Howmet Aerospace Inc

Previous wording

Howmet is a global company operating in 20 countries. Based upon the country where the point of shipment occurred, North America and Europe generated 70% and 23%, respectively, of Howmet’s sales in 2023. In addition, Howmet has operating activities in numerous countries and regions outside of North America and Europe, including China and Japan. Governmental policies, laws and regulations, and other economic factors, including inflation and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, affect the results of operations in countries with such activities.

Current wording

Howmet is a global company operating in 19 countries. Based upon the country where the point of shipment occurred, North America and Europe generated 71% and 23%, respectively, of Howmet’s sales in 2024. In addition to the United States, Canada, and Mexico in North America and France, United Kingdom, Hungary, and Germany in Europe, Howmet has operating activities in numerous other countries and regions, including Japan and China. Governmental policies, laws and regulations, and other economic factors, including inflation, customer requirements, tariffs, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, affect the results of operations in countries with such activities.

Previous wording

The Company derived approximately 49% of its revenue from products sold to the commercial aerospace market for the year ended December 31, 2023 which is substantially less than the pre-pandemic 2019 annual rate of approximately 60%. Aircraft production in the commercial aerospace industry continues to recover based on increases in demand for narrow body and wide body aircraft. We expect commercial aerospace wide body demand to grow faster than narrow body demand on a production percentage basis. The timing and level of future aircraft builds by OEMs 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.

Current wording

The Company derived approximately 52% of its revenue from products sold to the commercial aerospace market for the year ended December 31, 2024. Aircraft production in the commercial aerospace industry continues to grow based on increases in demand for narrow body and wide body aircraft. We expect our commercial aerospace wide body and narrow body demand, including engine spares, also to continue to grow. Quality control issues at The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) have had and are expected to continue to have a negative impact on narrow body and wide body production rates in the near term. For instance, the Federal Aviation Administration stated that it will not approve production rate increases above 38 aircraft per month or additional production lines for the Boeing 737 MAX until it is satisfied that Boeing is in full compliance with required quality control procedures. In addition, a labor union work stoppage and ensuing production restart at Boeing has negatively impacted results. Boeing production levels have had and are expected to have a material impact on the financial performance of Howmet. The timing and level of future aircraft builds by OEMs 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.

Previous wording

In 2023, Sales increased 17% over 2022 primarily as a result of higher sales from the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, commercial transportation, and industrial and other markets, favorable product pricing of $105, and an increase in inflationary cost pass through of approximately $90. Product price increases are in excess of material and inflationary cost pass through to our customers.

Current wording

In 2024, Sales increased 12% from 2023 primarily as a result of higher volumes in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, and industrial and other markets, and favorable product pricing, partially offset by lower volumes in the commercial transportation market. Product price increases are in excess of material and inflationary cost pass through to our customers.

Previous wording

Income before income taxes increased 61% from 2022. Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 17% from 2022 primarily due to favorable sales in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, commercial transportation, and industrial and other markets as well as favorable product pricing.

Current wording

Income before income taxes increased 42% from 2023. Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 27% from 2023 primarily due to favorable sales in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, and industrial and other markets as well as favorable product pricing.

Previous wording

•Cash on hand and restricted cash at the end of the year of $610;

Current wording

•Cash on hand and restricted cash at the end of the year of $565;

Previous wording

•Cash provided from operations of $901; cash used for financing activities of $868; and cash used for investing activities of $215;

Current wording

•Cash provided from operations of $1,298; cash used for financing activities of $1,026; and cash used for investing activities of $316;

Previous wording

•Purchased approximately 5 million shares of the Company’s common stock under the Share Repurchase Program for approximately $250;

Current wording

•Repurchased the Company’s common stock of approximately 6 million shares under the Share Repurchase Program for approximately $500;

Previous wording

•The Company’s common stock had a closing price of $54.12 per share as of December 29, 2023, an increase of $40.92 per share, or 310%, since the Arconic Inc. Separation Transaction on April 1, 2020, compared to an increase of 93% for the S&P 500® Index and 91% for the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index over the same period.

