; provided that, in the case of each of clause (i) and (ii), such amount shall not exceed $10 million, minus (e) the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount of TMC’s and AEM’s eligible accounts receivable included in the borrowing base pursuant to the foregoing clause (a) over $1.5 million (which may, at the Wise ABL Facility Agent’s sole discretion after completion of a collateral audit, be increased to an amount not to exceed $5 million) minus (f) the aggregate amount of reserves, if any, established by the Wise ABL Facility Agent. Wise Alloys LLC’s ability to borrow under the Wise ABL Facility is also subject to other conditions and limitations. As of December 31, 2015, there was $25 million available for borrowings under the Wise ABL Facility (as in effect as of that date).

Interest rates under the Wise ABL Facility are based, at Wise Alloys LLC’s election, on either the LIBOR rate or a base rate, plus a spread that ranges from 1.75% to 2.25% for LIBOR loans and 0.75% to 1.25% for base rate loans. The spread is determined on the basis of a pricing grid that results in a higher spread as Wise Alloys LLC’s average quarterly borrowing availability under the Wise ABL Facility declines, and, in each case, are based upon the borrowing base calculation delivered to the Wise ABL Facility Agent for the last calendar month (or, in certain instances, week) of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter.

Letters of credit under the Wise ABL Facility are subject to a fee payable to the lenders equal to the current margin applicable to LIBOR loans multiplied by the daily balance of the undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit, payable in cash monthly in arrears.

Unused commitments under the Wise ABL Facility are subject to an unused commitment fee equal to the aggregate amount of such unused commitments multiplied by a rate equal to 0.375% per annum, payable in cash monthly in arrears, of the average available but unused borrowing capacity under the Wise ABL Facility.

Subject to customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR loans, borrowings under the Wise ABL Facility may be repaid from time to time without premium or penalty.

The obligations of Wise Alloys LLC under the Wise ABL Facility are secured by (i) a first priority (subject to certain specified permitted liens), perfected security interest in all of Wise Alloys LLC and the guarantors’ (other than Constellium Holdco II B.V.) present and future assets and properties consisting of Wise ABL Priority Collateral, (ii) a second priority (subordinate only to the security interest and liens under the Wise Senior Secured Notes and subject to certain specified permitted liens), perfected security interest in all of Wise Alloys LLC and the guarantors’ (other than Constellium Holdco II B.V.) present and future assets and properties, other than Wise ABL Priority Collateral and the Specified Mill Assets Collateral, and (iii) a second priority (subordinate only to the security interest under the Wise Senior Secured Notes and the Rexam Advance Agreement and subject to certain specified permitted liens), perfected security interest in all of Wise Alloys LLC and the guarantors’ present and future assets and properties consisting of Specified Mill Assets Collateral.

“Wise ABL Priority Collateral” consists of (i) accounts and payment intangibles, (ii) inventory, (iii) deposit accounts and securities accounts, including all monies, uncertificated securities and other funds held in or on deposit therein (including all cash, marketable securities and other funds held in or on deposit in either of the foregoing), (iv) all investment property, equipment, general intangibles, books and records pertaining to the Wise ABL Priority Collateral, documents, instruments, chattel paper, letter-of-credit rights, supporting obligations related to the foregoing, business interruption insurance, commercial tort claims, and (v) all proceeds of the foregoing, in each case subject to certain exceptions.

“Specified Mill Assets Collateral” consists of the equipment and fixtures of Wise Alloys LLC and the guarantors constituting the three-stand mill located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama which are being financed pursuant to the Rexam Advance Agreement and related assets.

 

-116-


Table of Contents

The Wise ABL Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including, among other things, negative covenants limiting Wise Alloys LLC, the guarantors, and their respective restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur debt, grant liens, make investments, loans and advances, make acquisitions, sell assets, pay dividends and other restricted payments, prepay certain debt, merge, consolidate or amalgamate and engage in affiliate transactions.

The Wise ABL Facility provides that if borrowing availability thereunder drops below a threshold amount equal to the greater of (a) 10% of the aggregate commitments under the Wise ABL Facility and (b) $20 million, Wise Alloys LLC will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0, calculated on a trailing twelve month basis until such time as borrowing availability has been at least equal to the greater of $20 million and 10% of the aggregate commitments under the Wise ABL Facility for thirty consecutive days.

The Wise ABL Facility also contains customary events of default, including an event of default triggered by certain changes of control. The Wise Acquisition constituted such a change of control.

In connection with the Wise Acquisition, we amended the Wise ABL Facility to, among other things, (i) provide that the consummation of the Wise Acquisition does not constitute an event of default, (ii) remove from the collateral securing the Wise ABL Facility the receivables of a single obligor that will be sold under the Wise RPA, (iii) permit transactions between Wise and its subsidiaries on the one hand and Constellium and its subsidiaries on the other, subject to certain conditions, and (iv) on the effective date of the Wise RPA, reduce the size of the facility to $200 million. As amended, the Wise ABL Facility also provides for Constellium Holdco II B.V. to guarantee the obligations thereunder.

On November 4, 2015, in connection with the Wise RPA Amendment (as defined below), we amended the Wise ABL Facility to increase the amount of certain receivables permitted to be sold pursuant to receivables factoring arrangements from $300 million to $400 million.

On March 1, 2016, General Electric Capital Corporation resigned as the Wise ABL Facility Agent and was replaced by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

Wise Factoring Facilities

On March 23, 2015, Wise Alloys LLC entered into a Receivables Purchase Agreement (the “Wise RPA”) with Wise Alloys Funding LLC (the “Wise RPA Seller”) and HSBC Bank USA, National Association (the “Wise RPA Purchaser”), providing for the sale of certain receivables of Wise Alloys LLC to the Wise RPA Purchaser in an amount not to exceed $100 million in the aggregate outstanding at any time. Receivables under the agreement were sold at a discount based on a rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.80-3.50% (based on the credit rating of the account debtor) per annum. Wise Alloys Funding LLC was also required to pay the Wise RPA Purchaser a commitment fee on the unused portion of the commitments under the Wise RPA of 0.40-1.75% (based on the credit rating of the account debtor) per annum. Subject to certain customary exceptions, each purchase under the Wise RPA was made without recourse to the Wise RPA Seller. The Wise RPA Seller has no liability to the Wise RPA Purchaser, and the Wise RPA Purchaser is solely responsible for the account debtor’s failure to pay any purchased receivable when it is due and payable under the terms applicable thereto. Constellium Holdco II B.V. provided a guaranty for the Wise RPA Seller’s performance obligations under the Wise RPA. The Wise RPA does not provide for further sales of receivables after March 23, 2016.

On March 16, 2016, Wise Alloys LLC (“Wise Alloys”) entered into a Receivables Purchase Agreement (the “New Wise RPA”) with Wise Alloys Funding II LLC (the “New Wise RPA Seller”), Hitachi Capital America Corp. (the “New Wise RPA Purchaser”), and Greensill Capital Inc., as purchaser agent, providing for the sale of certain receivables of Wise Alloys to the New Wise RPA Purchaser in an amount not to exceed $100 million in the aggregate outstanding at any time. Receivables under the New Wise RPA will be sold at a discount based on a rate equal to a LIBOR rate plus 2.00-2.50% (based on the credit rating of the account debtor) per annum.

 

-117-


Table of Contents

Subject to certain customary exceptions, each purchase under the New Wise RPA will be made without recourse to the New Wise RPA Seller. The New Wise RPA Seller has no liability to the New Wise RPA Purchaser, and the New Wise RPA Purchaser is solely responsible for the account debtor’s failure to pay any purchased receivable when it is due and payable under the terms applicable thereto. Constellium Holdco II B.V. has provided a guaranty for the New Wise RPA Seller’s and Wise Alloys’ performance obligations under the New Wise RPA.

The New Wise RPA contains customary covenants. The New Wise RPA Purchaser’s obligation to purchase receivables under the New Wise RPA is subject to certain conditions, including without limitation that certain changes of control shall not have occurred, that there shall not have occurred a material adverse change in the business condition, operations or performance of the New Wise RPA Seller, Wise Alloys, or Constellium Holdco II B.V., and that Constellium’s corporate credit rating shall not have been withdrawn by either Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s or downgraded below B- by Standard & Poor’s and B3 by Moody’s.

The New Wise RPA Purchaser’s obligation to purchase receivables under the New Wise RPA will terminate on March 15, 2017.

Metal Supply Agreements

In connection with the Acquisition, Constellium Switzerland, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Constellium N.V., entered into certain agreements dated as of January 4, 2011 with Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. (“Rio Tinto Alcan”), Aluminium Pechiney and Alcan Holdings Switzerland AG (“AHS”), each of which is an affiliate of Rio Tinto, which provide for, among other things, the supply of metal by Rio Tinto affiliates to Constellium Switzerland, the provision of certain technical assistance and other services relating to aluminium-lithium, a covenant by Rio Tinto Alcan to refrain from producing, supplying or selling aluminium-lithium alloys to third parties and certain cost reimbursement obligations of AHS. Constellium has provided a guarantee to Rio Tinto Alcan and Aluminium Pechiney in respect of Constellium Switzerland’s obligations under the supply agreements. Constellium Switzerland and Rio Tinto Alcan have a multi-year supply agreement for the supply of sheet ingot. The agreement provides for certain representations and warranties, audit and inspection rights, on-time shipment requirements and other customary terms and conditions. Each party is required to pay certain penalty or reimbursement amounts in the event it fails or is unable to purchase or supply, as applicable, specified minimum annual quantities of metal.

 

D. Exchange Controls

There are no limits under the laws of the Netherlands or in our Amended and Restated Articles of Association on non-residents of the Netherlands holding or voting our ordinary shares. Currently, there are no exchange controls under the laws of the Netherlands on the conduct of our operations or affecting the remittance of dividends.

French exchange control regulations currently do not limit the amount of payments that we may remit to non-residents of France, subject to any restrictions that may be applicable by reason of embargos or similar measures in force with respect to certain countries and/or persons. Laws and regulations concerning foreign exchange controls do require, however, that all payments or transfers of funds made by a French resident to a non-resident be handled by an accredited intermediary.

 

E. Taxation

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to acquiring, owning and disposing of our ordinary shares by a U.S. Holder (as defined below) that holds the ordinary shares

 

-118-


Table of Contents

as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This discussion is based upon existing U.S. federal income tax law, including the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations thereunder, rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been sought with respect to any U.S. federal income tax consequences described below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position.

This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances, including investors subject to special tax rules (for example, financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, broker-dealers, traders in securities that elect mark-to-market treatment, partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes and their partners and investors, tax-exempt organizations (including private foundations), investors who are not U.S. Holders, U.S. Holders who own (directly, indirectly or constructively) 10% or more of our stock (by vote or value), U.S. Holders that acquire their ordinary shares pursuant to any employee share option or otherwise as compensation, U.S. Holders that hold their ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, wash sale, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes or U.S. Holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below). In addition, this discussion does not discuss any U.S. federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax consequences, any tax consequences of the Medicare tax on certain investment income pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, or any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences. Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax considerations of an investment in our ordinary shares.

General

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created in, or organized under the law of, the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has otherwise validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person under the Code.

If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Partnerships holding our ordinary shares, and partners in such partnerships, are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their investment in our ordinary shares.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Consequences

We believe that we will not be a “passive foreign investment company” for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“PFIC”) for the current taxable year and that we have not been a PFIC for prior taxable years and we expect that we will not become a PFIC in the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurance in this regard. A foreign corporation will be a PFIC in any taxable year in which, after taking into account the income and assets of the corporation and certain subsidiaries pursuant to applicable “look-through rules,” either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income,” or (ii) at least 50% of its assets produce or are held for the production of “passive income.” For this purpose, “passive income” generally includes dividends, interest, royalties and rents and certain other categories of income, subject to certain exceptions. The determination of whether we are a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination that includes ascertaining the fair market value (or, in

 

-119-


Table of Contents

certain circumstances, tax basis) of all of our assets on a quarterly basis and the character of each item of income we earn. This determination is made annually and cannot be completed until the close of a taxable year. It depends upon the portion of our assets (including goodwill) and income characterized as passive under the PFIC rules, as described above. Accordingly, it is possible that we may become a PFIC due to changes in our income or asset composition or a decline in the market value of our equity. Because PFIC status is a fact-intensive determination, no assurance can be given that we are not, have not been, or will not become, classified as a PFIC.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year, U.S. Holders generally will be subject to special tax rules that could result in materially adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. In such event, a U.S. Holder may be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest applicable ordinary income tax rates on (i) any “excess distribution” that we make to the U.S. Holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S. Holder that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ordinary shares), or (ii) any gain realized on the disposition of our ordinary shares. In addition, a U.S. Holder may be subject to an interest charge on such tax. Furthermore, the favorable dividend tax rates that may apply to certain U.S. Holders on our dividends will not apply if we are a PFIC during the taxable year in which such dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year.

As an alternative to the foregoing rules, if we are a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder may make a mark-to-market election with respect to our ordinary shares, provided that the ordinary shares are regularly traded. Although no assurances may be given, we expect that our ordinary shares should qualify as being regularly traded. If a U.S. Holder makes a valid mark-to-market election, the U.S. Holder will generally (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of our ordinary shares held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ordinary shares and (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ordinary shares over the fair market value of such ordinary shares held at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ordinary shares would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. Gain on the sale or other disposition of our ordinary shares would be treated as ordinary income, and loss on the sale or other disposition of our ordinary shares would be treated as an ordinary loss, but only to the extent of the amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election in respect of a corporation classified as a PFIC and such corporation ceases to be classified as a PFIC, the holder will not be required to take into account the gain or loss described above during any period that such corporation is not classified as a PFIC. Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to such U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any investment held by us that is treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Subject to certain limitations, a U.S. Holder may make a “qualified electing fund” election (“QEF election”), which serves as a further alternative to the foregoing rules, with respect to its investment in a PFIC. In order for a U.S. Holder to be able to make a QEF election, we must provide such U.S. Holders with certain information. Because we do not intend to provide U.S. Holders with the information needed to make such an election, prospective investors should assume that the QEF election will not be available.

Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning or disposing of our ordinary shares if we are or become classified as a PFIC, including the possibility of making a mark-to-market election.

The remainder of the discussion below assumes that we are not a PFIC, have not been a PFIC and will not become a PFIC in the future.

Distributions

The gross amount of distributions with respect to our ordinary shares (including the amount of any non-U.S. withholding taxes) will be taxable as dividends, to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and

 

-120-


Table of Contents

profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Such distributions will be includable in a U.S. Holder’s gross income as ordinary dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.

To the extent that the amount of the distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, the distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our ordinary shares, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds the U.S. Holder’s tax basis, the excess will be taxed as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange of such ordinary shares. Because we do not expect to determine our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, U.S. Holders should expect that a distribution will generally be reported as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, even if that distribution would otherwise be treated as a tax-free return of capital or as capital gain under the rules described above.

With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, certain dividends received from a “qualified foreign corporation” may be subject to reduced rates of U.S. federal income taxation. A non-U.S. corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid by that corporation on shares that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. We believe our ordinary shares, which are listed on the NYSE, are considered to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, although there can be no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future. Non-corporate U.S. Holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss, or that elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code, will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of our status as a qualified foreign corporation. In addition, even if the minimum holding period requirement has been met, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules given your particular circumstances.

In the event that a U.S. Holder is subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes on dividends paid to such U.S. Holder with respect to our ordinary shares, such U.S. Holder may be eligible, subject to certain conditions and limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit for such non-U.S. withholding taxes against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability or alternatively deduct such non-U.S. withholding taxes in computing such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. Dividends paid to a U.S. Holder with respect to our ordinary shares are expected to generally constitute “foreign source income” and to generally be treated as “passive category income,” for purposes of the foreign tax credit, except that a portion of such dividends may be treated as income from U.S. sources if (i) United States persons own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of our ordinary shares (by vote or value) and (ii) we receive more than a de minimis amount of income from U.S. sources. The rules governing the foreign tax credit and ability to deduct such non-U.S. withholding taxes are complex and involve the application of rules that depend upon your particular circumstances. You are urged to consult your own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit or deduction under your particular circumstances.

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for our ordinary shares and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such ordinary shares. Such gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss. Capital gains of individuals derived with respect to capital assets held for more than one year generally are eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder will generally be treated as U.S. source gain or loss. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a non-U.S. tax is imposed on a sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares, including the availability of the foreign tax credit or deduction under your particular circumstances.

 

-121-


Table of Contents

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

A U.S. Holder with interests in “specified foreign financial assets” (including, among other assets, our ordinary shares, unless such shares were held on such U.S. Holder’s behalf through a financial institution) may be required to file an information report with the IRS if the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds certain threshold amounts. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the possible obligation to file such information reports in light of your particular circumstances.

Moreover, information reporting generally will apply to dividends in respect of our ordinary shares and the proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares that are paid to a U.S. Holder within the United States (and in certain cases, outside the United States), unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient. Backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%) may also apply to such payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide an appropriate certification with such U.S. Holder’s taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. You should consult your tax advisors regarding the application of the U.S. information reporting and backup withholding rules to your particular circumstances.

US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Provisions under the Code and Treasury regulations thereunder, commonly referred to as “FATCA,” may impose 30% withholding on certain payments made by a “foreign financial institution” (as defined in the Code) that has entered into an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service to perform certain diligence and reporting obligations with respect to the foreign financial institution’s accounts (each such foreign financial institution, a “Participating Foreign Financial Institution”). If we were treated as a foreign financial institution and if we become a Participating Foreign Financial Institution, such withholding may be imposed on payments on our ordinary shares (to the extent such payments are considered “foreign passthru payments”) to any foreign financial institution (including an intermediary through which a holder may hold ordinary shares) that is not a Participating Foreign Financial Institution or any other investor who does not provide information sufficient to establish that the investor is not subject to withholding under FATCA, unless such foreign financial institution or investor is otherwise exempt from FATCA. The term “foreign passthru payment” is not yet defined and it is therefore not clear whether or to what extent payments on our ordinary shares would be considered foreign passthru payments. Under recent IRS guidance, withholding on foreign passthru payments would not be required with respect to payments made before the later of January 1, 2019 or the date of publication in the Federal Register of final regulations defining the term “foreign passthru payment.” You should consult your tax advisor regarding the potential impact of FATCA, or any intergovernmental agreement or non-US legislation implementing FATCA, on your investment in our ordinary shares. FATCA IS PARTICULARLY COMPLEX AND ITS APPLICATION TO US, OUR ORDINARY SHARES AND HOLDERS OF OUR SHARES IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. EACH HOLDER OF OUR SHARES SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR TO OBTAIN A MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION OF FATCA AND TO LEARN HOW FATCA MIGHT AFFECT EACH HOLDER IN ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCE.

Material Dutch Tax Consequences

General

The information set out below is a summary of certain material Dutch tax consequences in connection with the acquisition, ownership and transfer of our ordinary shares. This summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the Dutch tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular holder of our ordinary shares. Such holders may be subject to special tax treatment under any applicable law and this summary is not intended to be applicable in respect of all categories of holders of our ordinary shares.

This summary is based on the tax laws of the Netherlands as in effect on January 1, 2016, as well as regulations, rulings and decisions of the Netherlands or of its taxing and other authorities available in printed

 

-122-


Table of Contents

form on or before such date and now in effect, and as applied and interpreted by Netherlands courts, without prejudice to any amendments introduced at a later date and implemented with or without retroactive effect. All of the foregoing is subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.

For Dutch tax purposes, a holder of our ordinary shares may include an individual who, or an entity that, does not have the legal title to our ordinary shares, but to whom nevertheless our ordinary shares are attributed based either on such individual or entity holding a beneficial interest in our ordinary shares or based on specific statutory provisions, including statutory provisions pursuant to which our ordinary shares are attributed to an individual who is, or who has directly or indirectly inherited from a person who was, the settlor, grantor or similar originator of a trust, foundation or similar entity that holds our ordinary shares, such as the separated private assets (afgezonderd particulier vermogen) provisions of the Dutch Income Tax Act 2001 (Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001) and the Dutch Gift and Inheritance Tax Act 1956 (Successiewet 1956).

Because it is a general summary, prospective holders of our ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisors as to the Dutch or other tax consequences of the acquisition, holding and transfer of the ordinary shares including, in particular, the application to their particular situations of the tax considerations discussed below, as well as the application of foreign or other tax laws.

This summary does not describe any tax consequences arising under the laws of any taxing jurisdiction other than the Netherlands in connection with the acquisition, ownership and transfer of our ordinary shares. The Netherlands means the part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located in Europe.

Any reference hereafter made to a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation concluded by the Netherlands, includes the Tax Arrangement for the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Belastingregeling voor het Koninkrijk), the Tax Arrangement the Netherlands Curacao (Belastingregeling Nederland Curaco) and the Tax Arrangement for the country of the Netherlands (Belastingregeling voor het land Nederland).

Dividend Withholding Tax

General

Dividends paid on our ordinary shares to a holder of ordinary shares are generally subject to withholding tax of 15% imposed by the Netherlands. Generally, the dividend withholding tax will not be borne by us, but we will withhold from the gross dividends paid on our ordinary shares. The term “dividends” for this purpose includes, but is not limited to:

 

    distributions in cash or in kind, deemed and constructive distributions and repayments of paid-in capital not recognized for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes;

 

    liquidation proceeds, proceeds of redemption of shares or, generally, consideration for the repurchase of shares in excess of the average paid-in capital recognized for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes;

 

    the nominal value of shares issued to a shareholder or an increase of the nominal value of shares, as the case may be, to the extent that it does not appear that a contribution to the capital recognized for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes was made or will be made; and

 

    partial repayment of paid-in capital, recognized for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes, if and to the extent that there are net profits (zuivere winst), within the meaning of the Dutch Dividend Withholding Tax Act 1965 (Wet op de dividendbelasting 1965), unless the general meeting of shareholders has resolved in advance to make such a repayment and provided that the nominal value of the shares concerned has been reduced by a corresponding amount by way of an amendment of our Amended and Restated Articles of Association.

 

-123-


Table of Contents

Holder of Our Ordinary Shares Resident in the Netherlands

A holder of our ordinary shares who is, or who is deemed to be, a resident of the Netherlands can generally credit the withholding tax against his Dutch income tax or Dutch corporate income tax liability and is generally entitled to a refund of dividend withholding taxes exceeding his aggregate Dutch income tax or Dutch corporate income tax liability, provided certain conditions are met, unless such holder of our ordinary shares is not considered to be the beneficial owner of the dividends.

A holder of our ordinary shares who is the recipient of dividends (the “Recipient”) will not be considered the beneficial owner of the dividends for this purpose if:

 

    as a consequence of a combination of transactions, a person other than the Recipient wholly or partly benefits from the dividends;

 

    whereby such other person retains, directly or indirectly, an interest similar to that in the ordinary shares on which the dividends were paid; and

 

    that other person is entitled to a credit, reduction or refund of dividend withholding tax that is less than that of the Recipient (“Dividend Stripping”).

Holder of Our Ordinary Shares not Resident in the Netherlands

With respect to a holder of our ordinary shares, who is not and is not deemed to be a resident of the Netherlands for purposes of Dutch taxation and who is considered to be a resident of a country other than the Netherlands under the provisions of a double taxation convention the Netherlands has concluded with such country, the following may apply. Such holder of our ordinary shares may, depending on the terms of and subject to compliance with the procedures for claiming benefits under such double taxation convention, be eligible for a full or partial exemption from or a reduction or refund of Dutch dividend withholding tax.

In addition, an exemption from Dutch dividend withholding tax will generally apply to dividends distributed to certain qualifying entities, provided that the following tests are satisfied:

 

  (i) the entity is a resident of another EU member state or of a designated state that is a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (currently Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein), according to the tax laws of such state;

 

  (ii) the entity at the time of the distribution has an interest in us to which the participation exemption as meant in article 13 of the Dutch Corporate Income Tax Act 1969 (Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969) or to which the participation credit as meant in article 13aa of the Dutch Corporate Income Tax Act 1969 would have been applicable, had such entity been a tax resident of the Netherlands;

 

  (iii) the entity does not perform a similar function as an exempt investment institution (vrijgestelde beleggingsinstelling) or fiscal investment institution (fiscale beleggingsinstelling), as defined in the Dutch Corporate Income Tax Act 1969; and

 

  (iv) the entity is, in its state of residence, not considered to be resident outside the EU member states or the designated states that are party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area under the terms of a double taxation convention concluded with a third state.

The exemption from Dutch dividend withholding tax is not available if pursuant to a provision for the prevention of fraud or abuse included in a double taxation treaty between the Netherlands and the country of residence of the non-resident holder of our ordinary shares, such holder would not be entitled to the reduction of tax on dividends provided for by such treaty. Furthermore, the exemption from Dutch dividend withholding tax will only be available to the beneficial owner of the dividend.

