Annual Statements Open main menu

Howmet Aerospace Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2023
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-3610
HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware25-0317820
(State of incorporation)  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

201 Isabella Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212-5872
(Address of principal executive offices)      (Zip code)

Investor Relations 412-553-1950
Office of the Secretary 412-553-1940
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered 
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per shareHWMNew York Stock Exchange
$3.75 Cumulative Preferred Stock,
par value $100.00 per share
HWM PRNYSE American
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes      No     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes      No      
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes     No  x
As of April 28, 2023, there were 413,291,033 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the registrant outstanding.






TABLE OF CONTENTS 
  Page
Part I
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Part II
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Statement of Consolidated Operations (unaudited)
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
First quarter ended
 March 31,
 20232022
Sales (C)
$1,603 $1,324 
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of expenses below)1,164 950 
Selling, general administrative, and other expenses75 69 
Research and development expenses
Provision for depreciation and amortization69 66 
Restructuring and other charges (D)
Operating income285 230 
Loss on debt redemption (N)
— 
Interest expense, net57 58 
Other expense, net (F)
Income before income taxes220 171 
Provision for income taxes (G)
72 40 
Net income$148 $131 
Amounts Attributable to Howmet Aerospace Common Shareholders (H):
Net income$147 $130 
Earnings per share:
Basic$0.36 $0.31 
Diluted$0.35 $0.31 
Average Shares Outstanding (H):
Basic412 419 
Diluted418 425 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

3

Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Statement of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
(in millions)
First quarter ended
 March 31,
20232022
Net income$148 $131 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (I):
Change in unrecognized net actuarial loss and prior service cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits10 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 34 (31)
Net change in unrecognized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges(4)20 
Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 35 (1)
Comprehensive income$183 $130 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
4

Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)
(in millions)
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$537 $791 
Receivables from customers, less allowances of $1 in both 2023 and 2022 (J)
655 506 
Other receivables16 31 
Inventories (K)
1,662 1,609 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets187 206 
Total current assets3,057 3,143 
Properties, plants, and equipment, net (L)
2,321 2,332 
Goodwill4,024 4,013 
Deferred income taxes59 54 
Intangibles, net518 521 
Other noncurrent assets (M)
195 192 
Total assets$10,174 $10,255 
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable, trade (B)
$877 $962 
Accrued compensation and retirement costs193 195 
Taxes, including income taxes (G)
64 48 
Accrued interest payable63 75 
Other current liabilities (M)(P)
206 202 
Total current liabilities1,403 1,482 
Long-term debt, less amounts due within one year (N)(O)
3,988 4,162 
Accrued pension benefits (E)
625 633 
Accrued other postretirement benefits (E)
108 109 
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits (M)
289 268 
Total liabilities6,413 6,654 
Contingencies and commitments (P)
Equity
Howmet Aerospace shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock55 55 
Common stock412 412 
Additional capital3,941 3,947 
Retained earnings1,159 1,028 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (I)
(1,806)(1,841)
Total equity3,761 3,601 
Total liabilities and equity$10,174 $10,255 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
5

Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows (unaudited)
(in millions)
Three months ended
 March 31,
 20232022
Operating activities
Net income$148 $131 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided from operations:
Depreciation and amortization69 66 
Deferred income taxes31 28 
Restructuring and other charges
Net realized and unrealized losses
Net periodic pension cost (E)
Stock-based compensation14 11 
Loss on debt redemption (N)
— 
Other22 
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign currency translation adjustments:
Increase in receivables (J)
(137)(123)
Increase in inventories(45)(87)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets12 
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable, trade(67)68 
Decrease in accrued expenses (19)(54)
Increase in taxes, including income taxes16 
Pension contributions (9)(11)
Decrease (increase) in noncurrent assets(1)
Decrease in noncurrent liabilities(12)(17)
Cash provided from operations23 55 
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term borrowings— (3)
Repurchases and payments on debt (N)
(176)— 
Premiums paid on early redemption of debt (N)
(1)— 
Repurchase of common stock(25)(175)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
Dividends paid to shareholders(17)(9)
Other(1)(14)
Cash used for financing activities(214)(194)
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (C)
(64)(62)
Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses— 
Cash used for investing activities(64)(61)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash— 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (254)(200)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 792 722 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$538 $522 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6

Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Statement of Changes in Consolidated Equity (unaudited)
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
 Preferred
stock
Common
stock
Additional
capital
Retained earningsAccumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Total
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2021$55 $422 $4,291 $603 $(1,863)$3,508 
Net income— — — 131 — 131 
Other comprehensive loss (I)
— — — — (1)(1)
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred-Class A @ $0.9375 per share
— — — (1)— (1)
Common @ $0.02 per share
— — — (8)— (8)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (H)
— (5)(170)— — (175)
Stock-based compensation — — 11 — — 11 
Common stock issued: compensation plans — (9)— — (8)
Balance at March 31, 2022$55 $418 $4,123 $725 $(1,864)$3,457 

 Preferred
stock
Common
stock
Additional
capital
Retained earningsAccumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Total
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2022$55 $412 $3,947 $1,028 $(1,841)$3,601 
Net income— — — 148 — 148 
Other comprehensive income (I)
— — — — 35 35 
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred-Class A @ $0.9375 per share
— — — (1)— (1)
Common @ $0.04 per share
— — — (16)— (16)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (H)
— — (25)— — (25)
Stock-based compensation — — 14 — — 14 
Common stock issued: compensation plans — — — — 
Balance at March 31, 2023$55 $412 $3,941 $1,159 $(1,806)$3,761 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
7

Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
(U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per-share amounts)
A. Basis of Presentation
The interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Howmet Aerospace Inc. and subsidiaries (“Howmet” or the “Company” or “we” or “our”) are unaudited. These Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary by management to fairly state the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. The results reported in these Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. The 2022 year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). This Form 10-Q report should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “Form 10-K”), which includes all disclosures required by GAAP. Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company derived approximately 47% of its revenue from products sold to the commercial aerospace market which is substantially less than the pre-pandemic 2019 annual rate of approximately 60%. During the global COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the commercial aerospace industry to date, there was a decrease in domestic and international air travel, which in turn adversely affected demand for narrow body and wide body aircraft. Domestic air travel has rebounded and approximates pre-pandemic levels. International air travel continues to recover and is approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels. We expect commercial aerospace growth to continue with narrow body demand returning faster than wide body demand. The commercial wide body aircraft market is taking longer to recover, which is creating a shift in our product mix compared to pre-pandemic conditions. In addition to the impact from the pandemic, the timing and level of future aircraft builds by original equipment manufacturers are subject to changes and uncertainties, which may cause our future results to differ from prior periods due to changes in product mix in certain segments.
The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain judgments, estimates, and assumptions. These estimates are based on historical experience and, in some cases, assumptions based on current and future market experience, including considerations relating to the impact of COVID-19 and changes in the aerospace industry as a result of the pandemic. The impact of these changes is rapidly changing and of unknown duration and macroeconomic impact and, as a result, these considerations remain highly uncertain. Management has made its best estimates using all relevant information available at the time, but it is possible that our estimates will differ from our actual results and affect the Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods and potentially require adverse adjustments to the recoverability of goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets, the realizability of deferred tax assets and other judgments and estimations and assumptions.
B. Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
Adopted
In September 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to enhance the transparency of disclosures regarding supplier finance programs. These changes become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the amendment on rollforward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the changes issued by the FASB related to disclosure requirements of supplier finance program obligations. We offer voluntary supplier finance programs to suppliers who may elect to sell their receivables to third parties at the sole discretion of both the suppliers and the third parties. The program is at no cost to the Company and provides additional liquidity to our suppliers, if they desire, at their cost. Under these programs, the Company pays the third party bank rather than the supplier, the stated amount of the confirmed invoices on the original maturity date of the invoices. The Company or the third party bank may terminate a program upon at least 30 days’ notice. Supplier invoices under the program require payment in full no more than 120 days of the invoice date. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, supplier invoices that are subject to future payment under these programs were $237 and $240, respectively, and are included in Accounts payable, trade in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

8

Issued
In March 2020, the FASB issued amendments that provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. These amendments are effective immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB deferred the sunset date to December 31, 2024. The Company has amended its agreements in accordance with the new guidance (See Note J and Note N). Management has concluded that the impact of these changes is not expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
C. Segment Information
Howmet is a global leader in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing. Howmet’s innovative, multi-material products, which include nickel, titanium, aluminum, and cobalt, are used worldwide in the aerospace (commercial and defense), commercial transportation, and industrial and other markets. Segment performance under Howmet’s management reporting system is evaluated based on a number of factors; however, the primary measure of performance is Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Howmet’s definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) is net margin plus an add-back for depreciation and amortization. Net margin is equivalent to Sales minus the following items: Cost of goods sold; Selling, general administrative, and other expenses; Research and development expenses; and Provision for depreciation and amortization. Special items, including Restructuring and other charges, are excluded from net margin and Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate.
Howmet’s operations consist of four worldwide reportable segments as follows:
Engine Products
Engine Products produces investment castings, including airfoils, and seamless rolled rings primarily for aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. Engine Products produces rotating parts as well as structural parts.
Fastening Systems
Fastening Systems produces aerospace fastening systems, as well as commercial transportation, industrial and other fasteners. The business’s high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aero engines. Fastening Systems’ products are also critical components of commercial transportation vehicles, automobiles, construction and industrial equipment, and renewable energy sectors.
Engineered Structures
Engineered Structures produces titanium ingots and mill products for aerospace and defense applications and is vertically integrated to produce titanium forgings, extrusions, forming and machining services for airframe, wing, aero-engine, and landing gear components. Engineered Structures also produces aluminum forgings, nickel forgings, and aluminum machined components and assemblies for aerospace and defense applications.
Forged Wheels
Forged Wheels provides forged aluminum wheels and related products for heavy-duty trucks and the commercial transportation market.
9

The operating results of the Company’s reportable segments were as follows:
Engine ProductsFastening SystemsEngineered StructuresForged WheelsTotal
Segment
First quarter ended March 31, 2023
Sales:
Third-party sales$795 $312 $207 $289 $1,603 
Inter-segment sales— — — 
Total sales$797 $312 $207 $289 $1,605 
Profit and loss:
Provision for depreciation and amortization$32 $11 $12 $$64 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA212 58 30 79 379 
Restructuring and other charges— — — 
Capital expenditures33 10 61 
First quarter ended March 31, 2022
Sales:
Third-party sales$631 $264 $182 $247 $1,324 
Inter-segment sales— — 
Total sales$632 $264 $183 $247 $1,326 
Profit and loss:
Provision for depreciation and amortization$31 $12 $12 $10 $65 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA173 56 23 67 319 
Restructuring and other charges (credits)(3)— 
Capital expenditures27 15 58 
The following table reconciles Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Income before income taxes. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate.
First quarter ended
March 31,
20232022
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA$379 $319 
Segment provision for depreciation and amortization(64)(65)
Unallocated amounts:
Restructuring and other charges(1)(2)
Corporate expense(29)(22)
Operating income$285 $230 
Loss on debt redemption(1)— 
Interest expense, net(57)(58)
Other expense, net(7)(1)
Income before income taxes$220 $171 

10

The following table reconciles total segment capital expenditures with Capital expenditures as presented in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows.
First quarter ended
March 31,
20232022
Total segment capital expenditures$61 $58 
Corporate
Capital expenditures$64 $62 
The following table disaggregates segment revenue by major market served. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate.
Engine ProductsFastening SystemsEngineered StructuresForged WheelsTotal
Segment
First quarter ended March 31, 2023
Aerospace - Commercial$432 $170 $152 $— $754 
Aerospace - Defense 163 44 44 — 251 
Commercial Transportation— 63 — 289 352 
Industrial and Other200 35 11 — 246 
Total end-market revenue$795 $312 $207 $289 $1,603 
First quarter ended March 31, 2022
Aerospace - Commercial$329 $148 $109 $— $586 
Aerospace - Defense 137 32 57 — 226 
Commercial Transportation— 53 — 247 300 
Industrial and Other165 31 16 — 212 
Total end-market revenue$631 $264 $182 $247 $1,324 
The Company derived 63% and 61% of its revenue from the aerospace (commercial and defense) market for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
General Electric Company and Raytheon Technologies Corporation represented approximately 13% and 10%, respectively, of the Company’s third-party sales in the first quarter ended March 31, 2023. General Electric Company and Raytheon Technologies Corporation represented approximately 13% and 9%, respectively, of the Company’s third-party sales in the first quarter ended March 31, 2022. These sales were primarily from the Engine Products segment.
D. Restructuring and Other Charges
First quarter ended
March 31,
20232022
Reversals of previously recorded layoff reserves$(1)$(1)
Pension and Other post-retirement benefits - net settlements (E)
— 
Other
Restructuring and other charges$$
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company recorded Restructuring and other charges of $1, which were primarily due to exit related costs, including accelerated depreciation, of $2, partially offset by a reversal of $1 for a layoff reserve related to a prior period.
In the first quarter of 2022, the Company recorded Restructuring and other charges of $2, which were primarily due to exit related costs of $2 and charges for U.S. pension plan settlement of $1, partially offset by a reversal of $1 for a layoff reserve related to a prior period.
11

