KALU 9.30.2012 10Q
Table of Contents

 


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
 
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from _______________________________ to_________________________________________

Commission File Number: 0-52105

KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  Delaware
 
94-3030279
(State of incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
27422 Portola Parkway, Suite 200 Foothill Ranch, California
 
92610-2831
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 (949) 614-1740                                                                                            
 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.                                             Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of October 19, 2012, there were 19,313,235 shares of the Common Stock of the registrant outstanding.

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBITS
 


Table of Contents

KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
255.6

 
$
49.8

Short-term investments
79.9

 

Receivables:
 
 
 
Trade, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $0.7 at September 30, 2012 and $0.9 December 31, 2011
156.4

 
98.9

Other
1.7

 
1.2

Inventories
189.0

 
205.7

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
73.1

 
78.9

Total current assets
755.7

 
434.5

Property, plant, and equipment – net
374.7

 
367.8

Net asset in respect of VEBA
266.9

 
144.7

Deferred tax assets – net
139.7

 
226.9

Intangible assets – net
35.9

 
37.2

Goodwill
37.2

 
37.2

Other assets
84.2

 
72.3

Total
$
1,694.3

 
$
1,320.6

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
66.0

 
$
62.2

Accrued salaries, wages, and related expenses
35.5

 
30.9

Other accrued liabilities
41.9

 
41.0

Payable to affiliate
14.0

 
14.4

Long-term debt-current portion

 
1.3

Total current liabilities
157.4

 
149.8

Net liability in respect of VEBA
19.9

 
20.6

Long-term liabilities
128.3

 
126.0

Long-term debt
378.4

 
151.4

Total liabilities
684.0

 
447.8

Commitments and contingencies – Note 9


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; no shares were issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

 

Common stock, par value $0.01, 90,000,000 shares authorized at both September 30, 2012 and at December 31, 2011; 19,313,235 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and 19,253,185 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011
0.2

 
0.2

Additional paid in capital
1,017.0

 
998.4

Retained earnings
146.9

 
84.4

Common stock owned by Union VEBA subject to transfer restrictions, at reorganization value, none at September 30, 2012 and 2,202,495 shares at December 31, 2011

 
(52.9
)
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,724,606 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
(72.3
)
 
(72.3
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(81.5
)
 
(85.0
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,010.3

 
872.8

Total
$
1,694.3

 
$
1,320.6


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
Net sales
$
335.5

 
$
322.3

 
$
1,046.1

 
$
983.7

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization
256.6

 
297.7

 
836.1

 
878.6

Restructuring benefits

 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
Depreciation and amortization
6.7

 
6.2

 
19.6

 
18.9

Selling, administrative, research and development, and general
16.0

 
13.7

 
48.3

 
47.3

Other operating charges (benefits), net

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
(0.2
)
Total costs and expenses
279.3

 
317.4

 
904.1

 
944.3

Operating income
56.2

 
4.9

 
142.0

 
39.4

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(9.2
)
 
(4.3
)
 
(19.8
)
 
(13.2
)
Other income, net
0.4

 
3.9

 
2.2

 
2.2

Income before income taxes
47.4

 
4.5

 
124.4

 
28.4

Income tax provision
(18.2
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(47.7
)
 
(9.4
)
Net income
$
29.2

 
$
4.1

 
$
76.7

 
$
19.0

Earnings per common share, Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
$
1.52

 
$
0.21

 
$
4.01

 
$
1.00

Earnings per common share, Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
$
1.51

 
$
0.21

 
$
3.98

 
$
0.99

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
19,154

 
18,999

 
19,104

 
18,971

Diluted
19,288

 
19,197

 
19,240

 
19,171


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In millions of dollars)
Net income
$
29.2

 
$
4.1

 
$
76.7

 
$
19.0

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments relating to VEBAs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of net actuarial loss
0.8

 
0.1

 
2.3

 
0.4

  Amortization of prior service cost
1.0

 
1.0

 
3.1

 
3.1

Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities
0.3

 
(0.3
)
 
0.6

 
(0.3
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(0.5
)
 
0.8

 
(0.4
)
 
0.5

Other comprehensive income, before tax
1.6

 
1.6

 
5.6

 
3.7

Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income
(0.7
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(1.4
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
0.9

 
1.1

 
3.5

 
2.3

Comprehensive income
$
30.1

 
$
5.2

 
$
80.2

 
$
21.3


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.


1

Table of Contents

KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Common
Shares
Outstanding
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid in Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Common
Stock
Owned by
Union
VEBA
Subject to
Transfer
Restriction
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions of dollars, except for shares)
BALANCE, December 31, 2011
19,253,185

 
$
0.2

 
$
998.4

 
$
84.4

 
$
(52.9
)
 
$
(72.3
)
 
$
(85.0
)
 
$
872.8

Net income

 

 

 
76.7

 

 

 

 
76.7

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 
3.5

 
3.5

Release of restriction on Union VEBA shares, net of tax of $41.6

 

 
14.1

 

 
52.9

 

 

 
67.0

Issuance of non-vested shares to employees
92,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common shares to directors
3,930

 

 
0.2

 

 

 

 

 
0.2

Issuance of common shares to employees upon vesting of restricted stock units and performance shares
11,327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancellation of employee non-vested shares
(2,355
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancellation of shares to cover employees’ tax withholdings upon vesting of non-vested shares
(45,801
)
 

 
(2.2
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2.2
)
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.75 per share)

 

 

 
(14.7
)
 

 

 

 
(14.7
)
Excess tax benefit upon vesting of non-vested shares and dividend payment on unvested shares expected to vest

 

 
1.3

 

 

 

 

 
1.3

Amortization of unearned equity compensation

 

 
5.2

 

 

 

 

 
5.2

Dividends on unvested equity awards that canceled

 

 

 
0.5

 

 

 

 
0.5

BALANCE, September 30, 2012
19,313,235

 
$
0.2

 
$
1,017.0

 
$
146.9

 
$

 
$
(72.3
)
 
$
(81.5
)
 
$
1,010.3


The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
(In millions of dollars)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
76.7

 
$
19.0

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
18.3

 
17.3

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets
1.3

 
1.6

Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs
7.2

 
5.6

Deferred income taxes
44.8

 
10.0

Excess tax benefit upon vesting of non-vested shares and dividend payment on unvested shares expected to vest
(1.3
)
 

Non-cash equity compensation
5.4

 
4.0

Net non-cash LIFO (benefit) charge
(13.5
)
 
12.8

Non-cash unrealized (gains) losses on derivative positions
(16.4
)
 
19.8

Amortization of option premiums paid (received)
0.3

 
(0.9
)
Losses on disposition of property, plant and equipment

 
0.1

 Non-cash net periodic pension benefit income
(8.9
)
 
(4.5
)
Other non-cash charges
1.1

 
0.1

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition:
 
 
 
Trade and other receivables
(58.0
)
 
(39.2
)
Inventories (excluding LIFO benefit/charge)
30.2

 
(33.3
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1.7

 
(2.0
)
Accounts payable
4.4

 
12.5

Accrued liabilities
15.7

 
0.3

Payable to affiliate
(0.4
)
 
3.3

Long-term assets and liabilities, net
(1.9
)
 
(5.7
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
106.7

 
20.8

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(25.7
)
 
(22.9
)
Purchase of available for sale securities
(80.0
)
 
(0.2
)
Cash payment for acquisition of manufacturing facility and related assets (net of $4.9 of cash received in connection with the acquisition in 2011)

 
(83.2
)
Change in restricted cash
6.8

 
(1.1
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(98.9
)
 
(107.4
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Repayment of capital lease
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes
225.0

 

Cash paid for financing costs
(6.6
)
 
(2.1
)
Repayment of promissory notes
(4.7
)
 
(8.0
)
Excess tax benefit upon vesting of non-vested shares and dividend payment on unvested shares expected to vest
1.3

 

Repurchase of common stock to cover employees' tax withholdings upon vesting of non-vested shares
(2.2
)
 
(1.1
)
Cash dividend paid to stockholders
(14.7
)
 
(14.1
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
198.0

 
(25.4
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period
205.8

 
(112.0
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
49.8

 
135.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
255.6

 
$
23.6

See Note 14 for supplemental cash flow information.
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

2

Table of Contents

KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Report") should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2012 (second report filed) and July 23, 2012 (two reports).
     Organization and Nature of Operations. Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company”) specializes in the production of semi-fabricated specialty aluminum products, with its operations consisting of one reportable segment in the aluminum industry, referred to herein as Fabricated Products. The Company also owns a non-controlling interest in a secondary aluminum facility. See Note 13 for additional information regarding the Company’s reportable segment and its other business units, referred to herein as All Other.
    Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, and are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by US GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements furnished herein include all adjustments (all of which are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise noted) necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods presented. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. The consolidated financial statements include the results of manufacturing facilities acquired by the Company from the effective date of each acquisition.
The Company has suspended the use of the equity method of accounting with respect to its 49% non-controlling interest in Anglesey Aluminium Limited ("Anglesey"). As a result, the Company did not record equity in income from Anglesey for any of the periods presented herein. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment in Anglesey was zero at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Company does not anticipate resuming the use of the equity method of accounting with respect to its investment in Anglesey during the next 12 months. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional details on our investment in Anglesey and the suspension of equity method of accounting with respect to our ownership in Anglesey.
     Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements; accordingly, it is possible that the actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions, which could have a material effect on the reported amounts of the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
     Recognition of Sales. Sales are generally recognized on a gross basis when title, ownership and risk of loss pass to the buyer and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for estimated sales returns from, and allowances to, customers is made in the same period as the related revenues are recognized, based on historical experience or the specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve.
From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into agreements with customers in which the Company, in return for a fee, agrees to reserve certain amounts of its existing production capacity for the customer, defer an existing customer purchase commitment into future periods and reserve certain amounts of its expected production capacity in those periods for the customer, or cancel or reduce existing commitments under existing contracts. These agreements may have terms or impact periods exceeding one year.
Certain of the capacity reservation and commitment deferral agreements provide for periodic, such as quarterly or annual, billing for the duration of the contract. For capacity reservation agreements, the Company recognizes revenue ratably over the period of the capacity reservation. Accordingly, the Company may recognize revenue prior to billing reservation fees. Unbilled receivables are included within Trade receivables on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2). For commitment deferral agreements, the Company recognizes revenue upon the earlier occurrence of the related sale of product or the end of the commitment period. In connection with other agreements, the Company may collect funds from customers in advance of the periods for which (i) the production capacity is reserved, (ii) commitments are deferred, (iii) commitments are reduced or (iv) performance is completed, in which event the recognition of revenue is deferred until the fee is earned. Any unearned fees are included within Other accrued liabilities or Long-term liabilities, as appropriate, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2).

     Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation in the form of service-based awards is provided to executive officers, certain employees and directors, and is accounted for at fair value. The Company measures the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and the number of awards expected to ultimately vest. The cost of an award is generally recognized as an expense over the requisite service period of the award on a straight-line basis unless the award is deemed to no longer be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for tax purposes and deemed to be income earned by the participant despite the underlying share remaining unvested. The Company has elected to amortize compensation expense for equity awards with graded vesting using the straight-line method (see Note 8).
The Company also grants performance-based awards to executive officers and other key employees. These awards are subject to performance requirements pertaining to the Company’s economic value added (“EVA”) performance, measured over specified 3 year performance periods. EVA is a measure of the excess of the Company’s adjusted pre-tax operating income for a particular year over a pre-determined percentage of the adjusted net assets of the immediately preceding year, as defined in the Company’s annual long-term incentive (“LTI”) programs. The number of performance shares, if any, that will ultimately vest and result in the issuance of common shares depends on the average annual EVA achieved for the specified 3-year performance periods. The fair value of performance-based awards is measured based on the most probable outcome of the performance condition, which is estimated quarterly using the Company’s forecast and actual results. The Company expenses the fair value, after assuming an estimated forfeiture rate, over the specified 3-year performance periods on a ratable basis (see Note 8).
Available for Sale Securities. The Company accounts for investments in certain marketable debt and equity securities as available for sale securities. Such securities are recorded at fair value (see “Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities - Available for Sale Securities” in Note 11), with net unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reflected in other comprehensive earnings as a component of Stockholders' equity. The Company's available for sale securities include securities invested in various investment funds and managed by a third-party trust in connection with the Company's deferred compensation program (see Note 7) as well as short-term commercial paper. Commercial paper with an original maturity of less than 90 days is classified as Cash and cash equivalents (see Note 2). Commercial paper with an original maturity of greater than 90 days is presented as Short-term investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Securities invested in various investment funds are included in Other assets (see Note 2).
     Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Finished products, work-in-process and raw material inventories are stated on the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis. The Company recorded net non-cash LIFO benefits of approximately $5.7 and $7.1 during the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. The Company recorded net non-cash LIFO (benefits) charges of approximately $(13.5) and $12.8 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. These amounts are primarily a result of changes in metal prices and changes in inventory volumes. The excess of current cost over the stated LIFO value of inventory at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $15.8 and $29.4, respectively. Other inventories, principally operating supplies and repair and maintenance parts, are stated at average cost. Inventory costs consist of material, labor and manufacturing overhead, including depreciation. Abnormal costs, such as idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs and spoilage, are accounted for as current period charges. All of the Company’s inventories at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were included in the Fabricated Products segment (see Note 2 for the components of inventories).
     Property, Plant, and Equipment – Net. Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost (see Note 2). Construction in progress is included within Property, plant, and equipment – net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest related to the construction of qualifying assets is capitalized as part of the construction costs. The aggregate amount of interest capitalized is limited to the interest expense incurred in the period. The amount of interest expense capitalized as construction in progress was $0.3 and $0.4 during the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. The amount of interest expense capitalized as construction in progress was $1.4 and $0.8 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method at rates based on the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Capital lease assets and leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term. Depreciation expense is not included in Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization, but is included in Depreciation and amortization on the Statements of Consolidated Income. For the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company recorded depreciation expense of $6.1 and $5.6, respectively, relating to the Company’s operating facilities in its Fabricated Products segment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company recorded depreciation expense of $17.9 and $17.0, respectively, relating to the Company's operating facilities in its Fabricated Products segment. An immaterial amount of depreciation expense was also recorded relating to the Company’s Corporate and Other business unit for all periods presented in this Report.
Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. The Company regularly assesses whether events and circumstances with the potential to trigger impairment have occurred and relies on a number of factors, including operating results, business plans, economic projections, and anticipated future cash flow, to make such assessments. The Company uses an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows of the related asset or asset group over the estimated remaining life of such asset(s) in measuring whether the asset(s) are recoverable. Measurement of the amount of impairment, if any, is based on the difference between the carrying value of the asset(s) and the estimated fair value of such asset(s). Fair value is determined through a series of standard valuation techniques. See “Fair Values of Non-financial Assets and Liabilities” in Note 11 for additional information regarding fair value assessments relating to certain property, plant and equipment.
Property, plant and equipment held for future development are presented as idled assets. Such assets are evaluated for impairment on a held-and-used basis. Depreciation expense is not adjusted when assets are temporarily idled.    
     Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter as well as on an interim basis, as warranted, at the time of relevant events and changes in circumstances. Intangible assets with definite lives are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently amortized over the estimated useful lives to reflect the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed. In the event the pattern cannot be reliably determined, the Company uses a straight-line amortization method. Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible assets may not be recoverable, the intangible assets are reviewed for impairment.     
Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations (“CAROs”). The Company has CAROs at several of its fabricated products facilities. The vast majority of such CAROs consist of incremental costs that would be associated with the removal and disposal of asbestos (all of which is believed to be fully contained and encapsulated within walls, floors, roofs, ceilings or piping) at certain of the Company's older facilities if such facilities were to undergo major renovation or be demolished. The Company estimates incremental costs for special handling, removal and disposal costs of materials that may or will give rise to CAROs and then discounts the expected costs back to the current year using a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. The Company recognizes liabilities and costs for CAROs even if it is unclear when or if CAROs will be triggered. When it is unclear when or if CAROs will be triggered, the Company uses probability weighting for possible timing scenarios to determine the probability-weighted amounts that should be recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements (see Note 11).  
     Self Insurance of Employee Health and Workers’ Compensation Liabilities. The Company is primarily self-insured for group health insurance and workers’ compensation benefits provided to employees. Self insurance liabilities are estimated for claims incurred-but-not-paid based on judgment, using the Company’s historical claim data and information and analysis provided by actuarial and claim advisors, our insurance carriers and other professionals. The Company accounts for accrued liability relating to workers’ compensation claims on a discounted basis. The undiscounted workers’ compensation liabilities were $24.2 and $24.3 and discount rates of 0.75% and 1.00% were used to estimate discounted liabilities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The accrued liability for health insurance and workers’ compensation claims is included in Other accrued liabilities or Long-term liabilities, as appropriate (see Note 2).
Environmental Contingencies. With respect to environmental loss contingencies, the Company records a loss contingency whenever a contingency is probable and reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations are generally recognized no later than the completion of the remedial feasibility study. Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value. Accruals for expected environmental costs are included in Other accrued liabilities or Long-term liabilities, as appropriate (see Note 2). Environmental expense relating to continuing operations is included in Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization on the Statements of Consolidated Income. Environmental expense relating to non-operating locations is included in Selling, administrative, research and development, and general on the Statements of Consolidated Income.
Derivative Financial Instruments. Hedging transactions using derivative financial instruments are primarily designed to mitigate the Company’s exposure to changes in prices for certain of the products which the Company sells and consumes and, to a lesser extent, to mitigate the Company’s exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. From time to time, the Company also enters into hedging arrangements in connection with financing transactions to mitigate financial risks.
The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. The Company’s derivative activities are initiated within guidelines established by management and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Hedging transactions are executed centrally on behalf of all of the Company’s business units to minimize transaction costs, monitor consolidated net exposures and allow for increased responsiveness to changes in market factors.
The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures these instruments at fair value by “marking-to-market” all of its hedging positions at each period-end (see Note 11). Because the Company does not meet the documentation requirements for hedge (deferral) accounting, unrealized and realized gains and losses associated with hedges of operational risks are reflected as a reduction or increase in Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization. Unrealized and realized gains and losses relating to hedges of financing transactions are reflected as a component of Other income (expense), net (see Note 15). See Note 10 for additional information about realized and unrealized gains and losses relating to the Company’s derivative financial instruments.
Fair Value Measurement. The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, in measuring the fair value of its derivative contracts, plan assets invested by certain of the Company's employee benefit plans and its cash convertible senior notes (see Note 11).
Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. The basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period excludes unvested share-based payment awards. Any shares that were owned by a voluntary employee's beneficiary association (“VEBA”) for the benefit of certain union retirees, their surviving spouses and eligible dependents (the “Union VEBA”) that were subject to transfer restrictions, while treated on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as being similar to treasury stock (i.e., as a reduction in Stockholders' equity), are included in the computation of basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding because such shares were irrevocably issued and have full dividend and voting rights. Diluted earnings per share is calculated under the treasury stock method (see Note 12).
     Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial arrangements which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of metal, currency, electricity and natural gas derivative contracts, certain cash-settled call options that the Company purchased in March 2010 (the “Call Options”) (see Note 3), short term investments, and arrangements related to the Company’s cash equivalents. If the market value of the Company’s net commodity and currency derivative positions with certain counterparties exceeds the applicable threshold, if any, the counterparty is required to transfer cash collateral in excess of the threshold to the Company. Conversely, if the market value of these net derivative positions falls below a specified threshold, the Company is required to transfer cash collateral below the threshold to certain counterparties. At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had no margin deposits with or from its counterparties.
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on derivative contracts used in hedging activities as well as failure of counterparties to return cash collateral previously transferred to the counterparties. The counterparties to the Company’s derivative contracts are major financial institutions, and the Company does not expect nonperformance by any of its counterparties.
The Company places its cash in bank deposits, commercial paper, and money market funds. Such money market funds are with high credit quality financial institutions which invest primarily in commercial paper and time deposits of prime quality, short-term repurchase agreements, U.S. government notes and government agency notes.
     New Accounting Pronouncements.
ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”), was issued in May 2011. This ASU represents the converged guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board on fair value measurement. ASU 2011-04 sets forth common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements, including a consistent meaning of the term “fair value.” The provisions in this ASU are to be applied prospectively. For public entities, this ASU became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-04 during the interim period ending March 31, 2012. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities ("ASU 2011-11"), was issued in November 2011. This ASU requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. An entity is required to adopt ASU 2011-11 for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-11 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.
("ASU 2012-02"), was issued in July 2012. This ASU states that an entity has the option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with Codification Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, General Intangibles Other than Goodwill. Under the guidance in this ASU, an entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. An entity is required to adopt ASU 2012-02 for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2012-02 to have any impact on its financial statements.

2. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents.
 
 
 
Cash and money market funds
$
135.4

 
$
49.8

Commercial paper
120.2

 

Total
$
255.6

 
$
49.8


Trade Receivables.
 
 
 
Billed trade receivables
$
150.5

 
$
98.9

Unbilled trade receivables – Note 1
6.6

 
0.9

Trade receivables, gross
157.1

 
99.8

Allowance for doubtful receivables
(0.7
)
 
(0.9
)
Trade receivables, net
$
156.4

 
$
98.9


Inventories.
 
 
 
Finished products
$
60.4

 
$
75.9

Work-in-process
66.0

 
57.5

Raw materials
46.3

 
58.1

Operating supplies and repair and maintenance parts
16.3

 
14.2

Total
$
189.0

 
$
205.7


Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets.
 
 
 
Current derivative assets – Notes 10 and 11
$
2.6

 
$

Current deferred tax assets
63.0

 
63.0

Current portion of option premiums paid – Notes 10 and 11
0.2

 
0.4

Short-term restricted cash
1.3

 
7.8

Prepaid taxes
1.4

 
3.8

Prepaid expenses
4.6

 
3.9

Total
$
73.1

 
$
78.9



3

Table of Contents
KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)


Property, Plant and Equipment - Net.
 
 
 
Land and improvements
$
22.6

 
$
22.6

Buildings and leasehold improvements
50.5

 
45.9

Machinery and equipment
391.6

 
356.7

Construction in progress
9.8

 
24.1

Active property, plant and equipment, gross
474.5

 
449.3

Accumulated depreciation
(105.2
)
 
(86.9
)
Active property, plant and equipment, net
369.3

 
362.4

Idled equipment
5.4

 
5.4

Total
$
374.7

 
$
367.8


Other Assets.
 
 
 
Derivative assets – Notes 10 and 11
$
52.9

 
$
46.2

Option premiums paid – Notes 10 and 11

 
0.1

Restricted cash
10.1

 
10.4

Long-term income tax receivable
2.9

 
2.8

Deferred financing costs
12.5

 
7.8

Available for sale securities
5.7

 
4.9

Other
0.1

 
0.1

Total
$
84.2

 
$
72.3


Other Accrued Liabilities.
 
 
 
Current derivative liabilities – Notes 10 and 11
$
4.0

 
$
14.8

Current portion of option premiums received – Notes 10 and 11
0.1

 
0.1

Accrued book overdraft (uncleared cash disbursement)
4.0

 

Taxes payable
4.5

 
2.6

Accrued freight
2.3

 
2.4

Short-term environmental accrual – Note 9
2.3

 
1.2

Accrued interest
10.7

 
2.3

Short-term deferred revenue – Note 1
9.2

 
13.5

Other
4.8

 
4.1

Total
$
41.9

 
$
41.0



4

Table of Contents
KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)


Long-term Liabilities.
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities – Notes 10 and 11
$
59.2

 
$
55.5

Option premiums received – Notes 10 and 11

 
0.1

Income tax liabilities
14.6

 
13.4

Workers’ compensation accruals
20.8

 
20.8

Long-term environmental accrual – Note 9
19.6

 
20.8

Long-term asset retirement obligations
3.9

 
3.8

Long-term deferred revenue – Note 1
0.8

 
3.3

Deferred compensation liability
5.9

 
5.1

Other long-term liabilities
3.5

 
3.2

Total
$
128.3

 
$
126.0


3. Long-Term Debt

Senior Notes

On May 23, 2012, the Company issued $225.0 principal amount of 8.250% Senior Notes at par due June 1, 2020 (the “Senior Notes”). Transaction fees of $6.6 were capitalized as deferred financing costs and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the Senior Notes.

The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations and are guaranteed by existing and future direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company that are borrowers or guarantors under the Company's revolving credit facility, as amended and replaced. The indenture governing the Senior Notes places limitations on the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur liens, consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the Company's and certain of its subsidiaries' assets, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, prepay, redeem or repurchase certain indebtedness, make loans and investments, enter into transactions with affiliates, pay dividends and repurchase shares.

The Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company in whole or part at any time on or after June 1, 2016 at an initial redemption price of 104.125% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest, declining to a redemption price of par plus any accrued and unpaid interest on or after June 1, 2018. At any time prior to June 1, 2015, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the Senior Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.250% of the principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to June 1, 2016, the Company may also redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, plus a “make-whole premium.”

Holders of the Senior Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase the Senior Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest following a change of control. A change of control includes (i) certain ownership changes, (ii) certain recapitalizations, mergers and dispositions, (iii) certain changes in the composition of the Board of Directors of the Company, and (iv) shareholders' approval of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company. The Company may also be required to offer to repurchase the Senior Notes at a price of par with the proceeds of certain asset sales.
See “Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities - All Other Financial Assets and Liabilities” in Note 11 for information relating to the estimated fair value of the Senior Notes.

Cash Convertible Senior Notes

Indenture. In March 2010, the Company issued $175.0 principal amount of 4.5% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due April 1, 2015 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company. The Company accounts for the cash conversion feature of the Convertible Notes (the “Bifurcated Conversion Feature”) as a separate derivative instrument with the fair value on the issuance date equaling the original issue discount for purposes of accounting for the debt component of the Convertible Notes. Additionally, the initial purchasers' discounts and transaction fees of $5.9 were capitalized as deferred financing costs.
The following tables provide additional information regarding the Convertible Notes:
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Principal amount
$
175.0

 
$
175.0

Less: unamortized issuance discount
(21.6
)
 
(27.0
)
Carrying amount, net of discount
$
153.4

 
$
148.0


See “Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities - All Other Financial Assets and Liabilities” in Note 11 for information relating to the estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes.

Holders may convert their Convertible Notes at any time on or after January 1, 2015. The Convertible Notes' conversion rate is subject to adjustment based on the occurrence of certain events, including, but not limited to, (i) the payment of quarterly cash dividends on the Company's common stock in excess of $0.24 per share, (ii) certain other stock or cash dividends, (iii) the issuance of certain rights, options or warrants, (iv) the effectuation of share splits or combinations, (v) certain distributions of property, and (vi) certain issuer tender or exchange offers. As of September 30, 2012, the conversion rate was 20.7076 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes and the equivalent conversion price was approximately $48.29 per share, reflecting cumulative adjustments for quarterly dividends paid in excess of $0.24 per share.

Holders of the Convertible Notes can require the Company to repurchase the Convertible Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest following a fundamental change. Fundamental changes include, but are not limited to, (i) certain ownership changes, (ii) certain recapitalizations, mergers and dispositions, (iii) shareholders' approval of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, and (iv) failure of the Company's common stock to be listed on certain stock exchanges. Additionally, holders may convert their Convertible Notes before January 1, 2015, only in certain limited circumstances determined by (i) the trading price of the Convertible Notes, (ii) the occurrence of specified corporate events, or (iii) the market price of the Company's common stock. For example, the Convertible Notes may be converted by one or more holders if the Company's closing stock price exceeds $62.78 per share for 20 trading days during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of a calendar quarter. The Company believes in this circumstance the market value of the Convertible Notes will exceed their value if converted, making such an early conversion unlikely. No fundamental changes or circumstances that could allow early conversion existed as of September 30, 2012. The Convertible Notes are not convertible into the Company's common stock or any other securities under any circumstances, but instead will be settled in cash.

Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. In March 2010, the Company purchased Call Options that have an exercise price equal to the conversion price of the Convertible Notes and an expiration date that is the same as the maturity or earlier conversion date of the Convertible Notes. The Call Options and the Convertible Notes have substantially similar anti-dilution adjustment provisions. At September 30, 2012, the Call Options' exercise price was $48.29 per share, reflecting cumulative adjustments for quarterly dividends paid in excess of $0.24 per share. The Call Options are settled in cash. Accordingly, if the Company exercises the Call Options, the aggregate amount of cash it would receive from the counterparties to the Call Options would equal the aggregate amount of cash that the Company would be required to pay to the holders of the converted Convertible Notes, less the principal amount thereof.

In March 2010, the Company also sold net-share-settled warrants (the “Warrants”) relating to approximately 3.6 million shares of the Company's common stock. The Warrants cannot be exercised prior to the expiration date of July 1, 2015 and are subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. At September 30, 2012, the Warrants' exercise price was $61.32 per share, reflecting cumulative adjustments for quarterly dividends paid in excess of $0.24 per share. At expiration, if the market price per share of the Company's common stock exceeds the exercise price of the Warrants, the Company will be obligated to issue shares of the Company's common stock having a value equal to such excess. The Warrants meet the definition of derivatives but are not subject to fair value accounting because they are indexed to the Company's common stock and meet the requirement to be classified as equity instruments.
The Call Options and Warrants are separate transactions and are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes and do not affect the rights of holders under the Convertible Notes.
Other Notes Payable

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company fully repaid the $4.7 outstanding principal balance of a promissory note issued in connection with the Company's acquisition of the Florence, Alabama facility (the "Nichols Promissory Note").

4. Revolving Credit Facility
The credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions party thereto (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), provides the Company with a $300.0 funding commitment through September 30, 2016. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the accounts receivable, inventory and certain other related assets and proceeds of the Company and its domestic operating subsidiaries as well as certain machinery and equipment. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is able to borrow from time to time an aggregate commitment amount equal to the lesser of $300.0 and a borrowing base comprised of (i) 85% of eligible accounts receivable, (ii) the lesser of (a) 65% of eligible inventory and (b) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory as determined in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered by the administrative agent and (iii) 85% of certain eligible machinery and equipment, reduced by certain reserves, all as specified in the Revolving Credit Facility. Up to a maximum of $60.0 of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility may be utilized for letters of credit.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to either a base prime rate or LIBOR, at the Company's option, plus, in each case, a specified variable percentage determined by reference to the then-remaining borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility may, subject to certain conditions and the agreement of lenders thereunder, be increased up to $350.0.
The Company had $264.8 of borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2012, based on the borrowing base determination then in effect. At September 30, 2012, there were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and $6.7 was being used to support outstanding letters of credit, leaving $258.1 of net borrowing availability. The interest rate applicable to any overnight borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility would have been 4.0% at September 30, 2012.
Amounts owed under the Revolving Credit Facility may be accelerated upon the occurrence of various events of default including, without limitation, the failure to make principal or interest payments when due and breaches of covenants, representations and warranties set forth therein. The Revolving Credit Facility places limitations on the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things, grant liens, engage in mergers, sell assets, incur debt, make investments, undertake transactions with affiliates, pay dividends and repurchase shares. In addition, the Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio on a consolidated basis at or above 1.1:1.0 if borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is less than $30.0.

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company had goodwill of $37.2 at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Such goodwill is related to the Company's acquisitions of the Chandler, Arizona (Extrusion) facility and the Florence, Alabama facility and is included in the Fabricated Products segment.
Identifiable intangible assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are comprised of the following:
September 30, 2012:
 
Weighted- average
estimated useful life
 
Original cost
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net book
value
Customer relationships
25
 
$
38.5

 
$
(2.8
)
 
$
35.7

Backlog
2
 
0.8

 
(0.8
)
 

Trademark and trade name
3
 
0.4

 
(0.2
)
 
0.2

Total
24
 
$
39.7

 
$
(3.8
)
 
$
35.9

December 31, 2011:
 
Weighted-average
estimated useful life
 
Original cost
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net book
value
Customer relationships
25
 
$
38.5

 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
36.8

Backlog
2
 
0.8

 
(0.7
)
 
0.1

Trademark and trade name
3
 
0.4

 
(0.1
)
 
0.3

Total
24
 
$
39.7

 
$
(2.5
)
 
$
37.2

Amortization expense relating to definite-lived intangible assets is recorded in the Fabricated Products segment. Such expense was $0.4 and $1.3 for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. Amortization expense was $0.5 and $1.6 for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The expected amortization of intangible assets for the remainder of 2012 and the next four calendar years and thereafter is as follows:
2012
$
0.5

2013
1.7

2014
1.6

2015
1.6

2016
1.6

Thereafter
28.9

Total
$
35.9


6. Income Tax Matters
Tax Provision. The provision for incomes taxes, for each period presented, consisted of the following:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Domestic
$
17.7

 
$
1.6

 
$
45.8

 
$
9.5

Foreign
0.5

 
(1.2
)
 
1.9

 
(0.1
)
Total
$
18.2

 
$
0.4

 
$
47.7

 
$
9.4

The income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 was $47.7 and $9.4, reflecting an effective tax rate of 38.4% and 33.2%, respectively. The difference between the effective tax rate and the projected blended statutory tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily the result of an increase in unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, of $0.7, resulting in a 0.6% increase in the effective tax rate. The difference between the effective tax rate and the projected blended statutory tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was primarily the result of (i) a decrease in valuation allowance due to a change in tax law in the State of Illinois of $0.8, resulting in a 2.9% decrease in the effective tax rate, (ii) a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, of $0.4, resulting in a 1.6% decrease in the effective tax rate, and (iii) a decrease of $0.2 related to a return to provision adjustment, resulting in a 0.8% decrease to the effective tax rate, partially offset by the impact of a non-deductible compensation expense of $0.2, resulting in a 0.5% increase in effective tax rate.
     Deferred Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
Tax Attributes. At December 31, 2011, the Company had $875.1 of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards available to reduce future cash payments for income taxes in the U.S., with $1.7 thereof representing excess tax benefits related to the vesting of employee restricted stock which will result in an increase in equity if and when such excess tax benefits are ultimately realized. The NOL carryforwards expire periodically through 2030. The Company also had $29.8 of alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforwards with an indefinite life, available to offset regular federal income tax.
To preserve the NOL carryforwards available to the Company, the Company’s certificate of incorporation includes certain restrictions on the transfer of the Company’s common stock.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers taxable income in carryback years, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. Due to uncertainties surrounding the realization of some of the Company’s deferred tax assets, primarily including state NOLs sustained during the prior years and expiring tax benefits, the Company had a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets of $18.8 at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. When recognized, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of this valuation allowance will be recorded as a reduction of income tax expense. Net deferred tax asset decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as a result of release of restriction on shares owned by the Union VEBA (see Note 7) and the expected utilization of the NOL against current year taxable income.
     Other. The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Canada Revenue Agency audited the Company's tax returns for fiscal years 1998 through 2004 and issued assessment notices for $9.2, all of which was paid to the Canada Revenue Agency prior to 2012. The Company’s tax returns for certain past years are still subject to examination by taxing authorities, and the use of NOL carryforwards in future periods could trigger a review of attributes and other tax matters in years that are not otherwise subject to examination.
The Company has gross unrecognized benefits relating to uncertain tax positions. If and when such gross unrecognized tax benefits are ultimately recognized, it will be reflected in the Company’s income tax provision and affect the effective tax rate in future periods. Gross unrecognized tax benefits were $14.3 and $13.7 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
In addition, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision. The Company had $7.4 and $6.6 accrued at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, for interest and penalties. Of these amounts, none were recorded as current liabilities.
In connection with the gross unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties) denominated in foreign currency, the Company incurred a foreign currency translation adjustment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the foreign currency impact on such liabilities resulted in a $0.5 currency translation adjustment which was recorded within Other comprehensive income.
The Company does not expect its gross unrecognized tax benefits to be reduced within the next 12 months.

