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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 2009
Registration No. 333-161892
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
Form S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
 
NOVELIS INC.*
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
         
Canada
  3350   98-0442987
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary standard industrial
classification code number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
3399 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 814-4200
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants’ principal executive offices)
 
Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
Senior Vice President, General Counsel
and Compliance Officer
Novelis Inc.
3399 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 814-4200
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
 
Copies to:
 
John J. Kelley III
Keith M. Townsend
King & Spalding LLP
1180 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 572-4600
 
 
* The companies listed on the next page are also included in this Form S-4 Registration Statement as additional Registrants.
 
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public:  As soon as possible after this Registration Statement is declared effective.
 
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.  o
 
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o
 
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  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 o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer þ Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:
 
Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  o
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  o
 
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
 


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ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS
 
         
        IRS Employer
Exact Name of Additional Registrants*
  Jurisdiction of Formation   Identification No.
 
Novelis Corporation
  Texas   41-2098321
Eurofoil Inc. (USA)
  New York   13-3783544
Novelis PAE Corporation
  Delaware   36-4266108
Aluminum Upstream Holdings LLC
  Delaware   20-5137700
Novelis Brand LLC
  Delaware   26-0442201
Novelis South America Holdings LLC
  Delaware   20-5137684
Novelis Cast House Technology Ltd. 
  Canada   Not applicable
Novelis No. 1 Limited Partnership
  Canada   Not applicable
4260848 Canada Inc. 
  Canada   Not applicable
4260856 Canada Inc. 
  Canada   Not applicable
Novelis Europe Holdings Ltd. 
  United Kingdom   Not applicable
Novelis UK Ltd. 
  United Kingdom   Not applicable
Novelis Services Limited
  United Kingdom   Not applicable
Novelis do Brasil Ltda. 
  Brazil   Not applicable
Novelis AG
  Switzerland   Not applicable
Novelis Switzerland S.A. 
  Switzerland   Not applicable
Novelis Technology AG
  Switzerland   Not applicable
Novelis Aluminium Holding Company
  Ireland   Not applicable
Novelis Deutschland GmbH
  Germany   Not applicable
Novelis Luxembourg S.A. 
  Luxembourg   Not applicable
Novelis PAE S.A.S. 
  France   Not applicable
Novelis Madeira, Unipessoal, Lda
  Portugal   Not applicable
 
 
* The address for each of the additional Registrants is c/o Novelis Inc., 3399 Peachtree Rd., N.E., Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. The primary standard industrial classification number for each of the additional Registrants is 3350.


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
 
Subject to Completion, dated October 20, 2009
 
PROSPECTUS
 
(NOVELIS LOGO)
Novelis Inc.
 
Offer to Exchange
Up to $185,000,000 aggregate principal amount
of our 111/2% Senior Notes due 2015
(which we refer to as the “new notes”)
and the guarantees thereof which have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
for $185,000,000 of our outstanding
111/2% Senior Notes due 2015
(which we refer to as the “old notes”
and, together with the new notes, as the “notes”)
and the guarantees thereof
 
 
 
 
The New Notes:
 
The terms of the new notes are substantially identical to the old notes, except that some of the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the old notes will not apply to the new notes.
 
  •  Maturity:  The new notes will mature on February 15, 2015.
 
  •  Interest:  The new notes will bear interest at the rate of 11.5% per annum. Interest on the new notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2010.
 
  •  Guarantees:  The new notes will be guaranteed, fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis, by all of our existing and future Canadian and U.S. restricted subsidiaries, certain of our existing foreign restricted subsidiaries and our other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee debt in the future under any credit facilities, provided that the borrower of such debt is our company or a Canadian or a U.S. subsidiary.
 
  •  Ranking:  The new notes and the guarantees will effectively rank junior to our secured debt and the secured debt of the guarantors (including debt under our existing senior secured credit facilities described herein), to the extent of the value of the assets securing that debt.
 
  •  Optional Redemption:  Prior to August 15, 2012, we may redeem all or a portion of the new notes by paying a “make-whole” premium. Commencing August 15, 2012, we may redeem all or a portion of the new notes at specified redemption prices. We also may redeem all of the new notes, at any time, in the event of certain changes in Canadian withholding taxes. In addition, prior to August 15, 2012, we may redeem up to 35% of the new notes from the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a specified redemption price. The redemption prices are set forth under “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption.”
 
  •  The new notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system.
 
The Exchange Offer:
 
  •  The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on          , 2009, (which is the 20th business day following the date of this prospectus), unless we extend the exchange offer in our sole and absolute discretion.
 
  •  The exchange offer is not subject to any conditions other than that it not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC.
 
  •  Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions, we will exchange the new notes for all old notes that are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.
 
  •  Tenders of old notes may be withdrawn at any time before the expiration of the exchange offer.
 
  •  We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.
 
The exchange offer involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 16.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is          , 2009.
 
 


 

 
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 EX-10.1 CREDIT AGREEMENT
 EX-10.2 TERM LOAN FACILITY
 EX-23.1 CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
 EX-99.1 FORM OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
 
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the consummation of the exchange offer, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution.”
 
This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about the Company that is not included or delivered with this prospectus. We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, a copy of all documents referred to below which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents.
 
In order to obtain timely delivery, you must request the information no later than          , 2009, which is five business days before the expiration date of the exchange offer. Any such request should be directed to us at:
 
Corporate Secretary
Novelis Inc.
3399 Peachtree Road, NE
Suite 1500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 814-4200


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ENFORCEABILITY OF CERTAIN CIVIL LIABILITIES
 
We are incorporated in Canada under the Canada Business Corporations Act, or the CBCA. Our registered office, as well as a substantial portion of our assets, is located outside the United States. Also, some of our directors, controlling persons and officers and some of the experts named in this prospectus reside in Canada or other jurisdictions outside the United States and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. We have agreed in the indenture relating to the notes to accept service of process in New York City, by an agent designated for such purpose, with respect to any suit, action or proceeding relating to the indenture or the notes that is brought in any federal or state court located in New York City, and to submit to the jurisdiction of such courts in connection with such suits, actions or proceedings. However, it may be difficult for holders of notes to effect service of process in the United States on our directors, controlling persons, officers and the experts named in this prospectus who are not residents of the United States or to enforce against them in the United States judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws. In addition, there is doubt as to the enforceability in Canada against us or against our directors, controlling persons, officers and experts named in this prospectus who are not residents of the United States, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon United States federal securities laws.
 
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA
 
The data included in this prospectus regarding markets and the industry in which we operate, including the size of certain markets and our position and the position of our competitors within these markets, are based on reports of government agencies, independent industry sources such as Commodity Research Unit International Limited (CRU), an independent business analysis and consultancy group focused on the mining, metals, power, cables, fertilizer and chemical sectors, and our own estimates relying on our management’s knowledge and experience in the markets in which we operate. Our management’s knowledge and experience is based on information obtained from our customers, distributors, suppliers, trade and business organizations and other contacts in the markets in which we operate. Although we believe these sources to be reliable and these estimates to be accurate and reasonable as of the date of this prospectus we have not independently verified this information.
 
TRADEMARKS
 
We have proprietary rights to a number of trademarks important to our business, including Novelis Fusiontm. All other trademarks or service marks referred to in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners and are not our property.
 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND MARKET DATA
 
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about us and the industry in which we operate and beliefs and assumptions made by our management. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the headings “Prospectus Summary,” “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek” and “estimate” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including those described below. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We do not intend, and we disclaim any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
 
Information in this prospectus concerning our markets and products generally includes forward-looking statements, which are based on a variety of assumptions regarding the ways in which these markets and product categories will develop. These assumptions have been derived from information currently available to us and to the third party industry analysts quoted in this prospectus. This information includes, but is not


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limited to, product shipments and share of production. Actual market results may differ from those predicted. We do not know what impact any of these differences may have on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
 
Factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ from the results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among other things:
 
  •  the level of our indebtedness and our ability to generate cash;
 
  •  changes in the prices and availability of aluminum (or premiums associated with such prices) or other materials and raw materials we use;
 
  •  the effect of metal price ceilings in certain of our sales contracts;
 
  •  the capacity and effectiveness of our metal hedging activities, including our internal used beverage can (“UBC”) and smelter hedges;
 
  •  relationships with, and financial and operating conditions of, our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders;
 
  •  fluctuations in the supply of, and prices for, energy in the areas in which we maintain production facilities;
 
  •  our ability to access financing to fund current operations and for future capital requirements;
 
  •  continuing obligations and other relationships resulting from our spin-off from Alcan, Inc.;
 
  •  changes in the relative values of various currencies and the effectiveness of our currency hedging activities;
 
  •  factors affecting our operations, such as litigation, environmental remediation and clean-up costs, labor relations and negotiations, breakdown of equipment and other events;
 
  •  the impact of restructuring efforts we may undertake in the future;
 
  •  economic, regulatory and political factors within the countries in which we operate or sell our products, including changes in duties or tariffs;
 
  •  competition from other aluminum rolled products producers as well as from substitute materials such as steel, glass, plastic and composite materials;
 
  •  changes in general economic conditions, including further deterioration in the global economy;
 
  •  our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures in the future;
 
  •  changes in the fair value of derivative instruments;
 
  •  cyclical demand and pricing within the principal markets for our products as well as seasonality in certain of our customers’ industries;
 
  •  changes in government regulations, particularly those affecting taxes, climate change, environmental, health or safety compliance;
 
  •  changes in interest rates that have the effect of increasing the amounts we pay under our senior secured credit facilities and other financing agreements;
 
  •  the effect of taxes and changes in tax rates; and
 
  •  the other factors discussed under “Risk Factors.”
 
The above list of factors is not exclusive. Some of these and other factors are discussed in more detail under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors.”


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
This summary highlights selected information in this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire prospectus, including the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” and the financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and the related notes thereto, before making an investment decision.
 
In this prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context indicates otherwise, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “company,” “Group,” “Novelis” and “Novelis Group” refer to Novelis Inc., a company incorporated in Canada under the CBCA. References herein to “Hindalco” refer to Hindalco Industries Limited. In October 2007, the Rio Tinto Group purchased all the outstanding shares of Alcan, Inc., which was subsequently renamed Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. References herein to “Alcan” refer to Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
 
References to “total shipments” refer to shipments to third parties of aluminum rolled products as well as ingot shipments, and references to “aluminum rolled products shipments” or “shipments” do not include ingot shipments. All tonnages are stated in metric tonnes. One metric tonne is equivalent to 2,204.6 pounds. One kilotonne (kt) is 1,000 metric tonnes. One MMBtu is the equivalent of one decatherm, or one million British Thermal Units. The term “aluminum rolled products” is synonymous with the terms “flat rolled products” and “FRP” commonly used by manufacturers and third party analysts in our industry. References to “$,” “dollars,” “United States dollars,” “U.S. dollars” or “U.S. $” refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America.
 
We were acquired by Hindalco through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary on May 15, 2007. Due to the impact of push down accounting, our consolidated financial statements separate the company’s presentation into two distinct periods to indicate the application of two different bases of accounting between the periods presented. We refer to the company prior to the Hindalco acquisition (through May 15, 2007) as the “Predecessor,” and we refer to the company after the Hindalco acquisition (beginning on May 16, 2007) as the “Successor.” In addition, in June 2007, we changed our fiscal year-end from December 31 to March 31 and filed a Transition Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007. Accordingly, in this prospectus, references to our “fiscal years” mean a year ended December 31 for 2004 through 2006, and March 31 for 2009. For comparability purposes, references to the fiscal periods ending in 2007 and 2008 refer to the twelve months ended March 31, 2007 (which are derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007 and the nine-month period ended December 31, 2006) and the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2008 (which are derived by combining the results of operations for the period ended May 15, 2007 of the Predecessor with the period ended March 31, 2008 of the Successor). The combined results of operations are non-GAAP financial measures, do not include any pro forma assumptions or adjustments and should not be used in isolation or substitution of the Predecessor’s and the Successor’s results. We include a reconciliation of our combined results in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
Our Company
 
We are the world’s leading aluminum rolled products producer based on shipment volume in fiscal year 2009, with total shipments of approximately 2,943 kt in fiscal year 2009. We are the only company of our size and scope focused solely on aluminum rolled products markets and capable of local supply of technologically sophisticated aluminum products in all of the regions in which we operate. We are also the global leader in the recycling of used aluminum beverage cans. We had net sales of approximately $10.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2009 and approximately $2 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
We produce aluminum sheet and light gauge products for end-use markets, including the beverage and food cans, construction and industrial, foil products and transportation markets. As of June 30, 2009, we had operations in 11 countries on four continents: North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, through 31 operating plants, one research facility and several market-focused innovation centers. In addition to aluminum rolling and recycling, our South American businesses include bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and power generation facilities that are integrated with our rolling plants in Brazil.


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Due in part to the regional nature of supply and demand of aluminum rolled products and in order to best serve our customers, we manage our activities on the basis of geographical areas and are organized under four operating segments: North America, Europe, Asia and South America. The following charts provide the breakdown by operating segment of our net sales and total shipments for fiscal year 2009:
 
     
(NET SALES PIE CHART)   (SHIPMENTS PIE CHART)
 
North America
 
Through 11 aluminum rolled products facilities, including two fully dedicated recycling facilities, North America manufactures aluminum sheet and light gauge products. Important end-use markets for this segment include beverage cans, containers and packaging, automotive and other transportation applications, building products and other industrial applications. The majority of North America’s efforts are directed towards the beverage can sheet market. Recycling is important in the manufacturing process, and we have five facilities in North America that re-melt post-consumer aluminum and recycled process material.
 
Europe
 
Europe produces value-added sheet and foil products through 13 operating plants, including one dedicated recycling facility. Europe serves a broad range of aluminum rolled product end-use markets including: beverage and food can, construction and industrial, foil and technical products, lithographic, automotive and other. Beverage and food represent the largest end-use market in terms of shipment volume by Europe. Europe also has foil packaging facilities at six locations and, in addition to rolled product plants, has distribution centers in Italy and France together with sales offices in several European countries.
 
Asia
 
Asia operates three manufacturing facilities and manufactures a broad range of sheet and light gauge products. End-use markets include beverage and food cans, foil, electronics and construction and industrial products. The beverage can market represents the largest end-use market in terms of volume. Recycling is an important part of our Korean operations, with recycling facilities at both the Ulsan and Yeongju facilities.
 
South America
 
South America operates two rolling plants, two primary aluminum smelters and hydro-electric power plants, all of which are located in Brazil. South America manufactures various aluminum rolled products, including can stock, automotive and industrial sheet and light gauge for the beverage and food can, construction and industrial and transportation and packaging end-use markets. More than 80% of our shipments for the past two years were in the beverage and food can market. The primary aluminum operations in South America include a mine, refinery and smelters used by our Brazilian aluminum rolled products operations, with any excess production being sold on the market in the form of aluminum billets. South America generates a portion of its own power requirements.


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Our Industry
 
The aluminum rolled products market represents the global supply of and demand for aluminum sheet, plate and foil produced either from sheet ingot or continuously cast roll-stock in rolling mills operated by independent aluminum rolled products producers and integrated aluminum companies alike.
 
Aluminum rolled products are semi-finished aluminum products that constitute the raw material for the manufacture of finished goods ranging from automotive body panels to household foil. There are two major types of manufacturing processes for aluminum rolled products differing mainly in the process used to achieve the initial stage of processing:
 
  •  hot mills — that require sheet ingot, a rectangular slab of aluminum, as starter material; and
 
  •  continuous casting mills — that can convert molten metal directly into semi-finished sheet.
 
Both processes require subsequent rolling, which we call cold rolling, and finishing steps such as annealing, coating, leveling or slitting to achieve the desired thicknesses and metal properties. Most customers receive shipments in the form of aluminum coil, a large roll of metal, which can be fed into their fabrication processes.
 
There are two sources of input material: (1) primary aluminum, such as molten metal, re-melt ingot and sheet ingot; and (2) recycled aluminum, such as recyclable material from fabrication processes, which we refer to as recycled process material, UBCs and other post-consumer aluminum.
 
Primary aluminum can generally be purchased at prices set on the London Metal Exchange (“LME”), plus a premium that varies by geographic region of delivery, form (ingot or molten metal) and purity.
 
Recycled aluminum is also an important source of input material. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable and recycling it requires only approximately 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum. As a result, in regions where aluminum is widely used, manufacturers and customers are active in setting up collection processes in which UBCs and other recyclable aluminum are collected for re-melting at purpose-built plants. Manufacturers may also enter into agreements with customers who return recycled process material and pay to have it re-melted and rolled into the same product again.
 
The market for aluminum rolled products tends to be less subject to demand cyclicality than the market for primary aluminum. A significant portion of total aluminum rolled products production is used in consumer staples, which have historically experienced relatively stable demand characteristics. In addition, most aluminum rolled products are priced in two components: (1) a pass-through aluminum price component based on the LME quotation and local market premia, plus (2) a “margin over metal” or conversion charge based on the cost to roll the product. As a result of this pricing formula most of the raw material price risk is absorbed by the customer, reducing the volatility of the producers’ profitability and cash flows. Aluminum rolled products companies also use recycled aluminum for a portion of their raw materials, which provides sourcing flexibility for, and further reduces the volatility of, input material. These factors combine to create an industry that has lower cyclicality than the primary aluminum industry.
 
There has been a long-term industry trend towards lighter gauge (thinner) rolled products, which we refer to as “downgauging,” where customers request products with similar properties using less metal in order to reduce costs and weight. For example, aluminum rolled products producers and can fabricators have continuously developed thinner walled cans with similar strength as previous generation containers, resulting in a lower cost per unit. As a result of this trend, aluminum tonnage across the spectrum of aluminum rolled products, and particularly for the beverage and food cans end-use market, has declined on a per unit basis, but actual rolling machine hours per unit have increased. Because the industry has historically tracked growth based on aluminum tonnage shipped, we believe the downgauging trend may contribute to an understatement of the actual growth attributable to rolling in some end-use markets.
 
The aluminum rolled products industry is characterized by economies of scale, significant capital investments required to achieve and maintain technological capabilities and demanding customer qualification


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standards. The service and efficiency demands of large customers have encouraged consolidation among suppliers of aluminum rolled products.
 
While our customers tend to be increasingly global, many aluminum rolled products tend to be produced and sold on a regional basis. The regional nature of the markets is influenced in part by the fact that not all mills are equipped to produce all types of aluminum rolled products. For instance, only a few mills in North America, Europe and Asia and only one mill in South America produce beverage can body and end stock. In addition, individual aluminum rolling mills generally supply a limited range of products for end-use markets and seek to maximize profits by producing high volumes of the highest margin mix per mill hour given available capacity and equipment capabilities.
 
Certain multi-purpose, common alloy and plate rolled products are imported into Europe and North America from producers in emerging markets, such as Brazil, South Africa, Russia and China. However, at this time we believe that most of these producers are generally unable to produce flat rolled products that meet the quality requirements, lead times and specifications of customers with more demanding applications. In addition, high freight costs, import duties, inability to take back recycled aluminum, lack of technical service capabilities and long lead-times mean that many developing market exporters are viewed as second-tier suppliers. Therefore, many of our customers in the Americas, Europe and Asia do not look to suppliers in these emerging markets for a significant portion of their requirements.
 
Aluminum rolled products companies produce and sell a wide range of aluminum rolled products, which can be grouped into four end-use markets based upon similarities in end-use markets: (1) beverage and food cans, (2) construction and industrial, (3) foil products and (4) transportation.
 
Beverage and Food Cans
 
Beverage cans are the single largest aluminum rolled products application, accounting for approximately 23% of total worldwide shipments in the calendar year ended December 31, 2008, according to CRU. The beverage can end-use market is technically demanding to supply and pricing is competitive. The recyclability of aluminum cans enables them to be used, collected, melted and returned to the original product form many times, unlike steel, paper or polyethylene terephthalate plastic (“PET plastic”), which deteriorate with every iteration of recycling.
 
Construction and Industrial
 
Construction is the largest application within this end-use market. Aluminum rolled products developed for the construction industry are often decorative and non-flammable, offer insulating properties, are durable and corrosion resistant and have a high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum siding, gutters and downspouts comprise a significant amount of construction volume. Other applications include doors, windows, awnings, canopies, facades, roofing and ceilings. Industrial applications include electronics and communications equipment, process and electrical machinery and lighting fixtures. Uses of aluminum rolled products in consumer durables include microwaves, coffee makers, flat screen televisions, air conditioners, pleasure boats and cooking utensils.
 
Foil Products
 
Aluminum, because of its relatively light weight, recyclability and formability, has a wide variety of uses in packaging. Converter foil is very thin aluminum foil, plain or printed, that is typically laminated to plastic or paper to form an internal seal for a variety of packaging applications, including juice boxes, pharmaceuticals, food pouches, cigarette packaging and lid stock. Household foil includes home and institutional aluminum foil wrap sold as a branded or generic product. Container foil is used to produce semi-rigid containers such as pie plates and take-out food trays.


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Transportation
 
Heat exchangers, such as radiators and air conditioners, are an important application for aluminum rolled products in the truck and automobile categories of the transportation end-use market. Original equipment manufacturers also use aluminum sheet with specially treated surfaces and other specific properties for interior and exterior applications. Alloys are being used in transportation tanks and rigid containers that allow for safer and more economical transportation of hazardous and corrosive materials.
 
There has been recent growth in certain geographic markets in the use of aluminum rolled products in automotive body panel applications, including hoods, deck lids, fenders and lift gates. We believe the recent growth in automotive body panel applications is due in part to the lighter weight, better fuel economy and improved emissions performance associated with these applications.
 
Aluminum is also used in the construction of ships’ hulls and superstructures and passenger rail cars because of its strength, light weight, formability and corrosion resistance.
 
Our Strengths
 
We believe that the following key strengths enable us to compete effectively in the aluminum rolled products market:
 
Leading Market Positions
 
We are the world’s leader in aluminum rolling, producing an estimated 18% of the world’s flat-rolled aluminum products in 2009. Moreover, we are the No. 1 rolled products producer in Europe and South America and the No. 2 producer in both North America and Asia based on shipments. In terms of end-use markets, we believe that we are the largest global producer of aluminum rolled products for the beverage can market with a 40% market share based on shipments, and we are the world’s leader in the recycling of UBCs, recycling around 39 billion UBCs per year. We also believe that we are the world’s leader in aluminum automotive sheet based on shipments.
 
International Presence and Scale
 
With 31 manufacturing facilities located in 11 countries on four continents as of June 30, 2009, we have a broad geographical presence that we believe allows us to better serve our increasingly global customer base as well as diversify our sources of cash flow and offset risk across the different regions. Our size allows us to service a wide variety of localized and global customer needs, leverage our selling, administrative, research and development and other general expenses to improve margins, establish new uses for aluminum rolled products and access the end-use markets for these products.
 
High-end Product Portfolio Mix
 
Over 50% of our sales are to customers in the beverage can market. We believe the beverage can market is a high value market and more stable than others as it is less vulnerable to economic cycles. In the beverage can market, we go beyond simply supplying metal: Novelis is a technical solution provider. For example, our Global Can Technology Team offers technological expertise and facilities, as well as technical backup and support for our customers’ own innovation activities. We provide technological services and work together with our lithographic, electronic and automotive customers, among others, to develop solutions to meet their requirements through our customer solution centers in North America and Asia as well as other market-focused innovation centers around the world.
 
Innovation Leader with Proprietary Technologies
 
We endeavor to be at the forefront of developing next generation technologies in the aluminum rolled products industry and believe that we are the world’s leader in continuous casting technology, as owner of technology relating to the two main continuous casting processes. We have state-of-the-art research facilities


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around the world with more than 200 employees dedicated to research and development and customer technical support. Our technological leadership has led to the design of products to address various end-use requirements in all regions of the world. An important innovation is our Novelis Fusiontm technology. Launched in 2006, Novelis Fusiontm is a breakthrough process that simultaneously casts multiple alloy layers into a single aluminum rolling ingot. Novelis is the first company to achieve commercial production of such multi-alloy ingots. The resulting product allows alloy combinations never before possible. For example, a customer can now have aluminum sheet with both excellent formability and high strength, which provides better shaping performance and the potential to downgauge.
 
Long Term Relationships with Market Leaders
 
We maintain strong, long-standing supply relationships with many of our customers, which include leading global players in our key end markets. Our major customers include: Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Alcan’s packaging business group, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Ball Corporation, various bottlers of the Coca-Cola system, Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc., BMW, Audi AG, Daimler AG, Kodak Polychrome Graphics GmbH, Ford Motor Company, Lotte Aluminum, Pactiv Corporation, Rexam Plc and Xiamen Xiashun Aluminum Foil Co., Ltd. In fiscal 2009, approximately 45% of our net sales were to our ten largest customers, most of whom we have been supplying for more than 20 years. We endeavor to gain strong customer loyalty by anticipating and meeting the specific technical standards demanded by our customers with a high level of quality, technical support and customer service.
 
Our Business Strategy
 
Our primary objective is to deliver stockholder and customer value by being the most innovative and profitable aluminum rolled products company in the world. We intend to achieve this objective through the following areas of focus:
 
Focus on core operations and optimize our costs
 
We strive to be one of the lowest-cost producers of aluminum rolled products by pursuing a standardized focus on our core operations and through the implementation of cost-reduction and restructuring initiatives. To achieve this objective, we have standardized our manufacturing processes and the associated upstream and downstream production elements and established risk management processes in order to apply best practices in our core operations across all of our regions. In addition, we have implemented numerous restructuring initiatives over the last year, including the shutdown of facilities, staff rationalization and other activities which we believe will lead to annualized cost savings of approximately $140 million beginning in fiscal year 2011.
 
Integrate support functions globally in order to further drive improvements in our operations
 
Given our global operating footprint and customer base, we plan to globally align our support functions, such as finance, human resources, legal, information technology and supply chain management. We believe that managing these support functions centrally can accelerate executive decision-making processes, which will allow us to adapt our manufacturing processes and products more quickly and efficiently to respond to changing market conditions. We think that achieving a seamless alignment of goals, methods and metrics across the organization will improve communication and the implementation of strategic initiatives. Over time, we feel that these improvements will result in enhanced operating margins and performance.
 
Expand market leadership position through enhanced global and regional capabilities
 
We benefit from a global manufacturing footprint, including 31 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries on four continents as of June 30, 2009, which enables us to service customers worldwide and provide a strong “asset-based” competitive advantage. We are the only company capable of producing technologically sophisticated, high-end products in all four major market regions of the world. This competitive advantage is evident in our position as the number one global producer of beverage can sheet products based on shipments. We are able to service large can sheet customers on a worldwide basis, yet, through our regional operations we also


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have the capability to adapt and cater to the regional preferences and needs of our customers. For example, we recently upgraded our Yeongju plant in Korea with technology and processes developed at our other plants around the world, which has allowed us to capture market share in the can end-use market in Asia. Additionally, we have been able to qualify Novelis plants in one region to provide alternative supply options and support to customers in a different region.
 
Focus on optimizing premium products to drive enhanced profitability
 
We plan to continue improving our product mix and margins by leveraging our world-class assets and technical capabilities. As a result of the development of Novelis Fusiontm, we have demonstrated the required manufacturing know-how and research and development capabilities to design, develop and commercialize breakthrough technologies. Products like Novelis Fusiontm allow us to defend and enhance our strategic positioning in our core end-user segments. Additionally, our management approach helps us systematically identify opportunities to improve the profitability of our operations through product portfolio analysis. This ensures that we focus on growing in attractive market segments, while also taking actions to exit unattractive ones. For example, in the past three years, we have grown our can stock shipments in all regions by an average 20%, making it an even larger portion of our product mix, while reducing or exiting other less attractive market segments. Through our continued focus on operating execution, we believe we can cost-effectively deploy proprietary technologies that will contribute to growth and higher profitability.
 