 

-124-


Table of Contents

Furthermore, certain entities that are resident in another EU member state or in a designated state that is a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (currently Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and that are not subject to taxation levied by reference to profits in their state of residence, may be entitled to a refund of Dutch dividend withholding tax, provided:

 

  (i) such entity, had it been a resident in the Netherlands, would not be subject to corporate income tax in the Netherlands;

 

  (ii) such entity can be considered to be the beneficial owner of the dividends;

 

  (iii) such entity does not perform a similar function to that of a fiscal investment institution (fiscale beleggingsinstelling) or an exempt investment institution (vrijgestelde beleggingsinstelling) as defined in the Dutch Corporate Income Tax Act 1969; and

 

  (iv) certain administrative conditions are met.

Dividend distributions to a U.S. holder of our ordinary shares (with an interest of less than 10% of the voting rights in us) are subject to 15% dividend withholding tax, which is equal to the rate such U.S. holder may be entitled to under the Convention Between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, executed in Washington on December 18, 1992, as amended from time to time (the “Netherlands-U.S. Convention”). As such, there is no need to claim a refund of the excess of the amount withheld over the tax treaty rate.

On the basis of article 35 of the Netherlands-U.S. Convention, qualifying U.S. pension trusts are under certain conditions entitled to a full exemption from Dutch dividend withholding tax. Such qualifying exempt U.S. pension trusts must provide us form IB 96 USA, along with a valid certificate, for the application of relief at source from dividend withholding tax. If we receive the required documentation prior to the relevant dividend payment date, then we may apply such relief at source. If a qualifying exempt U.S. pension trust fails to satisfy these requirements prior to the payment of a dividend, then such qualifying exempt pension trust may claim a refund of Dutch withholding tax by filing form IB 96 USA with the Dutch tax authorities. On the basis of article 36 of the Netherlands-U.S. Convention, qualifying exempt U.S. organizations are under certain conditions entitled to a full exemption from Dutch dividend withholding tax. Such qualifying exempt U.S. organizations are not entitled to claim relief at source, and instead must claim a refund of Dutch withholding tax by filing form IB 95 USA with the Dutch tax authorities.

The concept of Dividend Stripping, described above, may also be applied to determine whether a holder of our ordinary shares may be eligible for a full or partial exemption from, reduction or refund of Dutch dividend withholding tax, as described in the preceding paragraphs.

In general, we will be required to remit all amounts withheld as Dutch dividend withholding tax to the Dutch tax authorities. However, in connection with distributions received by us from our foreign subsidiaries, we are allowed, subject to certain conditions, to reduce the amount of Dutch dividend withholding tax to be remitted to Dutch tax authorities by the lesser of:

 

  (i) 3% of the portion of the distribution paid by us that is subject to Dutch dividend withholding tax; and

 

  (ii) 3% of the dividends and profit distributions, before deduction of non-Dutch withholding taxes, received by us from qualifying foreign subsidiaries in the current calendar year (up to the date of the distribution by us) and the two preceding calendar years, insofar as such dividends and profit distributions have not yet been taken into account for purposes of establishing the above-mentioned deductions.

For purposes of determining the 3% threshold under (i) above, a distribution by us is not taken into account in case the Dutch dividend withholding tax withheld in respect thereof may be fully refunded, unless the recipient of such distribution is a qualifying entity that is not subject to corporate income tax.

 

-125-


Table of Contents

Although this reduction reduces the amount of Dutch dividend withholding tax that we are required to pay to the Dutch tax authorities, it does not reduce the amount of tax that we are required to withhold from dividends.

Tax on Income and Capital Gains

General

The description of taxation set out in this section of this Annual Report is not intended for any holder of our ordinary shares, who:

 

  (i) is an individual and for whom the income or capital gains derived from the ordinary shares are attributable to employment activities the income from which is taxable in the Netherlands;

 

  (ii) is an entity that is a resident or deemed to be a resident of the Netherlands and that is, in whole or in part, not subject to or exempt from Netherlands corporate income tax;

 

  (iii) is an entity that has an interest in us to which the participation exemption (deelnemingsvrijstelling) or the participation credit (deelnemingsverrekening) is applicable as set out in the Dutch Corporate Income Tax Act 1969;

 

  (iv) is a fiscal investment institution (fiscale beleggingsinstelling) or an exempt investment institution (vrijgestelde beleggingsinstelling) as defined in the Dutch Corporate Income Tax Act 1969; or

 

  (v) has a substantial interest (aanmerkelijk belang) or a deemed substantial interest as defined in the Dutch Income Tax Act 2001 in us.

Generally a holder of our ordinary shares will have a substantial interest in us in the meaning of paragraph (v) above if he holds, alone or together with his partner (statutorily defined term), whether directly or indirectly, the ownership of, or certain other rights over shares representing 5% or more of our total issued and outstanding capital (or the issued and outstanding capital of any class of our shares), or rights to acquire shares, whether or not already issued, which represent at any time 5% or more of our total issued and outstanding capital (or the issued and outstanding capital of any class of our shares) or the ownership of certain profit participating certificates that relate to 5% or more of the annual profit and/or to 5% or more of the liquidation proceeds of us. A holder of our ordinary shares will also have a substantial interest in us if one of certain relatives of that holder or of his partner (a statutory defined term) has a substantial interest in us.

If a holder of our ordinary shares does not have a substantial interest, a deemed substantial interest will be present if (part of) a substantial interest has been disposed of, or is deemed to have been disposed of, without recognizing taxable gain.

Residents of the Netherlands

Individuals

An individual who is resident or deemed to be resident in the Netherlands (a “Dutch Resident Individual”) and who holds our ordinary shares will be subject to Netherlands income tax on income and/or capital gains derived from our ordinary shares at the progressive rate (up to 52%; rate for 2014) if:

 

  (i) the holder derives profits from an enterprise or deemed enterprise, whether as an entrepreneur (ondernemer) or pursuant to a co-entitlement to the net worth of such enterprise (other than as an entrepreneur or a shareholder), to which enterprise the ordinary shares are attributable; or

 

  (ii) the holder derives income or capital gains from the ordinary shares that are taxable as benefits from “miscellaneous activities” (resultaat uit overige werkzaamheden, as defined in the Dutch Income Tax Act 2001), which include the performance of activities with respect to the ordinary shares that exceed regular, active portfolio management (normaal, actief vermogensbeheer) and also includes benefits resulting from a lucrative interest (lucratief belang).

 

-126-


Table of Contents

If conditions (i) and (ii) above do not apply, any holder of our ordinary shares who is a Dutch Resident Individual will be subject to Netherlands income tax on a deemed return regardless of the actual income and/or capital gains derived from our ordinary shares. This deemed return has been fixed at a rate of 4% of the individual’s yield basis (rendementsgrondslag) insofar as this exceeds a certain threshold (heffingsvrijvermogen). The individual’s yield basis is determined as the fair market value of certain qualifying assets (including, as the case may be, the ordinary shares) held by the Dutch Resident Individual less the fair market value of certain qualifying liabilities, both determined on January 1 of the relevant year. The deemed return of 4% will be taxed at a rate of 30% (rate for 2016).

Entities

An entity that is resident or deemed to be resident in the Netherlands (a “Dutch Resident Entity”) will generally be subject to Netherlands corporate income tax with respect to income and capital gains derived from the ordinary shares. The Netherlands corporate income tax rate is 20% for the first €200,000 of the taxable amount, and 25% for the excess of the taxable amount over €200,000 (rates applicable for 2016).

Non-Residents of the Netherlands

A person who is neither a Dutch Resident Individual nor Dutch Resident Entity (a “Non-Dutch Resident”) and who holds our ordinary shares is generally not subject to Netherlands income tax or corporate income tax (other than dividend withholding tax described above) on income and capital gains derived from the ordinary shares, provided that:

 

  (i) such Non-Dutch Resident does not derive profits from an enterprise or deemed enterprise, whether as an entrepreneur (ondernemer) or pursuant to a co-entitlement to the net worth of such enterprise (other than as an entrepreneur or a shareholder) which enterprise is, in whole or in part, carried on through a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in the Netherlands and to which enterprise or part of an enterprise, as the case may be, the ordinary shares are attributable or deemed attributable;

 

  (ii) in the case of a Non-Dutch Resident who is an individual, such individual does not derive income or capital gains from the Shares that are taxable as benefits from “miscellaneous activities” (resultaat uit overige werkzaamheden, as defined in the Dutch Income Tax Act 2001) performed or deemed to be performed in the Netherlands, which include the performance of activities with respect to the ordinary shares that exceed regular, active portfolio management (normaal, actief vermogensbeheer) and also includes benefits resulting from a lucrative interest (luctratief belang); and

 

  (iii) such Non-Dutch Resident is neither entitled to a share in the profits of an enterprise nor co-entitled to the net worth of such enterprise effectively managed in the Netherlands, other than by way of the holding of securities or, in the case of an individual, through an employment contract, to which enterprise the ordinary shares or payments in respect of the ordinary shares are attributable.

A Non-Dutch Resident that nevertheless falls under any of the paragraphs (i) through (iii) mentioned above, may be subject to Netherlands income tax or corporate income tax on income and capital gains derived from our ordinary shares. In case such holder of our ordinary shares is considered to be a resident of a country other than the Netherlands under the provisions of a double taxation convention the Netherlands has concluded with such country, the following may apply. Such holder of ordinary shares may, depending on the terms of and subject to compliance with the procedures for claiming benefits under such double taxation convention, be eligible for a full or partial exemption from Netherlands taxes (if any) on (deemed) income or capital gains in respect of the ordinary shares, provided such holder is entitled to the benefits of such double taxation convention.

 

-127-


Table of Contents

Gift or Inheritance Tax

No Netherlands gift or inheritance taxes will be levied on the transfer of our ordinary shares by way of gift by or on the death of a holder of our ordinary shares, who is neither a resident nor deemed to be a resident of the Netherlands for the purpose of the relevant provisions, unless:

 

  (i) the transfer is construed as an inheritance or bequest or as a gift made by or on behalf of a person who, at the time of the gift or death, is or is deemed to be a resident of the Netherlands for the purpose of the relevant provisions;

 

  (ii) such holder dies while being a resident or deemed resident of the Netherlands within 180 days after the date of a gift of the ordinary shares; or

 

  (iii) the gift is made under a condition precedent and such holder is deemed to be resident of the Netherlands at the time the condition is fulfilled.

For purposes of the Dutch Gift and Inheritance Tax Act 1956, an individual who is of Dutch nationality will be deemed to be a resident of the Netherlands if he has been a resident in the Netherlands at any time during the ten years preceding the date of the gift or his death.

For purposes of Netherlands gift tax, an individual will, irrespective of his nationality, be deemed to be resident of the Netherlands if he has been a resident in the Netherlands at any time during the 12-months preceding the date of the gift.

Applicable tax treaties may override such deemed residency.

Value Added Tax

No Netherlands value added tax will be payable by a holder of our ordinary shares in consideration for the offer of our ordinary shares (other than value added taxes on fees payable in respect of services not exempt from Netherlands value added tax).

Other Taxes or Duties

No Netherlands registration tax, custom duty, stamp duty or any other similar tax or duty, other than court fees, will be payable in the Netherlands by a holder of our ordinary shares in respect of or in connection with the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the ordinary shares.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement of Experts

Not applicable.

 

H. Documents on Display

You may read and copy any reports or other information that we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov.

 

-128-


Table of Contents

We also make available on our website, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 20-F and the text of our reports on Form 6-K, including any amendments to these reports, as well as certain other SEC filings, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our website address is www.constellium.com. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference in this document.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Refer to the information set forth under the Notes to the consolidated financial statements at “Item 18. Financial Statements”:

 

    Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Financial Instruments; and

 

    Note 23—Financial Risk Management.

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

None.

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

 

A. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders

On August 18, 2015, in connection with the wind up the MEP and termination of Management KG (further described in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership—Management Equity Plan”), our Articles of Association were amended to reflect the cancellation of our Class B Ordinary Shares. Accordingly, all references to “Ordinary Shares Class B” have been deleted from our Articles of Association.

 

B. Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

 

A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and principal financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 20-F, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information relating to Constellium was timely made known to them by others within the Group.

 

-129-


Table of Contents
B. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

The management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-15(f).

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as endorsed by the European Union (EU).

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, and that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Constellium’s management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and, based on such criteria, Constellium’s management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company´s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

 

C. Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

 

D. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the period covered by this report, we have not made any change to our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Brandjes, Guillemot, Hartman, Maugis, Ormerod and Paschke and Ms. Walker satisfy the “independence” requirements set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has also determined that each of Messrs. Paschke and Ormerod and Ms. Walker is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act.

 

-130-


Table of Contents

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Worldwide Code of Employee and Business Conduct that applies to all our employees, officers and directors, including our principal executive, principal financial and principal accounting officers. Our Worldwide Code of Employee and Business Conduct addresses, among other things, competition and fair dealing, conflicts of interest, financial integrity, government relations, confidentiality and corporate opportunity requirements and the process for reporting violations of the Worldwide Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, employee misconduct, conflicts of interest or other violations. Our Worldwide Code of Employee and Business Conduct is intended to meet the definition of “code of ethics” under Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act.

A copy of our Worldwide Code of Employee and Business Conduct is available on our website at www.constellium.com. Any amendments to the Worldwide Code of Employee and Business Conduct, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website.

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit has served as our independent registered public accounting firm for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015.

The following table sets out the aggregate fees for professional services and other services rendered to us by PricewaterhouseCoopers in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and breaks down these amounts by category of service:

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
         2015              2014      
     (€ in thousands)  

Audit fees

     6,540         9,181   

Audit-related fees

     305         682   

Tax fees

     828         561   

All other fees

     3         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7,676         10,424   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Audit Fees

Audit fees consist of fees related to the annual audit of our consolidated financial statements, the audit of the statutory financial statements of our subsidiaries, other audit or interim review services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit-Related Fees

Audit-related fees consist of fees rendered for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the company’s financial statements, or that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor, and include consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards; advice and assistance in connection with local statutory accounting requirements and due diligence related to acquisitions or disposals.

Tax Fees

Tax fees relate to tax compliance, including the preparation of tax returns, tax advice, including assistance with tax audits, and tax services regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments.

 

-131-


Table of Contents

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The advance approval of the Audit Committee or members thereof, to whom approval authority has been delegated, is required for all audit and non-audit services provided by our auditors.

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

None.

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

None.

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

Dutch Corporate Governance Code

Since we are a public company and list our Class A Ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and on the Euronext Paris, regulated markets, we are subject to comply with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (the “Dutch Code”). The Dutch Code, as amended, became effective on January 1, 2009, and applies to all Dutch companies listed on a government-recognized stock exchange, whether in the Netherlands or elsewhere.

The Dutch Code is based on a “comply or explain” principle. Accordingly, companies are required to disclose in their annual report filed in the Netherlands whether or not they are complying with the various rules of the Dutch Code that are addressed to the board of directors or, if any, the supervisory board of the company and, if they do not apply those provisions, to give the reasons for such non-application. The Dutch Code contains principles and best practice provisions for managing boards, supervisory boards, shareholders and general meetings of shareholders, financial reporting, auditors, disclosure, compliance and enforcement standards.

We acknowledge the importance of good corporate governance. The board of directors agrees with the general approach and with the majority of the provisions of the Dutch Code. However, considering our interests and the interests of our stakeholders, at this stage, we do not apply a limited number of best practice provisions either because such provisions conflict with or are inconsistent with the corporate governance rules of the NYSE and U.S. securities laws that apply to us, or because such provisions do not reflect best practices of global companies listed on the NYSE.

The best practice provisions we do not apply include the following:

 

    An executive board member may not be a member of the supervisory board (or be a non-executive board member) of more than two Dutch listed companies. Nor may an executive board member be the chairman of the supervisory board (or a board) of a listed company. Membership of the supervisory board (or non-executive board positions) of other companies within the group to which the Company belongs does not count for this purpose. The acceptance by an executive board member of membership of the supervisory board or acceptance of a position as non-executive member of the board of a listed company requires the approval of the non-executive board members. Other important positions held by an executive board member shall be notified to the board (best practice provision II.1.8).

Our board of directors intends to evaluate a policy with respect to the number of additional board memberships that a board member may have. We will comply with applicable NYSE and SEC rules and the relevant provisions of Dutch law.

 

-132-


Table of Contents
    Remuneration (Principles II.2, III.7 and associated best practice provisions).

We believe that our remuneration policy helps to focus directors, officers and other employees and consultants on business performance that creates shareholder value, to encourage innovative approaches to the business of the Company and to encourage ownership of our shares by directors, officers and other employees and consultants. Aspects of our remuneration policy may deviate from the Dutch Code to comply with applicable NYSE and SEC rules.

 

    Conflicts of interest and related party transactions (Principles II.3, III.6 and associated best practice provisions).

We have a policy on conflicts of interests and related party transactions. The policy provides that the determination of whether a conflict of interest exists will be made in accordance with Dutch law and on a case-by-case basis. We believe that it is not in the interest of the Company to provide for deemed conflicts of interests.

 

    Independence (Principle III.2 and associated best practice provisions).

We may need to deviate from the Dutch Code’s independence definition for board members either because such provisions conflict with or are inconsistent with the corporate governance rules of the NYSE and U.S. securities laws that apply to us, or because such provisions do not reflect best practices of global companies listed on the NYSE.

 

    The chairman of the board may not also be or have been an executive board member (best practice provisions III.4.2 and III.8.1).

Mr. Evans has served as our Chairman since December 2012. Mr. Evans also served as our interim chief executive officer from December 2011 until the appointment of Mr. Pierre Vareille in March 2012. We believe the deviation from the Dutch Code is justified considering the short interim period during which Mr. Evans acted as executive board member.

 

    The vice-chairman of the board shall deputize for the chairman when the occasion arises. By way of addition to best practice provision III.1.7, the vice-chairman shall act as contact for individual board members concerning the functioning of the chairman of the board (best practice provision III.4.4).

We intend to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE in lieu of the Dutch Code. Under the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, we are not required to appoint a vice-chairman. If the chairman of our board of directors is absent, the directors that are present will elect a non-executive board member to chair the meeting.

 

    The terms of reference of the board shall contain rules on dealing with conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest between board members and the external auditor on the one hand and the company on the other. The terms of reference shall also stipulate which transactions require the approval of the non-executive board members. The company shall draw up regulations governing ownership of and transactions in securities by board members, other than securities issued by their “own” company (best practice provision III.6.5).

The Company believes that board members should not be further limited by internal regulations in addition to the rules and restrictions under applicable securities laws.

 

    The majority of the members of the board of directors shall be non-executive directors and are independent within the meaning of best practice provision III.2.2 (best practice provision III.8.4).

Six non-executive members of our board are independent. It is our view that given the nature of our business and the practice in our industry and considering our shareholder structure, it is justified that only six non-executive directors are independent. We may need to deviate from the Dutch Code’s independence definition for board members either because such provisions conflict with or are inconsistent with the corporate governance rules of the NYSE and U.S. securities laws that apply to us, or because such provisions do not reflect best practices of global companies listed on the NYSE. As an

 

-133-


Table of Contents

example, under NYSE rules, 8 of our current 9 directors are independent. We may need to further deviate from the Dutch Code’s independence definition for board members when looking for the most suitable candidates. For example, a current board member or future board candidate may have particular knowledge of, or experience in, the downstream aluminium rolled and extruded products and related businesses, but may not meet the definition of independence in the Dutch Code. As such background is very important to the efficacy of our board of directors in managing a highly technical business, and because our industry has relatively few participants, our board may decide to nominate candidates for appointment who do not fully comply with the criteria as listed under best practice provision III.2.2 of the Dutch Code.

 

    The company shall formulate an “outline policy on bilateral contacts,” as described in the Dutch Code, with the shareholders and publish this policy on its website (best practice provision IV.3.13).

We will not formulate an “outline policy on bilateral contacts” with the shareholders. We will comply with applicable NYSE and SEC rules and the relevant provisions of applicable law with respect to contacts with our shareholders. We believe that all contacts with our shareholders should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

 

    A person may be appointed as non-executive member of the board for a maximum of three 4-year terms (best practice provisions III.3.5).

On June 11, 2015 Mr. Brandjes, Mr. Guillemot, Mr. Hartman, Mr. Ormerod and Ms. Walker were each re-appointed as Non-Executive Directors for a period of one year.

Mr. Maugis, Mr. Nord and Mr. Paschke were each re-appointed as Non-Executive Directors for a period of two years.

This deviation gives the shareholders the possibility to already vote on a possible reappointment after one or two years instead of four years. Since we are a relatively recent public company of only 3 years, the maximum term is not an issue at this point.

 

    Pursuant to best practice provision III.3.6. the non-executive board members shall draw up a retirement schedule in order to avoid, as far as possible, a situation in which many non-executive board members retire at the same time. The retirement schedule shall be made generally available and shall be posted on the company’s website.

As we are a relatively recent public company and (most) of our non-executive board members are (re)appointed for one year, we currently do not have a retirement schedule.

 

    Pursuant to best practice provision IV.1.1, a general meeting of shareholders is empowered to cancel binding nominations of candidates for the board, and to dismiss members of the board by a simple majority of votes of those in attendance, although the company may require a quorum of at least one-third of the voting rights outstanding. If such quorum is not represented, but a majority of those in attendance vote in favor of the proposal, a second meeting may be convened in the future and its vote will be binding, even without a one-third quorum. Our Amended and Restated Articles of Association currently provide that a general meeting of shareholders may at all times overrule a binding nomination by a resolution adopted by at least a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, if such majority represents more than half of the issued share capital. Although this constitutes a deviation from provision IV.1.1 of the Dutch Code, we hold the view that these provisions will enhance the continuity of our management and policies.

 

    Best practice provision IV.3.1 recommends that we should enable the shareholders to follow in real time all meetings with analysts, investors and press conferences. We believe that enabling shareholders to follow in real time all the meetings with analysts, presentations to analysts, presentations to investors as referred to in best practice provision IV.3.1 of the Dutch Code would create an excessive burden on our resources. We will ensure that analyst presentations are posted on our website after meetings with analysts. In addition, we hold quarterly earnings calls where we report our financial results to which all our investors are invited to attend via web conference.

 

-134-


Table of Contents

The NYSE requires that we disclose to investors any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. domestic companies under NYSE requirements.

Among these differences, shareholder approval is required by the NYSE prior to the issuance of ordinary stock:

 

    to a director, officer or substantial security holder of the company (or their affiliates or entities in which they have a substantial interest) in excess of one percent of either the number of shares of ordinary stock or the voting power outstanding before the issuance, with certain exceptions;

 

    that will have voting power equal to or in excess of 20 percent of either the voting power or the number of shares outstanding before the issuance, with certain exceptions; or

 

    that will result in a change of control of the issuer.

Under Dutch rules, shareholders can delegate this approval to the Board of Directors at the annual shareholders meeting. In the past, our shareholders have delegated this approval power to our Board at our annual meeting.

In some situations, NYSE rules are more stringent, and in others the Dutch rules are. Other significant differences include:

 

    NYSE rules require shareholder approval for changes to equity compensation plans, but under Dutch rules, shareholder approval is only required for changes to equity compensation plans for members of the Board of Directors;

 

    Under Dutch corporate governance rules the audit and remuneration committees may not be chaired by the Chairman of the Board;

 

    Under Dutch rules, auditors must be appointed by the general meeting of shareholders. NYSE rules require only that they be appointed by the audit committee;

 

    Both NYSE and Dutch rules require that a majority of the Board of Directors be independent, but the definition of independence under each set of rules is not identical. For example, Dutch rules require a longer “look-back” period for former directors; and

 

    The Dutch rules permit deviation from the rules if the deviations are explained in accordance with the rules. The NYSE rules do not allow such deviations.

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 17. Financial Statements

Schedule I - Parent Company Condensed Financial Information, is attached hereto starting on page F-76 of this Annual Report.

Item 18. Financial Statements

The audited consolidated financial statements as required under Item 18 are attached hereto starting on page F-1 of this Annual Report. The audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit, an independent registered public accounting firm, is included herein preceding the audited consolidated financial statements.