7. Employee Benefits
     Pension and Similar Benefit Plans. Pensions and similar plans include:
Monthly contributions of (in whole dollars) $1.00 per hour worked by each bargaining unit employee to the appropriate multi-employer pension plans sponsored by the United Steel, Paper and Foresting, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union AFL-CIO, CLC (“USW”) and International Association of Machinists and certain other unions at certain of the Company’s production facilities, except that (i) the monthly contributions per hour worked by each bargaining unit employee to a pension plan sponsored by the USW at the Company’s Newark, Ohio and Spokane, Washington facilities are (in whole dollars) $1.25 and will increase to (in whole dollars) $1.50 in July 2015 and (ii) the monthly contributions to a pension plan sponsored by the USW at the Florence, Alabama facility are (in whole dollars) $1.25 per hour worked by each bargaining unit employee. The Company currently estimates that contributions will range from $2.0 to $4.0 per year through 2015.
A defined contribution 401(k) savings plan for hourly bargaining unit employees at seven of the Company’s production facilities based on the specific collective bargaining agreement at each facility. For active bargaining unit employees at three of these production facilities, the Company is required to make fixed rate contributions. For active bargaining unit employees at one of these production facilities, the Company is required to match certain employee contributions. For active bargaining unit employees at two of these production facilities, the Company is required to make both fixed rate contributions and concurrent matches. For active bargaining unit employees at the one remaining production facility, the Company is not required to make any contributions. Fixed rate contributions either (i) range from (in whole dollars) $800 to $2,400 per employee per year, depending on the employee’s age, or (ii) vary between 2% to 10% of the employees’ compensation depending on their age and years of service for employees hired prior to January 1, 2004 or are a fixed 2% annual contribution for employees hired on or after January 1, 2004. The Company currently estimates that contributions to such plans will range from $1.0 to $3.0 per year.
A defined contribution 401(k) savings plan for salaried and certain hourly employees providing for a concurrent match of up to 4% of certain contributions made by employees plus an annual contribution of between 2% and 10% of their compensation depending on their age and years of service to employees hired prior to January 1, 2004. All new hires on or after January 1, 2004 receive a fixed 2% contribution annually. The Company currently estimates that contributions to such plan will range from $5.0 to $7.0 per year.
A defined benefit plan for salaried employees at the Company’s London, Ontario facility, with annual contributions based on each salaried employee’s age and years of service. At December 31, 2011, approximately 55% of the plan assets were invested in equity securities and 40% of plan assets were invested in debt securities. The remaining plan assets were invested in short-term securities. The Company’s investment committee reviews and evaluates the investment portfolio. The asset mix target allocation on the long-term investments is approximately 55% in equity securities and 43% in debt securities with the remaining assets in short-term securities. See Note 11 for additional information regarding the fair values of the Canadian pension plan assets.
A non-qualified, unfunded, unsecured plan of deferred compensation for key employees who would otherwise suffer a loss of benefits under the Company’s defined contribution plan, as a result of the limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Despite the plan being an unfunded plan, the Company in prior years has made an annual contribution to a rabbi trust to fulfill future funding obligations, as contemplated by the terms of the plan. The assets in the trust are at all times subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors, and no participant has a claim to any assets of the trust. Plan participants are eligible to receive distributions from the trust subject to vesting and other eligibility requirements. Assets in the rabbi trust relating to the deferred compensation plan are accounted for as available for sale securities and are included as Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2). Liabilities relating to the deferred compensation plan are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Long-term liabilities (see Note 2).
An employment agreement with the Company’s chief executive officer extending through July 6, 2015. The Company also provides certain members of senior management, including each of the Company’s named executive officers, with benefits related to terminations of employment in specified circumstances, including in connection with a change in control.
VEBA Postretirement Medical Benefits. The Company terminated its postretirement medical plan in 2004. Certain eligible retirees receive medical coverage, however, through participation in the Union VEBA or the VEBA that provides benefits for certain other eligible retirees, their surviving spouses and eligible dependents (the “Salaried VEBA” and, together with the Union VEBA, the “VEBAs”). The Union VEBA covers certain qualifying bargaining unit retirees and future retirees. The Salaried VEBA covers certain retirees who retired prior to the 2004 termination of the prior plan and certain employees who were hired prior to February 2002 and subsequently retired or will retire with the requisite age and service. The Union VEBA is managed by four trustees (two appointed by the Company and two appointed by the USW) and the assets are managed by an independent fiduciary. The Salaried VEBA is managed by trustees who are independent of the Company. The benefits paid by the VEBAs are at the sole discretion of the respective VEBA trustees and are outside the Company's control.
The Company's only financial obligations to the VEBAs are (i) a variable cash contribution payable to the VEBAs based upon a formula driven calculation and (ii) an obligation to pay the administrative expenses of the VEBAs, up to $0.3 per year. The obligation to the Union VEBA with respect to the variable cash contribution extends through September 30, 2017, while the obligation to the Salaried VEBA has no termination date. The amount to be contributed to the VEBAs pursuant to the Company's obligation is 10% of the first $20.0 of annual cash flow (as defined; in general terms, the principal elements of cash flow are earnings before interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization less cash payments for, among other things, interest, income taxes, and capital expenditures), plus 20% of annual cash flow, as defined, in excess of $20.0. Such payments may not exceed $20.0 per year and do not carryover to future years. Payments are also limited to the extent that such payments would cause the Company's liquidity to be less than $50.0. The amount of total contribution, if any, is allocated between the Union VEBA and the Salaried VEBA at 85.5% and 14.5%, respectively.
Amounts owing by the Company to the VEBAs are recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets under Other accrued liabilities, with a corresponding increase in Net assets in respect of VEBAs. Such amounts are determined and paid on an annual basis. As of December 31, 2011, the Company determined that the variable contribution for 2011 was zero, as investments, capital spending, and interest exceeded earnings before interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization.
The Company has no claim to the plan assets of the VEBAs or obligation to fund the liability or determine the benefits paid by the VEBAs, and its only financial obligations to the VEBAs are to pay the variable contributions and certain administrative fees. Nevertheless, based on discussions with the staff of the SEC, for accounting purposes the Company treats the postretirement medical benefits to be paid by the VEBAs and the Company's related variable contribution as defined benefit postretirement plans with the current VEBA assets and future variable contributions described above, and earnings thereon, operating as a cap on the benefits to be paid. Accordingly, the Company accounts for net periodic postretirement benefit costs in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits, and records any difference between the assets of each VEBA and its accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Information necessary for the valuation of the net funded status of the plans must be obtained from the VEBAs on an annual basis. The funding status of either VEBA could result in a liability or asset position on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, however such liability or asset has no impact on the Company's cash flow, liquidity or funding obligation to the VEBAs.
In 2006, the Union VEBA received shares of the Company's common stock and entered into a stock transfer restriction agreement with the Company that limited its ability to sell such shares without the approval of the Company's Board of Directors. In June 2012, the Company's Board of Directors removed the transfer restrictions on all such shares that continued to be owned by the Union VEBA. During periods when the Union VEBA's shares were subject to the stock transfer restrictions, the Company treated such shares as being similar to treasury stock (i.e. as a reduction of Stockholders' equity) on its Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The following table presents the number of shares on which stock transfer restrictions were removed during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 and the resulting effect on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Common stock held by Union VEBA which ceased to be subject to transfer restrictions
2,202,495

 
1,321,485

Increase in Union VEBA assets 1
$
108.6

 
$
65.5

Reduction in Common stock owned by Union VEBA 2
$
(52.9
)
 
$
(31.7
)
Increase in Additional paid in capital
$
(14.1
)
 
$
(9.1
)
Decrease in Deferred tax assets
$
(41.6
)
 
$
(24.7
)
________________________
1
At a weighted-average price of $49.31 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and a weighted-average price of $49.58 per share realized by the Union VEBA for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
2     At $24.02 per share reorganization value.
Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit (Income) Cost. The Company's results of operations included the following impacts associated with the Canadian defined benefit plan and the VEBAs: (a) charges for service rendered by employees; (b) a charge for accretion of interest; (c) a benefit for the return on plan assets; and (d) amortization of net gains or losses on assets, prior service costs associated with plan amendments and actuarial differences. Net periodic pension benefit cost related to the Canadian defined benefit plan was not material for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011. The following table presents the components of net periodic pension benefit income for the VEBAs and charges relating to all other employee benefit plans for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
VEBAs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
0.9

 
$
0.6

 
$
2.6

 
$
1.7

Interest cost
4.4

 
4.4

 
13.4

 
13.1

Expected return on plan assets
(10.0
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(30.3
)
 
(22.8
)
Amortization of prior service cost
1.0

 
1.0

 
3.1

 
3.1

Amortization of net actuarial loss
0.8

 
0.1

 
2.3

 
0.4

Total net periodic pension benefit income relating to VEBAs
(2.9
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(8.9
)
 
(4.5
)
Deferred compensation plan
0.3

 
(0.3
)
 
0.8

 
(0.1
)
Defined contribution plans
1.3

 
1.2

 
6.3

 
5.9

Multiemployer pension plans
0.9

 
0.8

 
2.6

 
2.3

Total
$
(0.4
)
 
$
0.2

 
$
0.8

 
$
3.6

The following table presents the allocation of the (income) charges detailed above, by segment (see Note 13):
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Fabricated Products
$
2.1

 
$
1.7

 
$
8.5

 
$
7.4

All Other
(2.5
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(7.7
)
 
(3.8
)
Total
$
(0.4
)
 
$
0.2

 
$
0.8

 
$
3.6

For all periods presented, the net periodic pension benefits relating to the VEBAs are included as a component of Selling, administrative, research and development and general expense within All Other. Further, substantially all of the Fabricated Products segment’s employee benefits related charges are in Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization with the balance in Selling, administrative, research and development, and general.
See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information with respect to the VEBAs and key assumptions used with respect to the Company’s pension plans and key assumptions made in computing the net obligation of each VEBA.

8. Employee Incentive Plans

Short-term Incentive Plans (“STI Plans”)
The Company has a short-term incentive compensation plan for senior management and certain other employees payable at the Company’s election in cash, shares of common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Amounts earned under the plan are based primarily on EVA of the Company’s core Fabricated Products business, adjusted for certain safety and performance factors. EVA, as defined by the Company's STI Plans, is a measure of the excess of the Company’s adjusted pre-tax operating income for a particular year over a pre-determined percentage of the adjusted net assets of the immediately preceding year, measured over a one-year period. Most of the Company’s production facilities have similar programs for both hourly and salaried employees.
Total costs relating to STI Plans were recorded as follows, for each period presented:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization
$
1.1

 
$
0.6

 
$
3.4

 
$
2.5

Selling, administrative, research and development, and general
2.8

 
1.3

 
7.6

 
3.9

Total costs recorded in connection with STI Plans
$
3.9

 
$
1.9

 
$
11.0

 
$
6.4

The following table presents the allocation of the charges detailed above, by segment:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Fabricated Products
$
2.6

 
$
1.3

 
$
7.6

 
$
4.7

All Other
1.3

 
0.6

 
3.4

 
1.7

Total costs recorded in connection with STI Plans
$
3.9

 
$
1.9

 
$
11.0

 
$
6.4

     Long- term Incentive Programs ("LTI Programs")
     General. Officers and other key employees of the Company or one or more of its subsidiaries, as well as directors of the Company, are eligible to participate in the Kaiser Aluminum Corporation 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (as amended, the “Equity Incentive Plan”). The Equity Incentive Plan permits the granting of awards in the form of options to purchase common shares, stock appreciation rights, shares of non-vested and vested stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and other awards. The Equity Incentive Plan was originally effective as of July 6, 2006 and was thereafter amended and restated from time to time. The Equity Incentive Plan will expire on July 6, 2016, and no grants will be made thereunder after that date. The Board may, in its discretion, terminate the Equity Incentive Plan at any time. The termination of the Equity Incentive Plan will not affect the rights of participants or their successors under any awards outstanding and not exercised in full on the date of termination, and all grants made on or prior to the date of termination will remain in effect thereafter subject to the terms of the applicable grant agreement and the Equity Incentive Plan. Subject to certain adjustments that may be required from time to time to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants under the Equity Incentive Plan, a total of 2,722,222 common shares have been authorized for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan. At September 30, 2012, 934,521 common shares were available for additional awards under the Equity Incentive Plan. Compensation charges relating to all awards under the Equity Incentive Plan are included in Selling, administrative, research and development, and general.
     Non-vested Common Shares, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Shares. The Company grants non-vested common shares to its non-employee directors, executive officers and other key employees. The non-vested common shares granted to non-employee directors are generally subject to a one-year vesting requirement. The non-vested common shares granted to executive officers and senior management are generally subject to a three-year cliff vesting requirement. The non-vested common shares granted to other key employees are generally subject to a three-year graded vesting requirement. In addition to non-vested common shares, the Company also grants restricted stock units to certain employees. The restricted stock units have rights similar to the rights of non-vested common shares, and the employee will receive one common share for each restricted stock unit upon the vesting of the restricted stock unit. With the exception of restricted stock units granted to eligible employees of the Company’s French subsidiary, restricted stock units are generally subject to a three-year graded vesting requirement, with one-third of the restricted stock units vesting on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date. Restricted stock units granted to eligible employees of the Company’s French subsidiary vest two-thirds on the second anniversary of the grant date and one-third on the third anniversary of the grant date.
The Company also grants performance shares to executive officers and other key employees. Such awards are subject to performance requirements pertaining to the Company’s EVA performance (as set forth in each year’s LTI program), measured over the applicable three-year performance period. EVA is a measure of the excess of the Company’s adjusted pre-tax operating income for a particular year over a pre-determined percentage of the adjusted net assets of the immediately preceding year. The number of performance shares, if any, that will ultimately vest and result in the issuance of common shares depends on the average annual EVA achieved for the specified three-year performance periods. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, a portion of the performance shares granted under the 2009-2011 LTI Program vested (see “Summary of Activity” below). The vesting of performance shares and resulting issuance and delivery of common shares, if any, under the 2010-2012 LTI Program, 2011-2013 LTI Program and 2012-2014 LTI Program, will occur in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Holders of performance shares do not receive voting rights through the ownership of such performance shares.
     Non-cash Compensation Expense. Recorded costs by type of award under LTI Programs were as follows, for each period presented:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Service-based non-vested common shares and restricted stock units
$
0.7

 
$
0.8

 
$
3.1

 
$
2.7

Performance shares
0.9

 
0.4

 
2.1

 
1.1

Total non-cash compensation expense
$
1.6

 
$
1.2

 
$
5.2

 
$
3.8

The following table presents the allocation of the charges detailed above, by segment:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Fabricated Products
$
0.4

 
$
0.4

 
$
1.5

 
$
1.2

All Other
1.2

 
0.8

 
3.7

 
2.6

Total non-cash compensation expense
$
1.6

 
$
1.2

 
$
5.2

 
$
3.8


Unrecognized Gross Compensation Cost Data. The following table presents unrecognized gross compensation cost data:
 
September 30, 2012
 
Unrecognized gross compensation costs, by award type
 
Expected period (in years) over which the remaining gross compensation costs will be recognized, by award type
Service-based non-vested common shares and restricted stock units
$
4.2

 
1.6
Performance shares
$
6.7

 
2.1

Summary of Activity. A summary of the activity with respect to non-vested common shares, restricted stock units and performance shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:
 
Non-Vested
Common Shares
 
Restricted
Stock Units
 
Performance
Shares
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value per Share
 
Units
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value per Unit
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
202,836

 
$
29.24

 
6,072

 
$
33.67

 
777,934

 
$
26.84

Granted
92,949

 
45.03

 
2,486

 
44.46

 
215,579

 
44.47

Vested
(134,746
)
 
24.30

 
(3,375
)
 
25.77

 
(7,952
)
 
18.89

Forfeited
(2,355
)
 
43.91

 

 

 

 

Canceled

 

 

 

 
(401,611
)
 
14.73

Outstanding at September 30, 2012
158,684

 
$
42.47

 
5,183

 
$
43.99

 
583,950

 
$
41.78

A summary of select activity with respect to non-vested common shares, restricted stock units and performance shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is as follows:
 
Non-Vested
Common Shares
 
Restricted
Stock Units
 
Performance
Shares
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value per Share
 
Units
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value per Unit
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value per Share
Granted
83,066

 
$
47.07

 
2,182

 
$
46.59

 
188,741

 
$
46.65

Vested
(63,028
)
 
$
51.61

 
(3,314
)
 
$
16.83

 
(10,585
)
 
$
74.34

Stock Options. As of both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were 20,791 fully-vested options outstanding, in each case exercisable to purchase common shares at $80.01 per share and having a remaining contractual life of 4.5 and 5.25 years, respectively. The average fair value of the options granted was $39.90. No new options were granted and no existing options were forfeited or exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
     Vested Stock. From time to time, the Company issues common shares to non-employee directors electing to receive common shares in lieu of all or a portion of their annual retainer fees. The fair value of these common shares is based on the fair value of the shares at the date of issuance and is immediately recognized in earnings as a period expense. For both nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company recorded $0.2 relating to common shares granted to non-employee directors in lieu of all or a portion of their annual retainer fees.
Under the Equity Incentive Plan, participants may elect to have the Company withhold common shares to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding obligations arising in connection with the exercise of stock options and vesting of non-vested shares, restricted stock units and performance shares. Any such shares withheld are canceled by the Company on the applicable vesting dates, which correspond to the times at which income to the employee is recognized. When the Company withholds these common shares, the Company is required to remit to the appropriate taxing authorities the fair value of the shares withheld. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, 45,801 and 23,445 common shares, respectively, were withheld and canceled for this purpose.

9. Commitments and Contingencies
     Commitments. The Company has a variety of financial commitments, including purchase agreements, forward foreign exchange and forward sales contracts, indebtedness (and related Call Options and Warrants) and letters of credit (see Note 3, Note 4 and Note 10).

Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for information relating to minimum rental commitments under operating leases. There have been no material changes to such scheduled rental commitments as of the filing of this Report.
     Environmental Contingencies. The Company is subject to a number of environmental laws, fines or penalties assessed for alleged breaches of the environmental laws, and to claims based upon such laws.
The Company has established procedures for regularly evaluating environmental loss contingencies, including those arising from environmental reviews and investigations and any other environmental remediation or compliance matters. The Company’s environmental accruals represent the Company’s undiscounted estimate of costs reasonably expected to be incurred based on presently enacted laws and regulations, existing requirements, currently available facts, existing technology, and the Company’s assessment of the likely remediation actions to be taken.
The Company submitted a final feasibility study, after public comment and agency review, to the Washington State Department of Ecology (“Washington State Ecology”) (the “Feasibility Study”) which included recommendations for remediation alternatives to primarily address the historical use of oils containing polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, at the Company’s Trentwood facility in Spokane, Washington. During the third quarter of 2012, Washington State Ecology and the Company signed an amended work order allowing certain remediation activities to begin and to initiate a treatability study in regards to proposed PCB remediation methods. The Company continues to work with Washington State Ecology in developing the implementation work plans, which are subject to Washington State Ecology approval.  The Company expects to begin implementation of approved work plans sometime in 2013.
At September 30, 2012, the Company’s environmental accrual of $21.9 represented the Company's best estimate of the incremental cost based on proposed alternatives in the final Feasibility Study related to the Company’s Trentwood facility in Spokane, Washington and on investigational studies and other remediation activities occurring at certain other locations owned by the Company. The Company expects that these remediation actions will be taken over the next 30 years and estimates that the incremental direct costs attributable to the remediation activities to be charged to these environmental accruals will be approximately $0.2 in 2012, $3.0 in 2013, $2.8 in 2014, $0.9 in 2015, $0.6 in 2016, and $14.4 in years thereafter through the balance of the 30-year period.
As additional facts are developed, feasibility studies are completed, draft remediation plans are modified, necessary regulatory approvals for the implementation of remediation are obtained, alternative technologies are developed, and/or other factors change, there may be revisions to management’s estimates, and actual costs may exceed the current environmental accruals. The Company believes at this time that it is reasonably possible that undiscounted costs associated with these environmental matters may exceed current accruals by amounts that could be, in the aggregate, up to an estimated $18.7 over the next 30 years. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s recorded estimate of its obligation may change in the next 12 months.
     Other Contingencies. The Company is party to various lawsuits, claims, investigations, and administrative proceedings that arise in connection with past and current operations. The Company evaluates such matters on a case-by-case basis, and its policy is to vigorously contest any such claims it believes are without merit. The Company accrues for a legal liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. Quarterly, in addition to when changes in facts and circumstances require it, the Company reviews and adjusts these accruals to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information, and events pertaining to a particular case. While uncertainties are inherent in the final outcome of such matters and it is presently impossible to determine the actual cost that may ultimately be incurred, management believes that it has sufficiently reserved for such matters and that the ultimate resolution of pending matters will not have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial position, operating results, or liquidity.