Layoff costsOther exit costsTotal
Reserve balances at December 31, 2022$$$
Cash payments(1)(1)(2)
Restructuring charges(1)
Other(1)
— (1)(1)
Reserve balances at March 31, 2023$$$
(1)In the first quarter of 2023, other for other exit costs included a $1 charge for accelerated depreciation.
The remaining reserves as of March 31, 2023 are expected to be paid in cash during the remainder of 2023 and 2024.
E. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The components of net periodic cost (benefit) were as follows:
First quarter ended
 March 31,
20232022
Pension benefits
Service cost$$
Interest cost20 12 
Expected return on plan assets(19)(20)
Recognized net actuarial loss13 
Settlements— 
Net periodic cost(1)
$$
Other postretirement benefits  
Service cost$— $— 
Interest cost
Recognized net actuarial gain(1)— 
Amortization of prior service benefit(2)(2)
Net periodic benefit(1)
$(1)$(1)
 
(1)Service cost was included within Cost of goods sold, and Selling, general administrative, and other expenses; settlements were included in Restructuring and other charges; and all other cost components were recorded in Other expense, net in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
Pension benefits
In the first quarter of 2022, the Company applied settlement accounting to certain U.S. pension plans due to lump sum payments made to participants, which resulted in settlement charges of $1 that were recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the Statement of Consolidated Operations. Settlement accounting did not occur in 2023.
For the first quarter of 2023 and 2022, Howmet’s combined pension contributions and other postretirement benefit payments were approximately $12 and $13, respectively.
12

F. Other Expense, Net
First quarter ended
 March 31,
20232022
Non-service costs - pension and other postretirement benefits (E)
$$
Interest income(5)— 
Foreign currency gains, net(2)(3)
Net realized and unrealized losses
Deferred compensation(3)
Other expense, net$$
G. Income Taxes
The Company’s year-to-date tax provision is comprised of the most recent estimated annual effective tax rate applied to year-to-date pre-tax ordinary income. The tax impacts of unusual or infrequently occurring items, including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, are recorded discretely in the interim period in which they occur. In addition, the tax provision is adjusted for the interim period impact of non-benefited pre-tax losses.
The estimated annual effective tax rate, before discrete items, applied to ordinary income was 23.4% in the first quarter of 2023 and 24.3% in the first quarter of 2022. The 2023 and 2022 rates were higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to additional estimated U.S. tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) and other foreign earnings, incremental state tax and foreign taxes on earnings also subject to U.S. federal income tax, foreign earnings subject to tax in higher rate jurisdictions, and nondeductible expenses.
For the first quarter of 2023 and 2022, the tax rate including discrete items was 32.7% and 23.4%, respectively. For the first quarter of 2023, the Company recorded a charge for a tax reserve established in France of $20 (See Note P) and a discrete net tax charge of $1 for other small items. For the first quarter of 2022, the Company recorded a discrete net tax benefit of $2 for other small items.
The tax provision was comprised of the following:
First quarter ended
 March 31,
 20232022
Pre-tax income at estimated annual effective income tax rate before discrete items$51 $42 
Tax reserve (P)
20 — 
Other discrete items(2)
Provision for income taxes$72 $40 
13


H. Earnings Per Share and Common Stock
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts are computed by dividing earnings, after the deduction of preferred stock dividends declared, by the average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS amounts assume the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive share equivalents outstanding.
The information used to compute basic and diluted EPS attributable to Howmet common shareholders was as follows (shares in millions in table below):
First quarter ended
 March 31,
 20232022
Net income attributable to common shareholders$148 $131 
Less: preferred stock dividends declared
Net income available to Howmet Aerospace common shareholders - basic and diluted$147 $130 
Average shares outstanding - basic412 419 
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock and performance awards
Average shares outstanding - diluted418 425 
Common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately 412 million and 418 million, respectively.
On August 18, 2021, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1,500 of the Company's outstanding common stock. After giving effect to the share repurchases made through March 31, 2023, approximately $922 Board authorization remains available. In the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Company repurchased approximately 0.6 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $43.36 per share (excluding commissions cost) for approximately $25 in cash. In the quarter ended March 31, 2022, the Company repurchased approximately 5 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $34.00 per share (excluding commissions costs) for approximately $175 in cash. All of the shares repurchased have been retired.
Under the Company’s share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”), the Company may repurchase shares by means of trading plans established from time to time in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, block trades, private transactions, open market repurchases and/or accelerated share repurchase agreements, or other derivative transactions. There is no stated expiration for the Share Repurchase Program. Under its Share Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time, in amounts, at prices, and at such times as the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, legal requirements and other considerations. The Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares or to do so at any particular time, and the Share Repurchase Program may be suspended, modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.
The approximately 7 million decrease in average shares outstanding (basic) for the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022 was primarily due to the approximately 7 million shares repurchased between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023. As average shares outstanding are used in the calculation for both basic and diluted EPS, the full impact of share repurchases may not be fully realized in EPS in the period of repurchase since share repurchases may occur at varying points during a period.
There were no shares relating to outstanding stock options excluded from the calculation of average shares outstanding – diluted for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
14

I. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table details the activity of the three components that comprise Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
First quarter ended
March 31,
20232022
Pension and other postretirement benefits (E)
Balance at beginning of period$(653)$(799)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrecognized net actuarial gain and prior service cost/benefit
Tax expense(1)— 
Total Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost(1)
12 
Tax expense(2)
(1)(3)
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(3)
Total Other comprehensive income10 
Balance at end of period$(648)$(789)
Foreign currency translation
Balance at beginning of period$(1,193)$(1,062)
Other comprehensive income (loss)34 (31)
Balance at end of period$(1,159)$(1,093)
Cash flow hedges
Balance at beginning of period$$(2)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Net change from periodic revaluations(4)25 
Tax income (expense)(6)
Total Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax(3)19 
Net amount reclassified to earnings(1)
Total amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(3)
(1)
Total Other comprehensive (loss) income(4)20 
Balance at end of period$$18 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(1,806)$(1,864)
(1)These amounts were recorded in Other expense, net (See Note F) and Restructuring and other charges (See Note D) in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
(2)These amounts were included in Provision for income taxes (See Note G) in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
(3)A positive amount indicates a corresponding charge to earnings and a negative amount indicates a corresponding benefit to earnings.
J. Receivables
Sale of Receivables Programs
The Company maintains an accounts receivables securitization arrangement through a wholly-owned special purpose entity (“SPE”). The net cash funding from the sale of accounts receivable through the SPE was neither a use of cash nor a source of cash for the first quarter of 2023 or 2022.
The accounts receivables securitization arrangement is one in which the Company, through an SPE, has a receivables purchase agreement (the “Receivables Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the SPE may sell certain receivables to financial institutions until the earlier of August 30, 2024 or a termination event. The Receivables Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as affirmative and negative covenants. Pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred receivables, and therefore accounts for these transfers as sales of receivables. The Receivables Purchase Agreement was amended on February 17, 2023 to update the reference rate and reduce the facility limit to $250 from $325, with a provision to increase the limit to $325.
15