Pursue organic growth in select emerging markets
 
Our international presence positions us well to capture additional growth opportunities in targeted aluminum rolled products in emerging regions, specifically South America and Asia. We believe South America and Asia have high growth potential in areas such as beverage cans, industrial products, construction and electronics. For example, our can stock shipments have grown by 43% in South America and by 63% in Asia from 2005 to 2008. While our manufacturing and operating presence positions us well to capture this growth, we would expect to make some incremental capital expenditures or selective acquisitions to expand our capabilities in these areas.


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Our Corporate Structure
 
The following chart shows the borrowers and guarantors of our senior secured credit facilities, the issuer and guarantors of our outstanding 7.25% senior notes due 2015 and the notes, and our other material debt. The outstanding debt amounts are as of June 30, 2009. Our outstanding debt is further described under “Description of Other Indebtedness.”
 
(FLOW CHART)


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Spin-off from Alcan
 
Novelis Inc. was formed in Canada on September 21, 2004. On May 18, 2004, Alcan announced its intention to transfer its rolled products businesses into a separate company and to pursue a spin-off of that company to its shareholders. The spin-off occurred on January 6, 2005, following approval by Alcan’s board of directors and shareholders and legal and regulatory approvals. Alcan shareholders received one Novelis common share for every five Alcan common shares held.
 
Acquisition by Hindalco
 
On May 15, 2007, Novelis was acquired by Hindalco through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) at a price of $44.93 per share. The aggregate purchase price for all of Novelis’ common shares was $3.4 billion, and $2.8 billion of Novelis’ debt was also assumed, for a total transaction value of $6.2 billion. Subsequent to completion of the Arrangement on May 15, 2007, all of our common shares were indirectly held by Hindalco.
 
Corporate Information
 
Our registered office is located at 191 Evans Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 1J5. Our principal executive offices are located at 3399 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, and our telephone number is (404) 814-4200. The URL of our website is http://www.novelis.com. Information on our website does not constitute part of this prospectus, and you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus when making a decision as to whether to invest in the new notes described in this prospectus.
 
Hindalco
 
Hindalco is one of Asia’s largest integrated producers of aluminum and a leading producer of copper. Hindalco’s stock is publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Hindalco is an Indian corporation and headquartered in Mumbai, India. Hindalco is the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, a $28 billion multinational conglomerate with operations in 25 countries.
 
 


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The Exchange Offer
 
The following summary contains basic information about the exchange offer. For a more detailed description of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, please refer to the section “The Exchange Offer”
 
The Exchange Offer We are offering to exchange $1,000 principal amount of the new notes, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for each $1,000 principal amount of the old notes, which have not been registered under the Securities Act. We issued the old notes on August 11, 2009.
 
In order to exchange your old notes, you must promptly tender them before the expiration date (as described herein). All old notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be exchanged. We will issue the new notes on or promptly after the expiration date.
 
You may tender your old notes for exchange in whole or in part in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
 
Registration Rights Agreement We sold the old notes on August 11, 2009 to Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and RBS Securities Inc., the initial purchasers. Simultaneously with that sale, we signed a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers relating to the old notes that requires us to conduct this exchange offer.
 
You have the right under the registration rights agreement to exchange your old notes for new notes. The exchange offer is intended to satisfy such right. After the exchange offer is complete, you will no longer be entitled to any exchange or registration rights with respect to your old notes.
 
For a description of the procedures for tendering old notes, see the section “The Exchange Offer — Exchange Offer Procedures.”
 
Consequences of Failure to Exchange If you do not exchange your old notes for new notes in the exchange offer, you will still have the restrictions on transfer provided in the old notes and in the indenture that governs both the old notes and the new notes. In general, the old notes may not be offered or sold unless registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act, or in a transaction not subject to the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Upon completion of the exchange offer, we will have no further obligations to register, and we do not currently plan to register, the old notes under the Securities Act. See the section “Risk Factors — If you do not exchange your old notes for new notes, your ability to sell your old notes will be restricted.”
 
Expiration Date The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on          , 2009, unless we extend the exchange offer in our sole and absolute discretion. In that case, the expiration date will be the latest date and time to which we extend the exchange offer. See the section “The Exchange Offer — Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments.”

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Conditions to the Exchange Offer The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, including, if in our reasonable judgement:
 
• the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder of old notes, would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC; or
 
• any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in writing in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer that, in our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer.
 
We may choose to waive some of these conditions. For more information, see “The Exchange Offer — Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”
 
Procedures for Tendering Old Notes If you hold old notes through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of DTC. See the section “The Exchange Offer — Exchange Offer Procedures.” If you are not a DTC participant, you may tender your old notes by book-entry transfer by contacting your broker, dealer or other nominee or by opening an account with a DTC participant, as the case may be.
 
By accepting the exchange offer, you will represent to us that, among other things:
 
• any new notes that you receive will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;
 
• you have no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity, including any of our affiliates, to participate in the distribution of the new notes;
 
• you are not our “affiliate” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, or, if you are an affiliate, you will comply with any applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;
 
• if you are not a broker-dealer, that you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, the distribution of the new notes; and
 
• if you are a broker-dealer that will receive new notes for your own account in exchange for old notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities, that you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of the new notes.
 
Withdrawal Rights You may withdraw the tender of your old notes at any time before the expiration date. To do this, you should deliver a written notice of your withdrawal to the exchange agent according to the withdrawal procedures described in the section “The Exchange Offer — Withdrawal Rights.”
 
Exchange Agent The exchange agent for the exchange offer is The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. The address, telephone number and facsimile number of the exchange agent are provided in the


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section “The Exchange Offer — Exchange Agent,” as well as in the letter of transmittal.
 
Use of Proceeds We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the new notes. See the section “Use of Proceeds.”
 
Principal Canadian and U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Your participation in the exchange offer generally will not be a taxable event for Canadian or U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, you will not recognize any taxable gain or loss or any interest income as a result of the exchange. See the section “Principal Canadian and U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer.”
 
Summary Description of the New Notes
 
The summary below describes the principal terms of the new notes. The terms of the new notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the old notes, except that the registration rights and related liquidated damages provisions and the transfer restrictions applicable to the old notes are not applicable to the new notes. The new notes will evidence the same debt as the old notes and will be governed by the same indenture. Please read the section entitled “Description of the Notes” in this prospectus, which contains a more detailed description of the terms and conditions of the new notes.
 
Issuer Novelis Inc., a Canadian corporation.
 
Securities Offered $185,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 111/2% senior notes due 2015.
 
Maturity Date The new notes will mature on February 15, 2015.
 
Interest The new notes will bear interest at the rate of 11.5% per annum. Interest on the new notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2010.
 
Guarantees The new notes will be guaranteed, fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis, by all of our existing and future Canadian and U.S. restricted subsidiaries, certain of our existing foreign restricted subsidiaries and our other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee debt in the future under any credit facilities, provided that the borrower of such debt is our company or a Canadian or a U.S. subsidiary. Generally each of our wholly-owned subsidiaries is a restricted subsidiary unless designated as an unrestricted subsidiary by the Board of Directors upon satisfying certain qualifications such as not owning any stock or debt of our company or a restricted subsidiary and having minimal assets. See “Description of Notes — Certain Covenants — Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.” For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the three months ended June 30, 2009, our subsidiaries that will not be guarantors of the new notes had net sales of $2.6 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, and, as of June 30, 2009, those subsidiaries had assets of $1.4 billion and debt and other liabilities of $1.0 billion (including inter-company balances).
 
Ranking The new notes will be:


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• our senior unsecured obligations;
 
• effectively junior in right of payment to all of our existing and future secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing that debt;
 
• effectively junior in right of payment to all debt and other liabilities (including trade payables) of any of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the new notes; and
 
• senior in right of payment to all of our future subordinated debt.
 
The guarantees of each guarantor will be:
 
• senior unsecured obligations of that guarantor;
 
• effectively junior in right of payment to all existing and future secured debt of that guarantor to the extent of the value of the assets securing that debt, including the debt or guarantee of debt of that guarantor under the senior secured credit facilities, which debt or guarantee will be secured by the assets of that guarantor; and
 
• senior in right of payment to all of that guarantor’s future subordinated debt.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we and the guarantors had $1.4 billion of secured debt. The indenture governing the new notes permits us, subject to specified limitations, to incur additional debt, which may be senior debt.
 
Optional Redemption Prior to August 15, 2012, we may, from time to time, redeem all or any portion of the new notes by paying a special “make-whole” premium specified in this prospectus under “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption.”
 
Commencing August 15, 2012, we may, from time to time, redeem all or any portion of the new notes at the redemption prices specified in this prospectus under “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption.”
 
In addition, at any time and from time to time prior to August 15, 2012, we may also redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the new notes in an amount not to exceed the amount of proceeds of one or more equity offerings, at a price equal to 111.500% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, provided that at least 65% of the original aggregate principal amount of the new notes issued remains outstanding after the redemption.
 
Additional Amounts and Tax Redemption Any payments made by us with respect to the new notes will be made without withholding or deduction, unless required by law. If we are required by law to withhold or deduct for taxes with respect to a payment to the holders of new notes, we will, subject to certain exceptions, pay the additional amount necessary so that the net amount received by the holders of new notes (other than certain excluded holders) after the withholding is not less than the amount they would have received in the absence of the withholding.


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If we are required to pay additional amounts as a result of changes in laws applicable to tax-related withholdings or deductions in respect of payments on the new notes but not the guarantees, we will have the option to redeem the new notes, in whole but not in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the new notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption and any additional amounts that may be then payable.
 
Certain Covenants We will issue the new notes under an indenture among us, the guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. The indenture governing the new notes contains covenants that limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to:
 
• incur additional debt and provide additional guarantees;
 
• pay dividends beyond certain amounts and make other restricted payments;
 
• create or permit certain liens;
 
• make certain asset sales;
 
• use the proceeds from the sales of assets and subsidiary stock;
 
• create or permit restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us;
 
• engage in certain transactions with affiliates;
 
• enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
 
• designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and
 
• consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our restricted subsidiaries.
 
During any future period in which either Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“Standard & Poor’s”), or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) have assigned an investment grade credit rating to the new notes and no default or event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing, most of the covenants, including our obligation to repurchase new notes following certain asset sales, will be suspended. If either of these ratings agencies then withdraws its ratings or downgrades the ratings assigned to the new notes below the required investment grade rating, or a default or event of default occurs and is continuing, the suspended covenants will again be in effect. If at any time both ratings agencies have assigned an investment grade rating to the new notes, those covenants, including our obligation to repurchase new notes following certain asset sales, will terminate and no longer be applicable regardless of any subsequent changes in the rating of those new notes. See “Description of the Notes — Certain Covenants — Covenant Termination and Suspension.”
 
These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. See “Description of the Notes — Certain Covenants.”


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Change of Control Offer Following a change of control, we will be required to offer to purchase all of the new notes at a purchase price of 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. See “Description of the Notes — Change of Control Offer.”
 
Transfer Restrictions The notes are not being offered for sale or exchange and may not be offered for sale or exchange directly or indirectly in Canada except in accordance with applicable securities laws of the provinces and territories of Canada. We are not required, and do not intend, to qualify by prospectus in Canada the notes, and accordingly, the notes will be subject to restriction on resale in Canada.
 
Risk Factors Investing in the new notes involves substantial risks. See “Risk Factors” for a description of some of the risks you should consider before investing in the new notes.
 
Material Income Tax Considerations You should carefully read the information under the heading “Principal Canadian and U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer.”
 
Original Issue Discount The old notes were issued at a discount from their stated principal amount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, original issue discount will be included in the gross income of a U.S. holder of notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes in advance of the receipt of corresponding cash payments on the notes. See “Principal Canadian and U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer — Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer.”


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Summary Financial Data
 
We were acquired by Hindalco through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary on May 15, 2007. We refer to the company prior to the Hindalco acquisition (through May 15, 2007) as the “Predecessor,” and we refer to the company after the Hindalco acquisition (beginning on May 16, 2007) as the “Successor.” On June 26, 2007, our board of directors approved the change of our fiscal year end to March 31 from December 31.
 
The summary consolidated financial data of the Successor presented below as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 has been derived from the unaudited financial statements of Novelis Inc. included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary consolidated financial data of the Successor presented below as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009, as of March 31, 2008 and for the period May 16, 2007, through March 31, 2008, has been derived from the financial statements of Novelis Inc. included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary consolidated financial data of the Predecessor presented below for the period April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, and for the year ended December 31, 2006 has been derived from the financial statements of Novelis Inc. included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary financial data of the Predecessor presented below as of March 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006, has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheets of Novelis Inc. for such periods, which are not included in this prospectus. The results for the three months ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
 
The summary consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and the related notes thereto.
 
                                                           
          Three
    April 1,
      May 16,
          Three
    Three
 
          Months
    2007
      2007
          Months
    Months
 
    Year Ended
    Ended
    through
      through
    Year Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 31,
    March 31,
    May 15,
      March 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    June 30,
 
    2006     2007     2007(1)       2008(1)     2009     2008     2009  
    Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
(In million, except per share share amounts)        
Statement of Operations:
                                                         
Net sales
  $ 9,849     $ 2,630     $ 1,281       $ 9,965     $ 10,177     $ 3,103     $ 1,960  
                                                           
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    9,317       2,447       1,205         9,042       9,251       2,831       1,533  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    410       99       95         319       319       84       78  
Depreciation and amortization
    233       58       28         375       439       116       100  
Research and development expenses
    40       8       6         46       41       12       8  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    221       54       27         191       182       45       43  
Interest income
    (15 )     (4 )     (1 )       (18 )     (14 )     (5 )     (3 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (63 )     (30 )     (20 )       (22 )     556       (65 )     (72 )
Impairment of goodwill
    —       —       —         —       1,340       —       —  
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    —       —       —         —       (122 )     —       —  
Restructuring charges, net
    19       9       1         6       95       (1 )     3  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    (16 )     (3 )     (1 )       (25 )     172       2       10  
Other (income) expenses, net
    (19 )     47       35         (6 )     86       23       (13 )
                                                           
      10,127       2,685       1,375         9,908       12,345       3,042       1,687  
                                                           


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          Three
    April 1,
      May 16,
          Three
    Three
 
          Months
    2007
      2007
          Months
    Months
 
    Year Ended
    Ended
    through
      through
    Year Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 31,
    March 31,
    May 15,
      March 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    June 30,
 
    2006     2007     2007(1)       2008(1)     2009     2008     2009  
    Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
(In million, except per share share amounts)        
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (278 )     (55 )     (94 )       57       (2,168 )     61       273  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (4 )     7       4         73       (246 )     35       112  
                                                           
Net income (loss)
    (274 )     (62 )     (98 )       (16 )     (1,922 )     26       161  
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    1       2       (1 )       4       (12 )     2       18  
                                                           
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (275 )   $ (64 )   $ (97 )     $ (20 )   $ (1,910 )   $ 24     $ 143  
                                                           
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (127 )   $ (48 )   $ (64 )     $ 24     $ (2,157 )   $ 45     $ 230  
                                                           
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.20     $ 0.00     $ 0.00       $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
                                                           
 
                                                           
          Three
    April 1,
      May 16,
          Three
    Three
 
          Months
    2007
      2007
          Months
    Months
 
    Year Ended
    Ended
    through
      through
    Year Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 31,
    March 31,
    May 15,
      March 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    June 30,
 
    2006     2007     2007(1)       2008(1)     2009     2008     2009  
    Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
(In millions)        
Statement of Cash Flows Data:
                                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 16     $ (87 )   $ (230 )     $ 405     $ (236 )   $ (351 )   $ 258  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    193       2       2         (98 )     (111 )     16       (235 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (243 )     140       201         (96 )     286       309       (43 )
 
                                                           
          Three
    April 1,
      May 16,
          Three
    Three
 
          Months
    2007
      2007
          Months
    Months
 
    Year Ended
    Ended
    through
      through
    Year Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 31,
    March 31,
    May 15,
      March 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    June 30,
 
    2006     2007     2007(1)       2008(1)     2009     2008     2009  
    Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
(In millions)        
                                                           
Other Financial and Operating Data:
                                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(2)
    —       —       —         1.2 x     —       2.3 x     7.3 x
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
                                                         
Total assets
  $ 5,792     $ 5,970               $ 10,737     $ 7,567     $ 10,969     $ 7,580  
Long-term debt (including current portion)
    2,302       2,300                 2,575       2,559       2,567       2,555  
Short-term borrowings
    133       245                 115       264       430       237  
Cash and cash equivalents
    73       128                 326       248       296       237  
Shareholders’ equity
    195       175                 3,523       1,419       3,569       1,738  
 
 
(1) The acquisition of Novelis by Hindalco on May 15, 2007 was recorded in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 103, Push Down Basis of Accounting Required in Certain Limited Circumstances (“SAB 103”). In our consolidated balance sheets, the consideration and related costs paid by Hindalco in connection with the acquisition have been “pushed down” to us and have been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)

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Statement No. 141, Business Combinations (“FASB 141”). Due to the impact of push down accounting, our financial statements and certain note presentations for the year ended March 31, 2008 included elsewhere in this prospectus are presented in two distinct periods to indicate the application of two different bases of accounting between the periods presented: (1) the period up to, and including, the acquisition date (April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007, labeled “Predecessor”) and (2) the period after that date (May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008, labeled “Successor”). The financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus include a black line division which indicates that the Predecessor and Successor reporting entities shown are not comparable.
 
The consideration paid by Hindalco to acquire Novelis has been pushed down to us and allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on our estimates of fair value, using methodologies and assumptions that we believe are reasonable. This allocation of fair value results in additional charges or income to our post-acquisition consolidated statements of operations.
 
(2) Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes, before fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) and income taxes, and eliminating undistributed income of persons owned less than 50% by us. Fixed charges consist of interest expenses and amortization of debt discount and expense and premium and that portion of rental payments which is considered as being representative of the interest factor implicit in our operating leases. The ratios shown above are based on our consolidated and combined financial information, which was prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
Due to losses incurred in each of the periods presented below, the ratio coverage was less than 1:1. The table below presents the amount of additional earnings required to bring the fixed charge ratio to 1:1 for each respective period.
 
                                   
          Three
    April 1,
         
          Months
    2007
         
    Year Ended
    Ended
    through
      Year Ended
 
    December 31,
    March 31,
    May 15,
      March 31,
 
 
  2006     2007     2007       2009  
    Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor  
(In millions)                          
Additional earnings required to bring fixed charge ratio to 1:1
  $ 280     $ 57     $ 93       $ 1,996  
                                   


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RISK FACTORS
 
An investment in the new notes involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus, prospective investors should carefully consider the following risks before investing in the new notes. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flow could be materially adversely affected, which, in turn, could adversely affect our ability to pay interest and principal on the new notes. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Market Data.”
 
Risks Related to our Business and the Market Environment
 
Economic conditions could continue to materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Our financial condition and results of operations depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions. These economic conditions have recently deteriorated significantly in many countries and regions in which we do business and may remain depressed for the foreseeable future. Uncertainty about current global economic conditions poses a risk as our customers may postpone purchases in response to tighter credit and negative financial news, which could adversely impact demand for our products. These and other economic factors have, and may continue to have, a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
The current financial turmoil affecting the banking system and financial markets and the possibility that additional financial institutions may consolidate or go out of business has resulted in a tightening in the credit markets, a low level of liquidity in many financial markets and extreme volatility in fixed income, credit, currency and equity markets. There could be a number of follow-on effects from the credit crisis on our business, including the insolvency of key suppliers or their inability to obtain credit to finance development and/or manufacture products resulting in product delays and the inability of customers to purchase our products or pay for products they have already received. If conditions become more severe or continue longer than we anticipate, or if we are unable to adequately respond to unforeseeable changes in demand resulting from economic conditions, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
 
The deterioration of global economic conditions combined with rapidly declining aluminum prices from a peak of $3,292 per tonne in July 2008 to $1,616 per tonne on June 30, 2009 have placed pressure on our short-term liquidity. In the near term, our forecast indicates our liquidity position will be tight, but adequate as we settle outstanding derivative positions. However, our liquidity needs could increase due to the unpredictability of current market conditions and their potential effect on customer credit, future derivative settlements, future sales volume, our credit, or other matters. As a result, management has undertaken a number of activities to generate cash in the near term as well as implement changes in our cost structure that will benefit our liquidity in the long-term.
 
In addition, we use various derivative instruments to manage the risks arising from fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates, aluminum prices and energy prices. The current financial turmoil affecting the banking system and financial markets could affect whether the counterparties to our derivative instruments are able to honor their agreements. We may be exposed to losses in the future if the counterparties to our derivative instruments fail to honor their agreements. Our maximum potential loss may exceed the amount recognized in our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2009.
 
Certain of our customers are significant to our revenues, and we could be adversely affected by changes in the business or financial condition of these significant customers or by the loss of their business.
 
Our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 53%, 45%, 45%, 47%, 43% and 43% of our total net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2009; the year ended March 31, 2009; the period from May 16, 2007, through March 31, 2008; the period from April 1, 2007, to May 15, 2007; the three months ended March 31, 2007; and the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively, with Rexam Plc, a leading global


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beverage can maker, and its affiliates representing approximately 20%, 17%, 15%, 14%, 16% and 14% of our total net sales in the respective periods. A significant downturn in the business or financial condition of our significant customers could materially adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, if our existing relationships with significant customers materially deteriorate or are terminated in the future, and we are not successful in replacing business lost from such customers, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. Some of the longer term contracts under which we supply our customers, including under umbrella agreements such as those described under “Business — Our Customers,” are subject to renewal, renegotiation or re-pricing at periodic intervals or upon changes in competitive supply conditions. Our failure to successfully renew, renegotiate or re-price such agreements could result in a reduction or loss in customer purchase volume or revenue, and if we are not successful in replacing business lost from such customers, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. The markets in which we operate are competitive and customers may seek to consolidate supplier relationships or change suppliers to obtain cost savings and other benefits.
 
Our profitability and cash flows could be adversely affected by our inability to pass through metal price increases due to metal price ceilings in certain of our sales contracts.
 
Prices for metal are volatile, have been impacted by recent structural changes in the market, and may increase from time to time. Nearly all of our products have a price structure with two components: (i) a pass-through aluminum price based on the LME plus local market premiums and (ii) a “conversion premium” price based on the conversion cost to produce the rolled product and the competitive market conditions for that product. Sales contracts representing 257 kt and 300 kt of our fiscal 2009 and 2008 shipments, respectively, contained a ceiling over which metal prices could not be contractually passed through to certain customers, unless adjusted. This negatively impacted our margins and operating cash flows when the price we paid for metal was above the ceiling price contained in these contracts. We calculate and report this difference to be approximately the difference between the quoted purchase price on the LME (adjusted for any local premiums and for any price lag associated with purchasing or processing time) and the metal price ceiling in our contracts. Cash flows from operations are negatively impacted by the same amounts, adjusted for any timing difference between customer receipts and vendor payments, and offset partially by reduced income taxes.
 
During the years ended March 31, 2009, March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, we were unable to pass through approximately $176 million, $230 million and $460 million, respectively, of metal purchase costs associated with sales under these contracts. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, we did not incur any sales subject to the ceiling. Based upon current LME prices and based on a June 30, 2009 aluminum price of $1,616 per tonne, there is no unfavorable revenue or cash flow impact expected through December 31, 2009 when these contracts expire. However, if metal prices increase above the metal price ceiling, our margins and operating cash flows will be negatively impacted.
 
Our efforts to mitigate the risk of rising metal prices may not be effective.
 
We employ the following strategies to manage and mitigate the risk associated with metal price ceilings and rising prices that we cannot pass through to certain customers:
 
  •  We maximize the amount of our internally supplied metal inputs from our smelting, refining and mining operations in Brazil and rely on output from our recycling operations which utilize UBCs. Both of these sources of aluminum supply have historically provided an offsetting benefit to the metal price ceiling contracts as these sources are typically less expensive than purchasing aluminum from third party suppliers. We refer to these two sources as “internal hedges.” To the extent that this benefit is not as significant (or does not exist at all) in the future, our internal hedges may not provide an effective offset to the metal price ceiling contracts.
 
  •  We generally enter into derivative instruments to hedge projected aluminum volume requirements above our assumed internal hedge position mitigating our exposure to further increases in LME. As a result of these instruments, we will continue to incur cash losses related to these contracts even if LME remains below the ceiling price. As of June 30, 2009 the fair value of the liability associated with these


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  derivative instruments was $67 million. In addition, to the extent that our exposures are not fully hedged due to the cost associated with derivative instruments, we will be exposed to gains and losses when changes occur in the market price of aluminum. Alternatively, we may continue to purchase derivative instruments at higher prices than historic levels.
 
Our results and cash flows can be negatively impacted by timing differences between the prices we pay under purchase contracts and metal prices we charge our customers.
 
In some of our contracts there is a timing difference between the metal prices we pay under our purchase contracts and the metal prices we charge our customers. As a result, changes in metal prices impact our results, since during such periods we bear the additional cost or benefit of metal price changes, which could have a material effect on our profitability and cash flows.
 
Our operations consume energy and our profitability and cash flows may decline if energy costs were to rise, or if our energy supplies were interrupted.
 
We consume substantial amounts of energy in our rolling operations, cast house operations and Brazilian smelting operations. The factors that affect our energy costs and supply reliability tend to be specific to each of our facilities. A number of factors could materially adversely affect our energy position including:
 
  •  increases in costs of natural gas;
 
  •  significant increases in costs of supplied electricity or fuel oil related to transportation;
 
  •  interruptions in energy supply due to equipment failure or other causes;
 
  •  the inability to extend energy supply contracts upon expiration on economical terms; and
 
  •  the inability to pass through energy costs in certain sales contracts.
 
If energy costs were to rise, or if energy supplies or supply arrangements were disrupted, our profitability and cash flows could decline.
 
We may not have sufficient cash to repay indebtedness and we may be limited in our ability to access financing for future capital requirements, which may prevent us from increasing our manufacturing capability, improving our technology or addressing any gaps in our product offerings.
 
Although historically our cash flow from operations has been sufficient to repay indebtedness, satisfy working capital requirements and fund capital expenditure and research and development requirements, in the future we may need to incur additional debt or issue equity in order to fund these requirements as well as to make acquisitions and other investments. To the extent we are unable to raise new capital, we may be unable to increase our manufacturing capability, improve our technology or address any gaps in our product offerings. If we raise funds through the issuance of debt, the terms of the debt securities may impose restrictions on our operations that have an adverse impact on our financial condition.
 
A deterioration of our financial position or a downgrade of our ratings by a credit rating agency could increase our borrowing costs and our business relationships could be adversely affected.
 
A deterioration of our financial position or a downgrade of our ratings for any reason could increase our borrowing costs and have an adverse effect on our business relationships with customers, suppliers and hedging counterparties. From time to time, we enter into various forms of hedging activities against currency or metal price fluctuations and trade metal contracts on the LME. Financial strength and credit ratings are important to the availability and pricing of these hedging and trading activities. As a result, any downgrade of our credit ratings may make it more costly for us to engage in these activities, and changes to our level of indebtedness may make it more difficult or costly for us to engage in these activities in the future.


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Adverse changes in currency exchange rates could negatively affect our financial results or cash flows and the competitiveness of our aluminum rolled products relative to other materials.
 