Current wording

•The Company’s common stock had a closing price of $109.37 per share as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $96.17 per share, or 729%, since the Arconic Inc. Separation Transaction on April 1, 2020, compared to an increase of 138% for the S&P 500® Index and 99% for the S&P 500® Aerospace & Defense Index over the same period.

Previous wording

In 2024, management projects sales to increase as we expect solid growth in the commercial aerospace market, and the Company’s strong position in that market is expected to continue. Earnings per share is expected to grow as management continues to focus on revenue growth and operational performance. Cash provided from operations is expected to increase for the full year in 2024 compared with 2023, resulting from a continued focus on operating performance and on capital efficiency. Capital expenditures are expected to increase with additional investments in capacity expansions.

Current wording

In 2025, management projects sales to increase as we expect solid growth in the commercial aerospace market, and the Company’s strong position in that market is expected to continue, including engines spares. Earnings per share is expected to grow as management continues to focus on revenue growth and operational performance. Cash provided from operations is expected to increase for the full year in 2025 compared with 2024, resulting from a continued focus on operating performance and on capital efficiency. Capital expenditures are expected to increase with additional investments in capacity expansions. Governmental policies, laws and regulations, and other economic factors, including inflation, customer requirements, tariffs, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, may affect future results of operations and cash flow.

Previous wording

Sales for 2022 were $5,663 compared with $4,972 in 2021, an increase of $691, or 14%. The increase was primarily due to higher sales in the commercial aerospace market, an increase in material cost pass through of $225, and favorable product pricing of $67, partially offset by lower sales in the defense aerospace market. Product price increases are in excess of inflationary pass through to our customers.

Current wording

Sales. Sales for 2024 were $7,430 compared with $6,640 in 2023, an increase of $790, or 12%. The increase was primarily due to higher sales in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, and industrial and other markets, including engine spares, and favorable product pricing, partially offset by lower volumes in the commercial transportation market. Product price increases are in excess of inflationary cost pass through to our customers.

Previous wording

Sales. Sales for 2023 were $6,640 compared with $5,663 in 2022, an increase of $977, or 17%. The increase was primarily due to higher sales in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, commercial transportation, and industrial and other markets, favorable product pricing of $105, and an increase in material cost pass through of $90. Product price increases are in excess of inflationary pass through to our customers.

Current wording

Sales for 2023 were $6,640 compared with $5,663 in 2022, an increase of $977, or 17%. The increase was primarily due to higher sales in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, commercial transportation, and industrial and other markets, favorable product pricing, and an increase in material cost pass through. Product price increases are in excess of inflationary pass through to our customers.

Previous wording

Cost of goods sold (“COGS”). COGS as a percentage of Sales was 71.9% in 2023 compared with 72.5% in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to higher volumes, favorable product pricing, and lower costs related to three plant fires, partially offset by material cost pass through and increased net headcount, primarily in the Engine Products and Fastening Systems segments, in support of expected revenue increases. The Company had total COGS insurance claims reimbursements of $19 in 2023, partially offset by charges of $7, related to fires that occurred in 2019 at a Fastening Systems plant in France (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 $59 in 2022, offset by partial insurance claims reimbursements of $23, related to a fire at a Forged Wheels plant in Barberton, Ohio in mid-February 2020 (the “Barberton Plant Fire”) and the France Plant Fire. The insurance claims related to these three plant fires were in excess of the insurance deductible. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company settled the insurance claim related to the Barberton Plant Fire. The Company is negotiating resolution of the insurance claims related to the France Plant Fire and Barberton Cast House Incident.

