EX-13 8 dex13.htm PORTIONS OF ALCOA'S 2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS Portions of Alcoa's 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders

Exhibit 13

 

Financial and Corporate Data

 

 

Selected Financial Data

 

(in millions, except per-share amounts and ingot prices)

 

For the year ended December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

   2000

 

Sales

   $ 23,478     $ 21,092     $ 19,934     $ 21,933    $ 22,010  

Income from continuing operations

     1,402       1,055       518       904      1,451  

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

     (92 )     (70 )     (132 )     4      38  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

           (47 )     34            (5 )

Net income

     1,310       938       420       908      1,484  

Earnings (loss) per share:

                                       

Basic:

                                       

Income from continuing operations

     1.61       1.23       .61       1.05      1.78  

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

     (.11 )     (.08 )     (.16 )     .01      .04  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

           (.06 )     .04            (.01 )
    


 


 


 

  


Net income

     1.50       1.09       .49       1.06      1.81  

Diluted:

                                       

Income from continuing operations

     1.60       1.22       .61       1.04      1.76  

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

     (.11 )     (.08 )     (.16 )     .01      .04  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

           (.06 )     .04            (.01 )
    


 


 


 

  


Net income

     1.49       1.08       .49       1.05      1.79  
    


 


 


 

  


Alcoa’s average realized price per pound for aluminum ingot

     .85       .70       .66       .72      .77  

LME average 3-month price per pound for aluminum ingot

     .78       .65       .62       .66      .71  
    


 


 


 

  


Cash dividends paid per common share

     .600       .600       .600       .600      .500  

Total assets

     32,609       31,711       29,810       28,355      31,691  

Short-term borrowings

     267       50       34       163      2,718  

Commercial paper

     630             665       220      1,510  

Long-term debt

     5,403       7,216       7,784       6,264      3,897  
    


 


 


 

  


 

The financial information for all prior periods has been reclassified to reflect assets held for sale and discontinued operations. See Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

 

In addition to the operational results presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, other significant items that impacted results included, but were not limited to, the following:

 

2004:

   Disposition of businesses, restructuring and other charges, changes in the provision for income taxes, the restructuring of debt and associated settlement of interest rate swaps, the effects of the Bécancour strike, the sale of a portion of Alcoa’s interest in the Juruti bauxite project, environmental charges, the termination of an alumina tolling arrangement, and discontinued operations

2003:

   Acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, restructuring and other charges, insurance settlements related to environmental matters, changes in the provision for income taxes, discontinued operations, and the adoption of a new accounting standard

2002:

   Restructuring and other charges, the adoption of new accounting standards, goodwill impairment, and discontinued operations

2001:

   Restructuring and other charges, dispositions of businesses, and various charges to cost of goods sold and selling, general administrative and other expenses

2000:

   Acquisitions of Reynolds Metals Company (Reynolds) and Cordant Technologies (Cordant)

 

The data presented in the Selected Financial Data table should be read in conjunction with the information provided in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

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

 

Overview

 

Our Business

 

Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum, and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry: technology, mining, refining, smelting, fabricating, and recycling. Aluminum is a commodity that is traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and priced daily based on market supply and demand. Aluminum and alumina represent approximately two-thirds of Alcoa’s revenues, and the price of aluminum influences the operating results of Alcoa. Nonaluminum products include precision castings, industrial fasteners, vinyl siding, consumer products, food service and flexible packaging products, plastic closures, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. Alcoa’s products are used worldwide in aircraft, automobiles, commercial transportation, packaging, consumer products, building and construction, and industrial applications.

 

Alcoa is a global company operating in 43 countries. North America is the largest market with 64% of Alcoa’s revenues. Europe is also a significant market with 22% of the company’s revenues. Alcoa also has investments and activities in Australia, Brazil, China, Iceland, Jamaica, Russia, and Trinidad, which present opportunities for substantial growth. Governmental policies and other economic factors, including inflation and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, affect the results of operations in these countries.

 

Management Review of 2004 and Outlook for the Future

 

Alcoa aspires to be the best company in the world. As part of that mission, Alcoa strives to attain certain financial goals to improve both short-term and long-term profitability, while positioning the company to be successful in the future.

 

In 2004, Alcoa’s focus on long-term value creation through living our values, controlling costs and capital, managing our portfolio of businesses, and focusing on profitable growth contributed to the following financial achievements:

 

    Significant improvement in income from continuing operations, rising 33% from $1,055 in 2003 to $1,402 in 2004, as four of the company’s six segments increased in profitability;

 

    Highest annual sales in company history, with revenue growth of $2,386 over 2003;

 

    Strong cash flow generation of approximately $2,200 in cash from operations;

 

    Strengthened balance sheet and continued cash generation through disciplined capital spending and payment of approximately $2,000 in debt over the past two years, which facilitated a reduction in the debt-to-capital ratio from 35.1% in 2003 to 30.0% in 2004; and

 

    The substantial completion of our divestiture plan with the sales of the specialty chemicals business, the automotive fasteners business, the packaging equipment business, the South American flexible packaging business, the Russellville, AR and St. Louis, MO foil facilities, and extrusion facilities in Europe and Brazil.

 

During 2004, the company was faced with a number of challenges including increased costs for energy, raw materials, and a weakening U.S. dollar. Additionally in 2004, significant efforts continued in globalizing the production base as a means to better serve Alcoa’s customers and to take advantage of lower costs to produce in certain global regions. The actions surrounding the globalization provide unique challenges including exposure to foreign currency movement against the U.S. dollar, as well as the general business and political risks involved with expanding operations in global regions where Alcoa does not currently have a significant presence. The company expects that it will continue to face these and similar challenges in the future.

 

To position ourselves for success in 2005 and beyond, we will work toward the following financial goals:

 

    Continuing to reduce costs in conjunction with the three-year cost savings challenge initiated in 2004, aimed at eliminating $1,200 in costs by the end of 2006. Cost savings are targeted to help offset anticipated higher energy and input costs for materials such as resin and caustic. The cost savings will be achieved through continued implementation of the Alcoa Business System (ABS), procurement savings, and headcount reductions;

 

    Striving to join the first quintile of S&P Industrials in return on capital (ROC) performance and, in pursuit of that goal, we will seek to provide returns in excess of cost of capital, which is currently 9%;

 

    Maintaining a strong balance sheet with a long-term target for a 25%–35% debt-to-capital ratio; and

 

    Strengthening our asset base and improving its productivity, as well as expanding our global reach and positioning our primary businesses lower on the cost curve through various strategies including: expanding alumina refinery capacity in Australia, Jamaica, and Suriname; constructing a smelter in Iceland and expanding smelting capacity in Brazil, China, and Trinidad; expanding fabricating capabilities in Russia; investing in energy projects in Brazil, as well as various other projects throughout other segments of the business. Capital expenditures for these major growth projects and other sustaining projects are projected to be approximately $2,500 in 2005. These projects are outlined in more detail below under Segment Information, Liquidity and Capital Resources, and Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements in this report under this caption and elsewhere relate to future events and expectations and, as such, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include those containing such words as ‘‘anticipates,’’ ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘estimates,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘hopes,’’ ‘‘targets,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘will likely result,’’ ‘‘forecast,’’ ‘‘outlook,’’ ‘‘projects,’’

 

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or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of Alcoa to be different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the specific factors that may cause such a difference, see Notes N and Y to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the disclosures included below under Segment Information and Market Risks. For additional information on forward-looking statements and risk factors, see Alcoa’s Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1.

 

Results of Operations

 

Earnings Summary

 

Alcoa’s income from continuing operations for 2004 was $1,402, or $1.60 per diluted share, compared with $1,055, or $1.22 per share, in 2003. The highlights for 2004 include: higher realized prices for alumina due to a tightening of the world alumina market, as well as higher realized prices for aluminum as LME prices increased by 20% over 2003 levels; increased sales across five of six segments; higher volumes in downstream businesses serving the commercial transportation, building and construction, aerospace, and packaging markets; improved profitability across four of six segments; a $38 gain related to the retirement of debt and associated interest rate swap settlement; a $37 gain on the sale of a portion of Alcoa’s interest in the Juruti bauxite project to Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC); a $15 gain on the termination of an alumina tolling arrangement; and continued focus on completion of divestitures, which included a $61 gain on the sale of the specialty chemicals business.

 

Partially offsetting these positive contributions in 2004 were: significant cost increases for energy and raw materials; the impact of a weakened U.S. dollar against other currencies, primarily the Australian and Canadian dollars and the Euro; the impact of a strike at the Bécancour smelter; a $41 increase in environmental and legal reserves, principally related to the Grasse River site and El Campo; and the absence of $79 in insurance settlements that occurred in 2003.

 

Net income for 2004 was $1,310, or $1.49 per diluted share, compared with $938, or $1.08 per share, in 2003. Net income of $1,310 in 2004 included a loss of $92 in discontinued operations, comprised of $89 in impairment charges to reflect the estimated fair values of the protective packaging business, the telecommunications business, and a small casting business; net operating losses of $8; slightly offset by a net gain of $5 on divested businesses. See details of the divestiture plan below.

 

Alcoa’s income from continuing operations for 2003 was $1,055, or $1.22 per diluted share, compared with $518, or $.61 per share, in 2002. The increase in income from continuing operations was primarily due to higher realized prices for alumina and aluminum; improved profitability across all segments; significant restructuring charges that were recognized in 2002; higher equity income; recognition of insurance settlements of a series of environmental matters in the U.S.; and a lower effective tax rate. Partially offsetting these increases were higher energy, employee benefits and raw materials costs, as well as the unfavorable impact of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. The company also experienced volume declines in businesses serving the commercial building and construction and industrial gas turbine markets.

 

Net income for 2003 was $938, or $1.08 per diluted share, compared with $420, or $.49 per share, in 2002. Net income of $938 in 2003 included a charge of $47 representing the cumulative effect of the accounting change for asset retirement obligations upon adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, ‘‘Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.’’ Net income in 2003 also included a loss of $70 from discontinued operations, comprised of a $45 impairment charge for the automotive fasteners business, as well as $25 of net operating losses from businesses to be divested.

 

Divestiture Plan — Alcoa’s financial statements for all periods presented were significantly impacted by activities relating to the planned divestiture of a number of Alcoa’s businesses.

 

In 2002, Alcoa performed a portfolio review of its businesses and the markets they serve. As a result of this review, Alcoa committed to a plan to divest certain noncore businesses that did not meet internal growth and return measures. This plan was substantially completed in 2004 with the divestitures of the following businesses: specialty chemicals, automotive fasteners, packaging equipment, South American flexible packaging, foil facilities in Russellville, AR and St. Louis, MO, and extrusion facilities in Europe and Brazil.

 

In the second quarter of 2004, certain architectural products businesses in North America were reclassified from assets held for sale to assets held and used as management discontinued the plan of sale due to market conditions. The financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to reflect this change. The reclassification did not impact the Statement of Consolidated Income, and the results of operations of these architectural products businesses continue to be presented in the Engineered Products segment.

 

Also in 2004, Alcoa identified additional businesses to be divested to better focus on its core capabilities. As a result, the following businesses have been reclassified from assets held and used to discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Notes A and B to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on reclassifications for discontinued operations.

 

   

In the third quarter of 2004, the protective packaging business was reclassified to discontinued operations. A $16 after-tax impairment charge was recorded to reflect the current estimated fair value of the business. The results of the Packaging

 

25


 

and Consumer segment have been reclassified to reflect the movement of this business into discontinued operations.

 

    In the fourth quarter of 2004, the telecommunications business and a small casting business in the U.K. were reclassified to discontinued operations. Impairment charges of $63 (after tax and minority interests) for the telecommunications business and $10 (after tax and minority interests) for the casting business were recorded to reflect the current estimated fair values of these businesses. The results of the Other group have been reclassified to reflect the movement of these businesses into discontinued operations.

 

The loss of $92 in discontinued operations in 2004 was comprised of impairment losses of $89 to reflect the current estimated fair values on businesses to be divested as described above, $8 of net operating losses of these businesses, and a net gain of $5 on businesses sold in 2004. The loss of $70 in discontinued operations in 2003 was comprised of an impairment loss of $45 related to the reduction in the estimated fair value of the automotive fasteners business and $25 of operating losses. The loss of $132 in discontinued operations in 2002 was comprised of an impairment loss of $59 to reduce the carrying values of certain businesses to be divested to their estimated fair values less costs to sell, $53 of operating losses, and $20 for the impairment of goodwill in the telecommunications business.

 

Sales — Sales for 2004 were $23,478 compared with sales of $21,092 in 2003, an increase of $2,386, or 11%. The 21% increase in the realized price of aluminum and 23% increase in the realized price of alumina contributed significantly to the increase in sales over the prior year, as two-thirds of the increase in sales was due to higher realized prices for alumina and aluminum. Volume increased in downstream businesses serving the commercial transportation, building and construction, aerospace, and packaging markets. In addition, the acquisition of the remaining 50% of KAAL Australia in October 2003 provided $370 in additional revenue in 2004. Partly offsetting these increases were sales decreases due to divestitures of Alcoa’s specialty chemicals business, the Russellville, AR and St. Louis, MO foil facilities, the European and Brazilian extrusion facilities that were sold in 2004, as well as the Latin American PET business that was sold in 2003.

 

Sales in 2003 were $21,092 compared with sales of $19,934 in 2002, an increase of $1,158, or 6%. Acquisitions accounted for $913 of the increase in sales in 2003. Sales in 2003 included the full-year results of Ivex Packaging Corporation (Ivex), acquired in July 2002, and Fairchild Fasteners (Fairchild), acquired in December 2002, and three months of activity for KAAL Australia, acquired in October 2003. In addition to the acquisition activity, sales increased in 2003 primarily in the upstream businesses, as realized prices for alumina rose 17% and realized prices for aluminum rose 6% from 2002. Partly offsetting the increases in the upstream businesses were the dispositions of distribution facilities in Europe and the Latin America PET business, as well as lower volumes in the downstream businesses, which were impacted by weak markets for industrial gas turbines and commercial building and construction.

 

Cost of Goods Sold COGS as a percentage of sales was 79.3% in 2004 compared with 79.4% in 2003. Increased realized prices for alumina and aluminum, higher volumes, and cost savings were mostly offset by higher costs associated with energy and raw materials, the Bécancour strike, an increase of $42 in environmental reserves, and unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements.

 

COGS as a percentage of sales was 79.4% in 2003, compared with 79.9% in 2002. Cost reductions as a result of procurement savings, productivity improvements, and headcount reductions from prior restructuring programs, as well as higher realized prices for alumina and aluminum, more than offset lower volumes, higher costs for energy, purchased raw materials and employee benefits, a weakened U.S. dollar against other currencies, and a benefit realized in 2002 as a result of a favorable last-in, first-out (LIFO) adjustment.

 

Selling, General Administrative, and Other Expenses SG&A expenses were $1,284, or 5.5% of sales, in 2004 compared with $1,250, or 5.9% of sales, in 2003. Expenses increased by $34 due to unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements, increased bad debt expense, and stock awards granted in 2004, somewhat offset by lower deferred compensation costs.

 

SG&A expenses were $1,250, or 5.9% of sales, in 2003 compared with $1,108, or 5.6% of sales, in 2002. The increase of $142, or 0.3% as a percentage of sales, was primarily due to the full-year results related to the acquisitions of Ivex and Fairchild, which accounted for 60% of the change in 2003 compared with 2002. The remaining increase was primarily due to increased deferred compensation costs in 2003.

 

Research and Development Expenses R&D expenses were $182 in 2004 compared with $190 in 2003 and $209 in 2002. The decreases in 2004 and 2003 were principally driven by Alcoa’s continued focus to reduce spending and control costs.

 

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Provision for Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization — The provision for depreciation, depletion, and amortization was $1,204 in 2004 compared with $1,175 in 2003. The increase of $29, or 3%, was primarily caused by unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements.

 

The provision for depreciation, depletion, and amortization was $1,175 in 2003 compared with $1,096 in 2002. The increase of $79, or 7%, was primarily due to the full-year results related to the acquisitions of Ivex and Fairchild, as well as the negative impact of foreign currency exchange movements, somewhat offset by a reduction due to ceasing depreciation on assets held for sale.

 

Restructuring and Other Charges — Restructuring and other charges for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, were comprised of:

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Asset write-downs

   $ 6     $ —       $ 292  

Layoff costs

     41       44       104  

Other costs

     —         —         25  

Sale of specialty chemicals business

     (53 )     —         —    

Net additions to/(reversals) of prior year layoff and other costs*

     (15 )     (38 )     (7 )

Net additions to/(reversals) of prior year gains/losses on assets held for sale

     —         (33 )     —    
    


 


 


Restructuring and other charges

   $ (21 )   $ (27 )   $ 414  
    


 


 


 

* Reversals of prior year layoff and other costs resulted from changes in facts and circumstances that led to changes in estimated costs.

 

Restructuring and other charges consisted of income of $21 ($41 after tax and minority interests) in 2004. The income recognized in 2004 was comprised of the following: a gain of $53 ($61 after tax and minority interests) on the sale of Alcoa’s specialty chemicals business and $15 from adjustments to prior year reserves; offset by charges of $41 related to additional layoff reserves recorded in 2004 associated with approximately 4,100 hourly and salaried employees located primarily in Mexico and the U.S., as the company continued to focus on reducing costs, and $6 of asset write-downs.

 

As of December 31, 2004, approximately 3,700 of the 4,100 employees associated with the 2004 restructuring charges had been terminated and approximately $22 of cash payments were made against the reserves.

 

Restructuring and other charges consisted of income of $27 ($25 after tax and minority interests) in 2003. The income recognized in 2003 was comprised of: $33 of net favorable adjustments on assets held for sale; $38 of income resulting from adjustments to prior year layoff reserves; and $44 of charges for additional layoff costs associated with approximately 1,600 hourly and salaried employees located primarily in Europe, the U.S., and Brazil, as the company continued to focus on cost reductions in businesses that continued to be impacted by market declines. The 2003 restructuring program is essentially complete.

 

During 2002, Alcoa recorded special charges of $414 ($272 after tax and minority interests) for restructurings associated with the curtailment of aluminum production at three smelters, as well as restructuring operations for those businesses experiencing negligible growth due to continued market declines and the decision to divest certain businesses that failed to meet internal growth and return measures. The 2002 charges were comprised of asset write-downs of $292, consisting of $113 of goodwill on businesses to be divested, as well as $179 for structures, machinery, and equipment; employee termination and severance costs of $104 related to approximately 6,700 salaried and hourly employees at over 70 locations, primarily in Mexico, Europe, and the U.S.; and exit costs, including environmental, demolition, and lease termination costs, of $25. Additionally, net reversals of $7 were recorded in 2002, primarily associated with adjustments to 2001 restructuring program reserves due to changes in estimates of liabilities resulting from lower than expected costs. The 2002 restructuring program is essentially complete.

 

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

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

Alumina and Chemicals

   $ (48 )   $ (1 )   $ 3

Primary Metals

     (1 )     4       64

Flat-Rolled Poducts

     1       13       65

Engineered Products

     9       (4 )     217

Packaging and Consumer

     10       (44 )     46

Other

     6       (2 )     17
    


 


 

Segment total

     (23 )     (34 )     412

Corporate expenses

     2       7       2
    


 


 

Total Restructuring and other charges

   $ (21 )   $ (27 )   $ 414
    


 


 

 

Interest Expense — Interest expense was $270 in 2004 compared with $314 in 2003, resulting in a decrease of $44, or 14%. This decrease was principally caused by lower average debt levels.

 

Interest expense was $314 in 2003 compared with $350 in 2002. The decrease of $36, or 10%, was primarily due to lower average effective interest rates, somewhat offset by higher average debt levels due to higher borrowings in 2002 to fund acquisitions.