Item 19. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report:

 

-135-


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:

 

  3.1    Amended and Restated Articles of Association of Constellium N.V. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Constellium N.V.’s Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 21, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
  3.2    Deed of Conversion-Constellium N.V. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Constellium N.V.’s Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 21, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
  3.3    Amendment to the Articles of Association of Constellium N.V.**
  4.1    Partnership Agreement of Omega Management GmbH & Co. KG as amended and restated as of May 21, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Constellium N.V.’s Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 21, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
  4.2    Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 25, 2013, among Constellium Holdco B.V., as the Dutch Borrower, Constellium France S.A.S., as the French Borrower, the new Term Lenders party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as the Existing Administrative Agent, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as the successor Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
  4.3    Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2013, among Constellium N.V., as the Dutch Borrower, Constellium France S.A.S., as the French Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on October 23, 2013, File
No. 333-191863)
  4.4    ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of May 25, 2012, among Constellium Holdco II B.V., Constellium U.S. Holdings I, LLC, Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party hereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
  4.5    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2013, among Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, as borrower, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent and collateral agent**
  4.6    Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 25, 2013, among Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, as borrower, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
  4.7    Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013, among Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on October 23, 2013, File No. 333-191863)
  4.8    Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated May 7, 2014, among Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, as borrower, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto**
  4.9    Credit Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2014, among Constellium N.V., as Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)

 

-136-


Table of Contents
  4.10    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated December 5, 2014, among Constellium N.V., the lenders party thereto, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.11    Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated February 5, 2015, among Constellium N.V., the lenders party thereto, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.12    Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated September 30, 2015, among Constellium N.V., the lenders party thereto, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent**
  4.13    Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated December 10, 2015, among Constellium N.V., the lenders party thereto, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent**
  4.14    Indenture, dated as of May 7, 2014, between Constellium N.V., the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, providing for the issuance of the 5.750% Senior Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.15    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2015, among Constellium Neuf Brisach and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee**
  4.16    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2016, among Constellium Holdco III B.V., Constellium Rolled Products Singen GmbH & Co. KG, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee**
  4.17    Indenture, dated as of May 7, 2014, between Constellium N.V., the guarantors party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Principal Paying Agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as Registrar and Transfer Agent, providing for the issuance of the 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.18    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2015, among Constellium Neuf Brisach, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Principal Paying Agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as Registrar and Transfer Agent**
  4.19    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2016, among Constellium Holdco III B.V., Constellium Rolled Products Singen GmbH & Co. KG, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Principal Paying Agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as Registrar and Transfer Agent**
  4.20    Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2014, between Constellium N.V., the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, providing for the issuance of the 8.00% Senior Notes due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.21    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2015, among Constellium Neuf Brisach, Constellium N.V., and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee**
  4.22    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2016, among Constellium Holdco III B.V., Constellium Rolled Products Singen GmbH & Co. KG, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee**
  4.23    Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2014, between Constellium N.V., the guarantors party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Principal Paying Agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as Registrar and Transfer Agent, providing for the issuance of the 7.00% Senior Notes due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.24    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2015, among Constellium Neuf Brisach, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Principal Paying Agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as Registrar and Transfer Agent**

 

-137-


Table of Contents
  4.25    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2016, among Constellium Holdco III B.V., Constellium Rolled Products Singen GmbH & Co. KG, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Principal Paying Agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as Registrar and Transfer Agent**
  4.26    Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2016, among Constellium N.V., the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, providing for the issuance of the 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2021**
  4.27    Parity Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2016, among Constellium N.V., the guarantors party thereto, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee and Collateral Agent**
  4.28    Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2013, among Wise Metals Group LLC, Wise Alloys Finance Corporation, the guarantors party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent, providing for the issuance of the 8 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.29    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2014, among Wise Metals Group LLC, Wise Alloys Finance Corporation, the guarantors party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent**
  4.30    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 4, 2014, among WAC I, LLC, Wise Metals Group LLC, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent**
  4.31    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 17, 2014, among Wise Metals Group LLC, Wise Alloys Finance Corporation, the guarantors party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent**
  4.32    Credit Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2013, among Wise Alloys LLC, as Borrower, the credit parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.33    Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2014, among Wise Alloys LLC, as Borrower, the credit parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent**
  4.34    Consent and Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2014, among Wise Alloys LLC, as Borrower, the credit parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent**
  4.35    Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 26, 2014, by and among Wise Alloys LLC, the other credit parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.36    Consent and Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2014, by and among Wise Alloys LLC, the other credit parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
  4.37    Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 23, 2015, among Wise Alloys LLC, the credit parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent**
  4.38    Amendment No. 6 to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2015, by and among Wise Alloys LLC, as Borrower, the other credit parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent**

 

-138-


Table of Contents
  4.39    Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2014, among Wise Metals Intermediate Holdings LLC, Wise Holdings Finance Corporation, and Wilmington Trust National Association, as Trustee, providing for the issuance of the 9 34% / 10 12% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
10.1    Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated May 29, 2013, among Constellium N.V. and the other signatories thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
10.2    2013 Executive Performance Award Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 22, 2014)
10.3    2012 Long-Term Incentive (Cash) Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
10.4    Employment Letter by and between Constellium Switzerland AG and Pierre Vareille, dated August 30, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
10.5    Employment Letter by and between Constellium France Holdco SAS and Didier Fontaine, dated May 11, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
10.6    Amended and Restated Factoring Agreement between Alcan Rhenalu S.A.S. as French Seller, Alcan Aerospace S.A.S. as French Seller, Alcan Softal S.A.S. as French Seller, Alcan France Extrusions S.A.S. as French Seller, Alcan Aviatube S.A.S. as French Seller, Omega Holdco II B.V. as Parent Company, Engineered Products Switzerland A.G. as Sellers’ Agent and GE Factofrance S.N.C. as Factor, dated January 4, 2011, as amended as of November 8, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on December 10, 2013, File No. 333-192680)
10.7    Amendment and Consent Letter No 10 between GE Factofrance S.A.S. as Factor and Constellium Switzerland AG, Constellium Holdco II B.V., Constellium France S.A.S., Constellium Extrusions France S.A.S. and Constellium Aviatube S.A.S. as French Sellers, dated February 3, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.1 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on January 27, 2014, File No. 333-193583)
10.8    Amendment and Restatement Agreement among Constellium Issoire, as Seller, Constellium Neuf Brisach, as Seller, Constellium Extrusions France, as Seller, Constellium Holdco II B.V., as Parent Company, Constellium Switzerland A.G., as Sellers agent, and GE Factofrance SAS, as Factor, dated December 3, 2015 **
10.9    Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Alcan Aluminium Valais S.A., dated December 16, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
10.10    Country Specific Amendment Agreement (Switzerland) to the Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Alcan Aluminium Valais S.A., dated December 16, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
10.10.1    Amendment Agreement to a Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Constellium Valais AG (formerly: Alcan Aluminium Valais AG), dated November 12, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.1 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on December 10, 2013, File No. 333-192680)
10.11    Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Alcan Aluminium-Presswerke GmbH, dated December 16, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)

 

-139-


Table of Contents
10.11.1    Amendment Agreement to a Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Constellium Extrusions Deutschland GmbH (formerly Alcan Aluminium-Presswerke GmbH), dated November 12, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10.1 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on December 10, 2013, File No. 333-192680)
10.12    Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Alcan Singen GmbH, dated December 16, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
10.12.1    Amendment Agreement to a Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Constellium Singen GmbH (formerly: Alcan Singen GmbH), dated November 12, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10.1 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on December 10, 2013, File No. 333-192680)
10.13    Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Constellium Singen GmbH, dated March 26, 2014**
10.14    Factoring Agreement between GE Capital Bank AG and Constellium Extrusions Děčín S.R.O., dated June 26, 2015**
10.15    Metal Supply Agreement between Engineered Products Switzerland AG and Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. for the supply of sheet ingot in Europe, dated January 4, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of Constellium N.V.’s Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File No. 333-188556)
10.16    Constellium N.V. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on May 13, 2013, File
No. 333-188556)
10.17    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Constellium N.V. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Constellium N.V.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on January 27, 2014, File No. 333-193583)
10.18    Unit Purchase Agreement between Constellium N.V., Wise Metals Holdings LLC and Silver Knot, LCC, dated October 3, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 6-K furnished on October 3, 2014)
10.19    Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 23, 2015, between Wise Alloys Funding LLC, as Seller, Wise Alloys LLC, as Servicer, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Purchaser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Constellium N.V.’s Form 20-F furnished on April 24, 2015)
10.20    First Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2015, between Wise Alloys Funding LLC, as Seller, Wise Alloys LLC, as Servicer, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Purchaser**
10.21    Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated March 16, 2016, among Wise Alloys LLC, as Servicer, Wise Alloys Funding II LLC, as Seller, Hitachi Capital America Corp., as Purchaser, and Greensill Capital Inc., as purchaser agent**
12.1    Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
12.2    Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
13.1    Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
13.2    Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
15.1    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**
21.1    List of subsidiaries**

 

** Filed herein.
+ Confidential treatment granted as to certain portions, which portions have been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

-140-


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.

 

CONSTELLIUM N.V.

By:

 

/s/  Pierre Vareille

 

Name:   Pierre Vareille

Title:     Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 18, 2016

 

-141-


Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

Constellium N.V. Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Income Statement

     F-3   

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

     F-4   

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

     F-5   

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

     F-6   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8   

 

Schedule I - Constellium N.V. Parent Company Condensed Financial Information as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

  

Schedule I - Parent Company Condensed Financial Information

     F-76   

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Constellium N.V.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income / (loss), changes in equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Constellium N.V. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control —Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits (which were integrated audits in 2015 and 2014). We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit

/s/ Olivier Lotz

Olivier Lotz

Partner

March 15, 2016

 

F-2


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Revenue

   4, 5      5,153        3,666        3,495   

Cost of sales

   6      (4,703     (3,183     (3,024
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

        450        483        471   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

   6      (245     (200     (210

Research and development expenses

   6      (35     (38     (36

Restructuring costs

   6      (8     (12     (8

Impairment

   4, 6, 14      (457              

Other gains/(losses)—net

   6, 8      (131     (83     (8
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) / Income from operations

        (426     150        209   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other expenses

                      (27
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance income

   10      71        30        17   

Finance costs

   10      (226     (88     (67
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance costs—net

        (155     (58     (50
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of (loss) / profit of joint-ventures

   25      (3     (1     3   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) / Income before income tax

        (584     91        135   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefit / (expense)

   11      32        (37     (39
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (Loss) / Income from continuing operations

        (552     54        96   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income from discontinued operations

                      4   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (Loss) / Income for the period

        (552     54        100   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (Loss) / Income attributable to:

         

Equity holders of Constellium

        (554     51        98   

Non-controlling interests

        2        3        2   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (Loss) / Income

        (552     54        100   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of Constellium

 

(in Euros per share)    Notes    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

From continuing and discontinued operations

          

Basic

   12      (5.27     0.48         1.00   

Diluted

   12      (5.27     0.48         0.99   

From continuing operations

          

Basic

   12      (5.27     0.48         0.96   

Diluted

   12      (5.27     0.48         0.95   

From discontinued operations

          

Basic

   12                     0.04   

Diluted

   12                     0.04   

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

 

F-3


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS)

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Net (Loss) / Income

        (552     54        100   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income / (loss)

         

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the consolidated income statement

         

Remeasurement on post-employment benefit obligations

   21      (7     (137     72   

Deferred tax on remeasurement on post-employment benefit obligations

   26      20        14        (9

Cash flow hedges

   24      (9     9          

Deferred tax on cash flow hedges

   26      3        (3       

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the consolidated income statement

         

Currency translation differences

        34        (13       
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss)

        41        (130     63   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive (Loss) / Income

        (511     (76     163   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

         

Equity holders of Constellium

        (513     (80     161   

Non-controlling interests

        2        4        2   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive (Loss) / Income

        (511     (76     163   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

F-4


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    At December 31,
2015
    At December 31,
2014
 

Assets

       

Non-current assets

       

Goodwill

   13      443        11   

Intangible assets

   13      78        17   

Property, plant and equipment

   14      1,255        633   

Investments accounted for under equity method

   25      30        21   

Deferred income tax assets

   26      270        192   

Trade receivables and other

   16      53        48   

Other financial assets

   24      37        33   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        2,166        955   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

       

Inventories

   15      542        436   

Trade receivables and other

   16      365        573   

Other financial assets

   24      70        57   

Cash and cash equivalents

   17      472        991   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        1,449        2,057   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets classified as held for sale

   32      13          
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

        3,628        3,012   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity

       

Share capital

   18      2        2   

Share premium

   18      162        162   

Retained deficit and other reserves

        (715     (207
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity attributable to owners of Constellium

        (551     (43

Non-controlling interests

        11        6   

Total Equity

        (540     (37
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

       

Non-current liabilities

       

Borrowings

   19      2,064        1,205   

Trade payables and other

   20      54        31   

Deferred income tax liabilities

   26      10          

Pension and other post-employment benefits obligations

   21      701        657   

Other financial liabilities

   24      14        40   

Provisions

   22      119        61   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        2,962        1,994   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

       

Borrowings

   19      169        47   

Trade payables and other

   20      867        877   

Income taxes payable

        6        11   

Other financial liabilities

   24      107        71   

Provisions

   22      44        49   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        1,193        1,055   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities classified as held for sale

   32      13          
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

        4,168        3,049   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Equity and Liabilities

        3,628        3,012   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

F-5


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

(in millions of Euros)   Share
capital
    Share
premium
    Re-
measurement
    Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
    Other
reserves
    Retained
losses
    Total
Equity
holders of
Constellium
    Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
equity
 

At January 1, 2013

           98        (86     (14     1        (40     (41     4        (37
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

                                       98        98        2        100   

Other comprehensive income

                  63                             63               63   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

                  63                      98        161        2        163   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with the owners

                 

Share premium distribution(A)

           (98                          (5     (103            (103

MEP shares changes

                                (1            (1            (1

Share equity plan

                                1               1               1   

Prorata share issuance

    2                                    (2                     

Interim dividend distribution(A)

                                       (147     (147            (147

IPO Primary offering

           154                                    154               154   

IPO Over-allotment

           25                                    25               25   

IPO Fees

           (17                                 (17            (17
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with non-controlling interests

                                                     (2     (2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2013

    2        162        (23     (14     1        (96     32        4        36   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) On March 13, 2013, the Board of directors approved a distribution to the Company’s shareholders. On March 28, 2013 a distribution was made of 103 million. On May 21, 2013, an interim dividend was paid for 147 million on preference shares.

 

(in millions of Euros)   Share
capital
    Share
premium
    Re-
measurement
    Cash
flow
hedges
    Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
    Other
reserves
    Retained
losses
    Total
Equity
holders of
Constellium
    Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
equity
 

At January 1, 2014

    2        162        (23            (14     1        (96     32        4        36   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

                                              51        51        3        54   

Other comprehensive loss

                  (123     6        (14                   (131     1        (130
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

                  (123     6        (14            51        (80     4        (76
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with Equity holders

                   

Share equity plan

                                       4               4               4   

MEP shares changes

                                       1               1               1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with non-controlling interests

                                                            (2     (2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2014

    2        162        (146     6        (28     6        (45     (43     6        (37
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(in millions of Euros)   Share
capital
    Share
premium
    Re-
measurement
    Cash
flow
hedges
    Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
    Other
reserves
    Retained
losses
    Total
Equity
holders of
Constellium
    Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
equity
 

At January 1, 2015

    2        162        (146     6        (28     6        (45     (43     6        (37
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) / Income

                                              (554     (554     2        (552

Other comprehensive income

                  13        (6     34                      41               41   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income / (loss)

                  13        (6     34               (554     (513     2        (511
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with Equity holders

                   

Share equity plan

                                       5               5               5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with non-controlling interests

                                                            3        3   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2015

    2        162        (133            6        11        (599     (551     11        (540
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

F-6


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

(in millions of Euros)   Notes   Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Cash flows from / (used in) operating activities

       

Net (loss) / income from continuing operations

      (552     54        96   

Adjustments

       

Income tax (benefit) / expense

  11     (32     37        39   

Finance costs—net

  10     155        58        50   

Depreciation and amortization

  4     140        49        32   

Restructuring costs and other provisions

      2        6        (8

Impairment

      457                 

Defined benefit pension costs

  21     48        29        29   

Unrealized losses / (gains) on derivatives—net and from remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities—net

  4, 8     23        52        (14

Losses on disposal and assets classified as held for sale

  4, 8     5        5        6   

Share of loss /(profit) of joint-ventures

  25     3               (3

Other

      5        5        2   

Changes in working capital:

       

Inventories

      149        (95     41   

Trade receivables

  16     343        (48     9   

Margin calls

      1        11        4   

Trade payables

      (161     170        (1

Other working capital

      4        (33     (9

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:

       

Provisions—pay out

  22     (20     (12     (17

Income tax paid

      (9     (27     (29

Pension liabilities and other post-employment benefit obligations payment

  21     (50     (49     (43
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from operating activities

      511        212        184   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from / (used in) investing activities

       

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

      (350     (199     (144

Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash acquired

  3     (348              

Proceeds from disposals, including joint-venture

      4        (2     7   

Issuance of shares of joint-ventures

      (9     (19       

Proceeds from finance leases

      6        6        6   

Other investing activities

      (25     (2     (1
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

      (722     (216     (132
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from / (used in) financing activities

       

Net proceeds received from issuance of shares

                    162   

Interim dividend paid

                    (147

Distribution of share premium to owners of the Company

                    (103

Withholding tax reimbursed /(paid)

             20        (20

Interests paid

      (143     (39     (36

Proceeds received from term loan and Senior Notes

             1,153        351   

Repayment of term loan

  19            (331     (156

Proceeds/ (Repayments) of U.S revolving Credit Facility and other loans

  19     (211     13        2   

Payment of deferred financing costs

      (2     (27     (8

Transactions with non-controlling interests

      3        (2     (2

Other financing activities

  19     45        (34       
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows (used in) / from financing activities

      (308     753        43   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents

      (519     749        95   

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

  17     991        236        142   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

      4        6        (1
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

      476        991        236   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents classified as held for sale

  32     (4              

Cash and cash equivalents as reported in the Statement of Financial Position

  17     472        991        236   

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

 

F-7


Table of Contents

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1—General Information

Constellium is a global leader in the design and manufacture of a broad range of innovative specialty rolled and extruded aluminum products, serving primarily the aerospace, packaging and automotive end-markets. The Group has a strategic footprint of manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Europe and China, operates 22 production facilities, 9 administrative and commercial sites and one world-class technology center. It has approximately 11,000 employees.

Constellium is a public company with limited liability. The business address (head office) of Constellium N.V. is Tupolevlaan 41-61, 1119 NW Schiphol-Rijk, the Netherlands.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, when we refer to “we”, “our”, “us”, “Constellium”, the “Group” and the “Company” in this document, we are referring to Constellium N.V. and its subsidiaries.

Initial Public offering

On May 22, 2013, Constellium completed an initial public offering (the “IPO”) of Class A ordinary shares; the shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on May 23, 2013, and on the professional segment of Euronext Paris on May 27, 2013.

The total proceeds received by the Company from the IPO were 179 million. Fees related to the IPO amounted to 44 million, of which 17 million were accounted for as a deduction to share premium and 27 million expensed of which 24 million were recognized in Other expenses.

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2.1. Statement of compliance

The consolidated financial statements of Constellium N.V. and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as endorsed by the European Union (EU). The Group’s application of IFRS results in no difference between IFRS as issued by the IASB and IFRS as endorsed by the EU (http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/accounting/ias/index_en.htm).

The consolidated financial statements have been authorized for issue by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on March 13, 2016.

2.2. Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations

Standards and Interpretations with an application date for the Group at January 1, 2015:

 

    Amendments to IAS 19, ‘Defined Benefit Plans’: Employee Contributions. This amendment clarifies the requirements related to contributions from employees or third parties. The Group applied this amendment in 2013 and there is no impact on the Group financial statements.

 

    Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Cycle and to IFRSs 2011-2013 Cycle. These Annual Improvements have no impact on the Group financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

2.3. New standards and interpretations not yet mandatorily applicable

The Group has not applied the following new, revised and amended standards and interpretations that have been issued but are not yet effective and which could affect the Group’s future consolidated financial statements:

IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’, addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. It will replace the guidance in IAS 39, ‘Financial instruments’ that relates to the classification and measurement of financial instruments.

Modifications introduced by IFRS 9 relate primarily to:

 

    classification and measurement of financial assets. The basis of classification depends on the entity’s business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.

 

    depreciation of receivables, now based on the expected credit losses model.

 

    hedge accounting.

The standard will be effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

IFRS 15, ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ deals with revenue recognition and establishes principles for reporting information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of a good or service and thus has the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits from the good or service. The standard replaces IAS 18, ‘Revenue’ and IAS 11, ‘Construction contracts and related interpretations’. The standard will be effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

IFRS 16, ‘Leases’ deals with principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of leases. The standard provides an accounting model, requiring lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases unless the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. The lessor accounting approach remains unchanged. The standard will replace IAS 17, ‘Lease’ and will be effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.

The impact of these standards on the Group’s results and financial situation will be evaluated in 2016.

2.4. Basis of preparation

In accordance with IAS 1, ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’, the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on the assumption that Constellium is a going concern and will continue in operation for the foreseeable future.

The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the financial statements respectively in NOTE 17—Cash and Cash Equivalents, NOTE 19—Borrowings and NOTE 23—Financial Risk Management.

The Group’s forecast and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, including an assessment of the current macroeconomic environment, indicate that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its current facilities and related covenants.

Accordingly the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management considers that this assumption is not invalidated by Constellium’s

 

F-9


Table of Contents

negative equity as at December 31, 2015. This assessment was confirmed by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on March 13, 2016.

2.5 Presentation of the operating performance of each operating segment and of the Group

In accordance with IFRS 8, ‘Operating Segments’, operating segments are based upon product lines, markets and industries served, and are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”). The CODM, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer.

Constellium’s CODM measures the profitability and financial performance of its operating segments based on Adjusted EBITDA as it illustrates the underlying performance of continuing operations by excluding non-recurring and non-operating items. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before income taxes, results from joint ventures, net finance costs, other expenses and depreciation and amortization as adjusted to exclude restructuring costs, impairment charges, unrealized gains or losses on derivatives and on foreign exchange differences, metal price lag, Share Equity Plan expense, effects of purchase accounting adjustments, start-up costs or acquisition, integration and separation costs, certain incremental costs and other exceptional, unusual or generally non-recurring items.

2.6. Principles governing the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Basis of consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include all the assets, liabilities, equity, revenues, expenses and cash flows of the entities and businesses controlled by Constellium. All intercompany transactions and balances between Group companies are eliminated.

Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group has power over the investee, is exposed to, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Investments over which the Group has significant influence or joint control are accounted under the equity method. The investments are initially recorded at cost. Subsequently they are increased or decreased by the Group’s share in the profit or loss, or by other movements reflected directly in the equity of the entity.

Business combination

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations.

The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities assumed and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The amount of non-controlling interest is determined for each business combination and is either based on the fair value (full goodwill method) or the present ownership instruments’ proportionate share in the

 

F-10


Table of Contents

recognized amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets, resulting in recognition of only the share of goodwill attributable to equity holders of the parent (partial goodwill method).

Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount of non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized as a gain in Other gains / (losses)—net in the Consolidated Income Statement.

At the acquisition date, the Group recognizes the identifiable acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities (identifiable net assets) of the subsidiaries on the basis of fair value at the acquisition date. Recognized assets and liabilities may be adjusted during a maximum of 12 months from the acquisition date, depending on new information obtained about the facts and circumstances existing at the acquisition date.

Significant assumptions used in determining allocation of fair value include the following valuation approaches: the cost approach, the income approach and the market approach which are determined based on cash flow projections and related discount rates, industry indices, market prices regarding replacement cost and comparable market transactions.

Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred and included in Other gains / (losses)—net in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Cash-generating units

The reporting units (which generally correspond to an industrial site), the lowest level of the Group’s internal reporting, have been identified as its cash-generating units.

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on a business combination is carried at cost as established at the date of the business combination less accumulated impairment losses, if any.

Goodwill is allocated and monitored at the operating segments level which are the groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. The operating segments represent the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.

On disposal of the relevant cash-generating units, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the gain or loss on disposal.

Impairment of goodwill

A group of cash-generating units to which goodwill is allocated is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the group of units may be impaired.

The net carrying value of a group of cash-generating units is compared to its recoverable amount, which is the higher of the value in use and the fair value less cost of disposal.

Value in use calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management and covering usually a 5-year period. Cash flows beyond this period are estimated using a perpetual long-term growth rate for the subsequent years.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

The value in use is the sum of discounted cash flows over the projected period and the terminal value. Discount rates are determined based on the weighted-average cost of capital of each operating segment.

The fair value is the price that would be received for the group of cash-generating units, in an orderly transaction, from a market participant. This value is estimated on the basis of available and relevant market data or a discounted cash flow model incorporating a market participant’s assumptions.

An impairment loss for goodwill is recognized for the amount by which the group of units carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.

Any impairment loss for goodwill is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the group of cash-generating units and then, to the other assets of the group of units pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the group of units.

Any impairment loss is recognized in the line Impairment in the Consolidated Income Statement. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill cannot be reversed in subsequent periods.

Non-current assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale & Discontinued operations

IFRS 5, ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’ defines a discontinued operation as a component of an entity that (i) generates cash flows that are largely independent from cash flows generated by other components, (ii) is held for sale or has been sold, and (iii) represents a separate major line of business or geographic areas of operations.

Assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale when their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the non-current asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition.

Assets and liabilities are stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell if their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use.

Assets and liabilities held for sale are reflected in separate line items in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of the period during which the decision to sell is made.

The results of discontinued operations are shown separately in the Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Foreign currency transactions and foreign operations

Functional currency

Items included in the consolidated financial statements of each of the entities and businesses of Constellium are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which each of them operates (their functional currency).

Foreign currency transactions:

Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are converted to the functional currency at the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange

 

F-12


Table of Contents

gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement, except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented within Finance costs—net.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to commercial transactions are presented in Cost of sales. All other foreign exchange gains and losses, including those that relate to foreign currency derivatives hedging commercial transactions, are presented within Other gains/ (losses)—net.