Current wording

Cost of goods sold (“COGS”). COGS as a percentage of Sales was 68.9% in 2024 compared with 71.9% in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to higher volumes and favorable product pricing, partially offset by increased net headcount, primarily in the Engine Products segment, in support of expected revenue increases. The Company had total COGS net reimbursements of $18 in 2024 due to the final settlement of the insurance claim related to a mechanical failure that occurred in 2022 resulting in substantial heat and fire-related damage to equipment at the Forged Wheels’ cast house in Barberton, Ohio (the “Barberton Cast House Incident”) in the second quarter of 2024 and the final settlement of the insurance claim related to the fires that occurred in 2019 at a Fastening Systems plant in France (the “France Plant Fire”) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to total COGS insurance claims reimbursements of $19 in 2023, partially offset by charges of $7 in 2023, related to the France Plant Fire and Barberton Cast House Incident. The insurance claims related to the Barberton Cast House Incident and the France Plant Fire have now been completed. All cash related to the insurance claims has been collected as of January 2025.

Previous wording

COGS as a percentage of Sales was 72.5% in 2022 compared with 72.3% in 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased costs related to three plant fires, as well as material cost pass through and increased net 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. The Company had total COGS charges of $59 in 2022, offset by partial insurance claims reimbursements of $23, related to the France Plant Fire, Barberton Plant Fire, and the Barberton Cast House Incident, compared to total COGS charges of $28 in 2021, offset by partial insurance claims reimbursements of $32, related to the France Plant Fire and the Barberton Plant Fire. The insurance claims related to these three plant fires were in excess of the insurance deductible. The downtime related to these plant fires in 2022 and 2021 reduced production levels and affected productivity at the plants.

Current wording

COGS as a percentage of Sales was 71.9% in 2023 compared with 72.5% in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to higher volumes, favorable product pricing, and lower costs related to three plant fires, partially offset by material cost pass through and increased net headcount, primarily in the Engine Products and Fastening Systems segments, in support of expected revenue increases. The Company had total COGS insurance claims reimbursements of $19 in 2023, partially offset by charges of $7, related the France Plant Fire and the Barberton Cast House Incident, compared to total COGS charges of $59 in 2022, offset by partial insurance claims reimbursements of $23, related to a fire at a Forged Wheels plant in Barberton, Ohio in mid-February 2020 (the “Barberton Plant Fire”) and the France Plant Fire. The insurance claims related to these three plant fires were in excess of the insurance deductible. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company settled the insurance claim related to the Barberton Plant Fire.

Previous wording

SG&A expenses were $288, or 5.1% of Sales, in 2022 compared with $251, or 5.0% of Sales, in 2021. The increase in SG&A of $37, or 15%, was primarily due to higher employment, travel, and lease costs in 2022, as well as legal and other advisory reimbursements received in 2021 that did not recur in 2022.

Current wording

Selling, general administrative, and other expenses (“SG&A”). SG&A expenses were $347, or 4.7% of Sales, in 2024 compared with $333, or 5.0% of Sales, in 2023. The increase in SG&A of $14, or 4%, was primarily due to higher employment costs.

Previous wording

Selling, general administrative, and other expenses (“SG&A”). SG&A expenses were $333, or 5.0% of Sales, in 2023 compared with $288, or 5.1% of Sales, in 2022. The increase in SG&A of $45, or 16%, was primarily due to higher employment costs and legal fees.

Current wording

SG&A expenses were $333, or 5.0% of Sales, in 2023 compared with $288, or 5.1% of Sales, in 2022. The increase in SG&A of $45, or 16%, was primarily due to higher employment costs and legal fees.

Previous wording

R&D expenses were $32 in 2022 compared with $17 in 2021. The increase of $15, or 88%, was primarily due to higher spending on technology projects across all segments.

Current wording

Research and development expenses (“R&D”). R&D expenses were $33 in 2024 compared with $36 in 2023. The decrease of $3, or 8%, was primarily due to the timing of spending on technology projects.

Previous wording

Research and development expenses (“R&D”). R&D expenses were $36 in 2023 compared with $32 in 2022. The increase of $4, or 13%, was primarily due to higher spending on technology projects intending to support the aerospace business.

Current wording

R&D expenses were $36 in 2023 compared with $32 in 2022. The increase of $4, or 13%, was primarily due to higher spending on technology projects to support the aerospace business.

