Biggest changeThese and other similar impacts that our operations may have on the environment, as well as exposures to hazardous substances or wastes associated with our operations, could result in significant costs, civil or criminal damages, fines or penalties, and enforcement actions issued by regulatory or judicial authorities enjoining, curtailing, or closing operations or requiring corrective measures, any of which could materially and adversely affect us. 23 Cybersecurity Risks Cyber attacks, security breaches, system failures, software or application vulnerabilities, or other cyber incidents may threaten the integrity of our information technology infrastructure and other sensitive business information, disrupt our operations and business processes, expose us to potential liability, and result in reputational harm and other negative consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Biggest changeCybersecurity Risks Cyber attacks, security breaches, system failures, software or application vulnerabilities, or other cyber incidents may threaten the integrity of our information technology infrastructure and other sensitive business information, disrupt our operations and business processes, expose us to potential liability, and result in reputational harm and other negative consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The Chinese market is a significant source of global demand for, and supply of, commodities, including aluminum. Chinese production rates of aluminum, both from new construction and installed smelting capacity, can fluctuate based on Chinese government policy, such as the level of enforcement of capacity limits and/or licenses and environmental policies.
The Chinese market is a significant source of global demand for, and supply of, commodities, including aluminum. Chinese production rates of aluminum, both from new construction and installed smelting capacity, can fluctuate based on Chinese government policy, such as the level of enforcement of production capacity limits and/or licenses and environmental policies.
We have operations or activities in numerous countries and regions outside the United States, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Guinea, and the Saudi Arabia.
We have operations or activities in numerous countries and regions outside the United States, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Guinea, and Saudi Arabia.
Alcoa and Alcoa Nederland Holding B.V. (ANHBV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcoa, are party to a revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders and issuers named therein (as subsequently amended, the Revolving Credit Facility).
Alcoa and Alcoa Nederland Holding B.V. (ANHBV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcoa, are party to a revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders and issuers named therein (as subsequently amended, the Amended Revolving Credit Facility).
Energy supply contracts for our operations vary in length and market exposure, and we could be, and have been, negatively impacted by: • Significant increases in LME prices, or spot electricity, fuel oil and/or natural gas prices; • Unavailability of or interruptions or uncertainty in energy supply or unplanned outages due to political instability, droughts, hurricanes, wildfires, other natural disasters, equipment failure, or other causes; • Unavailability of long-term energy from renewable sources in particular locations or at competitive rates; 17 • Curtailment of one or more refineries or smelters due to the inability to extend energy contracts upon expiration or negotiate new arrangements on cost-effective terms, the unavailability of energy at competitive rates; and, • Curtailment of one or more facilities due to high energy costs that render their continued operation uneconomic, discontinuation of power supply interruptibility rights granted to us under a regulatory regime in the country in which the facility is located, or due to a determination that energy arrangements do not comply with applicable laws, thus rendering the operations that had been relying on such country’s energy framework uneconomic.
Energy supply contracts for our operations vary in length and market exposure, and we could be, and have been, negatively impacted by: • Significant increases in LME prices, or spot electricity, fuel oil and/or natural gas prices; • Unavailability of or interruptions or uncertainty in energy supply or unplanned outages due to political instability, droughts, hurricanes, wildfires, other natural disasters, equipment failure, or other causes; • Unavailability of long-term energy from renewable sources in particular locations or at competitive rates; • Curtailment of one or more refineries or smelters due to the inability to extend energy contracts upon expiration or negotiate new arrangements on cost-effective terms, the unavailability of energy at competitive rates; and, • Curtailment of one or more facilities due to high energy costs that render their continued operation uneconomic, discontinuation of power supply interruptibility rights granted to us under a regulatory regime in the country in which the facility is located, or due to a determination that energy arrangements do not comply with applicable laws, thus rendering the operations that had been relying on such country’s energy framework uneconomic.
Whether or not the Company holds majority interests or maintains operational control in such arrangements, our joint venture and other business partners may take certain actions and positions, or experience difficulties, that may negatively impact the Company and/or its reputation, such as: • Advancing economic, political, social, or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with, or opposed to those of, the Company and our stakeholders; • Exercising veto rights to block actions that we believe to be in our or the joint venture’s or strategic alliance’s best interests; • Taking action contrary to our policies or objectives with respect to our investments; and, • As a result of financial or other difficulties, be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the joint venture, strategic alliance, or other agreements, such as contributing capital to expansion or maintenance projects.
Whether or not the Company holds majority interests or 20 maintains operational control in such arrangements, our joint venture and other business partners may take certain actions and positions, or experience difficulties, that may negatively impact the Company and/or its reputation, such as: • Advancing economic, political, social, or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with, or opposed to those of, the Company and our stakeholders; • Exercising veto rights to block actions that we believe to be in our or the joint venture’s or strategic alliance’s best interests; • Taking action contrary to our policies or objectives with respect to our investments; and, • As a result of financial or other difficulties, be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the joint venture, strategic alliance, or other agreements, such as contributing capital to expansion or maintenance projects.