 

Other Income — Other income of $268 in 2004 was relatively flat with $274 in 2003. In 2004, a $58 gain recognized on the restructuring of debt, $54 change in favorable foreign currency exchange movements, and a $35 gain on the termination of an alumina tolling arrangement were mostly offset by the $105 gain in 2003 from insurance settlements of a series of historical environmental matters in the U.S., as well as a decrease in the cash surrender value of employee life insurance, among other smaller items.

 

Other income was $274 in 2003 compared with $178 in 2002. The increase of $96, or 54%, was primarily due to a gain of $105 from insurance settlements; $66 of higher equity income, primarily at Elkem; and an increase in the cash surrender value of employee life insurance; partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation losses of $51, primarily due to the impact of strengthening Australian and Canadian currencies; and several favorable nonoperating gains recognized in 2002.

 

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Income Taxes — Alcoa’s effective tax rate was 25.3% in 2004 compared with the statutory rate of 35% and Alcoa’s effective tax rates of 24.4% in 2003 and 31.5% in 2002. The effective tax rate in 2004 reflects a number of discrete tax items that are required to be excluded from management’s estimate of the annual effective tax rate:

 

    Reversal of valuation reserves on foreign net operating losses resulted in a reduction of the rate by approximately 1.0%;

 

    An agreement to sell a portion of Alcoa’s interest in the Juruti bauxite reserves resulted in a reduction of the rate by .6%; and

 

    The sale of the specialty chemicals business in the first quarter of 2004 resulted in a reduction of the rate by .5%.

 

Management anticipates that the tax rate in 2005 will be similar to the tax rates for 2004 and 2003 excluding the impact of discrete tax items.

 

In October of 2004, the American Job Creation Act of 2004 (AJCA) was signed into law. The AJCA allows companies to repatriate earnings from foreign subsidiaries at a reduced U.S. tax rate. Alcoa is evaluating the consequences of repatriating up to $1,000 with a related potential range of income tax effects of zero to $90. The company expects to complete its review by December 31, 2005, and will recognize the income tax effect, if any, in the period when a decision whether to repatriate is made. Alcoa has also considered the impact of the Qualified Domestic Production Deduction provision of the AJCA and believes that the 2005 impact will be immaterial.

 

Minority Interests — Minority interests’ share of income from operations was $245 in 2004 compared with $238 in 2003. The $7 increase in 2004 was due to higher earnings at AWAC, attributed to higher realized prices, increased volumes, and the gain associated with the termination of an alumina tolling arrangement. This increase was partially offset by Alcoa’s acquisition of the minority interest in Alcoa Aluminio in August 2003 and the sale of the specialty chemicals business in 2004.

 

Minority interests’ share of income from operations was $238 in 2003 compared with $172 in 2002. The increase of $66, or 38%, in 2003 was primarily due to higher earnings at AWAC, due to higher realized prices and higher volumes. This increase was somewhat offset by lower minority interests’ share of income at Alcoa Aluminio resulting from Alcoa’s acquisition of the remaining 40.9% shareholding from Camargo Correa Group in August 2003.

 

Loss From Discontinued Operations — Loss from discontinued operations was $92 in 2004 compared with $70 in 2003 and $132 in 2002. The loss of $92 was comprised of an impairment of $89 related to a reduction in the estimated fair values of the telecommunications business, the protective packaging business, and a small casting business; $8 of net operating losses; and a net gain of $5 on divested businesses in 2004. The loss of $70 in 2003 was comprised of an impairment of $45 related to a reduction in the estimated fair value of the automotive fasteners business and $25 of operating losses. The loss of $132 in discontinued operations in 2002 was comprised of an impairment of $59 to reduce the carrying values of certain businesses to be divested to their estimated fair values less costs to sell, $53 of operating losses, and $20 for the impairment of goodwill in the telecommunications business. See Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

 

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change — The cumulative effect of accounting changes resulted in a charge of $47 in 2003 compared with income of $34 recognized in 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 143, ‘‘Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations’’ in 2003 resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment of $47, consisting primarily of costs to establish assets and liabilities related to spent pot lining disposal for pots currently in operation. The adoption of SFAS No. 141, ‘‘Business Combinations’’ and SFAS No. 142, ‘‘Goodwill and Other Intangibles’’ in 2002 resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment of $34, consisting of income from the write-off of negative goodwill from prior acquisitions of $49, offset by a $15 write-off for the impairment of goodwill in the automotive business resulting from a change in measurement criteria for impairments. See Notes A, C, and E to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

 

Segment Information

 

Alcoa’s operations consist of five worldwide segments: Alumina and Chemicals, Primary Metals, Flat-Rolled Products, Engineered Products, and Packaging and Consumer. Alcoa businesses that are not reported to management as part of one of these five segments are combined and reported as “Other.” Alcoa’s management reporting system measures the after-tax operating income (ATOI) of each segment. Certain items, such as interest income, interest expense, foreign currency translation gains/losses, the effects of LIFO inventory accounting, minority interests, restructuring and other charges, discontinued operations, and accounting changes are excluded from segment ATOI. In addition, certain expenses, such as corporate general administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization on corporate assets, are not included in segment ATOI. Segment assets exclude cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and all deferred taxes. Segment assets also exclude items such as corporate fixed assets, LIFO reserves, goodwill allocated to corporate, assets held for sale, and other amounts.

 

ATOI for all segments totaled $2,169 in 2004, $1,740 in 2003, and $1,549 in 2002. See Note Q to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. The following discussion provides shipment, sales, and ATOI data for each segment for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. The financial information and data on shipments of all prior periods have been adjusted to remove the results of discontinued operations.

 

Effective January 2005, Alcoa realigned its organization structure, creating global groups to better serve customers and increase the ability to capture efficiencies. Alcoa is currently evaluating the effect, if any, upon its segment reporting.

 

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Alumina and Chemicals

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Alumina production (mt)

     14,343      13,841      13,027

Third-party alumina shipments (mt)

     7,374      7,671      7,486

Third-party sales

   $ 1,975    $ 2,002    $ 1,743

Intersegment sales

     1,418      1,021      955
    

  

  

Total sales

   $ 3,393    $ 3,023    $ 2,698
    

  

  

ATOI

   $ 632    $ 415    $ 315
    

  

  

 

This segment consists of Alcoa’s worldwide alumina and chemicals system that includes the mining of bauxite, which is then refined into alumina. Alumina is sold directly to internal and external smelter customers worldwide or is processed into industrial chemical products. Alcoa’s alumina operations in Australia are a significant component of this segment. Slightly more than half of Alcoa’s alumina production is sold under supply contracts to third parties worldwide, while the remainder is used internally. Alcoa’s specialty chemicals business was sold in the first quarter of 2004.

 

In 2004, alumina production increased by 502,000 mt, resulting primarily from the capacity expansion in Jamaica (14% increase in production) and the restart of capacity at Point Comfort, TX (13% increase in production), as well as an 11% increase in production at the San Ciprián, Spain refinery. In 2003, alumina production increased by 814,000 mt, principally due to the restart of capacity at Point Comfort, TX, which contributed an additional 592,000 mt (41% increase in production) in 2003, compared with 2002.

 

Third-party sales for the Alumina and Chemicals segment remained relatively flat in 2004 compared with 2003. The increase in realized prices of 23% in 2004 was more than offset by lower third-party volumes due to the expiration of an alumina purchase agreement in 2003, which resulted in higher intersegment sales in 2004. Also, the sale of the specialty chemicals business in 2004 negatively impacted sales by $287. In 2003, third-party sales of alumina increased 15% compared with 2002, primarily due to an increase in realized prices of 17% influenced by higher LME prices and a tightening of the world alumina market, as well as increased shipments due to higher production at the Point Comfort, TX refinery.

 

ATOI for this segment rose 52% in 2004 compared with 2003 primarily due to higher realized prices and increased total volumes, a $15 gain recognized on the termination of an alumina tolling arrangement, and a gain of $37 recognized on the sale of a portion of Alcoa’s interest in a Brazil bauxite project. These positive contributions were somewhat offset by unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements, higher raw material costs, and the loss of profit associated with the sale of the specialty chemicals business. ATOI in 2003 increased 32% compared with 2002 primarily due to higher realized prices and higher volumes, which were somewhat offset by higher energy costs and unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements.

 

In 2005, Alcoa will continue its brownfield projects at refineries in Suriname (addition of 250,000 mt – 137,000 mt is Alcoa’s share) and Pinjarra, Western Australia (600,000 mt addition). A 250,000 mt expansion was completed at the Jamalco alumina refinery in 2004, with another 1,500,000 mt expansion planned. While market conditions for alumina appear to remain strong in 2005, Alcoa anticipates higher costs associated with caustic and energy. In addition, a stronger Australian dollar could also negatively impact earnings in this segment.

 

Primary Metals

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Aluminum production (mt)

     3,376      3,508      3,500

Third-party aluminum shipments (mt)

     1,882      1,952      2,073

Alcoa’s average realized price per pound for aluminum ingot

   $ 0.85    $ 0.70    $ 0.66

Third-party sales

   $ 3,806    $ 3,229    $ 3,174

Intersegment sales

     4,335      3,098      2,655
    

  

  

Total sales

   $ 8,141    $ 6,327    $ 5,829
    

  

  

ATOI

   $ 808    $ 657    $ 650
    

  

  

 

This segment consists of Alcoa’s worldwide smelter system. Primary Metals receives alumina primarily from the Alumina and Chemicals segment and produces aluminum ingot to be used by Alcoa’s fabricating businesses, as well as sold to external customers, aluminum traders, and commodity markets. Results from the sale of aluminum powder, scrap, and excess power are also included in this segment, as well as the results of aluminum derivative contracts. Aluminum ingot produced by Alcoa and used internally is transferred to other segments at prevailing market prices. The sale of ingot represents approximately 90% of this segment’s third-party sales. In 2004, aluminum production decreased by 132,000 mt, principally due to the strike at the Bécancour facility.

 

Third-party sales for the Primary Metals segment increased 18% in 2004 compared with 2003 and increased 2% in 2003 compared with 2002 as higher realized prices in both periods more than offset lower third-party shipments. Realized prices increased 21% in 2004 compared with 2003 and 6% in 2003 compared with 2002. An electrical outage at the Alumar smelter in Brazil also had a negative impact on third-party sales in 2003. Intersegment sales increased 40% in 2004 and 17% in 2003 compared with previous periods due to higher realized prices and higher internal demand.

 

ATOI for this segment increased 23% in 2004 compared with 2003 as higher realized prices and higher total shipments were somewhat offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements, higher costs for energy and purchased metal, and the effects of a strike at Bécancour in 2004. ATOI for this segment was relatively flat in 2003

 

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compared with 2002 as higher realized prices and ongoing cost savings were substantially offset by higher costs for energy, raw materials, and employee benefits, and the impact of unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements.

 

In 2004, Alcoa made significant progress toward restarting smelting capacity at the Wenatchee, WA; Bécancour, Canada; and Massena, NY facilities. Once these restarts are complete, Alcoa will have 361,000 metric tons per year (mtpy) of idle capacity on a base capacity of 4,004,000 mtpy. Also during 2004, Alcoa broke ground on its smelter in Iceland, which will add 322,000 mtpy of capacity, and announced an expansion at the Alumar smelter in Brazil. The Iceland smelter is expected to be completed in 2007; however, the unknown impact of pending litigation could affect the completion date. In 2005, the company will invest in a new anode plant in Norway, modernize a Spanish smelter, and continue to explore smelting opportunities in China and Trinidad and energy projects in Brazil. While capacity restarts and anticipated higher metal prices will add to revenue and profit in 2005, the company anticipates that higher energy costs will persist.

 

Flat-Rolled Products

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Third-party aluminum shipments (mt)

     2,046      1,819      1,774

Third-party sales

   $ 5,962    $ 4,815    $ 4,640

Intersegment sales

     89      66      68
    

  

  

Total sales

   $ 6,051    $ 4,881    $ 4,708
    

  

  

ATOI

   $ 246    $ 221    $ 220
    

  

  

 

This segment’s principal business is the production and sale of aluminum plate, sheet, and foil. This segment includes rigid container sheet (RCS), which is sold directly to customers in the packaging and consumer market and is used to produce aluminum beverage cans. Seasonal increases in RCS sales are generally experienced in the second and third quarters of the year. This segment also includes sheet and plate used in the transportation, building and construction, and distributor markets (mainly used in the production of machinery and equipment and consumer durables), of which approximately two-thirds is sold directly to customers while the remainder is sold through distributors. Approximately two-thirds of the third-party sales in this segment are derived from sheet and plate, and foil used in industrial markets, while the remaining one-third of third-party sales consists of RCS. While the customer base for flat-rolled products is large, a significant amount of sales of RCS, sheet, and plate is to a relatively small number of customers.

 

Third-party sales for the Flat-Rolled Products segment increased 24% in 2004 compared with 2003. The increase was due to the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in KAAL Australia (can sheet rolling mills) in October of 2003, higher prices, the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange movements in Europe, and increased volumes for sheet and plate. Increased volumes for these products resulted from improved performance in businesses serving the commercial transportation, aerospace, automotive, and distribution markets. Third-party sales increased 4% in 2003 compared with 2002, primarily due to the KAAL Australia acquisition, favorable foreign currency exchange movements in Europe, and increased volumes for RCS and sheet and plate. These positive contributions were offset by the absence of sales from the commercial foil business, which was discontinued as a result of a prior year’s restructuring program.

 

ATOI for this segment increased 11% in 2004 compared with 2003, principally due to higher volumes, higher prices, improved productivity, and favorable mix for sheet and plate; favorable foreign currency exchange movements in Europe; and the contribution of KAAL Australia. These positive contributions were somewhat offset by a hot mill interruption at the Kitts Green facility in the U.K. and temporary throughput issues at the Tennessee can sheet facility. These issues were resolved in 2004. ATOI remained flat in 2003 compared with 2002, as the contribution of KAAL Australia to ATOI and the positive results in Europe due to favorable foreign currency exchange movements were offset by higher costs for raw materials, energy, and employee benefits for RCS and the U.S. sheet and plate business.

 

In January 2005, Alcoa completed the acquisition of two fabricating facilities in Samara and Belaya Kalitva in the Russian Federation.

 

Engineered Products

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Third-party aluminum shipments (mt)

     929      879      919

Third-party sales

   $ 6,300    $ 5,589    $ 5,150

Intersegment sales

     15      24      34
    

  

  

Total sales

   $ 6,315    $ 5,613    $ 5,184
    

  

  

ATOI

   $ 250    $ 155    $ 105
    

  

  

 

This segment includes hard- and soft-alloy extrusions, including architectural extrusions, super-alloy castings, steel and aluminum fasteners, aluminum forgings, and wheels. These products

 

30


serve the aerospace, automotive, commercial transportation, industrial gas turbine, building and construction, and distributor markets (mainly used in the production of machinery and equipment) and are sold directly to customers and through distributors.

 

Third-party sales for the Engineered Products segment increased 13% in 2004 compared with 2003, principally due to increased volumes in the commercial transportation, automotive, building and construction, and aerospace markets; higher prices; and favorable foreign currency exchange movements. Third-party sales increased 9% in 2003 compared with 2002, primarily as a result of the Fairchild acquisition, which contributed approximately $560 in 2003. Additionally, higher sales in Europe, driven by the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange movements, contributed to the increase in 2003. These increases were somewhat offset by volume declines in businesses serving the industrial gas turbine and commercial building and construction markets.

 

ATOI for this segment increased 61% in 2004 compared with 2003, principally resulting from increased volumes due to improved market conditions as noted previously, higher prices, and strong productivity gains. ATOI increased 48% in 2003 compared with 2002, primarily due to cost savings, the contribution of Fairchild results in 2003, and favorable foreign currency exchange movements in Europe. These favorable results were somewhat offset by higher employee benefit costs.

 

In 2004, Alcoa continued to pursue expansion of the production of soft-alloy extrusions in Europe through additional production in Hungary and the construction of a new facility in Romania, to be completed in 2005.

 

Packaging and Consumer

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Third-party aluminum shipments (mt)

     164      167      162

Third-party sales

   $ 3,166    $ 3,113    $ 2,792
    

  

  

ATOI

   $ 168    $ 214    $ 195
    

  

  

 

This segment includes consumer, foodservice, and flexible packaging products; food and beverage closures; plastic sheet and film for the packaging industry; and imaging and graphic communications for the packaging industry. The principal products in this segment include aluminum foil; plastic wraps and bags; plastic beverage and food closures; flexible packaging products; design and prepress services; gravure and flexographic image carrier products; thermoformed plastic containers and extruded plastic sheet and film. Consumer products are marketed under brands including Reynolds Wrap®, Diamond®, Baco®, and Cut-Rite® wax paper. Seasonal increases generally occur in the second and fourth quarters of the year for such products as consumer foil and plastic wraps and bags, while seasonal slowdowns for closures generally occur in the fourth quarter of the year. Products are generally sold directly to customers, consisting of supermarkets, beverage companies, food processors, retail chains, and commercial foodservice distributors.

 

Third-party sales for the Packaging and Consumer segment increased 2% in 2004 compared with 2003, primarily due to increased volumes in the closures, plastic sheet and film, and the imaging and graphic communications businesses and higher prices. These positive contributions were partly offset by the impact of the sale of Alcoa’s Latin America PET business. In 2003, sales increased 11% compared with 2002, primarily as a result of the Ivex acquisition, which contributed approximately $305 more in 2003 than in 2002. Higher volumes in the closures business also contributed to the sales increase in 2003.

 

ATOI for this segment in 2004 decreased 21% compared with 2003, primarily due to significantly higher resin and metal costs, unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements, and the divestitures of the Latin America PET business and Latasa, which were somewhat offset by increased volumes as noted above. In 2003, increased volumes in the closures business and positive results in Latin America due to improved economic conditions contributed to the 9% increase in ATOI compared with 2002, despite significantly higher resin prices and the divestitures of the Latin America PET business and Latasa.

 

During 2004, Alcoa continued its globalization of the closures business with new operations in Asia and Egypt. In 2005, higher input costs are anticipated for resin and metal.

 

Other

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Third-party aluminum shipments (mt)

     72      87      79

Third-party sales

   $ 2,269    $ 2,344    $ 2,435
    

  

  

ATOI

   $ 65    $ 78    $ 64
    

  

  

 

This group includes other Alcoa businesses that are not included in the segments previously mentioned. This group includes the automotive business of Alcoa Fujikura, Ltd. (AFL), which produces electrical components for the automotive industry; the residential building products operations, Alcoa Home Exteriors; and automotive parts businesses. Products in this segment are generally sold directly to customers or through distributors. AFL sales are dependent on a relatively small number of customers. Seasonal increases in the building products business generally occur in the second and third

 

31


quarters of the year. The results of this segment do not include Alcoa’s telecommunications business which was reclassified into discontinued operations.

 

Third-party sales for the Other group declined 3% in 2004 compared with 2003 and 4% in 2003 compared with 2002 primarily at AFL, as the automotive business continued to rebalance the customer base. In 2004, the decline was partially offset by higher volumes in the residential building products business and favorable foreign currency exchange movements. In 2003, the disposition of distribution facilities in Europe also contributed to the sales decline.

 

ATOI for this group decreased 17% in 2004 compared with 2003, principally due to decreased volumes and higher raw material costs, which were partially offset by higher equity income from Integris Metals and productivity improvements in the automotive parts business. ATOI for this group increased 22% in 2003 compared with 2002. The increase in ATOI is primarily due to productivity and purchasing cost savings recognized at AFL.

 

During 2004, Alcoa focused on low cost sourcing by opening an automotive facility in Honduras.

 

Reconciliation of ATOI to Consolidated Net Income —

 

The following table reconciles segment ATOI to consolidated net income.