Foreign operations: presentation currency and foreign currency translation

In the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the year-end balances of assets, liabilities and components of equity of Constellium’s entities and businesses are translated from their functional currencies into Euros, the presentation currency of the Group, at their respective year-end exchange rates; and the revenues, expenses and cash flows of Constellium’s entities and businesses are translated from their functional currencies into Euros using average exchange rates for the period.

The net differences arising from exchange rate translation are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income / (Loss).

The following table summarizes the main exchange rates used for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group:

 

            Year ended
December 31, 2015
     Year ended
December 31, 2014
     Year ended
December 31, 2013
 
Foreign exchange rate for 1 Euro           Average
rate
     Closing
rate
     Average
rate
     Closing
rate
     Average
rate
     Closing
rate
 

U.S. Dollars

     USD         1.1089         1.0887         1.3264         1.2141         1.3271         1.3791   

Swiss Francs

     CHF         1.0669         1.0835         1.2146         1.2024         1.2308         1.2276   

Czech Koruna

     CZK         27.2762         27.0226         27.5352         27.7348         25.9471         27.4273   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

Revenue from product sales, net of trade discounts, allowances and volume-based incentives, is recognized once delivery has occurred, provided that persuasive evidence exists that all of the following criteria are met:

 

    The significant risks and rewards of ownership of the product have been transferred to the buyer;

 

    Neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership, nor effective control over the goods sold, has been retained by Constellium;

 

    The amount of revenue can be measured reliably;

 

    It is probable that the economic benefits associated with the sale will flow to Constellium; and

 

    The costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the sale can be measured reliably.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

The Group also enters into tolling agreements whereby clients loan the metal which the Group will then manufacture for them. In these circumstances, revenue is recognized when services are provided at the date of redelivery of the manufactured metal.

Amounts billed to customers in respect of shipping and handling are classified as revenue where the Group is responsible for carriage, insurance and freight. All shipping and handling costs incurred by the Group are recognized in Cost of sales.

Deferred tooling revenue and related costs

Certain automotive long term contracts include the design and manufacture of customized parts. To manufacture such parts, certain specialized or customized tooling is required. The Group accounts for the tooling revenue and related costs provided by third party manufacturers in accordance with the provisions of IAS 11, ‘Construction Contracts’, i.e. revenue and expenses are recognized on the basis of percentage of completion of the contract.

Research and development costs

Costs incurred on development projects are recognized as intangible assets when the following criteria are met:

 

    it is technically feasible to complete the intangible asset so that it will be available for use;

 

    Management intends to complete and use the intangible asset;

 

    There is an ability to use the intangible asset;

 

    It can be demonstrated how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits;

 

    Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and use or sell the intangible asset are available; and

 

    The expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be reliably measured.

Where development expenditures do not meet these criteria, they are expensed as incurred. Development costs previously recognized as expenses are not recognized as an asset in a subsequent period.

Other gains / (losses)—net

Other gains / (losses)—net include realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives accounted for at fair value through profit or loss and unrealized exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities.

Other gains / (losses)—net separately identifies other unusual, infrequent or non-recurring items. Such items are those that in management’s judgment need to be disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence. In determining whether an event or transaction is specific, management considers quantitative as well as qualitative factors such as the frequency or predictability of occurrence.

Interest income and expense

Interest income is recorded using the effective interest rate method on loans receivables and on the interest bearing components of cash and cash equivalents.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

Interest expense on short and long-term financing is recorded at the relevant rates on the various borrowing agreements.

Borrowing costs (including interests) incurred for the construction of any qualifying asset are capitalized during the period of time required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use.

Share-based payment arrangements

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on Group’s estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest, with a corresponding increase in equity. At the end of each reporting year, the Group revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest.

Property, plant and equipment

Recognition and measurement

Property, plant and equipment acquired by the Company are recorded at cost, which comprises the purchase price (including import duties and non-refundable purchase taxes), any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management and the estimated close down and restoration costs associated with the asset. Borrowing costs (including interests) directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of a Property, plant and equipment are included in the cost. Subsequent to the initial recognition, Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment, if any. Costs are capitalized into construction work in progress until such projects are completed and the assets are available for use.

Subsequent costs

Enhancements and replacements are capitalized as additions to Property, plant and equipment only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with them will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured with reliability. Ongoing regular maintenance costs related to Property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation

Land is not depreciated. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method as follows:

 

    Buildings 10—50 years;

 

    Machinery and equipment 3—40 years; and

 

    Vehicles 5—8 years.

Intangible assets

Recognition and measurement

Technology and Customer relationships acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and impairment losses. The useful lives of the Group intangible assets are assessed to be finite.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

Amortization

Intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method as follows:

 

    Technology 20 years;

 

    Customer relationships 25 years; and

 

    Softwares 3—5 years.

Impairment tests for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment if there is any indication that the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit to which it belongs) may not be recoverable. The recoverable amount is based on the higher of fair value less cost of disposal (market value) and value in use (determined using estimates of discounted future net cash flows of the asset or group of assets to which it belongs).

Any impairment loss is recognized in the line Impairment in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Financial instruments

(i) Financial assets

Financial assets are classified either: (a) at fair value through profit or loss, or as (b) loans and receivables. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of Constellium’s financial assets at initial recognition.

 

(a) At fair value through profit or loss: These are financial assets held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this category if it is acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivatives are also categorized as held for trading except when they are designated as hedging instruments in a hedging relationship that qualifies for hedge accounting in accordance with IAS 39, ‘Financial instruments’. Assets in this category are classified as current assets if expected to be settled within 12 months; otherwise, they are classified as non-current. Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss, are initially recognized at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in the Consolidated Income Statement.

 

(b) Loans and receivables: These are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are classified as current or non-current assets based on their maturity date. Loans and receivables are comprised of trade receivables and other and non-current and current loans receivable in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, less any impairment.

(ii) Financial liabilities

Borrowings and other financial liabilities (excluding derivative liabilities) are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred and directly attributable to the issuance of the liability. These financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Any difference between the amounts originally received (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement using the effective interest rate method.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

(iii) Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives that are classified as held for trading are initially recognized at their fair value on the date at which the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the date of each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, with the changes in fair value included in Other (losses) / gains—net. The Group has no derivatives designated for hedge accounting treatment, except at December 31, 2014 for forward derivatives contracted to hedge the foreign currency risk on the estimated U.S. Dollar purchase price of the Wise entities (see NOTE 24—Financial Instruments).

(iv) Fair value

Fair value is 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. Where available, relevant market prices are used to determine fair values. The Group periodically estimates the impact of credit risk on its derivatives instruments aggregated by counterparties and takes it into account when estimating the fair value of its derivatives.

Credit Value Adjustments are calculated for asset derivatives based on Constellium counterparties credit risk. Debit Value Adjustments are calculated for credit derivatives based on Constellium own credit risk.

The fair value method used is based on historical probability of default, provided by leading rating agencies.

(v) Offsetting financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Leases

Constellium as the lessee

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Various buildings, machinery and equipment from third parties are leased under operating lease agreements. Under such operating lease agreements, the total lease payments are recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement, and are included in Cost of sales or Selling and administrative expenses, depending on the nature of the leased assets.

Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Various equipment from third parties are leased under finance lease agreements. Under such finance leases, the asset financed is recognized in Property, plant and equipment and the financing is recognized as a financial liability, in Borrowings.

Constellium as the lessor

Certain land, buildings, machinery and equipment are leased to third parties under finance lease agreements. During the period of lease inception, the net book value of the related assets is removed from Property, plant and equipment and a Finance lease receivable is recorded at the lower of the fair value and the aggregate future cash payments to be received from the lessee computed at an interest rate implicit in the lease. As the Finance lease receivable from the lessee is due, interest income is recognized.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, primarily on a weighted-average cost basis.

Weighted-average costs for raw materials, stores, work in progress and finished goods are calculated using the costs experienced in the current period based on normal operating capacity (and include the purchase price of materials, freight, duties and customs, the costs of production, which includes labor costs, materials and other expenses, which are directly attributable to the production process and production overheads).

Trade accounts receivable

Recognition and measurement

Trade accounts receivable are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment (if any).

Impairment

An impairment allowance of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due. Indicators of impairment would include financial difficulties of the debtor, likelihood of the debtor’s insolvency, late payments, default or a significant deterioration in creditworthiness. The amount of the provision is the difference between the assets’ carrying value and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. The expense (income) related to the increase (decrease) of the impairment allowance is recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement. When a trade receivable is deemed uncollectible, it is written off against the impairment allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Income Statement

Factoring arrangements

In a non-recourse factoring arrangement, where the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the receivables, the receivables are derecognized from the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Where trade accounts receivable are sold with limited recourse, and substantially all the risks and rewards associated with these receivables are not transferred, receivables continue to be included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Inflows and outflows from factoring agreements in which the Group does not derecognize receivables are presented on a net basis as cash flows from financing activities. Arrangements in which the Group derecognizes receivables result in changes in trade receivables which are reflected as cash flows from operating activities.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash in bank accounts and on hand, short-term deposits held on call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value, less bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand, provided there is a right of offset.

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

Trade payables

Trade payables are initially recorded at fair value and classified as current liabilities if payment is due in one year or less.

Provisions

Provisions are recorded for the best estimate of expenditures required to settle liabilities of uncertain timing or amount when management determines that a legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and such amounts can be reasonably estimated. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expected expenditures to be required to settle the obligation.

The ultimate cost to settle such liabilities is uncertain, and cost estimates can vary in response to many factors. The settlement of these liabilities could materially differ from recorded amounts. In addition, the expected timing of expenditure can also change. As a result, there could be significant adjustments to provisions, which could result in additional charges or recoveries affecting future financial results.

Types of liabilities for which the Group establishes provisions include:

Close down and restoration costs

Estimated close down and restoration costs are accounted for in the year when the legal or constructive obligation arising from the related disturbance occurs and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation. These costs are based on the net present value of estimated future costs. Provisions for close down and restoration costs do not include any additional obligations which are expected to arise from future disturbance. The costs are estimated on the basis of a closure plan including feasibility and engineering studies, are updated annually during the life of the operation to reflect known developments (e.g. revisions to cost estimates and to the estimated lives of operations) and are subject to formal review at regular intervals each year.

The initial closure provision together with subsequent movements in the provisions for close down and restoration costs, including those resulting from new disturbance, updated cost estimates, changes to the estimated lives of operations and revisions to discount rates are capitalized within Property, plant and equipment. These costs are then depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the related assets. The amortization or unwinding of the discount applied in establishing the net present value of the provisions is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement as a financing cost in each accounting year.

Environmental remediation costs

Environmental remediation costs are accounted for based on the estimated present value of the costs of the Group’s environmental clean-up obligations. Movements in the environmental clean-up provisions are presented as an operating cost within Cost of sales. Remediation procedures may commence soon after the time at which the disturbance, remediation process and estimated remediation costs become known, and can continue for many years depending on the nature of the disturbance and the technical remediation.

Restructuring costs

Provisions for restructuring are recorded when Constellium’s management is demonstrably committed to the restructuring plan and where such liabilities can be reasonably estimated. The Group

 

F-19


Table of Contents

recognizes liabilities that primarily include one-time termination benefits, or severance, and contract termination costs, primarily related to equipment and facility lease obligations. These amounts are based on the remaining amounts due under various contractual agreements, and are periodically adjusted for any anticipated or unanticipated events or changes in circumstances that would reduce or increase these obligations.

Legal, tax and other potential claims

Provisions for legal claims are made when it is probable that liabilities will be incurred and when such liabilities can be reasonably estimated. For asserted claims and assessments, liabilities are recorded when an unfavorable outcome of a matter is deemed to be probable and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management determines the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome based on many factors such as the nature of the matter, available defenses and case strategy, progress of the matter, views and opinions of legal counsel and other advisors, applicability and success of appeals, process and outcomes of similar historical matters, amongst others. Once an unfavorable outcome is considered probable, management weights the probability of possible outcomes and the most reasonable loss is recorded. Legal matters are reviewed on a regular basis to determine if there have been changes in management’s judgment regarding the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the estimate of a potential loss. Depending on their nature, these costs may be charged to Cost of sales or Other gains/ (losses)–net in the Consolidated Income Statement. Included in other potential claims are provisions for product warranties and guarantees to settle the net present value portion of any settlement costs for potential future legal actions, claims and other assertions that may be brought by Constellium’s customers or the end-users of products. Provisions for product warranty and guarantees are charged to Cost of sales in the Consolidated Income Statement. In the accounting year when any legal action, claim or assertion related to product warranty or guarantee is settled, the net settlement amount incurred is charged against the provision established in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The outstanding provision is reviewed periodically for adequacy and reasonableness by Constellium management.

Management establishes tax reserves and accrues interest thereon, if deemed appropriate; in expectation that certain tax return positions may be challenged and that the Group might not succeed in defending such positions, despite management’s belief that the positions taken were fully supportable.

Pension, other post-employment healthcare plans and other long term employee benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions. Constellium’s contributions to defined contribution pension plans are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in the year to which the contributions relate. This expense is included in Cost of sales, Selling and administrative expenses or Research and development expenses, depending on its nature.

For defined benefit plans, the retirement benefit obligation recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position represents the present value of the defined benefit as reduced by the fair value of plan assets. The effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and experience adjustments are charged or credited to Other comprehensive income / (loss).

The amount charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in respect of these plans (including the service costs and the effect of any curtailment or settlement, net of interest costs) is included within the Income / (loss) from operations.

The defined benefit obligations are assessed in accordance with the advice of qualified actuaries. The most significant assumption used in accounting for pension plans is the discount rate.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

Post-employment benefit plans relate to health and life insurance benefits to retired employees and in some cases to their beneficiaries and covered dependants. Eligibility for coverage is dependent upon certain age and service criteria. These benefit plans are unfunded and are accounted for as defined benefit obligations, as described above.

Other long term employee benefits include jubilees and other long-term disability benefits. For these plans, actuarial gains and losses arising in the year are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Taxation

The current Income tax (expense) / benefit is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income.

The Group is subject to income taxes in the Netherlands, France, United States and numerous other jurisdictions. Certain of Constellium’s businesses may be included in consolidated tax returns within the Company. In certain circumstances, these businesses may be jointly and severally liable with the entity filing the consolidated return, for additional taxes that may be assessed.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. This approach also requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets for operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards.

The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates and laws is recognized as tax income /(loss) in the year when the rate change is substantively enacted. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the date of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

Presentation of financial statements

The consolidated financial statements are presented in millions of Euros. Certain reclassifications may have been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation or with IFRS requirements (see NOTE 32—Disposals, Disposals Group classified as held for sale).

2.7. Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Many of the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements involve the use of judgment and/or estimation. These judgments and estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, giving consideration to previous experience. However, actual results may differ from the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. Key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year include the items presented below.

Purchase Accounting

Business combinations are recorded in accordance with IFRS 3, ‘Business Combination’ using the acquisition method. Under this method, upon the initial consolidation of an entity over which the

 

F-21


Table of Contents

Group has acquired exclusive control, the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recognized at their fair value at the acquisition date.

Therefore, through a number of different approaches and with the assistance of external independent valuation experts, the Group identified what it believes is the fair value of the assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. These valuations include a number of assumptions, estimations and judgments. Quantitative and qualitative information is further disclosed in NOTE 3—Acquisition of Wise entities.

Significant assumptions which were used in determining allocation of fair value included the following valuation approaches: the cost approach, the income approach and the market approach which were determined based on cash flow projections and related discount rates, industry indices, market prices regarding replacement cost and comparable market transactions. While the Company believes that the estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation methodologies were reasonable, different assumptions could have resulted in different fair values.

Impairment tests for goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

The determination of fair value and value in use of cash generating units or groups of cash generating units depends on a number of assumptions, in particular market data, estimated future cash flows and the discount rate.

These assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty. Any material changes in these assumptions could result in a significant change in a cash generating-units’ recoverable value or a goodwill impairment. Details of the key assumptions applied are set out in NOTE 13—Intangible assets (including goodwill) and in NOTE 14—Property, plant and equipment.

Pension, other post-employment benefits and other long-term employee benefits

The present value of the defined benefit obligations depends on a number of factors that are determined on an actuarial basis using a number of assumptions. The assumptions used in determining the defined benefit obligations and net pension costs include the discount rate and the rate of future compensation increases. In making these estimates and assumptions, management considers advices provided by external advisers, such as actuaries.

Any material changes in these assumptions could result in a significant change in employee benefits expense recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement, actuarial gains and losses recognized in equity and prepaid and accrued benefits. Details of the key assumptions applied are set out in NOTE 21—Pensions and other post-employment benefit obligations.

Taxes

Significant judgment is sometimes required in determining the accrual for income taxes as there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The Group recognizes liabilities based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax provisions, results of operations and possibly cash flows in the year in which such determination is made.

Management judgment is required to determine the extent to which deferred tax assets can be recognized. In assessing the recognition of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be utilized. The deferred tax assets will be ultimately utilized to the extent that sufficient taxable profits will be available in the periods in which the

 

F-22


Table of Contents

temporary differences become deductible. This assessment is conducted through a detailed review of deferred tax assets by jurisdiction and takes into account the scheduled reversals of taxable and deductible temporary differences, past, current and expected future performance deriving from the budget, the business plan and tax planning strategies. Deferred tax assets are not recognized in the jurisdictions where it is less likely than not that sufficient taxable profits will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized.

Provisions

Provisions have been recorded for: (a) close-down and restoration costs; (b) environmental remediation and monitoring costs; (c) restructuring programs; (d) legal and other potential claims including provisions for product income tax risks, warranty and guarantees, at amounts which represent management’s best estimates of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the date of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Expectations are revised each year until the actual liability is settled, with any difference accounted for in the year in which the revision is made. Main assumptions used are described in NOTE 22—Provisions.

Note 3—Acquisition of Wise Entities

On January 5, 2015, Constellium acquired 100% of Wise Metals Intermediate Holdings LLC (“Wise” or “Muscle Shoals”), a private aluminum sheet producer located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, United States of America. The total consideration, paid in cash, was 370 million. With the acquisition, Constellium has now access to 450,000 metric tons (kt) of hot mill capacity from the widest strip mill in North America, reinforcing its position on the can market and positioning Constellium to continue to grow in the North American Body in White (BiW) market.

In accordance with IFRS 3, ‘Business Combination’, Constellium has recognized the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, measured, with the assistance of an independent expert, at fair value at the acquisition date:

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    January 5, 2015  

Intangible assets

   13      130   

Property, plant and equipment

   14      657   

Trade receivables and other

        165   

Inventories

        227   

Other financial assets

        4   

Cash and cash equivalents

        22   
     

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

        1,205   
     

 

 

 

Borrowings

   19      (997

Trade payables and other

        (155

Deferred tax liabilities

   26      (15

Pension and other post-employment benefit obligations

   21      (8

Other financial liabilities

        (2

Provisions and contingent liabilities

   22      (53
     

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

        (1,230
     

 

 

 

Net liabilities assumed

        (25
     

 

 

 

Goodwill

   13      395   
     

 

 

 

Total cash consideration

        370   
     

 

 

 

 

F-23


Table of Contents

The valuation resulted in the recognition of intangible assets such as Customer relationships and Technology. Property, plant and equipment, Inventories, Provisions and Borrowings have been remeasured at fair value. The resulting 395 million goodwill is mainly supported by the growing automotive markets (Body in White) in North America. The resulting goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes.

Considering the industries served, its major customers and product lines, Muscle Shoals and its related assets and liabilities are included in Packaging and Automotive Rolled Products (P&ARP) operating segment.

The combined revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 assuming the business combination occurred on January 1, 2015 would not be materially different from the actual consolidated revenue (as the acquisition was completed on January 5, 2015).

Acquisition costs were recognized as expenses in Other gains/ (losses)-net of Group’s Consolidated Income Statement (34 million in 2014 and 5 million in 2015).

Note 4—Operating Segment Information

Management has defined Constellium’s operating segments based upon product lines, markets and industries it serves, and prepares and reports operating segment information to the Constellium chief operating decision maker (CODM) (see NOTE 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) on that basis. Group’s operating segments are described below:

Aerospace and Transportation (A&T)

A&T focuses on thick-gauge rolled high value-added products for customers in the aerospace, marine, automotive and mass-transportation markets and engineering industries. A&T operates six facilities in three countries.

Packaging and Automotive Rolled Products (P&ARP)

P&ARP produces and provides thin-gauge rolled products for customers in the beverage and closures, automotive, Body in White, customized industrial sheet solutions and high-quality bright surface product markets. P&ARP operates three facilities in three countries.

Automotive Structures and Industry (AS&I)

AS&I focuses on specialty products and supplies a variety of hard and soft alloy extruded products, including technically advanced products, to the automotive, industrial, energy, electrical and building industries, and to manufacturers of mass transport vehicles and shipbuilders. AS&I operates thirteen facilities in seven countries.

Holdings & Corporate

Holdings & Corporate include the net cost of Constellium’s head office and corporate support functions.

Intersegment elimination

Intersegment trading is conducted on an arm’s length basis and reflects market prices.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

The accounting principles used to prepare the Company’s operating segment information are the same as those used to prepare Group’s consolidated financial statements.

4.1 Segment Revenue

 

    Year ended
December 31, 2015
    Year ended
December 31, 2014
    Year ended
December 31, 2013
 
(in millions of Euros)   Segment
revenue
    Inter-
segment

elimination
    Revenue     Segment
revenue
    Inter-
segment

elimination
    Revenue     Segment
revenue
    Inter-
segment

elimination
    Revenue  

A&T

    1,355        (7     1,348        1,197        (5     1,192        1,204        (7     1,197   

P&ARP(A)

    2,748        (6     2,742        1,576        (8     1,568        1,480        (8     1,472   

AS&I

    1,047        (13     1,034        921        (46     875        859        (54     805   

Holdings & Corporate(B)

    29               29        31               31        21               21   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    5,179        (26     5,153        3,725        (59     3,666        3,564        (69     3,495   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Includes Muscle Shoals revenue of 1,198 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(B) Includes revenue from metal supply to plants in Ham and Saint Florentin which are considered as third parties since their disposal in the second quarter of 2013.

4.2 Segment adjusted EBITDA and reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income

 

(in millions of Euros)   Notes   Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

A&T

      103        91        120   

P&ARP(A)

      183        118        105   

AS&I

      80        73        58   

Holdings & Corporate

      (23     (7     (3
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

      343        275        280   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Metal price lag(B)

      (34     27        (29

Start-up and development costs(C)

      (21     (11     (7

Manufacturing system and process transformation
costs(D)

      (11     (1       

Wise acquisition and integration costs

  3     (14     (34       

Wise one-time costs related to the acquisition(E)

      (38              

Share Equity Plans

  31     (7     (4     (2

(Losses) / Gains on Ravenswood OPEB plan amendment

  8     (5     9        11   

Swiss pension plan settlements

  8            6          

Income tax contractual reimbursements

  8            8          

Apollo Management fees

                    (2

Depreciation and amortization(F)

  6     (140     (49     (32

Impairment(G)

      (457              

Restructuring costs

      (8     (12     (8

Losses on disposals and assets classified as held for sale

  8     (5     (5     (5

Unrealized (losses) / gains on derivatives

  8     (20     (53     12   

Unrealized exchange (losses) / gains from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities—net

  8     (3     1        2   

Other

      (6     (7     (11
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) / Income from operations

      (426     150        209   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-25


Table of Contents
(in millions of Euros)   Notes   Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Other expenses

                    (27

Finance costs—net

  10     (155     (58     (50

Share of loss of joint-ventures

  25     (3     (1     3   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) / Income before income tax

      (584     91        135   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefit / (expense)

  11     32        (37     (39
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) / income from continuing operations

      (552     54        96   

Net (loss) / income from discontinued operations

                    4   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (Loss) / Income

      (552     54        100   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Includes 68 million of Adjusted EBITDA from Muscle Shoals for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(B) Represents the financial impact of the timing difference between when aluminum prices included within Constellium revenues are established and when aluminum purchase prices included in Cost of sales are established. The Group accounts for inventory using a weighted average price basis and this adjustment is to remove the effect of volatility in LME prices. The calculation of the Group metal price lag adjustment is based on an internal standardized methodology calculated at each of Constellium manufacturing sites and is calculated as the average value of product recorded in inventory, which approximates the spot price in the market, less the average value transferred out of inventory, which is the weighted average of the metal element of cost of goods sold, by the quantity sold in the period.
(C) For the year ended December 31, 2015, start-up costs relating to new sites and business development initiatives amounted to 21 million of which 16 million related to Body in White growth projects both in Europe and the U.S and 5 million related to the expansion of the site in Van Buren, U.S.
(D) For the year ended December 31, 2015, manufacturing system and process transformation costs related to supply chain reorganization mainly in our A&T operating segment.
(E) Wise one-time costs related to the acquisition include :

 

    Wise Mid-West premium losses: Constellium seeks to achieve a full pass-through model for LME and premiums, primarily through contractual arrangements with metal suppliers and customers. At the acquisition date (January 5, 2015), not all Wise contracts had this pass-through mechanism. Constellium has renegotiated these contracts to bring them in line with its usual practice. In addition, the Mid West Premium market conditions were abnormal in the year ended December 31, 2015 with premium falling from $524/metric ton as at January 5, 2015 to $198/metric ton as at December 31, 2015. This resulted in an un-recovered metal premium of 22 million.

