Third Quarter 2014 Results From Continuing Operations
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Sales were US$1.07 billion
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Breakeven net income and EPS from continuing operations attributable to ATI
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Segment operating profit improved to US$70.6 million, or 6.6% of sales
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US$12.9 million of commissioning and qualification costs
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HRPF commissioning progress exceeded expectations; 95% of coils evaluated met customer specifications
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Successfully reached Long-Term Agreements with customers that secure significant content growth on next-generation and legacy jet engines for single aisle aircraft
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Booked orders for nickel-based alloy plate for a large oil & gas pipeline
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Backlog remains at US$1.8 billion
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Cash on hand was US$264 million
Allegheny Technologies Incorporated reported third quarter 2014 sales of US$1.07 billion and breakeven results from continuing operations attributable to ATI. Results improved over the second quarter 2014 net loss attributable to ATI of US$3.8 million, or US$(0.03) per share, on sales of US$1.12 billion. Third quarter 2014 results include a total of US$12.9 million of pre-tax Hot-Rolling and Processing Facility (HRPF) start-up costs and costs related to the Rowley titanium sponge facility Premium Quality (PQ) qualification process; second quarter 2014 results included a total ofUS$15.4 million of such costs. Third quarter 2014 pre-tax results were impacted by a US$10.0 million LIFO inventory valuation charge; second quarter 2014 pre-tax results included a US$2.9 million net charge for inventory valuation reserve adjustments. For the third quarter 2013, the loss from continuing operations attributable to ATI was US$28.4 million, or US$(0.27) per share, on sales of US$972 million.
“We continued to build the foundation for profitable growth in the third quarter 2014 and we are beginning to see the benefits of ATI’s transformation, capital investments, acquisitions, and technology innovations,” said Rich Harshman, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Segment operating profit improved and ATI achieved breakeven results from continuing operations, including commissioning and qualification costs associated with our strategic capital growth projects. Segment operating profit improved to US$70.6 million, or 6.6% of sales, an 8% increase compared to the second quarter 2014.
“During the third quarter, ATI successfully reached a number of strategic long-term agreements (LTAs) that secure significant growth on next-generation and legacy single-aisle airplanes. In summary, we enhanced our position as a leading supplier of premium-quality nickel-based alloy and titanium-alloy billet; we significantly increased our closed-die forgings content; and we increased ATI’s titanium investment casting content. In addition, we have existing agreements for differentiated alloys, such as Rene 65 alloy and ATI 718Plus® alloy, as well as other unique and difficult-to-produce products. These new agreements are enabled by the capital investments, acquisitions, and technology innovations we have made during the past several years.
“We also booked orders for a large oil & gas project that will use our nickel-based alloy plate. We received a large share of this project due to the quality of our nickel-based alloy plate that is enabled by the 2008 upgrade of our plate mill. Shipments are scheduled to begin in late Q4 and are expected to continue through the first quarter of 2015.”
ATI’s sales to the key global markets of aerospace and defense, oil & gas/chemical process industry, electrical energy, and medical represented 66% of ATI first nine months 2014 sales, as follows:
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Aerospace & defense |
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34% |
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Oil & gas/chemical process industry |
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17% |
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Electrical energy |
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10% |
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Medical |
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5% |
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For the first nine months of 2014, international sales were US$1.2 billion and represented 38% of ATI’s sales. ATI’s international sales are mostly to the aerospace and oil & gas/chemical process industry markets.
High-value products sales were 77% of first nine months 2014 ATI sales. Sales of nickel-based alloys and superalloys, and specialty alloys represented 26% of first nine months 2014 ATI sales. Sales of our titanium mill products, including Uniti joint venture conversion, represented 15% of year-to-date 2014 ATI sales. Total titanium mill product shipments, including flat rolled titanium products, improved to 10.2 million pounds in the third quarter 2014, bringing the first nine months total to 28.2 million pounds. Sales of precision forgings, castings and components represented 13% of year to date 2014 sales. Sales of flat rolled Precision Rolled Strip® products and engineered strip products represented 13% of first nine months 2014 ATI sales.