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

ATOI

   $ 2,169     $ 1,740     $ 1,549  

Intersegment profit/loss eliminations

     52       9       (6 )

Unallocated amounts (net of tax):

                        

Interest income

     26       24       31  

Interest expense

     (176 )     (204 )     (227 )

Minority interests

     (245 )     (238 )     (172 )

Corporate expense

     (283 )     (287 )     (234 )

Restructuring and other charges

     23       26       (296 )

Discontinued operations

     (92 )     (70 )     (132 )

Accounting changes

     —         (47 )     34  

Other

     (164 )     (15 )     (127 )
    


 


 


Consolidated net income

   $ 1,310     $ 938     $ 420  
    


 


 


 

Items required to reconcile segment ATOI to consolidated net income include:

 

    Corporate adjustments to eliminate any remaining profit or loss between segments;

 

    The after-tax impact of interest income and expense;

 

    Minority interests;

 

    Corporate expense, comprised of general administrative and selling expenses of operating the corporate headquarters and other global administrative facilities along with depreciation on corporate-owned assets;

 

    Restructuring and other charges (excluding minority interests);

 

    Discontinued operations;

 

    Accounting changes for asset retirement obligations in 2003 and goodwill in 2002; and

 

    Other, which includes the impact of LIFO, differences between estimated tax rates used in the segments and the corporate effective tax rate and other nonoperating items such as foreign currency translation gains/losses.

 

The significant changes in the reconciling items between ATOI and consolidated net income for 2004 compared with 2003 consisted of:

 

    A decrease in interest expense primarily due to lower average debt levels;

 

    An increase in the loss from discontinued operations due to the reclassification of the protective packaging business, the telecommunications business, and a small casting business to discontinued operations, which resulted in an $89 impairment loss in 2004 to reflect the estimated fair values of these businesses; and

 

    An increase in Other, principally caused by an increase in LIFO inventory adjustments due to the increase in the price of aluminum, as well as $79 lower proceeds from insurance settlements compared with 2003. Partially offsetting the increase are $49 in favorable foreign currency exchange movements and a $38 gain recognized on the restructuring of debt in 2004. See Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on this transaction.

 

The significant changes in the reconciling items between ATOI and consolidated net income for 2003 compared with 2002 consisted of:

 

    An increase in corporate expense, primarily due to an increase in deferred compensation costs.

 

    A decrease in Other, primarily due to an increase in the cash surrender value of employee life insurance (which essentially offsets the increase in deferred compensation costs), insurance settlements of past environmental matters, and lower taxes related to differences between statutory tax rates applied and the overall corporate effective tax rate, and higher equity income, primarily Elkem. These increases were partly offset by the unfavorable impact of a higher LIFO benefit recognized in 2002, as well as foreign currency translation losses.

 

Market Risks and Derivative Activities

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

32


Commodity Price Risks — Alcoa is a leading global producer of primary aluminum products and aluminum fabricated products. As a condition of sale, customers often require Alcoa to enter into long-term, fixed-price commitments. These commitments expose Alcoa to the risk of higher aluminum prices between the time the order is committed and the time that the order is shipped. Alcoa uses futures contracts, totaling approximately 1,000,000 mt at December 31, 2004, to reduce the aluminum price risk of these fixed-price firm commitments. The effects of this hedging activity will be recognized in earnings over the designated hedge periods, generally within three years.

 

Alcoa has also entered into futures contracts to minimize its price risk related to aluminum purchases. Alcoa has not qualified these contracts for hedge accounting treatment, and therefore, the fair value gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in earnings. These contracts totaled 67,000 mt at December 31, 2004. In addition, Alcoa has entered into power supply contracts that contain pricing provisions related to the LME aluminum price. The LME linked pricing features are considered embedded derivatives. A majority of these embedded derivatives have been designated as hedges of future sales of aluminum. Gains and losses on the remainder of these derivatives are recognized in earnings. The net earnings impact of these contracts was a gain of $5 in 2004.

 

Alcoa purchases natural gas, fuel oil, and electricity to meet its production requirements and believes it is highly likely that such purchases will continue in the future. These purchases expose the company to the risk of higher prices. To hedge a portion of these risks, Alcoa uses futures and forward contracts.

 

Financial Risk

 

Interest Rates — Alcoa uses interest rate swaps to help maintain a strategic balance between fixed- and floating-rate debt and to manage overall financing costs. For a portion of its fixed-rate debt, the company has entered into pay floating, receive fixed interest rate swaps to effectively change the fixed interest rates to floating interest rates.

 

Alcoa previously used interest rate swaps to establish fixed interest rates on anticipated borrowings between June 2005 and June 2006. Due to a change in forecasted borrowing requirements, resulting from the early retirement of debt in June 2004 and a forecasted increase in future operating cash flows resulting from improved market conditions, it is no longer probable that the anticipated borrowings will occur in 2005 and 2006. Therefore, Alcoa recognized $33 of gains that had been deferred on previously settled swaps and $44 of additional gains to terminate the remaining interest rate swaps. These amounts were included in the $58 gain on the restructuring of debt that was recorded in other income in the second quarter of 2004.

 

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

 

Fair Values and Sensitivity Analysis — The following table shows the fair values of outstanding derivatives contracts at December 31, 2004 and the effect on fair value of a hypothetical change (increase or decrease of 10%) in the market prices or rates that existed at December 31, 2004.

 

     Fair value
gain/(loss)


    Price change
of + / –10%


Aluminum

   $ 211     $ 145

Interest rates

     (42 )     74

Other commodities, principally natural gas

     53       56

Currencies

     38       16

 

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

 

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

 

For additional information on derivative instruments, see Notes A, K, and X to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Alcoa continues to participate in environmental assessments and cleanups at a number of locations. These include approximately 30 owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, approximately 39 previously owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, and approximately 67 waste sites, including Superfund sites. A liability is recorded for environmental remediation costs or damages when a cleanup program becomes probable and the costs or damages can be reasonably estimated. For additional information, see Notes A and Y to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As assessments and cleanups proceed, the liability is adjusted based on progress made in determining the extent of remedial actions and related costs and damages. The liability can change substantially due to factors such as the nature and extent of contamination, changes in remedial requirements, and technological changes. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the outcomes or to estimate with any degree of accuracy the potential costs for certain of these matters.

 

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

 

33


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

 

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

 

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

 

In May of 2004, Alcoa agreed to perform the study at an estimated cost of $35. Most of the work should be completed by the fourth quarter of 2005. It is anticipated that a report of findings will be issued to the EPA in 2006. Subsequent to this submittal, a revised Analysis of Alternatives Report will be submitted to the EPA at a date to be determined. This information will be used by the EPA to propose a remedy for the entire river.

 

Alcoa adjusted the reserves in the second quarter of 2004 to include the $35 for the ROPS. This is in addition to the $30 previously reserved. With the exception of the natural recovery remedy, none of the existing alternatives in the 2002 Analysis of Alternatives Report is currently more probable than the others and the results of the ROPS are necessary to revise the scope and estimated cost of many of the current alternatives.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Alcoa’s remediation reserve balance at the end of 2004 and 2003 was $391 and $395 (of which $73 and $65 was classified as a current liability), respectively, and reflects the most probable costs to remediate identified environmental conditions for which costs can be reasonably estimated. Remediation expenses charged to the reserve were approximately $46 in 2004, $32 in 2003, and $50 in 2002. These amounts include expenditures currently mandated, as well as those not required by any regulatory authority or third party. The reserve balance was increased by $42 in 2004, principally for the additional reserve recorded for the Grasse River site. In 2003, the reserve balance was reduced by approximately $9, primarily for adjustments based on recent assessments of remaining work required at certain sites.

 

Included in annual operating expenses are the recurring costs of managing hazardous substances and environmental programs. These costs are estimated to be about 2% of cost of goods sold.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Alcoa takes a disciplined approach to cash management and strengthening its balance sheet, as it undertook aggressive capital controls, management of working capital, and continued focus on its divestiture plan in 2004. These actions helped the company to retire approximately $2,000 of debt over the past two years. Capital spending increased 32%, as Alcoa made continued progress on brownfield expansions in refining and smelting and broke ground on the greenfield smelter construction in Iceland. Increased sales contributed to Alcoa’s cash from operations of $2,199 in 2004. Additionally, progress on the divestiture program with the sales of the automotive fasteners business, the packaging equipment business, and the specialty chemicals business in 2004, facilitated payments of debt, which aided in a reduction in the debt-to-capital ratio from 35.1% in 2003 to 30.0% in 2004.

 

Cash provided from operations and from the divestiture plan is anticipated to be adequate to cover dividends, debt repayments, capital expenditures, and other business needs over the next 12 months.

 

34


Cash from Operations

 

Cash from operations in 2004 was $2,199 compared with $2,434 in 2003. The decrease of $235, or 10%, was primarily due to increases in inventories due to higher metal prices and the absence of proceeds from a $440 advance payment against a long-term aluminum supply contract that occurred in 2003. Partially offsetting these items were stronger earnings in 2004 compared with 2003 and an increase in taxes payable and accounts payable. Cash from operations in 2003 was $2,434 compared with $1,844 in 2002. The increase of $590, or 32%, was primarily due to higher earnings after adjustments for noncash items, as well as proceeds of $440 from an advance payment against a long-term aluminum supply contract. Partially offsetting these increases were higher working capital requirements, primarily attributed to an increase in accounts receivable due to higher sales. See the Results of Operations discussion for further details.

 

Financing Activities

 

Cash used for financing activities was $1,525 in 2004 compared with $1,714 in 2003. The change of $189 was primarily due to an increase in short-term borrowings related to accounts payable arrangements and lower dividends paid to minority interests.

 

Cash used for financing activities was $1,714 in 2003 compared with cash provided from financing activities of $591 in 2002, resulting in a change of $2,305, primarily due to borrowing activities. Net cash used to pay down short-term borrowings, commercial paper, and long-term debt was $1,089 in 2003 compared with net cash provided from borrowing activities of $1,466 in 2002, primarily used to fund the acquisitions of Ivex and Fairchild. In August 2002, Alcoa issued $1,400 of notes. Of these notes, $800 mature in 2007 and carry a coupon rate of 4.25%, and $600 mature in 2013 and carry a coupon rate of 5.375%.

 

During 2004, Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (S&P) maintained its long-term debt rating of Alcoa at A– and its short-term rating at A-2. In January 2005, S&P revised its outlook for Alcoa to negative from stable, citing higher capital expenditures in 2005 and future years. There was no change to either Alcoa’s long-term or short-term ratings. Moody’s Investors Service long-term debt rating of Alcoa and its rated subsidiaries is A2 and its short-term debt rating of Alcoa is Prime–1.

 

Alcoa maintains $3,000 of revolving-credit agreements with varying expiration dates as backup to its commercial paper program. In April 2004, Alcoa refinanced its $2,000 revolving-credit agreement that expired in April 2004 into a $1,000 revolving-credit agreement that will expire in April 2005, with an option to extend the maturity of any borrowings outstanding on the April 2005 expiration date for one year. Additionally, Alcoa refinanced its $1,000 revolving-credit agreement that was to expire in April 2005 into a $1,000 revolving-credit agreement that will expire in April 2009. Alcoa also has a $1,000 revolving-credit agreement that will expire in April 2008. Alcoa intends to refinance the April 2005 agreement in April 2005. Debt of $57 will mature in 2005.

 

Investing Activities

 

Cash used for investing activities was $802 in 2004 compared with $526 in 2003, resulting in a change of $276. The increase was caused primarily by an increase in capital spending of $273 as Alcoa invested in alumina and smelting expansions, as well as the greenfield smelter construction in Iceland in 2004. Cash proceeds from the sales of assets were $228 higher in 2004, due to the substantial completion of the company’s 2002 divestiture plan, partially offset by a $129 decrease in cash received on the sale of investments.

 

Cash used for investing activities was $526 in 2003 compared with $2,547 in 2002, resulting in a change of $2,021. The decrease in cash used in 2003 was primarily due to disciplined capital spending, which drove a reduction of $403 in capital expenditures. Cash proceeds from sales of assets and investments was $166 higher in 2003, primarily due to the sales of the PET business and Latasa. Additionally, acquisitions used $1,244 more cash in 2002 compared with 2003 as a result of the acquisitions of Ivex and Fairchild.

 

Capital expenditures were $1,143 in 2004 compared with $870 and $1,273 in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Of the total capital expenditures in 2004, approximately 36% related to growth projects, including alumina refinery expansions in Australia, Jamaica, and Suriname, as well as the construction of a smelter in Iceland. Also included are costs of new and expanded facilities for environmental control in ongoing operations totaling $70 in 2004, $37 in 2003, and $115 in 2002. Capital expenditures related to environmental control are anticipated to be approximately $112 in 2005. Total capital expenditures are anticipated to be approximately $2,500 in 2005.

 

Alcoa added $69, $11, and $112 to its investments in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. In January of 2004, Alcoa paid

 

35


$32 to acquire approximately 44 million additional shares of Chalco to maintain its 8% ownership interest. Cash paid for investments of $112 in 2002 was primarily due to the purchase of additional shares in the Norwegian metals producer, Elkem.

 

For a discussion of long-term liquidity, see the disclosure included in Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements that follows.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions regarding uncertainties that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Areas that require significant judgments, estimates, and assumptions include the accounting for derivatives, environmental matters, asset retirement obligations, the testing of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, estimated proceeds on businesses to be divested, pensions and other postretirement benefits, and tax matters. Management uses historical experience and all available information to make these judgments and estimates, and actual results will inevitably differ from those estimates and assumptions that are used to prepare the company’s financial statements at any given time. Despite these inherent limitations, management believes that Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) and the financial statements and related footnotes provide a meaningful and fair perspective of the company. A discussion of the judgments and uncertainties associated with accounting for derivatives and environmental matters can be found in the Market Risks and Environmental Matters sections of MD&A.

 

A summary of the company’s significant accounting policies is included in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables the company to provide the users of the financial statements with useful and reliable information about the company’s operating results and financial condition.

 

In 2002, Alcoa adopted the new standard of accounting for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. The cumulative effect adjustment recognized on January 1, 2002, upon adoption of the new standard, was income of $34 (after tax). Also in 2002, amortization ceased for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. Additionally, goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles are required to be tested for impairment at least annually. The evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current fair value of the business to the recorded value (including goodwill). The company uses a discounted cash flow model (DCF model) to determine the current fair value of the business. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including markets and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, and working capital changes. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the fair values of its businesses are estimated. However, actual fair values that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from those used to evaluate the impairment of goodwill.

 

The fair values of all businesses to be divested are estimated using accepted valuation techniques such as a DCF model, earnings multiples, or indicative bids, when available. A number of significant estimates and assumptions are involved in the application of these techniques, including the forecasting of markets and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs and expenses, and multiple other factors. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the estimates are made; however, the fair values that are ultimately realized upon the sale of the businesses to be divested may differ from the estimated fair values reflected in the financial statements.

 

Other areas of significant judgments and estimates include the liabilities and expenses for pensions and other postretirement benefits. These amounts are determined using actuarial methodologies and incorporate significant assumptions, including the rate used to discount the future estimated liability, the long-term rate of return on plan assets, and several assumptions relating to the employee workforce (salary increases, medical costs, retirement age, and mortality). The rate used to discount future estimated liabilities is determined considering the rates available at year-end on debt instruments that could be used to settle the obligations of the plan. The impact on the liabilities of a change in the discount rate of 1/4 of 1% is approximately $350 and a change of $16 to after-tax earnings in the following year. The long-term rate of return is estimated by considering historical returns and expected returns on current and projected asset allocations and is generally applied to a five-year average market value of assets. A change in the assumption for the long-term rate of return on plan assets of 1/4 of 1% would impact after-tax earnings by approximately $12 for 2005.

 

In 2002, the declines in equity markets and interest rates had a negative impact on Alcoa’s pension plan liability and fair value of plan assets. As a result, the accumulated benefit obligation exceeded the fair value of plan assets at the end of 2002, which resulted in a net charge of $851 to shareholders’ equity. In 2003, a net charge of $39 was recorded in shareholders’ equity as strong asset returns of 19.75% almost entirely offset higher accumulated benefit obligations resulting from a 50 basis point decline in the discount rate. A net charge of $21 in shareholders’ equity in 2004 reflected asset returns of 12%, which were more than offset by higher accumulated benefit obligations caused by a 25 basis point decline in the discount rate.

 

36


As a global company, Alcoa records an estimated liability for income and other taxes based on what it determines will likely be paid in the various tax jurisdictions in which it operates. Management uses its best judgment in the determination of these amounts. However, the liabilities ultimately realized and paid are dependent on various matters, including the resolution of the tax audits in the various affected tax jurisdictions, and may differ from the amounts recorded. An adjustment to the estimated liability would be recorded through income in the period in which it becomes probable that the amount of the actual liability differs from the amount recorded. Alcoa has unamortized tax deductible goodwill of $573 resulting from intercompany stock sales and reorganizations (generally at a 34% rate). Alcoa recognizes the tax benefits associated with this tax deductible goodwill as it is being amortized for local income tax purposes from 2004 through 2009, rather than in the period in which the transaction was consummated.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

Alcoa buys products from and sells products to various related companies, consisting of entities in which Alcoa retains a 50% or less equity interest, at negotiated arms-length prices between the two parties. These transactions were not material to the financial position or results of operations of Alcoa at December 31, 2004.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) ‘‘Share-Based Payment’’ was issued in December 2004. This standard requires companies to measure and recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value. The effective date is the first interim reporting period beginning after June 15, 2005. Alcoa is currently evaluating pricing models and the transition provisions of this standard and will begin expensing stock options in the third quarter of 2005.

 

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 151, ‘‘Inventory Costs – an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.’’ This standard provides clarification that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and spoilage should be recognized as current-period charges. Additionally, this standard requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this standard are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. This standard does not have a material impact to Alcoa’s financial statements.

 

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The company is obligated to make future payments under various contracts such as long-term purchase obligations, debt agreements, lease agreements, and unconditional purchase obligations and has certain contingent commitments such as debt guarantees. The company has grouped these contractual obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements into operating activities, financing activities, and investing activities in the same manner as they are classified in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows in order to provide a better understanding of the nature of the obligations and arrangements and to provide a basis for comparison to historical information. The table below provides a summary of contractual obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2004:

 

Contractual obligations


   Total

    2005

   2006–2007

   2008–2009

   Thereafter

 

Operating activities:

                                     

Energy-related purchase obligations

   $ 8,849     $ 1,151    $ 1,325    $ 959    $ 5,414  

Raw material and other purchase obligations

     2,311       1,483      603      90      135  

Operating leases(1)

     1,147       225      350      216      356  

Estimated pension funding

     (2 )     57      600      400      (2 )

Postretirement benefit payments

     (2 )     358      700      700      (2 )

Layoff and impairment payments(3)

     64       64      —        —        —    

Deferred revenue arrangements

     563       132      163      129      139  
    


 

  

  

  


Financing activities:

                                     

Total debt(4)

     6,300       954      932      237      4,177  

Dividends to shareholders(5)

                                     
    


 

  

  

  


Investing activities:

                                     

Capital projects(6)

     2,746       1,396      1,302      48      —    

Acquisitions

     257       257      —        —        —    
    


 

  

  

  


Other:

                                     

Standby letters of credit(7)

     293       249      2      3      39  

Guarantees(7)

     128       —        10      13      105  
    


 

  

  

  


Total contractual obligations

           $ 6,326    $ 5,987    $ 2,795         
    


 

  

  

  


 

(1) See Note U to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on operating leases.

 

(2) Annual payments and funding are expected to continue into the foreseeable future at the amounts or ranges noted in the discussion below.

 

(3) See Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on layoff and impairment payments.

 

(4) See Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on debt and associated interest.

 

(5) See discussion below under Obligations for Financing Activities.

 

(6) See discussion below under Obligations for Investing Activities.