See Part II Item 7 of this Form 10-K in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under caption Forward-Looking Statements. 14 Industry and Global Market Risks The aluminum industry and aluminum end-use markets are highly cyclical and are influenced by several factors, including global economic conditions, the Chinese market, and overall consumer confidence.
See Part II Item 7 of this Form 10-K in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the caption Forward-Looking Statements. Industry and Global Market Risks The aluminum industry and aluminum end-use markets are highly cyclical and are influenced by several factors, including global economic conditions, the Chinese market, and overall consumer confidence.
See Part I Item 3 of this Form 10-K and Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K in Note S to the Consolidated Financial Statements under caption Contingencies. Climate change, climate change legislation or regulations, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and build operational resilience to extreme weather conditions may adversely impact our operations and markets.
See Part I Item 3 of this Form 10-K and Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K in Note S to the Consolidated Financial Statements under caption Contingencies. Climate change, climate change legislation or regulations, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and build operational resilience to extreme weather conditions may adversely impact our operations and markets.
Executing these actions also diverts senior management time and resources from our regular business operations, each of which could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. 18 Joint ventures, other strategic alliances, and strategic business transactions may not achieve intended results.
Executing these actions also diverts senior management time and resources from our regular business operations, each of which could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. Joint ventures, other strategic alliances, and strategic business transactions may not achieve intended results.
The results of the calculation of these ratios, when considering the Company’s existing debt obligations, affects and could restrict the amount of additional borrowing capacity under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility or other credit facilities, and ANHBV’s ability to make restricted payments, to make investments and to incur indebtedness.
The results of the calculation of these ratios, when considering the Company’s existing debt obligations, affects and could restrict the amount of additional borrowing capacity under the Company’s Amended Revolving Credit Facility or other credit facilities, and ANHBV’s ability to make restricted payments, to make investments and to incur indebtedness.
The terms of the Revolving Credit Facility and the indentures governing our outstanding notes contain covenants that could impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us upon non-compliance with them, including on our ability to, among other things: • Make investments, loans, advances, and acquisitions; • Amend certain material documents; • Dispose of assets; • Incur or guarantee additional debt and issue certain disqualified equity interests and preferred stock; • Make certain restricted payments, including limiting the amount of dividends on equity securities and payments to redeem, repurchase or retire equity securities or other indebtedness; • Engage in transactions with affiliates; • Materially alter the business we conduct; • Enter into certain restrictive agreements; • Create liens on assets to secure lenders and issuers; • Consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Alcoa’s, ANHBV’s or a subsidiary guarantor’s assets; and, • Take any actions that would reduce our ownership of AWAC entities below an agreed level.
The terms of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, Amended Japanese Yen Revolving Credit Facility, and the indentures governing our outstanding notes contain covenants that could impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us upon non-compliance with them, including on our ability to, among other things: • Make investments, loans, advances, and acquisitions; • Amend certain material documents; • Dispose of assets; • Incur or guarantee additional debt and issue certain disqualified equity interests and preferred stock; • Make certain restricted payments, including limiting the amount of dividends on equity securities and payments to redeem, repurchase or retire equity securities or other indebtedness; • Engage in transactions with affiliates; • Materially alter the business we conduct; • Enter into certain restrictive agreements; • Create liens on assets to secure lenders and issuers; • Consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Alcoa’s, ANHBV’s or a subsidiary guarantor’s assets; and, • Take any actions that would reduce our ownership of AWAC entities below an agreed level.
Overtopping of storage areas caused by extreme weather events, erosion, or unanticipated structural failure of impoundments could result in severe, and in some cases catastrophic, damage to the environment, natural resources, or property, or personal injury and loss of life.
Failure of storage areas caused by extreme weather events, erosion, or unanticipated structural failure of impoundments could result in severe, and in some cases catastrophic, damage to the environment, natural resources, or property, or personal injury and loss of life.
Cyber attacks or breaches could require significant management attention and resources and result in the diminution of the value of our investment in research and development, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Some cyber attacks or breaches could require significant management attention and resources and result in the diminution of the value of our investment in research and development, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
The global focus on climate is raising awareness in all countries, such as the agreement at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) by many governments of countries where the Company operates to combat deforestation, which could adversely affect our ability to mine and operate in sensitive areas like the Jarrah Forest and the Amazon. 22 The potential physical impacts of climate change or extreme weather conditions on the Company’s operations are highly uncertain and will be particular to the geographic circumstances.
The global focus on climate is raising awareness in all countries, such as the agreement at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) by many governments of countries where the Company operates to combat deforestation, which could adversely affect our ability to mine and operate in sensitive areas like the Jarrah Forest and the Amazon. 24 The potential physical impacts of climate change or extreme weather conditions on the Company’s operations are highly uncertain and will be particular to the geographic circumstances.
In addition, existing collective bargaining agreements may not prevent strikes, work stoppages, work slowdowns, union organizing campaigns, or lockouts at our facilities in the future. We may also be subject to general country strikes or work stoppages unrelated to our business or collective bargaining agreements.
