Lightweight metals leader Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today reported third quarter 2016 results. In spite of near-term market challenges, Arconic segments reported combined year-over-year profit growth, and Alcoa Corporation segments, Alumina and Primary Metals, maintained profitability sequentially despite continued low alumina and aluminum pricing by proactively managing costs and capacity. The Company’s separation is scheduled to become effective before the opening of the market on November 1, 2016.
”Alcoa steered steady and showed resilience in spite of near-term market challenges,” said Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Profits grew in the combined Arconic segments, and Alcoa Corporation segments managed successfully to stay profitable in a low pricing environment. Productivity across the portfolio was exceptional, and paired with non-essential asset sales, further strengthened our cash position. Arconic’s results underline its strong position in higher margin markets where innovation, technology, process skills and cost focus pay off even under demanding circumstances, whereas Alcoa Corporation proved to be successful in spite of challenging market conditions. The strength of both future companies is the result of our multi-year strategy and allows us to launch two strong, independent entities.”
Kleinfeld continued, “Alcoa Corporation segments have met or exceeded their respective 2016 global cost curve goals. The aluminum business now sits at the 38th percentile – from the 51st percentile in 2010, 43rd in 2013 – and the alumina business has moved down to the 17th percentile – from the 30th percentile in 2010, 27th in 2013. The Arconic segments are adjusting their targets to reflect current economic realities in their relevant industries. Looking ahead, fundamentals in key markets remain very solid; commercial aerospace demand is strong with an order book in excess of nine years and the aluminization in automotive continues. We are well positioned to further increase our market position and profitably grow.”
Alcoa reported third quarter 2016 net income of $166 million, or $0.33 per share, including a net $5 million in income related to special items primarily associated with the sale of non-essential land offset by separation costs and associated tax impacts. Year over year, third quarter 2016 results compare to net income of $44 million, or $0.06 per share in the third quarter of 2015.
Excluding the impact of special items, third quarter 2016 net income was $161 million, or $0.32 per share. Year over year, all segments contributed a combined $246 million (after-tax) in productivity gains, partially offset by lower alumina pricing, cost increases, unfavorable price and product mix, and unfavorable currency impacts. In third quarter 2015, Alcoa reported net income excluding special items of $109 million, or $0.21 per share.
The third quarter effective tax rate of 44 percent was affected by special items during the quarter, including certain non-deductible expenses related to the separation and tax costs associated with the previously-completed sale of the company-owned life insurance policies. Excluding the impact of all special items, the quarterly tax rate on operating results was 30 percent.
Year over year, the impact of curtailed and closed operations, lower alumina pricing and an unfavorable price and product mix resulted in third quarter 2016 revenue of $5.2 billion, down 6 percent year over year from $5.6 billion in the third quarter of 2015.