 

    Unwinding of Wise previous hedging policies: Constellium’s policies are to hedge all known exposures. Losses of 4 million were incurred on the unwinding of the predecessor’s hedging policies for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

    Effects of purchase accounting adjustment: Represents the non-cash step-up in inventory costs on the acquisition of Wise entities (12 million).

 

(F) Includes 61 million depreciation and amortization expenses from Muscle Shoals assets for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(G) Includes mainly for the year ended December 31, 2015, an impairment charge of 400 million related to Muscle Shoals intangible assets and Property, plant and equipment and 49 million related to Constellium Valais Property, plant and equipment.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

4.3 Entity-wide information about products and services

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year ended
December 31,
2015
     Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Aerospace rolled products

     861         667         655   

Transportation, Industry and other rolled products

     487         525         542   

Packaging rolled products

     2,205         1,160         1,138   

Automotive rolled products

     275         225         162   

Specialty and other thin-rolled products

     262         183         172   

Automotive extruded products

     544         413         334   

Other extruded products

     490         462         471   

Others

     29         31         21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue(A)

     5,153         3,666         3,495   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Includes Muscle Shoals revenue of 1,198 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

4.4 Segment capital expenditure

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

A&T

     (112     (71     (53 )

P&ARP(A)

     (170     (74     (37 )

AS&I

     (60     (48     (49 )

Holdings & Corporate

     (8     (6     (5 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital expenditure

     (350     (199     (144 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Includes Muscle Shoals capital expenditure of 71 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

4.5 Segment assets

Segment assets are comprised of total assets of Constellium by segment, less investments accounted for under equity method, deferred income tax assets, other financial assets (including cash and cash equivalent) and assets classified as held for sale.

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

A&T

     706         707   

P&ARP(A)

     1,505         390   

AS&I

     315         333   

Holdings & Corporate

     210         288   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment Assets

     2,736         1,718   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unallocated:

     

Investments accounted for under equity method

     30         21   

Deferred income tax assets

     270         192   

Other financial assets

     579         1,081   

Assets classified as held for sale

     13           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     3,628         3,012   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Includes Muscle Shoals assets of 691 million at December 31, 2015.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

4.6 Information about major customers

Included in revenue arising from the P&ARP segment for the year ended December 31, 2015, is revenue of 1,318 million which arose from sales to the Group’s two largest customers. No other single customer contributed 10% or more to the Group’s revenue for 2015.

Included in revenue arising from the P&ARP segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, is revenue of respectively 406 million and 378 million which arose from sales to the Group’s largest customers. No other single customer contributed 10% or more to the Group’s revenue for 2014 and 2013.

Note 5—Information by Geographic Area

The Group reports information by geographic area as follows: revenues from third and related parties are based on destination of shipments and property, plant and equipment are based on the physical location of the assets.

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year ended
December 31, 2015
     Year ended
December 31, 2014
     Year ended
December 31, 2013
 

Revenue from third and related parties

        

France

     564         533         535   

Germany

     1,112         1,035         961   

United Kingdom

     243         336         346   

Switzerland

     72         85         88   

Other Europe

     849         755         742   

United States

     1,677         524         448   

Canada

     91         51         53   

Asia and Other Pacific

     266         174         142   

Others

     279         173         180   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5,153         3,666         3,495   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

Property, plant and equipment

     

France

     433         291   

Germany

     118         99   

Switzerland

     1         34   

Czech Republic

     32         21   

Other Europe

     2         3   

United States

     660         179   

Others

     9         6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,255         633   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-28


Table of Contents

Note 6—Expenses by Nature

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Raw materials and consumables used(A)

        (3,176     (2,087     (1,980

Employee benefit expenses

   7      (887     (697     (667

Energy costs

        (168     (152     (150

Sub-contractors

        (86     (104     (86

Freight out costs

        (130     (79     (75

Professional fees

        (75     (64     (74

Operating leases expenses

        (29     (25     (20

Depreciation and amortization

        (140     (49     (32

Impairment

        (457              

Other Operating expenses

        (300     (176     (194

Other gains/(losses)—net

   8      (131     (83     (8
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Operating expenses(B)

        (5,579     (3,516     (3,286
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) The Company manages fluctuations in raw materials prices in order to protect manufacturing margins through the purchase of derivative instruments (see NOTE 23—Financial Risk Management and NOTE 24—Financial Instruments).
(B) Includes Muscle Shoals operating expenses of 1,648 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Note 7—Employee Benefit Expenses

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Wages and salaries

        (836     (650     (625

Pension costs—defined benefit plans

   21      (31     (26     (28

Other post-employment benefits

   21      (15     (17     (12

Share equity plan expenses

   31      (5     (4     (2
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total employee benefit expenses(A)

        (887     (697     (667
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Includes Muscle Shoals employee benefit expenses of 118 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

Note 8—Other Gains/ (Losses)—Net

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Realized losses on derivatives

        (93     (13     (31

Unrealized (losses)/ gains on derivatives at fair value through Profit and Loss—net(A)

   23      (20     (53     12   

Unrealized exchange (losses) /gain from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities—net

        (3     1        2   

Swiss pension plan settlements

   21             6          

(Losses) / Gains on Ravenswood OPEB plan amendments

   21      (5     9        11   

Wise acquisition costs

   3      (5     (34       

Income tax contractual reimbursements

   11             8          

(Losses) on disposals and assets classified as held for sale(B)

        (5     (5     (5

Other—net

               (2     3   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Other gains/ (losses)—net

        (131     (83     (8
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) The gains or losses are related to unrealized gains or losses on derivatives entered into with the purpose of mitigating exposure to volatility in foreign currency and LME price (refer to NOTE 23—Financial Risk Management for a description of Group’s risk management).
(B) Following the Group’s decision to sell its plant in Carquefou—France, included in the Aerospace and Transportation (A&T) operating segment, a 8 million charge was recorded in 2015.

On October 27, 2014, the Group sold its plant in Tarascon sur Ariège, France and incurred a 7 million loss.

In 2013, the sale of Group’s plants in Ham and Saint Florentin, France, was completed.

Note 9—Currency Gains / (Losses)

Consolidated Income Statement

Currency gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Included in Cost of sales

        13        11        (2

Included in Other gains/(losses)—net

        (50     (52     23   

Included in Finance costs—net

   10      2        2        2   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        (35     (39     23   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized exchange losses on foreign currency derivatives—net

        (5     (12       

Unrealized exchange gains / (losses) on foreign currency derivatives—net

        8        (12     13   

Exchanges (losses) / gains from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities—net

        (38     (15     10   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        (35     (39     23   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-30


Table of Contents

Foreign currency translation reserve

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
 

Foreign currency translation reserve at January 1

     (28     (14

Effect of currency translation differences—net

     34        (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation reserve at December 31

     6        (28
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See NOTE 23—Financial Risk Management and NOTE 24—Financial Instruments for further information regarding the Company’s foreign currency derivatives and hedging activities.

Note 10—Finance Costs—Net

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Finance income

         

Realized and unrealized gains on debt derivatives at fair value(A)

   9      50        29        4   

Realized and unrealized exchange gains on financing activities—net(A)

   9      20               11   

Other finance income

        1        1        2   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Finance income

        71        30        17   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance costs

         

Interest expense on borrowings(B)

   19      (149     (32     (22

Expenses on factoring arrangements(C)

   16      (11     (9     (10

Exit fees and unamortized arrangement fees(D)

   19             (15     (21

Realized and unrealized losses on debt derivatives at fair value(A)

   9                    (13

Realized and unrealized exchange losses on financing activities—net(A)

   9      (68     (27       

Other

        (6     (7     (2
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (234     (90     (68
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capitalized borrowing costs(E)

        8        2        1   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Finance costs

        (226     (88     (67
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance costs—net

        (155     (58     (50
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) The Group hedges the dollar exposure relating to the principal of its Constellium N.V. U.S. Dollar Senior Notes. The principal is mainly hedged by using floating-floating cross currency basis swaps indexed on floating Euro and U.S. Dollar interest rates. Changes in the fair value of these hedging derivatives are recognized within Finance income / (costs) in the Consolidated Income Statement and offset the unrealized results related to Constellium N.V. U.S. Dollar Senior Notes revaluation.
(B) Includes for the year ended December 31, 2015: (i) 81 million of interests related to Constellium N.V. Senior Notes; (ii) 64 million of interests related to the Muscle Shoals’ Senior Notes and (iii) 4 million of interest expenses and fees related to Muscle Shoals and Ravenswood Revolving Credit Facilities (ABL).

 

F-31


Table of Contents

Includes for the year ended December 31, 2014: (i) 23 million of interests related to the Constellium N.V. 2014 Senior Notes; (ii) 7 million of interests related to the Constellium N.V. 2013 term loan and (iii) 2 million of interest expenses related to the Ravenswood Revolving Credit Facility.

Includes for the year ended December 31, 2013: (i) 17 million of interests related to the Constellium N.V. 2013 term loan; (ii) 3 million of interests related to the Constellium N.V. 2012 term loan and (iii) 2 million of interest expenses related to the Ravenswood Revolving Credit Facility.

 

(C) Includes interests, fees and amortization of deferred financing costs related to trade accounts receivable factoring programs (see NOTE 16—Trade Receivables and Other).
(D) During the second quarter of 2014, Constellium N.V. issued Senior Notes and repaid the 2013 term loan. Arrangement fees of the 2013 term loan which were not amortized under the effective rate method, and exit fees, were fully recognized as financial expenses during this period. For the year ended December 31, 2014, arrangement and exit fees amounted respectively to 9 million and 6 million.

During the first quarter of 2013, Constellium N.V. issued the 2013 term loan facility and repaid the 2012 term loan. Arrangement fees of the 2012 term loan which were not amortized under the effective rate method, and exit fees, were fully recognized as financial expenses during this period. For the year ended December 31, 2013, arrangement and exit fees amounted respectively to 13 million and 8 million.

 

(E) Represents capitalized borrowing costs directly attributable to the construction of assets.

N ote 11—Income Tax

The current and deferred components of income tax are as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Current tax expense

     (21     (34     (29

Deferred tax benefit / (expense)

     53        (3     (10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income tax benefit / (expense)

     32        (37     (39
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Using a composite statutory income tax rate applicable by tax jurisdictions, the income tax can be reconciled as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

(Loss)/ Income before income tax

     (584     91        135   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Composite statutory income tax rate applicable by tax jurisdiction

     38.2     31.0     36.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefit / (expense) calculated at composite statutory tax rate applicable by tax jurisdictions

     223        (28     (48

Tax effect of:

      

Changes in recognized and unrecognized deferred tax assets(A)

     (177     (3     1   

Other(B)

     (14     (6     8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefit/ (expense)

     32        (37     (39
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

     5     41     29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-32


Table of Contents

 

(A) Including unrecognized deferred tax asset on impairment of long term assets of one of our main entities
(B) Including non-deductible items and certain contractual reimbursements in 2014 and 2013.

Our composite statutory income tax rate of 38,2% in the year ended December 31, 2015, 31.0% in the year ended December 31, 2014 and of 36.0% in the year ended December 31, 2013 resulted from the statutory tax rates (i) in the United States of 40% in 2015, 43% in 2014 and 40% in 2013, (ii) in France of 38.0% in 2015, in 2014 and in 2013, (iii) in Germany of 29% in 2015, 2014 and 2013, (iv) in the Netherlands of 25% in 2015, 2014 and 2013 and (v) in Czech Republic of 19% in 2015, 2014 and 2013. The 7.2% increase in our composite tax rate from 2014 to 2015 and the 5.0% decrease in our composite tax rate from 2013 to 2014 resulted from the change in the weight of profits or losses in higher tax rate jurisdictions most notably France and in the United States combined with the change in the weight of profits in lower tax rate jurisdictions most notably in Czech Republic in 2014.

Note 12—Earnings Per Share

12.1 Earnings

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014
     Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

     (554     51         94   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share from discontinued operation

                    4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share

     (554     51         98   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

12.2 Number of shares (see NOTE 18—Share capital)

 

(number of shares)    Year ended
December 31,
2015
     Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used to calculate basic earnings per share(A)

     105,097,442         104,639,342         98,219,458   

Effect of other dilutive potential ordinary shares(B)

             687,530         671,487   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share

     105,097,442         105,326,872         98,890,945   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Based on the total number of all classes of shares (former “A”, “B1” and “B2”) until the IPO on May 22, 2013, and on the total number of Class A ordinary shares from the IPO (See NOTE 18—Share Capital). Prior to the IPO, the Class B ordinary shares were included in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation as the Class A and Class B ordinary shares had equal rights to profit allocation and dividends and Class B ordinary shares, once issued, could not be repurchased nor cancelled by the Company without the consent of the holder. In connection with our IPO, the Management Equity Plan (“MEP”) was frozen so that there could be no additional issuances or reallocations thereunder of Class B ordinary shares among MEP participants. In addition, from the date of the IPO, at the request of the MEP participants and in certain circumstances, the Company was committed to repurchase these shares, and may subsequently cancel them (including the related accumulated rights to profit).

 

F-33


Table of Contents

Accordingly, from the IPO date, Class B ordinary shares have been excluded from the calculation of the weighted average number of ordinary shares used to calculate the basic earnings per share. As Class B ordinary shares are ultimately converted into Class A ordinary shares when the Company does not have to repurchase them, they are included in the calculation of the weighted average number of ordinary shares used to calculate the diluted earnings per share.

All ordinary Class B shares were cancelled in August 2015.

 

(B) For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, includes B shares as they give rights to profit allocation and dividends and potential new ordinary shares to be issued as part of the Co-investment plan, the Equity award plan, the Free Share and the Shareholding Retention Plan (See NOTE 31—Share Equity Plan). All potential dilutive new ordinary shares were taken into account into the diluted earnings per share. There were no instrument excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect was antidilutive.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, there were 510,721 potential ordinary shares that could have a dilutive impact but were considered antidilutive due to negative earnings.

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company

 

(in Euros per share)    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

From continuing operations and discontinued operations

       

Basic

     (5.27     0.48         1.00   

Diluted

     (5.27     0.48         0.99   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

From continuing operations

       

Basic

     (5.27     0.48         0.96   

Diluted

     (5.27     0.48         0.95   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

From discontinued operations

       

Basic

                    0.04   

Diluted

                    0.04   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-34


Table of Contents

Note 13—Intangible Assets (Including Goodwill)

 

(in millions of Euros)   Notes   Goodwill     Technology     Computer
Software
    Customer
relationships
    Work in
Progress
    Other     Total
intangibles
assets

(excluding
goodwill)
 

Net balance at January 1, 2015

      11               11               4        2        17   

Intangible assets acquired through business combination and resulting goodwill

  3     395        84        9        37                      130   

Additions

                    1               6               7   

Amortization expense

             (5     (6     (2                   (13

Impairment

             (60            (21                   (81

Transfer during the period

                    3               (3              

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

      37        9        5        4                      18   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2015

      443        28        23        18        7        2        78   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2015

               

Cost

      443        92        41        41        7        2        183   

Less accumulated amortization and impairment

             (64     (18     (23                   (105
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2015

      443        28        23        18        7        2        78   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impairment tests for goodwill

Goodwill in the amount of 443 million has been allocated to the Group’s operating segment Aerospace and Transportation (“A&T”) 5 million, Automotive Structures and Industry (“AS&I”) 2 million and Packaging and Automotive Rolled Products (“P&ARP”) 436 million.

At December 31, 2015, the recoverable amount of the A&T and AS&I operating segments has been determined based on value-in-use calculations and significantly exceeded their carrying value. No reasonable change in the assumptions retained could lead to a potential impairment charge.

For the P&ARP operating segment, the recoverable value was estimated by applying a discounted cash flow model and market participant’s assumptions. The expected future cash flows are based on the 2016-2025 medium and long term business plan approved by the management and reviewed by the Board of Directors. They include the significant capital expenditures for the Body-in-White (up to 2020/2021) and the related returns. Considering the significant level of future capital expenditure needed to address the Body in White market with the related Body in White cash inflows ramping-up from 2018/2019 and reaching a normative level in 2023/2024, cash flows were projected over a 10 year period. The terminal value assumes a normative cash flow and a long term growth rate ranging from 0% to 2%. The discount rates applied to cash flows projections range between 11% and 12%. It was concluded that the carrying value did not exceed the recoverable value as at December 31, 2015. Accordingly, the impairment test carried out at the P&ARP operating segment level did not lead to a goodwill impairment.

 

F-35


Table of Contents

Sensitivity analysis: the calculation of the recoverable value of the P&ARP operating segment is most sensitive to the following assumptions:

 

    Discount rate : an increase in the discount rate by 2% would result in the recoverable value equaling the carrying value;

 

    Perpetual growth rate : a decrease in the perpetual growth rate by 5 % would result in the recoverable value equaling the carrying value; or

 

    BiW shipments : 40% lower shipments in the BiW US business would result in the recoverable value equaling the carrying value. Considering the overall size and length of the Body in White project, management determined forecasted shipments and related revenues to be a key assumption.

Note 14—Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment balances and movements are comprised as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)   Notes   Land and
Property
Rights
    Buildings     Machinery
and
Equipment
    Construction
Work in
Progress
    Other     Total  

Net balance at January 1, 2015

      1        61        383        183        5        633   

Property, plant and equipment acquired through business combination

  3     22        129        438        65        3        657   

Additions

             6        36        340        3        385   

Disposals

                    (1                   (1

Depreciation expense

      (4     (15     (103            (5     (127

Impairment

  4            (79     (276     (15     (1     (371

Transfer during the period

             43        244        (289     2          

Reclassified as assets held for sale

  32            (1     (3                   (4

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

      2        14        55        12          83   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2015

      21        158        773        296        7        1,255   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2015

             

Cost

      25        258        1,207        310        24        1,824   

Less accumulated depreciation and impairment

      (4     (100     (434     (14     (17     (569
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2015

      21        158        773        296        7        1,255   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-36


Table of Contents
(in millions of Euros)    Land and
Property
Rights
     Buildings     Machinery
and
Equipment
    Construction
Work in
Progress
    Other     Total  

Net balance at January 1, 2014

     1         28        252        119        8        408   

Additions

             15        31        208               254   

Disposals

                                           

Depreciation expense

             (2     (42            (2     (46

Impairment

                           (1            (1

Transfer during the year

             18        128        (147     (1     (2

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

             2        14        4               20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2014

     1         61        383        183        5        633   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2014

             

Cost

     1         67        459        183        13        723   

Less accumulated depreciation and impairment

             (6     (76            (8     (90
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2014

     1         61        383        183        5        633   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Building, machinery and equipment includes the following amounts where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease:

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Gross value      Accumulated
depreciation
    Net      Gross value      Accumulated
depreciation
    Net  

Buildings under finance lease

     28         (2     26         16                16   

Machinery and equipment under finance lease

     34         (13     21         16         (1     15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     62         (15     47         32         (1     31   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable finance leases are as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

Less than 1 year

     10         6   

1 to 5 years

     36         19   

More than 5 years

     21         15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     67         40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The present value of future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable finance leases are as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

Less than 1 year

     7         5   

1 to 5 years

     31         18   

More than 5 years

     15         8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     53         31   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-37


Table of Contents

Depreciation expense and impairment losses

Total depreciation expense and impairment losses relating to Property, plant and equipment and Intangible assets are included in the Consolidated Income Statement as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Cost of sales

     (132     (42     (28

Selling and administrative expenses

     (8     (7     (4

Impairment

     (452              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (592     (49     (32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amount of contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment is disclosed in NOTE 27—Commitments.

Impairment tests for property, plant and equipment and intangibles assets

Muscle Shoals cash-generating unit: the following triggering events were identified as at December 31, 2015:

 

    Continuing under performance and actual 2015 Muscle Shoals results showing a much lower financial performance than the initial business plan prepared as part of the Wise acquisition, and

 

    Revised budget and strategic plan for Muscle Shoals downgraded, notably after taking into account new sale agreements commercial conditions for the can/packaging business.

In accordance with the accounting policies described in NOTE 2.6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Muscle Shoals cash-generating unit was tested for impairment as at December 31, 2015.

Its value-in-use was determined based on projected cash flows expected to be generated by the can/packaging business at Muscle Shoals. These cash flow forecasts were prepared by the Group Management and reviewed by the Board of Directors. The discount rate applied to cash flows projections was 11% and cash flows beyond the projection period have been extrapolated using a 0% growth rate. The value in use calculation led to a recoverable value being 400 million lower than the carrying value.

Management determined that the fair value less cost of disposal of Muscle Shoals cash-generating unit does not exceed the value in use.

Accordingly, an impairment charge of 400 million was recorded as at December 31, 2015, reducing the Muscle shoals’ cash- generating unit intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

Sensitivity analysis: the calculation of the recoverable value of the Muscle Shoals cash-generating unit is most sensitive to the following assumptions:

 

    Discount rate : a increase / decrease of the discount rate by 1% would impact the recoverable value by 40 million and 48 million respectively

 

    Perpetual growth rate : a increase / decrease of the perpetual growth rate by 1% would impact the recoverable value by 19 million and 16 million respectively.

 

F-38


Table of Contents

Constellium Valais cash-generating units: certain triggering events were identified in 2015 (cash-generating unit Valais—AS&I operating segment: operational reorganization and industrial restructuring and cash-generating unit Valais—A&T operating segment: expected adverse change in key sale agreements).

In accordance with the accounting policies described in NOTE 2.6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Valais cash- generating units were tested for impairment as at December 31, 2015.

Based on the recoverable value approached from both a value in use and a fair value models, the carrying value of the Property, plant and equipment was fully impaired as at December 31, 2015. The related impairment charge totaled 49 million.

Note 15—Inventories

Inventories are comprised of the following:

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
    At December 31,
2014
 

Finished goods

     148        126   

Work in progress

     265        205   

Raw materials

     91        80   

Stores and supplies

     59        41   

Depreciation and impairment(A)

     (21     (16
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total inventories

     542        436   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Includes Net realizable value and slow moving adjustments.

Constellium records inventories at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Any increase / (decrease) in the net realizable value adjustment on inventories is included in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Note 16—Trade Receivables and Other

Trade receivables and other are comprised of the following:

 

     At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Non-current      Current     Non-current      Current  

Trade receivables—gross

             267                439   

Impairment allowance

             (3             (3
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Trade receivables—net

             264                436   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finance lease receivables

     18         6        22         5   

Deferred financing costs—net of amounts amortized

     1         2        2         3   

Deferred tooling related costs

     7                1         10   

Current income tax receivables

             39                15   

Other taxes

             35                50   

Restricted cash(A)

     11                10           

Other

     16         19        13         54   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Other receivables

     53         101        48         137   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Trade receivables and Other

     53         365        48         573   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-39


Table of Contents

 

(A) Relating to a pledge given to the State of West Virginia as a guarantee for certain workers’ compensation obligations for which the company is self-insured.

16.1 Aging

The aging of total trade receivables—net is as follows:

 

     At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 
(in millions of Euros)      

Current

     243         420   

1—30 days past due

     18         13   

31—60 days past due

     2         1   

61—90 days past due

     1         1   

Greater than 91 days past due

             1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total trade receivables—net

     264         436   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Impairment allowance

The Group periodically reviews its customers’ account aging, credit worthiness, payment histories and balance trends in order to evaluate trade accounts receivable for impairment. Management also considers whether changes in general economic conditions and in the industries in which the Group operates in particular, are likely to impact the ability of the Group’s customers to remain within agreed payment terms or to pay their account balances in full.

Revisions to the impairment allowance arising from changes in estimates are included as either additional allowance or recoveries, with the corresponding expense or income included in Selling and administrative expenses. An impairment allowance amounting to 0.5 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015 (0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014).

None of the other amounts included in Other receivables was deemed to be impaired.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivable shown above. The Group does not hold any collateral from its customers or debtors as security.

16.2 Currency concentration

The composition of the carrying amounts of total Trade receivables—net by currency is shown in Euro equivalents as follows:

 

     At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 
(in millions of Euros)      

Euro

     83         212   

U.S. Dollar

     162         199   

Swiss franc

     6         11   

Other currencies

     13         14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total trade receivables—net

     264         436   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

16.3 Factoring arrangements

The Group factored specific accounts receivables in Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic and France by entering into factoring agreements with third parties for a maximum capacity of 350 million, allocated as follows:

 

    235 million for France

 

F-40


Table of Contents
    115 million for Germany, Switzerland and Czech Republic

During December 2015, the Group renegotiated the factoring arrangement for France, extending maturity to December 2018, reducing costs and changing the recourse nature of the arrangement.