Previous wording

The provision for D&A was $265 in 2022 compared with $270 in 2021. The decrease of $5, or 2%, was primarily driven by lower corporate software amortization and reduced depreciation due to the sale of the corporate center.

Current wording

Provision for depreciation and amortization (“D&A”). The provision for D&A was $277 in 2024 compared with $272 in 2023. The increase of $5, or 2%, was primarily driven by the disposal of unused assets in the Engine Products segment.

Previous wording

Provision for depreciation and amortization (“D&A”). The provision for D&A was $272 in 2023 compared with $265 in 2022. The increase of $7, or 3%, was primarily driven by higher depreciation in the Engine Products segment.

Current wording

The provision for D&A was $272 in 2023 compared with $265 in 2022. The increase of $7, or 3%, was primarily driven by higher depreciation in the Engine Products segment.

Previous wording

Restructuring and other charges. Restructuring and other charges were $23 in 2023 compared with $56 in 2022 and $90 in 2021.

Current wording

Restructuring and other charges. Restructuring and other charges were $21 in 2024 compared with $23 in 2023 and $56 in 2022.

Previous wording

Restructuring and other charges in 2023 consisted primarily of a $12 charge for impairment of assets primarily related to decommissioned fixed assets in Engineered Structures, a $5 charge for U.S. and Canadian pension plans’ settlement accounting, a $3 charge for layoff costs, a $3 charge for various other exit related costs primarily for the closures of small manufacturing facilities, and a $2 charge for accelerated depreciation primarily related to the closure of a small Engineered Structures facility in the U.K. The Company has closed some small manufacturing facilities and may in the future close additional small facilities in order to consolidate operations, reduce fixed costs, and exit less profitable businesses.

Current wording

Restructuring and other charges in 2023 consisted primarily of a $12 charge for impairment of assets primarily related to decommissioned fixed assets in Engineered Structures, a $5 charge for U.S. and Canadian pension plans’ settlement accounting, a $3 charge for layoff costs, a $3 charge for various other exit related costs primarily for the closures of small manufacturing facilities, and a $2 charge for accelerated depreciation primarily related to the closure of a small Engineered Structures facility in the U.K. The Company has closed or sold some small manufacturing facilities including three in the U.K. and may, in the future, close additional small facilities in order to consolidate operations, reduce fixed costs, and exit less profitable businesses.

Previous wording

Interest expense, net was $229 in 2022 compared with $259 in 2021. The decrease of $30, or 12%, was primarily due to a reduced average level of debt for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.

Current wording

Interest expense, net was $218 in 2023 compared with $229 in 2022. The decrease of $11, or 5%, was primarily due to a reduced average level of debt for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.

Previous wording

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 $2 in both 2023 and 2022.

Current wording

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.

Previous wording

Other expense, net. Other expense, net was $8 in 2023 compared with $82 in 2022. The decrease in expense of $74 was primarily due to the reversal of $25 of the $65 pre-tax charge taken in the third quarter of 2022 related to the Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”) legal proceeding which was settled in the second quarter of 2023 (See Note U to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8) (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) and higher interest income of $17, partially offset by the impacts of deferred compensation arrangements of $18, higher non-service related net periodic benefit costs related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans in 2023 of $13, and an increase from net realized and unrealized losses of $4, primarily related to mark-to-market adjustments on exchange-traded fixed income securities and losses on sales of receivables. Non-service related net periodic benefit costs related to defined benefit plans is expected to increase by approximately $15 from 2023 to 2024.

Current wording

Other expense, net was $8 in 2023 compared with $82 in 2022. The decrease in expense of $74 was primarily due to the reversal of $25 of the $65 pre-tax charge taken in the third quarter of 2022 related to the LBIE legal proceeding which was settled in the second quarter of 2023 (See Note U to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8) (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) and higher interest income of $17, partially offset by the impacts of deferred compensation arrangements of $18, higher non-service related net periodic benefit costs related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans in 2023 of $13, and an increase from net realized and unrealized losses of $4, primarily related to mark-to-market adjustments on exchange-traded fixed income securities and losses on sales of receivables.

