Howmet Aerospace Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

Business Wire 30-Jul-2024 7:00 AM

Record Quarterly Revenue, Up 14% Year Over Year; Record Operating Income, Strong Cash Generation

Common Stock Repurchase Authorization Increased by $2 Billion to $2.487 Billion

Third Quarter 2024 Common Stock Dividend 60% Higher; 2025 Dividend Policy Payout Ratio 15% +/- 5%¹

Full Year 2024 Guidance Raised for All Metrics Above Second Quarter 2024 Beat

Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM):

Second Quarter 2024 GAAP Financial Results

• Revenue of $1.88 billion, up 14% year over year, driven by commercial aerospace, up 27%
• Net income of $266 million versus $193 million in the second quarter 2023; earnings per share of $0.65 versus $0.46 in the second quarter 2023
• Operating income margin of 21.2%
• Generated $397 million of cash from operations; $123 million of cash used for financing activities; and $54 million of cash used for investing activities
• Share repurchases of $60 million; $0.05 per share dividend on common stock

Second Quarter 2024 Adjusted Financial Results

• Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items of $483 million, up 31% year over year
• Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding special items of 25.7%
• Adjusted operating income margin excluding special items of 22.0%
• Adjusted earnings per share excluding special items of $0.67, up 52% year over year
• Generated $342 million of free cash flow

2024 Guidance

Key Announcements

• On July 1, 2024, Howmet Aerospace completed the early redemption of all the remaining outstanding aggregate principal amount of $205 million of its 5.125% Notes due October 2024 with cash on hand at par value plus accrued interest at an aggregate redemption price of approximately $208 million. In the second quarter 2024, the Company repurchased approximately $23 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.875% Notes due May 2025 with cash on hand. These combined actions will reduce annualized interest expense by approximately $12 million.
• In the second quarter 2024, the Company repurchased $60 million of common stock at an average price of $81.66 per share, retiring approximately 0.73 million shares.
• On July 30, 2024, the Board of Directors of Howmet Aerospace (the "Board of Directors") authorized an increase in the Company's share repurchase program by $2 billion to $2.487 billion of its outstanding common stock.
• On July 30, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share on its common stock to be paid on August 26, 2024 to holders of record as of the close of business on August 9, 2024. The quarterly dividend represents a 60% increase from the second quarter 2024 dividend of $0.05 per share.
• On July 30, 2024, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of a 2025 dividend policy on common stock at 15% plus or minus 5% of net income excluding special items.

Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM) today reported second quarter 2024 results. The Company reported record second quarter 2024 revenue of $1.88 billion, up 14% year over year, primarily driven by growth in the commercial aerospace market of 27%.

Howmet Aerospace reported net income of $266 million, or $0.65 per share, in the second quarter 2024 versus $193 million, or $0.46 per share, in the second quarter 2023. Net income included approximately $10 million in net charges from special items in the second quarter 2024. Second quarter 2024 operating income was $398 million, up 40% year over year. Operating income margin was 21.2%, up approximately 390 basis points year over year.

Howmet Aerospace reported net income excluding special items of $276 million, or $0.67 per share, in the second quarter 2024 versus $181 million, or $0.44 per share, in the second quarter 2023. Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items was $483 million, up 31% year over year. The year-over-year increase was driven by strong growth in the commercial aerospace market. Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding special items was up approximately 340 basis points year over year at 25.7%. Second quarter 2024 adjusted operating income excluding special items was $414 million, up 38% year over year. Adjusted operating income margin excluding special items was 22.0%, up approximately 370 basis points year over year.

Howmet Aerospace Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Plant said, "In the second quarter 2024, the Howmet Aerospace team drove another very strong set of results, again exceeding the high end of guidance on all fronts. Revenue grew a healthy 14% year over year, with commercial aerospace revenue up 27%, continuing a strong trend. For the second consecutive quarter, Howmet achieved record quarterly results in revenue, adjusted EBITDA*, adjusted EBITDA margin* and adjusted earnings per share*. Adjusted EBITDA margin* of 25.7% was up approximately 340 basis points year over year, and adjusted earnings per share* grew 52%."

Mr. Plant continued, "The outlook for commercial aerospace continues to be robust, with strong travel demand and an aging aircraft fleet, leading to an extremely high backlog at the aircraft OEMs. The issue faced by Howmet Aerospace continues to be the aircraft manufacturers' ability to build and deliver aircraft on a consistent basis. We continue to take these factors into account in our guidance. Despite these challenges, we are again raising full year 2024 guidance above the second quarter 2024 beat, reflecting strong continued performance at Howmet Aerospace."