In addition, new factoring agreements were signed in the United States during the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

    On March 23, 2015, Muscle Shoals entered into a Factoring Agreement which provides for the sale of specific accounts receivables. In October, the agreement was amended to provide a committed capacity of $100 million and an additional uncommitted capacity of $280 million. In December 2015, the Company’s debt downgrade resulted in a termination of the commitment. As at December 31, 2015, the financial institution continued to purchase $100 million of accounts receivable on an uncommitted basis.

 

    On December 15, 2015, Constellium Automotive USA entered into a Factoring agreement which provides for the sale of specific accounts receivables and for a maximum capacity of $25 million.

Under the Group’s factoring agreements, most of the accounts receivables are now sold without recourse. Where the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the receivables, the receivables are de-recognized from the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Some remaining receivables do not qualify for derecognition under IAS 39, ‘Financial instruments’: Recognition and Measurement, as the Group retains substantially all of the associated risks and rewards

Under the agreements, as at December 31, 2015, the total carrying amount of the original assets factored is 529 million (December 31, 2014: 323 million) of which:

 

    429 million (December 31, 2014: 94 million) derecognized from the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as the Group transferred substantially all of the associated risks and rewards to the factor

 

    100 million (December 31, 2014: 229 million) recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was no amount due to the factor relating to trade accounts receivables sold.

Interest costs and other fees

During the year ended December 31, 2015, Constellium incurred 11 million in interest, other fees and amortized deferred financing costs (9 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 10 million during the year ended December 31, 2013) from these arrangements that are included in finance costs (see NOTE 10—Finance Costs—Net).

Under certain of the factoring agreements entered into in 2011, the Group paid a one-time, up-front arrangement fee of 2.25% of the initial aggregate maximum financing amount of 300 million (for both agreements), which totaled 7 million.

These arrangement fees plus an additional 7 million in legal and other fees related to the factoring agreements are being amortized as finance costs over a period of five years (see NOTE 10—Finance Costs—Net).

 

F-41


Table of Contents

During the year ended December 31, 2015, 3 million of such costs were amortized as finance costs (2 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, and 3 million during the year December 31, 2013). At December 31, 2015, the Group had less than 1 million (3 million at December 31, 2014) of unamortized up-front and legal fees related to the factoring arrangements (included in deferred financing costs).

Covenants

At December 31, 2015, the factoring arrangements contain certain affirmative and negative covenants, including relating to the administration and collection of the assigned receivables, the terms of the invoices and the exchange of information, but do not contain restrictive financial covenants.

The Group was in compliance with all applicable covenants at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Intercreditor agreement

On January 4, 2011, the Group entered into an Intercreditor Agreement between the French, German and Swiss sellers of the Group’s receivables under the various accounts receivable factoring programs described above and the purchasers of those receivables.

The intercreditor agreement was terminated in December 2015 and all rights and obligations of the parties covered by the intercreditor agreement were terminated accordingly.

Deferred financing costs

The Group incurs certain financing costs with third parties associated with its factoring arrangements and U.S. Revolving Credit facility. Amortization of these deferred finance costs is included in Finance costs—net in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Costs incurred and amortization recognized throughout the periods presented are shown in the table below

 

     Year ended December 31, 2015     Year ended December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Factoring
Arrangements
    U.S.
Revolving
Credit

Facility
    Other     Total     Factoring
Arrangements
    U.S.
Revolving
Credit

Facility
    Other     Total  

Financing costs incurred and deferred

                

Up-front facility arrangement fees

     7        4               11        7        3               10   

Other direct expenses

     7        2        3        12        7        2        3        12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total incurred and deferred

     14        6        3        23        14        5        3        22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less:

                

Cumulated amortized amounts

     (14     (5     (1     (20     (11     (5     (1     (17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred financing costs at December 31

            1        2        3        3               2        5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-42


Table of Contents

16.4 Finance lease receivables

The Company is the lessor on certain finance leases with third parties for certain of its property, plant and equipment located in Sierre, Switzerland. The following table shows the reconciliation of the Group’s gross investments in the leases to the net investment in the leases at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

     Year ended December 31, 2015      Year ended December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Gross
investment
in the lease
     Unearned
interest
income
    Net
investment
in the lease
     Gross
investment
in the lease
     Unearned
interest
income
    Net
investment
in the lease
 

Less than 1 year

     7         (1     6         6         (1     5   

Between 1 and 5 years

     19         (1     18         23         (1     22   

More than 5 years

                                             
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Finance lease receivables

     26         (2     24         29         (2     27   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 17—Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

Cash in bank and on hand

     472         170   

Deposits

             821   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Cash and cash equivalents

     472         991   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2015, cash in bank and on hand includes a total of 12 million held by subsidiaries that operate in countries where capital control restrictions prevent the balances from being available for general use by the Group (8 million at December 31, 2014).

At December 31, 2014, deposits included proceeds drawn under Constellium N.V. Senior Notes issued in December 2014, to be used for the acquisition of Wise entities and for the Body in White growth projects.

N ote 18—Share Capital

At December 31, 2015, authorized share capital amounts to 8 million and is divided into 400,000,000 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 0.02. All shares attract one vote and none are subject to any vesting restrictions.

 

     Number of shares     In millions of Euros  
     “A” Shares      “B” Shares     Share
capital
     Share
premium
 

At January 1, 2015

     104,918,946         108,109        2         162   

New shares issued(A)

     557,953                          

Shares cancelled(B)

             (108,109               
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2015

     105,476,899                2         162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Constellium N.V. issued and granted to its employees and certain Boards members 557,953 Class A ordinary shares in 2015 (See NOTE 31—Share Equity Plans).
(B) During the shareholders annual general meeting held on June 11, 2015, the cancellation of the remaining 108,109 Class B ordinary shares was approved. All Class B ordinary shares were effectively cancelled in August 2015.

 

F-43


Table of Contents
At December 31, 2015    Class “A” shares      %  

Free float

     92,629,930         87.82

Bpifrance

     12,846,969         12.18
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     105,476,899         100.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2014    Class “A” and “B” shares      %  

Free float

     89,396,158         85.12

Bpifrance

     12,846,969         12.23

Other(A)

     2,783,928         2.65
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     105,027,055         100.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Of which 108,109 held by Constellium N.V.

Note 19—Borrowings

19.1 Analysis by nature

 

    At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)   Amount     Type of
rate
    Nominal
rate
    Effective
rate
    Amount     Type of
rate
    Nominal
rate
    Effective
rate
 

Senior Notes

               

Constellium N.V.

               

In U.S. Dollar (due 2024)(A)

    365        Fixed        5.75     6.26     326        Fixed        5.75     6.26

In Euro (due 2021)(A)

    297        Fixed        4.63     5.16     296        Fixed        4.63     5.16

In U.S. Dollar (due 2023)(B)

    375        Fixed        8.00     8.61     324        Fixed        8.00     8.61

In Euro (due 2023)(B)

    244        Fixed        7.00     7.54     236        Fixed        7.00     7.54

Muscle Shoals (Wise Metals Group LLC) (due 2018)(C)

    622        Fixed        8.75     7.45                            

Senior PIK Toggle Notes (due 2019)

               

Muscle Shoals (Wise Metals Intermediate Holdings LLC)(D)

    145        Fixed        9.75     8.40                            

U.S. Revolving Credit Facility (ABL)

               

Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC(E)

    23        Floating               4.00     34        Floating               2.54

Muscle Shoals (Wise Alloys LLC)(F)

    99        Floating               2.60                            

Unsecured Credit Facility (Constellium N.V.)(G)

                                                       

Others(H)

    63                             36                        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

    2,233                             1,252                        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Of which non-current

    2,064              1,205         

Of which current

    169              47         

 

(A) Represents amounts drawn under May 2014 “Senior Notes”. On May 7, 2014, Constellium N.V. issued a $400 million Senior Notes due 2024 (the “U.S. Dollar Notes” equivalent to 368 million at the year-end exchange rate excluding arrangement fees and accrued interests) and a 300 million Senior Notes due 2021 (the “Euro Notes”) offering.
     At December 31, 2015, amounts under the Senior Notes are net of arrangement fees related to the issuance of the notes totaling 11 million (6 million relating to the U.S. Dollar Notes and 5 million relating to the Euro Notes) and include accrued interests for 5 million (3 million relating to the U.S. Dollar Notes and 2 million relating to the Euro Notes).
(B) Represents amounts drawn under December 2014 “Senior Notes”. On December 19, 2014, Constellium N.V. issued a $400 million Senior Notes due 2023 (the “U.S. Dollar Notes” equivalent to 368 million at the year-end exchange rate excluding arrangement fees and accrued interests) and a 240 million Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Euro Notes”) offering.
     At December 31, 2015, amounts under the Senior Notes are net of arrangement fees related to the issuance of the Notes totaling 10 million (6 million relating to the U.S. Dollar Notes and 4 million relating to the Euro Notes) and include accrued interests for 21 million (13 million relating to the U.S. Dollar Notes and 8 million relating to the Euro Notes).

 

F-44


Table of Contents
     The whole of the Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of the subsidiaries. Senior Notes include negative covenants.

 

(C) Wise Metals Group LLC and Wise Alloys Finance Corporation as co-issuers issued on December 11, 2013 a $650 million Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (The “Senior Secured Notes” equivalent to 597 million at the year-end exchange rate excluding fair value adjustment). The Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by certain Muscle Shoals’ subsidiaries.
     At December 31, 2015, amounts under the Senior Secured Notes include the amortized fair value adjustment (recognized at the acquisition date) for 23 million and accrued interests amount for 2 million.
(D) Wise Intermediate Holdings LLC and Wise Alloys Finance Corporation as co-issuers issued a $150 million Senior PIK Toggle Notes on April 16, 2014 due 2019 (the “Senior PIK Toggle Notes” equivalent to 138 million at the year-end exchange rate excluding fair value adjustment). The Senior PIK Toggle Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the issuers and are not guaranteed by Constellium N.V. or any of its subsidiaries. At December 31, 2015, amounts under the Senior PIK Toggles Notes include the amortized fair value adjustment (recognized at the acquisition date) for 6 million and accrued interests for 1 million.
(E) On May 25, 2012, Constellium Holdco II B.V., Constellium Holdings I, LLC and Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC subsidiaries of Constellium N.V. entered into a $100 million five-year secured asset-based variable rate revolving credit facility and letter of credit facility (“the ABL Facility”).
     At December 31, 2015 the net maximum Ravenswood ABL Facility balance amounts to $62 million (equivalent to 57 million at the year-end exchange rate).
     At December 31, 2015, the Group had $37 million (equivalent to 34 million at the year-end exchange rate) of unused borrowing availability.
(F) On March 2015, Muscle Shoals amended its five-year secured asset-based variable rate revolving credit facility and letter of credit facility to a borrowing capacity of $200 million with maturity September, 2018.
     At December 31, 2015 the net maximum Muscle Shoals ABL Facility Balance amounts to $136 million (equivalent to 125 million at the year-end exchange rate).
     At December 31, 2015, considering the $3 million letters of credit outstanding, the Group had $25 million (equivalent to 23 million at the year-end exchange rate) of unused borrowing availability.
(G) In 2014, Constellium N.V. entered into a 120 million unsecured revolving credit facility with maturity May 2017 which was increased to 145 million and maturity to January, 2018.
(H) Includes finance lease liabilities and other miscellaneous borrowings.

19.2 Movements in borrowings

 

(in millions of Euros)    Note    At December 31,
2015
    At December 31,
2014
 

At January 1

        1,252        348   

Borrowings assumed through business combination(A)

   3      997          

Proceeds received from term loan and senior notes(B)

               1,153   

Repayment of term loan(C)

               (331

Proceeds/ (Repayments) from U.S. Revolving Credit Facility and other loans(D)

        (211     13   

Deferred arrangement fees

               (24

Unamortized arrangement fees(E)

               9   

Movement in interests accrued

        20        6   

Movement in other financial debts(F)

        3        34   

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

        172        44   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31

        2,233        1,252   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Represents the fair value of Muscle Shoals borrowings at January 5, 2015.
(B) Represents the value of the Constellium N.V. Senior Notes at transaction date exchange rate (U.S. Dollar Notes for $800 million equivalent to 613 million and Euro Notes for 540 million).
(C) Represents the repayment of the 2013 term loan ($356 million of the net U.S dollar principal, equivalent to 257 million at transaction date exchange rate and 74 million of the net Euro principal) at December 31, 2014.
(D) Mainly includes repayments on Muscle Shoals ABL Facility.

 

F-45


Table of Contents
(E) Due to the early repayment of the 2013 term loan, 9 million of arrangement fees which were not amortized were fully recognized as financial expenses in 2014 (see NOTE 10—Finance costs—net).
(F) Mainly includes the impact of new financial leases contracted less rent payments of the year.

19.3 Currency concentration

The composition of the carrying amounts of total borrowings in Euro equivalents is denominated in the currencies shown below:

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

U.S. Dollar

     1,661         709   

Euro

     568         539   

Swiss Franc

     4         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total borrowings

     2,233         1,252   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

19.4 Main features of the Group’s borrowings

Interest

Constellium N.V. Senior Notes

Interest under Senior Notes issued in May 2014 accrue at a rate of 5.75% per annum on the U.S. Dollar Notes and 4.625% per annum on the Euro Notes and are paid semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, starting on November 15, 2014.

Interest under Senior Notes issued in December 2014 accrue at a rate of 8.00% per annum on the U.S. Dollar Notes and 7.00% per annum on the Euro Notes and are paid semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, starting on July 15, 2015.

Muscle Shoals Secured Senior Notes

The Secured Senior Notes bear interest at 8.75% payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year.

Muscles Shoals Senior PIK Toggle Notes

Interest is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year. For each interest period, Wise Intermediate Holdings is required to pay interest of 9.75% in cash, or may elect if certain conditions are satisfied to pay PIK interest either by increasing the principal amount or issuing new notes. The PIK interest rate is equal to the cash interest rate plus 75 basis points, or 10.5%.

In December 2015, Muscle Shoals elected to pay the June 2016 coupon interests in kind.

U.S. Revolving Credit Facility

Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC

The Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood facility bears interest at rates ranging either 0.5% to 1% over the US prime interest rate (Base rate) or 1,5% to 2% over LIBOR rate. The margin is based on the prior quarter’s average excess availability divided by the borrowing base.

 

F-46


Table of Contents

At December 31, 2015, the outstanding $25 million (equivalent to 23 million at the year-end exchange rate) amount drawn is at Base rate.

Muscle Shoals

The Muscle Shoals ABL Facility bears interest at rates ranging either from 0.75% to 1.25% over the U.S. prime interest rate or 1.75% to 2.25% over the LIBOR rate, in each case based on the quarterly average adjusted excess availability for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter. At December 2015, the rate on the ABL Facility based upon the prime interest rate and on LIBOR were 4.75% and 2.60%. The Company also incurs a fee of 0.375% of the average unused commitment amount under the ABL Facility.

At December 31, 2015, the outstanding $108 million (equivalent to 99 million at the year-end exchange rate) amount drawn is at LIBOR rate.

Unsecured Credit Facility

Borrowings under the Unsecured Credit Facility would bear interest at the Eurocurrency rate plus a margin of 2.50% per annum. Accrued interest on each borrowings shall be payable on demand and in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment.

Foreign exchange exposure

The notional of the Constellium N.V. U.S. Dollar Notes are hedged through cross currency swaps and rolling foreign exchange forwards. The notional of the cross currency basis swaps amounted to $720 million (equivalent to 661 million) at December 31, 2015. The remaining balance of the U.S. Dollar Notes is hedged by simple rolling foreign exchange forwards. Changes in the fair value of these hedging derivatives are recognized within Finance costs in the Consolidated Income Statement. The positive fair value of these hedging derivatives is 47 million at December 31, 2015.

The cross currency swaps associated with the 2013 term loan was settled in 2014 and paid for 26 million. In 2015, cross currency swaps and liquidity swaps were settled and received for 32 million. The impact are presented in Other financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow.

The other U.S. Dollar Notes or facilities are not hedged as they are held by U.S Dollar functional currency entities.

Covenants

The Group was in compliance with all applicable debt covenants at and for the period ended December 31, 2015.

Constellium N.V. Senior Notes

The private offerings contain customary terms and conditions, including amongst other things, limitation on incurring or guaranteeing additional indebtness, on paying dividends, on making other restricted payments, on creating restriction on dividend and other payments to us from certain of our subsidiaries, on incurring certain liens, on selling assets and subsidiary stock, and on merging.

Constellium N.V. Unsecured Credit Facility

The Unsecured Credit Facility is available to the extent certain ratios are met.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

Ravenswood ABL Facility

This facility contains a minimum availability covenant that requires Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC to maintain excess availability of at least the greater of (a) $10 million and (b) 10% of the aggregate revolving loan commitments. It also contains customary events of default.

Muscle Shoals ABL Facility

This facility contains a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant. Evaluation of compliance is only required if Muscle Shoals ‘s excess availability falls below the greater of (a) $20 million and (b) 10% of the aggregate revolving loan commitment. It also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, but no maintenance covenants. Substantially all the assets of Muscle Shoals are pledged as collateral for Muscle Shoals financials arrangements including factoring facility.

Note 20— Trade Payables and Other

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Non-current      Current      Non-current      Current  

Trade payables

             657                 662   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Employees’ entitlements

             130         16         113   

Deferred revenue

     38         13         10         32   

Taxes payable other than income tax

             16                 19   

Other payables

     16         51         5         51   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other

     54         210         31         215   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Trade payables and other

     54         867         31         877   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 21— Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefit Obligations

The Group operates a number of pensions, other post-employment benefits and other long-term employee benefit plans. Some of these plans are defined contribution plans and some are defined benefit plans, with assets held in separate trustee-administered funds. Benefits paid through pension trusts are sufficiently funded to ensure the payment of benefits to retirees when they become due.

Actuarial valuation are carried out with the support of an independent expert and are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements as described in NOTE 2.6—Principles governing the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

21.1 Description of the plans

Pension plans

Constellium’s pension obligations are in the U.S., Switzerland, Germany and France. Pension benefits are generally based on the employee’s service and highest average eligible compensation before retirement and are periodically adjusted for cost of living increases, either by company practice, collective agreement or statutory requirement.

Other post-employment benefits (OPEB)

The Group provides health care and life insurance benefits to retired employees and in some cases to their beneficiaries and covered dependents, mainly in the U.S Eligibility for coverage is dependent upon certain age and service criteria. These benefit plans are unfunded.

 

F-48


Table of Contents

Other long-term employee benefits

Other long term employee benefits include jubilees in France, Germany and Switzerland and other long-term disability benefits in the U.S.

21.2 Description of risks

Our estimates of liabilities and expenses for pensions and other post-employment benefits incorporate a number of assumptions, including discount rate, longevity estimate and inflation rate. The defined benefit obligations expose the Group to a number of risks, including longevity, inflation, interest rate, medical cost inflation, investment performance, and change in law governing the employee benefit obligations. These risks are mitigated when possible by applying an investment strategy for the funded schemes which aims to minimize the long-term costs. This is achieved by investing in a diversified selection of asset classes, which aims to reduce the volatility of returns and also achieves a level of matching with the underlying liabilities.

Investment performance risk

Our pension plan assets consist primarily of funds invested in listed stocks and bonds (see NOTE 21.12-Fair value hierarchy).

The present value of funded defined benefit obligations is calculated using a discount rate determined by reference to high quality corporate bond yields. If the return on plan asset is below this rate, it will increase the plan deficit.

Interest rate risk

A decrease in the discount rate will increase the defined benefit obligation. At December 31, 2015, impacts of the change on the defined benefit obligation of a 0.50% increase / decrease in the discount rates are calculated by using a proxy based on the duration of each scheme, as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    0.50% increase in
discount rates
    0.50% decrease in
discount rates
 

France

     (8     9   

Germany

     (8     9   

Switzerland

     (21     24   

United States

     (30     34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total sensitivity on Defined Benefit Obligations

     (67     76   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Longevity risk

The present value of the defined benefit obligation is calculated by reference to the best estimate of the mortality of plan participants. An increase in the life expectancy of the plan participants will increase the plan’s liability.

21.3 Main events

In 2015, the acquisition of Wise resulted in an increase of 8 million in the Group’s net pension liability.

In 2014, the Swiss pension plan was modified to reflect updated conversion factors with transitional rates until 2022. This amendment resulted in the immediate recognition of negative past service cost of 6 million.

 

F-49


Table of Contents

In 2013, 2014, the Group implemented certain plan amendments that had the effect of reducing benefits for the participants in the Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Plan. These amendments resulted in the immediate recognition of negative past service cost of 9 million in 2014 and 11 million in 2013.

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

The appreciation of the U.S. Dollar and Swiss Francs against the Euro resulted in an increase of respectively 37 million and 6 million of the Group net defined benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2015.

21.4 Actuarial assumptions

Our estimates of liabilities and expenses for pensions and other post-employment benefits incorporate a number of assumptions, including discount rate, longevity estimate and inflation rate. The principal actuarial assumptions used as at the balance sheet closing date were as follows:

 

    At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
    Rate of
increase in
salaries
    Rate of
increase in
pensions
    Discount
rate
    Inflation     Rate of
increase in
salaries
    Rate of
increase in
pensions
    Discount
rate
    Inflation  

Switzerland

    1.75            0.80     1.25     1.75            1.15     1.25

U.S.

    3.80                          3.80                     

Hourly pension

                  4.55                          4.15       

Salaried pension

                  4.70                          4.25       

OPEB(A)

                  4.35%-4.85                          4.05       

Other benefits

                  4.25%-4.45                          3.90%-4.05%          

France

    1.75%-2.25%        2.00            2.00     1.75     2.00            2.00

Retirements

                  2.35                          1.90       

Other benefits

                  1.95                          1.55       

Germany

    2.75     1.80     2.40     1.80     2.75     1.80     1.90     1.80
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Other main financial assumptions used for the OPEB (healthcare plans, which are predominantly in the U.S.), were:
Medical trend rate: pre 65: 7.00% starting in 2016 reducing to 4.50% by the year 2024 and post 65: 6.00% starting in 2016 grading down to 4.50% by 2024, and
Claims costs based on individual company experience.

For both pension and healthcare plans, the post-employment mortality assumptions allow for future improvements in life expectancy.

 

F-50


Table of Contents

21.5 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

    At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)   Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total  

Present value of funded obligation

    (681            (681     (612            (612

Fair value of plan assets

    362               362        330               330   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deficit of funded plans

    (319            (319     (282            (282

Present value of unfunded obligation

    (121     (261     (382     (130     (245     (375
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability arising from defined benefit obligation

    (440     (261     (701     (412     (245     (657
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

21.6 Movements in the present value of the Defined Benefits Obligations

 

     At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total  

Defined Benefit Obligations at January 1

     (742     (245     (987     (592     (195     (787

Defined Benefit Obligation assumed through business combination

     (27     (2     (29                     

Current service cost

     (19     (6     (25     (14     (4     (18

Interest cost

     (20     (10     (30     (21     (9     (30

Contributions by the employees

     (5            (5     (5            (5

Past service costs

            (2     (2     6        7        13   

Immediate recognition of gains / (losses) arising over the year

            1        1               (4     (4

Benefits paid

     34        18        52        29        15        44   

Remeasurement due to changes in demographic assumptions

     7        4        11        (14     (12     (26

Remeasurement due to changes in financial assumptions

     21        10        31        (101     (16     (117

Experience gains / (losses)

     2        (2            3        (1     2   

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

     (55     (27     (82     (33     (26     (59

Defined Benefit Obligation reclassified as liability held for sale

     2               2                        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Defined Benefit Obligations at December 31

     (802     (261     (1,063     (742     (245     (987
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Of which Funded

     (681            (681     (612            (612

Of which Unfunded

     (121     (261     (382     (130     (245     (375
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-51


Table of Contents

21.7 Movements in the fair value of plan assets

 

     At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total  

Plan assets at January 1

     330               330        277               277   

Plan asset acquired through business combination

     21               21                        

Remeasurement return on plan assets

     (39            (39     11               11   

Interest income

     10               10        10               10   

Contributions by the Group

     32        18        50        34        15        49   

Contributions by the employees

     5               5        5               5   

Benefits paid

     (34     (18     (52     (29     (15     (44

Administration expenses

     (2            (2     (1            (1

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

     39               39        23               23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at December 31

     362               362        330               330   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

21.8 Variation of the net defined benefit obligation

 

        At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)   Note   Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total  

Net liability recognized at January 1

      (412     (245     (657     (315     (195     (510

Net liability assumed through business combination

  3     (6     (2     (8                     

Total amounts recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement

      (31     (17     (48     (20     (10     (30

Actuarial (losses) / gains recognized in the SoCI

      (9     12        3        (101     (29     (130

Contributions by the Group

      32        18        50        34        15        49   

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

      (16     (27     (43     (10     (26     (36

Net liability reclassified as held for sale

      2               2                        
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability recognized at December 31

      (440     (261     (701     (412     (245     (657
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

21.9 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement

 

     Year ended
December 31, 2015
    Year ended
December 31, 2014
 
(in millions of Euros)    Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total  

Current service cost

     (19     (6     (25     (14     (4     (18

Past service cost

            (2     (2     6        7        13   

Net interest

     (10     (10     (20     (11     (9     (20

Immediate recognition of gains / (losses) arising over the period

            1        1               (4     (4

Administration expenses

     (2            (2     (1            (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement

     (31     (17     (48     (20     (10     (30
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The expenses shown in this table are included as employee costs in the Consolidated Income Statement within Employee benefit expense and in Other gains/ (losses)—net (See NOTE 7—Employee Benefit Expenses and NOTE 8—Other gains/(losses) —Net).