Previous wording

Income taxes. Howmet’s effective tax rate was 21.5% (provision on pre-tax income) in 2023 compared with the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%. The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily as a result of a $21 charge for a tax reserve established in France, $10 of incremental state tax and foreign taxes on earnings also subject to U.S. federal income tax, and $8 of charges related to nondeductible expenses, partially offset by a $14 benefit to release a valuation allowance related to U.S. foreign tax credits, a $9 excess benefit for stock compensation, $7 of benefits related to tax credits, a $2 benefit to release a valuation allowance related to U.S. state tax losses and credits, and a $2 benefit to revalue deferred taxes for changes to apportioned U.S. state tax rates. On October 8, 2021, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) released the Pillar Two model rules introducing a 15% global minimum tax under the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. Jurisdictions where the Company operates have started to enact Pillar Two legislation effective January 1, 2024, and other jurisdictions are expected to enact legislation prospectively. The Company has assessed both enacted and proposed Pillar Two legislation and, at this time, does not expect a material impact to its corporate tax liability or effective tax rate. Howmet anticipates that the effective tax rate in 2024 will be approximately 21.5%.

Current wording

Howmet’s effective tax rate was 21.5% (provision on pre-tax income) in 2023 compared with the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%. The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily as a result of a $21 charge for a tax reserve established in France, $10 of incremental state tax and foreign taxes on earnings also subject to U.S. federal income tax, and $8 of charges related to nondeductible expenses, partially offset by a $14 benefit to release a valuation allowance related to U.S. foreign tax credits, a $9 excess benefit for stock compensation, $7 of benefits related to tax credits, a $2 benefit to release a valuation allowance related to U.S. state tax losses and credits, and a $2 benefit to revalue deferred taxes for changes to apportioned U.S. state tax rates.

Previous wording

Howmet’s effective tax rate was 22.6% (provision on pre-tax income) in 2022 compared with the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%. The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily as a result of a $12 charge related to an increase in the valuation allowance on a foreign tax credit carryforward in the U.S., $8 of charges related to U.S. tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) and other foreign earnings, $8 of charges related to nondeductible expenses, and $5 of incremental state tax and foreign taxes on earnings also subject to U.S. federal income tax, partially offset by a $6 benefit for the release of a valuation allowance on interest deduction carryforwards in the U.K., a $5 benefit related to a tax accounting method change, a $5 excess benefit for stock compensation, and a $3 benefit related to a distribution of foreign earnings. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Act”) was signed into law on August 16, 2022. The Act includes various tax provisions, including a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases, expanded tax credits for clean energy incentives, and a corporate alternative minimum tax that generally applies to U.S. corporations with average adjusted financial statement income over a three-year period in excess of $1,000. The Company does not expect the Act to materially impact its financial statements.

Current wording

Howmet’s effective tax rate was 22.6% (provision on pre-tax income) in 2022 compared with the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%. The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily as a result of a $12 charge related to an increase in the valuation allowance on a foreign tax credit carryforward in the U.S., $8 of charges related to U.S. tax on GILTI and other foreign earnings, $8 of charges related to nondeductible expenses, and $5 of incremental state tax and foreign taxes on earnings also subject to U.S. federal income tax, partially offset by a $6 benefit for the release of a valuation allowance on interest deduction carryforwards in the U.K., a $5 benefit related to a tax accounting method change, a $5 excess benefit for stock compensation, and a $3 benefit related to a distribution of foreign earnings. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Act”) was signed into law on August 16, 2022. The Act includes various tax provisions, including a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases, expanded tax credits for clean energy incentives, and a corporate alternative minimum tax that generally applies to U.S. corporations with average adjusted financial statement income over a three-year period in excess of $1,000. The Company does not expect the Act to materially impact its financial statements.

Previous wording

•Net income of $765, or $1.83 per diluted share;

Current wording

Net income. Net income was $1,155, or $2.81 per diluted share, for 2024 compared to $765, or $1.83 per diluted share, in 2023. The increase in results of $390, or 51%, was primarily due to higher volumes in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, and industrial and other markets, including engines spares, favorable product pricing, a reduction in interest expense due to lower long-term debt levels, and a lower tax rate due to the completion of an R&D study, partially offset by lower volumes in the commercial transportation market and net impacts of foreign currency.