In addition, existing arrangements may not prevent strikes, work stoppages, work slowdowns, union organizing campaigns, or lockouts at our facilities in the future. We may also be subject to general country strikes or work stoppages unrelated to our business or collective bargaining agreements.
The risks associated with the Company’s global operations include: • Geopolitical risks, such as political instability, coups d’états, civil unrest, strikes and work stoppages, expropriation, nationalization of properties by a government, imposition of sanctions, changes to import or export regulations and fees, renegotiation, revocation or nullification of existing agreements, leases, licenses, and permits, and changes to mining royalty rules or laws; • Economic and commercial instability risks, including those caused by sovereign and private debt default, corruption, and changes in local government laws, regulations, and policies, such as those related to tariffs and trade barriers, trade tensions, taxation, exchange controls, employment regulations, and repatriation of earnings; • Weakening macroeconomic conditions; • Contracting manufacturing activity, especially in the global automotive sector; • War or terrorist activities; • Major public health issues, such as an outbreak of a pandemic or epidemic, which could cause disruptions in our operations, supply chain, or workforce; • Information systems failures or disruptions, including due to cyber attacks; • Difficulties enforcing intellectual property and contractual rights, or limitations in the protection of technology, data, and intellectual property, in certain jurisdictions; and, • Unexpected events, accidents, or environmental incidents, including natural disasters.
The risks associated with the Company’s global operations include: • Geopolitical risks, such as political instability, coups d’états, civil unrest, strikes and work stoppages, expropriation, nationalization of properties by a government, imposition of sanctions, changes to import or export regulations and fees, renegotiation, revocation or nullification of existing agreements, leases, licenses, and permits, and changes to mining royalty rules or laws; • Economic and commercial instability risks, including those caused by sovereign and private debt default, corruption, and changes in local government laws, regulations, and policies, such as those related to tariffs and trade barriers, trade tensions, taxation, exchange controls, employment regulations, and repatriation of earnings; • Weakening macroeconomic conditions; • Decreasing manufacturing activity, especially in the global automotive sector; • War or terrorist activities; • Major public health issues, such as a pandemic or epidemic, which could cause disruptions in our operations, supply chain, or workforce; • Information systems failures or disruptions, including due to cyber attacks; • Difficulties enforcing intellectual property and contractual rights, or limitations in the protection of technology, data, and intellectual property, in certain jurisdictions; and, • Unexpected events, accidents, or environmental incidents, including natural disasters.
Changing expectations and increased information required by regulators could make our ability to comply with the applicable requirements more difficult, inhibit or delay our ability to timely obtain the necessary approvals, if at all, result in approvals being conditioned in a manner that may restrict the Company’s ability to efficiently and economically conduct its mining activities, require us to adjust our mining plans, or preclude the continuation of certain ongoing operations and mining activities or the development of future mining operations.
Changing expectations and increased information required by regulators has in the past and could in the future make our ability to comply with the applicable requirements more difficult, inhibit or delay our ability to timely obtain the necessary approvals, if at all, result in approvals being conditioned in a manner that may restrict the Company’s ability to efficiently and economically conduct its mining activities, require us to adjust our mining plans, or preclude the continuation of certain ongoing operations and mining activities or the development of future mining operations.
Our business operations are capital intensive, and portfolio optimization actions such as the curtailment or closure of operations or facilities may include significant costs and charges, including asset impairment charges and other measures.
Our business operations are capital intensive, and portfolio optimization actions such as the curtailment or closure of operations or facilities may include significant costs and charges, including asset impairment or restructuring charges and other measures.
Though we have ownership in certain hydroelectricity assets, we rely on third parties for our supply of energy resources consumed in the manufacture of our products.
Though we have ownership in certain hydroelectricity assets, we also rely on third parties for our supply of energy resources consumed in the manufacture of our products.
If AofA is ultimately successful, any amounts paid to the ATO as part of the 50% payment would be refunded . The ATO has also issued a position paper with its preliminary view on the imposition of administrative penalties related to the tax assessment , proposing penalties of approximately $86 (A$128).
If AofA is ultimately successful, any amounts paid to the ATO as part of the 50% payment would be refunded. The ATO has also issued a position paper with its preliminary view on the imposition of administrative penalties related to the tax assessment, proposing penalties of approximately $87 (A$128).
Growing expectations of hosting communities as well as increasing social activism pose additional challenges to us maintaining our social license to operate and expand our business. For example, community and stakeholder concerns in Juruti, Brazil have affected our ability to access certain mining areas at times.
Growing expectations of hosting communities as well as increasing social activism pose additional challenges to us maintaining our social license to operate and expanding our business. For example, community and stakeholder concerns in Juruti, Brazil have affected our ability to access certain mining areas at times.
For example, in July 2020, AofA received Notices of Assessment (the Notices) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) related to the pricing of certain historic third-party alumina sales. The Notices asserted claims for income tax payable by AofA of approximately $143 (A$214), exclusive of interest and penalties.