The facility limit under the Receivables Purchase Agreement was $250 and $325 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. A total of $250 was drawn as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. As collateral against the sold receivables, the SPE maintains a certain level of unsold receivables, which were $155 and $190 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company sold $337 and $464 of its receivables without recourse and received cash funding under this program during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively, resulting in derecognition of the receivables from the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Costs associated with the sales of receivables are reflected in the Company’s Statement of Consolidated Operations for the periods in which the sales occur. Cash receipts from sold receivables under the Receivables Purchase Agreement are presented within operating activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows.
Other Customer Receivable Sales
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company sold $138 of certain customers’ receivables in exchange for cash ($144 was outstanding from customers as of March 31, 2023), the proceeds from which are presented in changes in receivables within operating activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows. In the first quarter of 2022, the Company sold $106 of certain customers’ receivables in exchange for cash ($110 was outstanding from customers as of March 31, 2022), the proceeds from which are presented in changes in receivables within operating activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows.
K. Inventories
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Finished goods$501 $490 
Work-in-process782 748 
Purchased raw materials322 317 
Operating supplies57 54 
Total inventories$1,662 $1,609 

At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the portion of inventories valued on a last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis was $438 and $441, respectively. If valued on an average-cost basis, total inventories would have been $224 and $220 higher as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
L. Properties, Plants, and Equipment, net
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Land and land rights$85 $84 
Structures997 986 
Machinery and equipment3,986 3,941 
5,068 5,011 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization2,919 2,858 
2,149 2,153 
Construction work-in-progress172 179 
Properties, plants, and equipment, net$2,321 $2,332 
The Company incurred capital expenditures which remained unpaid as of March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 of $32 and $29, respectively, and will result in cash outflows within investing activities in the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows in subsequent periods.
16


M. Leases
Operating lease cost, which includes short-term leases and variable lease payments and approximates cash paid, was $16 in both the first quarter of 2023 and 2022.
Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Right-of-use assets classified in Other noncurrent assets$108 $111 
Current portion of lease liabilities classified in Other current liabilities
$33 $32 
Long-term portion of lease liabilities classified in Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits79 83 
Total lease liabilities$112 $115 
N. Debt
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
5.125% Notes, due 2024
$905 $1,081 
6.875% Notes, due 2025
600 600 
5.900% Notes, due 2027
625 625 
6.750% Bonds, due 2028
300 300 
3.000% Notes, due 2029
700 700 
5.950% Notes, due 2037
625 625 
4.750% Iowa Finance Authority Loan, due 2042
250 250 
Other(1)
(17)(19)
Total long-term debt$3,988 $4,162 
 
(1)Includes various financing arrangements related to subsidiaries, unamortized debt discounts, and unamortized debt issuance costs related to outstanding notes and bonds listed in the table above.
Public Debt
In January 2023, the Company repurchased approximately $26 aggregate principal amount of its 5.125% Notes due October 2024 (the “5.125% Notes”) through an open market repurchase (“OMR”). The OMR was settled at slightly less than par.
In March 2023, the Company completed the early partial redemption of an additional $150 aggregate principal amount of its 5.125% Notes in accordance with the terms of the notes, and paid an aggregate of $155, including accrued interest and an early termination premium of approximately $4 and $1, respectively, which were recorded in Interest expense, net, and Loss on debt redemption, respectively, in the Statement of Consolidated Operations.
Credit Facility
On September 28, 2021, the Company amended and restated its Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides a $1,000 senior unsecured revolving credit facility that matures on September 28, 2026, unless extended or earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this “Credit Facility” section but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement. In February 2023, the Company amended its Credit Agreement to replace LIBOR with the term secured overnight financing rate as the reference rate for U.S. dollar-denominated loans.
Under the Credit Agreement, the Company’s ratio of Consolidated Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDA as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the period of the four fiscal quarters of the Company most recently ended is required to be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00.
There were no amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022, and no amounts were borrowed during 2023 or 2022 under the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. Availability under the Credit Agreement could be reduced in future periods if the Company fails to maintain the required ratio referenced above.
17

O. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, derivatives, noncurrent receivables, and Short-term debt included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet approximate their fair value. The Company holds exchange-traded fixed income securities which are considered available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. The aforementioned securities are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and are included in Other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value of Long-term debt, less amounts due within one year was based on quoted market prices for public debt and on interest rates that are currently available to Howmet for issuance of debt with similar terms and maturities for non-public debt. The fair value amounts for all Long-term debt were classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 Carrying
value
Fair
value
Carrying
value
Fair
value
Long-term debt, less amounts due within one year$3,988 $3,977 $4,162 $4,059 
Restricted cash, which is included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, was $1 as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
P. Contingencies and Commitments
Contingencies
The following information supplements and, as applicable, updates the discussion of the contingencies and commitments in Note V to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K, and should be read in conjunction with the complete descriptions provided in the Form 10-K.
Environmental Matters. Howmet participates in environmental assessments and cleanups at more than 30 locations. These include owned or operating facilities and adjoining properties, previously owned or operated facilities and adjoining properties, and waste sites, including Superfund (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”)) sites.
A liability is recorded for environmental remediation when a cleanup program becomes probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. As assessments and cleanups proceed, the liability is adjusted based on progress made in determining the extent of remedial actions and related costs. The liability can change substantially due to factors such as the nature and extent of contamination, changes in remedial requirements, and technological changes, among others.
The Company’s remediation reserve balance was $17 and $16 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and was recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (of which $7 and $6, respectively, was classified as a current liability), and reflects the most probable costs to remediate identified environmental conditions for which costs can be reasonably estimated. Payments related to remediation expenses applied against the reserve were less than $1 in the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 and included expenditures currently mandated, as well as those not required by any regulatory authority or third party.
Included in annual operating expenses are the recurring costs of managing hazardous substances and environmental programs. These costs are estimated to be less than 1% of Cost of goods sold.
Tax. In December 2013 and 2014, the Company received audit assessment notices from the French Tax Authority (“FTA”) for the 2010 through 2012 tax years. In 2016, the Company appealed to the Committee of the Abuse of Tax Law, where it received a favorable nonbinding decision. The FTA disagreed with the Committee of the Abuse of Law’s opinion, and the Company appealed to the Montreuil Administrative Court, where in 2020 the Company prevailed on the merits. The FTA appealed this decision to the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal in 2021. On March 31, 2023, the Company received an adverse decision from the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal. The Company estimates the assessment amount to be $19 (€18), including interest and penalties. The Company is currently evaluating its remaining dispute resolution methods, including an appeal to the French Administrative Supreme Court.
As a result of the adverse decision from the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal, the Company has concluded that it is no longer more likely than not to sustain its position. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company recorded an income tax reserve in Provision for income taxes in the Statement of Consolidated Operations of $20 (€19), which includes estimated interest and penalties, for the 2010 through 2012 tax years, as well as the remaining tax years open for reassessment. In accordance with FTA dispute resolution practices, the Company is expecting that a payment to the FTA will be necessary in 2023. If an appeal to the French Administrative Supreme Court is successful, any payment would be refunded with interest.
18