Previous wording

Net income. Net income was $765, or $1.83 per diluted share, for 2023 compared to $469, or $1.11 per diluted share, in 2022. The increase in results of $296, or 63%, was primarily due to higher sales in the commercial aerospace market, favorable product pricing of $105, a change of $90 due to the reversal of $25 of the $65 pre-tax charge taken in the third quarter of 2022 related to the LBIE legal proceeding (See Note U to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8), a decrease in Restructuring and other charges of $33, and a decrease in Interest expense, net of $11, partially offset by an increase in the Provision for income taxes primarily driven by an increase in income before income taxes.

Current wording

Net income was $765, or $1.83 per diluted share, for 2023 compared to $469, or $1.11 per diluted share, in 2022. The increase in results of $296, or 63%, was primarily due to higher sales in the commercial aerospace market, favorable product pricing, a change of $90 due to the reversal of $25 of the $65 pre-tax charge taken in the third quarter of 2022 related to the LBIE legal proceeding (See Note U to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8), a decrease in Restructuring and other charges of $33, and a decrease in Interest expense, net of $11, partially offset by an increase in the Provision for income taxes primarily driven by an increase in income before income taxes.

Previous wording

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. Prior to the first quarter of 2022, the Company used Segment operating profit as its primary measure of performance. However, the Company’s CEO believes that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a better representation of its business because it provides additional information with respect to the Company’s operating performance and the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations. 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.

Current wording

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 Segment Adjusted EBITDA. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who has been determined to be our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), believes that Segment Adjusted EBITDA provides information with respect to the Company’s operating performance and the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations. 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 (“R&D”) expenses; and Provision for depreciation and amortization. Special items, including Restructuring and other charges, are excluded from net margin and Segment Adjusted EBITDA. The Company’s CODM considers forecast-to-actual variances for Segment Adjusted EBITDA when allocating resources across the Company’s reportable segments. 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 II, Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) of this Form 10-K).

Previous wording

Income before income taxes totaled $975 in 2023, $606 in 2022, and $324 in 2021. Segment Adjusted EBITDA for all reportable segments totaled $1,587 in 2023, $1,352 in 2022, and $1,200 in 2021. See below for the reconciliation of Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Income before income taxes.

Current wording

Income before income taxes totaled $1,383 in 2024, $975 in 2023, and $606 in 2022. Segment Adjusted EBITDA for all reportable segments totaled $2,009 in 2024, $1,587 in 2023, and $1,352 in 2022. See below for the reconciliation of Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Income before income taxes.

Previous wording

In 2024, as compared to 2023, demand in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, oil and gas, and industrial gas turbine markets is expected to increase.

Current wording

In 2025, as compared to 2024, demand in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, industrial gas turbine, and oil and gas markets is expected to increase. Governmental policies, laws and regulations, and other economic factors, including inflation, customer requirements, tariffs, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, may affect future results of operations and cash flow.

Previous wording

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the Engine Products segment increased approximately 230 basis points in 2022 compared with 2021, primarily due to higher volumes in the commercial aerospace and oil and gas markets as well as productivity gains, partially offset by an increase in material cost pass through.

Current wording

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the Fastening Systems segment increased approximately 520 basis points in 2024 compared with 2023, primarily due to growth in the commercial aerospace market as well as productivity gains.

Previous wording

In 2024, as compared to 2023, demand in the commercial aerospace market is expected to increase.

Current wording

In 2025, as compared to 2024, demand in the commercial aerospace market is expected to increase. Demand in the commercial transportation market is not expected to recover before mid year of 2025 with some growth starting in the second half of 2025. Governmental policies, laws and regulations, and other economic factors, including inflation, customer requirements, tariffs, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, may affect future results of operations and cash flow.