For example, in July 2020, AofA received Notices of Assessment (the Notices) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) related to the pricing of certain historic third-party alumina sales. The Notices asserted claims for income tax payable by AofA of approximately $145 (A$214), exclusive of interest and penalties.
In July 2022, the Board of Directors approved an additional common stock repurchase program under which the Company may purchase shares of its outstanding common stock up to an aggregate transactional value of $500, depending on the Company’s continuing analysis of market, financial, and other factors (the New Repurchase Program).
In July 2022, the Board of Directors approved an additional common stock repurchase program under which the Company may purchase shares of its outstanding common stock up to an aggregate transactional value of $500, depending on the Company’s continuing analysis of market, financial, and other factors (the July 2022 authorization).
Each of the above three components has its own drivers of variability. The LME price volatility is typically driven by macroeconomic factors (including political instability), global supply and demand of aluminum (including expectations for growth, contraction, and the level of global inventories), and trading activity of financial investors.
Each of the above three components has its own drivers of variability. The LME price volatility is typically driven by macroeconomic factors (including geopolitical instability), global supply and demand of aluminum (including expectations for growth, contraction, and the level of global inventories), and trading activity of financial investors.
In October 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors initiated a quarterly cash dividend program, at $0.10 per share and authorized a $500 share repurchase program, which was fully used with the completion of $150 in repurchases during the third quarter of 2022 .
In October 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors initiated a quarterly cash dividend program, at $0.10 per share and authorized a $500 common stock repurchase program, which was fully used with the completion of $150 in repurchases during the third quarter of 2022.
Item 1A. Risk Factors. There are inherent risks associated with Alcoa’s business and industry. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this report, the following risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, including causing Alcoa’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.
Item 1A. Ri sk Factors. There are inherent risks associated with Alcoa’s business and industry. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this report, the following risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, including causing Alcoa’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.
In addition, as described elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” section , the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) could inhibit the Company’s ability to make certain restricted payments, including the amount of dividends and payments to redeem, repurchase, or retire equity securities or other indebtedness, if the Company does not maintain certain financial ratios.
In addition, as described elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” section, the Company’s Amended Revolving Credit Facility and Amended Japanese Yen Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) could inhibit the Company’s ability to make certain restricted payments, including the amount of dividends and payments to redeem, repurchase, or retire equity securities or other indebtedness, if the Company does not maintain certain financial ratios.
While the Company took several actions in 2022 to improve the funded status of its pension plans and adjust its asset allocation to reduce variance risk, declines in the discount rate or lower-than-expected investment returns on plan assets could have a material negative effect on our cash flows.
While the Company took several actions in recent years to improve the funded status of its pension plans and adjust its asset allocation to reduce variance risk, declines in the discount rate or lower-than-expected investment returns on plan assets could have a material negative effect on our cash flows.
The payment of any future dividends and the existence of a share repurchase program could cause our stock price to be higher than it would otherwise be and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock.
The payment of any future dividends and the existence of a common stock repurchase program could cause our stock price to be higher than it would otherwise be and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock.
Any of these may disrupt our operations, hinder transportation of products to us or of our products to customers, prevent access to our facilities, negatively impact our suppliers’ or customers’ operations and their ability to fulfill contractual obligations to us, and/or cause damage to our facilities, all of which may increase our costs, reduce production, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Any of these may disrupt our operations, hinder transportation of products to us or of our products to customers, interrupt energy supplies, prevent access to our facilities, negatively impact our suppliers’ or customers’ operations and their ability to fulfill contractual obligations to us, and/or cause damage to our facilities, all of which may increase our costs, reduce production, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
The reduction, suspension, or elimination of our cash dividend or our share repurchase program could adversely affect the market price of our stock and/or significantly increase its trading price volatility.
The reduction, suspension, or elimination of our cash dividend or our common stock repurchase program could adversely affect the market price of our stock and/or significantly increase its trading price volatility.
Our announced roadmap of technologies under development to support our long-term goal of having the lowest carbon-producing alumina refineries and aluminum smelters includes investments to develop, implement, and commercialize new technologies to reduce carbon emissions in the aluminum production process.
Our announced roadmap of technologies under development to support our long-term goal of being one of the lowest carbon-producing alumina refineries and aluminum smelters includes investments to develop, implement, and commercialize new technologies to reduce carbon emissions in the aluminum production process.
Economic factors, including inflation and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, competitive factors in the countries in which we operate, and volatility or deterioration in the global economic and financial environment, could affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Economic factors, including inflation and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, competitive factors in the countries in which we operate, and volatility or deterioration in the global economic and financial environment, have in the past and could in the future affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default under the Revolving Credit Facility or the indentures governing our notes and other outstanding indebtedness, including such indebtedness for which the Company is a guarantor.
The breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, the Amended Japanese Yen Revolving Credit Facility, or the indentures governing our notes and other outstanding indebtedness, including such indebtedness for which the Company is a guarantor.