10. Derivative Financial Instruments and Related Hedging Programs
     Overview. In conducting its business, the Company, from time to time, enters into derivative transactions, including forward contracts and options, to limit its economic (i.e., cash) exposure resulting from (i) metal price risk related to its sale of fabricated aluminum products and the purchase of metal used as raw material for its fabrication operations, (ii) energy price risk relating to fluctuating prices of natural gas and electricity used in its production processes, and (iii) foreign currency requirements with respect to its foreign subsidiaries, investment and cash commitments for equipment purchases. Additionally, in connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company purchased cash-settled Call Options relating to the Company’s common stock to limit its exposure to the cash conversion feature of the Convertible Notes (see Note 3). The Company may modify the terms of its derivative contracts based on operational needs or financing objectives. As the Company’s operational hedging activities are generally designed to lock in a specified price or range of prices, realized gains or losses on the derivative contracts utilized in the hedging activities generally offset at least a portion of any losses or gains, respectively, on the transactions being hedged at the time the transactions occur. However, due to mark-to-market accounting, during the term of the derivative contracts, significant unrealized, non-cash gains and losses may be recorded in the income statement.
     Hedges of Operational Risks. The Company’s pricing of fabricated aluminum products is generally intended to lock in a conversion margin (representing the value added from the fabrication process(es)) and to pass metal price fluctuations to its customers. However, in certain instances the Company enters into firm-price arrangements with its customers and incurs price risk on its anticipated aluminum purchases in respect of such customer orders. The Company uses third-party hedging instruments to limit exposure to metal price risks related to firm-price customer sales contracts. See Note 11 for additional information regarding the Company’s material derivative positions relating to hedges of operational risks, and their respective fair values.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, total fabricated products shipments that contained fixed price terms were (in millions of pounds) 139.0 and 112.1, respectively. At September 30, 2012, the Fabricated Products segment held contracts for the delivery of fabricated aluminum products that had the effect of creating price risk on anticipated purchases of aluminum for the remainder of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and thereafter, totaling approximately (in millions of pounds) 48.1, 20.5 and 1.6, respectively.
A majority of the Company’s derivative contracts relating to hedges of operational risks contain credit-risk related contingencies, which the Company tries to minimize or offset through the management of counterparty credit lines, the utilization of options as part of the hedging activities, or both. The Company regularly reviews the creditworthiness of its derivative counterparties and does not expect to incur a significant loss from the failure of any counterparties to perform under any agreements.
     Hedges Relating to the Convertible Notes. As described in Note 3, the Company issued Convertible Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $175.0. The conversion feature of the Convertible Notes can only be settled in cash and is required to be bifurcated from the Convertible Notes and treated as a separate derivative instrument. In order to offset the cash flow risk associated with the Bifurcated Conversion Feature, the Company purchased Call Options, which are accounted for as derivative instruments. The Company expects that the realized gain or loss from the Call Options will substantially offset the realized loss or gain of the Bifurcated Conversion Feature upon maturity of the Convertible Notes. However, because valuation assumptions for the Bifurcated Conversion Feature and the Call Option are not identical, over time the Company expects to record net unrealized gains and losses due to mark-to-market adjustments to the fair values of the two derivatives. (see Note 11 for additional information regarding the fair values of the Bifurcated Conversion Feature and the Call Options).
The following table summarizes the Company’s material derivative positions at September 30, 2012:
Commodity
 
Maturity Period
Notional Amount of contracts (mmlbs)
Aluminum —
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts
 
10/12 through 12/15
57.0
Fixed priced sales contracts
 
11/12 through 12/12
1.8
Midwest premium swap contracts1
 
10/12 through 12/13
50.2
Energy
 
Maturity Period
Notional Amount of contracts (mmbtu)
Natural gas —2
 
 
 
Call option purchase contracts
 
10/12 through 12/13
1,710,000

Put option sales contracts
 
10/12 through 12/13
1,710,000

Fixed priced purchase contracts
 
10/12 through 12/14
3,920,000

Electricity
 
Maturity Period
Notional Amount of contracts (Mwh)
Fixed priced purchase contracts
 
10/12 through 12/13
274,225

Hedges Relating to the Convertible Notes
 
Contract Period
Notional Amount of contracts (Common Shares)
Bifurcated Conversion Feature3
 
3/10 through 3/15
3,623,830

Call Options3
 
3/10 through 3/15
3,623,830

______________________
1 
Regional premiums represent the premium over the London Metal Exchange price for primary aluminum which is incurred on the Company’s purchases of primary aluminum.
2 
As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in natural gas prices had been substantially reduced for approximately 91%, 74% and 42% of the expected natural gas purchases for the remainder of 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
3 
The Bifurcated Conversion Feature represents the cash conversion feature of the Convertible Notes. To hedge against the potential cash outflows associated with the Bifurcated Conversion Feature, the Company purchased cash-settled Call Options. The Call Options have an exercise price equal to the conversion price of the Convertible Notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to the anti-dilution adjustments for the Convertible Notes. The Call Options will expire upon the maturity of the Convertible Notes. Although the fair value of the Call Options is derived from a notional number of shares of the Company’s common stock, the Call Options may only be settled in cash.
The Company reflects the fair value of its derivative contracts on a gross basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 2).
Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) associated with all derivative contracts consisted of the following, for each period presented:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Realized (losses) gains:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aluminum
$
(3.3
)
 
$
1.6

 
$
(7.7
)
 
$
11.9

Natural Gas
(1.6
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(3.5
)
Electricity
(0.8
)
 

 
(3.0
)
 

Total realized (losses) gains:
$
(5.7
)
 
$
0.5

 
$
(16.2
)
 
$
8.4

Unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aluminum
$
8.3

 
$
(14.8
)
 
$
8.8

 
$
(21.4
)
Natural Gas
3.0

 
(0.9
)
 
4.7

 
0.6

Electricity
1.0

 
(1.1
)
 
1.8

 
(1.2
)
Call Options relating to the Convertible Notes
10.2

 
(16.6
)
 
5.8

 
(10.2
)
Cash conversion feature of the Convertible Notes
(10.3
)
 
20.7

 
(4.7
)
 
12.4

Total unrealized gains (losses)
$
12.2

 
$
(12.7
)
 
$
16.4

 
$
(19.8
)


11. Fair Value Measurements
     Overview
The Company applies the fair value hierarchy established by US GAAP for the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities. An asset or liability's fair value classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, and considers counterparty risk in its assessment of fair value.
The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis. The Company has elected not to carry any financial assets and liabilities at fair value, other than as required by US GAAP. Financial assets and liabilities that the Company carries at fair value, as required by GAAP include: (i) its derivative instruments, (ii) the plan assets of the VEBAs and the Company's Canadian defined benefit pension plan, and (iii) available for sale securities, consisting of commercial paper and investments related to the Company's deferred compensation plan (see Note 7). The Company records certain other financial assets and liabilities at carrying value (see the tables below for the fair value disclosure of those assets and liabilities).
The majority of the Company's non-financial assets and liabilities, which include goodwill, intangible assets, inventories and property, plant, and equipment, are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur (or at least annually for goodwill), an evaluation of a non-financial asset or liability is required, potentially resulting in an adjustment to the carrying amount of such asset or liability. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company concluded that none of its non-financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value assessments on a non-recurring basis required a material adjustment to the carrying amount of such assets and liabilities.
     Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities
     Fair Values of Derivative Assets and Liabilities. The Company's derivative contracts are valued at fair value using significant observable and unobservable inputs.
Commodity, Foreign Currency and Energy Hedges - The fair values of a majority of these derivative contracts are based upon trades in liquid markets. Valuation model inputs can generally be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant judgment. The Company has some derivative contracts, however, that do not have observable market quotes. For these financial instruments, management uses significant other observable inputs (e.g., information concerning regional premiums for swaps). Where appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors, such as bid/offer spreads.
Bifurcated Conversion Feature and Call Options - The fair value of the Bifurcated Conversion Feature is measured as the difference in the estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes and the estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes without the cash conversion feature. The Convertible Notes are valued based on the trading price of the Convertible Notes each period-end (see “All Other Financial Assets and Liabilities” below). The fair value of the Convertible Notes without the cash conversion feature is the present value of the series of the remaining fixed income cash flows under the Convertible Notes, with a mandatory redemption in 2015.
The Company determines the fair value of the Call Options using a binomial lattice valuation model. The inputs to the model at September 30, 2012 were as follows:
The Company's stock price at September 30, 2012
$
58.39

Quarterly dividend yield (per share) upon purchase of the Call Option1
$
0.24

Risk-free interest rate2
0.27
%
Credit spread (basis points)3
266

Expected volatility rate4
25
%
______________________
1 
Recent quarterly dividends have been $0.25 per share, but the model assumes a discrete $0.24 per share quarterly dividend as was paid at the inception of the Call Options. Quarterly dividends in excess of $0.24 per share do not affect the Call Options' value due to anti-dilution adjustments.
2 
The risk-free rate was based on the two-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate and the three-year Constant Maturity Treasury rate on September 30, 2012, compounded semi-annually.
3 
The credit spread is based on the Company's long-term credit rating of BB- issued by Standard & Poor’s and a senior unsecured credit rating of Ba3 issued by Moody’s.
4 
The volatility rate was based on both observed volatility, which is based on the Company’s historical stock price, and implied volatility from the Company’s traded options. Such volatility was further adjusted to take into consideration market participant risk tolerance.
    
The stock price of the Company generally has the greatest influence on the fair values of both the Call Options and Bifurcated Conversion Feature. Between December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, the change in the expected volatility rate as well as the change in the Company's credit spread also had a material impact on the values of these derivatives.

VEBA and Canadian Pension Plan Assets. The VEBA assets are managed by various investment advisors selected by the trustees of each of the VEBAs. The VEBA assets are outside of the Company's control, and the Company does not have insight into the investment strategies. The fair value of the VEBAs’ plan assets is based on information made available to the Company by the VEBA administrators.
The assets of the Company's Canadian pension plan are managed by advisors selected by the Company, with the investment portfolio subject to periodic review and evaluation by the Company's investment committee. The investment of assets in the Canadian pension plan is based upon the objective of maintaining a diversified portfolio of investments in order to minimize concentration of credit and market risks (such as interest rate, currency, equity price and liquidity risks). The degree of risk and risk tolerance take into account the obligation structure of the plan, the anticipated demand for funds and the maturity profiles required from the investment portfolio in light of these demands.
The fair value of the plan assets of the VEBAs and the Company's Canadian pension plan is measured annually on December 31 and is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. In determining the fair value of the plan assets at each annual period end, the Company utilizes primarily the results of valuations supplied by the investment advisors responsible for managing the assets of each plan. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information with respect to the fair value of the plan assets of the VEBAs and the Company's Canadian pension plan.
Available for sale securities. The Company holds assets in various investment funds at certain registered investment companies in connection with its deferred compensation program (see Note 7). Such assets are accounted for as available for sale securities and are measured and recorded at fair value based on the net asset value of the investment funds on a recurring basis. Such fair value input is considered a Level 2 input. During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased short-term commercial paper. The fair value of the commercial paper is determined based on valuation models that use observable market data. Such fair value input is considered a Level 2 input.
All Other Financial Assets and Liabilities. The Company believes that the fair value of its cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their respective carrying values due to their short maturities and nominal credit risk.
The Company believes that the fair value of the Nichols Promissory Note at December 31, 2011 materially approximated its carrying amount in light of the Company’s credit profile, the interest rate applicable to the Nichols Promissory Note, and its remaining duration. The foregoing fair value assessment is considered to be a Level 2 valuation within the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the Convertible Notes and Senior Notes are based on the trading prices of the notes and are considered a Level 1 input in the fair value hierarchy.
The following table presents the Company's financial instruments, classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy, as of September 30, 2012:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aluminum -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts
$

 
$
1.8

 
$

 
$
1.8

Midwest premium swap contracts

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electricity -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts

 
0.2

 

 
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedges Relating to the Convertible Notes -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Call Options

 
52.1

 

 
52.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Other Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
135.4

 
120.2

 

 
255.6

Short-term investments

 
79.9

 

 
79.9

Long-term available for sale securities

 
5.7

 

 
5.7

Total
$
135.4

 
$
260.6

 
$
0.9

 
$
396.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aluminum -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts
$

 
$
(1.4
)
 
$

 
$
(1.4
)
Natural Gas -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Put option sales contracts

 
(1.6
)
 

 
(1.6
)
Fixed priced purchase contracts

 
(1.4
)
 

 
(1.4
)
Electricity -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts

 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
Hedges Relating to the Convertible Notes -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bifurcated Conversion Feature

 
(58.6
)
 

 
(58.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Other Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Notes
(243.6
)
 

 

 
(243.6
)
Convertible Notes
(238.4
)
 

 

 
(238.4
)
Total
$
(482.0
)
 
$
(63.3
)
 
$

 
$
(545.3
)
The following table presents the Company's financial instruments, classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy, as of December 31, 2011:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aluminum -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts
$

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$
0.3

Midwest premium swap contracts

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

Hedges Relating to the Convertible Notes -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Call Options

 
46.3

 

 
46.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Other Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
49.8

 

 

 
49.8

Long-term available for sale securities

 
4.9

 

 
4.9

Total
$
49.8

 
$
51.5

 
$
0.1

 
$
101.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aluminum -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts
$

 
$
(7.8
)
 
$

 
$
(7.8
)
Midwest premium swap contracts

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Natural Gas -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Put option sales contracts

 
(5.6
)
 

 
(5.6
)
Fixed priced purchase contracts

 
(1.3
)
 

 
(1.3
)
Electricity -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed priced purchase contracts

 
(1.8
)
 

 
(1.8
)
Hedges Relating to the Convertible Notes -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bifurcated Conversion Feature

 
(53.9
)
 

 
(53.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Other Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nichols Promissory Note

 
(4.7
)
 

 
(4.7
)
Convertible Notes
(203.0
)
 

 

 
(203.0
)
Total
$
(203.0
)
 
$
(75.1
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(278.2
)
Financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy represent derivative contracts in which management has used at least one significant unobservable input in the valuation model. The following table presents a reconciliation of activity for the Midwest premium derivative contracts on a net basis:
 
Level 3
Balance at December 31, 2011
$

Total realized/unrealized gains included in:
 
Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization
2.2

Transactions involving Level 3 derivative contracts:
 
Purchases
0.2

Sales

Issuances

Settlements
(1.5
)
Transactions involving Level 3 derivatives — net
(1.3
)
Transfers in and (or) out of Level 3 valuation hierarchy

Balance at September 30, 2012
$
0.9

 
 
Total gain included in Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization, attributable to the change in unrealized gains/losses relating to derivative contracts held at September 30, 2012:
$
0.6

         Fair Values of Non-financial Assets and Liabilities
     Idled Assets. Included within Property, plant and equipment - net as of both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $5.4 of idled assets, comprised of acquired assets not placed in service of $4.3 and unused equipment from the closed Tulsa, Oklahoma facility of $1.1. The value of such assets was estimated using a combination of the cost approach and market approach. The cost approach uses replacement cost, and the market approach uses prices for similar assets to determine the value of assets, and both approaches use Level 3 fair value inputs.
     CAROs. The inputs in estimating the fair value of conditional asset retirement obligations, or CAROs, include: (i) the timing of when any such CARO cash flows may be incurred, (ii) incremental costs associated with special handling or treatment of CARO materials and (iii) the credit-adjusted, risk-free rate applicable at the time additional CARO cash flows are estimated, all of which are considered Level 3 inputs as they involve significant judgment of the Company. During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company increased its CARO liability by $0.4 as a result of accelerating the timing of certain asbestos removal projects. There were no material adjustments to the estimated fair values of CAROs for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The estimated fair value of CARO liabilities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $4.6 and $4.0, respectively, based upon the application of a weighted-average credit-adjusted, risk-free rate of 9.1%. CAROs are included in Other accrued liabilities or Long-term liabilities, as appropriate (see Note 2).

12. Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows, for each period presented:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
29.2

 
$
4.1

 
$
76.7

 
$
19.0

Denominator — Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands)1:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
19,154

 
18,999

 
19,104

 
18,971

Diluted
19,288

 
19,197

 
19,240

 
19,171

Earnings per common share, Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
$
1.52

 
$
0.21

 
$
4.01

 
$
1.00

Earnings per common share, Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
$
1.51

 
$
0.21

 
$
3.98

 
$
0.99

______________________
1 
The basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period excludes unvested share-based payment awards. The diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period is calculated using the treasury method.
Options to purchase 20,791 common shares at an average exercise price of $80.01 per share were outstanding at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The potential dilutive effect of such shares was zero for each of the periods presented. Warrants relating to approximately 3.6 million common shares at an average exercise price of approximately $61.32 per share remained outstanding through September 30, 2012. The potential dilutive effect of shares underlying the Warrants was zero for both earnings per share calculations presented above.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company paid approximately $14.7 ($0.75 per common share) and $14.1 ($0.72 per common share), respectively, in cash dividends to stockholders, including the holders of restricted stock, and dividend equivalents to the holders of restricted stock units and to the holders of performance shares with respect to approximately one half of the performance shares.