Our businesses and operations are exposed to the effects of changes in the exchange rates of the U.S. dollar, the euro, the British pound, the Brazilian real, the Canadian dollar, the Korean won and other currencies. We have implemented a hedging policy that attempts to manage currency exchange rate risks to an acceptable level based on management’s judgment of the appropriate trade-off between risk, opportunity and cost; however, this hedging policy may not successfully or completely eliminate the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars, but a portion of our earnings and expenditures are denominated in other currencies, primarily the euro, the Korean won and the Brazilian real. Changes in exchange rates will result in increases or decreases in our reported costs and earnings and may also affect the book value of our assets located outside the U.S.
 
Most of our facilities are staffed by a unionized workforce, and union disputes and other employee relations issues could materially adversely affect our financial results.
 
Approximately 70% of our employees are represented by labor unions under a large number of collective bargaining agreements with varying durations and expiration dates. We may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements when they expire. In addition, existing collective bargaining agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage at our facilities in the future, and any such work stoppage could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
Our operations have been and will continue to be exposed to various business and other risks, changes in conditions and events beyond our control in countries where we have operations or sell products.
 
We are, and will continue to be, subject to financial, political, economic and business risks in connection with our global operations. We have made investments and carry on production activities in various emerging markets, including Brazil, Korea and Malaysia, and we market our products in these countries, as well as China and certain other countries in Asia, the Middle East and emerging markets in South America. While we anticipate higher growth or attractive production opportunities from these emerging markets, they also present a higher degree of risk than more developed markets. In addition to the business risks inherent in developing and servicing new markets, economic conditions may be more volatile, legal and regulatory systems less developed and predictable, and the possibility of various types of adverse governmental action more pronounced. In addition, inflation, fluctuations in currency and interest rates, competitive factors, civil unrest and labor problems could affect our revenues, expenses and results of operations. Our operations could also be adversely affected by acts of war, terrorism or the threat of any of these events as well as government actions such as controls on imports, exports and prices, tariffs, new forms of taxation, or changes in fiscal regimes and increased government regulation in the countries in which we operate or service customers. Unexpected or uncontrollable events or circumstances in any of these markets could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
We could be adversely affected by disruptions of our operations.
 
Breakdown of equipment or other events, including catastrophic events such as war or natural disasters, leading to production interruptions in our plants could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, because many of our customers are, to varying degrees, dependent on planned deliveries from our plants, those customers that have to reschedule their own production due to our missed deliveries could pursue claims against us. We may incur costs to correct any of these problems, in addition to facing claims from customers. Further, our reputation among actual and potential customers may be harmed, resulting in a loss of business. While we maintain insurance policies covering, among other things, physical damage, business interruptions and product liability, these policies would not cover all of our losses.


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Our goodwill and other intangible assets could become further impaired, which may require us to take significant non-cash charges against earnings.
 
We assess, at least annually and potentially more frequently, whether the value of our goodwill and other intangible assets has been impaired. Any impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets as a result of such analysis would result in a non-cash charge against earnings, which charge could materially adversely affect our reported results of operations.
 
In fiscal 2009, we recorded a $1.34 billion goodwill impairment charge due to the deterioration in the global economic environment and the resulting decrease in both the market capitalization of our parent company and the valuation of our publicly traded 7.25% senior notes. Subsequent to that impairment charge, our remaining goodwill balance as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009 was $582 million, allocated to our reporting units as follows: North America — $288 million; Europe — $181 million; South America — $113 million. The fair value of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying amounts in our most recent impairment test by 12% for North America, by 9% for Europe and by 36% for South America.
 
A significant and sustained decline in our future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the economic environment or slower growth rates could result in the need to perform additional impairment analysis in future periods. If we were to conclude that a future write-down of goodwill or other intangible assets is necessary, then we would record such additional charges, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
 
As part of our ongoing evaluation of our operations, we may undertake additional restructuring efforts in the future which could in some instances result in significant severance-related costs, environmental remediation expenses and impairment and other restructuring charges.
 
We recorded restructuring charges of $95 million for the year ended March 31, 2009 and $7 million for the year ended March 31, 2008. During this two year period we announced, among others, the following restructuring actions and programs:
 
  •  ceasing production of commercial grade alumina at our Ouro Preto facility in Brazil;
 
  •  the closure of our aluminum sheet mill in Rogerstone, South Wales, U.K.;
 
  •  a restructuring plan to streamline our operations at our Rugles facility located in Upper Normandy, France;
 
  •  a voluntary separation program for salaried employees in North America and the corporate office aimed at reducing staff levels;
 
  •  a voluntary retirement program in Asia; and
 
  •  the closure of our light gauge converter products facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
 
We may take additional restructuring actions in the future. In particular, we expect to continue to evaluate our primary aluminum business in light of current market conditions, including our South American operations, which include two rolling plants in Brazil along with two smelters, bauxite mines and power generation facilities. Any additional restructuring efforts could result in significant severance-related costs, environmental remediation expenses, impairment charges, restructuring charges and related costs and expenses, which could adversely affect our profitability and cash flows.
 
We may not be able to successfully develop and implement new technology initiatives in a timely manner.
 
We have invested in, and are involved with, a number of technology and process initiatives. Several technical aspects of these initiatives are still unproven, and the eventual commercial outcomes cannot be assessed with any certainty. Even if we are successful with these initiatives, we may not be able to deploy them in a timely fashion. Accordingly, the costs and benefits from our investments in new technologies and the consequent effects on our financial results may vary from present expectations.


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If we fail to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we may have material misstatements in our financial statements and we may not be able to report our financial results in a timely manner.
 
Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to provide a report by management in our Form 10-K on internal control over financial reporting, including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of such control. Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only some assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may be unable to provide financial information in a timely and reliable manner. Any such difficulties or failure may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
 
In July 2008, we identified non-cash errors relating to our purchase accounting for an equity method investee including related income tax accounts. As a result of our identification of these errors, our audit committee of our board of directors (the “Audit Committee”) and management concluded on August 1, 2008, that our previously issued consolidated financial statements for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, should no longer be relied upon. Upon conducting a review of these accounting errors, management determined that as of March 31, 2008, we had a material weakness with respect to the application of purchase accounting for an equity method investee including the related income tax accounts. Specifically, our controls did not ensure the accuracy and validity of our purchase accounting adjustments for an equity method investee. This control deficiency could result in a material misstatement of our “Investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates” and “Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates” in our consolidated financial statements that would result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, management had determined that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness. This material weakness was disclosed in our amended Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008, our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008, our quarterly report on form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2008, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009. This material weakness still existed as of June 30, 2009.
 
If we are not able to remedy the material weakness in a timely manner, we may not be able to provide our securityholders with the required financial information in a timely and reliable manner and we may incorrectly report financial information, either of which could subject us to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the SEC. In addition, there could be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.
 
Loss of our key management and other personnel, or an inability to attract such management and other personnel, could adversely impact our business.
 
We depend on our senior executive officers and other key personnel to run our business. The loss of any of these officers or other key personnel could materially adversely affect our operations. Competition for qualified employees among companies that rely heavily on engineering and technology is intense, and the loss of qualified employees or an inability to attract, retain and motivate additional highly skilled employees required for the operation and expansion of our business could hinder our ability to improve manufacturing operations, conduct research activities successfully and develop marketable products.
 
Past and future acquisitions or divestitures may adversely affect our financial condition.
 
Historically, we have grown partly through the acquisition of other businesses, including businesses acquired by Alcan in its 2000 acquisition of the Alusuisse Group Ltd. and its 2003 acquisition of Pechiney SA, both of which were integrated aluminum companies. As part of our strategy for growth, we may continue to pursue acquisitions, divestitures or strategic alliances, which may not be completed or, if completed, may


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not be ultimately beneficial to us. There are numerous risks commonly encountered in business combinations, including the risk that we may not be able to complete a transaction that has been announced, effectively integrate businesses acquired or generate the cost savings and synergies anticipated. Failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
 
We could be required to make unexpected contributions to our defined benefit pension plans as a result of adverse changes in interest rates and the capital markets.
 
Most of our pension obligations relate to funded defined benefit pension plans for our employees in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada, unfunded pension benefits in Germany and lump sum indemnities payable to our employees in France, Italy, Korea and Malaysia upon retirement or termination. Our pension plan assets consist primarily of funds invested in listed stocks and bonds. Our estimates of liabilities and expenses for pensions and other postretirement benefits incorporate a number of assumptions, including expected long-term rates of return on plan assets and interest rates used to discount future benefits. Our results of operations, liquidity or shareholders’ equity in a particular period could be adversely affected by capital market returns that are less than their assumed long-term rate of return or a decline of the rate used to discount future benefits.
 
If the assets of our pension plans do not achieve assumed investment returns for any period, such deficiency could result in one or more charges against our earnings for that period. In addition, changing economic conditions, poor pension investment returns or other factors may require us to make unexpected cash contributions to the pension plans in the future, preventing the use of such cash for other purposes.
 
We face risks relating to certain joint ventures and subsidiaries that we do not entirely control. Our ability to generate cash from these entities may be more restricted than if such entities were wholly-owned subsidiaries.
 
Some of our activities are, and will in the future be, conducted through entities that we do not entirely control or wholly own. These entities include our Norf, Germany and Logan, Kentucky joint ventures, as well as our majority-owned Korean and Malaysian subsidiaries. Our Malaysian subsidiary is a public company whose shares are listed for trading on the Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Under the governing documents or agreements or securities laws applicable to or stock exchange listing rules relative to certain of these joint ventures and subsidiaries, our ability to fully control certain operational matters may be limited. In addition, we do not solely determine certain key matters, such as the timing and amount of cash distributions from these entities. As a result, our ability to generate cash from these entities may be more restricted than if they were wholly-owned entities.
 
Hindalco and its interests as equity holder may conflict with our interest or your interests as holders of the notes in the future.
 
Novelis is an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Hindalco. As a result, Hindalco may exercise control over our decisions to enter into any corporate transaction or capital restructuring and has the ability to approve or prevent any transaction that requires the approval of our stockholders, regardless of whether or not holders of the notes believe that any such transactions are in their own best interests. The interests of Hindalco and the actions it is able to undertake as our sole stockholder may differ or adversely affect your interests as holders of the notes. Hindalco may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, financings or other transactions that, in its judgment, could enhance its equity investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to holders of the notes. For example, Hindalco could cause us to make acquisitions that increase the amount of indebtedness that is secured, or to sell revenue-generating assets, impairing our ability to make payments under the notes. Hindalco may be able to strongly influence or effectively control our decisions as long as they own a significant portion of our equity, even if such amount is less than 50%. Additionally, Hindalco operates in the aluminum industry and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete, directly or indirectly, with us. Hindalco may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. Hindalco has no obligation to provide us with financing and is able to sell their equity ownership in us at any time.


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We have supply agreements with Alcan for a portion of our raw materials requirements. If Alcan is unable to deliver sufficient quantities of these materials or if it terminates these agreements, our ability to manufacture products on a timely basis could be adversely affected.
 
The manufacture of our products requires sheet ingot that has historically been, in part, supplied by Alcan. For the year ended March 31, 2009, we purchased the majority of our third party sheet ingot requirements from Alcan’s primary metal group. In connection with the spin-off, we entered into metal supply agreements with Alcan upon terms and conditions substantially similar to market terms and conditions for the continued purchase of sheet ingot from Alcan, which were amended effective as of January 1, 2008. If Alcan is unable to deliver sufficient quantities of this material on a timely basis or if Alcan terminates one or more of these agreements, our production may be disrupted and our net sales, profitability and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. Although aluminum is traded on the world markets, developing alternative suppliers for that portion of our raw material requirements we expect to be supplied by Alcan could be time consuming and expensive.
 
Our continuous casting operations at our Saguenay Works, Canada facility depend upon a local supply of molten aluminum from Alcan. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, Alcan’s primary metal group supplied most of the molten aluminum used at Saguenay Works. In connection with the spin-off, we entered into a metal supply agreement on terms determined primarily by Alcan for the continued purchase of molten aluminum from Alcan. If this supply were to be disrupted, our Saguenay Works production could be interrupted and our net sales, profitability and cash flows materially adversely affected.
 
We may lose key rights if a change in control of our voting shares were to occur.
 
Our separation agreement with Alcan provides that if we experience a change in control in our voting shares during the five years following the spin-off and if the entity acquiring control does not refrain from using the Novelis assets to compete against Alcan in the plate and aerospace products markets, Alcan may terminate any or all of certain agreements we currently have with Alcan. Hindalco delivered the requisite non-compete agreement to Alcan on June 14, 2007, following its acquisition of our common shares. However, if Hindalco were to sell its controlling interest in Novelis before January 6, 2010, a new acquirer would be required to provide a similar agreement.
 
The termination of any of these agreements could deprive any potential acquirer of certain services, resources or rights necessary to the conduct of our business. Replacement of these assets could be difficult or impossible, resulting in a material adverse effect on our business operations, net sales, profitability and cash flows. In addition, the potential termination of these agreements could prevent us from entering into future business transactions such as acquisitions or joint ventures at terms favorable to us or at all.
 
Our agreement not to compete with Alcan in certain end-use markets may hinder our ability to take advantage of new business opportunities.
 
In connection with the spin-off, we agreed not to compete with Alcan for a period of five years from the spin-off date in the manufacture, production and sale of certain products for use in the plate and aerospace markets. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to pursue successfully new business opportunities, which could limit our potential sources of revenue and growth.
 
We face significant price and other forms of competition from other aluminum rolled products producers, which could hurt our results of operations and cash flows.
 
Generally, the markets in which we operate are highly competitive. We compete primarily on the basis of our value proposition, including price, product quality, ability to meet customers’ specifications, range of products offered, lead times, technical support and customer service. Some of our competitors may benefit from greater capital resources, have more efficient technologies, have lower raw material and energy costs and may be able to sustain longer periods of price competition.


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In addition, our competitive position within the global aluminum rolled products industry may be affected by, among other things, the recent trend toward consolidation among our competitors, exchange rate fluctuations that may make our products less competitive in relation to the products of companies based in other countries (despite the U.S. dollar-based input cost and the marginal costs of shipping) and economies of scale in purchasing, production and sales, which accrue to the benefit of some of our competitors.
 
Increased competition could cause a reduction in our shipment volumes and profitability or increase our expenditures, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
The end-use markets for certain of our products are highly competitive and customers are willing to accept substitutes for our products.
 
The end-use markets for certain aluminum rolled products are highly competitive. Aluminum competes with other materials, such as steel, plastics, composite materials and glass, among others, for various applications, including in beverage and food cans and automotive end-use markets. In the past, customers have demonstrated a willingness to substitute other materials for aluminum. For example, changes in consumer preferences in beverage containers have increased the use of PET plastic containers and glass bottles in recent years. These trends may continue. The willingness of customers to accept substitutes for aluminum products could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
The seasonal nature of some of our customers’ industries could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
The construction industry and the consumption of beer and soda are sensitive to weather conditions and as a result, demand for aluminum rolled products in the construction industry and for can feedstock can be seasonal. Our quarterly financial results could fluctuate as a result of climatic changes, and a prolonged series of cold summers in the different regions in which we conduct our business could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
We are subject to a broad range of environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and we may be exposed to substantial environmental, health and safety costs and liabilities.
 
We are subject to a broad range of environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws and regulations impose increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety protection standards and permitting requirements regarding, among other things, air emissions, wastewater storage, treatment and discharges, the use and handling of hazardous or toxic materials, waste disposal practices, the remediation of environmental contamination, post-mining reclamation and working conditions for our employees. Some environmental laws, such as Superfund and comparable laws in U.S. states and other jurisdictions worldwide, impose joint and several liability for the cost of environmental remediation, natural resource damages, third party claims, and other expenses, without regard to the fault or the legality of the original conduct.
 
The costs of complying with these laws and regulations, including participation in assessments and remediation of contaminated sites and installation of pollution control facilities, have been, and in the future could be, significant. In addition, these laws and regulations may also result in substantial environmental liabilities associated with divested assets, third party locations and past activities. In certain instances, these costs and liabilities, as well as related action to be taken by us, could be accelerated or increased if we were to close, divest of or change the principal use of certain facilities with respect to which we may have environmental liabilities or remediation obligations. Currently, we are involved in a number of compliance efforts, remediation activities and legal proceedings concerning environmental matters, including certain activities and proceedings arising under Superfund and comparable laws in U.S. states and other jurisdictions worldwide in which we have operations, including Brazil and certain countries in the European Union.
 
We have established reserves for environmental remediation activities and liabilities where appropriate. However, the cost of addressing environmental matters (including the timing of any charges related thereto) cannot be predicted with certainty, and these reserves may not ultimately be adequate, especially in light of


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potential changes in environmental conditions, changing interpretations of laws and regulations by regulators and courts, the discovery of previously unknown environmental conditions, the risk of governmental orders to carry out additional compliance on certain sites not initially included in remediation in progress, our potential liability to remediate sites for which provisions have not been previously established and the adoption of more stringent environmental laws. Such future developments could result in increased environmental costs and liabilities and could require significant capital expenditures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results or cash flows. Furthermore, the failure to comply with our obligations under the environmental laws and regulations could subject us to administrative, civil or criminal penalties, obligations to pay damages or other costs, and injunctions or other orders, including orders to cease operations. In addition, the presence of environmental contamination at our properties could adversely affect our ability to sell property, receive full value for a property or use a property as collateral for a loan.
 
Some of our current and potential operations are located or could be located in or near communities that may regard such operations as having a detrimental effect on their social and economic circumstances. Environmental laws typically provide for participation in permitting decisions, site remediation decisions and other matters. Concern about environmental justice issues may affect our operations. Should such community objections be presented to government officials, the consequences of such a development may have a material adverse impact upon the profitability or, in extreme cases, the viability of an operation. In addition, such developments may adversely affect our ability to expand or enter into new operations in such location or elsewhere and may also have an effect on the cost of our environmental remediation projects.
 
We use a variety of hazardous materials and chemicals in our rolling processes, as well as in our smelting operations in Brazil and in connection with maintenance work on our manufacturing facilities. Because of the nature of these substances or related residues, we may be liable for certain costs, including, among others, costs for health-related claims or removal or re-treatment of such substances. Certain of our current and former facilities incorporate asbestos-containing materials, a hazardous substance that has been the subject of health-related claims for occupation exposure. In addition, although we have developed environmental, health and safety programs for our employees, including measures to reduce employee exposure to hazardous substances, and conduct regular assessments at our facilities, we are currently, and in the future may be, involved in claims and litigation filed on behalf of persons alleging injury predominantly as a result of occupational exposure to substances or other hazards at our current or former facilities. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these claims and lawsuits due to the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation. If these claims and lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, were finally resolved against us, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
 
We may be exposed to significant legal proceedings or investigations.
 
From time to time, we are involved in, or the subject of, disputes, proceedings and investigations with respect to a variety of matters, including environmental, health and safety, product liability, employee, tax, personal injury, contractual and other matters as well as other disputes and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business.
 
Certain of these matters are discussed in the preceding risk factor. Any claims against us or any investigations involving us, whether meritorious or not, could be costly to defend or comply with and could divert management’s attention as well as operational resources. Any such dispute, litigation or investigation, whether currently pending or threatened or in the future, may have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
For example, a lawsuit was commenced against Novelis Corporation on February 15, 2007 by Coca-Cola Bottler’s Sales and Services Company LLC (“CCBSS”) in Georgia state court. CCBSS is a consortium of Coca-Cola bottlers across the United States, including Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. CCBSS alleges that Novelis Corporation breached an aluminum can stock supply agreement between the parties, and seeks monetary damages in an amount to be determined at trial and a declaration of its rights under the agreement. The agreement includes a “most favored nations” provision regarding certain pricing matters. CCBSS alleges that Novelis Corporation breached the terms of the “most favored nations” provision. The dispute will likely turn


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on the facts that are presented to the court by the parties and the court’s finding as to how certain provisions of the agreement ought to be interpreted. If CCBSS were to prevail in this litigation, the amount of damages would likely be material. Novelis Corporation has filed its answer and the parties are proceeding with discovery. See “Business — Legal Proceedings.”
 
Product liability claims against us could result in significant costs or negatively impact our reputation and could adversely affect our business results and financial condition.
 
We are sometimes exposed to warranty and product liability claims. There can be no assurance that we will not experience material product liability losses arising from such claims in the future and that these will not have a negative impact on us. We generally maintain insurance against many product liability risks, but there can be no assurance that this coverage will be adequate for any liabilities ultimately incurred. In addition, there is no assurance that insurance will continue to be available on terms acceptable to us. A successful claim that exceeds our available insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
 
Risks Related to the Notes
 
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business and therefore make it more difficult for us to fulfill our obligations under the notes.
 
We are highly leveraged. As of June 30, 2009, after giving effect on an as adjusted basis to the offering of the old notes, we would have had $2.8 billion of indebtedness outstanding. Our substantial indebtedness and interest expense could have important consequences to our company and holders of notes, including:
 
  •  limiting our ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, execution of our growth strategy or other general corporate purposes;
 
  •  limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service our debt;
 
  •  increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
 
  •  placing us at a competitive disadvantage as compared to our competitors that have less leverage;
 
  •  limiting our ability to capitalize on business opportunities and to react to competitive pressures and adverse changes in government regulation;
 
  •  limiting our ability or increasing the costs to refinance indebtedness; and
 
  •  limiting our ability to enter into hedging transactions by reducing the number of counterparties with whom we can enter into such transactions as well as the volume of those transactions.
 
Despite the level of our indebtedness, we may still incur significantly more indebtedness. This could further increase the risks associated with our indebtedness.
 
Despite our current level of indebtedness of $2.8 billion as of June 30, 2009, after giving effect on an as adjusted basis to the offering of the old notes, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur additional indebtedness of up to approximately $300 million, including secured indebtedness, in the future. Our level of additional indebtedness is limited by our senior secured credit facilities, the indenture governing our 7.25% senior notes and the indenture governing the notes. However, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions. Currently our senior secured credit facilities consist of (a) a $1.16 billion seven-year term loan facility maturing July 2014 (the “Term Loan Facility”) and (b) an $800 million five-year multi-currency asset-based revolving line of credit and letter of credit facility maturing July 2012 (the “ABL Facility”). If new indebtedness is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we and they face would be increased and we may not be able to meet all our debt obligations, including repayment of the notes, in whole or in part.


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We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all our indebtedness, including the notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
 
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain such a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, including the notes.
 
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the notes. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments and the indentures governing the notes may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations.
 
The covenants in our senior secured credit facilities, the indenture governing our 7.25% senior notes and the indenture governing the notes impose significant operating restrictions on us.
 
The senior secured credit facilities, the indenture governing our 7.25% senior notes and the indenture governing the notes impose significant operating restrictions on us. These restrictions limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, among other things, to:
 
  •  incur additional debt and provide additional guarantees;
 
  •  pay dividends and make other restricted payments, including certain investments;
 
  •  create or permit certain liens;
 
  •  make certain asset sales;
 
  •  use the proceeds from the sales of assets and subsidiary stock;
 
  •  create or permit restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us;
 
  •  engage in certain transactions with affiliates;
 
  •  enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and
 
  •  consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets or the assets of our restricted subsidiaries.
 
In addition, under the ABL Facility, if our excess availability under the ABL Facility is less than 10% of the lender commitments under the ABL Facility or less than 10% of our borrowing base, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1 to 1. As of June 30, 2009, our fixed charge coverage ratio was less than 1 to 1 and our excess availability was $299 million, or 37% of the lender commitments under the ABL Facility. Following the completion of the offering of the old notes, we used approximately $81 million of the proceeds plus additional cash on hand to repay a portion of the outstanding amount under the ABL Facility.


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If we default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on the notes.
 
Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under our senior secured credit facilities, that is not waived by the required lenders or holders of such indebtedness, and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness, could prevent us from paying principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes and substantially decrease the market value of the notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including the covenants contained in our senior secured credit facilities, we would be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default:
 
  •  the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder, declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable and, if not promptly paid, institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets;
 
  •  even if those lenders do not declare a default, they may be able to cause all of our available cash to be used to repay their loans; and
 
  •  such default could cause a cross-default or cross-acceleration under our other indebtedness, including our 7.25% senior notes.
 
As a result of such default and any actions the lenders may take in response thereto, we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
 
If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under our senior secured credit facilities to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under our senior secured credit facilities and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we could be in default under our senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
 
We are a holding company and depend on our subsidiaries to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations, including payments on the notes.
 
We are a holding company and a large portion of our assets is the capital stock of our subsidiaries and the equity interests in our joint ventures. As a holding company, we conduct substantially all of our business through our subsidiaries and joint ventures. Consequently, our cash flow and ability to service our debt obligations, including the notes, are dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and joint ventures and the distribution of those earnings to us, or upon loans, advances or other payments made by these entities to us. The ability of these entities to pay dividends or make other loans, advances or payments to us will depend upon their operating results and will be subject to applicable laws and contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing their debt, and we may not exercise sufficient control to cause distributions to be made to us. Although our senior secured credit facilities, the indenture governing our 7.25% senior notes and the indenture governing the notes each limits the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to enter into consensual restrictions on their ability to pay dividends and make other payments to us, these limitations do not apply to our existing joint ventures or unrestricted subsidiaries and the limitations are also subject to important exceptions and qualifications.
 
The ability of our subsidiaries to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to allow us to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations, including the notes, will depend on their future financial performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive and business factors, many of which are outside of our control. We cannot assure you that the cash flow and earnings of our operating subsidiaries and the amount that they are able to distribute to us as dividends or otherwise will be adequate for us to service our debt obligations, including the notes. If our subsidiaries do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, including payments on the notes, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying


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capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot assure you that any such alternative refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of the timing of the sales and the amount of proceeds realized from those sales, that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all, or that additional financing would be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments then in effect. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow, as well as on our ability to satisfy our obligations on the notes.
 
Your right to receive payments on the notes is effectively junior in right of payment to all existing and future secured indebtedness of ours or the guarantors up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.
 
Our obligations under the notes are unsecured. The notes are effectively junior to all existing and future secured indebtedness of ours or the guarantors up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. For example, the notes and the related guarantees effectively rank junior to $1.4 billion of secured debt under our senior secured credit facilities at June 30, 2009 (and up to an additional $299 million available under our ABL Facility that we may borrow thereunder from time to time), which debt is secured by our assets and the assets of our principal subsidiaries. Following the completion of the offering of the old notes, we used approximately $81 million of the proceeds plus additional cash on hand to repay a portion of the outstanding amount under the ABL Facility. Although the indenture contains restrictions on our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to create or incur liens to secure indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to important limitations and exceptions that permit us to secure a substantial amount of additional indebtedness. Accordingly, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization affecting us or any guarantors, your rights to receive payment will be effectively subordinated to those of secured creditors up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. Holders of the notes will participate ratably with all holders of our unsecured indebtedness that is deemed to be of the same class as the notes, and potentially with all of our other general creditors, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in our remaining assets. In any of the foregoing events, we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the notes. As a result, holders of the notes may receive less, ratably, than holders of secured indebtedness. In addition, if the secured lenders were to declare a default with respect to their loans and enforce their rights with respect to their collateral, there can be no assurance that our remaining assets would be sufficient to satisfy our other obligations, including our obligations with respect to the notes.
 
Your right to receive payments on the notes could be adversely affected if any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries declares bankruptcy, liquidate or reorganize.
 