 

(7) See Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on standby letters of credit and guarantees.

 

37


Obligations for Operating Activities

 

The table provides a summary of the type or nature of the company’s obligations associated with operating activities that exceed $5 annually or $10 in total over the life of the contract. Energy-related purchase obligations consist primarily of electricity and natural gas contracts with expiration dates ranging from less than one year to 40 years. The majority of raw material and other purchase obligations have expiration dates of 24 months or less. Operating leases represent multi-year obligations for rental of facilities and equipment.

 

Estimated pension funding and postretirement benefit payments are based on actuarial estimates using current assumptions for discount rates, expected return on long-term assets, rate of compensation increases, and health care cost trend rates. Cash outlays for pension funding are estimated to be $57 for 2005, $100 for 2006, and $500 for 2007. The increase in 2007 is a result of the depletion of prior pension-funding credits that are projected to be fully used during 2006, requiring additional funding in 2007. The funding estimate for 2008 and 2009 is $400. Postretirement benefit payments are expected to approximate $350 annually. Annual payments will vary based on actuarial estimates. See Note W to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

Deferred revenue arrangements require Alcoa to deliver aluminum and alumina over the specified contract period. While these obligations are not expected to result in cash payments, they represent contractual obligations for which the company would be obligated if the specified product deliveries could not be made.

 

Obligations for Financing Activities

 

Cash outlays for financing activities consist primarily of debt and dividend payments to shareholders. The company has historically paid quarterly dividends to shareholders. Shareholder dividends are subject to quarterly approval by the company’s Board of Directors and are currently at a rate of $524 annually.

 

Obligations for Investing Activities

 

Alcoa has made announcements indicating its intention to participate in several significant expansion projects. These projects include the construction of a smelter in Iceland; the expansion of alumina refineries at Pinjarra, Australia; Clarendon, Jamaica; and Suriname, South America; the expansion of a smelter in Sáo Luis, Brazil; the construction of a smelter in Trinidad; a smelter joint venture project in China; and the investment in several hydroelectric power construction projects in Brazil. These projects are in various stages of development and, depending on business and/or regulatory circumstances, may not be completed. The amounts included in the table above for capital projects represent the amounts which have been approved by management for these projects as of December 31, 2004. Funding levels vary in future years based on anticipated construction schedules of the projects.

 

It is anticipated that significant expansion projects will be funded through various sources, including cash provided from operations. Alcoa anticipates that financing required to execute all of these investments will be readily available over the time frame required.

 

In January 2005, Alcoa acquired two fabricating facilities in the Russian Federation for $257 in cash.

 

In December 2004, Alcoa signed a letter of intent with Fujikura Ltd. of Japan in which Alcoa will obtain complete ownership of the AFL automotive business, and Fujikura will obtain complete ownership of the AFL telecommunications business. This transaction is in the negotiation phase, and any cash requirements have not yet been determined. This transaction is not reflected in the Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements table.

 

38


Management’s Reports to Alcoa Shareholders

 

Management’s Report on Financial Statements and Practices

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Alcoa Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) were prepared by management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts that are based on management’s best judgments and estimates. The other financial information included in the annual report is consistent with that in the financial statements.

 

Management also recognizes its responsibility for conducting the Company’s affairs according to the highest standards of personal and corporate conduct. This responsibility is characterized and reflected in key policy statements issued from time to time regarding, among other things, conduct of its business activities within the laws of the host countries in which the Company operates and potentially conflicting outside business interests of its employees. The Company maintains a systematic program to assess compliance with these policies.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management has conducted an assessment, including testing, using the criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Based on its assessment, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

Management’s Certifications

 

The certifications of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been included as Exhibits 31 and 32 in the Company’s Form 10-K. In addition, in 2004, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer provided to the New York Stock Exchange the annual CEO certification regarding the Company’s compliance with the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance listing standards.

 

LOGO

 

Alain J.P. Belda

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

LOGO

 

Richard B. Kelson

Executive Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

 

39


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

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

 

We have completed an integrated audit of Alcoa Inc.’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

 

Consolidated financial statements

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alcoa Inc. and its subsidiaries (Alcoa) at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of Alcoa’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As discussed in Note C to the consolidated financial statements, Alcoa changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations in 2003. As discussed in Notes A and E to the consolidated financial statements, Alcoa changed its method of accounting for long-lived asset impairments and goodwill and other intangible assets in 2002.

 

Internal control over financial reporting

 

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Alcoa maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, Alcoa maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. Alcoa’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of Alcoa’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides 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.

 

LOGO

 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

February 18, 2005

 

40


Statement of Consolidated Income    Alcoa and subsidiaries

(in millions, except per-share amounts)

    

 

For the year ended December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Sales (A and Q)

   $ 23,478     $ 21,092     $ 19,934  
    


 


 


Cost of goods sold

     18,623       16,754       15,928  

Selling, general administrative, and other expenses

     1,284       1,250       1,108  

Research and development expenses

     182       190       209  

Provision for depreciation, depletion, and amortization (A and E)

     1,204       1,175       1,096  

Restructuring and other charges (D)

     (21 )     (27 )     414  

Interest expense (V)

     270       314       350  

Other income, net (O)

     (268 )     (274 )     (178 )
    


 


 


       21,274       19,382       18,927  
    


 


 


Income from continuing operations before taxes on income

     2,204       1,710       1,007  

Provision for taxes on income (T)

     557       417       317  
    


 


 


Income from continuing operations before minority interests’ share

     1,647       1,293       690  

Less: Minority interests’ share

     245       238       172  
    


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     1,402       1,055       518  

Loss from discontinued operations (B)

     (92 )     (70 )     (132 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change (C and E)

     —         (47 )     34  
    


 


 


Net Income

   $ 1,310     $ 938     $ 420  
    


 


 


Earnings (loss) per Share (S)

                        

Basic:

                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1.61     $ 1.23     $ .61  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (.11 )     (.08 )     (.16 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     —         (.06 )     .04  
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 1.50     $ 1.09     $ .49  

Diluted:

                        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1.60     $ 1.22     $ .61  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (.11 )     (.08 )     (.16 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     —         (.06 )     .04  
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 1.49     $ 1.08     $ .49  
    


 


 


 

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

 

41


Consolidated Balance Sheet    Alcoa and subsidiaries

(in millions)

    

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

 

Assets

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents (X)

   $ 457     $ 576  

Receivables from customers, less allowances: 2004–$87; 2003–$ 102

     2,738       2,492  

Other receivables

     261       351  

Inventories (G)

     2,968       2,505  

Deferred income taxes (T)

     279       266  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     790       493  
    


 


Total current assets

     7,493       6,683  

Properties, plants, and equipment, net (H)

     12,592       12,500  

Goodwill (E and F)

     6,541       6,443  

Investments (I)

     2,066       2,005  

Other assets (E and J)

     3,707       3,288  

Assets held for sale (B)

     210       792  
    


 


Total Assets

   $ 32,609     $ 31,711  
    


 


Liabilities

                

Current liabilities:

                

Short-term borrowings (K and X)

   $ 267     $ 50  

Commercial paper (K and X)

     630       —    

Accounts payable, trade

     2,226       1,958  

Accrued compensation and retirement costs

     1,021       948  

Taxes, including taxes on income

     1,019       737  

Other current liabilities

     1,078       866  

Long-term debt due within one year (K and X)

     57       523  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     6,298       5,082  

Long-term debt, less amount due within one year (K and X)

     5,346       6,693  

Accrued pension benefits (W)

     1,513       1,568  

Accrued postretirement benefits (W)

     2,150       2,220  

Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits (L)

     1,727       1,820  

Deferred income taxes (T)

     790       815  

Liabilities of operations held for sale (B)

     69       98  
    


 


Total liabilities

     17,893       18,296  
    


 


Minority Interests (M)

     1,416       1,340  
    


 


Commitments and Contingencies (N)

                

Shareholders’ Equity

                

Preferred stock (R)

     55       55  

Common stock (R)

     925       925  

Additional capital

     5,775       5,831  

Retained earnings

     8,636       7,850  

Treasury stock, at cost

     (1,926 )     (2,017 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (165 )     (569 )
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     13,300       12,075  
    


 


Total Liabilities and Equity

   $ 32,609     $ 31,711  
    


 


 

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

 

42


Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows    Alcoa and subsidiaries

(in millions)

    

 

For the year ended December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Cash from Operations

                        

Net income

   $ 1,310     $ 938     $ 420  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations:

                        

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     1,212       1,184       1,104  

Change in deferred income taxes

     (95 )     128       (167 )

Equity income, net of dividends

     (54 )     (94 )     (40 )

Noncash restructuring and other charges (D)

     (21 )     (27 )     414  

Net gain on early retirement of debt and interest rate swap settlements (K)

     (58 )     —         —    

Gains from investing activities—sale of assets (O)

     (44 )     (37 )     (52 )

Provision for doubtful accounts

     24       11       16  

Loss from discontinued operations (B)

     92       70       132  

Accounting changes (C and E)

     —         47       (34 )

Minority interests

     245       238       172  

Other

     80       116       8  

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions and divestitures:

                        

(Increase) reduction in receivables

     (95 )     (144 )     380  

(Increase) reduction in inventories

     (395 )     94       148  

(Increase) reduction in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (94 )     58       38  

Increase (reduction) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     122       (164 )     (256 )

Increase (reduction) in taxes, including taxes on income

     113       (247 )     (199 )

Cash paid on early retirement of debt and interest rate swap settlements (K)

     (52 )     —         —    

Cash received on long-term aluminum supply contract

     —         440       —    

Net change in noncurrent assets and liabilities

     (240 )     (256 )     (182 )

Reduction in net assets held for sale

     148       81       33  
    


 


 


Cash provided from continuing operations

     2,198       2,436       1,935  
    


 


 


Cash provided from (used for) discontinued operations

     1       (2 )     (91 )
    


 


 


Cash from operations

     2,199       2,434       1,844  
    


 


 


Financing Activities

                        

Net changes to short-term borrowings

     213       12       (384 )

Common stock issued for stock compensation plans

     83       98       55  

Repurchase of common stock

     (67 )     —         (224 )

Dividends paid to shareholders

     (524 )     (516 )     (509 )

Dividends paid to minority interests

     (119 )     (207 )     (197 )

Net change in commercial paper

     630       (665 )     445  

Additions to long-term debt

     180       387       1,636  

Payments on long-term debt

     (1,921 )     (823 )     (231 )
    


 


 


Cash (used for) provided from financing activities

     (1,525 )     (1,714 )     591  
    


 


 


Investing Activities

                        

Capital expenditures

     (1,142 )     (863 )     (1,264 )

Capital expenditures of discontinued operations

     (1 )     (7 )     (9 )

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (F and P)

     (2 )     (9 )     (1,253 )

Proceeds from the sale of assets

     392       164       127  

Additions to investments

     (69 )     (11 )     (112 )

Sale of investments (F)

     —         129       —    

Changes in short-term investments

     30       19       (54 )

Changes in minority interests

     (5 )     —         26  

Other

     (5 )     52       (8 )
    


 


 


Cash used for investing activities

     (802 )     (526 )     (2,547 )
    


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     9       38       (56 )
    


 


 


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (119 )     232       (168 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     576       344       512  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 457     $ 576     $ 344  
    


 


 


 

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

 

43


Statement of Shareholders’ Equity    Alcoa and subsidiaries
(in millions, except per-share amounts)     

 

December 31


  Comprehensive
income


    Preferred
stock


    Common
stock


  Additional
capital


    Retained
earnings


    Treasury
stock


    Accumulated
other compre-
hensive loss


    Total
shareholders’
equity


 

Balance at end of 2001

          $ 56     $ 925   $ 6,114     $ 7,517     $ (2,706 )   $ (1,292 )   $ 10,614  

Comprehensive loss—2002:

                                                             

Net income—2002

  $ 420                             420                       420  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                                                             

Change in minimum pension liability, net of $421 tax benefit

    (851 )                                                      

Unrealized translation adjustments

    309                                                        

Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net of $13 tax benefit

    (25 )                                                      

Unrecognized gains on derivatives, net of tax and minority interests of $(106) (X):

                                                             

Net change from periodic revaluations

    60                                                        

Net amount reclassified to income

    45                                                        
   


                                                     

Net unrecognized gains on derivatives

    105                                                        
   


                                                     

Comprehensive loss

  $ (42 )                                           (462 )     (462 )
   


                                                     

Cash dividends:

   Preferred @ $ 3.75 per share                                   (2 )                     (2 )
     Common @ $ .60 per share                                   (507 )                     (507 )

Treasury shares purchased

            (1 )                           (224 )             (225 )

Stock issued: compensation plans

                          (13 )             102               89  
                  


 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at end of 2002

            55       925     6,101     7,428       (2,828 )     (1,754 )     9,927  

Comprehensive income—2003:

                                                             

Net income—2003

  $ 938                             938                       938  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                                                             

Change in minimum pension liability, net of $21 tax benefit

    (39 )                                                      

Unrealized translation adjustments

    818                                                        

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of $183 tax expense (X)

    340                                                        

Unrecognized gains/(losses) on derivatives, net of tax and minority interests of $(53) (X):

                                                             

Net change from periodic revaluations

    115                                                        

Net amount reclassified to income

    (49 )                                                      
   


                                                     

Net unrecognized gains on derivatives

    66                                                        
   


                                                     

Comprehensive income

  $ 2,123                                             1,185       1,185  
   


                                                     

Cash dividends:

   Preferred @ $ 3.75 per share                                   (2 )                     (2 )
     Common @ $ .60 per share                                   (514 )                     (514 )

Stock issued: Alcoa Aluminio minority interest acquisition (F)

                          (193 )             603               410  

Stock issued: compensation plans

                          (77 )             208               131  
                  


 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at end of 2003

            55       925     5,831     7,850       (2,017 )     (569 )     12,075  

Comprehensive income—2004:

                                                             

Net income—2004

  $ 1,310                             1,310                       1,310  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                                                             

Change in minimum pension liability, net of $11 tax benefit

    (21 )                                                      

Unrealized translation adjustments

    535                                                        

Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net of $51 tax benefit (X)

    (94 )                                                      

Unrecognized gains/(losses) on derivatives, net of tax and minority interests of $34 (X):

                                                             

Net change from periodic revaluations

    120                                                        

Net amount reclassified to income

    (136 )                                                      
   


                                                     

Net unrecognized losses on derivatives

    (16 )                                                      
   


                                                     

Comprehensive income

  $ 1,714                                             404       404  
          


                                                     

Cash dividends:

   Preferred @ $ 3.75 per share                                   (2 )                     (2 )
     Common @ $ .60 per share                                   (522 )                     (522 )

Stock issued: compensation plans

                          (56 )             91               35  
           


 

 


 


 


 


 


Balance at end of 2004

          $ 55     $ 925   $ 5,775   $ 8,636     $ (1,926 )   $ (165 )*   $ 13,300  
                  


 

 


 


 


 


 


 

* Comprised of unrealized translation adjustments of $535, minimum pension liability of $(972), unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities of $221, and unrecognized gains/(losses) on derivatives of $51, net of tax

 

Includes stock to be issued under options of $96 in 2004, $130 in 2003, and $130 in 2002

 

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

 

44


Notes to the Consolidated

Financial Statements

(dollars in millions, except per-share amounts)

 

A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation. The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and require management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. They also may affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters.

 

Principles of Consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Alcoa and companies more than fifty percent owned. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Investments in affiliates and other joint ventures in which Alcoa has a noncontrolling ownership interest between twenty and fifty percent are accounted for on the equity method. Investments in affiliates in which Alcoa has an ownership interest less than twenty percent are accounted for on the cost method.

 

Alcoa also evaluates consolidation of entities under Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, ‘‘Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities’’ (FIN 46). FIN 46 requires management to evaluate whether an entity is a variable interest entity and whether Alcoa is the primary beneficiary. Consolidation is required if both of these criteria are met. Alcoa does not have any variable interest entities requiring consolidation.

 

Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

 

Inventory Valuation. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, with cost for a substantial portion of U.S. and Canadian inventories determined under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The cost of other inventories is principally determined under the average-cost method. See Note G for additional information.

 

Properties, Plants, and Equipment. Properties, plants, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded principally on the straight-line method at rates based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, averaging 33 years for structures and approximately 16 years for machinery and equipment, as useful lives range between 5 and 25 years. Gains or losses from the sale of assets are included in other income. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Interest related to the construction of qualifying assets is capitalized as part of the construction costs. Depletion is taken over the periods during which the estimated mineral reserves are extracted. See Notes H and V for additional information.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Alcoa adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, ‘‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,’’ effective January 1, 2002. Under this standard, goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized generally on a straight-line basis over the periods benefited, with a weighted average useful life of 13 years.

 

The carrying values of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested at least annually for impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill or an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. The evaluation of impairment involves comparing the current fair value of the business to the recorded value (including goodwill). The company uses a discounted cash flow model (DCF model) to determine the current fair value of the business. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including markets and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, and working capital changes. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the fair values of its businesses are estimated. However, actual fair values that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from those used to evaluate the impairment of goodwill. See Note E for additional information.

 

Accounts Payable Arrangements. Alcoa participates in computerized payable settlement arrangements with certain vendors and third-party intermediaries. The arrangements provide that, at the vendor’s request, the third-party intermediary advances the amount of the scheduled payment to the vendor, less an appropriate discount, before the scheduled payment date. Alcoa makes payment to the third-party intermediary on the date stipulated in accordance with the commercial terms negotiated with its vendors. The amounts outstanding under these arrangements that will be paid through the third-party intermediaries have been classified as short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004 and as cash provided from financing activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows at December 31, 2004. See Note K for additional information.

 

Revenue Recognition. Alcoa recognizes revenue when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, in accordance with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, ‘‘Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.’’

 

Alcoa periodically enters into long-term supply contracts with alumina and aluminum customers and receives advance payments for product to be delivered in future periods. These advance payments are recorded as deferred revenue, and revenue is recognized as shipments are made and title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer during the term of the contracts.

 

Environmental Expenditures. Expenditures for current operations are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate. Expenditures relating to existing conditions caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to future revenues, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The liability may include costs such as site investigations, consultant fees, feasibility studies, outside contractor, and monitoring expenses. Estimates are generally not discounted or reduced by potential claims for recovery. Claims for recovery are recognized as agreements are reached with third parties. The estimates also

 

45


include costs related to other potentially responsible parties to the extent that Alcoa has reason to believe such parties will not fully pay their proportionate share. The liability is periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect current remediation progress, prospective estimates of required activity, and other factors that may be relevant, including changes in technology or regulations. See Note Y for additional information.

 

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109 ‘‘Accounting for Income Taxes.’’ Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of Alcoa’s assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Alcoa also has unamortized tax deductible goodwill resulting from intercompany stock sales and reorganizations. Alcoa recognizes the tax benefits associated with this tax deductible goodwill as it is being amortized for local income tax purposes rather than in the period in which the transaction is consummated.

 

Stock-Based Compensation. Alcoa accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, ‘‘Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,’’ and related interpretations using the intrinsic value method, which resulted in no compensation cost for options granted.

 

Alcoa’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts shown below if compensation cost had been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates in accordance with SFAS Nos. 123 and 148, ‘‘Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.’’

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Net income, as reported

   $ 1,310    $ 938    $ 420

Less: compensation cost determined under the fair value method, net of tax

     35      30      113
    

  

  

Pro forma net income

   $ 1,275    $ 908    $ 307
    

  

  

Basic earnings per share:

                    

As reported

   $ 1.50    $ 1.09    $ .49

Pro forma

     1.46      1.06      .36
    

  

  

Diluted earnings per share:

                    

As reported

     1.49      1.08      .49

Pro forma

     1.45      1.06      .36
    

  

  

 

In addition to stock option awards described above, beginning in 2004 the company granted stock awards and performance share awards that vest in three years from the date of grant. Compensation expense for stock awards is calculated based on the fair value at the grant date, and compensation expense for performance share awards is based on the fair value on the date the performance criteria is determined. The after-tax expense recognized on these awards in 2004 was $9.