Failure to obtain, maintain, or renew permits or approvals, or permitting or approval delays, restrictions, or conditions may impact the quality of the bauxite we are able to mine and could increase our costs and affect our ability to efficiently and economically conduct our operations, potentially having a materially adverse impact on our results of operations and profitability.
Failure to obtain, maintain, or renew permits or approvals, or permitting or approval delays, restrictions, or conditions has in the past and may in the future impact the quality of the bauxite we are able to mine and could increase our costs and affect our ability to efficiently and economically conduct our operations, potentially having a materially adverse impact on our results of operations and profitability.
Increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, or retaliatory measures taken by Russia, or other countries in response, as well as the destabilizing effects of the conflict, could also adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations by limiting sales, restricting access to required raw materials, or raising costs thereof.
Increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, or retaliatory measures taken in response, as well as the destabilizing effects of regional conflict, could also adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations by limiting sales, restricting access to required raw materials, or raising costs thereof.
Many of the markets in which our customers participate are also cyclical in nature and experience significant fluctuations in demand for their products based on economic conditions, consumer demand, raw material and energy costs, and government actions. Many of these factors are beyond our control.
Many of the markets in which our customers participate are also cyclical in nature and experience significant fluctuations in demand for their products based on economic and geopolitical conditions, consumer demand, raw material and energy costs, foreign exchange rates, and government actions. Many of these factors are beyond our control.
In addition, we operate in communities around the world, and social issues in the communities where we operate could affect our ability to maintain our operations; furthermore, incidents related to our industry could generate negative publicity and impact the social acceptability of our operations in such locations, including by damaging our reputation, our relationships with stakeholders, and our competitive position.
In addition, we operate in communities around the world, and social issues in the communities where we operate have affected and could continue to affect our ability to maintain our social license to operate; furthermore, incidents related to our industry have generated and could continue to generate negative publicity and impact the social acceptability of our operations in such locations, including by damaging our reputation, our relationships with stakeholders, and our competitive position.
Examples of such factors include, but are not limited to, evolving legal, regulatory, and other standards, processes, and assumptions, the pace of scientific and technological developments, increased costs, the availability of requisite financing, and changes in carbon markets.
Examples of such factors include, but are not limited to, evolving legal, regulatory, and other standards, processes, and assumptions, the pace of scientific and technological developments, increased costs, the availability of requisite suppliers, energy sources, or financing, and changes in carbon markets.
Though we are investing in technology to reduce the production of greenhouse gases in the manufacture of our products, such as our ELYSIS joint venture aluminum smelting technology and other technologies that limit the production of carbon in alumina refining, in certain aspects of our operations, our ability to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions is also dependent on the actions of third parties, especially energy providers, and our ability to make significant changes in our greenhouse gas emissions.
Though we are investing in technology to reduce the production of greenhouse gases in the manufacture of our products, such as our ELYSIS partnership aluminum smelting technology and other technologies that are designed to limit the production of carbon in alumina refining, in certain aspects of our operations, our ability to reduce our GHG emissions is also dependent on the actions of third parties, especially energy providers, and our ability to make significant changes in our GHG emissions.
In addition, cybersecurity incidents could negatively impact our reputation and competitive position, and could result in litigation with third parties, regulatory action, loss of business, theft of assets, and significant remediation costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, some cybersecurity incidents could negatively impact our reputation and competitive position, and could result in litigation with third parties, regulatory action, loss of business, theft of assets, and significant remediation costs, and because of any of these things, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Events, such as those listed above, can result in high energy costs, the disruption of an energy source, finding a replacement energy source at a higher cost, the requirement to repay all or a portion of the benefit we received under a power supply interruptibility regime, or the requirement to remedy any non-compliance of an energy framework to comply with applicable laws.
Events, such as those listed above, have in the past and could in the future result in high energy costs, the disruption of an energy source, finding a replacement energy source at a higher cost, the requirement to repay all or a portion of the benefit we received under a power supply interruptibility regime, or the requirement to remedy any non-compliance of an energy framework to comply with applicable laws.
We are executing a strategy to be a low cost, competitive, and integrated aluminum production business by implementing productivity and cost-reduction initiatives, optimizing our portfolio of assets, and investing in technology to advance sustainably.
We are executing a strategy to be a low cost, competitive, and integrated aluminum production business by implementing productivity and cost-reduction initiatives, optimizing our portfolio of assets, and investing in technology to advance our climate-related ambitions.
Adverse capital market conditions could result in reductions in the fair value of plan assets and increase our liabilities related to such plans, adversely affecting our liquidity and results of operations. 27 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None.
Adverse capital market conditions could result in reductions in the fair value of plan assets and increase our liabilities related to such plans, adversely affecting our liquidity and results of operations. Item 1B. Unresolve d Staff Comments. None. 30
Destabilizing effects that the ongoing conflict may pose for the global oil and natural gas markets could also adversely impact our operations by further increasing our energy costs.
Destabilizing effects that these ongoing regional conflicts may pose for the global oil and natural gas markets could also adversely impact our operations by further increasing our energy costs.