Indemnified Matters. The Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated October 31, 2016, that the Company entered into with Alcoa Corporation in connection with its separation from Alcoa Corporation, provides for cross-indemnities between the Company and Alcoa Corporation for claims subject to indemnification. The Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated March 31, 2020, that the Company entered into with Arconic Corporation in connection with its separation from Arconic Corporation, provides for cross-indemnities between the Company and Arconic Corporation for claims subject to indemnification. Among other claims that are covered by these indemnities, Arconic Corporation indemnifies the Company (f/k/a Arconic Inc. and f/k/a Alcoa Inc.) for all potential liabilities associated with the fire that occurred at the Grenfell Tower in London, U.K. on June 14, 2017, including the following legal proceedings, as updated from the Form 10-K:
United Kingdom Litigation (various claims on behalf of survivors and estates of decedents). The substantial majority of these suits were settled pursuant to the terms of a confidential settlement agreement and are now discontinued and closed. Those suits that have not been settled are stayed until the next case management conference, which will be heard on June 27, 2023.
Behrens et al. v. Arconic Inc. et al. (various claims on behalf of survivors and estates of decedents). On September 16, 2020, the court dismissed the U.S. case, determining that the U.K. is the appropriate jurisdiction for the case. On July 8, 2022, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal. A petition for a rehearing was filed before the Third Circuit Court, which the Third Circuit Court denied on October 7, 2022. On January 5, 2023, the plaintiffs filed a petition for a writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court, which the Supreme Court denied on February 21, 2023. This case is fully dismissed and closed.
Howard v. Arconic Inc. et al. (securities law related claims). On February 3, 2023, the court issued an order referring the case to mediation. In March 2023, following successive mediation sessions, the parties reached a settlement in principle that remains subject to court approval and, among other things, is in the amount of $74 and is to be covered by insurance proceeds, in exchange for the dismissal of the action and a release of all claims against the defendants. The settlement is without admission of fault or wrongdoing by the defendants. Plaintiffs filed the Stipulation of Settlement, a motion to preliminarily approve the settlement, and related papers with the court on April 21, 2023. On May 2, 2023, the court issued an order granting plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily approve the settlement and setting August 9, 2023 as the date of the final settlement approval hearing.
With respect to Raul v. Albaugh, et al. (derivative related claim), the regulatory investigations and the stockholder demands specified in the Form 10-K, there are no updates.
Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”) Legal Proceeding. On June 26, 2020, Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”) filed proceedings in the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts of England and Wales (the “Court”) against two subsidiaries of the Company, FR Acquisitions Corporation (Europe) Ltd and JFB Firth Rixson Inc. (collectively, the “Firth Rixson Entities”). The proceedings concern two interest rate swap transactions with LBIE (collectively, the “ISDAs”). In 2007 and 2008, the Firth Rixson Entities, then owned by Oak Hill, entered into the ISDAs in order to meet their obligation to hedge interest rate exposure under a lending agreement with LBIE. When LBIE went into bankruptcy in 2008, the Firth Rixson Entities entered into alternative swap agreements with another counterparty in order to meet this hedging obligation. The Firth Rixson Entities were acquired by the Company as part of its acquisition of the Firth Rixson business from Oak Hill in 2014. In the LBIE legal proceeding, LBIE claims the amounts owing by the Firth Rixson Entities under the ISDAs to be approximately $64, plus applicable interest. The Court issued its ruling in these proceedings on October 11, 2022. In its ruling, the Court determined that the event of default under the ISDAs caused by LBIE as a result of its insolvency in 2008 and other defaults will conclude upon LBIE’s expected emergence from administration under the Insolvency Act of 1986. The Court ruled that upon such future event and other relevant steps being completed, the timing of which is unknown, the Firth Rixson Entities will be obligated to pay amounts due under the ISDAs. In late 2022, the Court granted LBIE a three-year extension of its bankruptcy administration. The Company recorded $65 in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and took a pre-tax charge of this amount in Other expense, net in the Statement of Consolidated Operations in 2022. The matter of interest was not specifically addressed in the proceeding and no related amounts have been reserved. The Company vigorously disagrees with the ruling including as to any payment obligation in respect of the principal as well as any interest. In December 2022, the Company was granted permission to appeal the Court’s decision. The Company has been given hearing dates for its appeal before the English Court of Appeal, which will take place on June 20-21, 2023.