Some, but not all, of our subsidiaries guarantee the notes. As a result, you are creditors of only our company and our subsidiaries that do guarantee the notes. In the case of subsidiaries that are not guarantors, all the existing and future liabilities of those subsidiaries, including any claims of trade creditors, debtholders and preferred stockholders, are effectively senior to the notes and related guarantees. Subject to limitations in the senior secured credit facilities, the indenture governing the 7.25% senior notes and the indenture governing the notes, non-guarantor subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness in the future (and may incur other liabilities without limitation). In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, their creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to us. For the year ended March 31, 2009 and the three months ended June 30, 2009, our subsidiaries that will not be guarantors of the notes had sales and operating revenues of $2.6 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, and, as of June 30, 2009, those subsidiaries had assets of $1.4 billion and debt and other liabilities of $1.0 billion (including inter-company balances).
 
We may be unable to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.
 
Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes and the 7.25% senior notes. The source of funds for any such purchase of the notes and the 7.25% senior notes will be our available cash or cash generated from our subsidiaries’ operations


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or other sources, including borrowings, sales of assets or sales of equity. We may not be able to repurchase the notes or the 7.25% senior notes upon a change of control because we may not have sufficient financial resources to repurchase all such notes that are tendered upon a change of control. Accordingly, we may not be able to satisfy our obligations to repurchase the notes and the 7.25% senior notes unless we are able to refinance or obtain waivers under our senior secured credit facilities. Our failure to repurchase the notes upon a change of control would cause a default under the indenture governing the notes and the indenture governing our 7.25% senior notes and a cross default under our senior secured credit facilities.
 
Also, we can not assure you that a repurchase of the notes following such a change in control would be permitted pursuant to any of our indebtedness agreements that would be in effect at the time of such change in control, which could cause our other indebtedness to be accelerated. Our senior secured credit facilities provide that certain change of control events will constitute a default that permits lenders to accelerate the maturity of borrowings thereunder. If we cannot obtain a waiver of such default or seek to refinance such indebtedness, this could result in the acceleration of such indebtedness. Any future indebtedness agreement may contain similar provisions. If such indebtedness were to be accelerated, we may not have sufficient funds to repurchase the notes and repay such indebtedness.
 
In addition, the change of control provision and other covenants in the indenture governing the notes do not cover all corporate reorganizations, mergers, amalgamations or similar transactions and may not provide you with protection in a transaction, including a highly leveraged transaction, unless such transaction constitutes a change of control under the indenture governing the notes.
 
Most of the covenants in the indenture will be suspended during any future period that we have an investment grade rating from one rating agency, and during any such period you will not have the benefit of those covenants. In addition, certain covenants will be terminated if we have an investment grade rating from both rating agencies.
 
Most of the covenants in the indenture governing the notes, as well as our obligation to offer to repurchase notes following certain asset sales or upon a change of control, will be suspended if the notes obtain an investment grade rating from either one of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s and we are not in default under the indenture. If such a suspension occurs, the protections afforded to you by the covenants that have been suspended will not be restored until the investment grade rating assigned by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, as the case may be, to the notes should subsequently decline and as a result the notes do not carry an investment grade rating from one rating agency. In addition, most of these covenants, as well as our obligation to offer to repurchase notes following certain asset sales or upon a change of control, will be terminated permanently if at any time the notes receive an investment grade rating from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s and we are not in default under the indenture. If this termination occurs, the protections afforded to you by the terminated covenants will not be later restored, regardless of any subsequent change in the notes’ ratings. See “Description of the Notes — Certain Covenants — Covenant Termination and Suspension.”
 
Changes in our credit ratings or the financial and credit markets could adversely affect the market prices of the notes.
 
The future market prices of the notes will be affected by a number of factors, including:
 
  •  our ratings with major credit rating agencies;
 
  •  the prevailing interest rates being paid by companies similar to us; and
 
  •  the overall condition of the financial and credit markets.
 
The condition of the financial and credit markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. These fluctuations could have an adverse effect on the trading prices of the notes. In addition, credit rating agencies continually revise their ratings for companies that they follow, including us. We cannot assure you that credit rating agencies will continue to rate the notes or that they will maintain their ratings on the notes. The withdrawal of a rating for a negative change in our rating could have an adverse effect on the market prices of the notes.


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Fraudulent conveyance laws and other legal restrictions may permit courts to void or subordinate our subsidiaries’ guarantees of the notes in specific circumstances, which would prevent or limit payment under the guarantees. Certain limitations contained in the guarantees, which are designed to avoid this result, may render the guarantees worthless.
 
The notes are guaranteed by a number of our subsidiaries. Federal, state and foreign statutes may allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void or subordinate any or all of our subsidiaries’ guarantees of the notes. If any guarantees are voided or subordinated, our noteholders might be required to return payments received from our subsidiaries. The criteria for application of such fraudulent conveyance and other statutes vary, but, in general, under United States federal bankruptcy law, comparable provisions of state fraudulent conveyance laws and applicable Canadian federal or provincial law, a guarantee could be set aside or subordinated if, among other things, the guarantor, at the time it provided the guarantee:
 
  •  incurred the guarantee with the intent of hindering, defeating, delaying or defrauding current or future creditors or of giving one creditor a preference over others; or
 
  •  received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for incurring the guarantee, and
 
  •  was insolvent, on the eve of insolvency, or was rendered insolvent by reason of the incurrence of the guarantee;
 
  •  was engaged, or about to engage, in a business or transaction for which the assets remaining with it constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on such business;
 
  •  intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay as those debts matured; or
 
  •  was a defendant in an action for money damages, or had a judgment for money damages entered against it, if, in either case, after final judgment the judgment was unsatisfied.
 
Under certain Canadian federal and provincial statutes, a rebuttable presumption of the guarantor’s intent to prefer one creditor or hinder another may arise depending on the period of time that has elapsed between the assumption of the guarantee and the date of the guarantor’s insolvency.
 
A court would likely find that a guarantor did not receive reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for its guarantee if such guarantor did not substantially benefit directly or indirectly from the issuance of its guarantee. As a general matter, value is given for an obligation if, in exchange for the obligation, property is transferred or an antecedent debt is secured or satisfied.
 
The definition and test for insolvency will vary depending upon the law of the jurisdiction that is being applied. Generally, however, a guarantor would be considered insolvent if, at the time the guarantor provided the guarantee:
 
  •  the sum of its debts and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, was greater than its assets at fair valuation;
 
  •  the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount required to pay the probable liability on its total existing debts and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, as they became absolute and matured; or
 
  •  it could not pay its debts generally as they become due.
 
The tests for fraudulent conveyance, including the criteria for insolvency, will vary depending upon the law of the jurisdiction that is being applied. We cannot be sure which tests and standards a court would apply to determine whether or not the guarantors were solvent at the relevant time or, regardless of the tests and standards, whether the issuance of the guarantee would be voided or subordinated to the guarantor’s other debt.
 
If a court were to find that the incurrence of the guarantee was a fraudulent transfer or conveyance, the court could void the payment obligations under such guarantee or further subordinate such guarantee to


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presently existing and future indebtedness of the related guarantor, or require the holders of the notes to repay any amounts received with respect to such guarantee.
 
Although each guarantee entered into by a subsidiary will contain a provision intended to limit that guarantor’s liability to the maximum amount that it could incur without causing the incurrence of obligations under its guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer, this provision may not be effective to protect those guarantees from being voided under fraudulent transfer law, or may reduce that guarantor’s obligation to an amount that effectively makes its guarantee worthless.
 
U.S. investors in the notes may have difficulties enforcing civil liabilities.
 
We are incorporated in Canada under the CBCA. Our registered office, as well as a substantial portion of our assets, is located outside the United States. Also, some of our directors, controlling persons and officers and some of the experts named in this prospectus reside in Canada or other jurisdictions outside the United States and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. We have agreed in the indenture governing the notes to accept service of process in New York City, by an agent designated for such purpose, with respect to any suit, action or proceeding relating to the indenture or the notes that is brought in any federal or state court located in New York City, and to submit to the jurisdiction of such courts in connection with such suits, actions or proceedings. However, it may be difficult for holders of notes to effect service of process in the United States on our directors, controlling persons, officers and the experts named in this prospectus who are not residents of the United States or to enforce against them in the United States judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws. In addition, there is doubt as to the enforceability in Canada against us or against our directors, controlling persons, officers and experts named in this prospectus who are not residents of the United States, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon United States federal securities laws.
 
Canadian bankruptcy and insolvency laws may impair the enforcement of remedies under the notes.
 
The rights of the trustee under the indenture governing the notes to enforce remedies could be significantly impaired by the restructuring provisions of applicable Canadian federal bankruptcy, insolvency and other restructuring legislation if the benefit of such legislation is sought with respect to us. For example, both the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) contain provisions enabling an insolvent person to obtain a stay of proceedings against its creditors and others and to prepare and file a proposal to be voted on by the various classes of its affected creditors. A restructuring proposal, if accepted by the requisite majorities of each affected class of creditors, and if approved by the relevant Canadian court, would be binding on all creditors within each affected class whether or not such creditor voted to accept the proposal. Moreover, this legislation permits the insolvent debtor to retain possession and administration of its property, subject to court oversight, even though it may be in default under the applicable debt instrument during the period the stay against proceedings remains in place.
 
The powers of the court under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) and particularly under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) have been exercised broadly to protect a restructuring entity from actions taken by creditors and other parties. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether payments under the notes would be made during any proceedings in bankruptcy, insolvency or other restructuring, whether or when the trustee for the notes could exercise its rights under the notes indenture or whether, and to what extent, holders of notes would be compensated for any delays in payment, if any, of principal, interest and costs, including the fees and disbursements of the trustee for the notes.
 
Risks Related to the Exchange Offer
 
If you do not exchange your old notes for new notes, your ability to sell your old notes will be restricted.
 
If you do not exchange your old notes for new notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer described in the legend on your old notes. The new notes, like the old notes, will remain subject to restrictions on resale in Canada. The restrictions on transfer of your old notes


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arise because we issued the old notes in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In general, you may only offer to sell the old notes if they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or offered or sold pursuant to an exemption from those requirements. If you are still holding any old notes after the expiration date of the exchange offer and the exchange offer has been consummated, you will not be entitled to have those old notes registered under the Securities Act or to any similar rights under the registration rights agreement, subject to limited exceptions, if applicable. After the exchange offer is completed, we will not be required, and we do not intend, to register the old notes under the Securities Act. In addition, if you do exchange your old notes in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the new notes, you may be deemed to have received restricted securities and, if so, will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. To the extent old notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market, if any, for the old notes would be adversely affected.
 
Your ability to transfer the new notes may be limited by the absence of an active trading market, and there is no assurance that any active trading market will develop for the new notes.
 
There is no established public market for the new notes. We do not intend to list the new notes on any securities exchange or automated quotation system. We cannot assure you that an active market for the new notes will develop or, if developed, that it will continue. Historically, the market for non-investment grade debt, such as the new notes, has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of securities similar to the new notes. We cannot assure you that the market, if any, for the new notes will be free from similar disruptions, and any such disruptions may adversely affect the prices at which you may sell your new notes.
 
The old notes were issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes and consequently the new notes will be treated as issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
The old notes were issued with original issue discount equal to the excess of the stated principal amount of the notes over the issue price. Consequently, the new notes will be treated as issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and U.S. holders will be required to include original issue discount in gross income on a constant yield to maturity basis in advance of receipt of cash payment thereof. See “Principal Canadian and U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer — Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer.”


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THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
Purpose of the Exchange Offer
 
We have entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the old notes, in which we agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC relating to an offer to exchange the old notes for new notes. The registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part was filed in compliance with this obligation. We also agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause a registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act by August 11, 2010, to offer the new notes in exchange for the old notes as soon as practicable after the effectiveness of the registration statement and to keep the exchange offer open for not less than 30 days after the date notice of the exchange offer is mailed to holders of the old notes. If we do not comply with certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement, we will incur additional interest expense. The new notes will have terms substantially identical to the old notes except that the new notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions in the United States and registration rights and additional interest payable for the failure to comply with certain obligations. Old notes in an aggregate principal amount of $185,000,000 were issued on August 11, 2009.
 
Under the circumstances set forth below, we will promptly file a shelf registration statement with the SEC covering resales of the old notes or the new notes, as the case may be, use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause the shelf registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act and use our commercially reasonable efforts to keep the shelf registration statement effective until the earliest of (i) the time when the notes covered by the registration statement can be sold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act without any limitations, (ii) August 11, 2011 and (iii) the date on which all notes registered under the shelf registration statement are disposed of in accordance therewith. These circumstances include:
 
  •  applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC do not permit us to effect the exchange offer;
 
  •  for any other reason we do not consummate the exchange offer by August 11, 2010;
 
  •  any initial purchaser so requests with respect to the old notes that are not eligible to be exchanged for new notes in the exchange offer and held by it following consummation of the exchange offer; or
 
  •  certain holders are not eligible to participate in the exchange offer or may not resell the new notes acquired by them in the exchange offer to the public without delivering a prospectus.
 
Each holder of old notes that wishes to exchange such old notes for transferable new notes in the exchange offer will be required to make the following representations:
 
  •  any new notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;
 
  •  it has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of Securities Act) of the new notes;
 
  •  it is not our “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, or, if it is an affiliate, that it will comply with applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act; and
 
  •  if such holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution of the new notes; and
 
  •  if such holder is a broker-dealer that will receive new notes for its own account in exchange for old notes that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes.
 
In addition, each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must, in the absence of an exemption, comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with secondary resales of new notes and cannot rely on the position of the SEC staff set forth in “Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation,” “Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated” or similar no-action letters. See “Plan of Distribution.”


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Resale of New Notes
 
Based on interpretations of the SEC staff set forth in no-action letters issued to unrelated third parties, we believe that new notes issued in the exchange offer in exchange for old notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any exchange note holder without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if:
 
  •  such holder is not an “affiliate” of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;
 
  •  such new notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the holder’s business; and
 
  •  the holder does not intend to participate in the distribution of such new notes.
 
Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer with the intention of participating in any manner in a distribution of the new notes:
 
  •  cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC set forth in “Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation” or similar interpretive letters; and
 
  •  must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.
 
If, as stated above, a holder cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC set forth in “Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation” or similar interpretive letters, any effective registration statement used in connection with a secondary resale transaction must contain the selling security holder information required by Item 507 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
 
This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, for the resale or for other retransfer of new notes only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the old notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities may participate in the exchange offer. Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the new notes. Please read the section captioned “Plan of Distribution” for more details regarding these procedures for the transfer of new notes. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the exchange offer is consummated, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale of the new notes.
 
Terms of the Exchange Offer
 
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus, we will accept for exchange any old notes properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date. We will issue $2,000 principal amount of new notes in exchange for each $2,000 principal amount of old notes surrendered under the exchange offer. We will issue $1,000 integral multiple amount of new notes in exchange for each $1,000 integral multiple amount of old notes surrendered under the exchange offer. Old notes may be tendered only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
 
The form and terms of the new notes will be substantially identical to the form and terms of the old notes except the new notes will be registered under the Securities Act, will not bear legends restricting their transfer in the United States and will not provide for any additional interest upon our failure to fulfill our obligations under the registration rights agreement to file, and cause to become effective, a registration statement. The new notes will evidence the same debt as the old notes. The new notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same indenture that authorized the issuance of the outstanding old notes. Consequently, both series of notes will be treated as a single class of debt securities under the indenture.
 
The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of old notes being tendered for exchange.


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As of the date of this prospectus, $185,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the old notes are outstanding. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of old notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.
 
We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreement, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Old notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled to the rights and benefits such holders have under the indenture relating to the old notes.
 
We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered old notes when we have given oral or written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the new notes from us and delivering new notes to such holders. Subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and not to accept for exchange any old notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions specified below under the caption “— Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”
 
Holders who tender old notes in the exchange offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees, or transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of old notes. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than those transfer taxes described below, in connection with the exchange offer. It is important that you read the section labeled “— Fees and Expenses” below for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offer.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we are not required to make a registered exchange offer in any province or territory of Canada or to accept old notes surrendered by residents of Canada in the registered exchange offer unless the distribution of new notes pursuant to such offer can be effected pursuant to exemptions from the registration and prospectus requirements of the applicable securities laws of such province or territory and, as a condition to the exchange of the old notes pursuant to a registered exchange offer, such holders of old notes in Canada are required to make certain representations to us, including a representation that they are entitled under the applicable securities laws of such province or territory to acquire the new notes without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under such securities laws.
 
We are relying on exemptions from applicable Canadian provincial securities laws to offer the new notes. The new notes may not be sold directly or indirectly in Canada except in accordance with applicable securities laws of the provinces and territories of Canada. We are not required, and do not intend, to qualify the new notes by prospectus in Canada, and accordingly, the new notes will be subject to restrictions on resale in Canada.
 
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments
 
The exchange offer for the old notes will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on          , 2009, unless we extend the exchange offer in our sole and absolute discretion.
 
In order to extend the exchange offer, we will notify the exchange agent orally or in writing of any extension. We will notify in writing or by public announcement the registered holders of old notes of the extension no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.
 
We reserve the right, in our reasonable discretion:
 
  •  to delay accepting for exchange any old notes in connection with the extension of the exchange offer;
 
  •  to extend the exchange offer or to terminate the exchange offer and to refuse to accept old notes not previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth below under “— Conditions to the Exchange Offer” have not been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent; or


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  •  subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner, provided that in the event of a material change in the exchange offer, including the waiver of a material condition, we will extend the exchange offer period, if necessary, so that at least five business days remain in the exchange offer following notice of the material change.
 
Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by written notice or public announcement thereof to the registered holders of old notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose such amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of old notes of such amendment, provided that in the event of a material change in the exchange offer, including the waiver of a material condition, we will extend the exchange offer period, if necessary, so that at least five business days remain in the exchange offer following notice of the material change. If we terminate this exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting any old notes for exchange or if we amend the terms of this exchange offer in a manner that constitutes a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will promptly file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In addition, we will in all events comply with our obligation to make prompt payment for all old notes properly tendered and accepted for exchange in the exchange offer.
 
Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment of the exchange offer, we shall have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any such public announcement, other than by issuing a timely press release to a financial news service.
 
Conditions to the Exchange Offer
 
Despite any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or exchange any new notes for, any old notes, and we may terminate the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting any old notes for exchange if in our reasonable judgment:
 
  •  the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder of old notes, would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC; or
 
  •  any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in writing in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer that, in our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer.
 
In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the old notes of any holder that has not made:
 
  •  the representations described under “— Purpose of the Exchange Offer,” “— Exchange Offer Procedures” and “Plan of Distribution;” and
 
  •  such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to make available to us an appropriate form for registration of the new notes under the Securities Act.
 
We expressly reserve the right, at any time or at various times on or prior to the scheduled expiration date of the exchange offer, to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. Consequently, in the event we extend the period the exchange offer is open, we may delay acceptance of any old notes by giving written notice of such extension to the registered holders of the old notes. During any such extensions, all old notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer, and we may accept them for exchange unless they have been previously withdrawn. We will return any old notes that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to their tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.
 
We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer on or prior to the scheduled expiration date of the exchange offer, and to reject for exchange any old notes not previously accepted for


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exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions to termination of the exchange offer specified above. We will give written notice or public announcement of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the registered holders of the old notes as promptly as practicable. In the case of any extension, such notice will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.
 
These conditions are for our sole benefit and we may, in our reasonable discretion, assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times except that all conditions to the exchange offer must be satisfied or waived by us prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, that failure will not constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. Any waiver by us will be made by written notice or public announcement to the registered holders of the notes and any such waiver shall apply to all the registered holders of the notes.
 
In addition, we will not accept for exchange any old notes tendered, and will not issue new notes in exchange for any such old notes, if at such time any stop order is threatened in writing or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”).
 
Exchange Offer Procedures
 
Only a holder of old notes may tender such old notes in the exchange offer. If you are a DTC participant that has old notes which are credited to your DTC account by book-entry and which are held of record by DTC’s nominee, as applicable, you may tender your old notes by book-entry transfer as if you were the record holder. Because of this, references herein to registered or record holders include DTC.
 
If you are not a DTC participant, you may tender your old notes by book-entry transfer by contacting your broker, dealer or other nominee or by opening an account with a DTC participant, as the case may be.
 
To tender old notes in the exchange offer:
 
  •  You must comply with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”) procedures described below;
 
  •  The exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of the old notes into its account at DTC through ATOP pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below, along with a properly transmitted agent’s message, before the expiration date.
 
Participants in DTC’s ATOP program must electronically transmit their acceptance of the exchange by causing DTC to transfer the old notes to the exchange agent in accordance with DTC’s ATOP procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent’s message to the exchange agent. With respect to the exchange of the old notes, the term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, which states that:
 
  •  DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in its ATOP that is tendering old notes that are the subject of the book-entry confirmation;
 
  •  the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus; and
 
  •  we may enforce the agreement against such participant.
 
Delivery of an agent’s message will also constitute an acknowledgment from the tendering DTC participant that the representations described below in this prospectus are true and correct.
 
In addition, each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”


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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
 
If you desire to tender outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer and (1) time will not permit your letter of transmittal, certificates representing such outstanding notes and all other required documents to reach the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date, or (2) the procedures for book-entry transfer (including delivery of an agent’s message) cannot be completed on or prior to the expiration date, you may nevertheless tender such notes with the effect that such tender will be deemed to have been received on or prior to the expiration date if all the following conditions are satisfied:
 
  •  you must effect your tender through an “eligible guarantor institution;”
 
  •  a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, substantially in the form provided by us herewith, or an agent’s message with respect to guaranteed delivery that is accepted by us, is received by the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date as provided below; and
 
  •  a book-entry confirmation of the transfer of such notes into the exchange agent account at DTC as described above, together with a letter of transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile of the letter of transmittal) properly completed and duly executed, with any signature guarantees and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal or a properly transmitted agent’s message, are received by the exchange agent within three New York Stock Exchange, Inc. trading days after the expiration date.
 
The notice of guaranteed delivery may be sent by hand delivery, facsimile transmission or mail to the exchange agent and must include a guarantee by an eligible guarantor institution in the form set forth in the notice of guaranteed delivery.
 
Book-Entry Transfer
 
The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the old notes at DTC for purposes of the exchange offer promptly after the date of this prospectus; and any financial institution participating in DTC’s system may make book-entry delivery of old notes by causing DTC to transfer such old notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer.
 
Withdrawal Rights
 
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw your tender of old notes at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.
 
To withdraw a tender of old notes in any exchange offer, the applicable exchange agent must receive a letter or facsimile notice of withdrawal at its address set forth below under “— Exchange agent” before the time indicated above. Any notice of withdrawal must:
 
  •  specify the name of the person who deposited the old notes to be withdrawn;
 
  •  identify the old notes to be withdrawn including the certificate number or numbers and aggregate principal amount of old notes to be withdrawn or, in the case of old notes transferred by book-entry transfer, the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited and otherwise comply with the procedures of the relevant book-entry transfer facility; and
 
  •  specify the name in which the old notes being withdrawn are to be registered, if different from that of the person who deposited the notes.
 
We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of notices of withdrawal. Our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any old notes withdrawn in this manner will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer. We will not issue new notes for such withdrawn old notes unless the old notes are validly retendered. We will return to you any old notes that you have tendered but that we have not accepted for exchange without cost promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. You may


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retender properly withdrawn old notes by following one of the procedures described above at any time before the expiration date.
 
Exchange Agent
 
We have appointed The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as exchange agent for the exchange offer of old notes.
 
You should direct questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this prospectus to the exchange agent addressed as follows:
 
The Bank of New York Mellon
Corporate Trust Operations
Reorganization Unit
101 Barclay Street-7 East
New York, NY 10286
Attn: Mrs. Evangeline R. Gonzales
Tele: 212-815-3738
Facsimile: 212-298-1915
 
Fees and Expenses
 
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. The principal solicitation is being made by mail, however, we may make additional solicitations by telegraph, telephone or in person by our officers and regular employees and those of our affiliates.
 
We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reimburse it for its related reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
 
Our expenses in connection with the exchange offer include:
 
  •  SEC registration fees;
 
  •  fees and expenses of the exchange agent and trustee;
 
  •  accounting and legal fees and printing costs; and
 
  •  related fees and expenses.
 
Transfer Taxes
 
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of old notes under the exchange offer. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:
 
  •  certificates representing old notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of old notes tendered; or
 
  •  a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of old notes under the exchange offer.
 
If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes is not submitted, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.
 
Holders who tender their old notes for exchange will not be required to pay any transfer taxes. However, holders who instruct us to register new notes in the name of, or request that old notes not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offer be returned to, a person other than the registered tendering holder will be required to pay any applicable transfer tax.


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Consequences of Failure to Exchange
 
Holders of old notes who do not exchange their old notes for new notes under the exchange offer, including as a result of failing to timely deliver old notes to the exchange agent, together with all required documentation, will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of such old notes:
 
  •  as set forth in the legend printed on the old notes as a consequence of the issuance of the old notes pursuant to the exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws; and
 
  •  otherwise as set forth in the offering circular distributed in connection with the private offering of the old notes.
 
In addition, you will no longer have any registration rights or be entitled to additional interest with respect to the old notes.
 
In general, you may not offer or sell the old notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act, or if the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the old notes under the Securities Act. Based on interpretations of the SEC staff, new notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by their holders, other than any such holder that is our “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the holders acquired the new notes in the ordinary course of the holders’ business and the holders have no arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the new notes to be acquired in the exchange offer. Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the new notes:
 
  •  could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the SEC; and
 
  •  must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.
 
After the exchange offer is consummated, if you continue to hold any old notes, you may have difficulty selling them because there will be fewer old notes outstanding.
 
Accounting Treatment
 
We will record the new notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the old notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes in connection with the exchange offer.
 
Other
 
Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.
 
We may in the future seek to acquire untendered old notes in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any old notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered old notes.


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USE OF PROCEEDS
 
This exchange offer is intended to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement. We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. You will receive, in exchange for old notes tendered by you and accepted by us in the exchange offer, new notes in the same principal amount. The old notes surrendered in exchange for the new notes will be retired and cancelled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the new notes will not result in any increase of our outstanding debt.
 
We used the net proceeds from the sale of the old notes of approximately $175 million to repay (1) the outstanding amount of approximately $94 million under our $100 million unsecured credit facility with an affiliate of the Aditya Birla Group (the “Unsecured Credit Facility”), which was scheduled to mature in January 2015 and bore interest at an annual rate of 13.00% through February 2010 and at 14.00% thereafter and (2) approximately $81 million of the outstanding amount under the ABL Facility, which matures in July 2012 and bears interest at a rate depending on the type of loan, which, as of June 30, 2009, was an annual rate of 3.01%.


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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
Novelis Inc. was formed in Canada on September 21, 2004. On January 6, 2005, Alcan transferred its rolled products businesses to Novelis and distributed shares of Novelis to Alcan’s shareholders. On May 15, 2007, we were acquired by Hindalco through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary. We refer to the company prior to the Hindalco acquisition (through May 15, 2007) as the “Predecessor,” and we refer to the company after the Hindalco acquisition (beginning on May 16, 2007) as the “Successor.” On June 26, 2007, our board of directors approved the change of our fiscal year end to March 31 from December 31.
 
The selected consolidated financial data of the Successor presented below as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 has been derived from the unaudited financial statements of Novelis Inc. included elsewhere in this prospectus. The results for the three months ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. The selected consolidated financial data of the Successor presented below as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009, as of March 31, 2008 and for the period May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008 has been derived from the financial statements of Novelis Inc. included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data of the Predecessor presented below for the period April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, and for the year ended December 31, 2006 has been derived from the financial statements of Novelis Inc. included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
Selected financial data of the Predecessor presented below as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 has been derived from the following audited financial statements of Novelis Inc. which are not included in this prospectus: the consolidated balance sheets for Novelis Inc. as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2007; the consolidated and combined statement of operations and statement of operations of Novelis Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005; the combined statements of operations and statement of operations of Novelis Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004; the consolidated balance sheets of Novelis Inc. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005; and the combined balance sheet of Novelis Inc. as of December 31, 2004.
 