Several governments or regulatory bodies in areas where we operate, such as in Canada and the EU, have introduced or are contemplating legislative and regulatory change in response to the potential impacts of climate change, which could result in changes to the margins of greenhouse gas (GHG) intensive assets and energy-intensive assets.
Several governments or regulatory bodies in areas where we operate, such as in the United States, Asia, Brazil, Canada, and the EU, have introduced or are contemplating legislative and regulatory change in response to the potential impacts of climate change, which could result in changes to the margins of GHG intensive assets and energy-intensive assets.
In addition, further escalation of geopolitical tensions related to the conflict could result in loss of property, cyberattacks, additional supply disruptions, an inability to obtain key supplies and materials, reduced production and sales, and/or operational curtailments, and adversely affect our business and our supply chain. 21 Legal and Regulatory Risks We may be exposed to significant legal proceedings, investigations, or changes in foreign and/or U.S. federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or policies.
In addition, further escalation of geopolitical tensions related to such conflicts could result in loss of property, cyber attacks, additional supply disruptions, an inability to obtain key supplies and materials, reduced production and sales, and/or operational curtailments, and adversely affect our business and our supply chain. 23 Legal and Regulatory Risks We may be exposed to significant legal proceedings, investigations, or changes in foreign and/or U.S. federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or policies.
While global inventories declined in 2022, high LME inventories could lead to a reduction in the price of aluminum and declines in the LME price have had a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
While global inventories remained consistent in 2023, high inventories could lead to a reduction in the price of aluminum and declines in the LME price have had a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Such intrusions could manipulate or improperly use our systems or networks, disclose, or compromise confidential or protected information, destroy, or corrupt data, or otherwise disrupt our operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Some intrusions could manipulate or improperly use our systems or networks, disclose, or compromise confidential or protected information, destroy, or corrupt data, or otherwise disrupt our operations, and because of any of these things could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Though we have been able to source our raw materials and other key inputs in adequate amounts from other suppliers or our own stockpiles to date, there can be no guarantee that our operations or profitability will not be adversely affected in the future. Our suppliers, vendors, and customers could experience similar constraints that could impact our operations and profitability.
Though we have been able to source our raw materials and other key inputs in adequate amounts from other suppliers or our own stockpiles to date, there can be no guarantee that our operations or profitability will not be adversely affected in the future.
Such adverse and uncertain economic conditions have exacerbated supply chain disruptions and increased our costs for energy, particularly in Spain, and for certain raw materials. During the first quarter of 2022, in response to the conflict, we ceased purchasing raw materials from and selling our products to Russian businesses.
Such adverse and uncertain economic conditions have exacerbated supply chain disruptions and increased our costs for energy, particularly in Spain, and for certain raw materials. In 2022, in response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we ceased purchasing raw materials from and selling our products to Russian businesses.
Though we have disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place, if our information technology systems, or those of our third-party providers, are damaged, breached, interrupted, or cease to function properly for any reason, and, if the disaster recovery and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the incident on a timely basis, we may suffer interruptions in our ability to manage or conduct business and we may be exposed to reputational, competitive and business harm as well as litigation and regulatory action, which may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. 24 Available Capital and Credit-Related Risks Our business and growth prospects may be negatively impacted by limits on our ability to fund capital expenditures.
Though we have disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place, if our information technology systems, or those of our third-party providers, are damaged, breached, interrupted, or cease to function properly for any reason, and, if the disaster recovery and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the incident on a timely basis, we may suffer interruptions in our ability to manage or conduct business and we may be exposed to reputational, competitive and business harm as well as litigation and regulatory action, which may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by disruptions in the global economy caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The global economy has been negatively impacted by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by disruptions in the global economy caused by ongoing regional conflicts. The global economy has been negatively impacted by ongoing regional conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
The Company set each of the current dividend and new share repurchase program authorizations at a level it believes is sustainable throughout the commodity cycle, based on our current financial position and reasonable expectations of cash flow.
The Company set each of the current dividend and July 2022 authorizations at a level it believes is sustainable throughout the commodity cycle, based on our current financial position and reasonable expectations of cash flow.
These events could disrupt our operations or result in production curtailments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
These events have disrupted our operations and resulted in production curtailments that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
As techniques used in cyber attacks change frequently and may not be immediately detectable, we may be unable to anticipate or detect these techniques, such as use of a zero-day exploit or unknown malware, immediately identify the scope and impact of an incident, contain the incident within our systems, or implement preventative or remediation measures.
As techniques used in cyber attacks change frequently and may not be immediately detectable, we may be unable to anticipate or detect these techniques, such as use of a zero-day exploit or unknown malware, immediately identify the scope and impact of an incident, contain the incident within our systems, or implement preventative or remediation measures., which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
For 2023, we project capital expenditures of $600 million, of which $485 million is for sustaining capital and $115 million for return-seeking capital. If our technology research and development projects prove feasible with an acceptable expected rate of return, our capital expenditures for return-seeking projects would increase significantly over the next several years.