13. Segment and Geographical Area Information
The Company's primary line of business is the production of semi-fabricated specialty aluminum products through 11 focused production facilities in the United States and one in Canada.
Each of the Company's North American production facilities is an operating segment. Such operating segments are aggregated for reporting purposes to one reportable segment, Fabricated Products. The Fabricated Products segment sells value-added products, such as aluminum sheet and plate and extruded and drawn products, which are primarily used in aerospace/high strength, general engineering, automotive, and other industrial applications.
The Company's operations consist of the Fabricated Products segment and two business units, Secondary Aluminum and Corporate and Other. The Secondary Aluminum business unit sells value-added products, such as ingot and billet, produced at Anglesey. The Corporate and Other business unit provides general and administrative support for the Company's operations. For purposes of segment reporting under US GAAP, the Company treats the Fabricated Products segment as a reportable segment and combines the two other business units, Secondary Aluminum and Corporate and Other, into one category, which is referred to as All Other. All Other is not considered a reportable segment.
On January 1, 2012, management began reviewing the results of the primary aluminum hedging activities, which prior to January 1, 2012 had been reported in the Hedging business unit which was included in All Other, with the results of the Fabricated Products segment because such hedging activities with respect to primary aluminum are now conducted solely for the Fabricated Products segment. Accordingly, the results of primary aluminum hedging activities have been included in the Fabricated Products segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Prior period results have been conformed to current period presentation, which resulted in a decrease of $15.5 and $21.1 in operating income of the Fabricated Products segment for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and an increase of $0.6 in Fabricated Products segment assets as of December 31, 2011.
The accounting policies of the Fabricated Products segment are the same as those described in Note 1. Segment results are evaluated internally by management before any allocation of corporate overhead and without any charge for income taxes, interest expense, or Other operating charges, net.
The following tables provide financial information by operating segment for each period or as of each period-end, as applicable:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Net Sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fabricated Products
$
335.5

 
$
322.3

 
$
1,046.1

 
$
983.7

Segment Operating Income (Loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fabricated Products 1,2
$
62.5

 
$
10.3

 
$
161.7

 
$
61.3

All Other3
(6.3
)
 
(5.4
)
 
(19.7
)
 
(21.9
)
Total operating income
$
56.2

 
$
4.9

 
$
142.0

 
$
39.4

Interest expense
(9.2
)
 
(4.3
)
 
(19.8
)
 
(13.2
)
Other income, net
0.4

 
3.9

 
2.2

 
2.2

Income before income taxes
$
47.4

 
$
4.5

 
$
124.4

 
$
28.4

Depreciation and Amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fabricated Products
$
6.6

 
$
6.2

 
$
19.3

 
$
18.6

All Other
0.1

 

 
0.3

 
0.3

Total depreciation and amortization
$
6.7

 
$
6.2

 
$
19.6

 
$
18.9

Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fabricated Products
$
8.8

 
$
8.7

 
$
25.5

 
$
22.8

All Other

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.1

Total capital expenditures
$
8.8

 
$
8.8

 
$
25.7

 
$
22.9

Income Taxes Paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fabricated Products —
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$

 
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

 
$
1.0

Canada
0.4

 
0.2

 
0.8

 
0.4

Total income taxes paid
$
0.4

 
$
0.4

 
$
0.9

 
$
1.4


 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Segment assets:
 
 
 
Fabricated Products
$
790.5

 
$
637.0

All Other4
903.8

 
683.6

Total assets
$
1,694.3

 
$
1,320.6

______________________

1. 
Operating results in the Fabricated Products segment for the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 included LIFO inventory benefits of $5.7 and $7.1, respectively. Operating results in the Fabricated Products segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 included LIFO inventory (benefits) charges of $(13.5) and $12.8, respectively.
2. 
Fabricated Products segment results include non-cash mark-to-market gains on primary aluminum, natural gas and electricity hedging activities totaling $12.3 and $15.3 for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Fabricated Products segment results include non-cash mark-to-market losses on primary aluminum, natural gas and electricity hedging activities totaling $16.8 and $22.0 for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 . For further discussion regarding mark-to-market matters, see Note 10.
3. 
Operating results in All Other represent operating expenses in the Corporate and Other business unit.
4. 
Assets in All Other represent primarily all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, financial derivative assets, net assets in respect of VEBAs and net deferred income tax assets.






14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
5.4

 
$
5.6

Income taxes paid
$
0.9

 
$
1.4

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
Non-cash capital expenditures
$
1.2

 
$
0.3

15. Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net consisted of the following, for each period presented:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Interest income
$
0.1

 
$

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.2

Unrealized (losses) gains on financial derivatives1
(0.1
)
 
4.1

 
1.1

 
2.2

All other, net
0.4

 
(0.2
)
 
0.8

 
(0.2
)
Other non-operating income (expense), net
$
0.4

 
$
3.9

 
$
2.2

 
$
2.2

______________________
1 
See “Derivative Financial Instruments” in Note 1 for a discussion of accounting policy for such instruments.

16. Other Comprehensive Income
The following table presents the tax effect allocated to each component of Other comprehensive income for each period presented:
 
Before-Tax
 
Income Tax
 
Net-of-Tax
 
Amount
 
Expense
 
Amount
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit pension plan and VEBAs:
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of net actuarial loss
$
0.8

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
0.5

  Amortization of prior service cost
1.0

 
(0.4
)
 
0.6

Total income recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income related to defined benefit pension plan and VEBAs
1.8

 
(0.7
)
 
1.1

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
0.3

 

 
0.3

Foreign currency translation adjustment
(0.5
)
 

 
(0.5
)
Other comprehensive income
$
1.6

 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
0.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit pension plan and VEBAs:
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of net actuarial loss
$
0.1

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$

  Amortization of prior service cost
1.0

 
(0.4
)
 
0.6

Total income recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income related to defined benefit pension plan and VEBAs
1.1

 
(0.5
)
 
0.6

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
0.8

 

 
0.8

Other comprehensive income
$
1.6

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
1.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit pension plan and VEBAs:
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of net actuarial loss
$
2.3

 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
1.4

  Amortization of prior service cost
3.1

 
(1.2
)
 
1.9

Total income recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income related to defined benefit pension plan and VEBAs
5.4

 
(2.1
)
 
3.3

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
0.6

 

 
0.6

Foreign currency translation adjustment
(0.4
)
 

 
(0.4
)
Other comprehensive income
$
5.6

 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
3.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit pension plan and VEBAs:
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of net actuarial loss
$
0.4

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
0.2

  Amortization of prior service cost
3.1

 
(1.2
)
 
1.9

Total income recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income related to defined benefit pension plans
3.5

 
(1.4
)
 
2.1

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities

(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
0.5

 

 
0.5

Other comprehensive income
$
3.7

 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
2.3




5

Table of Contents
KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)


17. Restatement of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company accounts for the VEBAs as defined benefit postretirement plans with the current VEBA assets and future variable contributions and earnings thereon operating as a cap on the benefits to be paid. Subsequent to the issuance of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company identified errors in the accuracy and completeness of the data previously provided by the Union VEBA. The Company determined that it had omitted certain deferred retirees from the Union VEBA's participant population and misinterpreted the benefit election of certain participants for the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010. As a result of this omission and misinterpretation, the Company has restated the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010 and each of the interim periods in 2010 and 2011 to correct these errors, which management believes are not material to its previously issued consolidated financial statements.

The following is a summary of the effects of the restatement on the Company's Statements of Consolidated Income, Statements of Comprehensive Income and Statements of Cash Flows for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 (in millions of dollars, except per share amounts):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter ended September 30, 2011
 
Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
Restated
Statements of Consolidated Income:
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, administrative, research and development, and general
$
13.1

 
$
0.6

 
$
13.7

Total costs and expenses
316.8

 
0.6

 
317.4

Operating income
5.5

 
(0.6
)
 
4.9

Income before income taxes
5.1

 
(0.6
)
 
4.5

Income tax provision
(0.7
)
 
0.3

 
(0.4
)
Net income
$
4.4

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
4.1

Earnings per common share, Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
$
0.23

 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.21

Earnings per common share, Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share1
$
0.23

 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
Restated
Statements of Consolidated Income:
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, administrative, research and development, and general
$
45.3

 
$
2.0

 
$
47.3

Total costs and expenses
942.3

 
2.0

 
944.3

Operating income
41.4

 
(2.0
)
 
39.4

Income before income taxes
30.4

 
(2.0
)
 
28.4

Income tax provision
(10.2
)
 
0.8

 
(9.4
)
Net income
$
20.2

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
19.0

Earnings per common share, Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
$
1.06

 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
1.00

Earnings per common share, Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share1
$
1.06

 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
0.99

 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income:2
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
20.2

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
19.0

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 

6

Table of Contents
KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions of dollars, except share and per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)


Reclassification adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of net actuarial loss

 
0.4

 
0.4

  Less: tax impact on amortization of net actuarial loss

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
  Amortization of prior service cost

 
3.1

 
3.1

  Less: tax impact on amortization of prior service cost

 
(1.2
)
 
(1.2
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
0.1

 
2.2

 
2.3

Comprehensive income
$
20.3

 
$
1.0

 
$
21.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
20.2

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
19.0

Deferred income taxes
10.8

 
(0.8
)
 
10.0

Non-cash net periodic benefit income
(6.5
)
 
2.0

 
(4.5
)
______________________________
1 
Beginning 2012, the Company presented diluted earnings per share under the treasury method because it became more dilutive than the diluted earnings per share under the two-class method. As such, restated diluted earnings per share for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were calculated based on the treasury method to conform to current period presentation. Previously reported diluted earnings per share for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are based on the two-class method. The "Adjustment" column reflects the difference between restated diluted earnings per share using the two-class method and the previously reported diluted earnings per share.
2 
Total comprehensive income and components of other comprehensive income (loss) were previously included in the Statement of Stockholders' Equity for interim reporting periods prior to 2012. The Company adopted ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, beginning with the annual period ended December 31, 2011 and presented the Statement of Comprehensive Income as its own separate statement. As such, the "Previously Reported" column reflects the changes in the presentation.

18. Condensed Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information

The Company issued $225.0 aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes pursuant to an indenture dated May 23, 2012 (the “Indenture”), among Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (the "Parent'), the subsidiary guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Guarantor Subsidiaries currently include Kaiser Aluminum Investments Company, Kaiser Aluminum Fabricated Products, LLC, Kaiser Aluminum Mill Products Inc., Kaiser Aluminum Washington, LLC and Kaiser Aluminum Alexco, LLC, all of which are directly or indirectly wholly owned by the Parent. The guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 210.3-10(f) of Regulation S-X, the following condensed consolidating balance sheet as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, condensed consolidating statements of income for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 and condensed consolidating statements of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 present (i) the financial position, results of operation and cash flows for each of (a) the Parent, (b) the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis, (c) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (as defined below) on a combined basis, (ii) the adjustments necessary to eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions among the Parent, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (iii) the resulting totals, reflecting information for the Company on a consolidated basis, as reported. In the following tables, "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries" refers to Kaiser Aluminum Canada Limited, Trochus Insurance Company, DCO Management, LLC, Kaiser Aluminum France, S.A.S. and Kaiser Aluminum Beijing Trading Company; and "Consolidating Adjustments" represent the adjustments necessary to eliminate the investments in the Company's subsidiaries and other intercompany sales and cost of sales transactions. The condensed consolidating financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements herein.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
September 30, 2012
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5.0

 
$
250.0

 
$
0.6

 
$

 
$
255.6

Short-term investments
 

 
79.9

 

 

 
79.9

Receivables:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade, less allowance for doubtful receivables
 

 
151.7

 
4.7

 

 
156.4

Intercompany receivables
 

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
(0.5
)
 

Other
 

 
1.5

 
0.2

 

 
1.7

Inventories
 

 
181.9

 
7.1

 

 
189.0

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
0.1

 
72.2

 
0.8

 

 
73.1

Total current assets
 
5.1

 
737.4

 
13.7

 
(0.5
)
 
755.7

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates
 
1,209.4

 
8.1

 

 
(1,217.5
)
 

Property, plant, and equipment — net
 

 
362.3

 
12.4

 

 
374.7

Long-term intercompany receivables
 
182.4

 
0.5

 
7.4

 
(190.3
)
 

Net asset in respect of VEBA
 

 
266.9

 

 

 
266.9

Deferred tax assets — net
 

 
131.6

 
(0.6
)
 
8.7

 
139.7

Intangible assets — net
 

 
35.9

 

 

 
35.9

Goodwill
 

 
37.2

 

 

 
37.2

Other assets
 
61.3

 
19.9

 
3.2

 
(0.2
)
 
84.2

Total
 
$
1,458.2

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
36.1

 
$
(1,399.8
)
 
$
1,694.3

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
0.3

 
$
58.5

 
$
7.2

 
$

 
$
66.0

Intercompany payable
 

 
0.3

 
0.2

 
(0.5
)
 

Accrued salaries, wages, and related expenses
 

 
33.0

 
2.5

 

 
35.5

Other accrued liabilities
 
10.6

 
30.9

 
0.4

 

 
41.9

Payable to affiliate
 

 
14.0

 

 

 
14.0

Total current liabilities
 
10.9

 
136.7

 
10.3

 
(0.5
)
 
157.4

Net liability in respect of VEBA
 

 
19.9

 

 

 
19.9

Long-term intercompany payable
 

 
189.8

 
0.5

 
(190.3
)
 

Long-term liabilities
 
58.6

 
49.9

 
19.8

 

 
128.3

Long-term debt
 
378.4

 

 

 

 
378.4

Total liabilities
 
447.9

 
396.3

 
30.6

 
(190.8
)
 
684.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,010.3

 
1,203.5

 
5.5

 
(1,209.0
)
 
1,010.3

Total
 
$
1,458.2

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
36.1

 
$
(1,399.8
)
 
$
1,694.3


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2011
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5.0

 
$
43.0

 
$
1.8

 
$

 
$
49.8

Receivables:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade, less allowance for doubtful receivables
 

 
96.0

 
2.9

 

 
98.9

Intercompany receivables
 

 
2.3

 
0.2

 
(2.5
)
 

Other
 

 
0.8

 
0.4

 

 
1.2

Inventories
 

 
196.6

 
9.1

 

 
205.7

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
6.9

 
71.0

 
1.0

 

 
78.9

Total current assets
 
11.9

 
409.7

 
15.4

 
(2.5
)
 
434.5

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates
 
1,036.9

 
5.8

 

 
(1,042.7
)
 

Property, plant, and equipment — net
 

 
355.9

 
11.9

 

 
367.8

Long-term intercompany receivables
 

 
22.0

 
2.5

 
(24.5
)
 

Net asset in respect of VEBA
 

 
144.7

 

 

 
144.7

Deferred tax assets — net
 

 
218.9

 
(0.6
)
 
8.6

 
226.9

Intangible assets — net
 

 
37.2

 

 

 
37.2

Goodwill
 

 
37.2

 

 

 
37.2

Other assets
 
50.2

 
19.2

 
2.9

 

 
72.3

Total
 
$
1,099.0

 
$
1,250.6

 
$
32.1

 
$
(1,061.1
)
 
$
1,320.6

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$

 
$
57.1

 
$
5.1

 
$

 
$
62.2

Intercompany payable
 

 
0.2

 
2.3

 
(2.5
)
 

Accrued salaries, wages, and related expenses
 

 
28.7

 
2.2

 

 
30.9

Other accrued liabilities
 
2.2

 
38.0

 
0.8

 

 
41.0

Payable to affiliate
 

 
14.4

 

 

 
14.4

Long-term debt-current portion
 

 
1.3

 

 

 
1.3

Total current liabilities
 
2.2

 
139.7

 
10.4

 
(2.5
)
 
149.8

Net liability in respect of VEBA
 

 
20.6

 

 

 
20.6

Long-term intercompany payable
 
22.0

 
2.5

 

 
(24.5
)
 

Long-term liabilities
 
54.0

 
53.5

 
18.5

 

 
126.0

Long-term debt
 
148.0

 
3.4

 

 

 
151.4

Total liabilities
 
226.2

 
219.7

 
28.9

 
(27.0
)
 
447.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
872.8

 
1,030.9

 
3.2

 
(1,034.1
)
 
872.8

Total
 
$
1,099.0

 
$
1,250.6

 
$
32.1

 
$
(1,061.1
)
 
$
1,320.6


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHESIVE INCOME
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net sales
 
$

 
$
328.6

 
$
32.0

 
$
(25.1
)
 
$
335.5

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization
 

 
251.4

 
29.7

 
(24.5
)
 
256.6

Depreciation and amortization
 

 
6.4

 
0.3

 

 
6.7

Selling, administrative, research and development, and general
 
0.4

 
14.0

 
2.1

 
(0.5
)
 
16.0

Other operating charges (benefits), net
 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses
 
0.4

 
271.8

 
32.1

 
(25.0
)
 
279.3

Operating (loss) income
 
(0.4
)
 
56.8

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
56.2

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(9.0
)
 
(0.2
)
 

 

 
(9.2
)
Other income (expense), net
 

 
0.3

 
0.1

 

 
0.4

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(9.4
)
 
56.9

 

 
(0.1
)
 
47.4

Income tax (provision) benefit
 

 
(21.6
)
 
(0.6
)
 
4.0

 
(18.2
)
Equity earnings (losses) of subsidiaries
 
38.6

 
(0.7
)
 

 
(37.9
)
 

Net income (loss)
 
$
29.2

 
$
34.6

 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
(34.0
)
 
$
29.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
30.1

 
$
36.0

 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
(34.9
)
 
$
30.1











CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net sales
 
$

 
$
1,019.1

 
$
96.7

 
$
(69.7
)
 
$
1,046.1

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization
 

 
815.7

 
88.6

 
(68.2
)
 
836.1

Depreciation and amortization
 

 
18.8

 
0.8

 

 
19.6

Selling, administrative, research and development, and general
 
1.7

 
45.2

 
2.8

 
(1.4
)
 
48.3

Other operating charges, net
 

 
0.1

 

 

 
0.1

Total costs and expenses
 
1.7

 
879.8

 
92.2

 
(69.6
)
 
904.1

Operating (loss) income
 
(1.7
)
 
139.3

 
4.5

 
(0.1
)
 
142.0

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(19.2
)
 
(0.6
)
 

 

 
(19.8
)
Other income (expense), net
 
1.2

 
0.8

 
0.2

 

 
2.2

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(19.7
)
 
139.5

 
4.7

 
(0.1
)
 
124.4

Income tax (provision) benefit
 

 
(53.1
)
 
(2.0
)
 
7.4

 
(47.7
)
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
 
96.4

 
2.6

 

 
(99.0
)
 