 

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant or subsequent reload using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Average risk-free interest rate

   2.1 %   2.2 %   3.5 %

Expected dividend yield

   1.6     2.5     2.1  

Expected volatility

   32     38     42  

Expected life (years):

                  

New option grants

   3.0     3.0     3.0  

Reload option grants

   3.0     2.5     2.5  

 

The weighted average fair value per option granted was $7.72 in 2004, $5.75 in 2003, and $9.96 in 2002. See Note R for additional information.

 

Derivatives and Hedging. Derivatives are held as part of a formally documented risk management program. All derivatives are straight-forward and are held for purposes other than trading. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, Alcoa measures hedge effectiveness by formally assessing, at least quarterly, the historical high correlation of changes in the fair value of the hedged item and the derivative hedging instrument. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, Alcoa measures hedge effectiveness by formally assessing, at least quarterly, the probable high correlation of the expected future cash flows of the hedged item and the derivative hedging instrument. The ineffective portions of both types of hedges are recorded in sales or other income in the current period. A loss of $18 was recorded in 2004 for the ineffective portion of these hedges. If the hedging relationship ceases to be highly effective or it becomes probable that an expected transaction will no longer occur, future gains or losses on the derivative are recorded in other income or expense. Two interest rate swaps ceased to qualify as hedges in 2004 due to the restructuring of debt and were terminated. See Notes K and X for additional information. No other hedging transactions ceased to qualify as hedges.

 

Alcoa accounts for interest rate swaps related to its existing long-term debt and hedges of firm customer commitments for aluminum as fair value hedges. As a result, the fair values of derivatives and changes in the fair values of the underlying hedged items are reported in other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives and underlying hedged items generally offset and are recorded each period in sales or interest expense, consistent with the underlying hedged item.

 

Alcoa accounts for hedges of foreign currency exposures and certain forecasted transactions, principally purchases of natural gas, as cash flow hedges. The fair values of the derivatives are recorded in other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The effective portions of the changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recorded in other comprehensive income and are reclassified to sales, cost of goods sold, or other income in the period in which earnings are impacted by the hedged items or in the period that the transaction no longer qualifies as a cash flow hedge. These contracts cover the same periods as known or expected exposures, generally within three years. Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at December 31, 2004, $39 of the $51 gain included in other comprehensive income is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next 12 months.

 

46


If no hedging relationship is designated, the derivative is marked to market through earnings.

 

Cash flows from financial instruments are recognized in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows in a manner consistent with the underlying transactions. See Notes K and X for additional information.

 

Foreign Currency. The local currency is the functional currency for Alcoa’s significant operations outside the U.S., except in Canada, where the U.S. dollar is used as the functional currency. The determination of the functional currency for Alcoa’s operations is made based on the appropriate economic and management indicators.

 

Acquisitions. Alcoa’s acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method. The purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair market values. Any excess purchase price over the fair market value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. For all acquisitions, operating results are included in the Statement of Consolidated Income since the dates of the acquisitions. See Note F for additional information.

 

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held For Sale. Alcoa adopted SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” effective January 1, 2002. This standard establishes accounting and reporting requirements for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. For those businesses where management has committed to a plan to divest, each business is valued at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. The fair values are estimated using accepted valuation techniques such as a DCF model, earnings multiples, or indicative bids, when available. A number of significant estimates and assumptions are involved in the application of these techniques, including the forecasting of markets and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs and expenses, and multiple other factors. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the estimates are made; however, the fair values that are ultimately realized upon the sale of the businesses to be divested may differ from the estimated fair values reflected in the financial statements.

 

Businesses to be divested are classified in the Consolidated Financial Statements as either discontinued operations or assets held for sale. For businesses classified as discontinued operations, the balance sheet amounts and income statement results are reclassified from their historical presentation to assets and liabilities of operations held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and to discontinued operations in the Statement of Consolidated Income for all periods presented. The Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows is also reclassified for assets held for sale and discontinued operations for all periods presented. Additionally, segment information does not include the results of businesses classified as discontinued operations. Management does not expect any continuing involvement with these businesses following the sales, and these businesses are expected to be disposed of within one year.

 

For businesses classified as assets held for sale, the balance sheet and cash flow amounts are reclassified from their historical presentation to assets and liabilities of operations held for sale. The income statement results continue to be reported in the historical income statement categories as income from continuing operations. The segment results include the results of businesses classified as assets held for sale for all periods presented. Management expects that Alcoa will have continuing involvement with these businesses following the sale, primarily in the form of ongoing aluminum or other significant supply contracts.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards. SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment” was issued in December 2004. This standard requires companies to measure and recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value. The effective date is the first interim reporting period beginning after June 15, 2005. Alcoa is currently evaluating pricing models and the transition provisions of this standard and will begin expensing stock options in the third quarter of 2005.

 

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs – an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.” This standard provides clarification that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and spoilage should be recognized as current-period charges. Additionally, this standard requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this standard are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. This standard does not have a material impact to Alcoa’s financial statements.

 

Reclassification. Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements were reclassified to conform to 2004 presentations. See Note B for further information.

 

B. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale

 

Alcoa’s financial statements for all periods presented were significantly impacted by activities relating to the planned divestiture of a number of Alcoa’s businesses.

 

In 2002, Alcoa performed a portfolio review of its businesses and the markets they serve. As a result of this review, Alcoa committed to a plan to divest certain noncore businesses that did not meet internal growth and return measures. This plan was substantially completed in 2004 with the divestitures of the following businesses: specialty chemicals, packaging equipment, automotive fasteners, South American flexible packaging, foil facilities in Russellville, AR and St. Louis, MO, and extrusion facilities in Europe and Brazil. See Note F for additional details.

 

In the second quarter of 2004, certain architectural products businesses in North America were reclassified from assets held for sale to assets held and used as management discontinued the plan of sale due to market conditions. The financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to reflect this change. The reclassification did not impact the Statement of Consolidated Income, and the results of operations of these architectural products businesses continue to be presented in the Engineered Products segment.

 

Also in 2004, Alcoa identified additional businesses to be divested so as to better focus on its core capabilities. As a result, the following businesses have been reclassified from assets held

 

47


and used to discontinued operations for all periods presented.

 

    In the third quarter of 2004, the protective packaging business was reclassified to discontinued operations. A $16 after-tax impairment charge was recorded to reflect the current estimated fair value of the business. The results of the Packaging and Consumer segment have been reclassified to reflect the movement of this business into discontinued operations.

 

    In the fourth quarter of 2004, the telecommunications business and a small casting business in the U.K. were reclassified to discontinued operations. Impairment charges of $63 (after tax and minority interests) for the telecommunications business and $10 (after tax and minority interests) for the casting business were recorded to reflect the current estimated fair values of these businesses. The results of the Other group have been reclassified to reflect the movement of these businesses into discontinued operations.

 

The following table details selected financial information for the businesses included within discontinued operations in the Statement of Consolidated Income.

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Sales

   $ 482     $ 636     $ 685  
    


 


 


Loss from operations

     (14 )     (47 )     (153 )

Gain on sale of businesses

     8       —         —    

Loss from impairment

     (153 )     (69 )     (91 )
    


 


 


Pre-tax loss

     (159 )     (116 )     (244 )

Benefit for taxes

     24       39       75  

Minority interests

     43       7       37  
    


 


 


Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (92 )   $ (70 )   $ (132 )
    


 


 


 

The loss of $92 in discontinued operations in 2004 was comprised of impairment losses of $89 to reflect the current estimated fair values on businesses to be divested as described above, $8 of net operating losses of these businesses, and a net gain of $5 on businesses sold in 2004. The loss of $70 in discontinued operations in 2003 was comprised of an impairment loss of $45 related to the reduction in the estimated fair value of the automotive fasteners business and $25 of operating losses. The loss of $132 in discontinued operations in 2002 was comprised of an impairment loss of $59 to reduce the carrying values of certain businesses to be divested to their estimated fair values less costs to sell, $53 of operating losses, and $20 for the impairment of goodwill in the telecommunications business.

 

The major classes of assets and liabilities of operations held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are as follows:

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Assets:

             

Receivables

   $ 98    $ 181

Inventories

     44      161

Properties, plants, and equipment, net

     42      371

Other assets

     26      79
    

  

Total assets held for sale

   $ 210    $ 792
    

  

Liabilities:

             

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 54    $ 52

Other liabilities

     15      46
    

  

Total liabilities of operations held for sale

   $ 69    $ 98
    

  

 

For all of the businesses to be divested, the fair values were estimated utilizing accepted valuation techniques. The fair values that are ultimately realized upon the sale of the businesses to be divested may differ from the estimated fair values reflected in the financial statements.

 

C. Asset Retirement Obligations

 

Effective January 1, 2003, Alcoa adopted SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” Under this standard, Alcoa recognized additional liabilities, at fair value, of approximately $136 at January 1, 2003, for asset retirement obligations (AROs), consisting primarily of costs associated with spent pot lining disposal, bauxite residue disposal, mine reclamation, and landfills. These costs reflect the legal obligations associated with the normal operation of Alcoa’s bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminum smelting facilities. Alcoa had previously recorded liabilities for certain of these costs. Additionally, Alcoa capitalized asset retirement costs by increasing the carrying amount of related long-lived assets, primarily machinery and equipment, and recorded associated accumulated depreciation from the time the original assets were placed into service. At January 1, 2003, Alcoa increased the following: net properties, plants, and equipment by $74; net deferred tax assets by $22; liabilities by $136 as noted above; and minority interests by $7.

 

The cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of this standard was $47, consisting primarily of costs to establish assets and liabilities related to spent pot lining disposal for pots currently in operation. Net income for the full year of 2002 would not have been materially different if this standard had been adopted effective January 1, 2002.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of AROs for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 follow.

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 217     $ 224  

Accretion expense

     15       16  

Payments

     (25 )     (27 )

Liabilities incurred

     30       8  

Translation and other

     (4 )     (4 )
    


 


Balance at end of year

   $ 233     $ 217  
    


 


 

In addition to the AROs discussed above, Alcoa may have other obligations in the event of a permanent plant shutdown. However, these plant assets have indeterminate lives and, therefore, the associated AROs are not reasonably estimable and liabilities cannot be established.

 

D. Restructuring and Other Charges

 

Restructuring and other charges for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, were comprised of:

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Asset write-downs

   $ 6     $   —       $ 292  

Layoff costs

     41       44       104  

Other costs

     —         —         25  

Sale of specialty chemicals business

     (53 )     —         —    

Net additions to/(reversals) of prior year layoff and other costs*

     (15 )     (38 )     (7 )

Net additions to/(reversals) of prior year gains/losses on assets held for sale

     —         (33 )     —    
    


 


 


Restructuring and other charges

   $ (21 )   $ (27 )   $ 414  
    


 


 


 

* Reversals of prior year layoff and other costs resulted from changes in facts and circumstances that led to changes in estimated costs.

 

48


During 2004, Alcoa recorded income of $21 ($41 after tax and minority interests) for restructuring and other items. The income recognized was comprised of the following components: a gain of $53 ($61 after tax and minority interests) on the sale of Alcoa’s specialty chemicals business and $15 resulting from adjustments to prior year reserves; offset by charges of $41 related to additional layoff reserves associated with approximately 4,100 hourly and salaried employees (located primarily in Mexico and the U.S.), as the company continued to focus on reducing costs, and $6 of asset write-downs.

 

As of December 31, 2004, approximately 3,700 of the 4,100 employees had been terminated, and cash payments of approximately $22 were made against the reserves.

 

Restructuring and other charges consisted of income of $27 ($25 after tax and minority interests) in 2003. The income was comprised of: $33 of net favorable adjustments on assets held for sale; $38 of income resulting from adjustments to prior year layoff reserves; and $44 of charges for additional layoff costs associated with approximately 1,600 hourly and salaried employees located primarily in Europe, the U.S., and Brazil, as the company continued to focus on cost reductions in businesses that continued to be impacted by market declines. The 2003 restructuring program is essentially complete.

 

During 2002, Alcoa recorded restructuring and other charges of $414 ($272 after tax and minority interests) for restructurings associated with the curtailment of aluminum production at three smelters, as well as restructuring operations for those businesses experiencing negligible growth due to continued market declines and the decision to divest certain businesses that have failed to meet internal growth and return measures.

 

The 2002 charges were comprised of the following components: $104 of charges for employee termination and severance costs associated with approximately 6,700 salaried and hourly employees at over 70 locations, primarily in Mexico, Europe, and the U.S.; $292 related to asset write-downs, consisting of $113 of goodwill on businesses to be divested, as well as $179 for structures, machinery, and equipment; and $25 for exit costs, primarily for remediation and demolition costs, as well as lease termination costs. Additionally, net reversals of $7 were recorded in 2002, primarily associated with adjustments to 2001 restructuring program reserves due to changes in estimates of liabilities resulting from lower than expected costs. The 2002 restructuring program is essentially complete.

 

Activity and reserve balances related to restructuring charges in 2002, 2003, and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Employee
termination and
severance costs


    Other
exit costs


    Total

 

Reserve balance at December 31, 2001

   $ 142     $ 92     $ 234  
    


 


 


2002:

                        

Cash payments

     (74 )     (30 )     (104 )

2002 restructuring charges

     104       25       129  

Net changes to 2001 restructuring reserves

     (11 )     (3 )     (14 )
    


 


 


Reserve balances at December 31, 2002

   $ 161     $ 84     $ 245  
    


 


 


2003:

                        

Cash payments

     (120 )     (27 )     (147 )

2003 restructuring charges

     44       —         44  

Additions to/(reversals) of 2002 restructuring charges

     (38 )     (9 )     (47 )
    


 


 


Reserve balances at December 31, 2003

   $ 47     $ 48     $ 95  
    


 


 


2004:

                        

Cash payments

     (52 )     (5 )     (57 )

2004 restructuring charges

     41       —         41  

Reversals of 2003 restructuring charges

     (11 )     (4 )     (15 )
    


 


 


Reserve balances at December 31, 2004

   $ 25     $ 39     $ 64  
    


 


 


 

E. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The following table details the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill.

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 6,443    $ 6,282

Additions during the period

     24      75

Translation and other adjustments

     74      86
    

  

Balance at end of year

   $ 6,541    $ 6,443
    

  

 

The increase in goodwill of $24 during 2004 was due primarily to adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocations from prior periods, which had a $13 impact on the Engineered Products segment and an $11 impact on corporate.

 

The increase in goodwill of $75 during 2003 was due primarily to the acquisition of the remaining 40.9% interest in Alcoa Aluminio, as well as adjustments to preliminary purchase price allocations from prior periods. See Note F for additional information. The impact to the segments follows: Engineered Products $40 and the Other group $(17). The impact to corporate was $52.

 

Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002, Alcoa recognized a cumulative effect adjustment of $34 (after tax) consisting of income from the write-off of negative goodwill from prior acquisitions of $49, offset by a $15 write-off for the impairment of goodwill in the automotive business resulting from a change in criteria for the measurement of fair value under SFAS No. 142 from an undiscounted to a discounted cash flow method. In the fourth quarter of 2002, Alcoa recorded an impairment charge of $44 for goodwill associated with its operations serving the telecommunications market due to lower than expected projected operating profits and cash flows. This amount was recorded in discontinued operations.

 

49


The following table details other intangible assets.

 

     2004

    2003

 
     Gross
carrying
amount


   Accumulated
amortization


    Gross
carrying
amount


   Accumulated
amortization


 

Computer software

   $ 464    $ (218 )   $ 336    $ (169 )

Patents and licenses

     157      (70 )     154      (57 )

Other intangibles

     491      (148 )     471      (126 )
    

  


 

  


Total amortizable intangible assets

     1,112      (436 )     961      (352 )
    

  


 

  


Indefinite-lived trade names and trademarks

     176      —         179      —    
    

  


 

  


Total other intangible assets

   $ 1,288    $ (436 )   $ 1,140    $ (352 )
    

  


 

  


 

Computer software costs consisted primarily of software costs associated with an enterprise business solution (EBS) within Alcoa to drive common systems among all businesses. The increase in the balance in 2004 is attributed to continued implementation of EBS across the company. Other intangibles consisted primarily of customer relationship intangibles.

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 was $81, $84, and $67, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to be in the range of approximately $72 to $80 annually from 2005 to 2009.

 

F. Acquisitions and Divestitures

 

In 2004, Alcoa substantially completed its 2002 plan to divest certain noncore businesses, as outlined below:

 

In the first quarter of 2004, Alcoa completed the sale of its specialty chemicals business to two private equity firms led by Rhone Capital LLC for an enterprise value of $342, which included the assumption of debt and other obligations. Alcoa received cash of $248 and recognized a pre-tax, pre-minority interest gain of approximately $53 ($61 after tax and minority interests) in restructuring and other charges in the Statement of Consolidated Income.

 

Additionally, in the first quarter of 2004, Alcoa sold two businesses that were included in discontinued operations: the packaging equipment business was sold for $44 in cash and resulted in the recognition of an after-tax gain of $10, and the automotive fasteners business was sold for $17 in cash and notes receivable and resulted in an additional after-tax loss of $5.

 

During the second quarter of 2004, Alcoa sold its Russellville, AR and St. Louis, MO foil facilities and an extrusion facility in Europe for $37 in cash. Alcoa also sold its flexible packaging business in South America, which had been included in discontinued operations. There was no material gain or loss recognized on these transactions.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2004, Alcoa sold an extrusion facility in Brazil, and no material gain or loss was recorded on the transaction. Alcoa also sold 40% of its interest in the Juruti bauxite project in Brazil to Alumina Limited, its partner in Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC). Alcoa holds 60% of AWAC, and Alumina Limited holds the remaining 40%. In exchange for 40% of Alcoa’s interest in the Juruti project, Alumina Limited contributed $40 to AWAC, and Alcoa realized a gain of $37 on the transaction.

 

During 2004, Alcoa completed two acquisitions at a cash cost of $2. None of these transactions had a material impact on Alcoa’s financial statements.

 

In August of 2003, Alcoa acquired the remaining 40.9% shareholding in Alcoa Aluminio (Aluminio) held by Camargo Correa Group (Camargo Group) since 1984. Alcoa issued to the Camargo Group 17.8 million shares of Alcoa common stock, with a fair value of approximately $410, in exchange for the Camargo Group’s holdings. The agreement also provides for contingent payments over the next five years based on the performance of the South American operations. The maximum amount of contingent payments is $235. The contingent payments will be reduced by appreciation on the Alcoa shares issued in the transaction, as specified in the agreement. No contingent payments related to this agreement were made in 2004. The final purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of approximately $56.

 

In October of 2003, Alcoa expanded its aluminum alliance with Kobe Steel Ltd. (Kobe) in Japan on the joint development of aluminum products for the automotive market. As part of this arrangement and due to changes in the business environment, Alcoa and Kobe discontinued their association in three can sheet joint ventures: KAAL Australia, KAAL Japan, and KAAL Asia. Based on terms of the agreement, Alcoa acquired from Kobe the remaining 50% interest in KAAL Australia, as well as the remaining 20% interest in KAAL Asia. In turn, Kobe purchased a 47% interest in KAAL Japan from Alcoa. These transactions, which were recorded at fair value, resulted in net cash proceeds to Alcoa of $9 and recognition of a gain of $17. Also, Alcoa and Kobe amended an existing aluminum supply agreement related to the KAAL Japan operations, which resulted in an acceleration of the delivery term of the agreement to two years.