 

F-52


Table of Contents

21.10 Analysis of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income / Loss (SoCI)

 

     At December 31, 2015     At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
    Total     Pension
Benefits
    Other
Benefits
     Total  

Cumulative amount of losses recognized in the SoCI at January 1

     132        36        168        27        4         31   

Liability (gains) / losses due to changes in demographic assumptions

     (7     (4     (11     14        11         25   

Liability (gains) / losses due to changes in financial assumptions

     (21     (10     (31     102        17         119   

Liability experience (gains) / losses arising during the period

     (2     2               (4     1         (3

Asset losses / (gains) arising during the period

     39               39        (11             (11

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

     6        4        10        4        3         7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total losses / (gains) recognized in SoCI

     15        (8     7        105        32         137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cumulative amount of losses recognized in the SoCI at December 31

     147        28        175        132        36         168   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

21.11 Defined benefit obligations by country

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
    At December 31,
2014
 

France

     (132     (142

Germany

     (137     (148

Switzerland

     (265     (224

United States(A)

     (529     (473
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Defined benefit obligations

     (1,063     (987
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Includes Muscle Shoals defined benefits obligations of 30 million at December 31, 2015.

21.12 Fair value hierarchy

The major categories of plan assets are as follows:

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    U.S.      Switzerland      Total      U.S.      Switzerland      Total  

Equities

     94         50         144         83         40         123   

Bonds

     89         81         170         70         75         145   

Property

     6         33         39         5         19         24   

Other

     3         6         9         3         35         38   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fair value of plan assets

     192         170         362         161         169         330   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-53


Table of Contents

The following table shows the fair value of plans’ assets classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as defined in NOTE 24.4—Valuation hierarchy:

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

     2         1                 3         2         1                 3   

Equity

     86         58                 144         84         39                 123   

Bonds

                       

Government bonds

             9                 9                 1                 1   

Corporate bonds

             161                 161         3         141                 144   

Other investments

                       

Real estate

     5         34                 39         2         22                 24   

Commodities

     4                         4                                   

Hedge fund

                                     6                         6   

Insurance contracts

             2                 2                 4                 4   

Other

                                     6                 19         25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     97         265                 362         103         208         19         330   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

21.13 Cash flows

Contributions to plans

Contributions to pension plans totaled 32 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (34 million for the year ended December 31, 2014).

Contributions to other benefits totaled 18 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (15 million for the year ended December 31, 2014).

Expected contributions to pension amount to 26 million and other post-employment benefits (healthcare obligation) amount to 19 million for the year ending December 31, 2016.

Benefit payments

Benefit payments expected to be paid to pension, other post-employment benefit plans’ participants and other benefits, over the next years, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    Estimated benefits
payments
 

Year ended December 31,

  

2016

     53   

2017

     54   

2018

     55   

2019

     59   

2020

     60   

2021 to 2025

     311   
  

 

 

 

21.14 OPEB amendments

During the third quarter of 2012, the Group implemented certain plan amendments that had the effect of reducing benefits of the participants in the Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Plan. In February 2013, five Constellium retirees and the United Steelworkers union filed a class action lawsuit against Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC in a federal district court in West Virginia, alleging that Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC improperly modified retiree health benefits.

 

F-54


Table of Contents

The Group believes that these claims are unfounded, and that Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC had a legal and contractual right to make the applicable modification.

Note 22— Provisions

 

(in millions of Euros)    Note    Close down and
environmental
restoration
costs
    Restructuring
costs
    Legal claims
and other
costs
    Total  

At January 1, 2015

        47        10        53        110   

Provisions assumed through business combination

   3      40               13        53   

Additional provisions

               7        15        22   

Amounts used

        (4     (8     (8     (20

Unused amounts reversed

        (2     (1     (8     (11

Unwinding of discounts

        2                      2   

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

        5               2        7   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2015

        88        8        67        163   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

        3        3        38        44   

Non-Current

        85        5        29        119   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total provisions

        88        8        67        163   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(in millions of Euros)    Close down and
environmental
restoration
costs
    Restructuring
costs
    Legal claims
and other
costs
    Total  

At January 1, 2014

     48        10        45        103   

Additional provisions

     1        8        15        24  

Amounts used

     (2     (7     (3     (12 )

Unused amounts reversed

     (4     (1     (4     (9 )

Unwinding of discounts

     4                      4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2014

     47        10        53        110   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

     3        8        38        49   

Non-Current

     44        2        15        61   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total provisions

     47        10        53        110   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Close down, environmental and restoration costs

The Group records provisions for the estimated present value of the costs of its environmental clean-up obligations and close down and restoration efforts based on the net present value of estimated future costs of the dismantling and demolition of infrastructure and the removal of residual material of disturbed areas, using an average discount rate of 1.1%. A change in the discount rate of 0.5% would impact the provision by 3 million.

It is expected that these provisions will be settled over the next 40 years depending on the nature of the disturbance and the technical remediation plans.

 

F-55


Table of Contents

Restructuring costs

The Group records provisions for restructuring costs when management has a detailed formal plan, is demonstrably committed to its execution and can reasonably estimate the associated liabilities. The related expenses are included in Restructuring costs in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Legal claims and other costs

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

Maintenance of customer related provisions(A)

     10         14   

Litigation(B)

     41         28   

Disease claims(C)

     5         6   

Other

     11         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total provisions for legal claims and other costs

     67         53   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) These provisions include 4 million in 2015 (7 million in 2014) related to general equipment maintenance, mainly linked to the Group leases. These provisions also include 1 million in 2015 (1 million in 2014) related to product warranties and guarantees and 5 million in 2015 (6 million in 2014) related to late delivery penalties. These provisions are expected to be utilized over the next five years.
(B) The Group is involved in litigation and other proceedings, such as civil, commercial and tax proceedings, incidental to normal operations. It is not anticipated that the resolution of such litigation and proceedings will have a material effect on the future results, financial position, or cash flows of the Group.
(C) Since the early 1990s, certain activities of the Group’s businesses have been subject to claims and lawsuits in France relating to occupational diseases resulting from alleged asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. It is not uncommon for the investigation and resolution of such claims to go on over many years as the latency period for acquiring such diseases is typically between 25 and 40 years. For any such claim, it is up to the social security authorities in each jurisdiction to determine if a claim qualifies as an occupational illness claim. If so determined, the Group must settle the case or defend its position in court. At December 31, 2015, 15 cases in which gross negligence is alleged (“faute inexcusable”) remain outstanding (9 at December 31, 2014), the average amount per claim being less than 0.1 million. The average settlement amount per claim in 2014 and 2013 was separately 0.3 and 0.1 million. It is not anticipated that the resolution of such litigation and proceedings will have a material effect on the future results from continuing operations, financial condition, or cash flows of the Group.

N ote 23— Financial Risk Management

The Group’s financial risk management strategy focuses on minimizing the cash flow impacts of volatility in foreign currency exchange rates, metal prices and interest rates, while maintaining the financial flexibility the Group requires in order to successfully execute the Group’s business strategies.

Due to Constellium’s capital structure and the nature of its operations, the Group is exposed to the following financial risks: (i) market risk (including foreign exchange risk, commodity price risk and interest rate risk); (ii) credit risk and (iii) liquidity and capital management risk.

 

F-56


Table of Contents

23.1 Market risk

(i) Foreign exchange risk

Net assets, earnings and cash flows are influenced by multiple currencies due to the geographic diversity of sales and the countries in which the Group operates. The Euro and the U.S. Dollar are the currencies in which the majority of sales are denominated. Operating costs are influenced by the currencies of those countries where Constellium’s operating plants are located and also by those currencies in which the costs of imported equipment and services are determined. The Euro and U.S. Dollar are the most important currencies influencing operating costs.

The policy of the Group is to hedge committed and highly probable forecasted foreign currency operational transactions. The Group uses foreign exchange forwards for this purpose.

In June 2011, the Group entered into a five-year frame agreement with a major customer for the sale of fabricated metal products in U.S. Dollars. In line with its hedging policy, the Group entered into significant foreign exchange derivative transactions to forward sell U.S. Dollars versus the Euro following the signing of the multiple-year frame agreement to match these future sales.

At December 31, 2015, our largest commercial foreign exchange derivative transactions related to this contract.

The notional principal amounts of the outstanding commercial foreign exchange contracts at December 31, 2015—with maturities ranging between 2016 and 2020—were as follows:

 

currency    Forward Exchange
contracts

in currency
millions
    Foreign Exchange
Swap contracts
in currency
millions
 

CHF

     29        87   

CZK

     575          

EUR

     223        30   

GBP

     (6       

JPY

     (984     (478

SGD

     1        7   

USD

     (327     (134
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A negative balance represents a net currency sale, whereas a positive balance represents a net currency purchase.

Except for limited non-recurring transactions, hedge accounting is not applied and therefore the mark-to-market impact is recorded in Other gains/(losses)—net or Finance costs—net.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the impact of these derivatives was an unrealized loss of 10 million as the U.S. dollar appreciated against the Euro in 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the impact of these derivatives was an unrealized loss of 41 million. The offsetting gain related to the forecasted sales are not visible due to the sales not yet being recorded in the books of the Group.

As the U.S. dollar appreciates against the Euro, the derivative contracts entered into with financial institutions have a negative mark-to-market. Our financial derivative counterparties require margin call should our mark-to-market exceed a pre-agreed contractual limit. In order to protect from the potential margin calls for significant market movements, the Group holds a significant liquidity buffer in cash or

 

F-57


Table of Contents

in availability under its various borrowing facilities, enters into derivatives with a large number of financial counterparties and monitors margin requirements on a daily basis for adverse movements in the U.S. dollar versus the Euro.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the margin requirement related to foreign exchange hedges was nil.

During 2012, the Group decided to limit the liquidity risk arising from potential margin calls on operational hedges by entering into a portfolio of foreign exchange zero cost collars (combinations of bought calls and sold puts). In 2015, the Company decided to realize the option portfolio for a 3 million gain. At December 2015, there were no foreign exchange zero cost collars outstanding.

Borrowings are principally in U.S. dollars and Euros (see NOTE 19—Borrowings). It is the policy of the Group to hedge all non-functional currency debt and cash. The Group entered into cross currency basis swaps to hedge the foreign exchange inherent in our financing. At December 31, 2015, the notional outstanding on the cross currency basis swaps was $720 million (661 million). The unrealized gain related to these cross currency basis swaps amounted to 18 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Foreign exchange sensitivity: Risks associated with exposure to financial instruments

A 10% weakening in the December 31, 2015, closing Euro exchange rate against all applicable currencies on the value of financial instruments held by the Group at December 31, 2015, would have decreased earnings (before tax effect) as shown in the table below :

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015 Sensitivity
impact
 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

     11   

Trade receivables

     18   

Trade payables

     (25

Borrowings(B)

     (185

Metal derivatives (net)

     (3

Foreign exchange derivatives (net)(A)

     (47

Cross currency swaps

     74   
  

 

 

 

Total

     (157
  

 

 

 

 

(A) The foreign exchange derivatives largely hedge items that are not already on the balance sheet (forecast U.S. Dollar sales in Euro functional currency entities)
(B) The US dollar indebtness located within US dollar functional currency entities and representing a total amount of equivalent 922 million at closing rate is not hedged. Consequently, the related increase in borrowings that would result from a 10% weakening of Euro exchange rate against Dollar is not offset by cross currency swaps changes in fair value.

The amounts shown in the table above may not be indicative of future results since the balances of financial assets and liabilities may change.

The material portion of the impact are driven by the Euro exchange rate weakening against the U.S. Dollar.

 

F-58


Table of Contents

(ii) Commodity price risk

The Group is subject to the effects of market fluctuations in the price of aluminum, which is the Group’s primary metal input and a significant component of its output. The Group is also exposed to silver, copper and natural gas but in a less significant way.

The Group strategy is to protect the Group’s margin on future conversion and fabrication activities by aligning the price and quantity of physical aluminum purchases with that of physical aluminum sales. When the Group is unable to do so, it enters into derivative financial instruments to pass through the exposure to metal price fluctuations to financial institutions at the time the price is set. Therefore, the Group purchases fixed price aluminum forwards to offset the exposure of LME volatility on its fixed price sales agreements for the supply of metal.

The Group does not apply hedge accounting and therefore any mark-to-market movements are recognized in Other gains / (losses)—net.

At December 31, 2015, the notional principal amount of aluminum derivatives outstanding was 167,925 tons (approximately $282 million)—133,875 tons at December 31, 2014, (approximately $269 million)—with maturities ranging from 2016 to 2019, copper derivatives outstanding was 1,750 tons (approximately $14 million)—3,000 tons at December 31, 2014 (approximately $24 million)—with maturities in 2016, silver derivatives 619,981 ounces (approximately $9 million)—270,027 ounces at December 31, 2014 (approximately $6 million)—with maturities in 2016 and 7,200,000 MMBtu of natural gas futures (approximately $23 million)—3,465,000 MMBtu at December 31, 2014 (approximately $13 million) with maturities in 2016.

The value of the contracts will fluctuate due to changes in market prices but is intended to help protect the Group’s margin on future conversion and fabrication activities. At December 31, 2015, these contracts are directly with external counterparties.

For the year ending December 31, 2015, 7 million of unrealized losses were recorded in relation to LME Aluminum futures due to a decline in the LME price of aluminum, with the revaluation of the underlying transaction continuing partially off- balance sheet for the sales which had not yet been invoiced and recognized as revenue. Unrealized losses for other commodities amount to 2 million. For the year ending December 31, 2014, 7 million of unrealized losses were recorded in relation to LME futures.

As the LME price for aluminum falls, the derivative contracts entered into with financial institution counterparties have a negative mark-to-market. The Group’s financial institution counterparties may require margin calls should the negative mark-to-market exceed a pre-agreed contractual limit. In order to protect from the potential margin calls for significant market movements, the Group enters into derivatives with a large number of financial counterparties and monitors margin requirements on a daily basis for adverse movements in aluminum prices.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the margin requirement related to aluminum or any other commodity hedges was nil.

Commodity price sensitivity: risks associated with derivatives

The net impact on earnings and equity of a 10% increase or decrease in the market price of aluminum, based on the aluminum derivatives held by the Group at December 31, 2015 (before tax effect), with all other variables held constant was estimated to 23 million gains or losses (20 million at December 31, 2014). The balances of such financial instruments may change in future periods however, and therefore the amounts shown may not be indicative of future results.

 

F-59


Table of Contents

(iii) Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of financial instruments held by the Group and that are subject to variable rates will fluctuate, or the cash flows associated with such instruments will be impacted due to changes in market interest rates. The Group’s interest rate risk arises principally from borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by cash and cash equivalents deposits (including short-term investments) earning interest at variable interest rates. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk.

Interest rate sensitivity: risks associated with variable-rate financial instruments

The impact on Loss/Income before income tax for the period of a 50 basis point increase or decrease in the LIBOR or EURIBOR interest rates, based on the variable rate financial instruments held by the Group at December 31, 2015, with all other variables held constant, was estimated to be less than 1 million for the periods ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. However, the balances of such financial instruments may not remain constant in future periods, and therefore the amounts shown may not be indicative of future results. At December 2015, 92% of Group’s borrowings were at fixed rate.

23.2 Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to a financial loss. The Group is exposed to credit risk with financial institutions and other parties as a result of cash-in-bank, cash deposits, mark-to-market on derivative transactions and customer trade receivables arising from Constellium’s operating activities. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of financial asset as described in NOTE 24—Financial Instruments. The Group does not generally hold any collateral as security.

Credit risk related to transactions with financial institutions

Credit risk with financial institutions is managed by the Group’s Treasury department in accordance with a Board approved policy. Constellium management is not aware of any significant risks associated with financial institutions as a result of cash and cash equivalents deposits (including short-term investments) and financial derivative transactions.

The number of financial counterparties is tabulated below showing our exposure to the counterparty by rating type (Parent company ratings from Moody’s Investor Services):

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
     Number of
financial
counterparties(A)
     Exposure
(in millions
of Euros)
     Number of
financial
counterparties(A)
     Exposure
(in millions
of Euros)
 

Rated Aa or better

     2         12         3         233   

Rated A

     8         465         7         764   

Rated Baa

     4         9         2         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     14         486         12         1,002   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Financial Counterparties for which the Group’s exposure is below 250 k have been excluded from the analysis.

 

F-60


Table of Contents

Credit risks related to customer trade receivables

The Group has a diverse customer base geographically and by industry. The responsibility for customer credit risk management rests with Constellium management. Payment terms vary and are set in accordance with practices in the different geographies and end-markets served. Credit limits are typically established based on internal or external rating criteria, which take into account such factors as the financial condition of the customers, their credit history and the risk associated with their industry segment. Trade receivables are actively monitored and managed, at the business unit or site level. Business units report credit exposure information to Constellium management on a regular basis. Over 80% of the Group’s trade account receivables are insured by insurance companies rated A34 or better. In situations where collection risk is considered to be above acceptable levels, risk is mitigated through the use of advance payments, bank guarantees or letters of credit. Historically, we have a very low level of customer default as a result of long history of dealing with our customer base and an active credit monitoring function.

See NOTE 16—Trade Receivables and other for the aging of trade receivables.

23.3 Liquidity and capital risk management

Group’s capital structure includes shareholder’s equity, borrowings and various third-party financing arrangements (such as credit facilities and factoring arrangements). Constellium’s total capital is defined as total equity plus net debt. Net debt includes borrowings due to third parties less cash and cash equivalents.

Constellium’s overriding objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the business as a going concern, to maximize returns for its owners and to maintain an optimal capital structure in order to minimize the weighted cost of capital.

All activities around cash funding, borrowings and financial instruments are centralized within Constellium’s Treasury department. Direct external funding or transactions with banks at the operating plant entity level are generally not permitted, and exceptions must be approved by Constellium’s Treasury department.

The liquidity requirements of the overall Company are funded by drawing on available credit facilities, while the internal management of liquidity is optimized by means of cash pooling agreements and/or intercompany loans and deposits between the Company’s operating entities and central Treasury.

The contractual agreements that the Group has with derivative financial counterparties require the posting of collateral once a certain threshold has been reached. In order to protect the Group from the potential margin calls for significant market movements, the Group holds a significant liquidity buffer in cash or availability under its various borrowing facilities, enters into derivatives with a large number of financial counterparties, entered into a series of zero cost collars (see NOTE 23.1 (i)) and monitors margin requirements on a daily basis for adverse movements in the U.S. dollar versus the Euro and in aluminum prices.

In excess of the cash in bank (See NOTE 17—Cash and Cash equivalents), the Group has access to 261 million undrawn facilities (including the 145m Constellium N.V. unsecured credit facility) at December 31, 2015.

 

F-61


Table of Contents

The table below shows undiscounted contractual values by relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period from December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, to the contractual maturity date.

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Less
than
1 year
     Between 1
and
5 years
     Over
5 years
     Less
than
1 year
     Between 1
and

5 years
     Over
5 years
 

Financial assets :

              

Cross currency basis swaps

     15         35                 7         23           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Less
than
1 year
     Between 1
and
5 years
     Over
5 years
     Less
than
1 year
     Between 1
and
5 years
     Over
5 years
 

Financial liabilities:

                 

Borrowings(A)

     262         1,205         1,471         92         304         1,456   

Cross currency basis swaps

     2                                           

Net cash flows from derivatives liabilities related to currencies and commodities

     109         15                 73         43           

Trade payables and other (excludes deferred revenue)

     854         16                 845         21           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,234         1,229         1,471         1,010         368         1,456   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Borrowings include the U.S. Revolving Credit Facilities which are considered short-term in nature and are included in the category “Less than 1 year” and undiscounted forecasted interests.

See NOTE 19—Borrowings, for further details on borrowings and credit facilities.

See NOTE 16—Trade receivables and other, for further details on factoring arrangements.

Derivative financial instruments

The Group enters into derivative contracts to manage operating exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency, aluminum, copper, silver and natural gas prices, and premium. The tables below show the undiscounted contractual values and terms of derivative instruments.

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Less
than
1 year
     Between 1
and
5 years
     Total      Less
than
1 year
     Between 1
and
5 years
     Total  

Assets—Derivative Contracts(A)

           

Aluminum future contracts

     2                 2         2                 2   

Other future contracts

             1         1                 

Currency derivative contracts

     29         3         32         41         11         52   

Cross currency basis swaps(B)

     15         35         50         7         23         30   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     46         39         85         50         34         84   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities—Derivative Contracts(A)

           

Aluminum future contracts

     20         5         25         16         2         18   

Copper future contracts

     6                 6         2         3         5   

Other future contracts

     5                 5         3                 3   

Currency derivative contracts

     78         10         88         52         39         91   

Cross currency basis swaps(B)

     2                 2                           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     111         15         126         73         44         117   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-62


Table of Contents

 

(A) Foreign exchange options have not been included as they are not in the money.
(B) The principal of the U.S. Dollar Notes issued in 2014 is hedged by using floating-floating cross currency basis swaps indexed on floating Euro and U.S. Dollar interest rates.

Note 24—Financial Instruments

The tables below show the classification of financial assets and liabilities.

24.1 Financial assets and liabilities by categories

 

          At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Loans and
receivables
     At Fair
Value
through
Profit
and
loss
     Total      Loans and
receivables
     At Fair
Value
through
Profit
and
loss(A)
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   17      472                472         991                 991   

Trade receivables and finance lease receivables

   16      288                288         463                 463   

Other financial assets

        25         82         107         7         83         90   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial assets

        785         82         867         1,461         83         1,544   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
          At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Notes    At amortized
costs
     At Fair
Value
through
Profit
and
loss
     Total      At amortized
costs
     At Fair
Value
through
Profit
and
loss(A)
     Total  

Trade payables

   20      657                657         662                 662   

Borrowings

   19      2,233                2,233         1,252                 1,252   

Other financial liabilities

               121         121                 111         111   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

        2,890         121         3,011         1,914         111         2,025   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) In November 2014, Constellium contracted forward derivatives to hedge the foreign currency risk on the estimated U.S. Dollar Wise acquisition price. These derivatives had been designated within a cash-flow hedge relationship that qualified for hedge accounting. As a result, the fair value of these instruments had been classified in Other Comprehensive Income/(loss) for 9 million at December 31, 2014. At acquisition date, the fair value of these instruments amounted to 14 million.

 

     At December 31, 2015      At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Non-current      Current      Total      Non-current      Current      Total  

Derivatives

     37         45         82         33         50         83   

Other(B)

             25         25                 7         7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other financial assets

     37         70         107         33         57         90   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives

     14         107         121         40         71         111   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other financial liabilities

     14         107         121         40         71         111   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(B) Corresponds to loans to Quiver Ventures LLC at December 31, 2015 and advance payments related to finances leases contracted for the expansion of the site in Van Buren, U.S at December 31, 2014.

 

F-63


Table of Contents

24.2 Fair values

All the derivatives are presented at fair value in the balance sheet.

The carrying value of the Group’s borrowings is the redemption value at maturity.

The fair value of Constellium N.V. December 2014 and May 2014 Senior Notes account for respectively 80% and 72 % of the nominal value and amount respectively to 487 million and 482 million at December 31, 2015.

The fair value of Muscle Shoals Senior Secured Notes and Senior PIK Toggle Notes account for 67% of the nominal value and amount to 490 million at December 31, 2015.

The fair values of other financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying values, as a result of their liquidity or short maturity.

24.3 Margin calls

Constellium Finance S.A.S and Constellium Switzerland A.G. entered into agreements with some financial institutions in order to define applicable rules with regards to the setting-up of derivative trading accounts. On a daily or weekly basis (depending on the arrangement with each financial institution), all open currency or metal derivative contracts are revalued to the current market price. When the change in fair value reaches a certain threshold (positive or negative), a margin call occurs resulting in the Group making or receiving back a cash payment to/from the financial institution.

The cash deposit related to margin calls made by the Group is nil at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

24.4 Valuation hierarchy

The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments measured at fair value, grouped into levels based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:

 

    Level 1 valuation is based on quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial instruments, it includes aluminum futures that are traded on the LME;

 

    Level 2 valuation is based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly (i.e. prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices), it includes foreign exchange derivatives.