Net income
 
$
76.7

 
$
89.0

 
$
2.7

 
$
(91.7
)
 
$
76.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
80.2

 
$
92.9

 
$
2.3

 
$
(95.2
)
 
$
80.2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net sales
 
$

 
$
316.2

 
$
38.0

 
$
(31.9
)
 
$
322.3

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization
 

 
293.3

 
36.0

 
(31.6
)
 
297.7

Restructuring benefits
 

 
(0.3
)
 

 

 
(0.3
)
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
6.0

 
0.2

 

 
6.2

Selling, administrative, research and development, and general
 
0.2

 
13.9

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
13.7

Other operating charges, net
 

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

Total costs and expenses
 
0.2

 
312.9

 
36.2

 
(31.9
)
 
317.4

Operating (loss) income
 
(0.2
)
 
3.3

 
1.8

 

 
4.9

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(4.0
)
 
(0.3
)
 

 

 
(4.3
)
Other income (expense), net
 
4.1

 
0.1

 
(0.3
)
 

 
3.9

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(0.1
)
 
3.1

 
1.5

 

 
4.5

Income tax (provision) benefits
 

 
(1.2
)
 
1.2

 
(0.4
)
 
(0.4
)
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
 
4.2

 
2.6

 

 
(6.8
)
 

Net income
 
$
4.1

 
$
4.5

 
$
2.7

 
$
(7.2
)
 
$
4.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
5.2

 
$
4.8

 
$
3.5

 
$
(8.3
)
 
$
5.2











CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net sales
 
$

 
$
957.8

 
$
108.6

 
$
(82.7
)
 
$
983.7

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization
 

 
858.1

 
102.0

 
(81.5
)
 
878.6

Restructuring benefits
 

 
(0.3
)
 

 

 
(0.3
)
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
18.2

 
0.7

 

 
18.9

Selling, administrative, research and development, and general
 
1.5

 
41.6

 
5.4

 
(1.2
)
 
47.3

Other operating charges (benefits), net
 

 
0.1

 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.2
)
Total costs and expenses
 
1.5

 
917.7

 
107.8

 
(82.7
)
 
944.3

Operating (loss) income
 
(1.5
)
 
40.1

 
0.8

 

 
39.4

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(11.7
)
 
(1.5
)
 

 

 
(13.2
)
Other income (expense), net
 
2.2

 
0.3

 
(0.3
)
 

 
2.2

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(11.0
)
 
38.9

 
0.5

 

 
28.4

Income tax (provision) benefits
 

 
(14.2
)
 
0.1

 
4.7

 
(9.4
)
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
 
30.0

 
0.5

 

 
(30.5
)
 

Net income
 
$
19.0

 
$
25.2

 
$
0.6

 
$
(25.8
)
 
$
19.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
21.3

 
$
27.0

 
$
1.1

 
$
(28.1
)
 
$
21.3









CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
$
(208.4
)
 
$
314.8

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$
106.7

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 

 
(24.6
)
 
(1.1
)
 

 
(25.7
)
Purchase of available for sale securities
 

 
(80.0
)
 

 

 
(80.0
)
Change in restricted cash
 
6.9

 
0.3

 
(0.4
)
 

 
6.8

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
6.9

 
(104.3
)
 
(1.5
)
 

 
(98.9
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayment of capital lease
 

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(0.1
)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes
 
225.0

 

 

 

 
225.0

Cash paid for financing costs
 
(6.6
)
 

 

 

 
(6.6
)
Repayment of promissory notes
 

 
(4.7
)
 

 

 
(4.7
)
Excess tax benefit upon vesting of non-vested shares and dividend payment on unvested shares expected to vest
 

 
1.3

 

 

 
1.3

Repurchase of common stock to cover employees' tax withholdings upon vesting of non-vested shares
 
(2.2
)
 

 

 

 
(2.2
)
Cash dividend paid to stockholders
 
(14.7
)
 

 

 

 
(14.7
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
201.5

 
(3.5
)
 

 

 
198.0

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period
 

 
207.0

 
(1.2
)
 

 
205.8

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
5.0

 
43.0

 
1.8

 

 
49.8

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
5.0

 
$
250.0

 
$
0.6

 
$

 
$
255.6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
15.3

 
$
5.0

 
$
0.5

 
$

 
$
20.8

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 

 
(22.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 

 
(22.9
)
Purchase of available for sale securities
 

 
(0.2
)
 

 

 
(0.2
)
Cash payment for acquisition of manufacturing facility and related assets (net of $4.9 of cash received in connection with the acquisition in 2011)
 

 
(83.2
)
 

 

 
(83.2
)
Change in restricted cash
 

 
(1.1
)
 

 

 
(1.1
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 

 
(106.6
)
 
(0.8
)
 

 
(107.4
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayment of capital lease
 

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(0.1
)
Cash paid for financing costs
 

 
(2.1
)
 

 

 
(2.1
)
Repayment of promissory notes
 

 
(8.0
)
 

 

 
(8.0
)
Repurchase of common stock to cover employees' tax withholdings upon vesting of non-vested shares
 
(1.1
)
 

 

 

 
(1.1
)
Cash dividend paid to stockholders
 
(14.1
)
 

 

 

 
(14.1
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(15.2
)
 
(10.2
)
 

 

 
(25.4
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period
 
0.1

 
(111.8
)
 
(0.3
)
 

 
(112.0
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
5.0

 
129.6

 
1.0

 

 
135.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
5.1

 
$
17.8

 
$
0.7

 
$

 
$
23.6


19. Subsequent Events
     Dividend Declaration. On October 15, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per common share or $4.9 (including dividend equivalents), which will be paid on or about November 15, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 25, 2012.
Anti-dilution Adjustments to Convertible Notes and Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. Upon the payment of the quarterly dividend on November 15, 2012, (a) the Convertible Notes' conversion rate will increase slightly to 20.7111 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes and the equivalent conversion price will be $48.28 per share, (b) the Call Options' exercise price will be approximately $48.28 per share, and (c) the Warrants' exercise price will be $61.31 per share.


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     This Item should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Report").
     This Report contains statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “estimates,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” or “anticipates” or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These factors include: the effectiveness of management’s strategies and decisions; general economic and business conditions including cyclicality and other conditions in the aerospace, automobile and other end market segments we serve; developments in technology; new or modified statutory or regulatory requirements; and changing prices and market conditions. Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012 identify other factors that could cause actual results to vary. No assurance can be given that these are all of the factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements.
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Our MD&A is presented in the following sections:
Overview;
Results of Operations;
Liquidity and Capital Resources;
Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments, and Off-Balance-Sheet and Other Arrangements;
Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies;
New Accounting Pronouncements; and
Available Information.
We believe our MD&A should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as updated in our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2012 (second report filed) and July 23, 2012 (two reports).
In the discussion of operating results below, certain items are referred to as non-run-rate items. For purposes of such discussion, non-run-rate items are items that, while they may recur from period-to-period, (i) are particularly material to results, (ii) affect costs primarily as a result of external market factors, and (iii) may not recur in future periods if the same level of underlying performance were to occur. Non-run-rate items are part of our business and operating environment but are worthy of being highlighted for the benefit of readers of our financial statements. Our intent is to allow readers of the financial statements to consider our results both in light of and separately from items such as fluctuations in underlying metal prices, energy prices, our stock price and currency exchange rates.

Overview
We are a leading North American manufacturer of semi-fabricated specialty aluminum products for aerospace / high strength, general engineering, automotive, and other industrial applications.
At September 30, 2012, we operated 11 focused production facilities in the United States and one facility in Canada that produce primarily rolled, extruded, and drawn aluminum products used principally for aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer durables, electronics, electrical, and machinery and equipment end market segment applications. Through these facilities, which comprise our Fabricated Products segment, we produced and shipped approximately 451.4 million pounds of semi-fabricated aluminum products, which comprised effectively all of our total consolidated net sales of approximately $1,046.1 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
We have long-standing relationships with our customers, which consist primarily of blue-chip companies including leading aerospace companies, automotive suppliers and metal distributors. In our served markets, we believe we are the supplier of choice for many of our customers, providing “Best in Class” customer satisfaction and offering a broad product portfolio. We have a culture of continuous improvement that is facilitated by the Kaiser Production System (“KPS”), an integrated application of tools such as Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and Total Productive Manufacturing. We believe KPS enables us to

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continue to reduce our own manufacturing costs, eliminate waste throughout the value chain, and deliver “Best in Class” customer service through consistent, on-time delivery of superior quality products on short lead times. We strive to tightly integrate the management of our operations across multiple production facilities, product lines and our served markets in order to maximize the efficiency of product flow to our customers.
A fundamental part of our business model is to mitigate the impact of aluminum price volatility on our cash flow. We manage the risk of fluctuations in the price of primary aluminum through either (i) pricing policies that allow us to pass the underlying cost of metal onto customers, or (ii) hedging by purchasing financial derivatives to shield us from exposure related to firm-price sales contracts that specify the underlying metal price plus a conversion price. While we can generally pass metal price movement onto customers, for some of our higher value-added products sold on a spot basis, our ability to change prices can lag, sometimes by as much as several months, with a favorable impact on our results when metal prices decline and an adverse impact on our results when metal prices increase. The average London Metal Exchange (“LME”) transaction prices per pound of primary aluminum for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 were $0.92 and $1.13, respectively. The average LME transaction prices per pound of primary aluminum for the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 were $0.87 and $1.09, respectively. At October 19, 2012, the LME transaction price per pound was $0.90.
Our highly engineered products are manufactured to meet demanding requirements of aerospace and defense, general engineering, automotive and other industrial applications. We have focused our business on select end market segment applications where we believe we have sustainable competitive advantages and opportunities for long-term profitable growth. We believe that we differentiate ourselves with “Best in Class” customer satisfaction and a broad product offering, including superior products in our KaiserSelect® product line. Our KaiserSelect® products are manufactured to deliver enhanced product characteristics with improved consistency which we believe result in better performance, lower waste, and, in many cases, lower cost for our customers.
In the commercial aerospace sector, we believe that global economic growth and development will continue to drive growth in airline passenger miles. In addition, trends such as longer routes, larger payloads, and a focus on fuel efficiency have increased the demand for new, larger and/or more fuel efficient aircraft. We believe that the long-term demand drivers, including growing build rates, larger airframes and increased use of monolithic design throughout the industry will continue to increase demand for our high strength aerospace plate. Monolithic design and construction utilizes aluminum plate that is heavily machined to form the desired part from a single piece of metal as opposed to using aluminum sheet, extrusions or forgings that are affixed to one another using rivets, bolts or welds.
Our products are also sold into defense end market segments. Ongoing requirements of active military engagements continue to drive demand for our products. Longer term, we expect the production of defense aircraft such as the F-35, or Joint Strike Fighter, to also drive demand for our high strength products.
Commercial aerospace and defense applications have demanding customer requirements for quality and consistency. Serving these market segments requires significant capital requirements, technological expertise and a rigorous qualification process for safety-critical applications.
Our general engineering products serve the North American industrial market segments, and demand for these products generally tracks the broader economic environment. Longer-term we expect a gradual recovery in demand throughout the supply chain as the economy continues to improve.
We expect the 2012 North American automotive sector build rates to increase approximately 16% over 2011 build rates. Virtually all automotive platforms manufactured in North America today contain our automotive products, which are uniquely manufactured for specific applications that require consistent machinability, predictable mechanical properties, high strength, or other performance attributes. We believe that these attributes are not easily replicated by our competitors and are important to our customers, who are typically first tier automotive suppliers. Additionally, we believe that in North America, from 2001 to 2010, the aluminum extrusion content per vehicle grew at a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%, as automotive original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers found opportunities to decrease weight without sacrificing structural integrity and safety performance. We also believe the United States’ Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations, which increase fuel efficiency standards on an annual basis, will continue to drive growth in demand for aluminum extruded components in passenger vehicles as a replacement for the heavier weight of steel components.
     Highlights of the quarter ended September 30, 2012 include:
Fabricated Products segment shipments of 147.5 million pounds, a 9% increase from the third quarter of 2011, resulting primarily from stronger demand in the aerospace/high strength and general engineering products offset by lower billet shipments;
Consolidated net income of $29.2 million and earnings per diluted share of $1.51, including pre-tax, non-cash mark-to-market gains on derivative positions of approximately $12.2 million;

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Combined cash balances, short term investments, and net borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility of approximately $593.6 million, with no borrowings thereunder as of September 30, 2012;
Declaration of a regular dividend of $0.25 per common share, or $4.9 million, to be paid on November 15, 2012 to stockholders of record as of October 25, 2012

Results of Operations
Consolidated Selected Operational and Financial Information
The table below provides selected operational and financial information on a consolidated basis (in millions of dollars, except shipments and prices) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011. See “Segment and Business Unit Information” below for information regarding our reportable segment – Fabricated Products – and our other business units, which are aggregated and referred to herein as All Other.
The following data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere herein. See Note 13 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report for further information regarding segments. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of those for a full year.
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In millions of dollars, except shipments and average sales price)
Shipments (mm lbs)
147.5

 
134.8

 
451.4

 
424.1

Average Realized Third-Party Sales Price (per pound)1
$
2.28

 
$
2.39

 
$
2.32

 
$
2.32

Net Sales
$
335.5

 
$
322.3

 
$
1,046.1

 
$
983.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Operating Income (Loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fabricated Products2
$
62.5

 
$
10.3

 
$
161.7

 
$
61.3

All Other3
(6.3
)
 
(5.4
)
 
(19.7
)
 
(21.9
)
Total Operating Income
$
56.2

 
$
4.9

 
$
142.0

 
$
39.4

Income tax provision
$
(18.2
)
 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
(47.7
)
 
$
(9.4
)
Net Income
$
29.2


$
4.1

 
$
76.7

 
$
19.0

Capital Expenditures
$
8.8

 
$
8.8

 
$
25.7

 
$
22.9

______________________
1 
Average realized prices for our Fabricated Products segment are subject to fluctuations due to changes in product mix as well as underlying primary aluminum prices and are not necessarily indicative of changes in underlying profitability.
2 
Operating results in the Fabricated Products segment for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 include non-cash last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) inventory benefits of $5.7 million and $13.5 million, respectively. Operating results in the Fabricated Products segment for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 include non-cash LIFO inventory (benefits) charges of $(7.1) million and $12.8 million, respectively. See “Segment and Business Unit Information” below for a detailed discussion of the comparative results of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011.
3 
Operating results in All Other represent operating expenses in the Corporate business unit. See “Segment and Business Unit Information” below for a detailed discussion of the comparative results of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011.
     Net Sales. We reported Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 of $335.5 million compared to $322.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1,046.1 million compared to $983.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. As more fully discussed below, the increase in Net sales during both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to an increase in Fabricated Products segment shipments. The average realized price per pound for the Fabricated Products segment decreased for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the prior year period as a result of lower underlying metal prices despite higher average value-added revenue per pound. While the average realized price per pound for the Fabricated Products segment remained consistent for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the prior year period, the underlying metal price declined by an amount offset by an increase in value added revenue per pound. Fluctuation in underlying primary aluminum market prices does not necessarily directly impact profitability because (i) a substantial portion of the business conducted by the Fabricated Products segment passes primary aluminum price changes directly onto customers and (ii) our hedging activities in support of the Fabricated Products segment's firm price sales agreements limit our losses, as well as gains, from primary metal price changes.
     Cost of Products Sold Excluding Depreciation and Amortization. Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 totaled $256.6 million, or 76% of Net sales, compared to $297.7 million, or 92% of Net sales, in the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $836.1 million, or 80% of Net sales, compared to $878.6 million, or 89% of Net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Included in Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization were $12.3 million and $(16.8) million of unrealized mark-to-market gains (losses) on our derivative positions in the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. Unrealized mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative positions were $15.3 million and $(22.0) million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. See “Segment and Business Unit Information” below for a detailed discussion of the comparative results of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011.
     Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization, which include depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment and amortization expense on intangible assets in connection with the acquisitions of our Florence, Alabama facility and Chandler, Arizona (Extrusion) facility, was $6.7 million and $6.2 million in the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011. Depreciation and amortization in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 was $19.6 million and $18.9 million, respectively. The increase in depreciation and amortization during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to additional Construction in progress being placed into service during 2012 in connection with expansion projects at various facilities.
     Selling, Administrative, Research and Development, and General. Selling, administrative, research and development, and general expense totaled $16.0 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to $13.7 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2011. The increase during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to (i) a $2.1 million increase in employee compensation expense related primarily to our incentive programs and (ii) a $1.9 million increase in workers' compensation expense due primarily to lower estimated case reserve in 2011, partially offset by (iii) a $1.5 million increase in periodic pension benefit income with respect to two voluntary employee's beneficiary associations that provide benefits for certain eligible retirees, their surviving spouses and eligible dependents (together, the “VEBAs”).
Selling, administrative, research and development, and general expense totaled $48.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $47.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to (i) a $7.2 million increase in employee compensation expense related primarily to our incentive programs, offset by (ii) a $4.4 million increase in periodic pension benefit income with respect to the VEBAs and (iii) a $2.0 million decrease in environmental expense.
     Interest Expense. Interest expense of $9.2 million and $19.8 million in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, was primarily related to interest expense incurred on our 4.5% Cash Convertible Senior Notes due April 1, 2015 (the “Convertible Notes”), and interest expense on our 8.250% Senior Notes due June 1, 2020 (the "Senior Notes") issued on May 23, 2012, net of $0.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of interest capitalization as part of Construction in progress. Interest expense of $4.3 million and $13.2 million in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, was primarily related to interest expense incurred on the Convertible Notes, net of $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of interest costs capitalized as part of Construction in progress.
     Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income (expense), net was $0.4 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2012, compared to $3.9 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Other income (expense), net was $2.2 million for both nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011. The fluctuations in Other income (expense), net were primarily driven by net unrealized mark-to-market changes on the derivative instruments relating to the Convertible Notes. See Note 15 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report.
     Income Tax Provision. The income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $47.7 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 38.4%. The difference between the effective tax rate and the projected blended statutory tax rate in this period was the result of an increase in unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, of $0.7 million resulting in a 0.6% increase in the effective tax rate.
The income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $9.4 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 33.2%. The difference between the effective tax rate and the projected blended statutory tax rate for this period was primarily the result of (i) a decrease in valuation allowance of $0.8 million due to a change in tax law in the State of Illinois, resulting in a 2.9% decrease in the effective tax rate, (ii) a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, of $0.4 million, resulting in a 1.6% decrease in the effective tax rate, and (iii) a decrease of $0.2 million related to a return to provision adjustment, resulting in a 0.8% decrease in the effective tax rate, partially offset by (iv) the impact of a non-deductible compensation expense of $0.2 million, resulting in a 0.5% increase in effective tax rate.