The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005, include the results for the period from January 1 to January 5, 2005, prior to our spin-off from Alcan, in addition to the results for the period from January 6 to December 31, 2005. The combined financial results for the period from January 1 to January 5, 2005 present our operations on a carve-out accounting basis. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005, and the consolidated results for the period from January 6 (the date of the spin-off from Alcan) to December 31, 2005, present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as a stand-alone entity.
 
Our historical combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004, have been derived from the accounting records of Alcan using the historical results of operations and historical basis of assets and liabilities of the businesses subsequently transferred to us. Management believes the assumptions underlying the historical combined financial statements are reasonable. However, the historical combined financial statements may not necessarily reflect what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had we been a stand-alone company during the periods presented.


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The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements for the respective periods included elsewhere in this prospectus and the related notes thereto.
 
                                                                           
                      Three
    April 1,
      May 16,
          Three
    Three
 
                      Months
    2007
      2007
          Months
    Months
 
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Ended
    through
      through
    Year Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
    March 31,
    May 15,
      March 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    June 30,
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
  2004     2005(1)     2006     2007     2007(2)       2008(2)     2009     2008     2009  
    Combined     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
Statement of Operations:
                                                                         
Net sales
  $ 7,755     $ 8,363     $ 9,849     $ 2,630     $ 1,281       $ 9,965     $ 10,177     $ 3,103     $ 1,960  
                                                                           
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    6,856       7,570       9,317       2,447       1,205         9,042       9,251       2,831       1,533  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    289       352       410       99       95         319       319       84       78  
Depreciation and amortization
    246       230       233       58       28         375       439       116       100  
Research and development expenses
    58       41       40       8       6         46       41       12       8  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    74       203       221       54       27         191       182       45       43  
Interest income
    (26 )     (9 )     (15 )     (4 )     (1 )       (18 )     (14 )     (5 )     (3 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (69 )     (269 )     (63 )     (30 )     (20 )       (22 )     556       (65 )     (72 )
Impairment of goodwill
    —       —       —       —       —         —       1,340       —       —  
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    —       —       —       —       —         —       (122 )     —       —  
Restructuring charges, net
    20       10       19       9       1         6       95       (1 )     3  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    (6 )     (6 )     (16 )     (3 )     (1 )       (25 )     172       2       10  
Other (income) expenses, net
    82       17       (19 )     47       35         (6 )     86       23       (13 )
                                                                           
      7,524       8,139       10,127       2,685       1,375         9,908       12,345       3,042       1,687  
                                                                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
    231       224       (278 )     (55 )     (94 )       57       (2,168 )     61       273  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    166       107       (4 )     7       4         73       (246 )     35       112  
                                                                           
Net income (loss)
    65       117       (274 )     (62 )     (98 )       (16 )     (1,922 )     26       161  
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    10       21       1       2       (1 )       4       (12 )     2       18  
                                                                           
Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change
    55       96       (275 )     (64 )     (97 )       (20 )     (1,910 )     24       143  
                                                                           
Cumulative effect of accounting change — net of tax
    —       (6 )     —       —       —         —       —       —       —  
                                                                           
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ 55     $ 90     $ (275 )   $ (64 )   $ (97 )     $ (20 )   $ (1,910 )   $ 24     $ 143  
                                                                           
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 86     $ (56 )   $ (127 )   $ (48 )   $ (64 )     $ 24     $ (2,157 )   $ 45     $ 230  
                                                                           
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.00     $ 0.36     $ 0.20     $ 0.00     $ 0.00       $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
                                                                           
Balance Sheet Data (at period end)
                                                                         
Total assets
  $ 5,954     $ 5,476     $ 5,792     $ 5,970               $ 10,737     $ 7,567     $ 10,969     $ 7,580  
Long-term debt (including current portion)
    2,737       2,603       2,302       2,300                 2,575       2,559       2,567       2,555  
Short-term borrowings
    541       27       133       245                 115       264       430       237  
Cash and cash equivalents
    31       100       73       128                 326       248       296       237  
Shareholders’/invested equity(3)
    555       433       195       175                 3,523       1,419       3,569       1,738  


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                      Three
    April 1,
      May 16,
          Three
    Three
 
                      Months
    2007
      2007
          Months
    Months
 
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Ended
    through
      through
    Year Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
    March 31,
    May 15,
      March 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    June 30,
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
  2004     2005(1)     2006     2007     2007(2)       2008(2)     2009     2008     2009  
    Combined     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
Statement of Cash Flows Data:
                                                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 208     $ 449     $ 16     $ (87 )   $ (230 )     $ 405     $ (236 )   $ (351 )   $ 258  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    726       325       193       2       2         (98 )     (111 )     16       (235 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (931 )     (703 )     (243 )     140       201         (96 )     286       309       (43 )
Other Financial Data:
                                                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(4)
    3.8 x     2.1 x     —       —       —         1.2 x     —       2.3 x     7.3 x
 
 
(1) All income earned and cash flows generated by us as well as the risks and rewards of these businesses from January 1 to January 5, 2005, were primarily attributed to us and are included in our consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2005, with the exception of losses of $43 million ($29 million net of tax) arising from the change in fair market value of derivative contracts, primarily with Alcan. These mark-to-market losses for the period from January 1 to January 5, 2005, were recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2005, and were recognized as a decrease in Owner’s net investment.
 
(2) The acquisition of Novelis by Hindalco on May 15, 2007 was recorded in accordance with SAB 103. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the consideration and related costs paid by Hindalco in connection with the acquisition have been “pushed down” to us and have been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in accordance with FASB 141. Due to the impact of push down accounting, our consolidated financial statements and certain note presentations for the year ended March 31, 2008, are presented in two distinct periods to indicate the application of two different bases of accounting between the periods presented: (1) the period up to, and including, the acquisition date (April 1, 2007, through May 15, 2007, labeled “Predecessor”) and (2) the period after that date (May 16, 2007, through March 31, 2008, labeled “Successor”). The financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus include a black line division which indicates that the Predecessor and Successor reporting entities shown are not comparable. The consideration paid by Hindalco to acquire Novelis has been pushed down to us and allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on our estimates of fair value. This allocation of fair value results in additional charges or income to our post-acquisition consolidated statements of operations.
 
(3) Alcan’s investment in the Novelis businesses as of December 31, 2004, includes the accumulated earnings of the businesses as well as cash transfers related to cash management functions performed by Alcan.
 
(4) Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes, before fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) and income taxes, and eliminating undistributed income of persons owned less than 50% by us. Fixed charges consist of interest expenses and amortization of debt discount and expense and premium and that portion of rental payments which is considered as being representative of the interest factor implicit in our operating leases. The ratios shown above are based on our consolidated and combined financial information, which was prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
Due to losses incurred in each of the periods presented below, the ratio coverage was less than 1:1. The table below presents the amount of additional earnings required to bring the fixed charge ratio to 1:1 for each respective period.
 
                                   
          Three
    April 1,
         
          Months
    2007
         
    Year Ended
    Ended
    through
      Year Ended
 
    December 31,
    March 31,
    May 15,
      March 31,
 
(In millions)
  2006     2007     2007       2009  
    Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor  
                           
Additional earnings required to bring fixed charge ratio to 1:1
  $ 280     $ 57     $ 93       $ 1,996  
                                   

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Overview and References
 
Novelis is the world’s leading aluminum rolled products producer based on shipment volume. We produce aluminum sheet and light gauge products for the beverage and food can, transportation, construction and industrial, and foil products markets. As of June 30, 2009, we had operations in 11 countries on four continents: North America, Europe, Asia and South America, through 31 operating plants, one research facility and several market-focused innovation centers. In addition to aluminum rolled products plants, our South American businesses include bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and power generation facilities that are integrated with our rolling plants in Brazil. We are the only company of our size and scope focused solely on aluminum rolled products markets and capable of local supply of technologically sophisticated products in all of these geographic regions.
 
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Market Data” and “Risk Factors.”
 
Background and Basis of Presentation
 
On May 18, 2004, Alcan announced its intention to transfer its rolled products businesses into a separate company and to pursue a spin-off of that company to its shareholders. The spin-off occurred on January 6, 2005 following approval by Alcan’s board of directors and shareholders, and legal and regulatory approvals. Alcan shareholders received one Novelis common share for every five Alcan common shares held.
 
Acquisition by Hindalco
 
On May 15, 2007, the company was acquired by Hindalco through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary pursuant to the Arrangement at a price of $44.93 per share. The aggregate purchase price for all of the company’s common shares was $3.4 billion, and $2.8 billion of Novelis’ debt was also assumed for a total transaction value of $6.2 billion. Subsequent to completion of the Arrangement on May 15, 2007, all of our common shares were indirectly held by Hindalco.
 
As discussed in “Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our Audited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, the Arrangement was recorded in accordance with SAB 103. Accordingly, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the consideration and related costs paid by Hindalco in connection with the acquisition have been “pushed down” to us and have been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in accordance with FASB 141. Due to the impact of push down accounting, the company’s consolidated financial statements and certain note presentations separate the company’s presentation into two distinct periods to indicate the application of two different bases of accounting between the periods presented: (1) the periods up to, and including, the May 15, 2007 acquisition date (labeled “Predecessor”) and (2) the periods after that date (labeled “Successor”). The financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus include a black line division which indicates that the Predecessor and Successor reporting entities shown are not comparable.
 
Combined Financial Results of the Predecessor and Successor
 
For purposes of management’s discussion and analysis of the results of operations in this prospectus, we combined the results of operations for the period ended May 15, 2007 of the Predecessor with the period ended March 31, 2008 of the Successor. We believe the combined results of operations for the year ended March 31, 2008 provide management and investors with a more meaningful perspective on Novelis’ financial and operational performance than if we did not combine the results of operations of the Predecessor and the


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Successor in this manner. Similarly, we combine the financial results of the Predecessor and the Successor when discussing segment information and sources and uses of cash for the year ended March 31, 2008.
 
The combined results of operations are non-GAAP financial measures, do not include any pro forma assumptions or adjustments and should not be used in isolation or substitution of the Predecessor’s and the Successor’s results. Shown below are combining schedules of (1) shipments and (2) our results of operations for periods allocable to the Successor, the Predecessor and the combined presentation for the year ended March 31, 2008 that we use throughout the discussion of results from operations.
 
                           
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
       
    through
      through
    Year Ended
 
Shipments (In kt):
  March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2008  
    Successor       Predecessor     Combined  
Rolled products(1)
    2,640         348       2,988  
Ingot products(2)
    147         15       162  
                           
Total shipments
    2,787         363       3,150  
                           
 
 
(1) Rolled products include tolling (the conversion of customer-owned metal).
 
(2) Ingot products include primary ingot in Brazil, foundry products in Korea and Europe, secondary ingot in Europe and other miscellaneous recyclable aluminum.
 
                           
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
       
    through
      through
    Year Ended
 
Results of Operations (In millions)
  March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2008  
    Successor       Predecessor     Combined  
Net sales
  $ 9,965       $ 1,281     $ 11,246  
                           
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    9,042         1,205       10,247  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    319         95       414  
Depreciation and amortization
    375         28       403  
Research and development expenses
    46         6       52  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    191         27       218  
Interest income
    (18 )       (1 )     (19 )
Gain on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (22 )       (20 )     (42 )
Restructuring charges, net
    6         1       7  
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliates
    (25 )       (1 )     (26 )
Other (income) expenses, net
    (6 )       35       29  
                           
      9,908         1,375       11,283  
                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
    57         (94 )     (37 )
Income tax provision
    73         4       77  
                           
Net loss
    (16 )       (98 )     (114 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    4         (1 )     3  
                           
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (20 )     $ (97 )   $ (117 )
                           
 
Change in Fiscal Year End
 
On June 26, 2007, our board of directors approved the change of our fiscal year end to March 31 from December 31. On June 28, 2007, we filed a Transition Report on Form 10-Q for the three month period ended March 31, 2007 with the SEC pursuant to Rule 13a-10 under the Exchange Act for transition period reporting.


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Throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis”), data for all periods, except as of and for the year ended March 31, 2007, are derived from our financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. All data as of and for the year ended March 31, 2007 are derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in our transition period ended March 31, 2007 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2007.
 
Accompanying Financial Statements
 
We have included financial statements for the following periods elsewhere in this prospectus:
 
  •  Unaudited Financial Statements:  the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Successor as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008 (the “Unaudited Financial Statements”).
 
  •  Audited Financial Statements:
 
  •  the audited consolidated financial statements of the Successor as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009, as of March 31, 2008 and for the period May 16, 2007, through March 31, 2008; and
 
  •  the audited consolidated financial statements of the Predecessor for the period April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007, for the three months ended March 31,2007, and for the year ended December 31, 2006 (the “Audited Financial Statements”).
 
Highlights
 
Key factors that have recently impacted our business are discussed briefly below and are discussed in further detail throughout the Management’s Discussion and Analysis and “Segment Review.”
 
  •  We reported pre-tax income of $273 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, as compared to pre-tax income of $61 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Results include $299 million of unrealized gains on derivatives as compared to $20 million in the prior year first quarter. The $299 million of unrealized gains includes a $224 million reversal of previously recognized losses upon settlement of derivatives and $75 million of unrealized gains relating to mark-to-market adjustments on metal and currency derivatives.
 
  •  We reported a Net loss attributable to our common shareholder of $1.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2009, which includes non-cash impairment charges of $1.5 billion, unrealized losses on derivatives instruments of $519 million, $95 million in restructuring charges and a $122 million gain on a debt exchange transaction, compared to a Net loss attributable to our common shareholder of $117 million for the corresponding period in fiscal 2008. The prior year Net loss attributable to our common shareholder included $45 million of stock compensation expense and $32 million of transaction fees associated with Hindalco’s acquisition of Novelis.
 
  •  Impairment charges made to goodwill and investments in affiliates totaling $1.5 billion reflected the global economic environment and the related market increase in the cost of capital in fiscal 2009.
 
  •  The unrealized loss on derivative instruments for fiscal 2009 was $519 million, compared to a $3 million loss in the prior year period. We use derivative instruments to hedge forecasted purchases of aluminum and other commodities and related foreign currency exposures. This loss primarily reflects the drop in the price of aluminum during the current year from $3,292 per tonne in July 2008 to $1,365 per tonne at March 31, 2009.
 
  •  Shipments of flat rolled products decreased 16% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 to 650 kt from 777 kt in the prior year quarter and decreased 7% in fiscal 2009 to 2,770 kt from 2,988 kt in the prior year period. Shipments in North America and Asia increased in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, with signs of economic recovery evident in Asia where shipments were up more than 50%.


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  •  Shipments to construction, automotive and industrial companies were significantly impacted in the second half of fiscal 2009 and the first quarter of fiscal 2010 by the economic downturn while can sheet shipments remained stable in most regions.
 
  •  Inventory levels were effectively managed despite slowing business conditions. Metal inventories as of June 30, 2009 totaled 307 kt.
 
Business and Industry Climate
 
The global economic slowdown has negatively impacted our sales and shipment levels as well as our profitability, operating cash flows and liquidity. During the last six months of fiscal 2009, we experienced rapidly declining aluminum prices and sharply lower end customer demand. However, beverage and food can shipments, which represent between 50% and 60% of our rolled products business, stabilized during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 at levels which are only moderately below historical levels. The impacts were more severe in construction, automotive and industrial markets, although conditions have now also stabilized in those product categories. On a regional basis, the impacts were most severe in Europe, Asia and North America.
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Year Ended              
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    March 31,
             
Key Sales and Shipment Trends
  2008     2008     2008     2009     2009     2009              
 
Net sales
  $ 3,103     $ 2,959     $ 2,176     $ 1,939     $ 1,960     $ 10,177                  
Percentage increase (decrease) in net sales versus comparable previous year period
    10 %     5 %     (20 )%     (32 )%     (37 )%     (10 )%                
Rolled product shipments:
                                                               
North America
  $ 286     $ 293     $ 242     $ 246     $ 254     $ 1,067                  
Europe
    271       254       197       188       185       910                  
Asia
    133       122       106       86       130       447                  
South America
    87       87       87       85       81       346                  
                                                                 
Total
    777       756       632       605       650       2,770                  
                                                                 
Beverage and food cans
    417       416       363       361       395       1,557                  
All other rolled products
    360       340       269       244       255       1,213                  
                                                                 
Total
    777       756       632       605       650       2,770                  
                                                                 
Percentage increase (decrease) in rolled products shipments versus comparable previous year period:
                                                               
North America
    3 %     5 %     (10 )%     (11 )%     (11 )%     (3 )%                
Europe
    (5 )%     (8 )%     (19 )%     (30 )%     (32 )%     (15 )%                
Asia
    13 %     5 %     (21 )%     (30 )%     (2 )%     (9 )%                
South America
    16 %     13 %     5 %     (2 )%     (7 )%     7 %                
                                                                 
Total
    3 %     1 %     (13 )%     (20 )%     (16 )%     (7 )%                
                                                                 
Beverage and food cans
    11 %     9 %     (6 )%     (7 )%     (5 )%     2 %                
All other rolled products
    (5 )%     (7 )%     (22 )%     (33 )%     (29 )%     (17 )%                
                                                                 
Total
    3 %     1 %     (13 )%     (20 )%     (16 )%     (7 )%                
                                                                 
 
Importantly, we have taken a number of actions to adjust our metal intake, cut back on production and reduce costs and discretionary spending. These actions have succeeded in preserving adequate liquidity levels while lowering our fixed cost structure to a level which allows us to operate with positive cash flow in the current low demand environment.
 
While there continues to be some level of uncertainty with regard to the timing and pace of global economic recovery, we are seeing signs of recovery in Asia, North America and Europe. We expect to see gradual improvement in profitability and liquidity levels during the remainder of fiscal 2010 and do not believe we are exposed to significant further downside risk versus the demand levels experienced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.


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All of these matters are discussed in further detail in “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
 
Business Model and Key Concepts
 
Most of our business is conducted under a conversion model, which allows us to pass through increases or decreases in the price of aluminum to our customers. Nearly all of our products have a price structure with two components: (i) a pass-through aluminum price based on the LME plus local market premiums and (ii) a “conversion premium” price on the conversion cost to produce the rolled product which reflects, among other factors, the competitive market conditions for that product.
 
A key component of our conversion model is the use of derivative instruments on projected aluminum requirements to preserve our conversion margin. We enter into forward metal purchases simultaneous with the sales contracts that contain fixed metal prices. These forward metal purchases directly hedge the economic risk of future metal price fluctuation associated with these contracts. We also enter into forward metal purchases, aluminum futures and options to hedge our exposure to rising metal prices and sales contracts with metal price ceilings. Additionally, we sell short-term LME futures contracts to reduce the cash flow volatility of fluctuating metal prices associated with the metal price lag.
 
The average and closing prices based upon the LME for aluminum for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 and the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
                                                                 
                                  Percent Change  
                                  Three Months
             
                                  Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
 
                                  June 30,
    March 31,
    March 31,
 
                                  2009
    2009
    2008
 
    Three Months Ended
                      Versus
    Versus
    Versus
 
    June 30,     Year Ended March 31,     June 30,
    March 31,
    March 31,
 
London Metal Exchange Prices
  2009     2008     2009     2008     2007     2008     2008     2007  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Combined     Predecessor                    
 
Aluminum (per metric tonne, and presented in U.S. dollars):
                                                               
Closing cash price as of end of period
  $ 1,616     $ 3,075     $ 1,365     $ 2,935     $ 2,792       (47.4 )%     (53.5 )%     5.1 %
Average cash price during period
  $ 1,488     $ 2,940     $ 2,234     $ 2,624     $ 2,665       (49.4 )%     (14.9 )%     (1.5 )%
 
LME prices for aluminum (the “LME prices”) rose to a peak of $3,292 per tonne in July 2008, but have significantly declined since the high point due to falling demand for primary aluminum. Prices closed at $1,616 per tonne at June 30, 2009, after hitting a low of $1,254 per tonne in February 2009.
 
Rapidly declining LME prices had the following impacts on our business:
 
  •  Our products have a price structure based upon the LME price. Increases or decreases in the LME price have a direct impact on net sales, cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) and working capital.
 
  •  We pay cash to brokers to settle derivative contracts in advance of billing and collecting cash from our customers, which negatively impacts our liquidity position. This typically ranges from 30 to 60 days, which temporarily reduces our liquidity in periods following declines in LME.
 
Metal Price Ceilings
 
We have one remaining sales contract which contains a ceiling over which metal prices cannot be contractually passed through to a certain customer. This negatively impacts our margins and operating cash flows when the price we pay for metal is above the ceiling price contained in this contract. We calculate and report this difference to be approximately the difference between the quoted purchase price on the LME (adjusted for any local premiums and for any price lag associated with purchasing or processing time) and the metal price ceiling in our contracts. Cash flows from operations are negatively impacted by the same amounts, adjusted for any timing difference between customer receipts and vendor payments, and offset partially by reduced income taxes.


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For the three months ended June 30, 2009, we did not incur any sales subject to the ceiling. For the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the three months ended June 30, 2008, we were unable to pass through approximately $176 million, $230 million, $460 million and $78 million, respectively, of metal purchase costs associated with sales under this contract. Based on an August 28, 2009, aluminum price of $1,880 per tonne, and our best estimate of a range of shipment volumes, we estimate that we will be unable to pass through aluminum purchase costs of approximately $9.2 million through December 31, 2009 when this contract expires.
 
To manage and mitigate the risks associated with metal price ceilings and rising prices that we could not pass through to certain customers:
 
  •  We maximize the amount of our internally supplied metal inputs from our smelting, refining and mining operations in Brazil and rely on output from our recycling operations which utilize UBCs. Both of these sources of aluminum supply have historically provided an offsetting benefit to the metal price ceiling contracts. We refer to these two sources as “internal hedges.”
 
  •  We entered into derivative instruments to hedge projected aluminum volume requirements above our assumed internal hedge position, mitigating our exposure to further increases in LME prices. As a result of these instruments, we will continue to incur cash losses related to these contracts even if LME prices remain below the ceiling price. As of June 30, 2009 the fair value of the liability associated with these derivative instruments was $67 million.
 
In connection with the allocation of the purchase price paid by Hindalco, we established reserves totaling $655 million as of May 15, 2007 to record these sales contracts at fair value. These reserves are being accreted into net sales over the remaining lives of the underlying contracts. This accretion has no impact on cash flow. For the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded accretion of $55 million and $64 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2009, the balance of these reserves is approximately $97 million which will be amortized into net sales during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2010.
 
Metal Price Lag
 
On certain sales contracts we experience timing differences on the pass through of changing aluminum prices from our suppliers to our customers. Additional timing differences occur in the flow of metal costs through moving average inventory cost values and cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). In periods of declining prices, our earnings are negatively impacted by this timing difference while the opposite is true in periods of rising prices. We refer to this timing difference as “metal price lag.” We sell short-term LME forward contracts to help mitigate our exposure to metal price lag.
 
Certain of our sales contracts, most notably in Europe, contain fixed metal prices for periods of time ranging from four to 36 months. We typically enter into forward metal purchases simultaneous with these sales contracts.
 
Foreign Exchange Impact
 
Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates also impact our operating results. The following table presents the average of the month-end exchange rates and changes from the prior year period:
 
                                                                         
    Three Months
                                           
    Ended
    U.S. Dollar
    Year Ended
    U.S. Dollar
    Year Ended
    U.S. Dollar
 
    June 30,     Strengthen/
    March 31,     Strengthen/
    March 31,     Strengthen/
 
    2009     2008     (Weaken)     2009     2008     (Weaken)     2008     2007     (Weaken)  
 
U.S. dollar per Euro
    1.379       1.563       11.8 %     1.411       1.432       1.5 %     1.432       1.294       (10.7 )%
Brazilian real per U.S. dollar
    2.036       1.638       24.3       1.982       1.837       7.9       1.837       2.148       (14.5 )
South Korean won per U.S. dollar
    1,302       1,027       26.8       1,224       932       31.3       932       944       (1.3 )
Canadian dollar per U.S. dollar
    1.149       1.007       14.1       1.134       1.025       10.6       1.025       1.135       (9.7 )


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The U.S. dollar weakened as compared to the local currency in all regions during the quarter ended June 30, 2009. In Europe and Asia, the weakening of the U.S. dollar resulted in foreign exchange gains as these operations are recorded in local currency. In Brazil, where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency due to predominantly U.S. dollar selling prices and local currency operating costs, we incurred foreign exchange losses as the U.S. dollar weakened.
 
The U.S. dollar strengthened as compared to the local currency in all regions during the year ended March 31, 2009, as compared to a weakened U.S. dollar for the year ended March 31, 2008. In Asia, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar resulted in foreign exchange losses as the operations there are recorded in local currency, with a larger portion of our liabilities denominated in the U.S. dollar, including metal purchases and long-term debt. In Brazil, where we have predominantly U.S. dollar selling prices and local currency operating costs, we benefited as the U.S. dollar strengthened during the period.
 
See “Segment Review” for each of the periods presented below for additional discussion of the impact of foreign exchange on the results of each region.
 
Results of Operations
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2009 Compared with the Quarter Ended June 30, 2008
 
For the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we reported Net income attributable to our common shareholder of $143 million on net sales of $2.0 billion, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2008 when we reported Net income attributable to our common shareholder of $24 million on net sales of $3.1 billion. The reduction in sales is due to 49% lower average LME prices as well as lower demand for flat rolled products primarily in Europe and North America.
 
Costs of goods sold decreased $1.3 billion, or 46%, which reflects the decrease in metal costs along with the benefit of our previously announced restructuring actions, shown in part through reductions in conversion costs for each region. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $6 million, or 7%, primarily due to reductions in selling costs and professional fees.
 
The first quarter of fiscal 2010 was impacted by $299 million in unrealized gains on derivative instruments, as compared to $20 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We also recorded an income tax provision of $112 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, as compared to a $35 million income tax provision in the prior year. These items are discussed in further detail below.
 
Segment Review
 
Due in part to the regional nature of supply and demand of aluminum rolled products and in order to best serve our customers, we manage our activities on the basis of geographical areas and are organized under four operating segments: North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
 
Corporate and Other includes functions that are managed directly from our corporate office, which focuses on strategy development and oversees governance, policy, legal compliance, human resources and finance matters. These expenses have not been allocated to the regions. It also includes realized gains (losses) on corporate derivative instruments, consolidating and other elimination accounts.
 
We measure the profitability and financial performance of our operating segments, based on Segment income, in accordance with FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosure About the Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. Segment income provides a measure of our underlying segment results that is in line with our portfolio approach to risk management. We define Segment income as earnings before (a) depreciation and amortization; (b) interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs; (c) interest income; (d) unrealized gains (losses) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net; (e) impairment of goodwill; (f) impairment charges on long-lived assets (other than goodwill); (g) gain on extinguishment of debt; (h) noncontrolling interests’ share; (i) adjustments to reconcile our proportional share of Segment income from non-consolidated affiliates to income as determined on the equity method of accounting; (k) restructuring charges, net; (k) gains or losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment and businesses, net; (l) other


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costs, net; (m) litigation settlement, net of insurance recoveries; (n) sale transaction fees; (o) income tax provision (benefit) and (p) cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax.
 