“Sales in our High Performance Materials & Components segment were US$508 million, and segment operating profit was US$62.0 million, or 12.2% of sales, in the third quarter 2014,” continued Rich Harshman. “Segment operating profit improved compared to second quarter 2014 results excluding the benefit of the prior quarter’s inventory valuation reserve adjustments. Titanium mill product shipments in this segment increased 25% compared to the second quarter and our titanium investment castings business is having another record year. Segment results continued to be negatively impacted by low operating rates at our Rowley titanium sponge facility and by push-outs in the aeroengine forgings market for certain programs.
“Flat Rolled Products segment sales were US$562 million and segment operating profit was US$8.6 million in the third quarter 2014, a significant improvement from the second quarter 2014 segment operating loss of US$19.9 million. In addition to improved operating performance, the third quarter 2014 Flat Rolled Products segment results benefited from lower than expected HRPF start-up costs and lower LIFO inventory valuation reserve charges. Segment results were also impacted by the PQ qualification process costs related to the Rowley titanium sponge facility.
“Commissioning of the HRPF remains on track and is exceeding our expectations, with 95% of coils meeting customer specifications. The HRPF is a critical part of our strategy to transform our flat rolled products business into a more competitive and consistently profitable business. It is designed to significantly expand our product offering capabilities, shorten manufacturing cycle times, reduce inventory requirements, and improve the cost structure of our flat rolled products business. We expect to begin to realize these benefits in 2015 upon the completion of the commissioning process.
“The Premium-Quality (PQ) qualification program at Rowley remains on schedule. We have used Rowley-produced titanium sponge to make titanium bar, which has been inspected and has met all qualification requirements. The Rowley facility is an important part of our long-term titanium products growth strategy. The facility is expected to provide ATI with a reliable, safe, and secure supply of high quality, competitive titanium sponge. Until the completion of the PQ program, Rowley is being operated at low rates resulting in higher than normal sponge costs.
“Cost reduction remains a strategic focus. We achieved US$33.3 million in gross cost reductions across ATI’s operations during the third quarter 2014, bringing our year to date total to US$104.8 million. These cost reductions are expected to benefit ATI operations over the rest of 2014 and beyond. Managed working capital was 36.2% of annualized sales at the end of September 2014 from 39.4% at year-end 2013, due primarily to higher annualized sales. Managed working capital increased US$196 million in 2014 to support higher levels of business activity.
“Our balance sheet remains solid with cash on hand of US$264 million, net debt to total capitalization of 30.5%, and total debt to total capitalization at 34.7% at the end of the third quarter 2014. There were no borrowings outstanding under ATI’s US$400 million unsecured domestic credit facility. Including ongoing investments associated with the HRPF project, we currently expect 2014 capital expenditures to be approximately US$250 million based upon the timing of expenditures, of which US$158 million was spent in the first nine months.”
Results of operations, including discontinued operations, were as follows:
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Three Months Ended |
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Nine Months Ended |
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September 30 |
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September 30 |
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In Millions |
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2014 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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2013 |
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Sales from continuing operations |
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US$ |
1,069.6 |
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US$ |
972.4 |
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US$ 3,175.9 |
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US$ |
3,128.2 |
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Amounts attributable to ATI common stockholders: |
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Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to ATI |
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US$ |
− |
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US$ |
(28.4 |
) |
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US$ (21.9 |
) |
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US$ |
(15.0 |
) |
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Loss from discontinued operations attributable to ATI |
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(0.7 |
) |
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(5.4 |
) |
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(2.8 |
) |
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(4.4 |
) |
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Net loss attributable to ATI |
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US$ |
(0.7 |
) |
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US$ |
(33.8 |
) |
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US$ (24.7 |
) |
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US$ |
(19.4 |
) |
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Per Diluted Share |
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Diluted net income (loss) per common share: |
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Continuing operations attributable to ATI per common share |
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US$ |
− |
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US$ |
(0.27 |
) |
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US$ (0.20 |
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US$ |
(0.14 |
) |
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Discontinued operations attributable to ATI per common share |
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(0.01 |
) |
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(0.05 |
) |
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(0.03 |
) |
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(0.04 |
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Net loss attributable to ATI per common share |
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US$ |
(0.01 |
) |
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US$ |
(0.32 |
) |
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US$ (0.23 |
) |
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US$ |
(0.18 |
) |
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Strategy and Outlook
“The drivers of several of our secular growth markets, particularly aerospace, oil & gas, and medical, remain intact. Aerospace build rate projections are increasing and next-generation airplanes and the jet engines that power them begin an unprecedented ramp up phase beginning in 2015,” said Rich Harshman. “Oil & gas projects that are being constructed are expected to take several years to complete. Demand from the medical market for our products used in prostheses and MRI machines remains strong. Automotive build rates in North America also remain strong. In short cycle markets, we are seeing a lot of global uncertainty and expect to see cautious inventory management in the short term, particularly until the price of nickel stabilizes and U.S. and other global economic outlooks become more clear.