 

In October of 2003, Alcoa completed the sale of its Latin America PET business to Amcor PET Packaging for $75, which resulted in an immaterial gain on the transaction. Alcoa also sold investments for approximately $129, comprised primarily of its interest in Latasa, a Latin America aluminum can business.

 

During 2002, Alcoa completed 15 acquisitions at a cost of $1,573, of which $1,253 was paid in cash. The most significant of these transactions were the acquisitions of Ivex Packaging Corporation (Ivex) in July 2002 and Fairchild Fasteners (Fairchild) in December 2002.

 

The Ivex transaction was valued at approximately $790, including debt assumed of $320, and the purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of approximately $470. Ivex is part of Alcoa’s Packaging and Consumer segment. Alcoa paid $650 in cash for Fairchild, and the purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of approximately $330. In 2004, Alcoa made a contingent payment of approximately $5 on the Fairchild acquisition

 

50


in connection with the achievement of certain 2003 operating targets. Fairchild is part of the Engineered Products segment.

 

In connection with certain acquisitions made during 2002, Alcoa could be required to make additional payments of approximately $67 from 2005 through 2006 based upon the achievement of various financial and operating targets.

 

Pro forma results of the company, assuming all acquisitions had been made at the beginning of each period presented, would not have been materially different from the results reported.

 

G. Inventories

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Finished goods

   $ 913    $ 742

Work in process

     909      787

Bauxite and alumina

     456      337

Purchased raw materials

     472      429

Operating supplies

     218      210
    

  

     $ 2,968    $ 2,505
    

  

 

Approximately 45% of total inventories at December 31, 2004 were valued on a LIFO basis. If valued on an average-cost basis, total inventories would have been $700 and $558 higher at the end of 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

H. Properties, Plants, and Equipment, at Cost

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Land and land rights, including mines

   $ 462    $ 445

Structures

     6,177      5,834

Machinery and equipment

     18,004      17,436
    

  

       24,643      23,715

Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion

     13,273      12,275
    

  

       11,370      11,440

Construction work in progress*

     1,222      1,060
    

  

     $ 12,592    $ 12,500
    

  

 

* Project costs associated with EBS are included in this balance, and at December 31, 2004 and 2003, totaled $231 and $233, respectively. Upon completion, these software costs are capitalized and recorded as intangible assets.

 

I. Investments

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Equity investments

   $ 1,517    $ 1,346

Other investments

     549      659
    

  

     $ 2,066    $ 2,005
    

  

 

Equity investments represent investments in affiliates in which Alcoa has a noncontrolling ownership interest between twenty and fifty percent and are comprised of the following: 46.5% investment in Elkem ASA (Elkem), a Norwegian producer of aluminum; 50% investment in Elkem Aluminium ANS, a joint venture between Alcoa and Elkem that owns and operates two aluminum smelters in Norway; 50% interest in Integris Metals, Inc., a metals distribution joint venture with BHP Billiton (which was subsequently sold in January 2005); and investments in several hydroelectric power construction projects in Brazil. See Note N for additional information.

 

The increase in equity investments in 2004 was attributed to higher earnings at Elkem and favorable foreign currency exchange movements.

 

Other investments are primarily comprised of Alcoa’s 8% interest in Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco). The Chalco investment is classified as an available-for-sale security and is carried at fair value. The decrease in other investments in 2004 was primarily due to a revaluation of the Chalco investment with the offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, slightly offset by an additional investment in Chalco of $32.

 

J. Other Assets

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Intangibles (E)

   $ 852    $ 788

Deferred income taxes

     1,606      1,343

Prepaid pension benefit (W)

     83      108

Deferred charges and other

     1,166      1,049
    

  

     $ 3,707    $ 3,288
    

  

 

K. Debt

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Floating-rate notes, due 2004 (1.5% average rate)

   $ —      $ 467

6.125% Bonds, due 2005

     —        200

7.25% Notes, due 2005

     —        500

5.875% Notes, due 2006

     —        500

4.25% Notes, due 2007

     800      800

6.625% Notes, due 2008

     150      150

7.375% Notes, due 2010

     1,000      1,000

6.5% Notes, due 2011

     1,000      1,000

6% Notes, due 2012

     1,000      1,000

5.375% Notes, due 2013

     600      600

6.5% Bonds, due 2018

     250      250

6.75% Bonds, due 2028

     300      300

Tax-exempt revenue bonds ranging from 5.7% to 5.9%, due 2007–2031

     28      49

Medium-term notes, due 2005–2013 (8.2% and 7.6% average rates)

     142      176

Alcoa Aluminio 7.5% Export notes, due 2005–2008

     74      89

Fair value adjustments

     33      104

Other

     26      31
    

  

       5,403      7,216

Less: amount due within one year

     57      523
    

  

     $ 5,346    $ 6,693
    

  

 

The amount of long-term debt maturing in each of the next five years is $57 in 2005, $69 in 2006, $863 in 2007, $204 in 2008, and $33 in 2009.

 

In 2004, Alcoa retired early $1,200 of debt securities, consisting of the following: $200 of 6.125% Bonds due in 2005, $500 of 7.25% Notes due in 2005, and $500 of 5.875% Notes due in 2006. These debt securities were retired primarily with proceeds from commercial paper borrowings and cash provided from operations. Alcoa recognized a net gain of $58 in other income on the early retirement of long-term debt and the associated settlement of interest rate swaps. The net gain of $58 is comprised of the following:

 

    a premium paid for early retirement of debt and related expenses of $67;

 

    a gain of $48 from previously settled interest rate swaps that hedged the retired debt and was reflected as an increase in its carrying value; and

 

51


    a gain of $77 from the settlement of interest rate swaps that hedged anticipated borrowings between June 2005 and June 2006. See Note X for additional information.

 

During 2004, Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (S&P) maintained its long-term debt rating of Alcoa at A– and its short-term rating at A-2. In January 2005, S&P revised its debt outlook for Alcoa to negative from stable, citing higher capital expenditures in 2005 and future years. There was no change to either Alcoa’s long-term or short-term ratings. Moody’s Investors Service long-term debt rating of Alcoa and its rated subsidiaries is A2 and its short-term debt rating of Alcoa is Prime–1.

 

Commercial paper of $630 at December 31, 2004 was classified as a current liability, based on a revised interpretation of the existing accounting rules. Commercial paper matures at various times within one year and has an annual weighted average interest rate of 2.3%. Alcoa maintains $3,000 of revolving-credit agreements with varying expiration dates as backup to its commercial paper program. In April 2004, Alcoa refinanced its $2,000 revolving-credit agreement that expired in April 2004 into a $1,000 revolving-credit agreement that will expire in April 2005, with an option to extend the maturity date of any borrowings outstanding on the April 2005 expiration date for one year. Additionally, Alcoa refinanced its $1,000 revolving-credit agreement that was to expire in April 2005 into a $1,000 revolving-credit agreement that will expire in April 2009. Alcoa also has a $1,000 revolving-credit agreement that will expire in April 2008. Under these agreements, a certain ratio of indebtedness to consolidated net worth must be maintained. There were no amounts outstanding under the revolving-credit agreements at December 31, 2004. The interest rate on the 364-day agreement, if drawn upon, is Libor plus 19 basis points, which is subject to adjustment if Alcoa’s credit rating changes, to a maximum interest rate of Libor plus 86 basis points. The interest rate on the agreements expiring in 2008 and 2009, if drawn upon, is Libor plus 17 basis points, which is subject to adjustment if Alcoa’s credit rating changes, to a maximum interest rate of Libor plus 83.5 basis points.

 

Aluminio’s export notes are collateralized by receivables due under an export contract. Certain financial ratios must be maintained, including the maintenance of a minimum debt service ratio, as well as a certain level of tangible net worth of Aluminio and its subsidiaries. During 2002, the notes were amended to exclude the effects of foreign currency changes from the tangible net worth calculation.

 

The fair value adjustments result from changes in the carrying amounts of certain fixed-rate borrowings that have been designated as being hedged. Of the $33 in 2004, $(42) related to outstanding hedges and $75 related to hedges that were settled early. Of the $104 in 2003, $(75) related to outstanding hedges and $179 related to hedges that were settled early. The adjustments for hedges that were settled early are being recognized as reductions of interest expense over the remaining maturity of the related debt (through 2028). For additional information on interest rate swaps, see Note X.

 

Short-Term Borrowings. Alcoa participates in computerized payable settlement arrangements with certain vendors and third-party intermediaries. As of December 31, 2004, short-term borrowings included $216 of amounts that will be paid through the third-party intermediaries. The arrangements provide that, at the vendor’s request, the third-party intermediary advances the amount of the scheduled payment to the vendor, less an appropriate discount, before the scheduled payment date. Alcoa makes payment to the third-party intermediary on the date stipulated in accordance with the commercial terms negotiated with its vendors. For the first three quarters of 2004, these arrangements were classified as accounts payable, trade. Based on the nature of the arrangements, the company has concluded that a more appropriate classification is short-term borrowings. Imputed interest on the borrowings in 2004 was insignificant for reclassification to interest expense. For the full year 2004, the change in the amounts outstanding was reported as cash provided from financing activities. For the first three quarters of 2004, the changes in the amounts outstanding under these arrangements were classified in cash provided from operating activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows. Quarterly amounts classified as cash provided from operating activities were $25, $37, and $64 in the first, second, and third quarters of 2004, respectively.

 

L. Other Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Credits

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Deferred alumina sales revenue

   $ 179    $ 187

Deferred aluminum sales revenue

     260      384

Environmental remediation

     318      330

Deferred credits

     96      108

Asset retirement obligations

     204      195

Other noncurrent liabilities

     670      616
    

  

     $ 1,727    $ 1,820
    

  

 

In 2003, Alcoa received a partial advance payment of $440 (approximately $70 was classified as current) related to a long-term aluminum supply contract with a customer. Each month for a six-year period, the customer will purchase and Alcoa is required to deliver 7,500 tons of aluminum at market prices. Alcoa has deposited $7 into a cash collateral account to satisfy one month’s delivery obligation under the aluminum supply contract.

 

M. Minority Interests

 

The following table summarizes the minority shareholders’ interests in the equity of consolidated subsidiaries.

 

December 31


   2004

   2003

Alcoa of Australia

   $ 798    $ 676

Alcoa World Alumina LLC

     200      208

Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.

     273      297

Other majority-owned companies

     145      159
    

  

     $ 1,416    $ 1,340
    

  

 

N. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Various lawsuits, claims, and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against Alcoa, including those pertaining to environmental, product liability, and safety and health matters. While the amounts claimed may be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot now be determined because of the considerable uncertainties that exist. Therefore, it is possible

 

52


that results of operations or liquidity in a particular period could be materially affected by certain contingencies. However, based on facts currently available, management believes that the disposition of matters that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on the financial position or liquidity of the company.

 

Aluminio is a participant in several hydroelectric power construction projects in Brazil for purposes of increasing its energy self-sufficiency and providing a long-term, low-cost source of power for its facilities. The completed and committed hydroelectric construction projects that Aluminio participates in are outlined in the following tables.

 

Completed projects


   Date
completed


   Investment
participation


    Share of
output


    Debt
guarantee


    Debt
guarantee
through 2013


Machadinho

   2002    27.23 %   22.62 %   35.53 %   $ 105
    
  

 

 

 

 

Aluminio committed to taking a share of the output of the completed Machadinho project for 30 years at cost (including cost of financing the project). In the event that other participants in this project fail to fulfill their financial responsibilities, Aluminio may be required to fund a portion of the deficiency. In accordance with the agreement, if Aluminio funds any such deficiency, its participation and share of the output from the project will increase proportionately.

 

Committed projects


   Scheduled
completion date


   Share of
output


    Investment
participation


    Total estimated
project costs


   Aluminio’s share
of project costs


   Performance
bond guarantee


Barra Grande

   2006    42.20 %   42.20 %   $ 449    $ 189    $ 6

Pai-Queré

   2008    35.00 %   35.00 %   $ 261    $ 91    $ 2

Estreito

   2009    19.08 %   19.08 %   $ 741    $ 141    $ 11

Serra do Facáo

        39.50 %   39.50 %   $ 218    $ 86    $ 4
    
  

 

 

  

  

 

These projects were committed to during 2001 and 2002, and the Barra Grande project commenced construction in 2002. At December 31, 2004, approximately 60% of the long-term financing for the Barra Grande project was obtained, of which Aluminio guaranteed 42.20% based on its investment participation. The plans for financing the other projects have not yet been finalized. It is anticipated that a portion of the project costs will be financed with third parties. Aluminio may be required to provide guarantees of project financing or commit to additional investments as these projects progress.

 

In 2004, the Installation Permit of Serra do Facáo was temporarily suspended by legal injunction from the Brazilian Judicial Department (Public Ministry). As a result, the Serra do Facáo project has been suspended.

 

During the second quarter of 2003, the participants in the Santa Isabel project formally requested the return of the performance bond related to the license to construct the hydroelectric project. This project has been terminated.

 

Aluminio accounts for the Machadinho and Barra Grande hydroelectric projects on the equity method. Its total investment was $124 and $136 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. There have been no significant investments made in any of the other projects.

 

In October of 2004, Alcoa agreed to acquire a 20% interest in a consortium formed to acquire the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) in exchange for an initial cash investment of $17, which is classified as an equity investment. Alcoa has committed to an additional $72 in investment to be paid as the pipeline expands through 2008. The investment in the DBNGP was made in order to secure a competitively priced long-term supply of power to Alcoa’s refineries in Western Australia. In addition to its equity ownership, Alcoa has an agreement to purchase natural gas from the DBNGP until after 2016. Alcoa’s maximum exposure to loss on the investment and the related contract is approximately $412.

 

Alcoa of Australia (AofA) is party to a number of natural gas, steam, caustic soda, and electricity contracts that expire between 2005 and 2025. Commitments related to these contracts total $483 in 2005, $383 in 2006, $289 in 2007, $277 in 2008, $277 in 2009, and $2,754 thereafter. AofA is obligated to make minimum payments related to these contracts totaling $135 in 2005, $103 in 2006, $115 in 2007, $124 in 2008, $125 in 2009, and $802 thereafter. Expenditures under these take-or-pay contracts totaled $356 in 2004, $266 in 2003, and $178 in 2002.

 

Alcoa has standby letters of credit related to environmental, insurance, and other activities. The total amount committed under these letters of credit, which expire at various dates in 2005 through 2013, was $293 at December 31, 2004.

 

O. Other Income, Net

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Equity income

   $ 145     $ 138     $ 72  

Interest income

     41       38       46  

Foreign currency losses

     (27 )     (81 )     (30 )

Gains on sales of assets

     44       37       52  

Net gain on early retirement of debt and interest rate swap settlements (K)

     58       —         —    

Other income

     7       142       38  
    


 


 


     $ 268     $ 274     $ 178  
    


 


 


 

The changes in equity income for all years presented were primarily due to Alcoa’s investment in Elkem. The gain on the sale of assets in 2004 was primarily the result of the sale of 40% of Alcoa’s interest in the Juruti bauxite project in Brazil, which resulted in a $37 gain in 2004. The gains on sales of assets in 2003 and 2002 were primarily associated with dispositions of office space and other smaller noncore business assets. In 2004, Alcoa recognized a gain of $58 on the early retirement of long-term debt and the associated settlement of interest rate swaps. Also in 2004, other income included a $35 gain on the termination of an alumina tolling arrangement, primarily offset by environmental litigation settlements of $20. The increase in other income from 2002 to 2003 is primarily due to a $105 gain from insurance settlements of a series of historical environmental matters in the U.S. and an increase in the cash surrender value of employee life insurance.

 

53


P. Cash Flow Information

 

Cash payments for interest and income taxes follow.

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Interest

   $ 318    $ 352    $ 329

Income taxes

     294      303      583
    

  

  

 

The details of cash payments related to acquisitions follow.

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Fair value of assets acquired

   $ 7     $ 275     $ 1,944  

Liabilities assumed

     (5 )     (80 )     (666 )

Minority interests acquired

     —         224       —    

Stock issued

     —         (410 )     —    
    


 


 


Cash paid

     2       9       1,278  

Less: cash acquired

     —         —         25  
    


 


 


Net cash paid for acquisitions

   $ 2     $ 9     $ 1,253  
    


 


 


 

Q. Segment and Geographic Area Information

 

Alcoa is primarily a producer of aluminum products. Aluminum and alumina represent approximately two-thirds of Alcoa’s revenues. Nonaluminum products include precision castings, industrial fasteners, vinyl siding, consumer products, food service and flexible packaging products, plastic closures, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. Alcoa’s segments are organized by product on a worldwide basis. Alcoa’s management reporting system evaluates performance based on a number of factors; however, the primary measure of performance is the after-tax operating income (ATOI) of each segment. Certain items such as interest income, interest expense, foreign currency translation gains/losses, the effects of LIFO inventory accounting, minority interests, restructuring and other charges, discontinued operations, and accounting changes are excluded from segment ATOI. In addition, certain expenses, such as corporate general administrative expenses, and depreciation and amortization on corporate assets, are not included in segment ATOI. Segment assets exclude cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and all deferred taxes. Segment assets also exclude items such as corporate fixed assets, LIFO reserves, goodwill allocated to corporate, assets held for sale, and other amounts.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Note A). Transactions among segments are established based on negotiation among the parties. Differences between segment totals and Alcoa’s consolidated totals for line items not reconciled are primarily due to corporate allocations.

 

Alcoa’s products are used worldwide in packaging, consumer products, transportation (including aerospace, automotive, truck trailer, rail, and shipping), building and construction, and industrial applications. Total exports from the U.S. from continuing operations were $1,825 in 2004, $1,646 in 2003, and $1,609 in 2002.

 

Effective January 2005, Alcoa realigned its organization structure, creating global groups to better serve customers and increase the ability to capture efficiencies. Alcoa is currently evaluating the effect, if any, upon its segment reporting.

 

Alcoa’s reportable segments are as follows.

 

Alumina and Chemicals. This segment consists of Alcoa’s worldwide alumina and chemicals system that includes the mining of bauxite, which is then refined into alumina. Alumina is sold directly to internal and external smelter customers worldwide or is processed into industrial chemical products. Alcoa’s alumina operations in Australia are a significant component of this segment. Slightly more than half of Alcoa’s alumina production is sold under supply contracts to third parties worldwide, while the remainder is used internally. In the first quarter of 2004, Alcoa sold its specialty chemicals business.

 

Primary Metals. This segment consists of Alcoa’s worldwide smelter system. Primary Metals receives alumina primarily from the Alumina and Chemicals segment and produces aluminum ingot to be used by Alcoa’s fabricating businesses, as well as sold to external customers, aluminum traders, and commodity markets. Results from the sale of aluminum powder, scrap, and excess power are also included in this segment, as well as the results from aluminum derivative contracts. Aluminum ingot produced by Alcoa and used internally is transferred to other segments at prevailing market prices. The sale of ingot represents approximately 90% of this segment’s third-party sales.

 

Flat-Rolled Products. This segment’s principal business is the production and sale of aluminum plate, sheet, and foil. This segment includes rigid container sheet (RCS), which is sold directly to customers in the packaging and consumer market and is used to produce aluminum beverage cans. Seasonal increases in RCS sales are generally experienced in the second and third quarters of the year. This segment also includes sheet and plate used in the transportation, building and construction, and distributor markets (mainly used in the production of machinery and equipment and consumer durables), of which approximately two-thirds is sold directly to customers while the remainder is sold through distributors. Approximately two-thirds of the third-party sales in this segment are derived from sheet and plate, and foil used in industrial markets, while the remaining one-third of third-party sales consists of RCS. While the customer base for flat-rolled products is large, a significant amount of sales of RCS, sheet, and plate is to a relatively small number of customers.

 

Engineered Products. This segment includes hard- and soft-alloy extrusions, including architectural extrusions, super-alloy castings, steel and aluminum fasteners, aluminum forgings, and wheels. These products serve the aerospace, automotive, commercial transportation, industrial gas turbine, building and construction, and distributor markets (mainly used in the production of machinery and equipment) and are sold directly to customers and through distributors.