Derivatives
From time to time, we enter into derivative transactions, including forward contracts and options, to limit our economic (i.e., cash) exposure resulting from (i) metal price risk related to our sale of fabricated aluminum products and the purchase of metal used as raw material for our fabrication operations, (ii) energy price risk relating to fluctuating prices of natural gas and electricity used in our production processes, and (iii) foreign currency requirements with respect to our foreign subsidiaries, investment, and cash commitments for equipment purchases. Additionally, in connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, we purchased cash-settled call options (the “Call Options”) relating to our common stock to limit our exposure to the cash conversion feature of the Convertible Notes (see Note 3 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report).
We may modify the terms of our derivative contracts based on operational needs or financing objectives. As our hedging activities are generally designed to lock-in a specified price or range of prices, realized gains or losses on the derivative contracts utilized in the hedging activities generally offset at least a portion of any losses or gains, respectively, on the transactions being hedged at the time the transactions occur. However, due to mark-to-market accounting, during the term of the derivative contracts, significant unrealized, non-cash gains and losses may be recorded in the income statement (see Note 10 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report). We may also be exposed to margin calls placed on derivative contracts, which we try to minimize or offset through the management of counterparty credit lines, the utilization of options as part of our hedging activities, or both. We regularly review the creditworthiness of our derivative counterparties and do not expect to incur a significant loss from the failure of any counterparties to perform under any agreements.
The aggregate fair value of our derivatives, recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, was a net liability of $7.6 million and $23.8 million, respectively. The decrease in net liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to settlement of hedging positions during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and increases in underlying commodity prices. Changes in the fair value of our derivative contracts that relate to operational hedging activities are reflected in operating income (see Note 1 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report). Such changes in the fair value of these contracts resulted in the recognition of a $15.3 million unrealized mark-to-market gain during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. We consider this gain to be a non-run-rate item.
Fair Value Measurement
We apply the fair value hierarchy for the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities. An asset or liability’s fair value classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. We also consider counterparty risk in our assessment of fair value.
The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis. We have elected not to carry all financial assets and liabilities at fair value, other than as required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”). Financial assets and liabilities that we carry at fair value, as required by US GAAP, include (i) our derivative instruments, (ii) the plan assets of the VEBAs and our Canadian defined benefit pension plan, and (iii) available for sale securities, consisting of the investments related to our deferred compensation plan.
The majority of our non-financial assets and liabilities, which include goodwill, intangible assets, inventories and property, plant, and equipment, are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur (or at least annually for goodwill), an evaluation of a non-financial asset or liability is required, potentially resulting in an adjustment to the carrying amount of such asset or liability.
Below is a discussion of the fair value inputs to our material financial assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value:
     Commodity, Energy, Electricity and Foreign Currency Hedges. The fair values of a majority of these derivative contracts are based upon trades in liquid markets. Valuation model inputs can generally be verified and valuation techniques do not involve significant judgment. The fair values of such financial instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 11 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I. Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report). We, however, have some derivative contracts that do not have observable market quotes. For these financial instruments, we use significant other observable inputs (i.e., information concerning regional premiums for swaps). Where appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors, such as bid/offer spreads.
     Cash Conversion Feature of the Convertible Notes and Call Options. The value of the cash conversion feature of the Convertible Notes is measured as the difference between the estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes and the estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes without the cash conversion feature. The Call Options are valued using a binomial lattice valuation model. See Note 11 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report for additional disclosure regarding these valuations; such disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.
     Employee Benefit Plan Assets. In determining the fair value of employee benefit plan assets, we utilize primarily the results of valuations supplied by the investment advisors responsible for managing the assets of each plan. Certain plan assets are valued based upon unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets (e.g., liquid securities listed on an exchange). Such assets are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Valuation of other invested plan assets is based on significant observable inputs (e.g., net asset values of registered investment companies, valuations derived from actual market transactions, broker-dealer supplied valuations, or correlations between a given U.S. market and a non-U.S. security). Valuation model inputs can generally be verified and valuation techniques do not involve significant judgment. The fair values of such financial instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Our Canadian pension plan assets and the plan assets of the VEBAs are measured annually on December 31. The increase in the Net asset in respect of VEBA during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was the result of the release of stock transfer restrictions on 2,202,495 shares owned by the VEBA that provides benefits to certain union retirees, their surviving spouses and eligible dependents (the "Union VEBA") (see Note 7 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report for additional detail regarding the release of such stock transfer restrictions) and net periodic pension benefit income during the period.
Deferred tax asset
At December 31, 2011, we had $875.1 million of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards available to reduce future cash payments for income taxes in the U.S., with $1.7 million thereof representing excess tax benefits related to the vesting of employee restricted stock which will result in an increase in equity if and when such excess tax benefits are ultimately realized. The NOL carryforwards expire periodically through 2030. We also had $29.8 million of alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforwards with an indefinite life available to offset regular federal income tax.
To preserve the NOL carryforwards available to us, our certificate of incorporation includes certain restrictions on the transfer of our common stock.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider taxable income in carryback years, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. Due to uncertainties surrounding the realization of some of our deferred tax assets, primarily including state NOLs sustained during the prior years and expiring tax benefits, we had a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets of $18.8 million at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. When recognized, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of this valuation allowance will be recorded as a reduction of income tax expense. Net deferred tax asset decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as a result of release of restriction on shares owned by the Union VEBA (see Note 7 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report) and the expected utilization of the NOL against current year taxable income.
Segment and Business Unit Information
For the purposes of segment reporting under US GAAP, we have one reportable segment, Fabricated Products. We also have two other business units which we combine into All Other. The Fabricated Products segment sells value-added products such as heat treat sheet and plate and extruded rod, bar, wire, and tube products, which are primarily used in four end market segments: aerospace and high strength products (which we refer to as Aero/HS products), general engineering products (which we refer to as GE products), extrusions for automotive applications (which we refer to as Automotive Extrusions), and other industrial products (which we refer to as Other products). All Other consists of the Secondary Aluminum business unit and the Corporate and Other business unit. The Secondary Aluminum business unit sells value-added products such as ingot and billet produced by Anglesey Aluminium Limited (“Anglesey”), in which we have a 49% non-controlling interest. Our Corporate and Other business unit provides general and administrative support for our operations. All Other is not considered a reportable segment.
On January 1, 2012, management began reviewing the results of the primary aluminum hedging activities, which prior to January 1, 2012 had been reported in the Hedging business unit which was included in All Other, with the results of the Fabricated Products segment because such hedging activities with respect to primary aluminum are now conducted solely for the Fabricated Products segment. Accordingly, the results of primary aluminum hedging activities have been included in the Fabricated Products segment for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Prior period results have been conformed to current period presentation.
The accounting policies of the segment and business units are the same as those described in Note 1 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report. Segment results are evaluated internally before interest expense, other expense (income) and income taxes.
Fabricated Products. The table below provides selected operational and financial information (in millions of dollars except shipments and average realized sales price) for our Fabricated Products segment, for each period presented:
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Shipments (mm lbs)
147.5

 
134.8

 
451.4

 
424.1

Composition of average realized third-party sales price (per pound):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedged cost of alloyed metal
$
1.03

 
$
1.20

 
$
1.07

 
$
1.19

Average realized third-party value-added revenue
1.25

 
1.19

 
1.25

 
1.13

Average realized third-party sales price
$
2.28

 
$
2.39

 
$
2.32

 
$
2.32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Composition of net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedged cost of alloyed metal
$
151.5

 
$
161.3

 
$
481.8

 
$
506.3

Third party value-added revenue
184.0

 
161.0

 
564.3

 
477.4

Net sales
$
335.5

 
$
322.3

 
$
1,046.1

 
$
983.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Operating Income
$
62.5

 
$
10.3

 
$
161.7

 
$
61.3

The table below provides shipment and value-added revenue information (in millions of dollars except shipments and value-added revenue per pound) for each of the primary end-market segment applications of our Fabricated Products segment, for each period presented:
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Shipments (mm lbs):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aero/HS Products
54.5

 
49.0

 
167.2

 
139.8

GE Products
61.4

 
50.4

 
183.5

 
171.4

Automotive Extrusions
15.2

 
15.7

 
48.7

 
48.2

Other Products
16.4

 
19.7

 
52.0

 
64.7

 
147.5

 
134.8

 
451.4

 
424.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Value-added revenue:1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aero/HS Products
$
109.7

 
$
96.3

 
$
340.5

 
$
272.8

GE Products
51.8

 
41.6

 
150.5

 
133.7

Automotive Extrusions
14.6

 
13.2

 
45.8

 
40.0

Other Products
7.9

 
9.9

 
27.5

 
30.9

 
$
184.0

 
$
161.0

 
$
564.3

 
$
477.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Value-added revenue per pound:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aero/HS Products
$
2.01

 
$
1.97

 
$
2.04

 
$
1.95

GE Products
0.84

 
0.83

 
0.82

 
0.78

Automotive Extrusions
0.96

 
0.84

 
0.94

 
0.83

Other Products
0.48

 
0.50

 
0.53

 
0.48

 
$
1.25

 
$
1.19

 
$
1.25

 
$
1.13

______________________
1 
Value-added revenue represents net sales less hedged cost of alloyed metal.
For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, Net sales of fabricated products increased by 4% to $335.5 million, as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to a 9% increase in shipments, offset by a decrease in average realized sales price. The increase in shipments was comprised of (i) a 11% increase in Aero/HS products shipments primarily due to higher commercial aerospace demand for plate and sheet products and (ii) a 22% increase in GE products shipments reflecting higher demand for certain general engineering products, offset by (iii) a slight decrease of 3% in Automotive Extrusion shipments due to mid-year model changeovers on certain programs we serve and lower exports of anti-lock breaking system blocks for European applications, and (iv) a 17% decrease in shipments of Other products primarily to focus on higher value-added products. Average realized third-party sales price decreased, reflecting lower underlying hedged, alloyed metal prices passed through to customers offset by higher value added revenue per pound driven by improved contract pricing on some products.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Net sales of fabricated products increased by 6% to $1,046.1 million, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, due primarily to a 6% increase in shipments. The increase in shipments was comprised of (i) a 20% increase in Aero/HS products shipments primarily due to higher commercial aerospace demand for plate and sheet products, (ii) a 7% increase in GE products shipments reflecting higher demand for general engineering products and (iii) a 1% increase in Automotive Extrusion shipments as we saw higher aluminum automotive extrusion content per vehicle and an increase in North American automotive build rates, offset by (iv) a 20% decrease in shipments of Other products primarily to focus on higher value-added products. Average realized third-party sales price remained the same as higher value added revenue per pound offset lower underlying hedged, alloyed metal prices passed through to customers. Higher value-added revenue per pound reflected a greater percentage of Aero/HS products sold in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as well as higher value added pricing for certain products.
Operating income in the Fabricated Products segment included several large non-run-rate items in each of the periods presented below, as follows (amounts are in millions of dollars):
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Operating income
$
62.5

 
$
10.3

 
$
161.7

 
$
61.3

Impact to operating income of non-run-rate items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments to plant-level LIFO1
0.4

 
(1.6
)
 
0.9

 
(3.1
)
Mark-to-market gains (losses) on derivative instruments
12.3

 
(16.8
)
 
15.3

 
(22.0
)
Workers' compensation cost due to discounting

 

 
(0.2
)
 

Restructuring benefits

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

Environmental expenses
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.6
)
Operating non-run-rate items
12.5

 
(18.2
)
 
15.2

 
(25.4
)
Operating income excluding non-run-rate items
$
50.0

 
$
28.5

 
$
146.5

 
$
86.7

______________________
1 
We manage our Fabricated Products segment business on a monthly LIFO basis at each plant, but report inventory externally on an annual LIFO basis in accordance with US GAAP on a consolidated basis. This amount represents the conversion from US GAAP LIFO applied on a consolidated basis for the Fabricated Products segment to monthly LIFO applied on a plant-by-plant basis. This amount was presented on a gross basis separately as LIFO benefits (charges) and Metal losses (gains) in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
As noted above, operating income excluding identified non-run-rate items for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was $21.5 million higher than operating income excluding such items for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Operating income excluding identified non-run-rate items for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $59.8 million higher than operating income excluding such items for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Higher operating income in both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 reflected the impact of favorable pricing, volume and mix and strong cost structure improvement.
Outlook

While we experienced modest normal seasonal weakness in some products in the third quarter 2012, we expect the impact of seasonality to be more pronounced in the fourth quarter primarily as a result of weakness in service center orders and year-end destocking resulting in lower value-added revenue compared to the third quarter. Lower volume and higher planned major maintenance expenses will be partially offset by improvement in our underlying manufacturing cost performance.

As we look towards 2013, we anticipate continued growth in our total value added revenue and continued improvement in our operating results driven by strong demand for aerospace and automotive applications, the investments made in expanding our capacity to meet this growing demand, and steady and sustainable improvement in our underlying manufacturing cost performance. We anticipate fully utilizing our Phase 4 heat treat plate capacity expansion at our Trentwood facility when it is fully on-line in early 2013. Our outlook for the automotive end market is driven by higher build rates and increasing aluminum extrusion content. For general engineering applications, however, our outlook is tempered as demand remains weak in the slow-to-no growth North American industrial economy.
All Other. All Other consists of the Secondary Aluminum business unit and the Corporate and Other business unit. The Secondary Aluminum business unit sells value added products such as ingot and billet produced by Anglesey. Our Corporate and Other business unit provides general and administrative support for our operations. All Other is not considered a reportable segment.
Secondary Aluminum. We own a 49% interest in Anglesey, which owns and operates a secondary aluminum remelt and casting facility in Holyhead, Wales. Anglesey produces value-added secondary aluminum ingot and billet and sells 49% of its output to us. We in turn sell the secondary aluminum products to a third party, receiving a portion of a premium over normal commodity market prices in transactions structured to largely eliminate our metal price and currency exchange rate risks with respect to our income and cash flow related to Anglesey. Because we, in substance, act as an agent in connection with sales of secondary aluminum produced by Anglesey, our sales of such secondary aluminum are presented net of the cost of sales. Accordingly, net sales and operating income in the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 were all zero.
See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional details on our investment in Anglesey and the suspension of equity method of accounting with respect to our ownership in Anglesey.
Corporate and Other. Operating expenses within the Corporate and Other business unit represent general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to other business units or segments. The table below presents non-run-rate items within the Corporate and Other business unit, operating expense and operating expense excluding non-run-rate items (in millions of dollars):
 
Quarter Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Operating expense
$
(6.3
)
 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
(19.7
)
 
$
(21.9
)
Impact to operating expense of non-run-rate items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VEBA net periodic benefit income
2.9

 
1.5

 
8.9

 
4.5

Environmental expense
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.2
)
 
(2.2
)
Other operating benefits

 

 

 
0.2

Operating non-run-rate items
2.8

 
1.5

 
8.7

 
2.5

Operating expense excluding non-run-rate item
$
(9.1
)
 
$
(6.9
)
 
$
(28.4
)
 
$
(24.4
)
Corporate operating expenses excluding non-run-rate items for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 were $2.2 million higher than such expenses for the comparable period in 2011, reflecting primarily (i) an increase in workers' compensation expense of $1.9 million primarily due to lower case reserves in 2011 and (ii) an increase in employee incentive compensation expense of $0.7 million relating to our incentive programs.
Corporate operating expenses excluding non-run-rate items for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $4.0 million higher than such expenses for the comparable period in 2011, primarily reflecting an increase in employee compensation expense of $4.0 million relating to both incentive programs and salaries and wages.



Liquidity and Capital Resources
Summary

The following table summarizes our liquidity at the end of the periods presented (in millions of dollars):
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Available cash and cash equivalents
$
255.6

 
$
49.8

Short-term Investments
79.9

 

Net borrowing availability on Revolving Credit Facility after borrowings and letters of credit
258.1

 
251.6

Total liquidity
$
593.6

 
$
301.4

The increase in cash and cash equivalents and short term investments was primarily driven by $218.4 million of net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes and $118.1 million of operating income before non-run-rate items. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market accounts, investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less when purchased, and other highly liquid investments. We place our cash in bank deposits and money market funds with high credit quality financial institutions which invest primarily in commercial paper and time deposits of prime quality, short-term repurchase agreements, and U.S. government agency notes. Additionally, some of our cash and all of our short term investments are invested in commercial paper.
In addition to our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents described above, we have restricted cash that is pledged or held as collateral in connection with workers’ compensation requirements and certain other agreements. From time to time, such restricted funds could be returned to us or we could be required to pledge additional cash. Short-term restricted cash, which is included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, totaled $1.3 million at September 30, 2012 and $7.8 million at December 31, 2011. Long-term restricted cash, which is included in Other assets, was $10.1 million at September 30, 2012 and $10.4 million at December 31, 2011. Funds held in a trust account in the amount of $6.9 million were returned to us during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
We and certain of our subsidiaries have a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and

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the other financial institutions party thereto (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) which provides for a committed line of credit to borrow for general corporate purposes (see Note 4 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report). There were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2012, or as of December 31, 2011.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for each of the periods presented (in millions of dollars):
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Total cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Fabricated Products
$
138.2

 
$
55.2

All Other
(31.5
)
 
(34.4
)
Total cash flow from operating activities
$
106.7

 
$
20.8

Investing activities:
 
 
 
Fabricated Products
$
(25.8
)
 
$
(106.0
)
All Other
(73.1
)
 
(1.4
)
Total cash flow from investing activities
$
(98.9
)
 
$
(107.4
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Fabricated Products
$
(4.8
)
 