“As we accelerate the commissioning of lighter gauge coiled products during the fourth quarter 2014, we expect HRPF pre-tax start-up costs of approximately US$10 million in the quarter. As a result, we now expect HRPF start-up costs to be in the low end of our original US$30 to US$35 million projected range.
“We expect that the fourth quarter 2014 will be impacted by approximately US$7 million of costs as we continue the Rowley titanium sponge PQ program. In addition, based on current year-end forecasted raw material costs, we expect net LIFO inventory valuation reserve charges of approximately US$16 million, pre-tax, in the fourth quarter, compared to US$10 million in the third quarter 2014.”
Third Quarter 2014 Financial Results
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Sales for the third quarter 2014 were US$1,069.6 million, 4% lower than the second quarter 2014, but 10% higher than the third quarter of 2013. Compared to the second quarter 2014, sales decreased 1% in the High Performance Materials & Components segment as lower shipments of nickel-based alloys more than offset improved demand for titanium mill products. Flat Rolled Products segment sales decreased 7% compared to the second quarter 2014 due to lower shipments of both high-value and standard products, and lower selling prices for certain high value products.
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Third quarter 2014 segment operating profit was US$70.6 million, or 6.6% of sales, compared to segment operating profit of US$65.2 million, or 5.8% of sales, in the second quarter 2014, and segment operating profit ofUS$27.6 million, or 2.8% of sales, in the third quarter 2013. Third quarter 2014 results included a US$10.0 million net impact of LIFO inventory valuation reserve charges, which included US$13.1 million of LIFO inventory valuation reserve charges in the Flat Rolled Products segment and US$3.1 million of LIFO reserve benefit in the High Performance Materials & Components segment. Third quarter 2014 results also included US$6.2 million of HRPF start-up costs, and US$6.7 million of costs related to the Rowley titanium sponge facility PQ qualification process, including inventory valuation charges related to the market-based valuation of industrial titanium products, higher raw material costs due to the strategic decision to use ATI-produced titanium sponge rather than other lower cost titanium units to manufacture certain products, and higher production costs due to lower operating rates during the PQ qualification process.
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Income from continuing operations attributable to ATI for the third quarter 2014 was breakeven, or US$0.00per share. For the second quarter 2014, the loss from continuing operations attributable to ATI was US$3.8 million, or US$(0.03) per share. For the third quarter 2013, the loss from continuing operations attributable to ATI was US$28.4 million, or US$(0.27) per share.
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Cash on hand was US$264.2 million, a decrease of US$762.6 million from year-end 2013. Cash flow used in operations for the third quarter 2014 was nearly unchanged at US$0.7 million, bringing first nine months 2014 operating cash flow use to US$38.2 million. Cash flow used in investing activities was US$248.1 million, including US$92.5 million for acquisitions and US$157.5 million for capital expenditures. Cash flow used in financing activities wasUS$476.3 million and included US$414.7 million of debt repayments.
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Gross cost reductions, before the effects of inflation, totaled US$33.3 million company-wide in the third quarter 2014, and were US$104.8 million for the 2014 first nine months.
High Performance Materials & Components Segment
Market Conditions
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Demand for our products in the third quarter 2014 was stable compared to the second quarter 2014. Mill product shipments of our nickel-based and specialty alloys decreased 12% and average prices improved 5%. Shipments of titanium and titanium alloys mill products increased 25% compared to the second quarter and average prices were 6% lower due to increased sales of value-added products as well as lower priced ingots. Shipments of our zirconium and related alloys were 7% lower and average prices were 1% lower. Sales of precision forgings, castings and components decreased 12% compared to the second quarter 2014 as push-outs of aeroengine forgings for certain programs continue to impact sales. International sales represented over 40% of total segment sales for the third quarter 2014.