 

Packaging and Consumer. This segment includes consumer, foodservice, and flexible packaging products; food and beverage closures; plastic sheet and film for the packaging industry; and imaging and graphic communications for the packaging industry. The principal products in this segment include aluminum foil; plastic wraps and bags; plastic beverage and

 

54


food closures; flexible packaging products; design and prepress services; gravure and flexographic image carrier products; thermoformed plastic containers and extruded plastic sheet and film. Consumer products are marketed under brands including Reynolds Wrap®, Diamond®, Baco®, and Cut-Rite® wax paper. Seasonal increases generally occur in the second and fourth quarters of the year for such products as consumer foil and plastic wraps and bags, while seasonal slowdowns for closures generally occur in the fourth quarter of the year. Products are generally sold directly to customers, consisting of supermarkets, beverage companies, food processors, retail chains, and commercial foodservice distributors.

 

Other. This group includes other Alcoa businesses that are not included in the segments previously mentioned. This group includes Alcoa Fujikura Ltd. (AFL), which produces electrical components for the automotive industry; the residential building products operations, Alcoa Home Exteriors; and automotive parts businesses. Products in this segment are generally sold directly to customers or through distributors. AFL sales are dependent on a relatively small number of customers. Seasonal increases in the building products business generally occur in the second and third quarters of the year. The results of this segment do not include Alcoa’s telecommunications business which was reclassified into discontinued operations.

 

Alcoa’s reportable segments, as reclassified for discontinued operations and assets held for sale, follow.

 

Segment information


   Alumina and
Chemicals


   Primary
Metals


   Flat-Rolled
Products


    Engineered
Products


   Packaging
and
Consumer


   Other

   Total

2004

                                                 

Sales:

                                                 

Third-party sales

   $ 1,975    $ 3,806    $ 5,962     $ 6,300    $ 3,166    $ 2,269    $ 23,478

Intersegment sales

     1,418      4,335      89       15      —        —        5,857
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Total sales

   $ 3,393    $ 8,141    $ 6,051     $ 6,315    $ 3,166    $ 2,269    $ 29,335
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Profit and loss:

                                                 

Equity income (loss)

   $ 1    $ 58    $ (1 )   $ —      $ 1    $ 26    $ 85

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     153      326      198       247      142      68      1,134

Income taxes

     240      314      75       103      86      24      842

ATOI

     632      808      246       250      168      65      2,169
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Assets:

                                                 

Capital expenditures

   $ 339    $ 281    $ 153     $ 174    $ 79    $ 38    $ 1,064

Equity investments

     187      563      6       —        2      208      966

Goodwill

     15      931      168       2,638      888      198      4,838

Total assets

     3,605      8,121      3,672       6,823      3,063      1,436      26,720
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

2003

                                                 

Sales:

                                                 

Third-party sales

   $ 2,002    $ 3,229    $ 4,815     $ 5,589    $ 3,113    $ 2,344    $ 21,092

Intersegment sales

     1,021      3,098      66       24      —        —        4,209
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Total sales

   $ 3,023    $ 6,327    $ 4,881     $ 5,613    $ 3,113    $ 2,344    $ 25,301
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Profit and loss:

                                                 

Equity income (loss)

   $ —      $ 55    $ (1 )   $ —      $ 10    $ 3    $ 67

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     147      310      192       235      141      77      1,102

Income taxes

     161      256      70       60      107      47      701

ATOI

     415      657      221       155      214      78      1,740
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Assets:

                                                 

Capital expenditures

   $ 173    $ 169    $ 149     $ 130    $ 78    $ 37    $ 736

Equity investments

     163      489      13       —        2      187      854

Goodwill

     17      918      165       2,587      876      198      4,761

Total assets

     3,077      7,398      3,380       6,362      3,038      1,452      24,707
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

2002

                                                 

Sales:

                                                 

Third-party sales

   $ 1,743    $ 3,174    $ 4,640     $ 5,150    $ 2,792    $ 2,435    $ 19,934

Intersegment sales

     955      2,655      68       34      —        —        3,712
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Total sales

   $ 2,698    $ 5,829    $ 4,708     $ 5,184    $ 2,792    $ 2,435    $ 23,646
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Profit and loss:

                                                 

Equity income (loss)

   $ 1    $ 44    $ (4 )   $ —      $ 17    $ 4    $ 62

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

     139      300      192       219      130      67      1,047

Income taxes

     130      266      87       50      99      44      676

ATOI

     315      650      220       105      195      64      1,549
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

Assets:

                                                 

Capital expenditures

   $ 156    $ 248    $ 227     $ 204    $ 89    $ 63    $ 987

Equity investments

     163      411      50       —        134      176      934

Goodwill

     16      910      153       2,488      869      209      4,645

Total assets

     2,615      7,166      3,266       6,451      3,093      1,557      24,148
    

  

  


 

  

  

  

 

55


The following reconciles segment information to consolidated totals.

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Sales:

                        

Total sales

   $ 29,335     $ 25,301     $ 23,646  

Elimination of intersegment sales

     (5,857 )     (4,209 )     (3,712 )
    


 


 


Consolidated sales

   $ 23,478     $ 21,092     $ 19,934  
    


 


 


Net income:

                        

ATOI

   $ 2,169     $ 1,740     $ 1,549  

Intersegment profit/(loss) eliminations

     52       9       (6 )

Unallocated amounts (net of tax):

                        

Interest income

     26       24       31  

Interest expense

     (176 )     (204 )     (227 )

Minority interests

     (245 )     (238 )     (172 )

Corporate expense

     (283 )     (287 )     (234 )

Restructuring and other charges

     23       26       (296 )

Discontinued operations

     (92 )     (70 )     (132 )

Accounting changes

     —         (47 )     34  

Other

     (164 )     (15 )     (127 )
    


 


 


Consolidated net income

   $ 1,310     $ 938     $ 420  
    


 


 


Assets:

                        

Total segment assets

   $ 26,720     $ 24,707     $ 24,148  

Elimination of intersegment receivables

     (565 )     (382 )     (285 )

Unallocated amounts:

                        

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments

     463       606       413  

Deferred tax assets

     1,884       1,610       1,482  

Corporate goodwill

     1,703       1,682       1,637  

Corporate fixed assets

     595       810       593  

LIFO reserve

     (700 )     (558 )     (514 )

Assets held for sale

     210       792       894  

Other

     2,299       2,444       1,442  
    


 


 


Consolidated assets

   $ 32,609     $ 31,711     $ 29,810  
    


 


 


 

Geographic information for revenues, based on country of origin, and long-lived assets follows.

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Revenues:

                    

U.S.

   $ 14,484    $ 12,843    $ 12,572

Australia

     1,971      1,615      1,250

Spain

     1,307      1,119      999

United Kingdom

     830      714      735

Brazil

     603      617      677

Germany

     770      786      656

Other

     3,513      3,398      3,045
    

  

  

     $ 23,478    $ 21,092    $ 19,934
    

  

  

Long-lived assets:*

                    

U.S.

   $ 12,009    $ 12,395    $ 12,603

Canada

     2,566      2,634      2,711

Australia

     2,262      2,050      1,544

United Kingdom

     869      828      732

Brazil

     797      708      372

Germany

     278      265      225

Other

     2,358      2,061      1,896
    

  

  

     $ 21,139    $ 20,941    $ 20,083
    

  

  

 

* Long-lived assets include intangible assets.

 

R. Preferred and Common Stock

 

Preferred Stock. Alcoa has two classes of preferred stock. Serial preferred stock has 546,024 shares authorized and outstanding, with a par value of $100 per share and an annual $3.75 cumulative dividend preference per share. Class B serial preferred stock has 10 million shares authorized (none issued) and a par value of $1 per share.

 

Common Stock. There are 1.8 billion shares authorized at a par value of $1 per share. As of December 31, 2004, 136.6 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the long-term stock incentive plans.

 

Stock options under the company’s stock incentive plans have been granted, at not less than market prices on the dates of grant. Stock option features based on date of original grant are as follows:

 

Date of original grant


  

Vesting


  

Term


  

Reload feature


2002 and prior

   One year    10 years    One reload over
option term

2003

   3 years
(1/3 each year)
   10 years    One reload in 2004 for
1/3 vesting in 2004

2004 and forward

   3 years
(1/3 each year)
   6 years    None

 

The transactions for shares under options were: (shares in millions)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Outstanding, beginning of year:

                        

Number of options

     87.8       81.6       73.5  

Weighted average exercise price

   $ 32.50     $ 33.19     $ 32.02  

Granted:

                        

Number of options

     8.8       16.8       17.3  

Weighted average exercise price

   $ 35.63     $ 24.93     $ 36.10  

Exercised:

                        

Number of options

     (5.6 )     (8.0 )     (7.1 )

Weighted average exercise price

   $ 23.34     $ 23.29     $ 26.77  

Expired or forfeited:

                        

Number of options

     (1.4 )     (2.6 )     (2.1 )

Weighted average exercise price

   $ 37.87     $ 32.58     $ 37.50  
    


 


 


Outstanding, end of year:

                        

Number of options

     89.6       87.8       81.6  

Weighted average exercise price

   $ 33.34     $ 32.50     $ 33.19  
    


 


 


Exercisable, end of year:

                        

Number of options

     73.5       71.6       68.8  

Weighted average exercise price

   $ 34.39     $ 34.22     $ 32.68  
    


 


 


Shares reserved for future options

     35.1       13.1       25.6  
    


 


 


 

The following tables summarize certain stock option information at December 31, 2004: (shares in millions)

 

Options Outstanding

 

Range of exercise price


   Number

   Weighted average
remaining life


   Weighted average
exercise price


$ 0.125

   0.1    employment career    $ 0.125

$  4.38– $12.15

   0.7    1.20      10.97

$12.16–$19.93

   1.9    2.43      16.56

$19.94–$27.71

   16.9    5.98      22.55

$27.72–$35.49

   17.2    4.52      31.71

$35.50–$45.59

   52.8    4.79      38.28
    
  
  

Total

   89.6    4.88      33.34
    
  
  

 

56


Options Exercisable

 

Range of exercise price


   Number

   Weighted average
exercisable price


$ 0.125

   0.1    $ 0.125

$  4.38– $12.15

   0.7      10.97

$12.16–$19.93

   1.9      16.56

$19.94–$27.71

   8.3      22.56

$27.72–$35.49

   16.8      31.69

$35.50–$45.59

   45.7      38.69
    
  

Total

   73.5      34.39
    
  

 

In addition to stock option awards, there are 1 million unvested stock awards and 500,000 unvested performance share awards (targeted amount) as of December 31, 2004. There are 10.5 million shares reserved for future grants. Compensation expense recognized on these awards in 2004 was $9 (after tax).

 

Share Activity (number of shares)

 

           Common stock

 
     Preferred stock

    Issued

   Treasury

    Net outstanding

 

Balance at end of 2001

   557,649     924,574,538    (76,992,662 )   847,581,876  

Treasury shares purchased

   (11,625 )        (6,313,100 )   (6,313,100 )

Stock issued: compensation plans

              3,550,686     3,550,686  
    

 
  

 

Balance at end of 2002

   546,024     924,574,538    (79,755,076 )   844,819,462  

Stock issued: Alcoa Aluminio minority interest acquisition (F)

              17,773,541     17,773,541  

Stock issued: compensation plans

              5,897,683     5,897,683  
    

 
  

 

Balance at end of 2003

   546,024     924,574,538    (56,083,852 )   868,490,686  

Treasury shares purchased

              (1,777,354 )   (1,777,354 )

Stock issued: compensation plans

              4,266,751     4,266,751  
    

 
  

 

Balance at end of 2004

   546,024     924,574,538    (53,594,455 )   870,980,083  
    

 
  

 

 

S. Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) amounts are computed by dividing earnings after the deduction of preferred stock dividends by the average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS amounts assume the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive equivalents outstanding.

 

The information used to compute basic and diluted EPS on income from continuing operations follows. (shares in millions)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1,402    $ 1,055    $ 518

Less: preferred stock dividends

     2      2      2
    

  

  

Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders

   $ 1,400    $ 1,053    $ 516
    

  

  

Average shares outstanding—basic

     869.9      853.4      845.4

Effect of dilutive securities:

                    

Shares issuable upon exercise of dilutive stock options

     7.5      3.2      4.4
    

  

  

Average shares outstanding—diluted

     877.4      856.6      849.8
    

  

  

 

Options to purchase 56 million shares of common stock at an average exercise price of $38 per share were outstanding as of December 31, 2004 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the option exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

 

T. Income Taxes

 

The components of income from continuing operations before taxes on income were:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

 

U.S.

   $ 301    $ 369    $ (302 )

Foreign

     1,903      1,341      1,309  
    

  

  


     $ 2,204    $ 1,710    $ 1,007  
    

  

  


 

The provision for taxes on income from continuing operations consisted of:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Current:

                        

U.S. federal*

   $ 190     $ (34 )   $ 111  

Foreign

     448       306       356  

State and local

     14       17       17  
    


 


 


       652       289       484  
    


 


 


Deferred:

                        

U.S. federal*

     (161 )     132       (193 )

Foreign

     54       (4 )     11  

State and local

     12       —         15  
    


 


 


       (95 )     128       (167 )
    


 


 


Total

   $ 557     $ 417     $ 317  
    


 


 


 

* Includes U.S. taxes related to foreign income

 

Included in discontinued operations is a tax benefit of $24 in 2004, $39 in 2003, and $75 in 2002.

 

The exercise of employee stock options generated a tax benefit of $21 in 2004, $23 in 2003, and $34 in 2002. This amount was credited to additional capital and reduced current taxes payable.

 

Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to Alcoa’s effective tax rate for continuing operations follows.

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

U.S. federal statutory rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Taxes on foreign income

   (9.4 )   (7.3 )   (5.8 )

State taxes net of federal benefit

   0.7     0.9     2.4  

Minority interests

   0.5     1.1     1.4  

Permanent differences on asset disposals

   (1.1 )   (0.1 )   2.6  

Goodwill impairment and amortization

   —       —       0.2  

Adjustments to prior years’ accruals

   0.7     (4.1 )   (3.8 )

Other

   (1.1 )   (1.1 )   (0.5 )
    

 

 

Effective tax rate

   25.3 %   24.4 %   31.5 %
    

 

 

 

57


The components of net deferred tax assets and liabilities follow.

 

     2004

   2003

December 31


   Deferred
tax
assets


    Deferred
tax
liabilities


   Deferred
tax
assets


    Deferred
tax
liabilities


Depreciation

   $ —       $ 1,434    $ —       $ 1,603

Employee benefits

     1,422       —        1,447       —  

Loss provisions

     420       —        375       —  

Deferred income/expense

     113       202      248       153

Tax loss carryforwards

     498       —        438       —  

Tax credit carryforwards

     348       —        258       —  

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities

     —         119      —         169

Other

     199       156      154       179
    


 

  


 

       3,000       1,911      2,920       2,104

Valuation allowance

     (120 )     —        (147 )     —  
    


 

  


 

     $ 2,880     $ 1,911    $ 2,773     $ 2,104
    


 

  


 

 

Of the total deferred tax assets associated with the tax loss carryforwards, $194 expires over the next ten years, $63 over the next 20 years, and $241 is unlimited. Of the tax credit carryforwards, $161 is unlimited with the balance expiring over the next ten years. A substantial portion of the valuation allowance relates to the loss carryforwards because the ability to generate sufficient foreign taxable income in future years is uncertain. The net reduction in the valuation allowance for foreign net operating losses and tax credits resulted in the recognition of a tax benefit of $21 in 2004, and $49 in 2003. At December 31, 2004, approximately $31 of the valuation allowance related to acquired companies for which subsequently recognized benefits will reduce goodwill.

 

The cumulative amount of Alcoa’s foreign undistributed net earnings for which no deferred taxes have been provided was $7,248 at December 31, 2004. Management has no plans to distribute such earnings in the foreseeable future. It is not practical to determine the deferred tax liability on these earnings. Alcoa is currently evaluating the American Job Creation Act of 2004 provision that allows companies to repatriate earnings from foreign subsidiaries at a reduced U.S. tax rate. Alcoa is evaluating the consequences of repatriating up to $1,000 with a related potential range of income tax effects of zero to $90. Alcoa will complete its review by December 31, 2005, and will recognize the income tax effect, if any, in the period when a decision whether to repatriate is made.

 

U. Lease Expense

 

Certain equipment, warehousing and office space, and ocean-going vessels are under operating lease agreements. Total expense from continuing operations for all leases was $256 in 2004, $221 in 2003, and $204 in 2002. Under long-term operating leases, minimum annual rentals are $225 in 2005, $197 in 2006, $153 in 2007, $118 in 2008, $98 in 2009, and a total of $356 for 2010 and thereafter.

 

V. Interest Cost Components

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Amount charged to expense

   $ 270    $ 314    $ 350

Amount capitalized

     27      21      22
    

  

  

     $ 297    $ 335    $ 372
    

  

  

 

W. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Alcoa maintains pension plans covering most U.S. employees and certain other employees. Pension benefits generally depend on length of service, job grade, and remuneration. Substantially all benefits are paid through pension trusts that are sufficiently funded to ensure that all plans can pay benefits to retirees as they become due.

 

Alcoa maintains health care and life insurance benefit plans covering most eligible U.S. retired employees and certain other retirees. Generally, the medical plans pay a percentage of medical expenses, reduced by deductibles and other coverages. These plans are generally unfunded, except for certain benefits funded through a trust. Life benefits are generally provided by insurance contracts. Alcoa retains the right, subject to existing agreements, to change or eliminate these benefits. All U.S. salaried and certain hourly employees hired after January 1, 2002 will not have postretirement health care benefits.

 

Alcoa uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.

 

Obligations and Funded Status

 

     Pension benefits

    Postretirement benefits

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Change in projected benefit obligation

                                

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 10,268     $ 9,360     $ 3,661     $ 3,661  

Service cost

     204       194       31       31  

Interest cost

     617       609       221       237  

Amendments

     (4 )     20       (6 )     (31 )

Actuarial losses

     220       540       276       112  

Acquisitions

     —         17       —         —    

Divestitures

     (10 )     —         —         —    

Benefits paid, net of participants’ contributions

     (668 )     (656 )     (355 )     (349 )

Other transfers, net

     46       —         —         —    

Exchange rate

     78       184       1       —    
    


 


 


 


Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 10,751     $ 10,268     $ 3,829     $ 3,661  
    


 


 


 


Change in plan assets

                                

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 8,386     $ 7,531     $ 137     $ 119  

Actual return on plan assets

     927       1,254       20       18  

Acquisitions

     —         20       —         —    

Employer contributions

     101       87       —         —    

Participants’ contributions

     24       31       —         —    

Benefits paid

     (676 )     (667 )     —         —    

Administrative expenses

     (28 )     (17 )     —         —    

Other transfers, net

     27       —         —         —    

Exchange rate

     39       147       —         —    
    


 


 


 


Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 8,800     $ 8,386     $ 157     $ 137  
    


 


 


 


Funded status

   $ (1,951 )   $ (1,882 )   $ (3,672 )   $ (3,524 )

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     1,912       1,775       1,133       916  

Unrecognized net prior service cost (benefit)

     73       160       (7 )     (1 )
    


 


 


 


Net amount recognized

   $ 34     $ 53     $ (2,546 )   $ (2,609 )
    


 


 


 


Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet consist of:

                                

Prepaid benefit

   $ 83     $ 108     $ —       $ —    

Accrued benefit liability

     (1,587 )     (1,599 )     (2,546 )     (2,609 )

Intangible asset

     53       84       —         —    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     1,485       1,460       —         —    
    


 


 


 


Amount recognized

   $ 34     $ 53     $ (2,546 )   $ (2,609 )

Amounts attributed to joint venture partners

     17       19       38       45  
    


 


 


 


Net amount recognized

   $ 51     $ 72     $ (2,508 )   $ (2,564 )
    


 


 


 


 

The projected benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $10,751 and $10,268 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $10,326 and $9,771 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The aggregate projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $10,518 and $8,343, respectively, as of December 31, 2004, and $10,047 and $8,093, respectively, as of December 31, 2003. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $10,086 and $8,320, respectively, as of December 31, 2004, and $9,554 and $8,087, respectively, as of December 31, 2003.