"Howmet Aerospace generated very healthy free cash flow of $342 million in the second quarter 2024 and $437 million in the first half 2024, which enabled the Company to redeem the remaining $205 million of our notes due in October 2024 and $23 million of our notes due in May 2025, and repurchase $210 million of common stock year to date. We are pleased that the Board of Directors approved a 60% increase in the common stock dividend to $0.08 per share for the third quarter 2024. Moreover, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of a 2025 dividend policy on common stock of 15% plus or minus 5% of net income excluding special items. Finally, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the share repurchase program by $2 billion to $2.487 billion, reflecting the Company's strong free cash flow outlook."

Second Quarter 2024 Segment Performance

Engine Products reported revenue of $933 million, an increase of 14% year over year, due to growth in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, oil & gas, and industrial gas turbine markets. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was a record $292 million, up 31% year over year, driven by growth in the commercial aerospace, defense aerospace, oil & gas, and industrial gas turbine markets. The Segment absorbed approximately 315 net headcount in the quarter and 750 in the first half 2024 in support of expected revenue increases. Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin increased approximately 410 basis points year over year to a record 31.3%.

Fastening Systems reported revenue of $394 million, an increase of 20% year over year due to growth in the commercial aerospace market, including wide body aircraft recovery. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $101 million, up 58% year over year, driven by growth in the commercial aerospace market as well as labor productivity gains. Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin increased approximately 610 basis points year over year to 25.6%.

Engineered Structures reported revenue of $275 million, an increase of 38% year over year due to growth in the commercial aerospace market, including wide body aircraft recovery, and the defense aerospace market. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $40 million, up 100% year over year, driven by growth in the commercial aerospace and defense aerospace markets. Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin increased approximately 450 basis points year over year to 14.5%.

Forged Wheels reported revenue of $278 million, a decrease of 7% year over year due to 4% lower volumes in the commercial transportation market as well as a decrease in aluminum and other inflationary cost pass through. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $75 million, a decrease of approximately 7% year over year. Segment Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased approximately 20 basis points year over year to 27.0%.

Redeemed $205 Million of Debt in July 2024

On July 1, 2024, Howmet Aerospace completed the early redemption of all the remaining outstanding principal amount of $205 million of its 5.125% Notes due October 2024 (the "2024 Notes") at par value plus accrued interest. The 2024 Notes were redeemed with cash on hand at an aggregate redemption price of approximately $208 million, including accrued interest of approximately $3 million. In the second quarter 2024, the Company repurchased approximately $23 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.875% Notes due May 2025 with cash on hand. These combined actions will reduce annualized interest expense by approximately $12 million. All of the Company's outstanding debt is unsecured and at fixed interest rates.

Repurchased $60 Million of Common Stock in Second Quarter 2024

In the second quarter 2024, Howmet Aerospace repurchased $60 million of common stock at an average price of $81.66 per share, retiring approximately 0.73 million shares. Through the first half 2024, the Company repurchased $210 million of common stock at an average price of $70.52 per share, retiring approximately 3.0 million shares.

Board of Directors Approved Share Repurchase Program Authorization Increase to $2.487 Billion

On July 30, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the Company's share repurchase program by $2 billion, which, together with the remaining authorization of $487 million, results in authorization to repurchase up to $2.487 billion of the Company's outstanding common stock. There is no stated expiration, and the Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares.

Quarterly Common Stock Dividend Increased 60% to $0.08 Per Share in Third Quarter 2024

On July 30, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.08 per share on its common stock to be paid on August 26, 2024 to holders of record as of the close of business on August 9, 2024. The quarterly dividend represents a 60% increase from the second quarter 2024 dividend of $0.05 per share.

Board of Directors Approved a 2025 Dividend Policy with a Payout Ratio of 15% +/- 5%

On July 30, 2024, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of a 2025 dividend policy that would pay dividends on the Company's common stock in 2025 at a rate of 15% plus or minus 5% of net income excluding special items, subject to Board approval of the declaration of any future dividends.

2024 Guidance

Howmet Aerospace will hold its quarterly conference call at 10:00 AM Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The call will be webcast via www.howmet.com. The press release and presentation materials will be available at approximately 7:00 AM ET on July 30, via the "Investors" section of the Howmet Aerospace website.

About Howmet Aerospace

Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and airframe structural components necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged aluminum wheels for commercial transportation. With approximately 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft and commercial trucks to operate with a lower carbon footprint. For more information, visit www.howmet.com.