For 2024, we project capital expenditures of $550, of which $460 is for sustaining capital projects and $90 is for return-seeking capital projects. If our technology research and development projects prove feasible with an acceptable expected rate of return, our capital expenditures for return-seeking projects would increase significantly over the next several years.
Business Strategy Risks We have incurred, and may incur in the future, significant costs associated with our strategy to be a lower cost, competitive, and integrated aluminum production business and we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits from announced plans, programs, initiatives relating to our portfolio, capital investments, and developing technologies.
Our suppliers, vendors, and customers could experience similar constraints that could impact our operations and profitability. 19 Business Strategy Risks We have incurred, and may incur in the future, significant costs associated with our strategy to be a lower cost, competitive, and integrated aluminum production business and we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits from announced plans, programs, initiatives relating to our portfolio, capital investments, and developing technologies.
The Notices also include claims for compounded interest on the tax amount totaling approximately $474 (A$707).
The Notices also included claims for compounded interest on the tax amount totaling approximately $481 (A$707).
Our indebtedness restricts our current and future operations, which could adversely affect our ability to respond to changes in our business and manage our operations, and failure to comply with the agreements relating to our outstanding indebtedness, including due to events beyond our control, could result in an event of default that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
As a result of these factors, a downgrade of our credit ratings could have a materially adverse impact on our future operations, cash flows, and financial position. 26 Our indebtedness restricts our current and future operations, which could adversely affect our ability to respond to changes in our business and manage our operations, and failure to comply with the agreements relating to our outstanding indebtedness, including due to events beyond our control, could result in an event of default that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Unexpected or uncontrollable events or circumstances in any of the foreign markets in which we operate, including actions by foreign governments such as changes in foreign policy or fiscal regimes, termination of our leases or agreements with such foreign governments, increased government regulation, or forced curtailment or continuation of operations, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. 16 We may be unable to obtain, maintain, or renew permits or approvals necessary for our mining operations, which could materially adversely affect our operations and profitability.
Unexpected or uncontrollable events or circumstances in any of the foreign markets in which we operate, including actions by foreign governments such as changes in foreign policy or fiscal regimes, termination of our leases or agreements with such foreign governments, increased government regulation, or forced curtailment or continuation of operations, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We have been taking decisive actions to lower the cost base of our operations through procurement strategies for raw materials, labor productivity, improving operating performance, deploying Company-wide business process models, and reducing overhead costs. In 2019, the Company announced a five year strategic portfolio review of smelting and refining capacity.
We have been taking decisive actions to lower the cost base of our operations through procurement strategies for raw materials, labor productivity, improving operating performance, deploying Company-wide business process models, and reducing overhead costs.
The demand for aluminum is sensitive to, and impacted by, demand for the finished goods manufactured by our customers in industries, such as the commercial construction, transportation, and automotive industries, which may change as a result of changes in the global economy, foreign currency exchange rates, energy prices, or other factors beyond our control.
The demand for aluminum is sensitive to, and impacted by, demand for the finished goods manufactured by our customers in industries, such as the commercial construction, transportation, and automotive industries, which may change as a result of factors beyond our control.
Insufficient cash generation or capital project overruns may negatively impact our ability to fund as planned our sustaining and return-seeking capital projects, and such postponement in funding capital expenditures or inadequate funding to complete projects could result in operational issues.
Our ability to generate cash flows is affected by many factors, including market and pricing conditions. Insufficient cash generation or capital project overruns may negatively impact our ability to fund as planned our sustaining and return-seeking capital projects, and such postponement in funding capital expenditures or inadequate funding to complete projects could result in operational issues.
To the extent that further agreements are reached on a broader range of imports, or these tariffs and other trade actions result in a decrease in international demand for aluminum produced in the United States or otherwise negatively impact demand for our products, our business may be adversely impacted, and could further exacerbate aluminum and alumina price volatility and overall market uncertainty.
To the extent that further agreements are reached on a broader range of imports, or these tariffs and other trade actions result in a decrease in international demand for aluminum produced in the United States or otherwise negatively impact demand for our products, our business may be adversely impacted, and could further exacerbate aluminum and alumina price volatility and overall market uncertainty. 21 We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, as well as inflation and other economic factors in the countries in which we operate.
This could have an adverse effect on our ability to secure expansions to our operations at all or in the expected timeframe, could significantly increase our cost of doing business, and could disrupt our operations. 19 In the United States, in recent years, the U.S. government has taken actions with respect to the implementation of significant changes to certain trade policies, including import tariffs and quotas, modifications to international trade policy, the withdrawal from or renegotiation of certain trade agreements, and other changes that have affect ed U.S. trade relations with other countries, any of which may require us to significantly modify our current business practices or may otherwise materially and adversely affect our business or those of our customers.
In the United States, in recent years, the U.S. government has taken actions with respect to the implementation of significant changes to certain trade policies, including import tariffs and quotas, modifications to international trade policy, the withdrawal from or renegotiation of certain trade agreements, and other changes that have affected U.S. trade relations with other countries, any of which may require us to significantly modify our current business practices or may otherwise materially and adversely affect our business or those of our customers.