 

    Level 3 valuation is based on inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs)

 

     At December 31, 2015  
(in millions of Euros)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Other financial assets

     2         80                 82   

Other financial liabilities

     30         91                 121   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     At December 31, 2014  
(in millions of Euros)    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Other financial assets

     2         81                 83   

Other financial liabilities

     22         89                 111   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-64


Table of Contents

Note 25— Investment Accounted for Under Equity Method

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
    At December 31,
2014
 

At January 1

     21        1   

Group share in loss

     (3     (1

Additions

     9        19   

Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates

     3        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31

     30        21   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Group holds a 49.85% interest in a joint-venture named Rhenaroll S.A. (located in Biesheim, France), specialized in the chrome-plating, grinding and repairing of rolling mills’ rolls and rollers. At December 31, 2015, the revenue of Rhenaroll amounted to 3 million (3 million at December 31, 2014). The entity’s net income was immaterial both in 2015 and 2014.

Quiver Ventures LLC, a joint-venture in which Constellium holds a 51% interest, was created during the fourth quarter of 2014. This joint-venture will supply Body-in-White aluminum sheet to the North American automotive industry through a facility located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The joint venture did not operate in 2014 and 2015, production being scheduled to start in the first half of 2016.

The tables below provide summarized financial information for those entities that are material to the Group. The information disclosed reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of the relevant entities and not the Company’s share of those amounts.

 

     Quiver Ventures, LLC  
(in millions of U.S. Dollars)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

Property, plant and equipment

     147         35   

Current assets

     4         20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     151         55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity

     62         48   

Borrowings—Non-Current portion(A)

     15           

Borrowings Current portion(B)

     54           

Other Current liabilities

     20         7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Equity and Liabilities

     151         55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Finance lease liabilities.
(B) Borrowing from partners (of which $27 million from Constellium US Holdings, LLC), equivalent to 25 million at 2015 year—end exchange rate.

These investments in joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method. Rhenaroll S.A. and Quiver Ventures, LLC are private companies and are no quoted market prices available for their shares.

 

           Group share of joint
venture’s net assets
     Group share of joint
venture’s profit/ (loss)
 
(In millions of Euro)    % interest     At
December 31,
2015
     At
December 31,
2014
     At
December 31,
2015
    At
December 31,
2014
 

Rhenaroll S.A.

     49.85     1         1                  

Quiver Ventures LLC

     51.00     29         20         (3     (1
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments in joint ventures

       30         21         (3     (1
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-65


Table of Contents

Note 26—Deferred Income Taxes

 

(in millions of Euros)    At
December 31,
2015
    At
December 31,
2014
 

Deferred income tax assets

     270        192   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (10       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax assets

     260        192   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table shows the changes in net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
 

Balance at January 1

   3      192        178   

Net deferred income tax assets acquired through business combination

        (15       

Deferred income taxes recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement

        53        (3

Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates

        8        3   

Deferred income taxes recognized directly in other comprehensive income

        23        11   

Other

        (1     3   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

        260        192   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(in millions of Euros)   At
January 1,
2015
    Acquisitions
/Disposals
    Recognized in     FX     Other     At
December 31,
2015
 
                Profit or loss     OCI                    

Deferred tax (liabilities)/assets in relation to:

             

Long-term assets

    3               (25            (4     (1     (27

Inventories

    5        (18     18               (1            4   

Pensions

    96               70        20        6        1        193   

Derivative valuation

    21        (1     4        3                      27   

Tax losses carried forward

    12               27               1               40   

Other(A)

    55        4        (41            6        (1     23   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    192        (15     53        23        8        (1     260   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Mainly non-deductible provisions.

 

F-66


Table of Contents
(in millions of Euros)    At
January 1,
2014
     Acquisitions
/Disposals
     Recognized in     FX     Other     At
December 31,
2014
 
                   Profit or loss     OCI                    

Deferred tax (liabilities)/assets in relation to:

                

Long-term assets

     29                 (19            (3     (4     3   

Inventories

     11                 (7            1               5   

Pensions

     75                 3        14        4               96   

Derivative valuation

     3                 21        (3                   21   

Tax losses carried forward

     8                 2               2               12   

Other(A)

     52                 (3            (1     7        55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     178                 (3     11        3        3        192   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Mainly non-deductible provisions.

 

(in millions of Euros)    At
January 1,
2013
     Acquisitions
/Disposals
     Recognized in     FX     Other     At
December 31,
2013
 
                   Profit or loss     OCI                    

Deferred tax (liabilities)/assets in relation to:

                

Long-term assets

     75                 (9                   (37     29   

Inventories

     16                                      (5     11   

Pensions

     62                 22        (9     (1     1        75   

Derivative valuation

     9                 (6                          3   

Tax losses carried forward

     6                 5                      (3     8   

Other(A)

     26                 (22                   48        52   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     194                 (10     (9     (1     4        178   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Mainly non-deductible provisions.

Based on the expected taxable income of the entities, the Group believes that it is more likely than not that a total of 1,160 million (599 million at December 31, 2014) of unused tax losses and deductible temporary differences will not be used. Consequently, net deferred tax assets have not been recognized. The related tax impact of 369 million (193 million at December 31, 2014) is attributable to the following:

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
    At December 31,
2014
 

Tax losses

     (120     (72

In 2015 to 2019

     (6     (6

In 2020 and after limited

     (96     (51

Unlimited

     (18     (15
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deductible temporary differences

     (249     (121

Long-term assets(A)

     (178     (8

Pensions

     (23     (112

Other

     (48     (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (369     (193
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) Of which 160 million relating to the 2015 impairment charge. See NOTE 14—Property, plan and equipment.

 

F-67


Table of Contents

Substantially all of the tax losses not expected to be used reside in the Netherlands, the United States and in Switzerland.

The holding companies in the Netherlands have been generating tax losses over the past four years, and these holding companies are not expected to generate sufficient qualifying taxable profits in the foreseeable future to utilize these tax losses before they expire in the years from 2020 to 2023.

The tax losses not expected to be utilized in the United States relate to one of our main operating entities. Although this entity is expected to be profitable in the medium or long term, considering notably the anticipated development of the Body-in-White business, it bears significant non-cash depreciation and financial interests that will continue generating tax losses in the coming years. Accordingly, it is uncertain whether the entity will be able to use, at its level given the absence of an overall U.S. tax group, these tax losses before they expire. Consequently, the related deferred tax assets have not been recognized.

The tax losses not expected to be utilized in Switzerland relate to losses generated by one of our Swiss entities that will expire in the years from 2019 to 2022. In the context of the 2015 restructuring and impairment of assets, this Swiss entity is not expected to generate sufficient taxable profits over the next coming years to utilize these losses before they expire.

As at December 31, 2015, most of the unrecognized deferred tax assets on deductible temporary differences on long-term assets and other differences relate to the U.S. and Swiss entities discussed above. A joint assessment has been performed on the recoverability of the deferred tax assets on deductible temporary differences and tax losses for these two entities. In line with the assessments, the related deferred tax assets on long term assets and on other differences have not been recognized.

As at December 31, 2014, most of the unrecognized deferred tax assets on deductible temporary differences on pension related to another of our U.S. main operating entities. As at December 31, 2015 and to assess the recoverability of these deferred tax assets, we again carefully considered the available positive and negative evidence, and determined that positive evidences (such as recent, actual and future expected profits or stabilized industrial performance improving our long term visibility on future operating profits) over-weighted negative evidences (such as previous history of operating losses). Accordingly, the related long term deferred tax assets have been fully recognized.

Note 27—Commitments

Non-cancellable operating leases commitments

The Group leases various buildings, machinery, and equipment under operating lease agreements. Total rent expense was 29 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (25 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 20 million for the year ended December 31, 2013).

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

Less than 1 year

     14         14   

1 to 5 years

     25         31   

More than 5 years

     21         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-cancellable operating leases minimum payments

     60         50   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-68


Table of Contents

Capital expenditures commitments

 

(in millions of Euros)    At December 31,
2015
     At December 31,
2014
 

Computer Software

     1           

Property, plant and equipment

     102         132   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capital expenditure commitments

     103         132   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 28—Related Party Transactions

Transactions with owners

Transactions with Rio Tinto and Apollo Omega are unrelated since December 12, 2013 and March 4, 2014 respectively.

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year ended
December 31,
2015
     Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Revenues(A)

                     2   

Metal supply(B)

                     (473

Direct expenses related to acquisition, separation and IPO(C)

                     (15
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(A) Sale of products to certain subsidiaries and affiliates of Rio Tinto.
(B) Purchases of metal from certain subsidiaries and affiliates of Rio Tinto.
(C) Transaction costs, equity fees and other termination fees of the management agreement paid to the Owners.

N ote 29—Key Management Remuneration

The Group’s key management comprises the Board members and the Executive committee members effectively present during 2015.

Key management personnel referred above as Executive committee members are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly including Vice-Presidents of key activities of the Group.

The costs reported below are the compensation and benefits incurred for the Key management:

 

    Short term benefits include their base salary plus bonus.

 

    Directors fees include annual director fees and Board/Committee attendance fees.

 

    Share- base payments include the portion of the IFRS 2 expense allocated to key management.

 

    Post-employment benefits mainly include pension costs.

 

    Termination benefits include departure costs paid during the year.

 

F-69


Table of Contents

As a result, the aggregate compensation for the Group’s key management is comprised of the following

 

(in millions of Euros)    Year ended
December 31,
2015
     Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Short term employee benefits

     8         7         8   

Directors fees

     1         1           

Share based payments

     2         3         2   

Post employments benefits

     1         1         1   

Termination benefits

     1         1         1   

Employer social contribution

     1         1         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     14         14         13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 30—Subsidiaries and Operating Segments

The following is a list of the Group’s principal subsidiaries. They are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Constellium and are legal entities for which all or a substantial portion of the operations, assets, liabilities, and cash flows are included in the continuing operations of the consolidated reporting Group at December 31, 2015.

 

Entity

   Country    Ownership  

Cross Operating Segment

     

Constellium Singen GmbH (AS&I and P&ARP)

   Germany      100

Constellium Valais S.A. (AS&I and A&T)

   Switzerland      100

AS&I

     

Constellium Automotive USA, LLC

   U.S.      100

Constellium Engley (Changchun) Automotive Structures Co Ltd.

   China      54

Constellium Extrusions Decin S.r.o.

   Czech Republic      100

Constellium Extrusions Deutschland GmbH

   Germany      100

Constellium Extrusions France S.A.S.

   France      100

Constellium Extrusions Levice S.r.o.

   Slovakia      100

Astrex Inc

   Canada      50

A&T

     

Constellium Issoire

   France      100

Constellium Aviatube

   France      100

Constellium Montreuil Juigné

   France      100

Constellium China

   China      100

Constellium Italy S.p.A

   Italy      100

Constellium Japan KK

   Japan      100

Constellium Property and Equipment Company, LLC

   U.S.      100

Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC

   U.S.      100

Constellium South East Asia

   Singapore      100

Constellium Ussel S.A.S.

   France      100

 

F-70


Table of Contents

Entity

   Country    Ownership  

P&ARP

     

Constellium Deutschland GmbH

   Germany      100

Constellium Neuf Brisach

   France      100

Wise Metals Intermediate Holdings LLC

   U.S.      100

Wise Holdings Finance Corporation

   U.S.      100

Wise Metals Group

   U.S.      100

Wise Alloys, LLC

   U.S.      100

Wise Alloys Finance Coporation

   U.S.      100

Holdings & Corporate

     

C-TEC Constellium Technology Center

   France      100

Constellium Finance S.A.S.

   France      100

Constellium France Holdco S.A.S.

   France      100

Constellium Germany Holdco GmbH & Co. KG

   Germany      100

Constellium Germany Holdco Verwaltungs GmbH

   Germany      100

Constellium Holdco II B.V.

   Netherlands      100

Constellium Holdco III B.V.

   Netherlands      100

Constellium Paris S.A.S

   France      100

Constellium UK Limited

   United Kingdom      100

Constellium U.S. Holdings I, LLC

   U.S.      100

Constellium U.S. Holdings II, LLC

   U.S.      100

Constellium Switzerland AG

   Switzerland      100

Constellium W S.A.S.

   France      100

Engineered Products International S.A.S.

   France      100

Note 31—Share Equity Plans

Share based payment

Management equity plan (“MEP”)

In 2011, the Company implemented a MEP for Constellium management in order to align their interests with the ones of the shareholders and to enable the selected managers to participate in the long-term growth of Constellium. In 2014, the accelerated vesting of the remaining non-vested portion of the Class B ordinary shares was approved and the fully vested Class B ordinary shares were converted into Class A ordinary shares.

Restricted stock unit (“RSU”) plans

Free share plan

In 2013, a free share plan was granted to all employees in the U.S., France, Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Under this plan, each eligible employee was granted an award of 25 RSU that will vest and be settled in Class A ordinary shares on the second anniversary of our initial public offering, subject to the applicable employee remaining employed by the Company or its subsidiaries through that date.

The plan vested in May 2015 and accordingly 185,285 shares were issued and granted to our employees.

 

F-71


Table of Contents

Shareholding Retention Plan

In 2013, a shareholding retention plan was implemented in order to encourage critical members of our senior management to maintain a significant portion of their current investment under the Company’s MEP.

Beneficiaries of the MEP were awarded a one-time retention award consisting of a grant of RSU with a grant date value equal to a specified percentage of the recipient’s annual base salary. The RSU will be settled for our Class A ordinary shares on the second anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the recipient remaining continuously employed within the Group through that date and, for MEP participants, subject to the retention of at least 75% of interest in Class A ordinary shares for MEP participants.

The October 2013 plan vested in October 2015 and accordingly 363,842 shares were issued and granted to our employees.

Eleven employees were granted 84,000 and 50,000 RSU in 2014 and 2015 respectively. These RSU will vest 100% after a 2-year period if the employees are continuously employed from the grant date through the end of the 2-year period.

In April 2015, 33 employees were granted 195,500 RSU. These RSU will vest 100% after a 3-year period if the employees are continuously employed from the grant date through the end of the 3-year period.

Equity Awards Plan

In May 2013, two non-employee directors were granted an award of 8,816 RSU. The service vesting tranche vests 50% on each anniversary date of the equity award grant date.

In June 2014, four board members were granted an award of 8,820 RSU. The service vesting tranche vests 50% on each anniversary date of the equity award grant date.

In June 2015, nine board members were granted an award of 29,202 RSU. The service vesting tranche vests 50% on each anniversary date of the equity award grant date.

Co-investment Plan

In March 2014, the Company provided the opportunity to selected managers to invest part of their 2013 bonus paid in 2014 and to enter into a co-investment plan.

The selected managers who effectively decided to invest part of their bonus into ordinary shares, were granted performance based RSU in an amount equal to a specified multiple (“the vesting multiplier”) of ordinary shares (71,490) invested as part of this plan. These performance RSU will vest after a two year period from grant date if the three following conditions are simultaneously met:

 

    The performance condition is Total Shareholder Return (TSR) related as the vesting multiplier will be in a range from 0 to 7 depending on the TSR evolution over the 2-year vesting period;

 

    The selected managers must be continuously employed by the Company through the end of the 2-year vesting period; and

 

    The selected managers who have invested into this co-investment plan must continue to hold 100% of the shares they initially purchased through this plan until the end of the 2-year vesting period.

 

F-72


Table of Contents

In July 2015, the Company informed the participants that they are offered the opportunity to extend by one year (to May 2017) the reference period.

Performance share plan

In June 2015, ten employees were granted 194,000 performance based RSU and in November 2015, 385 employees were granted 829,000 performance-based RSU.

These performance based RSU will vest after a 3-year period from grant date if the two following conditions are simultaneously met:

 

    The performance condition is Total Shareholder Return (TSR) related as the vesting multiplier will be in a range from 0 to 3 depending on the TSR evolution over the 3-year vesting period;

 

    The selected managers must be continuously employed by the Company through the end of the 3-year vesting period.

Expense recognized during the year

In accordance with IFRS 2, an expense is recognized over the vesting period. The estimate of this expense is based upon the fair value of a Class A potential ordinary share at the grant date.

The total expense related to the potential ordinary shares for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 amounted to 5 million, 4 million and 2 million respectively.

Movements in the number of potential shares

 

(number of potential shares)    2015     2014     2013  

At January 1

     775,338        659,942          

Granted(A)

     1,297,702        164,310        683,206   

Forfeited

     (153,594     (48,914     (23,264

Exercised(B)

     (557,953              

Expired

                     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31

     1,361,493        775,338        659,942   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) In the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company awarded:
  (i) 274,702 additional RSU, vesting after 2 or 3 years, to some employees and to Board members,
  (ii) 1,023,000 rights to obtain RSU under a Performance-Based RSU agreement, vesting after 3 years.
(B) In the year ended December 31, 2015, 557,953 RSU were vested and issued to employees and Board members.

 

F-73


Table of Contents

Potential shares are summarized as follows

 

Grant date

  Plan   Vesting
date
    Initial
number of
shares
    Outstanding
number of
shares

December 31,
2013
    Outstanding
number of
shares

December 31,
2014
    Outstanding
number of
shares

December 31,
2015
    Fair value
per share
at grant
date(A)
 

2013-05

  Free Share
Plan
    2015-05        192,800        192,800        192,800          10.6   

2013-05

  Equity Awards
Plan
    2015-05        8,816        8,816        8,816          11.3   

2013-10

  Shareholding
Retention
Plan
    2015-10        481,590        458,336        409,412          9-13   
     

 

 

         

2013

        683,206           
     

 

 

         

2014-03

  Shareholding
Retention
Plan
    2016-03        16,000          16,000        16,000        21.1   

2014-03

  Co-investment
Plan(B)
    2017-03        71,490          71,490        50,128        56.5   

2014-05

  Shareholding
Retention
Plan
    2016-05        35,000          35,000          22   

2014-06

  Equity Awards
Plan
    2016-06        8,820          8,820        8,820        22.7   

2014-09

  Shareholding
Retention
Plan
    2016-09        33,000          33,000        33,000        21.1   
     

 

 

         

2014

        164,310           
     

 

 

         

2015-04

  Shareholding
Retention
Plan
    2018-04        195,500            170,500        16.4   

2015-06

  Equity Awards
Plan
    2017-06        29,202            26,045        11.2   

2015-06

  Performance
Share Plan(C)
    2018-06        194,000            194,000        10.6   

2015-08

  Shareholding
Retention
Plan
    2017-08        50,000            50,000        10.2   

2015-11

  Performance
Share Plan(C)
    2018-11        829,000            813,000        7.1   
     

 

 

         

2015

        1,297,702           
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

TOTAL(C)

      659,942        775,338        1,361,493     
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(A) Fair Value is the quoted market price at grant date for plan with no market conditions.
(B) The Co-investment plan number of potential shares is presented using a vesting multiplier of 1. The related fair value has been valued using the Monte Carlo method.
(C) The performance share plan number of potential shares is presented using a vesting multiplier of 1. The related fair value has been valued using the Monte Carlo method.

 

F-74


Table of Contents

Note 32—Disposals, Disposals Group Classified as Held for Sale

In the third quarter of 2015, the Group decided to withdraw its disposal plan for a company from the A&T operating segment classified as held for sale at the end of 2014. Accordingly, related assets and liabilities are not presented as held for sale at December 31, 2014 and 2015.

In the first quarter of 2015, the Group decided to dispose of its plant in Carquefou (France) which is part of its A&T operating segment. The sale was completed on February 1, 2016, the disposal gain is nil in 2016. The plant generated revenues of 11 million in 2015.

 

(in millions of Euros)    Notes    At December 31,
2015
 

Property, plant and equipment

   14      4   

Inventories

        1   

Trade receivables and other

        4   

Cash and cash equivalents

        4   
     

 

 

 

Assets classified as held for sale

        13   
     

 

 

 

Pensions and other post-employment benefits obligations

        2   

Trade payables and other

        3   

Provisions

        8   
     

 

 

 

Liabilities classified as held for sale

        13   
     

 

 

 

Note 33—Subsequent Events

On March 10, 2016 , Constellium N.V. announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Japanese partner UACJ Corporation (UACJ) to expand their existing joint venture to produce automotive Body-in-White (BiW) sheet in the U.S. The final contract is subject to the board approval of each party.

 

F-75


Table of Contents

Schedule I

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on

Financial Statement Schedule

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Constellium N.V.:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 15, 2016 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F also included an audit of the financial statement schedule included in Item 17 of this Form 20-F. In our opinion, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.

Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit

/s/ Olivier Lotz

Olivier Lotz

Partner

March 15, 2016

 

F-76


Table of Contents

Schedule I

Statement of Financial Position

Constellium N.V. (Parent Company Only)

 

(In thousands of Euros)

   December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 

Non-current assets

    

Property, plant and equipment

     53        208   

Financial assets

     1,274,824        1,198,928   

Investments in subsidiaries

     105,596        100,065   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,380,473        1,299,201   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

    

Other financial assets

     28,573        7,173   

Trade receivables and other

     48,019        92,398   

Cash and cash equivalents

     7        28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     76,599        99,599   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,457,072        1,398,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity

    

Share capital

     2,110        2,101   

Share premium

     170,589        170,589   

Accumulated retained earnings

     (11,034     11,781   

Other reserves

     12,306        6,215   

Net (loss) for the year

     (195     (22,246
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     173,776        168,440   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

    

Borrowings

     1,253,599        1,175,044   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,253,599        1,175,044   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

    

Other financial liabilities

     25,772        6,964   

Trade payables and other

     3,925        48,352   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     29,697        55,316   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,283,296        1,230,360   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

     1,457,072        1,398,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-77


Table of Contents

Schedule I

Statement of Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

Constellium N.V. (Parent Company Only)

 

(in thousands of Euros)

   December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Revenue

     153        1,130        517   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     153        1,130        517   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expense

     (7,153     (6,789     (3,866
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) from recurring operations

     (7,000     (5,659     (3,349
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income

     528        —          29   

Other expense

     (3,106     (18,333     (22,858
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) from operations

     (9,578     (23,992     (26,178
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance income

     171,990        82,298        15,488   

Dividend received

     —          —          194,300   

Finance expense

     (162,607     (80,552     (33,161
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial result – net

     9,383        1,746        176,627   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) / income before income tax

     (195     (22,246     150,449   

Income tax

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) / income

     (195     (22,246     150,449   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive (loss) / income

     (195     (22,246     150,449   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-78


Table of Contents

Schedule I

Statement of Cash Flows

Constellium N.V. (Parent Company Only)

 

(In thousands of Euros)

   December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Cash flows (used in) / from operating activities

      

Net (loss) / income

     (195     (22,246     150,449   

Adjustments to determine cash flow used in operating activities:

      

Finance result

     (9,383     (7,511     17,673   

Depreciation and amortization

     155        168        (539

Dividend received

     —          19,300        —     

Change in working capital:

      

Trade receivables and other

     26,347        (23,283     (20,416

Other financial liabilities

     (1,291     (2,024     —     

Trade payables and other

     (44,427     39,554        7,521   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows (used in) / from operating activities

     (28,794     3,958        154,688   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows (used in) / from investing activities

      

Current account with subsidiary (for cash pooling)

     17,000        108,308        (168,290

Loans granted to subsidiary and related parties

     —          (1,152,962     (207,350

Repayment of loans granted to subsidiary and related parties

     —          96,894        259,724   

Interest received

     74,530        26,982        8,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from / (used in) investing activities

     91,530        (920,778     (107,144
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows (used in) / from financing activities

      

Interests paid

     (60,998     (21,667     (13,029

Proceeds received from term-loan

     —          1,141,062        207,603   

Repayment of term-loan

     —          (205,118     (155,356

Payment of deferred financing costs and debt fees

     (1,749     —          (172

Treasury stock purchase

     —          (135     —     

Distribution of shares premium to owners of the Company

     —          —          (103,038

Net proceeds received from issuance of shares

     —          —          162,759   

Contribution to share premium

     —          —          8,143   

Interim dividend paid

     —          —          (146,961

Other

     3        500        (5,654
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows (used in) / from financing activities

     (62,744     914,642        (45,705
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (8     (2,178     1,839   

Cash and cash equivalent - beginning of period

     28        2,174        335   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (13     32        —     

Cash and cash equivalent - end of period

     7        28        2,174   

 

F-79


Table of Contents

Schedule I

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

Constellium N.V. (Parent Company Only)

 

1. Basis of presentation

Constellium N.V.’s parent company only financial information has been derived from Constellium’s consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with these consolidated financial statements which are included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. The condensed parent company only financial information of Constellium N.V. is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as endorsed by the European Union. Accounting policies adopted in the preparation of this condensed parent company only financial information are the same as those adopted in the consolidated financial statements and described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, except that the cost method has been used to account for investments in subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2015, there were no material contingencies at Constellium N.V.

 

2. Dividends

Constellium N.V. received cash dividends from its subsidiary Constellium Holdco II B.V. in the amount of 175,000 thousand and 19,300 thousand in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The dividends received in cash in the year ended December 31, 2014 were declared in the year ended December 31, 2013 and, accordingly were recorded as income in the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

3. Borrowings

A description of Constellium N.V.’s parent company only borrowings and related maturity dates is provided in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

4. Other financial assets and liabilities

Non-current financial assets represent loans to Constellium Holdco II B.V. and current other financial assets represent related interest receivables. Other financial liabilities represent interest payable on our borrowings.

 

F-80