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the long-term accrued pension benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet were $1,513 and $1,568, respectively. The total accrued benefit liability was $1,587 in 2004 and $1,599 in 2003, which included the current portion of the liability of $57 in 2004 and $12 in 2003 and the amounts attributed to joint venture partners of $17 in 2004 and $19 in 2003.

 

The benefit obligation for postretirement benefit plans and net amount recognized were $3,829 and $2,546, respectively, as of December 31, 2004, and $3,661 and $2,609, respectively, as of December 31, 2003. Of the net amount recognized, the long-term, current, and amounts attributed to joint venture partners were $2,150, $358, and $38, respectively, as of December 31, 2004, and $2,220, $344, and $45, respectively, as of December 31, 2003.

 

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act introduced a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D), as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, Alcoa recognized the effects of the Act in the measure of its Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (APBO) for certain retiree groups in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. FAS 106-2.

 

58


Recognition of the subsidy for certain retiree groups as an offset to plan costs resulted in a $190 reduction in the APBO at December 31, 2003. The reduction in APBO is included with other deferred actuarial gains and losses.

 

The net periodic benefit cost for postretirement benefits for the year ended December 31, 2004 reflected a reduction of $24 related to the recognition of the federal subsidy under Medicare Part D. Subsequent net periodic postretirement benefit costs will be adjusted to reflect the lower interest cost due to the lower APBO. To the extent that the deferred gains and losses are outside the corridor, the excess will continue to be recognized as prescribed under FAS 106. For other retiree groups, the impact of the potential subsidy benefit has not been recorded because those amounts could not be reasonably estimated.

 

Alcoa has not reflected any changes in participation in the company plan as a result of the Act. The reduction in APBO represents the value of the 28% subsidy and does not reflect any other changes. The subsidy is estimated to reduce the prescription drug portion of the per capita cost by 24%.

 

Currently, Alcoa pays a portion of the prescription drug cost for certain retirees. The benefits for certain retirees were determined to be actuarially equivalent based on an analysis of Alcoa’s existing prescription drug plan provisions and claims experience as compared to the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit that will be effective in 2006.

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs

 

     Pension benefits

    Postretirement benefits

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

    2004

    2003

    2002

 

Service cost

   $ 204     $ 194     $ 176     $ 31     $ 31     $ 25  

Interest cost

     617       609       593       221       237       224  

Expected return on plan assets

     (719 )     (727 )     (776 )     (13 )     (11 )     (11 )

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

     39       38       38       (6 )     (32 )     (32 )

Recognized actuarial loss

     61       8       4       46       40       5  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net periodic benefit costs

   $ 202     $ 122     $ 35     $ 279     $ 265     $ 211  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

59


An increase in the minimum pension liability resulted in a charge to shareholders’ equity of $21 in 2004 and $39 in 2003.

 

Assumptions

 

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

 

Discount rate

   6.00 %   6.25 %

Rate of compensation increase

   4.50     5.00  

 

The discount rate is based on settling the pension obligation with high grade, high yield corporate bonds, and the rate of compensation increase is based upon actual experience.

 

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

Year ended December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Discount rate

   6.25 %   6.75 %   7.25 %

Expected long-term return on plan assets

   9.00     9.00     9.50  

Rate of compensation increase

   5.00     5.00     5.00  

 

The expected return on plan assets is based on historical performance as well as expected future rates of return on plan assets considering the current investment portfolio mix and the long-term investment strategy.

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

   8.0 %   9.0 %   11.0 %

Rate to which the cost trend rate gradually declines

   5.0 %   5.0 %   5.0 %

Year that the rate reaches the rate at which it is assumed to remain

   2009     2009     2008  

 

The health care cost trend rate in the calculation of the 2003 benefit obligation was 9.0% from 2003 to 2004 and 8.0% from 2004 to 2005. Actual company health care trend experience in 2003 and 2004 was 7.5% and 5.0%, respectively. The 8% trend rate will be maintained for 2005.

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage-point change in these assumed rates would have the following effects:

 

     1%
increase


   1%
decrease


 

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

   $ 10    $ (9 )

Effect on postretirement benefit obligations

     153      (137 )

 

Plan Assets

 

Alcoa’s pension and postretirement plans’ investment policy, weighted average asset allocations at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and target allocations for 2005, by asset category, are as follows:

 

     Policy
range


    Plan assets at
December 31


    Target
%


 

Asset category


     2004

    2003

    2005

 

Equity securities

   35–60 %   56 %   52 %   53 %

Debt securities

   30–55 %   35     36     35  

Real estate

   5–15 %   5     6     6  

Other

   0–15 %   4     6     6  
          

 

 

Total

         100 %   100 %   100 %

 

The basic goal underlying the pension plan investment policy is to ensure that the assets of the plan, along with expected plan sponsor contributions, will be invested in a prudent manner to meet the obligations of the plan as those obligations come due. Investment practices must comply with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and any other applicable laws and regulations.

 

Numerous asset classes with differing expected rates of return, return volatility, and correlations are utilized to reduce risk by providing diversification. Debt securities comprise a significant portion of the portfolio due to their plan-liability-matching characteristics and to address the plan’s cash flow requirements. Additionally, diversification of investments within each asset class is utilized to further reduce the impact of losses in single investments. The use of derivative instruments is permitted where appropriate and necessary for achieving overall investment policy objectives.

 

Cash Flows

 

Alcoa expects to contribute $57 to its pension plans in 2005.

 

Alcoa also sponsors a number of defined contribution pension plans. Expenses were $118 in 2004, $107 in 2003, and $101 in 2002.

 

Benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants and expected subsidy receipts are as follows:

 

Year ended December 31


   Pension
benefits


   Post-retirement
benefits


   Subsidy
receipts


2005

   $ 700    $ 358    $ —  

2006

     700      350      15

2007

     750      350      15

2008

     750      350      15

2009

     800      350      15

2010 through 2014

     4,400      1,500      75
    

  

  

     $ 8,100    $ 3,258    $ 135
    

  

  

 

X. Other Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

Other Financial Instruments. The carrying values and fair values of Alcoa’s financial instruments at December 31 follow.

 

     2004

   2003

     Carrying
value


   Fair
value


   Carrying
value


   Fair
value


Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 457    $ 457    $ 576    $ 576

Short-term investments

     6      6      30      30

Noncurrent receivables

     18      18      23      23

Available-for-sale investments

     527      527      639      639

Short-term debt

     324      324      573      573

Commercial paper

     630      630      —        —  

Long-term debt

     5,346      5,968      6,693      7,372

 

The methods used to estimate the fair values of certain financial instruments follow.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-Term Investments, Short-Term Debt, and Commercial Paper. The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

 

Noncurrent Receivables. The fair value of noncurrent receivables is based on anticipated cash flows which approximates carrying value.

 

60


Available-for-Sale Investments. The fair value of investments is based on readily available market values. Investments in marketable equity securities are classified as. “available for sale” and are carried at fair value.

 

Long-Term Debt. The fair value is based on interest rates that are currently available to Alcoa for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

 

Derivatives. Alcoa uses derivatives for purposes other than trading. Fair value gains (losses) of outstanding derivatives contracts were:

 

December 31


   2004

    2003

 

Aluminum

   $ 211     $ 70  

Interest rates

     (42 )     (74 )

Other commodities, principally natural gas

     53       73  

Currencies

     38       (6 )

 

Fair Value Hedges

 

Aluminum. Customers often require Alcoa to enter into long-term, fixed-price commitments. These commitments expose Alcoa to the risk of higher aluminum prices between the time the order is committed and the time that the order is shipped. Alcoa’s aluminum commodity risk management policy is to manage, principally through the use of futures contracts, the aluminum price risk of its firm commitments. These contracts cover known exposures, generally within three years.

 

Interest Rates. Alcoa uses interest rate swaps to help maintain a strategic balance between fixed- and floating-rate debt and to manage overall financing costs. As of December 31, 2004, the company had pay floating, receive fixed interest rate swaps that were designated as fair value hedges. These hedges effectively convert the interest rate from fixed to floating on $2,750 of debt through 2018. For additional information on interest rate swaps and their effect on debt and interest expense, see Note K.

 

Currencies. Alcoa uses cross-currency interest rate swaps that effectively convert its U.S. dollar denominated debt into Brazilian reais debt at local interest rates.

 

Cash Flow Hedges

 

Interest Rates. Alcoa previously used interest rate swaps to establish fixed interest rates on anticipated borrowings between June 2005 and June 2006. Due to a change in forecasted borrowing requirements, resulting from the restructuring of debt in June 2004 and a forecasted increase in future operating cash flows resulting from improved market conditions, it is no longer probable that the anticipated borrowings will occur in 2005 and 2006. Therefore, Alcoa recognized $33 of gains that had been deferred on previously settled swaps and $44 of additional gains to terminate the remaining interest rate swaps. These gains were recorded in other income in the second quarter of 2004. For additional information, see Note K.

 

Currencies. Alcoa is subject to exposure from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency exchange contracts may be used from time to time to hedge the variability in cash flows from the forecasted payment or receipt of currencies other than the functional currency. These contracts cover periods commensurate with known or expected exposures, generally within three years. The U.S. dollar notional amount of all foreign currency contracts was approximately $400 and $200 as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Commodities. Alcoa anticipates the continued requirement to purchase aluminum and other commodities such as natural gas, fuel oil, and electricity for its operations. Alcoa enters into futures contracts to reduce volatility in the price of these commodities.

 

Other

 

Alcoa has also entered into certain derivatives to minimize its price risk related to aluminum purchases. Alcoa has not qualified these contracts for hedge accounting treatment, and therefore, the fair value gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in earnings. In addition, Alcoa has entered into power supply contracts that contain pricing provisions related to the LME aluminum price. The LME linked pricing features are considered embedded derivatives. A majority of these embedded derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges of future sales of aluminum. Gains and losses on the remainder of these derivatives are recognized in earnings. The net earnings impact of these contracts was a gain of $5 in 2004.

 

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

 

For further information on Alcoa’s hedging and derivatives activities, see Notes A and K.

 

Y. Environmental Matters

 

Alcoa continues to participate in environmental assessments and cleanups at a number of locations. These include approximately 30 owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, approximately 39 previously owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, and approximately 67 waste sites, including Superfund sites. A liability is recorded for environmental remediation costs or damages when a cleanup program becomes probable and the costs or damages can be reasonably estimated. See Note A for additional information.

 

As assessments and cleanups proceed, the liability is adjusted based on progress made in determining the extent of remedial actions and related costs and damages. The liability can change substantially due to factors such as the nature and extent of contamination, changes in remedial requirements, and technological changes. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the outcomes or to estimate with any degree of accuracy the potential costs for certain of these matters.

 

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

 

61


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

 

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

 

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

 

In May of 2004, Alcoa agreed to perform the study at an estimated cost of $35. Most of the work should be completed by the fourth quarter of 2005. It is anticipated that a report of findings will be issued to the EPA in 2006. Subsequent to this submittal, a revised Analysis of Alternatives Report will be submitted to the EPA at a date to be determined. This information will be used by the EPA to propose a remedy for the entire river.

 

Alcoa adjusted the reserves in the second quarter of 2004 to include the $35 for the ROPS. This is in addition to the $30 previously reserved. With the exception of the natural recovery remedy, none of the existing alternatives in the 2002 Analysis of Alternatives Report is currently more probable than the others, and the results of the ROPS are necessary to revise the scope and estimated cost of many of the current alternatives.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Alcoa’s remediation reserve balance at the end of 2004 and 2003 was $391 and $395 (of which $73 and $65 were classified as a current liability), respectively, and reflects the most probable costs to remediate identified environmental conditions for which costs can be reasonably estimated. Remediation expenses charged to the reserve were approximately $46 in 2004, $32 in 2003, and $50 in 2002. These amounts include expenditures currently mandated, as well as those not required by any regulatory authority or third party. The reserve balance was increased by $42 in 2004, primarily for the additional reserve recorded for the Grasse River site. In 2003, the reserve balance was reduced by approximately $9, primarily for adjustments based on recent assessments of remaining work required at certain sites.

 

Included in annual operating expenses are the recurring costs of managing hazardous substances and environmental programs. These costs are estimated to be about 2% of cost of goods sold.

 

Z. Subsequent Events

 

On January 4, 2005, Alcoa and BHP Billiton completed the sale of their interests in Integris Metals Inc., a metals distribution joint venture in which Alcoa and BHP Billiton each owned a 50% interest. The investment was sold for $410 in cash plus assumption of Integris’ debt, which was approximately $234. Alcoa received cash of $205. There was no material gain or loss recorded on the transaction.

 

On January 31, 2005, Alcoa completed its acquisition of two fabricating facilities in Samara and Belaya Kalitva in the Russian Federation. The facilities were purchased from RUSAL for $257 in cash. These assets provide a wide product breadth that supports Alcoa’s growth plans in the commercial transportation, aerospace, automotive, and packaging markets.

 

On February 8, 2005, Alcoa received a tender offer from Orkla ASA to purchase its 46.5% stake in Norwegian metal group Elkem ASA. Alcoa is currently in the process of evaluating the offer, which remains open through March 8, 2005.

 

62


Supplemental Financial Information

 

Quarterly Data (unaudited)

(dollars in millions, except per-share amounts)

 

     First

   Second

    Third

    Fourth

    Year

 

2004

                                       

Sales

   $ 5,588    $ 5,971     $ 5,878     $ 6,041     $ 23,478  

Income from continuing operations

     353      405       299       345       1,402  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations (B)

     2      (1 )     (16 )     (77 )     (92 )

Net income*

     355      404       283       268       1,310  

Earnings (loss) per share:

                                       

Basic:

                                       

Income from continuing operations

     .41      .46       .34       .40       1.61  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —        —         (.02 )     (.09 )     (.11 )

Net income

     .41      .46       .32       .31       1.50  

Diluted:

                                       

Income from continuing operations

     .41      .46       .34       .39       1.60  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —        —         (.02 )     (.09 )     (.11 )

Net income

     .41      .46       .32       .30       1.49  
    

  


 


 


 


 

The financial information for all periods presented has been reclassified to reflect assets held for sale and discontinued operations. See Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

 

* After restructuring and other charges reflecting income of $41 in 2004 (Note D)

 

     First

    Second

    Third

    Fourth

    Year

 

2003

                                        

Sales

   $ 5,048     $ 5,393     $ 5,234     $ 5,417     $ 21,092  

Income from continuing operations

     202       221       290       342       1,055  

Loss from discontinued operations (B)

     (4 )     (5 )     (10 )     (51 )     (70 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change (C)

     (47 )     —         —         —         (47 )

Net income*

     151       216       280       291       938  

Earnings (loss) per share:

                                        

Basic:

                                        

Income from continuing operations

     .24       .26       .34       .39       1.23  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (.01 )     —         (.01 )     (.06 )     (.08 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     (.06 )     —         —         —         (.06 )

Net income

     .17       .26       .33       .33       1.09  

Diluted:

                                        

Income from continuing operations

     .24       .26       .34       .39       1.22  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (.01 )     —         (.01 )     (.06 )     (.08 )

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     (.06 )     —         —         —         (.06 )

Net income

     .17       .26       .33       .33       1.08  
    


 


 


 


 


 

The financial information for all periods presented has been reclassified to reflect assets held for sale and discontinued operations. See Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

 

* After restructuring and other charges reflecting income of $25 in the fourth quarter (Note D)

 

Number of Employees (unaudited)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

U.S.

   47,800    49,300    53,500

Other Americas

   35,200    35,300    38,200

Europe

   28,500    27,700    28,300

Pacific

   7,500    7,700    7,000
    
  
  
     119,000    120,000    127,000
    
  
  

 

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Shareowner Information

 

Annual Meeting

 

The annual meeting of shareowners will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2005 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel Pittsburgh.

 

Company News

 

Visit www.alcoa.com for Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, quarterly earnings reports, and other company news.

 

Copies of the annual report and Forms 10-K and 10-Q may be requested at no cost at www.alcoa.com or by writing to Corporate Communications at the corporate center address.

 

Investor Information

 

Security analysts and investors may write to Director – Investor Relations at 390 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022-4608, call 1 212 836 2674, or email investor.relations@alcoa.com.

 

Other Publications

 

For more information on Alcoa Foundation and Alcoa community investments, visit www.alcoa.com under ‘‘community.’’

 

For Alcoa’s 2004 Sustainability Report, visit www.alcoa.com or write Director – Sustainable Development, 390 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022-4608 or email sustainability@alcoa.com.

 

Dividends

 

Alcoa’s objective is to pay common stock dividends at rates competitive with other investments of equal risk and consistent with the need to reinvest earnings for long-term growth. To support this objective, Alcoa pays a quarterly dividend of 15 cents per common share and 93.75 cents per preferred share. Quarterly dividends are paid to shareowners of record at each quarterly distribution date.

 

Dividend Reinvestment

 

The company offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan for shareowners of Alcoa common and preferred stock. The plan allows shareowners to reinvest all or part of their quarterly dividends in shares of Alcoa common stock. Shareowners also may purchase additional shares under the plan with cash contributions. The company pays brokerage commissions and fees on these stock purchases.

 

Direct Deposit of Dividends

 

Shareowners may have their quarterly dividends deposited directly to their checking, savings, or money market accounts at any financial institution that participates in the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system.

 

Shareowner Services

 

Shareowners with questions on account balances, dividend checks, reinvestment, or direct deposit; address changes; lost or misplaced stock certificates; or other shareowner account matters may contact Alcoa’s stock transfer agent, registrar, and dividend disbursing agent:

 

Equiserve Trust Company, N.A.

   Telephone Response Center:

P.O. Box 43069

   1 800 317 4445

Providence, RI 02940-3069

   Outside U.S. and Canada:
     1 781 575 2724

 

Internet: www.equiserve.com

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1 800 952 9245

 

For shareowner questions on other matters related to Alcoa, write to Donna C. Dabney, Office of the Secretary, 390 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022-4608 or call 1 412 553 4707.

 

Stock Listing

 

Common: New York Stock Exchange and exchanges in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom Preferred: American Stock Exchange

Ticker symbol: AA

 

Quarterly Common Stock Information

 

     2004

   2003

Quarter


   High

   Low

   Dividend

   High

   Low

   Dividend

First

   $ 39.44    $ 32.60    $ .15    $ 24.75    $ 18.45    $ .15

Second

     36.60      28.51      .15      27.22      18.86      .15

Third

     33.70      29.44      .15      29.50      24.00      .15

Fourth

     34.99      30.63      .15      38.92      26.27      .15
    

  

  

  

  

  

Year

   $ 39.44    $ 28.51    $ .60    $ 38.92    $ 18.45    $ .60
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

Common Share Data

 

    

Estimated number

of shareowners*


  

Average shares

outstanding (000)


2004

   295,000    869,907

2003

   278,400    853,352

2002

   273,000    845,439

2001

   266,800    857,990

2000

   265,300    814,229

 

* These estimates include shareowners who own stock registered in their own names and those who own stock through banks and brokers.

 

Corporate Center

 

Alcoa

201 Isabella St. at 7th St. Bridge

Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5858

Telephone: 1 412 553 4545

Fax: 1 412 553 4498

Internet: www.alcoa.com

Alcoa Inc. is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

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