Our mining operations are subject to extensive permitting and approval requirements. These include permits and approvals issued by various government agencies and regulatory bodies at the federal, state, and local levels of governments in the countries in which we operate.
These include permits and approvals issued by various government agencies and regulatory bodies at the federal, state, and local levels of governments in the countries in which we operate.
For example, in 2021, the European Commission proposed a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as a levy on carbon-intensive imports, which was provisionally approved in December 2022 and would include aluminum in the first phase of implementation beginning in 2023.
For example, in 2021, the European Commission proposed a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as a levy on carbon-intensive imports, which was provisionally approved in December 2022.
Regional premiums tend to vary based on the supply of and demand for metal in a particular region, associated transportation costs, and import tariffs. Product premiums generally are a function of supply and demand for a given primary aluminum shape and alloy combination in a particular region. Periods of industry overcapacity may also result in a weak aluminum pricing environment.
Product premiums generally are a function of supply and demand for a given primary aluminum shape and alloy combination in a particular region. Periods of industry overcapacity may also result in a weak aluminum pricing environment.
The major credit rating agencies evaluate our creditworthiness and give us specified credit ratings. These ratings are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength and financial policies as well as our strategies, operations, and execution of announced actions.
These ratings are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength and financial policies as well as our strategies, operations, and execution of announced actions.
Also, changes in the aluminum market can cause changes in the alumina and bauxite markets, which could also materially affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. As a result of these factors, our profitability is subject to significant fluctuation.
Also, changes in the aluminum market can cause changes in the alumina and bauxite markets, which could also materially affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Additionally, in the current competitive labor market, if we lose critical or a significant number of workers to attrition, it may be difficult or costly to find and recruit replacement employees, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Additionally, in the current competitive labor market, if we lose critical or a significant number of workers to attrition, it may be difficult or costly to find and recruit replacement employees, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 29 A decline in the liability discount rate, lower-than-expected investment return on pension assets and other factors could affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or amount of pension funding contributions in future periods.
To date, these actions have not had a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, but they could have material negative impacts if the conflict continues and global sales of our products are impacted.
To date, these actions and other ongoing regional conflicts and responses have not had a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, but they could have material negative impacts if the conflicts continue and global sales of our products are affected.
We have in the past experienced attempts and incidents by external parties to penetrate our and our service providers or business partners networks and systems. Such attempts and incidents to date have not resulted in any material breaches, disruptions, or loss of information.
We have in the past experienced attempts and incidents by external parties to penetrate our and our service providers or business partners networks and systems.
We continue to assess potential cyber threats and invest in our information technology infrastructure to address these threats, including by monitoring networks and systems, training employees on cyber threats, and enhancing security policies of the Company and its third-party providers.
Such attempts and incidents to date have not had a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations We continue to assess potential cyber threats and invest in our information technology infrastructure to address these threats, including by monitoring networks and systems, training employees on cyber threats, and enhancing security policies of the Company and its third-party providers.
Our domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the distribution of profits among these different jurisdictions. Our tax expense includes estimates of additional tax that may be incurred for tax exposures and reflects various estimates and assumptions. The assumptions include assessments of future earnings of the Company that could impact the valuation of our deferred tax assets.
Our domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the distribution of profits among the different jurisdictions in which we operate. Our tax expense includes estimates of additional tax that may be incurred for tax exposures and reflects various estimates and assumptions.
Additionally, any future payment of dividends or repurchases of our common stock could negatively impact our financial position and our ability to fund ordinary and existing operations, capital expenditures, the payment of taxes, and growth or other opportunities. 25 Deterioration in our credit profile or increases in interest rates could increase our costs of borrowing money and limit our access to the capital markets and commercial credit.
Additionally, any future payment of dividends or repurchases of our common stock could negatively impact our financial position and our ability to fund ordinary and existing operations, capital expenditures, the payment of taxes, and growth or other opportunities.
Our participation in increasingly competitive and complex global markets exposes us to risks, including legal and regulatory risks and changes in conditions beyond our control, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
The disruption of the market-driven balancing of the global supply and demand of aluminum, a resulting weak pricing environment and margin compression may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 17 Our participation in increasingly competitive and complex global markets exposes us to risks, including legal and regulatory risks and changes in conditions beyond our control, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
From time to time, we establish strategies and expectations related to climate change and other environmental matters. Our ability to achieve any such strategies or expectations is subject to numerous factors and conditions, many of which are outside of our control.
Our ability to achieve any such strategies or expectations is subject to numerous factors and conditions, some of which are outside of our control.
A decline in consumer and business confidence and spending, severe reductions in the availability and cost of credit, and volatility in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect the business and economic environment in which we operate and the profitability of our business. We are also exposed to risks associated with the creditworthiness of our suppliers and customers.
As a result of these factors, our profitability is subject to significant fluctuation. 16 A decline in consumer and business confidence and spending, severe reductions in the availability and cost of credit, and volatility in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect the business and economic environment in which we operate and the profitability of our business.