$
(8.1
)
All Other
202.8

 
(17.3
)
Total cash flow from financing activities
$
198.0

 
$
(25.4
)
Operating Activities
     Fabricated Products For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Fabricated Products segment operating activities provided $138.2 million of cash. Cash provided in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily related to operating income excluding non-run-rate items, depreciation and amortization of $165.8 million, a decrease in inventory of $17.5 million and an increase in accounts payables and accrued liabilities of $9.9 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $51.3 million partially due to the elimination of customer cash discounts.
Fabricated Products segment operating activities provided $55.2 million of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Cash provided in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was primarily related to operating income excluding non-run-rate items, depreciation and amortization of $105.3 million, an increase in accounts payable of $12.8 million and an increase in other accrued liabilities of $1.3 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivables of $34.7 million and an increase in inventory of $23.6 million.
     All Other Cash used in operations in All Other is comprised of (i) cash used in corporate and other activities and (ii) cash flows from Anglesey-related operating activities.
Corporate and other operating activities used $24.6 million and $33.1 million of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. Cash outflow from corporate and other operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 consisted primarily of payments relating to (i) general and administrative costs of $17.5 million, (ii) our short-term incentive program in the amount of $2.4 million and (iii) interest on our Convertible Notes and Revolving Credit Facility of $5.4 million. Cash outflow from corporate and other operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 consisted primarily of payments relating to (i) general and administrative costs of $21.3 million, (ii) annual contributions to the VEBAs totaling $2.2 million, (iii) our short-term incentive program in the amount of $1.9 million, and (iv) interest on our Convertible Notes and Revolving Credit Facility of $5.1 million.
Anglesey-related activities used $6.9 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, while Anglesey-related activities provided $1.3 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Operating cash flows were primarily related to changes in working capital in both periods.
Investing Activities
     Fabricated Products Cash used in investing activities for the Fabricated Products segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $25.8 million, compared to $106.0 million of cash used during the nine months ended September 30,

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2011. Cash used during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is primarily related to capital expenditures. Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes $83.2 million used for the acquisition of our Chandler, Arizona (Extrusion) facility and $22.8 million used for capital expenditures. See “Capital Expenditures and Investments” below for additional information.
     All Other — Cash provided by investing activities for All Other during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $73.1 million which primarily represents the purchase of $79.7 million of short-term investments offset by the return of $6.8 million of restricted cash. Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 in All Other represents the purchase of available for sale securities in connection with our deferred compensation plan.
Financing Activities
     Fabricated Products Cash used in financing activities for Fabricated Products during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 was $4.8 million and $8.1 million, respectively. The cash outflow in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was related to the repayment of outstanding principal balance of a promissory note issued in connection with the Company's acquisition of the Florence, Alabama facility (the "Nichols Promissory Note"). The cash outflow in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was primarily related to the full repayment of outstanding principal balance of a promissory note issued in connection with the purchase of the land and building of our Los Angeles, California facility and principal payments on the Nichols Promissory Note.
All Other Cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $202.8 million, representing (i) net proceeds of $218.4 million from the issuance of the Senior Notes and (ii) $1.3 million of additional tax benefit in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares, partially offset by (iii) $14.7 million of cash dividends paid to our stockholders, including holders of restricted stock, and dividend equivalents paid to holders of restricted stock units and to holders of performance shares with respect to approximately one-half of the performance shares and (iv) $2.2 million of cash used to repurchase our common stock to satisfy withholding taxes resulting from the vesting of employee restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares.
Cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $17.3 million, representing (i) $14.1 million of cash dividends paid to our stockholders, including holders of restricted stock, and dividend equivalents paid to holders of restricted stock units and to holders of performance shares with respect to approximately one-half of the performance shares, (ii) $2.1 million of financing costs paid in connection with the amendment of our Revolving Credit Facility and (iii) $1.1 million of cash used to repurchase our common stock in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares and payment of related withholding tax obligations.
Sources of Liquidity
We believe our available cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, and funds generated from the expected results of operations are our most significant sources of liquidity. We believe these sources will be sufficient to finance our cash requirements, including those associated with our strategic investments and existing expansion plans, for at least the next 12 months. Nevertheless, our ability to satisfy our working capital requirements and debt service obligations and to fund planned capital expenditures will substantially depend upon our future operating performance (which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions) and financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.
Our Revolving Credit Facility matures in September 2016 and provides for borrowings up to $300.0 million (subject to borrowing base limitations), of which up to a maximum of $60.0 million may be utilized for letters of credit. The Revolving Credit Facility may, subject to certain conditions and the agreement of lenders thereunder, be increased up to $350.0 million.
The table below summarizes recent availability and usage of the Revolving Credit Facility:
 
September 30, 2012
 
October 19, 2012
Revolving Credit Facility borrowing commitment
$
300.0

 
$
300.0

Borrowing base availability
264.8

 
283.7

Outstanding borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility

 

Outstanding letters of credit under Revolving Credit Facility
6.7

 
6.7

Net remaining borrowing availability
$
258.1

 
$
277.0

Borrowing rate (if applicable)
4.0
%
 
4.0
%
We do not believe that covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility are reasonably likely to limit our ability to

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obtain additional debt or equity financing should we choose to do so during the next 12 months, nor do we believe it is likely that during the next 12 months we will be required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio under our Revolving Credit Facility, which would be triggered if borrowing availability is less than $30.0 million.
See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements of this Report for a description regarding the Revolving Credit Facility; such description is incorporated herein by reference.
Debt
Mandatory principal and cash interest payments on the outstanding borrowings under the Convertible Notes (assuming no early conversions thereof) and the Senior Notes are as follows for each of the periods ending December 31 (see Note 3 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report for further details of the Convertible Notes and the Senior Note):
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016 and Thereafter
Convertible Notes
$
202.6

 
$
7.9

 
$
7.9

 
$
7.9

 
$
178.9

 
$

Senior Notes
374.0

 
9.7

 
18.6

 
18.6

 
18.6

 
308.5

Total
$
576.6

 
$
17.6

 
$
26.5

 
$
26.5

 
$
197.5

 
$
308.5

As of September 30, 2012, the Convertible Notes were not convertible. We do not expect the Convertible Notes to be converted by investors prior to the first quarter of 2015 (if at all). See Note 3 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report for information on the circumstances in which the Convertible Notes will become convertible prior to January 1, 2015.
We do not believe that covenants in the indentures governing the Convertible Notes and the Senior Notes are reasonably likely to limit our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing should we choose to do so during the next 12 months.
See Note 3 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report for further descriptions regarding the Convertible Notes and the Senior Notes; such descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.
Capital Expenditures and Investments
A component of our long-term strategy is our capital expenditure program including our organic growth initiatives and value-creating acquisitions. Capital spending during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included spending at our Trentwood facility in Spokane, Washington, Chandler, Arizona (Extrusion) facility, and other projects spread among most of our manufacturing locations to reduce operating costs, improve product quality, increase capacity and/or enhance operational security. We expect total capital expenditures and investments for the Fabricated Products segment will be in the $40.0 million to $50.0 million range for all of 2012 and will be funded using cash generated from operations and cash and cash equivalents.
The level of anticipated capital expenditures or acquisition investments may be adjusted from time to time depending on our business plans, our price outlook for fabricated aluminum products, our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and other factors. No assurance can be provided as to the timing of any such expenditures or the operational benefits therefrom.
Dividends
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, we paid a total of $14.7 million and $14.1 million, or $0.75 and $0.72 per common share, respectively, in cash dividends to our stockholders, including the holders of restricted stock, and dividend equivalents to holders of certain restricted stock units and to holders of performance shares with respect to approximately one-half of the performance shares.
On October 15, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share on our common stock to be paid on November 15, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 25, 2012.
The future declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including our financial and operating results, financial condition, anticipated cash requirements and ability to satisfy conditions contained in our Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Notes. We can give no assurance that dividends will be declared and paid in the future.
Repurchases of Common Stock
Our Board of Directors approved a program for the repurchase of up to $75.0 million of our common shares to occur in open-market or privately negotiated transactions, at such times and prices as management deems appropriate, to be funded with

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our excess liquidity after giving consideration to internal and external growth opportunities and future cash flows. The program may be modified, extended or terminated by our Board of Directors at any time. As of September 30, 2012, $46.9 million remained available under this repurchase authorization. The indenture governing our Senior Notes and our Revolving Credit Facility place limitations on, among other things, our ability to repurchase common stock. For additional information, see Note 3 and Note 4 to Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part 1, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report.
Under our Amended and Restated 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, participants may elect to have us withhold common shares to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding obligations arising in connection with the vesting of non-vested shares, restricted stock units and performance shares. Any such shares withheld are canceled by us on the applicable vesting dates, which correspond to the times at which income is recognized by the employee. When we withhold these common shares, we are required to remit to the appropriate taxing authorities the fair value of the shares withheld as of the vesting date. The number of shares withheld is determined based on the closing price per common share as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on such dates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we withheld 45,801 shares of common stock to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations; 673 of such shares were withheld during the quarter ended September 30, 2012. The withholding of common shares by us could be deemed a purchase of the common shares.
Restrictions Related to Equity Capital
As discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, there are restrictions on the transfer of our common shares.
Environmental Commitments and Contingencies
We are subject to a number of environmental laws and regulations, fines or penalties assessed for alleged breaches of the environmental laws and regulations, and claims and litigation based upon such laws and regulations. We have established procedures for regularly evaluating environmental loss contingencies, including those arising from environmental reviews and investigations and any other environmental remediation or compliance matters. Our environmental accruals represent our undiscounted estimate of costs reasonably expected to be incurred based on presently enacted laws and regulations, existing requirements, currently available facts, existing technology, and our assessment of the likely remediation actions to be taken.
We submitted a final feasibility study, after public comment and agency review, to the Washington State Department of Ecology (“Washington State Ecology”) (the “Feasibility Study”) which included recommendations for remediation alternatives to primarily address the historical use of oils containing polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, at our Trentwood facility in Spokane, Washington. During the third quarter of 2012, we signed an amended work order with Washington State Ecology allowing certain remediation activities to begin and to initiate a treatability study in regards to proposed PCB remediation methods. We continue to work with Washington State Ecology in developing the implementation work plans, which are subject to Washington State Ecology approval.  We expect to begin implementation of approved work plans sometime in 2013.
At September 30, 2012, our environmental accrual of $21.9 million represented the best estimate of the incremental cost based on proposed alternatives in the final feasibility study relating to our Trentwood facility in Spokane, Washington and on investigational studies and other remediation activities occurring at certain other locations owned by us. We expect that these remediation actions will be taken over the next 30 years and estimate that the incremental direct costs attributable to the remediation activities to be charged to these environmental accruals will be approximately $0.2 million in 2012, $3.0 million in 2013, $2.8 million in 2014, $0.9 million in 2015, $0.6 million in 2016 and $14.4 million in years thereafter through the balance of the 30-year period.
As additional facts are developed, feasibility studies at various facilities are completed, draft remediation plans are modified, necessary regulatory approval for the implementation of remediation are obtained, alternative technologies are developed, and/or other factors change, there may be revisions to management’s estimates, and actual costs may exceed the current environmental accruals. We believe at this time that it is reasonably possible that undiscounted costs associated with these environmental matters may exceed current accruals by amounts that could be, in the aggregate, up to an estimated $18.7 million over the next 30 years. It is reasonably possible that our recorded estimate of our obligation may change in the next 12 months.

Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments, and Off-Balance Sheet and Other Arrangements

In May 2012, we issued $225.0 million principal amount of Senior Notes. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Debt" above for contractual principal and interest payments in future years.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we granted additional stock-based awards to certain members of management and our non-employee directors, under our stock-based long-term incentive plan (see Note 8 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report). Additional awards are

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expected to be made in future years.
In accordance with our VEBA funding obligation (see Note 7 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part 1, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report), we anticipate we will make a contribution in the first quarter of 2013 with respect to the 2012 year to the VEBAs at or near the maximum $20.0 million funding level, subject to our final year end results including, among other things, cash payments associated with our capital expenditures.
With the exception of the above-mentioned transactions and as otherwise disclosed herein, there has been no material change in our contractual obligations other than in the ordinary course of business since the end of fiscal 2011. See Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for additional information regarding our contractual obligations, commercial commitments, and off-balance-sheet and other arrangements.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP. In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with US GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. We discuss our critical accounting estimates in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. There has been no material change in our critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2011.

New Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of all recently adopted and recently issued but not yet adopted accounting pronouncements, see “New Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 1 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report.

Available Information
Our website is located at www.kaiseraluminum.com. The website includes a section for investor relations under which we provide notifications of news or announcements regarding our financial performance, including Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings, investor events, and press and earnings releases. In addition, all Kaiser Aluminum Corporation filings submitted to the SEC, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and Proxy Statements for our annual meeting of stockholders, as well as other Kaiser Aluminum Corporation reports and statements, are available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Such filings are also available for download free of charge on our website. In addition, we provide and archive on our website webcasts of our quarterly earnings calls and certain events in which management participates or hosts with members of the investment community, and related investor presentations. The contents of the website are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Report or any other report or document filed by us, and any reference to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our operating results are sensitive to changes in the prices of primary aluminum and fabricated aluminum products, and also depend to a significant degree upon the volume and mix of all products sold. As discussed more fully in Note 10 of Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report, we have historically utilized hedging transactions to lock in a specified price or range of prices for certain products which we sell or consume in our production process and to mitigate our exposure to changes in energy prices and foreign currency exchange rates.
Sensitivity
     Aluminum. Our pricing of fabricated aluminum products is generally intended to lock in a conversion margin (representing

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the value added from the fabrication process(es)) and to pass metal price risk to our customers. However, in certain instances we enter into firm price arrangements with our customers and incur price risk on our anticipated primary aluminum purchases in respect of such customer orders. We use third-party hedging instruments to limit exposure to metal price risks related to firm price customer sales contracts and such transactions may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Total fabricated products shipments during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 for which we had price risk were (in millions of pounds) 139.0 and 112.1, respectively. At September 30, 2012, we had sales contracts for the delivery of fabricated aluminum products that have the effect of creating price risk on anticipated primary aluminum purchases for the remainder of 2012, 2013 and 2014 and thereafter totaling approximately (in millions of pounds) 48.1, 20.5, and 1.6, respectively.
     Foreign Currency. We, from time to time, enter into forward exchange contracts to hedge material exposures for foreign currencies. Our primary foreign exchange exposure is our operating costs of our London, Ontario facility and for cash commitments for equipment purchases.
We do not anticipate recognition of equity income or losses relating to our investment in Anglesey for at least the next 12 months. Further, we expect to purchase and sell our share of Anglesey secondary aluminum production under pricing mechanisms that are intended to eliminate metal price risk and currency exchange risk. As a result, the British Pound Sterling exchange exposure related to our income and cash flow relating to Anglesey is effectively eliminated in the near-term.
     Energy. We are exposed to energy price risk from fluctuating prices for natural gas and electricity. We estimate that, before consideration of any hedging activities and the potential to pass through higher natural gas prices to customers, each $1.00 change in natural gas prices (per mmbtu) impacts our annual operating costs by approximately $4.0 million. We estimate that the energy price risk from fluctuations in electricity prices, net of the impact of our electricity-related hedging agreements, would not likely have a material effect on our annual operating costs.
We, from time to time, in the ordinary course of business, enter into hedging transactions with major suppliers of energy and energy-related financial investments. As of September 30, 2012, our exposure to fluctuations in natural gas prices had been substantially reduced for approximately 91%, 74% and 42% of the expected natural gas purchases for the remainder of 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
     Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is processed, recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures was performed as of the end of the period covered by this Report under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report because of the identification during the 2011 year end audit of a material weakness relating to our review of the completeness and accuracy of the information used to value the postretirement benefit obligations of the voluntary employee's beneficiary association that provides benefits to certain union retirees, their spouses and eligible dependents (the “Union VEBA”). See Part II, Item 9A. Controls and Procedures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Management has identified and is implementing corrective actions to improve our annual controls and procedures around the review of the completeness and accuracy of the information used to value the Union VEBA postretirement benefit obligations. Corrective actions include controls and procedures to ensure information and assumptions we use for the valuation of the Union VEBA's postretirement benefit obligations  accurately reflect the Union VEBA benefit structure, plan participants and participant coverage elections. We believe these actions will remediate the material weakness described above. However, the material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable remedial controls have operated for a sufficient period of time, and are tested as part of our 2012 year end audit. As a result, as of the end of the period covered by this Report, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that such controls were not yet remediated.
     Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. We had no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this Report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFOMRATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Reference is made to Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for information concerning material legal proceedings with respect to the Company. There have been no material developments since December 31, 2011.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Reference is made to Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and to Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012 for information concerning risk factors. There have been no material changes in risk factor, since June 30, 2012.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of our common shares during the quarter ended September 30, 2012:
 
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased1
 
Average Price per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs2
 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs (millions)2
July 1, 2012 - July 31, 2012
 

 

 

 
$
46.9

August 1, 2012 - August 31, 2012
 
673

 
57.33

 

 
$
46.9

September 1, 2012 - September 30, 2012
 

 

 

 
$
46.9

Total
 
673

 
57.33

 

 
$
46.9

__________________________
1 Under our Amended and Restated 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, we allow participants to elect to have us withhold common shares to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding obligations arising from the recognition of income and the vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. When we withhold these shares, we are required to remit to the appropriate taxing authorities the market price of the shares withheld, which could be deemed a purchase of the common shares by us on the date of withholding. During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, we withheld 673 shares of common stock to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations. All such shares were withheld and canceled by us on the applicable vesting dates or dates on which income to the employees was recognized, and the number of shares withheld was determined based on the closing price per common share as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on such dates.

2 In June 2008, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $75 million of our common shares. Repurchase transactions will occur at such times and prices as management deems appropriate and will be funded with the Company's excess liquidity after giving consideration to internal and external growth opportunities and future cash flows. Repurchases were not authorized to commence until after July 6, 2008. Repurchases may be in open-market transactions or in privately negotiated transactions, and the program may be modified, extended, or terminated by the Company's Board of Directors at any time.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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Item 5. Other Information.
None.

Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
*31.1
 
Certification of Jack A. Hockema pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*31.2
 
Certification of Daniel J. Rinkenberger pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*32.1
 
Certification of Jack A. Hockema pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*32.2
 
Certification of Daniel J. Rinkenberger pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*+ 101.INS
 
XBRL Instance
 
 
 
*+ 101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
 
*+ 101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
 
 
 
*+ 101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
 
 
 
*+ 101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label
 
 
 
*+ 101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
*
Filed herewith.
+
As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, XBRL information is furnished but deemed not filed for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.



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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION
 
 
/s/ Daniel J. Rinkenberger  
 
Daniel J. Rinkenberger 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Neal West  
 
Neal West 
 
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer) 
 
Date: October 25, 2012

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
*31.1
 
Certification of Jack A. Hockema pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*31.2
 
Certification of Daniel J. Rinkenberger pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*32.1
 
Certification of Jack A. Hockema pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*32.2
 
Certification of Daniel J. Rinkenberger pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*+ 101.INS
 
XBRL Instance
 
 
 
*+ 101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
 
*+101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
 
 
 
*+ 101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
 
 
 
*+ 101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label
 
 
 
*+ 101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
*
Filed herewith.
+
As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, XBRL information is furnished but deemed not filed for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

20