19

Other. In addition to the matters discussed above, various other lawsuits, claims, and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against the Company, including those pertaining to environmental, product liability, safety and health, employment, tax and antitrust matters. While the amounts claimed in these other matters may be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot currently be determined because of the considerable uncertainties that exist. Therefore, it is possible that the Company’s liquidity or results of operations in a period could be materially affected by one or more of these other matters. However, based on facts currently available, management believes that the disposition of these other matters that are pending or asserted will not have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company.
Commitments
Guarantees
As of March 31, 2023, Howmet had outstanding bank guarantees related to tax matters, outstanding debt, workers’ compensation, environmental obligations, and customs duties, among others. The total amount committed under these guarantees, which expire at various dates between 2023 and 2040, was $13 as of March 31, 2023.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2016, between Howmet and Alcoa Corporation, Howmet was required to provide certain guarantees for Alcoa Corporation, which had a fair value of $6 as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and were included in Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining guarantee, for which the Company and Arconic Corporation are secondarily liable in the event of a payment default by Alcoa Corporation, relates to a long-term energy supply agreement that expires in 2047 at an Alcoa Corporation facility. The Company currently views the risk of an Alcoa Corporation payment default on its obligations under the contract to be remote. The Company and Arconic Corporation are required to provide a guarantee up to an estimated present value amount of approximately $1,040 as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 in the event of an Alcoa Corporation default. In December 2022, a surety bond with a limit of $80 relating to this guarantee was obtained by Alcoa Corporation to protect Howmet’s obligation. This surety bond will be renewed on an annual basis by Alcoa Corporation.
Letters of Credit
The Company has outstanding letters of credit primarily related to workers’ compensation, environmental obligations, and insurance obligations. The total amount committed under these letters of credit, which automatically renew or expire at various dates, mostly in 2023 and 2024, was $119 as of March 31, 2023.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreements between the Company and Arconic Corporation and between the Company and Alcoa Corporation, the Company is required to retain letters of credit of $52 (which are included in the $119 in the above paragraph) that had previously been provided related to the Company, Arconic Corporation, and Alcoa Corporation workers’ compensation claims that occurred prior to the respective separation transactions of April 1, 2020 and November 1, 2016. Arconic Corporation and Alcoa Corporation workers’ compensation and letters of credit fees paid by the Company are proportionally billed to, and are reimbursed by, Arconic Corporation and Alcoa Corporation, respectively. Also, the Company was required to provide letters of credit for certain Arconic Corporation environmental obligations and, as a result, the Company has $17 of outstanding letters of credit relating to such liabilities (which are also included in the $119 in the above paragraph).
Surety Bonds
The Company has outstanding surety bonds primarily related to tax matters, contract performance, workers’ compensation, environmental-related matters, energy contracts, and customs duties. The total amount committed under these annual surety bonds, which expire and automatically renew at various dates, primarily in 2023 and 2024, was $43 as of March 31, 2023.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreements between the Company and Arconic Corporation and between the Company and Alcoa Corporation, the Company is required to provide surety bonds of $22 (which are included in the $43 in the above paragraph) that had previously been provided related to the Company, Arconic Corporation, and Alcoa Corporation workers’ compensation claims that occurred prior to the respective separation transactions of April 1, 2020 and November 1, 2016. Arconic Corporation and Alcoa Corporation workers’ compensation claims and surety bond fees paid by the Company are proportionately billed to, and are reimbursed by, Arconic Corporation and Alcoa Corporation.
Q. Subsequent Events
Management evaluated all activity of Howmet and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
20

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(U.S. dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand our results of operations and financial condition. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) of this Form 10-Q.
Overview
Howmet is a global leader in lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing. Howmet’s innovative, multi-material products, which include nickel, titanium, aluminum, and cobalt, are used worldwide in the aerospace (commercial and defense), commercial transportation, and industrial and other markets.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company derived approximately 47% of its revenue from products sold to the commercial aerospace market which is substantially less than the pre-pandemic 2019 annual rate of approximately 60%. During the global COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the commercial aerospace industry to date, there was a decrease in domestic and international air travel, which in turn adversely affected demand for narrow body and wide body aircraft. Domestic air travel has rebounded and approximates pre-pandemic levels. International air travel continues to recover and is approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels. We expect commercial aerospace growth to continue with narrow body demand returning faster than wide body demand. The commercial wide body aircraft market is taking longer to recover, which is creating a shift in our product mix compared to pre-pandemic conditions. In addition to the impact from the pandemic, the timing and level of future aircraft builds by original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) are subject to changes and uncertainties, which may cause our future results to differ from prior periods due to changes in product mix in certain segments.
For additional information regarding the ongoing risks related to our business, see section Part I, Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Results of Operations
Earnings Summary:
Sales. Sales were $1,603 in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $1,324 in the first quarter of 2022. The increase of $279, or 21%, in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to higher aerospace sales including $168, or 29%, from the commercial aerospace market and $25, or 11%, from the defense aerospace market, an increase in inflationary cost pass through of approximately $35, and favorable product pricing of $17. Product price increases are in excess of inflationary cost pass through to our customers.
Cost of goods sold (“COGS”). COGS as a percentage of Sales was 72.6% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 71.8% in the first quarter of 2022. The increase in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to inflationary cost pass through and increased headcount, primarily in the Engine Products and Fastening Systems segments, in anticipation of future revenue increases, partially offset by higher volumes and favorable product pricing. Additionally, the Company recorded total COGS charges of $4 in the first quarter of 2023 related to fires that occurred at a Fastening Systems plant in France in 2019 (the “France Plant Fire”) and a mechanical failure resulting in substantial heat and fire-related damage to equipment at the Company’s cast house in Barberton, Ohio in the third quarter of 2022 (the “Barberton Cast House Incident”), compared to total COGS charges of $5 related to the France Plant Fire and a fire that occurred at a Forged Wheels plant in Barberton, Ohio in mid-February 2020 (the “Barberton Plant Fire”) in the first quarter of 2022. The Company has submitted insurance claims related to these plant fires. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company settled the insurance claim related to the Barberton Plant Fire. The Company anticipates additional charges of approximately $1 to $5 in the second quarter of 2023, with further impacts in subsequent quarters as the businesses continue to recover from the fires.
Selling, general administrative, and other expenses (“SG&A”). SG&A expenses were $75 in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $69 in the first quarter of 2022. The increase of $6, or 9%, in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to higher employment and lease costs.
Research and development expenses (“R&D”). R&D expenses were $9 in the first quarter of 2023 and $7 in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of $2, or 29%. The increase in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to higher spending on technology projects intended to support the aerospace business.
Restructuring and other charges. Restructuring and other charges were $1 in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $2 in the first quarter of 2022 or a decrease of $1. Restructuring and other charges for the first quarter of 2023 were primarily due to exit related costs, including accelerated depreciation, of $2, partially offset by a reversal of $1 for a layoff reserve related to a prior period. Restructuring and other charges for the first quarter of 2022 were primarily due to exit related costs of $2.
See Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item I of this Form 10-Q for additional detail.
21