The tables below show selected segment financial information. For additional financial information related to our operating segments, see “Note 21 — Segment, Geographical Area and Major Customer Information” to our Audited Financial Statements and “Note 15 — Segment, Major Customer and Major Supplier Information” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
                                                 
Selected Operating Results
  Reportable Segments              
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
  North
                South
             
(In millions, except shipments which are in kt)
  America     Europe     Asia     America     Eliminations     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 767     $ 665     $ 326     $ 204     $ (2 )   $ 1,960  
Shipments (kt)
                                               
Rolled products
    254       185       130       81       —       650  
Ingot products
    7       27       —       7       —       41  
                                                 
Total shipments
    261       212       130       88       —       691  
                                                 
 
                                                 
Selected Operating Results
  Reportable Segments              
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
  North
                South
             
(In millions, except shipments which are in kt)
  America     Europe     Asia     America     Eliminations     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,083     $ 1,218     $ 510     $ 295     $ (3 )   $ 3,103  
Shipments (kt)
                                               
Rolled products
    286       271       133       87       —       777  
Ingot products
    8       28       7       5       —       48  
                                                 
Total shipments
    294       299       140       92       —       825  
                                                 
 
The following table reconciles changes in Segment income for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 to the quarter ended June 30, 2009:
 
                                 
    Reportable Segments  
    North
                South
 
Changes in Segment Income (In millions)
  America     Europe     Asia     America  
 
Segment income — three months ended June 30, 2008
  $ 42     $ 111     $ 31     $ 47  
Volume:
                               
Rolled products
    (24 )     (81 )     (2 )     (3 )
Other
    —       (1 )     —       2  
Conversion premium and product mix
    9       46       14       6  
Conversion costs(1)
    21       5       11       3  
Metal price lag
    10       (44 )     (24 )     (10 )
Foreign exchange
    2       9       9       (4 )
Other changes(2)
    (3 )     (12 )     (1 )     (30 )
                                 
Segment income — three months ended June 30, 2009
  $ 57     $ 33     $ 38     $ 11  
                                 
 
 
(1) Conversion costs include expenses incurred in production such as direct and indirect labor, energy, freight, scrap usage, alloys and hardeners, coatings, alumina and melt loss. Fluctuations in this component reflect cost efficiencies during the period as well as cost inflation (deflation).
 
(2) Other changes include selling, general & administrative costs and research and development for all segments and certain other items which impact one or more regions, including such items as the impact of purchase accounting and metal price ceiling contracts. Significant fluctuations in these items are discussed below.


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North America
 
As of June 30, 2009, North America manufactured aluminum sheet and light gauge products through 11 plants, including two dedicated recycling facilities. Important end-use applications include beverage cans, containers and packaging, automotive and other transportation applications, building products and other industrial applications.
 
North America experienced a reduction in demand in the second half of fiscal 2009 as all industry sectors were impacted by the economic downturn. While shipments in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were higher than the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, they have not yet returned to historical levels, with shipments down 11% as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were down $316 million, or 29%, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009 due to a lower average LME price as well as the demand decreases. The can business remains relatively stable, but shipments of most other products are below the prior year level.
 
Segment income for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $57 million, up $15 million as compared to the prior year period. Reductions in conversion costs, and improved conversion premiums and net favorable metal price lag all had a positive impact on Segment income, more than offsetting volume reductions. Conversion cost improvements primarily relate to reduction in energy, melt loss, labor costs and repairs and maintenance as compared to the prior year period. Other changes include a $9 million reduction to the net favorable impact of acquisition related fair value adjustments, partially offset by a $5 million reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
In response to reductions in demand, we announced a Voluntary Separation Program (“VSP”) available to salaried employees in North America and the Corporate office aimed at reducing staff levels. This VSP plan was supplemented by an Involuntary Severance Program (“ISP”). Through the VSP and ISP, we eliminated approximately 120 positions during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
 
Europe
 
As of June 30, 2009, our European segment provided European markets with value-added sheet and light gauge products through 12 aluminum rolled products facilities and one dedicated recycling facility. Europe serves a broad range of aluminum rolled product end-use markets in various applications including can, automotive, lithographic, foil products and painted products.
 
Europe has also experienced a significant reduction in demand in all industry sectors with flat rolled shipments and net sales down 32% and 45%, respectively, compared to the prior year. The volume reduction had a $188 million unfavorable impact on net sales, with the remaining decrease reflecting the impact of lower LME prices. Flat rolled products in Europe are essentially flat from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, but at continued low levels.
 
Segment income for the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 2010 was $33 million, down from $111 million in the comparative period of the prior year. Volume and metal price lag unfavorably impacted Segment income but these impacts were partially offset by favorable conversion premiums, conversion costs and foreign exchange remeasurement. The favorable impact of conversion costs relates to decreases in labor and energy costs, as well as a reduction in repair and maintenance expense and freight as compared to the prior year period. Other changes reflect an unfavorable impact of $12 million from fixed forward priced contracts.
 
Asia
 
As of June 30, 2009, Asia operated three manufacturing facilities with production balanced between foil, construction and industrial, and beverage and food can end-use applications.
 
We have begun to see a recovery in demand in Asia, driven mostly from China and Korea, with flat rolled shipments only down 2% as compared to the prior year period. Shipments for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 are up 51% as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. We expect customer demand to continue at


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these levels for the next few months. Net sales decreased $184 million, or 36%, reflecting the impact of lower LME prices.
 
Segment income increased from $31 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to $38 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 due to improvements in conversion premiums, conversion costs and foreign exchange remeasurement, partially offset by volume reductions and metal price lag.
 
South America
 
Our operations in South America manufacture various aluminum rolled products for the beverage and food can, construction and industrial and transportation end-use markets. Our South American operations included two rolling plants in Brazil along with two smelters, bauxite mines and power generation facilities as of June 30, 2009. In light of the current alumina and aluminum pricing environment, we are evaluating our primary aluminum business. We ceased the production of commercial grade alumina at our Ouro Preto facility effective May 2009 as the sustained decline in alumina prices has made alumina production economically unfeasible. For the foreseeable future, the plant will purchase alumina through third parties.
 
Total shipments decreased 4% over the prior year period, with rolled products shipments down 7%, while net sales decreased 31% as compared to the prior year period due to lower LME prices, partially offset by higher conversion premiums. While flat rolled shipments in South America for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were down approximately 6% as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, can production has been stable with shipments constant year over year. Can shipments represent more than 85% of our flat rolled shipments in South America.
 
Segment income for South America decreased $36 million as compared to the prior year period due to the unfavorable impacts of metal price lag and foreign exchange remeasurement. Other changes reflect a $29 million decrease in the smelter benefit compared to the prior year period. The benefits from our smelter operations in South America decline as average LME prices decrease.


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Costs such as depreciation and amortization, interest expense and unrealized gains (losses) on changes in the fair value of derivatives are not utilized by our chief operating decision maker in evaluating segment performance. These items are excluded from our calculation of Segment income. The table below reconciles Income from reportable segments to Net income attributable to our common shareholder for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
(In millions)   2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Income from reportable segments:
               
North America
  $ 57     $ 42  
Europe
    33       111  
Asia
    38       31  
South America
    11       47  
                 
      139       231  
Corporate and other(1)
    (15 )     (13 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (100 )     (116 )
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    (43 )     (45 )
Interest income
    3       5  
Unrealized gains on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    299       20  
Impairment charges on long-lived assets
    —       (1 )
Adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation(2)
    (16 )     (18 )
Restructuring recoveries (charges), net
    (3 )     1  
Other costs, net
    9       (3 )
                 
Income before income taxes
    273       61  
Income tax benefit
    (112 )     (35 )
                 
Net income
    161       26  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (18 )     (2 )
                 
Net income attributable to our common shareholder
  $ 143     $ 24  
                 
 
 
(1) Corporate and other includes functions that are managed directly from our corporate office, which focuses on strategy development and oversees governance, policy, legal compliance, human resources and finance matters. These expenses have not been allocated to the regions.
 
(2) Our financial information for our segments (including Segment income) includes the results of our non-consolidated affiliates on a proportionately consolidated basis, which is consistent with the way we manage our business segments. However, under GAAP, these non-consolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, in order to reconcile Income from reportable segments to Net income attributable to our common shareholder, the proportional Segment income of these non-consolidated affiliates is removed from Income from reportable segments, net of our share of their net after-tax results, which is reported as equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. See “Note 5 — Investment in and Advances to Non-Consolidated Affiliates and Related Party Transactions” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for further information about these non-consolidated affiliates.
 
Corporate and other expenses declined versus the prior year due to a $3 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs, partially offset by $2 million improvement in foreign exchange.


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Depreciation and amortization decreased $16 million from the prior year period due to the reductions in depreciation on fixed assets, primarily in Europe. Certain fair value adjustments recorded in connection with the Arrangement were fully amortized in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
 
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs decreased primarily due to lower average interest rates on our variable rate debt. Approximately 21% of our debt was variable rate as of June 30, 2009.
 
Unrealized gains on the change in fair value of derivative instruments represent the mark-to-market accounting for changes in the fair value of our derivatives that do not receive hedge accounting treatment. In the quarter ended June 30, 2009, the $299 million of unrealized gains for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 consists of (1) $224 million reversal of previously recognized losses upon settlement of these derivatives and (2) $75 million of unrealized gains relating to mark to market adjustments.
 
The $20 million of unrealized gains for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 consists of (1) $24 million reversal of previously recognized gains upon settlement of these derivatives and (2) $44 million of unrealized gains relating to mark-to-market adjustments including $20 million of unrealized gains related to the change in the average price of aluminum.
 
Adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation of $16 million for the first quarter for fiscal 2010 was flat as compared to $18 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. This adjustment primarily relates to depreciation and amortization and income taxes at our Aluminium Norf GmbH joint venture. Income taxes related to our equity method investments are reflected in the carrying value of the investment and not in our consolidated income tax provision.
 
Restructuring charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 relate to additional expenses associated with previously announced restructuring actions in Europe. See “Note 2 — Restructuring Programs” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
We have experienced significant fluctuations in income tax expense and the corresponding effective tax rate. The primary factors contributing to the effective tax rate differing from the statutory Canadian rate include:
 
  •  Our functional currency in Canada and Brazil is the U.S. dollar and the company holds significant U.S. dollar denominated debt in these locations. As the value of the local currencies strengthens and weakens against the U.S. dollar, unrealized gains or losses are created in those locations for tax purposes, while the underlying gains or losses are not recorded in our income statement.
 
  •  During the year ended March 31, 2009, Canadian legislation was enacted allowing us to elect to determine our Canadian taxable income in U.S. dollars. Our election was effective April 1, 2008, and such U.S. dollar taxable gains and losses no longer exist in Canada as of that date.
 
  •  We have significant net deferred tax liabilities in Brazil that are remeasured to account for currency fluctuations as the taxes are payable in local currency.
 
  •  Our income is taxed at various statutory tax rates in varying jurisdictions. Applying the corresponding amounts of income and loss to the various tax rates results in differences when compared to our Canadian statutory tax rate.
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2009, we recorded a $112 million income tax provision on our pre-tax income of $283 million, before our equity in net loss of non-consolidated affiliates, which represented an effective tax rate of 40%. Our effective tax rate differs from the Canadian statutory rate primarily due to the following factors: (1) $12 million expense for (a) pre-tax foreign currency gains or losses with no tax effect and (b) the tax effect of U.S. dollar denominated currency gains or losses with no pre-tax effect, (2) a $23 million expense for exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes and (3) an $11 million benefit from differences between the Canadian statutory and foreign effective tax rates applied to entities in different jurisdictions.
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded a $35 million income tax provision on our pre-tax income of $63 million, before our equity in net loss of non-consolidated affiliates, which represented an


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effective tax rate of 56%. Our effective tax rate differs from the Canadian statutory rate primarily due to the following factors: (1) $9 million expense for (a) pre-tax foreign currency gains or losses with no tax effect and (b) the tax effect of U.S. dollar denominated currency gains or losses with no pre-tax effect, (2) $20 million expense for exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes and (3) a $14 million benefit for differences between the Canadian statutory and foreign effective tax rates applied to entities in different jurisdictions.
 
Year Ended March 31, 2009 Compared With the Year Ended March 31, 2008 (Twelve Months Combined Non-GAAP)
 
Positive trends in the demand for aluminum products and inflationary movement in average LME prices during the first six months of fiscal 2009 were reversed sharply in the third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2009 and continued into the fourth quarter.
 
For the year ended March 31, 2009, we realized a Net loss attributable to our common shareholder of $1.9 billion on net sales of $10.2 billion, compared to the year ended March 31, 2008 when we realized a Net loss attributable to our common shareholder of $117 million on net sales of $11.2 billion. The reduction in sales is due to the decrease in the average LME price as well as a reduction in demand for flat rolled products in most regions during the last six months of fiscal 2009.
 
Costs of goods sold decreased $1.0 billion, or 10%, and stayed flat as percentage of net sales as compared to the prior year period on an overall basis. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $96 million, or 23%, primarily due to reductions in professional fees and employee-related costs, including incentive compensation associated with the Arrangement.
 
The current year results include non-cash asset impairment charges totaling $1.5 billion. The impairment charges are discussed in more detail under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”
 
The current year was also impacted by $519 million in non-cash unrealized losses on derivative instruments and $95 million in restructuring charges. These negative factors were partially offset by a $122 million gain on the extinguishment of debt. We also recorded an income tax benefit of $246 million on our net loss, as compared to a $77 million income tax provision in the prior year. These items are discussed in further detail below.
 
Segment Review (On a combined non-GAAP basis)
 
The tables below show selected segment financial information.
 
                                                 
Selected Operating Results
  Reportable Segments              
Year Ended March 31, 2009
  North
                South
             
(In millions, except shipments which are in kt)
  America     Europe     Asia     America     Eliminations     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 3,930     $ 3,718     $ 1,536     $ 1,007     $ (14 )   $ 10,177  
Shipments (kt)
                                               
Rolled products
    1,067       910       447       346       —       2,770  
Ingot products
    42       99       13       19       —       173  
                                                 
Total shipments
    1,109       1,009       460       365       —       2,943  
                                                 
 


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Selected Operating Results
  Reportable Segments              
Year Ended March 31, 2008
  North
                South
             
(In millions, except shipments which are in kt)
  America     Europe     Asia     America     Eliminations     Total  
(Combined)                                    
 
Net sales
  $ 4,101     $ 4,338     $ 1,818     $ 994     $ (5 )   $ 11,246  
Shipments (kt)
                                               
Rolled products
    1,102       1,071       491       324       —       2,988  
Ingot products
    64       35       39       24       —       162  
                                                 
Total shipments
    1,166       1,106       530       348       —       3,150  
                                                 
 
The following table reconciles changes in Segment income for the year ended March 31, 2008 to the year ended March 31, 2009:
 
                                 
    Reportable Segments  
    North
                South
 
Changes in Segment Income (In millions)
  America     Europe     Asia     America  
 
Segment income — year ended March 31, 2008
  $ 242     $ 273     $ 52     $ 161  
Volume:
                               
Rolled products
    (28 )     (156 )     (35 )     5  
Other
    —       (3 )     (4 )     (9 )
Conversion premium and product mix
    22       68       26       (3 )
Conversion costs(1)
    (57 )     12       (14 )     (36 )
Metal price lag
    (87 )     66       63       (1 )
Foreign exchange
    (26 )     (40 )     (10 )     14  
Other changes(2)
    16       16       8       8  
                                 
Segment income — year ended March 31, 2009
  $ 82     $ 236     $ 86     $ 139  
                                 
 
 
(1) Conversion costs include expenses incurred in production such as direct and indirect labor, energy, freight, scrap usage, alloys and hardeners, coatings, alumina and melt loss. Fluctuations in this component reflect cost efficiencies during the period as well as cost inflation (deflation).
 
(2) Other changes include selling, general & administrative costs and research and development for all segments and certain other items which impact one or more regions, including such items as the impact of purchase accounting and metal price ceiling contracts. Significant fluctuations in these items are discussed below.
 
North America
 
Net sales for fiscal 2009 were down $171 million, or 4%, as compared to the fiscal 2008 period due to lower volume and a lower average LME price. While shipments were down 5% for fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, shipments in the second half of fiscal 2009 were down 16% as compared to the first half of the year.
 
Segment income for fiscal 2009 was $82 million, down $160 million as compared to the prior year, due to the negative impact of metal price lag, conversion costs, volume decreases and foreign exchange fluctuations related to our operations in Canada. The negative impact of conversion costs relates to increases in energy costs and freight as compared to the prior year.
 
Other changes reflect $11 million in acquisition-related stock compensation expense in the prior year period, and an $18 million favorable impact related to metal price ceiling contracts as compared to the prior year. Selling, general and administrative costs were down $22 million as compared to the prior year as the cost reduction initiatives have begun to favorably impact results. These favorable changes were partially offset

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by a $23 million reduction in the net favorable impact of acquisition-related fair value adjustments and a $13 million reduction in the benefit associated with recycling used beverage cans.
 
Europe
 
Flat rolled shipments and net sales decreased 15% and 14%, respectively, compared to the prior year. The volume reduction had a $404 million unfavorable impact on net sales, with the remaining decrease reflecting the impact of lower LME prices and a stronger U.S. dollar. Demand for specialty, painted and light gauge products was down for fiscal 2009 as a result of the weak construction market, as well as reductions in demand for automotive products. Increases in beverage can and lithographic shipments in the first six months of fiscal 2009 were reversed in the second half of the fiscal year, resulting in year-over-year declines in both sectors.
 
Segment income for fiscal 2009 was $236 million, as compared to $273 million in the comparative period of the prior year. Volume and foreign currency remeasurement unfavorably impacted Segment income but these impacts were partially offset by favorable conversion premiums, metal price lag and conversion costs. The favorable impact of conversion costs relates to a reduction in labor costs, partially offset by increases in energy costs as compared to the prior year.
 
Other changes reflect a $13 million net favorable impact of income and expense items associated with acquisition-related fair value adjustments and $6 million of stock compensation expense in the prior year.
 
In the fourth quarter of 2009, we announced a number of restructuring actions across Europe, including the closure of our plant in Rogerstone, United Kingdom effective April 30, 2009. The closure of the Rogerstone plant resulted in the elimination of 440 positions, and we recorded approximately $20 million in severance-related costs. We also recorded $20 million in environmental remediation expenses and $3 million in other exit related costs related to the closure of this plant. We also recorded $12 million in non-cash fixed asset impairments, an $8 million write-down of parts and supplies, and a $3 million reduction to reserves associated with unfavorable contracts established as part of the Arrangement.
 
Cost reductions were also implemented through capacity and staff reductions at our Rugles, France and Ohle, Germany facilities with severance-related costs associated with these actions totaling $10 million in fiscal 2009.
 
Asia
 
Total shipments and net sales decreased 13% and 16%, respectively, with the largest shipment reductions in beverage can products, followed by electronics, construction and general purpose foil products. The volume reduction had a $242 million unfavorable impact on net sales with the remaining decrease reflecting the impact of lower LME prices.
 
The improvement in Segment income of $34 million from the year ended March 31, 2008 to the year ended March 31, 2009 was due to the favorable impact of metal price lag, improved conversion premiums and product mix, partially offset by the volume decreases, increases to conversion costs and foreign currency remeasurement. The conversion cost increases were primarily related to increases in energy costs as compared to the prior year period.
 
In response to reduced demand, we eliminated 34 positions in Asia in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and recorded approximately $1 million in severance-related costs related to a voluntary retirement program. Also, during the year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $5 million in Novelis Korea due to the obsolescence of certain production related fixed assets.
 
South America
 
Total shipments increased 5% over prior year, with rolled products shipments up 7%, but net sales increased only 1% as compared to the prior year due to lower LME prices.


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Segment income for South America decreased $22 million as compared to the prior year period. Conversion costs increased due to cost inflation for energy, alumina, alloys and hardeners. Other changes reflect a $9 million net favorable impact of income and expense items associated with acquisition-related fair value adjustments, a $6 million reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses and $3 million of stock compensation expense in the prior year period. These positive impacts were partially offset by an $11 million decrease in the smelter benefit as the benefit from our smelter operations in South America declines as average LME prices decrease.
 
On January 26, 2009, we announced that we would cease the production of alumina at our Ouro Preto facility in May 2009. This resulted in the reduction of approximately 290 positions, including 150 employees and 140 contractors, and we recorded restructuring charges totaling $2 million related to severance in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Other exit costs include less than $1 million related to the idling of the refinery. Other activities related to the facility, including electric power generation and the production of primary aluminum, will continue unaffected.
 
The table below reconciles Income from reportable segments to Net loss attributable to our common shareholder for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
                 
    Year Ended March 31,  
(In millions)   2009     2008  
    Successor     Combined  
 
Income from reportable segments:
               
North America
  $ 82     $ 242  
Europe
    236       273  
Asia
    86       52  
South America
    139       161  
                 
      543       728  
Corporate and other(1)
    (55 )     (84 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (439 )     (403 )
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    (182 )     (218 )
Interest income
    14       19  
Unrealized losses on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (519 )     (3 )
Impairment of goodwill
    (1,340 )     —  
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    122       —  
Impairment charges on long-lived assets
    (1 )     (1 )
Adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation(2)
    (226 )     (43 )
Restructuring recoveries (charges), net
    (95 )     (7 )
Other costs, net
    10       (25 )
                 
Loss before income taxes
    (2,168 )     (37 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (246 )     77  
                 
Net loss
    (1,922 )     (114 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (12 )     3  
                 
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (1,910 )   $ (117 )
                 
 
 
(1) Corporate and Other includes functions that are managed directly from our corporate office, which focuses on strategy development and oversees governance, policy, legal compliance, human resources and finance matters. These expenses have not been allocated to the regions.
 
(2) Our financial information for our segments (including Segment income) includes the results of our non-consolidated affiliates on a proportionately consolidated basis, which is consistent with the way we


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manage our business segments. However, under GAAP, these non-consolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, in order to reconcile Income from reportable segments to net loss attributable to our common shareholder, the proportional Segment income of these non-consolidated affiliates is removed from Income from reportable segments, net of our share of their net after-tax results, which is reported as equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. See “Note 10 — Investment in and Advances to Non-Consolidated Affiliates and Related Party Transactions” to our Audited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for further information about these non-consolidated affiliates.
 
Corporate and other expenses declined versus the prior year primarily due to $22 million of stock compensation expenses associated with the Arrangement which were recognized in fiscal 2008 and lower incentive compensation expenses in the current year.
 
Depreciation and amortization increased $36 million primarily due to the increases in bases of our property, plant and equipment and intangible assets resulting from the Arrangement in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.
 
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs decreased primarily due to lower average interest rates on our variable rate debt.
 
Unrealized losses on the change in fair value of derivative instruments represent the mark-to-market accounting for changes in the fair value of our derivatives that do not receive hedge accounting treatment. In the year ended March 31, 2009, these unrealized losses increased primarily attributable to falling LME prices. Our principal exposure to LME prices is related to derivatives on fixed forward price contracts. We hedge these contracts by purchasing aluminum futures contracts and these contracts decrease in value in periods of declining LME prices.
 
We recorded a $1.34 billion impairment charge related to goodwill in fiscal 2009.
 
The gain on extinguishment of debt related to the purchase of our 7.25% senior notes with a principal value of $275 million with the proceeds of an additional term loan with a face value of $220 million and an estimated fair value of $165 million. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for additional discussion about the accounting for this purchase.
 
The adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation includes a $160 million impairment charge related to our investment in our Norf joint venture. Excluding this impairment charge, the adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation increased from $43 million in fiscal 2008 to $66 million in fiscal 2009 primarily related to our Norf joint venture due to a change in the statutory tax rate in Germany that was reflected in the prior year period. Income taxes related to our equity method investments, such as Norf, are reflected in the carrying value of the investment and not in our consolidated income tax provision.
 
Other costs, net for the 2009 fiscal year includes a $26 million non-cash gain on reversal of a legal accrual, as well as a $9 million charge for a tax settlement in Brazil. Sale transaction fees of $32 million associated with the Arrangement were recorded in fiscal 2008.
 
For the year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded a $246 million income tax benefit on our pre-tax loss of $2.0 billion, before our equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates, which represented an effective tax rate of 12%. Our effective tax rate differs from the benefit at the Canadian statutory rate primarily due to the following factors: (1) $415 million related to a non-deductible goodwill impairment charge, (2) a $48 million benefit for exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes, (3) a $61 million increase in valuation allowances primarily related to tax losses in certain jurisdictions where we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize those losses, (4) a $33 million benefit from differences between the Canadian statutory and foreign effective tax rates applied to entities in different jurisdictions and (5) a $2 million expense related to an increase in uncertain tax positions.
 
For the year ended March 31, 2008, we recorded a $77 million income tax provision on our pre-tax loss of $63 million, before our equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates, which represented an effective tax rate of (122)%. Our effective tax rate differs from the benefit at the Canadian statutory rate


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primarily due to the following factors: (1) a $62 million provision for (a) pre-tax foreign currency gains or losses with no tax effect and (b) the tax effect of U.S. dollar denominated currency gains or losses with no pre-tax effect, (2) a $30 million increase for exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes, (3) a $17 million benefit from the effects of enacted tax rate changes on cumulative taxable temporary differences, (4) a $7 million increase in valuation allowances primarily related to tax losses in certain jurisdictions where we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize those losses, and (5) a $17 million increase in uncertain tax positions recorded under the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”).
 
Year Ended March 31, 2008 Compared With the Year Ended March 31, 2007 (Twelve Months Combined Non-GAAP for both periods)
 
For the year ended March 31, 2008, we realized a Net loss attributable to our common shareholder of $117 million on net sales of $11.2 billion, as compared to the year ended March 31, 2007 when we realized a Net loss attributable to our common shareholder of $265 million on net sales of $10.2 billion. The 11% increase in net sales was primarily due to increases in conversion premiums in all regions as well as $270 million of accretion in fair value reserves associated with the metal price ceiling contracts.
 
The reduction in the Net loss attributable to our common shareholder as compared to the prior year was primarily driven by the favorable impact of purchase accounting and increases in conversion premiums, partially offset by increased depreciation and amortization expense due to the acquisition by Hindalco.
 
Costs of goods sold increased $618 million, or 6%, but decreased as a percentage of net sales as compared to the prior year period as a result of pricing improvements across all regions, partially offset by certain operating cost increases. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased slightly as a result of reduced corporate costs, offset by increased stock compensation associated with the Arrangement. For the year ended March 31, 2008, we recorded income tax expense of $77 million, as compared to a $99 million income tax benefit. These items are discussed in further detail below.
 
Segment Review (On a combined non-GAAP basis)
 
The tables below show selected segment financial information.
 