Previous wording

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. The segment’s products are sold directly to customers and through distributors, and sales and costs and expenses of this segment are generally transacted in the local currency of the respective operations, which are mostly the U.S. dollar.

Current wording

Engineered Structures produces titanium ingots and mill products for aerospace and defense applications and is vertically integrated to produce titanium forgings, titanium extrusions, 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. The segment’s products are sold directly to customers and through distributors, and sales and costs and expenses of this segment are generally transacted in the local currency of the respective operations, which are mostly the U.S. dollar.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents of Howmet were $610, of which $384 was held by Howmet’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. If the cash held by non-U.S. subsidiaries were to be repatriated to the U.S., the Company does not expect there to be material income tax consequences.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents of Howmet were $564, of which $284 was held by Howmet’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. If the cash held by non-U.S. subsidiaries were to be repatriated to the U.S., the Company does not expect there to be material income tax consequences.

Previous wording

Cash provided from operations in 2023 was $901 compared with $733 in 2022 and $449 in 2021.

Current wording

Cash provided from operations in 2024 was $1,298 compared with $901 in 2023 and $733 in 2022.

Previous wording

The increase in cash provided from operations of $284, or 63%, between 2022 and 2021 was due to lower working capital of $165, higher operating results of $89, and lower pension contributions of $53, partially offset by higher payments on noncurrent liabilities of $37. The components of the change in working capital included favorable changes in receivables of $176, including collections of employee retention credit receivables, accrued expenses of $169, accounts payable of $102, and taxes, including income taxes, of $29, partially offset by inventories of $294 and prepaid expenses and other current assets of $17.

Current wording

The increase in cash provided from operations of $168, or 23%, between 2023 and 2022 was due to higher operating results of $303, lower payments on noncurrent liabilities of $26, and lower pension contributions of $7, partially offset by higher working capital of $163. The components of the change in working capital included unfavorable changes in accounts payable of $253, prepaid expenses and other current assets of $18, and receivables of $3, including collections of employee retention credit receivables, partially offset by inventories of $92, accrued expenses of $14 and taxes, including income taxes, of $5.

Previous wording

Cash used for financing activities was $868 in 2023 compared with $526 in 2022 and $1,444 in 2021.

Current wording

Cash used for financing activities was $1,026 in 2024 compared with $868 in 2023 and $526 in 2022.

Previous wording

The use of cash in 2023 was primarily related to the repayments on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of long-term debt of approximately $876, the repurchase of common stock of $250, taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards of $77, and dividends paid to shareholders of $73. These items were partially offset by proceeds from term loan facilities of $400 and the exercise of employee stock options of $11. On an annual basis, the 2023 debt reduction and refinancing activities will decrease Interest expense, net by approximately $29.

Current wording

The use of cash in 2023 was primarily related to the repayments on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of long-term debt of approximately $876, the repurchase of common stock of $250, taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards of $77, and dividends paid to shareholders of $73. These items were partially offset by proceeds from term loan facilities of $400 and the exercise of employee stock options of $11.

Previous wording

The Company has an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, filed with the SEC, which allows for offerings of debt securities from time to time. The Company may opportunistically issue new debt securities in accordance with securities laws or utilize commercial paper in order to, but not limited to, refinance existing indebtedness. The Company continues to evaluate whether, when and to what extent it may access capital markets, including any plans to refinance the 5.125% Notes due October 2024 and the 6.875% Notes due May 2025. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness or enter into alternative financings in adequate amounts on commercially reasonable terms, or terms acceptable to us, may be affected by circumstances and economic events outside of our control. In the event that a refinancing does not occur before the maturity dates of the Company’s 5.125% Notes and the 6.875% Notes, respectively, the Company believes that its projected cash on hand and availability under the Credit Facility will enable the Company to repay, as applicable, the 5.125% Notes and/or the 6.875% Notes.

Current wording

The Company has an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, filed with the SEC, which allows for offerings of debt securities from time to time. The Company may opportunistically issue new debt securities in accordance with securities laws or utilize commercial paper in order to, but not limited to, refinance existing indebtedness.