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $57 in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $58 in the first quarter of 2022. The decrease of $1 in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to a reduced average level of long-term debt. As a result of the reduction in the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 5.125% Notes due October 2024 (the “5.125% Notes”), Interest expense, net is expected to be reduced annually by $9.
See Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item I of this Form 10-Q for additional detail related to the Company’s debt.
Loss on debt redemption. Debt redemption or tender premiums include the cost to redeem or repurchase certain of the Company’s notes at a price which may be equal to the greater of the principal amount or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments, discounted using a defined treasury rate plus a spread, or a price based on the market price of its notes. Loss on debt redemption was $1 in the first quarter of 2023 compared to zero in the first quarter of 2022. The increase of $1 in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to the debt premiums paid on the early partial redemption of the 5.125% Notes in the first quarter of 2023.
See Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item I of this Form 10-Q for additional detail related to the Company’s debt.
Other expense, net. Other expense, net was $7 in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $1 in the first quarter of 2022. The increase of $6 in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to the impacts of deferred compensation arrangements of $6 and higher non-service related net periodic benefit costs related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans of $3, partially offset by higher interest income of $5. Non-service related net periodic benefit costs related to defined benefit plans is expected to increase by approximately $20 for the full year 2023 versus 2022.
Provision for income taxes. The estimated annual effective tax rate, before discrete items, applied to ordinary income was 23.4% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 24.3% in the first quarter of 2022. The tax rate including discrete items was 32.7% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 23.4% in the first quarter of 2022. A discrete net tax charge of $21, which includes the income tax reserve recorded as a result of the French tax litigation (See Note P to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item I of this Form 10-Q for additional detail), was recorded in the first quarter of 2023 compared to a discrete net tax benefit of $2 in the first quarter of 2022. The estimated annual effective tax rate has decreased primarily due to increased domestic deductions, lower non-deductible expenses, and a decrease in apportioned state tax rates, partially offset by increased earnings in high rate jurisdictions and decreased earnings in low rate jurisdictions.
See Note G to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item I of this Form 10-Q for additional detail.
Net income. Net income was $148, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $131, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2022. The increase of $17 in the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to higher sales in the commercial aerospace and defense aerospace markets as well as favorable product pricing, partially offset by an increase in Provision for income taxes and Other expense, net.
Segment Information
The Company’s operations consist of four worldwide reportable segments: Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels. Segment performance under Howmet’s management reporting system is evaluated based on a number of factors; however, the primary measure of performance is Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Howmet’s definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) is net margin plus an add-back for depreciation and amortization. Net margin is equivalent to Sales minus the following items: Cost of goods sold; Selling, general administrative, and other expenses; Research and development expenses; and Provision for depreciation and amortization. Special items, including Restructuring and other charges, are excluded from net margin and Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate (See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for a description of each segment).
The Company has aligned its operations consistent with how the Chief Executive Officer assesses operating performance and allocates capital.

22

Engine Products
First quarter ended
 March 31,
 20232022
Third-party sales$795 $631 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA212 173 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin26.7 %27.4 %
Third-party sales for the Engine Products segment increased $164, or 26%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, industrial gas turbine, and oil and gas markets.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Engine Products segment increased $39, or 23%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, industrial gas turbine, and oil and gas markets. The segment added approximately 260 net headcount in the first quarter in anticipation of future revenue increases.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the Engine Products segment decreased approximately 70 basis points in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to an increase in inflationary costs and headcount, partially offset by higher volumes in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, industrial gas turbine, and oil and gas markets.
The collective bargaining agreement between Howmet and the United Autoworkers at our Whitehall, Michigan location expired on March 31, 2023. The Whitehall, Michigan location has been preparing for the expiration of this collective bargaining agreement over the course of several months, and the contract has been extended by mutual agreement while negotiations continue.
In 2023, as compared to 2022, demand in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, industrial gas turbine, and oil and gas markets is expected to increase.
Fastening Systems
First quarter ended
March 31,
20232022
Third-party sales$312 $264 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA58 56 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin18.6 %21.2 %
Third-party sales for the Fastening Systems segment increased $48, or 18%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes in the narrow body commercial aerospace and defense aerospace markets.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Fastening Systems segment increased $2, or 4%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes in the narrow body commercial aerospace and defense aerospace markets, partially offset by inflationary costs. The segment added approximately 215 net headcount in the first quarter in anticipation of future revenue increases.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the Fastening Systems segment decreased approximately 260 basis points in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to an increase in inflationary costs and headcount, partially offset by higher volumes in the narrow body commercial aerospace and defense aerospace markets.
In 2023, as compared to 2022, demand in the commercial aerospace and industrial markets are expected to increase.
23

Engineered Structures
First quarter ended
 March 31,
 20232022
Third-party sales$207 $182 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA30 23 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin14.5 %12.6 %
Third-party sales for the Engineered Structures segment increased $25, or 14%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes in the commercial aerospace market, partially offset by lower volumes in the defense aerospace market.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Engineered Structures segment increased $7, or 30%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes in the commercial aerospace market, partially offset by lower volumes in the defense aerospace market.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the Engineered Structures segment increased approximately 190 basis points in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes in the commercial aerospace market, partially offset by lower volumes in the defense aerospace market.
In 2023, as compared to 2022, demand in the commercial aerospace market is expected to increase. However, demand in the defense aerospace market is expected to be down.
Forged Wheels
First quarter ended
March 31,
20232022
Third-party sales$289 $247 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA79 67 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin27.3 %27.1 %
Third-party sales for the Forged Wheels segment increased $42, or 17%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes in the commercial transportation market.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the Forged Wheels segment increased $12, or 18%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency movements.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the Forged Wheels segment increased approximately 20 basis points in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher volumes and a decline in metal price pass through, partially offset by inflationary cost pass through and unfavorable foreign currency impacts.
For the full year of 2023, as compared to 2022, demand in the commercial transportation markets served by Forged Wheels is expected to decrease in most regions due to lower OEM builds. A decrease in metal costs partially offset by an increase in other inflationary costs is expected to contribute to a net decrease in sales as the Company generally passes through these costs.
24

Reconciliation of Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Income before income taxes
First quarter ended
March 31,
20232022
Income before income taxes$220 $171 
Loss on debt redemption— 
Interest expense, net57 58 
Other expense, net
Operating income$285 $230 
Segment provision for depreciation and amortization64 65 
Unallocated amounts:
Restructuring and other charges
Corporate expense29 22 
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA$379 $319 
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that this measure is meaningful to investors because it provides additional information with respect to the Company’s operating performance and the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate.
See Restructuring and other charges, Interest expense, net, Loss on debt redemption, and Other expense, net discussions above, under “Results of Operations” for reference.
Corporate expense increased $7, or 32%, in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher nonrecurring legal and other advisory reimbursements received in 2022 compared to 2023 of $3, 2023 costs of $1 associated with closures, shutdowns, and other items which did not occur in 2022, and higher employment and lease costs in 2023, partially offset by lower costs related to the France Plant Fire, the Barberton Plant Fire, and the Barberton Cast House Incident of $1.
Environmental Matters
See the Environmental Matters section of Note P to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Subsequent Events
See Note Q to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for subsequent events.