                                                 
Selected Operating Results
  Reportable Segments              
Year Ended March 31, 2008
  North
                South
             
(In millions, except shipments which are in kt)
  America     Europe     Asia     America     Eliminations     Total  
(Combined)                                    
 
Net sales
  $ 4,101     $ 4,338     $ 1,818     $ 994     $ (5 )   $ 11,246  
Shipments (kt)
                                               
Rolled products
    1,102       1,071       491       324       —       2,988  
Ingot products
    64       35       39       24       —       162  
                                                 
Total shipments
    1,166       1,106       530       348       —       3,150  
                                                 
 
                                                 
Selected Operating Results
  Reportable Segments              
Year Ended March 31, 2007
  North
                South
             
(In millions, except shipments which are in kt)
  America     Europe     Asia     America     Eliminations     Total  
(Predecessor)                                    
 
Net sales
  $ 3,721     $ 3,851     $ 1,711     $ 889     $ (12 )   $ 10,160  
Shipments (kt)
                                               
Rolled products
    1,135       1,071       460       285       —       2,951  
Ingot products
    74       15       45       28       —       162  
                                                 
Total shipments
    1,209       1,086       505       313       —       3,113  
                                                 


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The following table highlights changes in Segment income for the year ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the year ended March 31, 2008:
 
                                 
    Reportable Segments  
    North
                South
 
Changes in Segment Income (In millions)
  America     Europe     Asia     America  
 
Segment income — year ended March 31, 2007
  $ (54 )   $ 276     $ 72     $ 182  
Volume
    (29 )     5       12       19  
Conversion premium and product mix
    47       59       9       58  
Conversion costs(1)
    (60 )     (6 )     (17 )     (10 )
Metal price lag
    (31 )     (61 )     9       (17 )
Foreign exchange
    6       16       (21 )     (35 )
Purchase accounting
    242       (8 )     (6 )     (9 )
Other changes(2)
    121       (8 )     (6 )     (27 )
                                 
Segment income — year ended March 31, 2008
  $ 242     $ 273     $ 52     $ 161  
                                 
 
 
(1) Conversion costs include expenses incurred in production such as direct and indirect labor, energy, freight, scrap usage, alloys and hardeners, coatings, alumina and melt loss. Fluctuations in this component reflect cost efficiencies during the period as well as cost inflation (deflation).
 
(2) Other changes include selling, general & administrative costs and research & development for all segments and certain other items which impact one or more regions, including such items as the impact of metal price ceiling contracts and stock compensation expense. Significant fluctuations in these items are discussed below.
 
North America
 
Net sales increased in the fiscal 2008 period as compared to the fiscal 2007 period primarily as a result of reduced exposure to contracts with price ceilings and contract fair value accretion. During the fiscal 2008 period, we were unable to pass through approximately $230 million of metal purchase costs. During the comparable period in 2007, we were unable to pass through approximately $460 million, for a net favorable impact of approximately $230 million. Sales in the fiscal 2008 period were also favorably impacted by $270 million related to the accretion of the contract fair value reserves as discussed in “Metal Price Ceilings,” increases in conversion premiums and the favorable impact of contracts priced in prior periods.
 
These favorable changes in sales were partially offset by a reduction in demand in the fiscal 2008 period as compared to the fiscal 2007 period and a lower average LME. Rolled product shipments were down 3% in North America in the fiscal 2008 period as compared to the fiscal 2007 period due to reduced industrial products, light gauge and lower can volumes. The reduction in demand led to a $165 million reduction in net sales as compared to the prior year. The average LME was 1.5% lower than in the prior year, which impacted sales in North America by $88 million as compared to the prior year.
 
Segment income for the fiscal 2008 period was $242 million, an increase of $296 million as compared to the fiscal 2007 period. The reduction of year-over-year ceiling exposure net of derivatives losses combined with the purchase accounting on these types of contracts favorably impacted fiscal 2008 Segment income. These favorable items were partially offset by increased conversion costs, the negative impact of metal price lag, lower volume and $11 million of stock compensation recorded as a result of the Arrangement.
 
Europe
 
Rolled product shipments were flat year-over-year driven by increased can volume that was offset by lower volumes in painted and general purpose products. Demand decreased due to lower construction activity in the European market. Ingot product shipment increased as a result of higher scrap sales.


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Net sales increased 13% due to a strengthening of the euro against the U.S. dollar, higher conversion premiums and incremental volume of ingot products. While average LME was lower year-over-year, net sales increased from contracts priced in prior periods. This contributed approximately $100 million to net sales as compared to the prior year, but had no impact on Segment income as the metal costs were hedged at prior period prices, which were comparably higher.
 
Segment income for the fiscal 2008 period was $273 million, as compared to $276 million in the comparable prior year period. Segment income was favorably impacted by higher conversion premiums, increased ingot sales and foreign currency benefits. These positive factors were more than offset by unfavorable metal price lag, increased conversion costs and other changes. Other changes include a $6 million negative impact of incremental stock compensation expense recorded as a result of the Arrangement.
 
Asia
 
Shipments of rolled products and net sales were up a comparable 7% and 6%, respectively. Net sales increased $132 million as a result of higher conversion premiums and increased volume, partially offset by lower average LME during the period, which reduced net sales by $25 million. Increases in rolled products was due to increased demand in the can market, partially offset by a decline in shipments in the industrial and foil stock markets as a result of continued price pressure from Chinese exports, driven by the difference in aluminum metal prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange and the LME.
 
Segment income decreased $20 million for the fiscal 2008 period as compared to the fiscal 2007 period. Segment income was unfavorably impacted by conversion costs and foreign exchange, partially offset by the benefit of increased volume and price. Other changes include a $4 million of incremental stock compensation expense recorded as a result of the Arrangement.
 
South America
 
Rolled product shipments increased during the year ended March 31, 2008 over the comparable prior year period primarily due to an increase in can shipments driven by strong market demand. This was slightly offset by reductions in the industrial products market. Net sales increased primarily as a result of increased price and volume.
 
Segment income for South America decreased $21 million as compared to the prior year period as favorable trends in volume and conversion premiums were more than offset by higher conversion costs, metal price lag and foreign exchange associated with the strengthening of the Brazilian real. Conversion costs increased due to cost inflation for energy, freight and other operating costs.
 
Other changes include an unfavorable impact of $13 million related to the smelter operations, as the benefits from our smelter operations in South America decline as average LME prices decrease. Also included within other changes is an $11 million unfavorable impact of lower average LME prices and $3 million of incremental stock compensation expense recorded as a result of the Arrangement.


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The table below reconciles Income from reportable segments to Net loss attributable to our common shareholder for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.
 
                 
    Year Ended March 31,  
(In millions)
  2008     2007  
    Combined     Predecessor  
 
Income from reportable segments:
               
North America
  $ 242     $ (54 )
Europe
    273       276  
Asia
    52       72  
South America
    161       182  
                 
      728       476  
Corporate and other(1)
    (84 )     (171 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (403 )     (233 )
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    (218 )     (224 )
Interest income
    19       16  
Unrealized gains on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (3 )     (152 )
Impairment charges on long-lived assets
    (1 )     (8 )
Adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation(2)
    (43 )     (36 )
Restructuring charges, net
    (7 )     (27 )
Loss on disposal of assets, net
    —       (6 )
Other costs, net
    (25 )     4  
                 
Loss before income taxes
    (37 )     (361 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    77       (99 )
                 
Net loss
    (114 )     (262 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    3       3  
                 
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (117 )   $ (265 )
                 
 
 
(1) Corporate and other includes functions that are managed directly from our corporate office, which focuses on strategy development and oversees governance, policy, legal compliance, human resources and finance matters. These expenses have not been allocated to the regions.
 
(2) Our financial information for our segments (including Segment income) includes the results of our non-consolidated affiliates on a proportionately consolidated basis, which is consistent with the way we manage our business segments. However, under GAAP, these non-consolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, in order to reconcile Income from reportable segments to net loss attributable to our common shareholder, the proportional Segment income of these non-consolidated affiliates is removed from Income from reportable segments, net of our share of their net after-tax results, which is reported as equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. See “Note 10 — Investment in and Advances to Non-Consolidated Affiliates and Related Party Transactions” to our Audited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for further information about these non-consolidated affiliates.
 
Corporate and other expenses declined versus fiscal 2007 primarily through reduced spending on third party consultants at our corporate headquarters. This improvement was partially offset by $22 million of stock compensation expense associated with the Arrangement which were recognized in fiscal 2008.
 
Depreciation and amortization increased $170 million due to our acquisition by Hindalco. As a result of the acquisition, the consideration paid by Hindalco was pushed down to us and allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As a result, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets increased by


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approximately $2.3 billion. The increase in asset values, all of which is non-cash, is charged to depreciation and amortization expense in future periods based on the estimated useful lives of the individual assets.
 
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs decreased primarily due to the elimination of penalty interest incurred in the prior year as a result of our delayed filings with the SEC and lower interest rates on our variable rate debt in the current year.
 
Unrealized losses on the change in fair value of derivative instruments represent the mark-to-market accounting for changes in the fair value of our derivatives that do not receive hedge accounting treatment. Unrealized losses for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 decreased due to LME prices rising at the end of the period. Our principal exposure to LME prices is related to derivatives on fixed forward price contracts. We hedge these contracts by purchasing aluminum futures contracts and these contracts decrease in value in periods of declining LME.
 
Restructuring expenses decreased for the fiscal 2008 period as compared the fiscal 2007 period. During the fiscal 2007 period, we announced several restructuring programs related to our central management and administration offices in Zurich, Switzerland; our Neuhausen research and development center in Switzerland; our Göttingen facility in Germany; our facilities in Bridgnorth, U.K.; and the reorganization of our plants in Ohle and Ludenscheid, Germany, including the closing of two non-core business lines located within those facilities. Additionally, we continued to incur costs relating to the shutdown of our Borgofranco facility in Italy. We incurred aggregate restructuring charges of approximately $27 million in fiscal 2007 in connection with these programs. Through March 31, 2008, these actions were completed and no additional costs were incurred.
 
Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses decreased primarily through reduced spending on third party consultants at our corporate headquarters and lower long-term incentive compensation.
 
Included within other costs, net for the 2008 and 2007 periods are sales transaction fees of $32 million associated with the Arrangement.
 
For the year ended March 31, 2008, we recorded a $77 million income tax provision for taxes on our pre-tax loss of $63 million, before our equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates, which represented an effective tax rate of (122)%. Our effective tax rate differs from the benefit at the Canadian statutory rate due primarily to (1) a $62 million provision for (a) pre-tax foreign currency gains or losses with no tax effect and (b) the tax effect of U.S. dollar denominated currency gains or losses with no pre-tax effect, (2) a $30 million provision for exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes, (3) a $17 million benefit from the effects of enacted tax rate changes on cumulative taxable temporary differences, partially offset by (4) a $7 million increase in valuation allowances primarily related to tax losses in certain jurisdictions where we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize those losses and (5) a $17 million increase in uncertain tax positions recorded under the provisions of FIN 48.
 
For the year ended March 31, 2007, we recorded a $99 million income tax benefit on our pre-tax loss of $377 million, before our equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates, which represented an effective tax rate of 26%. Our effective tax rate is less than the benefit at the Canadian statutory rate due primarily to a $65 million benefit from differences between the Canadian statutory and foreign effective tax rates applied to entities in different jurisdictions, more than offset by (1) a $61 million increase in valuation allowances related to tax losses in certain jurisdictions where we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize those losses, (2) an $11 million expense from expense/income items with no tax effect — net and (3) $11 million for (a) pre-tax foreign currency gains or losses with no tax effect and (b) the tax effect of U.S. dollar denominated currency gains or losses with no pre-tax effect.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We believe we have adequate liquidity to meet our operational and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. Our primary sources of liquidity are available cash and cash equivalents, borrowing availability under our ABL Facility and future cash generated by operating activities. During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, our liquidity position decreased by $426 million as the global recession led to a rapid


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decline in aluminum prices and end-customer demand for flat-rolled products. However, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and the first quarter of fiscal 2010, our business operated with positive cash flow before financing activities despite continued low levels of demand and net cash outflows to settle derivative positions. This reflects our ongoing efforts to preserve liquidity through cost and capital spending controls and effective management of working capital. Risks associated with supplier terms, customer credit and broker hedging capacity, while still present to some degree, have been managed successfully to date with minimal negative impact on our business. We expect our liquidity position to improve during fiscal 2010 due primarily to reduced cash outflows for metal derivatives and cash savings from previously-announced restructuring programs.
 
Available Liquidity
 
Our estimated liquidity as of June 30, 2009, March 31, 2009, January 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 is as follows:
 
                                 
    June 30,
    March 31,
    January 31,
    March 31,
 
(In millions)
  2009     2009     2009     2008  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 237     $ 248     $ 190     $ 326  
Overdrafts
    (10 )     (11 )     (19 )     (5 )
Availability under the ABL Facility
    299       233       255       582  
Borrowing availability limitation due to fixed charge coverage ratio
    (80 )     (80 )     (80 )     (80 )
                                 
Total estimated liquidity
  $ 446     $ 390     $ 346     $ 823  
                                 
 
Our liquidity position has improved since January 31, 2009 when our estimated liquidity was $346 million as disclosed in our third quarter Form 10-Q. In February 2009, we obtained the $100 million Unsecured Credit Facility from an affiliate of the Aditya Birla Group. At June 30, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $237 million. Additionally, we had $299 million in remaining availability under our ABL Facility, before covenant restrictions. Following the completion of the offering of the old notes, we used approximately $81 million of the proceeds plus additional cash on hand to repay a portion of the outstanding amount under the ABL Facility.
 
Borrowings under the ABL Facility are generally based on 85% of eligible accounts receivable and 75% of eligible inventories. In addition, under the ABL Facility, if our excess availability under the ABL Facility is less than 10% of the lender commitments under the ABL Facility or less than 10% of our borrowing base, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1 to 1 or we will be subject to a reduction in availability under the facility. As of June 30, 2009, our fixed charge coverage ratio was less than 1 to 1 resulting in a reduction of availability under our ABL Facility of $80 million.
 
The cash and cash equivalent balance above includes cash held in foreign countries in which we operate. These amounts are generally available on a short-term basis, subject to regulatory requirements, in the form of a dividend or inter-company loan.
 
Near Term Challenges
 
Rapidly declining aluminum prices and reductions in demand during the second half of fiscal 2009 negatively impacted the cash generated by operations and increased the effect of timing issues related to our settlement of aluminum forward contracts versus cash collection from our customers. We enter into derivative instruments to hedge forecasted purchases and sales of aluminum. Based on the aluminum price forward curve as of June 30, 2009, we forecast $114 million of cash outflows related to settlement of these derivative instruments through the remainder of fiscal 2010. Except for $75 million of cash outflows related to hedges of our exposure to metal price ceilings, we expect all of these outflows will be recovered through collection of customer accounts receivable, typically on a 30 to 60 day lag. Accordingly, this difference in timing places pressure on our short-term liquidity.


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We have an existing beverage can sheet umbrella agreement with North American bottlers (“BCS Agreement”). Pursuant to the BCS Agreement, an agent for the bottlers directs the can fabricators to source a percentage of their requirements for beverage can body, end and tab stock from us.
 
Under the BCS Agreement, the bottlers’ agent has the right to request that we hedge the exposure to the price the bottlers will ultimately pay for aluminum. We treat this arrangement as a derivative for accounting purposes under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“FASB 133”). Upon receiving such requests, we enter into corresponding derivative instruments indexed to the LME price of aluminum with third party brokers. We settle the positions with the brokers at maturity and net settle the economic benefit or loss arising from the pricing requests, which may not occur for up to 13 months.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we settled a net $123 million of derivative losses for which we had not been reimbursed under the BCS Agreement. Based on the current forward curve of aluminum we do not anticipate a further negative impact on our liquidity as a result of this arrangement. We believe that collection on these receivables is reasonably certain based on the credit worthiness of the bottlers.
 
Debt Covenants
 
The senior secured credit facilities, the indenture governing our 7.25% senior notes and the indenture governing the notes impose significant operating restrictions on us. These restrictions limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, among other things, to:
 
  •  incur additional debt and provide additional guarantees;
 
  •  pay dividends and make other restricted payments, including certain investments;
 
  •  create or permit certain liens;
 
  •  make certain asset sales;
 
  •  use the proceeds from the sales of assets and subsidiary stock;
 
  •  create or permit restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us;
 
  •  engage in certain transactions with affiliates;
 
  •  enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and
 
  •  consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets or the assets of our restricted subsidiaries.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we were in compliance with these covenants.
 
Operating Activities
 
Free cash flow (which is a non-GAAP measure) consists of: (a) net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, (b) plus net cash provided by (used in) investing activities and (c) less net proceeds from sales of assets. Management believes that Free cash flow is relevant to investors as it provides a measure of the cash generated internally that is available for debt service and other value creation opportunities. However, Free cash flow does not necessarily represent cash available for discretionary activities, as certain debt service obligations must be funded out of Free cash flow. Our method of calculating Free cash flow may not be consistent with that of other companies.
 
In our discussion of “Metal Price Ceilings,” we have disclosed that certain customer contracts contain a fixed aluminum (metal) price ceiling beyond which the cost of aluminum cannot be passed through to the customer, unless adjusted. During the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the three months ended June 30, 2008, we were unable to pass through approximately $176 million, $230 million, $460 million and $78 million, respectively, of metal purchase costs associated with sales under these contracts. Net cash


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provided by operating activities were negatively impacted by the same amounts, adjusted for timing difference between customer receipts and vendor payments and offset partially by reduced income taxes. Based on current LME price levels and reduced demand for aluminum, no sales were incurred under the ceiling for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and no further unfavorable revenue or cash flow impacts are expected through December 31, 2009 when these contracts expire.
 
However, we previously entered into derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to increases in LME. As a result of these instruments, we will continue to incur cash outflows related to these contracts even if LME remains below the ceiling price. As of June 30, 2009 and based on an aluminum price of $1,616 per tonne, projected cash flows associated with these derivative instruments was $75 million.
 
The following table shows the reconciliation from Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to Free cash flow, the ending balances of cash and cash equivalents and the change between periods.
 
                                                                 
                                  Change  
                                  Three
             
                                  Months
             
                                  Ended
             
                                  June 30,
             
    Three Months Ended
                      2009
    2009
    2008
 
    June 30,     Year Ended March 31,     Versus
    Versus
    Versus
 
(In millions)
  2009     2008     2009     2008     2007     2008     2008     2007  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Combined     Predecessor                    
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 258     $ (351 )   $ (236 )   $ 175     $ (166 )   $ 609     $ (411 )   $ 341  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (235 )     16       (111 )     (96 )     141       (251 )     (15 )     (237 )
Less: Proceeds from sales of assets
    (3 )     (1 )     (5 )     (8 )     (36 )     (2 )     3       28  
                                                                 
Free cash flow
  $ 20     $ (336 )   $ (352 )   $ 71     $ (61 )   $ 356     $ (423 )   $ 132  
                                                                 
Ending cash and cash equivalents
  $ 237     $ 296     $ 248     $ 326     $ 128     $ (59 )   $ (78 )   $ 198  
                                                                 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 significantly improved as compared to net cash used in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 due to higher net income in first quarter of fiscal 2010 and significant cash outflows associated with the working capital increases in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.
 
Our operations consumed cash at a higher rate during the year ended March 31, 2009 compared to the prior year period due to slowing business conditions and higher working capital levels associated with rapidly changing aluminum prices and the timing of payments made to suppliers, to brokers to settle derivative positions and ultimate settlement with our customers. Inventory levels were effectively managed despite slowing business conditions. Metal inventories as of March 31, 2009 totaled 299 kt, down 22% from March 31, 2008 levels.
 
We have historically maintained forfaiting and factoring arrangements in Asia and South America that provided additional liquidity in those segments. The current economic conditions have negatively impacted our ability to forfait our customer receivables as well as our suppliers’ ability to provide extended payment terms.
 
In fiscal 2008, net cash provided by operating activities increased as a result of our reduced exposure to metal price ceiling contracts as discussed above. For the year ended March 31, 2008 our exposure to metal price ceilings decreased by approximately $230 million providing additional operating cash flow as compared to the prior year.
 
Net cash used in operating activities for fiscal 2008 was unfavorably impacted by one-time costs associated with or triggered by the Arrangement including: (1) $72 million paid in share-based compensation payments, (2) $42 million paid for sale transaction fees and (3) $25 million in bonus payments for the 2006 calendar year and the period from January 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007.


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Dividends paid to our noncontrolling interests, primarily in our Asia operating segment, were $6 million, $8 million and $10 for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
The majority of our capital expenditures for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 have been for projects devoted to product quality, technology, productivity enhancement and increased capacity. Capital expenditures were slightly higher in the fiscal 2008 period due, in part, to the construction of Novelis Fusiontm ingot casting lines in our European and Asian segments as well as additional planned maintenance activities, improvements to our Yeongju, Korea hot mill and other ancillary upgrades made in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. As a result of the overall economic downturn, we have reduced our capital spending, with a focus on preserving maintenance and safety in the second half of fiscal 2009.
 
The settlement of derivative instruments resulted in an outflow of $8 million and reduction to Free cash flow for the year ended March 31, 2009 as compared to $55 million in cash contributed in fiscal 2008 and $191 million in fiscal 2007. The net outflow for fiscal 2009 was a result of settlements of $188 million in the fourth quarter of net derivative liabilities. Much of the proceeds received in 2007 related to aluminum call options purchased in the prior year to hedge against the risk of rising aluminum prices.
 
In 2008, Free cash flow was used primarily to increase our overall liquidity and pay for costs associated with the Hindalco transaction. Although our total debt increased from March 31, 2007 by $82 million, this was more than offset by an increase in our cash and cash equivalents of $198 million.
 
Investing Activities
 
The following table presents information regarding our Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.
 
                                                                 
                                  Change  
                                  Three
             
                                  Months
             
                                  Ended
             
                                  June 30,
             
    Three Months Ended
                      2009
    2009
    2008
 
    June 30,     Year Ended March 31,     Versus
    Versus
    Versus
 
(In millions)
  2009     2008     2009     2008     2007     2008     2008     2007  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Combined     Predecessor                    
 
Capital expenditures
  $ (24 )   $ (33 )   $ (145 )   $ (202 )   $ (119 )   $ 9     $ 57     $ (83 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
    3       1       5       8       36       2       (3 )     (28 )
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    3       6       20       25       2       (3 )     (5 )     23  
Proceeds from related parties loans receivable, net
    6       8       17       18       31       (2 )     (1 )     (13 )
Net proceeds (outflow) from settlement of derivative instruments
    (223 )     34       (8 )     55       191       (257 )     (63 )     (136 )
                                                                 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ (235 )   $ 16     $ (111 )   $ (96 )   $ 141     $ (251 )   $ (15 )   $ (237 )
                                                                 
 
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments and the magnitude of capital expenditures were discussed above in “Operating Activities” as both are included in our definition of Free cash flow. As noted above, we made reductions to capital expenditures in 2009 as a result of the overall economic downturn. We expect to maintain a level of capital expenditures in fiscal 2010 of between $90 and $100 million for items necessary to maintain comparable production, quality and market position levels (maintenance capital).
 
The settlement of derivative instruments resulted in an outflow of $223 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to $34 million in cash contributed in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The net outflow for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was primarily related to metal derivatives.


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The majority of proceeds from asset sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 relate to asset sales in Europe. The majority of proceeds from asset sales in fiscal 2009 and 2008 are from the sale of land in Kingston, Ontario. Proceeds from sales of assets in 2007 include approximately $34 million received from the sale of certain upstream assets in South America.
 
Proceeds from loans receivable, net during all periods are primarily comprised of payments we received related to a loan due from our non-consolidated affiliate, Aluminium Norf GmbH.
 
Financing Activities
 
The following table presents information regarding our Net cash provided by financing activities.
 
                                                                 
                                  Change  
                                  Three
             
                                  Months
             
                                  Ended
             
                                  June 30,
             
    Three Months Ended
                      2009
    2009
    2008
 
    June 30,     Year Ended March 31,     Versus
    Versus
    Versus
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008     2007     2008     2008     2007  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Combined     Predecessor                    
(In millions)                                                
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
  $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 92     $ —     $ —     $ (92 )   $ 92  
Proceeds from issuance of debt
    3       —       354       1,250       41       3       (896 )     1,209  
Principal repayments
    (12 )     (4 )     (235 )     (1,010 )     (242 )     (8 )     775       (768 )
Short-term borrowings, net
    (33 )     313       176       (181 )     210       (346 )     357       (391 )
Dividends
    (1 )     —       (6 )     (8 )     (10 )     (1 )     2       2  
Debt issuance costs
    —       —       (3 )     (39 )     (10 )     —       36       (29 )
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    —       —       —       1       29       —       (1 )     (28 )
Other
    —       —       —       —       6       —       —       (6 )
                                                                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  $ (43 )   $ 309     $ 286     $ 105     $ 24     $ (352 )   $ 181     $ 81  
                                                                 
 
We reduced our borrowing level in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we increased our short-term borrowings under the ABL Facility to provide for general working capital requirements in a rising aluminum price environment.
 
As of June 30, 2009, our short-term borrowings were $237 million consisting of (1) $226 million of short-term loans under our ABL Facility, (2) a $7 million short-term loan in Italy and (3) $4 million in bank overdrafts. As of June 30, 2009, $31 million of our ABL Facility was utilized for letters of credit, and we had $299 million in remaining availability under the ABL Facility before covenant related restrictions. The weighted average interest rate on our total short-term borrowings was 2.81% and 2.75% as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, respectively.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we had an additional $71 million outstanding under letters of credit in Korea not included in our revolving credit facility.
 
In March 2009, we entered into a transaction in which we purchased 7.25% senior notes with a face value of $275 million with the net proceeds of an additional floating rate term loan with a face value of $220 million. The purchase was accounted for as a debt extinguishment and issuance of new debt, with the new debt recorded at its estimated fair value of $165 million.
 
In February 2009, to assist in maintaining adequate liquidity levels, we entered into the Unsecured Credit Facility of $100 million with a scheduled maturity date of January 15, 2015 from an affiliate of the Aditya Birla Group. For each advance under the Unsecured Credit Facility, interest is payable quarterly at a rate of 13% per annum prior to the first anniversary of the advance and 14% per annum thereafter, until the earlier of repayment or maturity. As of June 30, 2009, we had drawn down $94 million on the Unsecured Credit Facility.


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On August 11, 2009 we repaid in full and terminated the Unsecured Credit Facility with a portion of the proceeds of the offering of the old notes.
 
As a result of our acquisition by Hindalco, we were required to refinance our existing credit facility in fiscal 2008. Additionally, we refinanced debt in Asia due to its scheduled maturity. See “Note 12 — Debt” to our Audited Financial Statements and “Note 6 — Debt” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for additional information regarding our financing activities.
 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we also amended our then existing senior secured credit facilities to increase their capacity by $150 million. We used these proceeds to reduce the outstanding balance of our then existing revolving credit facility, thus increasing our borrowing capacity. This additional capacity, along with $92 million of cash received from the issuance of additional shares indirectly to Hindalco, allowed us to fund general working capital requirements and certain costs associated with the Arrangement including the cash settlement of share-based compensation arrangements and lender fees. In July 2007, we refinanced our senior secured credit facilities, as discussed below.
 
Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Predecessor Financing
 
In connection with our spin-off from Alcan, we entered into senior secured credit facilities (“Old Credit Facilities”) providing for aggregate borrowings of up to $1.8 billion. The Old Credit Facilities consisted of (1) a $1.3 billion seven-year senior secured term loan B facility, bearing interest at London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.75% (which was subject to change based on certain leverage ratios), all of which was borrowed on January 10, 2005, and (2) a $500 million five-year multi-currency revolving credit and letters of credit facility.
 
On April 27, 2007, our lenders consented to the sixth amendment of our Old Credit Facilities. The amendment included increasing the term loan B facility by $150 million. We utilized the additional funds available under the term loan B facility to reduce the outstanding balance of our $500 million revolving credit facility. The additional borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility was used to fund working capital requirements and certain costs associated with the Arrangement, including the cash settlement of share-based compensation arrangements and lender fees. Additionally, the amendment included a limited waiver of the change of control Event of Default (as defined in the Old Credit Facilities), which effectively extended the requirement to repay the Old Credit Facilities to July 11, 2007.
 