Third quarter 2014 compared to third quarter 2013
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Sales increased 9% to US$507.7 million compared to the third quarter 2013 primarily as a result of higher mill product shipments, which were partially offset by lower base-selling prices for most products. Raw material surcharges were modestly higher compared to the prior year period. Sales of nickel-based and specialty alloys were 17% higher than the third quarter 2013 and sales of titanium and titanium alloys were 20% higher than the prior year period. Forged and cast product components sales were flat, while sales for zirconium and related alloys were 5% lower.
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Segment operating profit increased to US$62.0 million, or 12.2% of total sales, compared to US$48.0 million, or 10.3% of total sales, for the third quarter 2013, primarily as a result of higher shipments for nickel-based and specialty alloys and titanium and titanium alloys. Third quarter 2014 segment results included a US$3.1 million LIFO inventory valuation reserve benefit, compared to a US$12.5 million LIFO benefit in the third quarter 2013. Segment results continued to be negatively impacted by low operating rates at our Rowley titanium sponge facility and by the strategic decision to use ATI-produced titanium sponge rather than lower cost titanium scrap to manufacture certain titanium products.
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Results benefited from US$15.1 million of gross cost reductions in the third quarter 2014.
Flat Rolled Products Segment
Market Conditions
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Demand improved compared to the second quarter 2014 in the automotive and construction and mining markets. Sales to the oil & gas/chemical process industry, electrical energy, and food equipment and appliances markets were weaker on a sequential basis, due in part to seasonal fluctuations. Compared to the second quarter 2014, shipments decreased 6% for high-value products, particularly for titanium products and grain-oriented electrical steel. Standard products (stainless sheet and plate) shipments were 16% lower. Third quarter 2014 Flat Rolled Products segment titanium shipments, including Uniti joint venture conversion, were 2.2 million pounds, a 23% decrease compared to the second quarter 2014. International sales represented 34% of total segment sales for the third quarter 2014.
Third quarter 2014 compared to third quarter 2013
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Sales were US$561.9 million, 11% higher than the prior year period, primarily due to higher shipments of both high-value and standard products. Shipments of high-value products increased 8% compared to the third quarter 2013, with shipments of our Precision Rolled Strip® and engineered strip products, and nickel-based alloys showing the largest increases. Shipments of standard stainless products increased 3%. Average selling prices increased 17% for standard stainless products, while average selling prices for high-value products decreased 3%, both compared to the third quarter 2013. Flat Rolled Products segment shipment information is presented in the attached Selected Financial Data – Mill Products table.
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Segment operating profit was US$8.6 million, or 1.5% of total sales, compared to a segment operating loss of US$20.4 million, or (4.0)% of total sales, in the third quarter 2013. Results for 2014 reflect the benefits of higher shipment volumes, and higher selling prices for standard products. Third quarter 2014 segment operating results included a US$13.1 million LIFO inventory valuation reserve charge, compared to a US$2.7 million LIFO inventory valuation reserve benefit in the prior year quarter. Additionally, the third quarter 2014 included a major portion of the higher costs related to the Rowley titanium sponge facility, including charges for the market-based valuation of industrial titanium products, as well as higher raw material costs due to the strategic decision to use ATI-produced titanium sponge rather than lower cost titanium scrap to manufacture certain titanium products. Segment results also included US$6.2 million of start-up costs for the HRPF.
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Results benefited from US$18.2 million in gross cost reductions in the third quarter 2014.
Other Items
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Interest expense, net of interest income and capitalized interest, for the third quarter 2014 was US$25.2 million, compared to US$18.2 million in the third quarter 2013. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to reduced capitalized interest, partially offset by lower debt following maturity of the US$402.5 million 2014 convertible notes in June 2014.
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Capitalized interest on major strategic capital projects reduced interest expense by US$0.9 million and US$12.7 million for the 2014 and 2013 third quarters, respectively. Capitalized interest for both periods was primarily related to the HRPF project.
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Retirement benefit expense, which includes pension expense and other postretirement expense, decreased toUS$23.8 million in the third quarter 2014, compared to US$34.5 million in the third quarter 2013. The decrease was primarily due to the use of a higher discount rate to value retirement benefit obligations. Approximately 85% of 2014 retirement benefit expense is included in cost of sales, with the remainder included in selling and administrative expenses.
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