25

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities
Cash provided from operations was $23 in the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to $55 in the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease of $32, or 58%, was primarily due to higher working capital of $55, partially offset by higher operating results of $13 and lower payments on noncurrent liabilities of $5. The components of the change in working capital primarily included unfavorable changes in accounts payable of $135 and receivables of $14, partially offset by inventories of $42, accrued expenses of $35, taxes, including income taxes, of $10, and prepaid expenses and other current assets of $7.
Management expects Howmet’s estimated pension contributions and other postretirement benefit payments in 2023 to be approximately $56.
Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities was $214 in the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to $194 in the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase of $20, or 10%, was primarily due to payments made in connection with the reduction of long-term debt of $176 (See Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for reference) and increased dividends paid to common stock shareholders of $8, partially offset by a reduction in common stock repurchases of $150. As a result of the reduction in the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 5.125% Notes, Interest expense, net is expected to be reduced annually by $9.
The Company maintains a credit facility pursuant to its Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders and issuers named therein (See Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for reference). As a result of the end of the covenant relief period on December 31, 2022, there is no longer a restriction on common stock dividends and share repurchases under the Credit Agreement.
The Company may opportunistically issue new debt securities in accordance with securities laws, including, but not limited to, in order to refinance existing indebtedness.
The Company may, in the future from time to time, redeem portions of its debt securities or repurchase portions of its debt or equity securities, in either the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC and other legal requirements. The timing, prices, and sizes of purchases depend upon prevailing trading prices, general economic and market conditions, and other factors, including applicable securities laws. Such purchases may be completed by means of trading plans established from time to time in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, block trades, private transactions, open market repurchases, tender offers, and/or accelerated share repurchase agreements or other derivative transactions.
The Company’s costs of borrowing and ability to access the capital markets are affected not only by market conditions but also by the short-term and long-term debt ratings assigned to the Company by the major credit rating agencies.
The Company’s credit ratings from the three major credit rating agencies are as follows:
 Issuer RatingOutlookDate of Last Update
Standard and Poor’s Ratings Service (“S&P”)BB+PositiveApril 25, 2023
Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”)Ba1StableApril 27, 2023
Fitch Investors Service (“Fitch”)BBB-StableMarch 22, 2022
On April 27, 2023, Moody’s affirmed the following ratings for Howmet: long-term debt at Ba1 and the current outlook as stable.
On April 25, 2023, S&P affirmed Howmet’s long-term debt rating at BB+ and upgraded the current outlook from stable to positive, citing strong demand in the commercial aerospace market and the Company’s improved financial leverage.
Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities was $64 in the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to $61 in the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase of $3 was primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures of $2.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
See Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

26

Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains (and oral communications made by Howmet Aerospace may contain) statements that relate to future events and expectations and as such constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include those containing such words as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intends,” “may,” “outlook,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” “sees,” “should,” “targets,” “will,” “would,” or other words of similar meaning. All statements that reflect Howmet Aerospace’s expectations, assumptions or projections about the future, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements, forecasts and outlook relating to the condition of end markets; future financial results or operating performance; future strategic actions; Howmet Aerospace’s strategies, outlook, and business and financial prospects; and any future debt redemptions or repurchases of its debt or equity securities. These statements reflect beliefs and assumptions that are based on Howmet Aerospace’s perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors Howmet Aerospace believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by these statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (a) deterioration in global economic and financial market conditions generally; (b) unfavorable changes in the markets served by Howmet Aerospace; (c) the impact of potential cyber attacks and information technology or data security breaches; (d) the loss of significant customers or adverse changes in customers’ business or financial conditions; (e) manufacturing difficulties or other issues that impact product performance, quality or safety; (f) inability of suppliers to meet obligations due to supply chain disruptions or otherwise; (g) failure to attract and retain a qualified workforce and key personnel; (h) uncertainty of the duration, extent and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Howmet Aerospace’s business, results of operations, and financial condition; (i) the inability to achieve revenue growth, cash generation, restructuring plans, cost reductions, improvement in profitability, or strengthening of competitiveness and operations anticipated or targeted; (j) inability to meet increased demand, production targets or commitments; (k) competition from new product offerings, disruptive technologies or other developments; (l) geopolitical, economic, and regulatory risks relating to Howmet Aerospace’s global operations, including geopolitical and diplomatic tensions, instabilities and conflicts, as well as compliance with U.S. and foreign trade and tax laws, sanctions, embargoes and other regulations; (m) the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings, government or regulatory investigations, and environmental remediation, which can expose Howmet Aerospace to substantial costs and liabilities; (n) failure to comply with government contracting regulations; (o) adverse changes in discount rates or investment returns on pension assets; and (p) the other risk factors summarized in Howmet Aerospace’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Market projections are subject to the risks discussed above and other risks in the market. The statements in this report are made as of the date of the filing of this report. Howmet Aerospace disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Not material.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report, and they have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
27


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
See Note P to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s repurchases of its common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2023:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid Per Share(1)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Repurchase Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in millions)(1)(2)
January 1 - January 31, 2023— $— — $947
February 1 - February 28, 2023— $— — $947
March 1 - March 31, 2023576,629 $43.36 576,629 $922
Total for quarter ended March 31, 2023576,629 $43.36 576,629 
(1)Excludes commissions cost.
(2)On August 18, 2021, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1,500 million of the Company's outstanding common stock. After giving effect to the share repurchases made through March 31, 2023, approximately $922 million Board authorization remains available. Under the Company’s share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”), the Company may repurchase shares by means of trading plans established from time to time in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, block trades, private transactions, open market repurchases and/or accelerated share repurchase agreements or other derivative transactions. There is no stated expiration for the Share Repurchase Program. Under its Share Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time, in amounts, at prices, and at such times as the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, legal requirements and other considerations. The Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares or to do so at any particular time, and the Share Repurchase Program may be suspended, modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.
28

Item 6. Exhibits.
Second Amendment, effective January 1, 2023, to the Howmet Aerospace Hourly Retirement Savings Plan, as Amended and Restated.
First Amendment, effective January 1, 2023, to the Howmet Aerospace Hourly Salaried Retirement Savings Plan, as Amended and Restated.
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104.
Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL (included within the Exhibit 101 attachments).
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Howmet Aerospace Inc.
May 2, 2023/s/ Ken Giacobbe
DateKen Giacobbe
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
May 2, 2023/s/ Barbara L. Shultz
DateBarbara L. Shultz
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

29