Dissemination of Company Information

Howmet Aerospace intends to make future announcements regarding Company developments and financial performance through its website at www.howmet.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that relate to future events and expectations and as such constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include those containing such words as "anticipates", "believes", "could", "envisions", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "goal", "guidance", "intends", "may", "outlook", "plans", "projects", "seeks", "sees", "should", "targets", "will", "would", or other words of similar meaning. All statements that reflect Howmet Aerospace's expectations, assumptions or projections about the future, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements, forecasts and outlook relating to the condition of end markets; future financial results or operating performance; future strategic actions; Howmet Aerospace's strategies, outlook, and business and financial prospects; and any future dividends, debt issuances, debt reduction and repurchases of its common stock. These statements reflect beliefs and assumptions that are based on Howmet Aerospace's perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors Howmet Aerospace believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by these statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (a) deterioration in global economic and financial market conditions generally; (b) unfavorable changes in the markets served by Howmet Aerospace; (c) the impact of potential cyber attacks and information technology or data security breaches; (d) the loss of significant customers or adverse changes in customers' business or financial conditions; (e) manufacturing difficulties or other issues that impact product performance, quality or safety; (f) inability of suppliers to meet obligations due to supply chain disruptions or otherwise; (g) failure to attract and retain a qualified workforce and key personnel, labor disputes or other employee relations issues; (h) the inability to achieve revenue growth, cash generation, restructuring plans, cost reductions, improvement in profitability, or strengthening of competitiveness and operations anticipated or targeted; (I) inability to meet increased demand, production targets or commitments; (j) competition from new product offerings, disruptive technologies or other developments; (k) geopolitical, economic, and regulatory risks relating to Howmet Aerospace's global operations, including geopolitical and diplomatic tensions, instabilities, conflicts and wars, as well as compliance with U.S. and foreign trade and tax laws, sanctions, embargoes and other regulations; (l) the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings, government or regulatory investigations, and environmental remediation, which can expose Howmet Aerospace to substantial costs and liabilities; (m) failure to comply with government contracting regulations; (n) adverse changes in discount rates or investment returns on pension assets; and (o) the other risk factors summarized in Howmet Aerospace's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Market projections are subject to the risks discussed above and other risks in the market. Under its share repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time, in amounts, at prices, and at such times as the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, legal requirements and other considerations. The Company is not obligated to repurchase any specific number of shares or to do so at any particular time. The declaration of any future dividends is subject to the discretion and approval of the Board of Directors after the Board's consideration of all factors it deems relevant and subject to applicable law. The Company may modify, suspend, or cancel its share repurchase program or its dividend policy in any manner and at any time that it may deem necessary or appropriate. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy or hold any Howmet Aerospace securities, and they may be revised or revoked at any time at the sole discretion of the credit rating organizations. The statements in this release are made as of the date of this release, even if subsequently made available by Howmet Aerospace on its website or otherwise. Howmet Aerospace disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the information included in this release is derived from Howmet Aerospace's consolidated financial information but is not presented in Howmet Aerospace's financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Certain of these data are considered "non-GAAP financial measures" under SEC rules. These non-GAAP financial measures supplement our GAAP disclosures and should not be considered an alternative to the GAAP measure. Reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and management's rationale for the use of the non-GAAP financial measures can be found in the schedules to this release.

Other Information

In this press release, the acronym "FY" means "full year" and "Q" means "quarter"; and references to Howmet Aerospace performance that is "record" means its best result since April 1, 2020 when Howmet Aerospace Inc. (previously named Arconic Inc.) separated from Arconic Corporation.

Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that this measure is meaningful to investors because Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA provides additional information with respect to the Company's operating performance and the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations. The Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Howmet's definition of Total 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. Differences between the total segment and consolidated totals are in Corporate.

The Accounts Receivable Securitization program remains unchanged at $250 outstanding.

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that this measure is meaningful to investors because management reviews cash flows generated from operations after taking into consideration capital expenditures (due to the fact that these expenditures are considered necessary to maintain and expand the Company's asset base and are expected to generate future cash flows from operations). It is important to note that Free cash flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures since other non-discretionary expenditures, such as mandatory debt service requirements, are not deducted from the measure.

Net income excluding Special items and Diluted EPS excluding Special items are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that these measures are meaningful to investors because management reviews the operating results of the Company excluding the impacts of Restructuring and other charges, Discrete tax items, and Other special items (collectively, "Special items"). There can be no assurances that additional Special items will not occur in future periods. To compensate for this limitation, management believes that it is appropriate to consider both Net income and Diluted EPS determined under GAAP as well as Net income excluding Special items and Diluted EPS excluding Special items.

Operational tax rate is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that this measure is meaningful to investors because management reviews the operating results of the Company excluding the impacts of Special items. There can be no assurances that additional Special items will not occur in future periods. To compensate for this limitation, management believes that it is appropriate to consider both the Effective tax rate determined under GAAP as well as the Operational tax rate.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA excluding Special items, Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding Special items, Third-party sales, and Incremental margin are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that these measures are meaningful to investors because they provide additional information with respect to the Company's operating performance and the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations. The Adjusted EBITDA presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company's definition of 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 Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted operating income excluding Special items and Adjusted operating income margin excluding Special items are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that these measures are meaningful to investors because management reviews the operating results of the Company excluding the impacts of Special items. There can be no assurances that additional Special items will not occur in future periods. To compensate for this limitation, management believes that it is appropriate to consider both Operating income determined under GAAP as well as Operating income excluding Special items.

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