On May 25, 2007, we entered into a Bank and Bridge Facilities Commitment with affiliates of UBS Securities LLC and ABN AMRO Incorporated to provide backstop assurance for the refinancing of our existing indebtedness following the Arrangement. The commitments from UBS Securities LLC and ABN AMRO Incorporated, provided by the banks on a 50%-50% basis, consisted of the following: (1) a senior secured term loan of up to $1.06 billion; (2) a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $900 million and (3) a commitment to issue up to $1.2 billion of unsecured senior notes, if necessary. The commitment contained terms and conditions customary for facilities of this nature.
 
On July 6, 2007, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities with a syndicate of lenders led by affiliates of UBS Securities LLC and ABN AMRO Incorporated providing for aggregate borrowings of up to $1.76 billion, consisting of (1) a $960 million seven-year Term Loan Facility that can be increased by up to $400 million subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and (2) an $800 million five-year multi-currency ABL Facility. The proceeds from the Term Loan Facility of $960 million, drawn in full at the time of closing, and an initial draw of $324 million under the ABL Facility were used to pay off our Old Credit Facilities, pay for debt issuance costs of the senior secured credit facilities and provide for additional working capital. Mandatory minimum principal amortization payments under the Term Loan Facility are $2.95 million per calendar quarter. The first minimum principal amortization payment was made on September 30, 2007. Additional mandatory prepayments are required to be made for certain collateral liquidations, asset sales, debt and preferred stock issuances, equity issuances, casualty events and excess cash flow (as defined in the senior secured credit facilities). Any unpaid principal is due in full on July 6, 2014.


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Under the Term Loan Facility, loans characterized as alternate base rate borrowings bear interest annually at a rate equal to the alternate base rate (which is the greater of (a) the base rate in effect on a given day and (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on a given day, plus 0.50%) plus a margin of 1.00%. Loans characterized as Eurocurrency borrowings bear interest at an annual rate equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate for the interest period in effect, plus a margin of 2.00%. Generally, for both the Term Loan Facility and ABL Facility, interest rates reset periodically, and interest is payable on a periodic basis depending on the type of loan.
 
Borrowings under the ABL Facility are generally based on 85% of eligible accounts receivable and 75% of eligible inventories. Commitment fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% are based on average daily amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility during a fiscal quarter and are payable quarterly.
 
Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral under the senior secured credit facilities. The senior secured credit facilities are also guaranteed by substantially all of our restricted subsidiaries that guarantee our 7.25% senior notes and that guarantee the old notes. The senior secured credit facilities also include customary affirmative and negative covenants. Under the ABL Facility, if our excess availability, as defined under the ABL Facility, is less than 10% of the lender commitments under the ABL Facility or 10% of our borrowing base, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1 to 1.
 
In March 2009, we purchased $275 million of 7.25% senior notes with the net proceeds of an additional term loan under the Term Loan Facility with a face value of $220 million. The additional term loan was recorded at a fair value of $165 million determined using a discounted cash flow model. The difference between the fair value and the face value of the new term loan will be accreted over the life of the term loan using the effective interest method, resulting in additional non-cash interest expense.
 
As of June 30, 2009, the senior secured credit facilities consisted of (1) the $1.16 billion seven-year Term Loan Facility and (2) the $800 million five-year ABL Facility.
 
7.25% Senior Notes
 
On February 3, 2005, we issued $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured debt securities. The senior notes were priced at par, bear interest at 7.25% and mature on February 15, 2015. The 7.25% senior notes are guaranteed by all of our Canadian and U.S. restricted subsidiaries, certain of our foreign restricted subsidiaries and our other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee our senior secured credit facilities and that guarantee the old notes.
 
Under the indenture that governs the 7.25% senior notes, we are subject to certain restrictive covenants applicable to incurring additional debt and providing additional guarantees, paying dividends beyond certain amounts and making other restricted payments, sales and transfers of assets, certain consolidations or mergers, and certain transactions with affiliates.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing our 7.25% senior notes, we were obligated, within 30 days of closing of the Arrangement, to make an offer to purchase the 7.25% senior notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date the 7.25% senior notes were purchased. Consequently, we commenced a tender offer on May 16, 2007 to repurchase all of the outstanding 7.25% senior notes at the prescribed price. This offer expired on July 3, 2007 with holders of approximately $1 million of principal presenting their 7.25% senior notes pursuant to the tender offer.
 
As described above, in March 2009, we entered into a transaction in which we purchased 7.25% senior notes with a face value of $275 million with the net proceeds of an additional floating rate term loan with a face value of $220 million.
 
Korean Bank Loans
 
In November 2004, Novelis Korea Limited (“Novelis Korea”), formerly Alcan Taihan Aluminium Limited, entered into a Korean won (“KRW”) 40 billion ($40 million) floating rate long-term loan due November 2007. We immediately entered into an interest rate swap to fix the interest rate at 4.80%. In August


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2007, we refinanced this loan with a floating rate short-term borrowing in the amount of $40 million due by August 2008. We recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of less than $1 million in connection with this refinancing. Additionally, we immediately entered into an interest rate swap and cross currency swap for the new loan through a 3.94% fixed rate KRW 38 billion ($38 million) loan.
 
In December 2004, we entered into (1) a $70 million floating rate loan and (2) a KRW 25 billion ($25 million) floating rate loan, both due in December 2007. We immediately entered into an interest rate and cross-currency swap on the $70 million floating rate loan through a 4.55% fixed rate KRW 73 billion ($73 million) loan and an interest rate swap on the KRW 25 billion floating rate loan to fix the interest rate at 4.45%. In October 2007, we entered into a $100 million floating rate loan due October 2010 and immediately repaid the $70 million loan. In December 2007, we repaid the KRW 25 billion loan from the proceeds of the $100 million floating rate loan. Additionally, we immediately entered into an interest rate swap and cross currency swap for the $100 million floating rate loan through a 5.44% fixed rate KRW 92 billion ($92 million) loan.
 
In November 2008, we entered into a 7.47% interest rate KRW 10 billion ($7 million) bank loan due May 2009. In February 2009, we entered into a 3.94% interest rate KRW 50 billion ($37 million) bank loan due February 2010.
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
As of June 30, 2009, we had entered into interest rate swaps to fix the variable interest rate on $920 million of our floating rate Term Loan Facility. We are still obligated to pay any applicable margin, as defined in our senior secured credit facilities. Interest rates swaps related to $400 million at an effective weighted average interest rate of 4.0% expire March 31, 2010. In January 2009, we entered into two interest rate swaps to fix the variable interest rate on an additional $300 million of our floating rate Term Loan Facility at a rate of 1.49%, plus any applicable margin. These interest rate swaps are effective from March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2011. In April 2009, we entered into an additional $220 million interest rate swap at a rate of 1.97%, which is effective through April 30, 2012.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we have an interest rate swap in Korea on our $100 million bank loan through a 5.44% fixed rate KRW 92 billion ($92 million) loan. The interest rate swap expires in October 2010.
 
As of June 30, 2009 approximately 79% of our debt was fixed rate and approximately 21% was variable-rate.
 
Issuance of Additional Common Stock
 
On June 22, 2007, we issued 2,044,122 additional shares to AV Aluminum for $44.93 per share resulting in an additional equity contribution of $92 million. This contribution was equal in amount to certain payments made by Novelis related to change in control compensation to certain employees and directors, lender fees and other transaction costs incurred by the company.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Relationships
 
In accordance with SEC rules, the following qualify as off-balance sheet arrangements:
 
  •  any obligation under certain derivative instruments;
 
  •  any obligation under certain guarantees or contracts;
 
  •  a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets; and
 
  •  any obligation under a material variable interest held by the registrant in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the registrant, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the registrant.


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The following discussion addresses the applicable off-balance sheet items for our company.
 
Derivative Instruments
 
As of June 30, 2009, we had derivative financial instruments, as defined by FASB 133. See “Note 16 — Financial Instruments and Commodity Contracts” to our Audited Financial Statements and “Note 10 — Financial Instruments and Commodity Contracts” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
In conducting our business, we use various derivative and non-derivative instruments to manage the risks arising from fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates, aluminum prices and energy prices. Such instruments are used for risk management purposes only. We may be exposed to losses in the future if the counterparties to the contracts fail to perform. We are satisfied that the risk of such non-performance is remote due to our monitoring of credit exposures. Our ultimate gain or loss on these derivatives may differ from the amount recognized in our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
The decision of whether and when to execute derivative instruments, along with the duration of the instrument, can vary from period to period depending on market conditions, the relative costs of the instruments and capacity to hedge. The duration is always linked to the timing of the underlying exposure, with the connection between the two being regularly monitored.
 
The current and noncurrent portions of derivative assets and the current portion of derivative liabilities are presented on the face of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The noncurrent portions of derivative liabilities are included in Other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
The fair values of our financial instruments and commodity contracts as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009 are as follows:
 
                                         
    June 30, 2009  
    Assets     Liabilities     Net Fair Value
 
    Current     Noncurrent     Current     Noncurrent     Assets/(Liabilities)  
(In millions)        
 
Successor
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Currency exchange contracts
  $ —     $ —     $ (1 )   $ (23 )   $ (24 )
Interest rate swaps
    —       3       (14 )     —       (11 )
Electricity swap
    —       —       (4 )     (2 )     (6 )
                                         
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    —       3       (19 )     (25 )     (41 )
                                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Aluminum forward contracts
    86       27       (268 )     (7 )     (162 )
Currency exchange contracts
    25       28       (44 )     (4 )     5  
Energy contracts
    —       —       (7 )     —       (7 )
                                         
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
    111       55       (319 )     (11 )     (164 )
                                         
Total derivative fair value
  $ 111     $ 58     $ (338 )   $ (36 )   $ (205 )
                                         
 


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    March 31, 2009  
    Assets     Liabilities     Net Fair Value
 
    Current     Noncurrent     Current     Noncurrent     Assets/(Liabilities)  
(In millions)        
 
Successor
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Currency exchange contracts
  $ —     $ —     $ —     $ (11 )   $ (11 )
Interest rate swaps
    —       —       (13 )     —       (13 )
Electricity swap
    —       —       (6 )     (12 )     (18 )
                                         
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    —       —       (19 )     (23 )     (42 )
                                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Aluminum contracts
    99       41       (532 )     (13 )     (405 )
Currency exchange contracts
    20       31       (77 )     (12 )     (38 )
Energy contracts
    —       —       (12 )     —       (12 )
                                         
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
    119       72       (621 )     (25 )     (455 )
                                         
Total derivative fair value
  $ 119     $ 72     $ (640 )   $ (48 )   $ (497 )
                                         
 
Net Investment Hedges
 
We use cross currency swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating exchange rates arising from our loans to and investments in our European operations. The effective portion of gain or loss on the fair value of the derivative is included in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). Prior to the Arrangement, the effective portion on the derivative was included in change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net. After the completion of the Arrangement, the effective portion on the derivative is included in currency translation adjustments. The ineffective portion of gain or loss on the derivative is included in (gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net. We had cross currency swaps of EUR 135 million against the U.S. dollar outstanding as of both June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, respectively.
 
The following table summarizes the amount of gain (loss) we recognized in OCI related to our net investment hedge derivatives.
 
                                           
    Three Months
    Three Months
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Year Ended
    through
      through
 
    June 30,
    June 30,
    March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008       2007  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor       Predecessor  
(In millions)          
Currency exchange contracts
  $ (16 )   $ 28     $ 169     $ (82 )     $ (8 )
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
We own an interest in an electricity swap which we have designated as a cash flow hedge against our exposure to fluctuating electricity prices. The effective portion of gain or loss on the derivative is included in OCI and reclassified when settled into (gain) loss on change in fair value of derivatives, net in our consolidated statements of operations included elsewhere in this prospectus. As of June 30, 2009, the outstanding portion of this swap included 1.9 million megawatt hours through 2017.
 
We use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to changes in the benchmark LIBOR interest rate arising from our variable-rate debt. We have designated these as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of gain or loss on the derivative is included in OCI and reclassified when settled into interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. We had $910 million and $690 million of outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, respectively.

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For all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, gains or losses representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in (gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in our current period earnings. If at any time during the life of a cash flow hedge relationship we determine that the relationship is no longer effective, the derivative will be de-designated as a cash flow hedge. This could occur if the underlying hedged exposure is determined to no longer be probable, or if our ongoing assessment of hedge effectiveness determines that the hedge relationship no longer meets the measures we have established at the inception of the hedge. Gains or losses recognized to date in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) would be immediately reclassified into current period earnings, as would any subsequent changes in the fair value of any such derivative.
 
During the next 12 months we expect to realize $11 million in effective net losses from our cash flow hedges. The maximum period over which we have hedged our exposure to cash flow variability is through 2017.
 
The following tables summarize the impact on AOCI and earnings of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedge.
 
                                                 
                Gain or (Loss)
 
                Recognized in Income
 
          Gain (Loss)
    (Ineffective Portion and
 
    Gain (Loss)
    Reclassified from
    Amount Excluded from
 
    Recognized in OCI     AOCI into Income     Effectiveness Testing)  
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Three Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,
    June 30,
    June 30,
    June 30,
    June 30,
    June 30,
 
(In millions)
  2009     2008     2009     2008     2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
 
Energy contracts
  $ 9     $ 10     $ (1 )   $ (3 )   $ 2     $ —  
Interest rate swaps
  $ 1     $ 6     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  
 
                         
                Gain or (Loss)
 
                Recognized in Income
 
          Gain (Loss)
    (Ineffective Portion and
 
    Gain (Loss)
    Reclassified from
    Amount Excluded from
 
    Recognized in OCI     AOCI into Income     Effectiveness Testing)  
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
 
(In millions)
  March 31, 2009     March 31, 2009     March 31, 2009  
    Successor     Successor     Successor  
 
Energy contracts
  $ (21 )   $ 12     $ —  
Interest rate swaps
  $ 3     $ —     $ —  
 
                                                       
                Gain (Loss)
 
                Recognized in Income
 
          Gain (Loss)
    (Ineffective Portion and
 
    Gain (Loss)
    Reclassified from
    Amount Excluded from
 
    Recognized in OCI     AOCI into Income     Effectiveness Testing)  
    May 16,
      April 1,
    May 16,
      April 1,
    May 16,
      April 1,
 
    2007
      2007
    2007
      2007
    2007
      2007
 
    through
      through
    through
      through
    through
      through
 
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
      May 15,
 
(In millions)
  2008       2007     2008       2007     2008       2007  
    Successor       Predecessor     Successor       Predecessor     Successor       Predecessor  
Currency exchange contracts
  $ —       $ 4     $ —       $ 1     $ —       $ —  
Energy contracts
  $ 23       $ 4     $ 8       $ —     $ —       $ —  
Interest rate swaps
  $ (15 )     $ —     $ —       $ —     $ (1 )     $ —   
 
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
 
We use aluminum forward contracts and options to hedge our exposure to changes in the LME price of aluminum. These exposures arise from firm commitments to sell aluminum in future periods at fixed or capped prices, the forecasted output of our smelter operations in South America and the forecasted metal price lag associated with firm commitments to sell aluminum in future periods at prices based on the LME. In addition,


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transactions with certain customers meet the definition of a derivative under FASB 133 and are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had 362 kt and 294 kt, respectively, of outstanding aluminum contracts not designated as hedges.
 
We have an embedded derivative which arises from a contractual relationship with a customer that entitles us to pass-through the economic effect of trading positions that we take with other third parties on our customers’ behalf.
 
We use foreign exchange forward contracts and cross currency swaps to manage our exposure to changes in exchange rates. These exposures arise from recorded assets and liabilities, firm commitments and forecasted cash flows denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of certain of our operations. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had outstanding currency exchange contracts with a total notional amount of $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, not designated as hedges.
 
We use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating interest rates associated with variable-rate debt. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had $10 million and $10 million, respectively, of outstanding interest rate swaps that were not designated as hedges.
 
We use heating oil swaps and natural gas swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating energy prices in North America. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had 3.3 million gallons and 3.4 million gallons, respectively, of heating oil swaps and 2.8 million MMBtus and 3.8 million MMBtus, respectively, of natural gas that were not designated as hedges.
 
While each of these derivatives is intended to be effective in helping us manage risk, they have not been designated as hedging instruments under FASB 133. The change in fair value of these derivative instruments is included in (gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in our consolidated statement of operations included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
The following table summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in current period earnings.
 
                                           
                      May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
 
    Three Months Ended
    Year Ended
    through
      through
 
    June 30,     March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008       2007  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor       Predecessor  
(In millions)          
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
                                         
Aluminum contracts
  $ 48     $ 22     $ (561 )   $ 44       $ 7  
Currency exchange contracts
    22       32       21       (44 )       10  
Energy contracts
    —       7       (29 )     12         3  
                                           
Gain (loss) recognized
    70       61       (569 )     12         20  
Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
                                         
Interest rate swaps
    —       —       —       (1 )       —  
Electricity swap
    2       4       13       11         —  
                                           
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
  $ 72     $ 65     $ (556 )   $ 22       $ 20  
                                           
 
Guarantees of Indebtedness
 
We have issued guarantees on behalf of certain of our subsidiaries and non-consolidated affiliates, including certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and Aluminium Norf GmbH, which is a 50% owned joint venture that does not meet the requirements for consolidation under FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46(R)”).


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In the case of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, the indebtedness guaranteed is for trade accounts payable to third parties. Some of the guarantees have annual terms while others have no expiration and have termination notice requirements. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries or non-consolidated affiliates holds any assets of any third parties as collateral to offset the potential settlement of these guarantees.
 
Since we consolidate wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements, all liabilities associated with trade payables and short-term debt facilities for these entities are already included in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
The following table discloses information about our obligations under guarantees of indebtedness of others as of June 30, 2009. We did not have any obligations under guarantees of indebtedness related to our majority-owned subsidiaries as of June 30, 2009.
 
                 
    Maximum
    Liability
 
    Potential Future
    Carrying
 
(In millions)
  Payment     Value  
 
Wholly-owned Subsidiaries
  $ 45     $ 7  
Aluminium Norf GmbH
    14       —  
 
We have no retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets.
 
Other Arrangements
 
Forfaiting of Trade Receivables
 
Novelis Korea forfaits trade receivables in the ordinary course of business. These trade receivables are typically outstanding for 60 to 120 days. Forfaiting is a non-recourse method to manage credit and interest rate risks. Under this method, customers contract to pay a financial institution. The institution assumes the risk of non-payment and remits the invoice value (net of a fee) to us after presentation of a proof of delivery of goods to the customer. We do not retain a financial or legal interest in these receivables, and they are not included in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
Factoring of Trade Receivables
 
Our Brazilian operations factor, without recourse, certain trade receivables that are unencumbered by pledge restrictions. Under this method, customers are directed to make payments on invoices to a financial institution, but are not contractually required to do so. The financial institution pays us any invoices it has approved for payment (net of a fee). We do not retain financial or legal interest in these receivables, and they are not included in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
Summary Disclosures of Forfaited and Factored Financial Amounts
 
The following tables summarize our forfaiting and factoring amounts.
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    through
      through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
    December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2009     2008       2007     2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Receivables forfaited
  $ 570     $ 507       $ 51     $ 68     $ 424  
Receivables factored
    70       75         —       18       71  
Forfaiting expense
    5       6         1       1       5  
Factoring expense
    1       1         —       —       1  
 


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    March 31,  
(In millions)
  2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Forfaited receivables outstanding
  $ 71     $ 149  
Factored receivables outstanding
    —       —  
 
The amount of forfaited receivables outstanding decreased as of March 31, 2009 as compared to March 31, 2008 primarily due to decline in the LME price from March 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009 which resulted in a smaller amount of receivables available for forfaiting, as well as tightening in the credit markets. Forfaited receivables outstanding were $80 million as of June 30, 2009. Factored receivables outstanding were $20 million as of June 30, 2009.
 
Other
 
As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities (“SPEs”), which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we were not involved in any unconsolidated SPE transactions.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
We have future obligations under various contracts relating to debt and interest payments, capital and operating leases, long-term purchase obligations, and postretirement benefit plans. The following table presents our estimated future payments under contractual obligations that existed as of March 31, 2009, based on undiscounted amounts. Our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2009 have not changed materially from the contractual obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2009. The future cash flow commitments that we may have related to derivative contracts are not estimable and are therefore not included. Furthermore, due to the difficulty in determining the timing of settlements, the table excludes $61 million of uncertain tax positions. See “Note 19 — Income Taxes” to our Audited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
                                         
          Less Than
                More Than
 
(In millions)
  Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 Years  
 
Debt(1)(2)
  $ 2,522     $ 56     $ 126     $ 22     $ 2,318  
Interest on long-term debt(2)(3)
    754       159       306       200       89  
Capital leases(4)
    68       7       14       13       34  
Operating leases(5)
    96       19       30       24       23  
Purchase obligations(6)
    7,205       2,035       3,121       1,303       746  
Unfunded pension plan benefits(7)
    120       12       21       24       63  
Other post-employment benefits(7)
    114       7       17       21       69  
Funded pension plans(7)
    52       52       —       —       —  
                                         
Total(2)
  $ 10,931     $ 2,347     $ 3,635     $ 1,607     $ 3,342  
                                         
 
 
(1) Includes only principal payments on our 7.25% senior notes, Term Loan Facility, ABL Facility and notes payable to banks and others. These amounts exclude payments under capital lease obligations.
 
(2) Does not include principal or interest payments on the old notes and does not give effect to the use of proceeds from the offering of old notes.
 
(3) Interest on our fixed rate debt is estimated using the stated interest rate. Interest on our variable-rate debt is estimated using the rate in effect as of March 31, 2009 and includes the effect of current interest rate swap agreements. Actual future interest payments may differ from these amounts based on changes in floating interest rates or other factors or events. These amounts include an estimate for unused

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commitment fees. Excluded from these amounts are interest related to capital lease obligations, the amortization of debt issuance and other costs related to indebtedness.
 
(4) Includes both principal and interest components of future minimum capital lease payments. Excluded from these amounts are insurance, taxes and maintenance associated with the property.
 
(5) Includes the minimum lease payments for non-cancelable leases for property and equipment used in our operations. We do not have any operating leases with contingent rents. Excluded from these amounts are insurance, taxes and maintenance associated with the properties and equipment.
 
(6) Includes agreements to purchase goods (including raw materials and capital expenditures) and services that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and that specify all significant terms. Some of our raw material purchase contracts have minimum annual volume requirements. In these cases, we estimate our future purchase obligations using annual minimum volumes and costs per unit that were in effect as of March 31, 2009. Due to volatility in the cost of our raw materials, actual amounts paid in the future may differ from these amounts. Excluded from these amounts are the impact of any derivative instruments and any early contract termination fees, such as those typically present in energy contracts.
 
(7) Obligations for postretirement benefit plans are estimated based on actuarial estimates using benefit assumptions for, among other factors, discount rates, rates of compensation increases, and healthcare cost trends. Payments for unfunded pension plan benefits and other post-employment benefits are estimated through 2016. For funded pension plans, estimating the requirements beyond fiscal 2010 is not practical, as it depends on the performance of the plans’ investments, among other factors.
 
Dividends
 
On March 1, 2005, our board of directors approved the adoption of a quarterly dividend on our common shares. The following table shows information regarding dividends declared on our common shares since our inception.
 
                 
        Dividend/
     
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
  Share (in $)    
Payment Date
 
March 1, 2005
  March 11, 2005     0.09     March 24, 2005
April 22, 2005
  May 20, 2005     0.09     June 20, 2005
July 27, 2005
  August 22, 2005     0.09     September 20, 2005
October 28, 2005
  November 21, 2005     0.09     December 20, 2005
February 23, 2006
  March 8, 2006     0.09     March 23, 2006
April 27, 2006
  May 20, 2006     0.09     June 20, 2006
August 28, 2006
  September 7, 2006     0.01     September 25, 2006
October 26, 2006
  November 20, 2006     0.01     December 20, 2006
 
No dividends have been declared since October 26, 2006. Future dividends are at the discretion of the board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our financial resources, cash flows generated by our business, our cash requirements, restrictions under the instruments governing our indebtedness, being in compliance with the appropriate indentures and covenants under the instruments that govern our indebtedness that would allow us to legally pay dividends and other relevant factors.
 
Environment, Health and Safety
 
We strive to be a leader in environment, health and safety (“EHS”). Our EHS system is aligned with ISO 14001, an international environmental management standard, and OHSAS 18001, an international occupational health and safety management standard. All of our facilities are expected to implement the necessary management systems to support ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications. As of June 30, 2009, all of our manufacturing facilities worldwide were ISO 14001 certified, 31 facilities were OHSAS 18001 certified and 29 facilities have dedicated quality improvement management systems.
 
Our capital expenditures for environmental protection and the betterment of working conditions in our facilities were $5 million in fiscal 2009. We expect these capital expenditures will be approximately


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$12 million and $13 million in fiscal 2010 and 2011, respectively. In addition, expenses for environmental protection (including estimated and probable environmental remediation costs as well as general environmental protection costs at our facilities) were $28 million in fiscal 2009, and are expected to be $37 million and $32 million in fiscal 2010 and 2011. Generally, expenses for environmental protection are recorded in Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). However, significant remediation costs that are not associated with on-going operations are recorded in Other (income) expenses, net.
 
Material Weakness
 
Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to provide a report by management in our Form 10-K on internal control over financial reporting, including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of such control. Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may be unable to provide financial information in a timely and reliable manner. Any such difficulties or failure may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
 
In July 2008, we identified non-cash errors relating to our purchase accounting for an equity method investee including related income tax accounts. As a result of our identification of these errors, our Audit Committee and management concluded on August 1, 2008, that our previously issued consolidated financial statements for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, should no longer be relied upon. Upon conducting a review of these accounting errors, management determined that as of March 31, 2008, we had a material weakness with respect to the application of purchase accounting for an equity method investee including the related income tax accounts. Specifically, our controls did not ensure the accuracy and validity of our purchase accounting adjustments for an equity method investee. This control deficiency could result in a material misstatement of our “Investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates” and “Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates” in our consolidated financial statements that would result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, management has determined that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness. This material weakness was disclosed in our amended Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008, our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008, our quarterly report on form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2008, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009. This material weakness still existed as of June 30, 2009.
 
Our plan for remediating this material weakness includes the following:
 
1. We conducted a full review of the purchase accounting for the Hindalco acquisition, including a review of the valuation approach, as well as the related accounting for equity method investees and related income tax accounts. This review was conducted by the Principal Financial Officer, corporate and regional financial officers, corporate and regional tax personnel and the Company’s external valuation expert. This aspect of our remediation plan has been completed.
 
2. Management re-evaluated all accounting and financial reporting controls for purchase accounting and equity method investees, including related income tax accounts. This aspect of our remediation plan has been completed.
 
3. Training sessions were conducted for key financial and tax personnel regarding equity method accounting and related income tax accounting matters. This aspect of our remediation plan has been completed.


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4. Management is transitioning certain purchase accounting responsibilities to our regional financial personnel, including tax personnel, and developing procedures to monitor the ongoing activity of this entity. This aspect of our remediation plan has not yet been completed.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. In connection with the preparation of our consolidated 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 we believe to be relevant at the time we prepared our consolidated financial statements. On a regular basis, we review the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with 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 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our Audited Financial Statements and “Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. We believe the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, as they require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments, and to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We have reviewed these critical accounting policies and related disclosures with the Audit Committee.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
We use derivative instruments to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, energy prices and interest rates. Derivative instruments we use are primarily commodity forward and option contracts, foreign currency forward contracts and interest swaps. Our operations and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, energy prices and interest rates.
 
We are exposed to changes in aluminum prices through arrangements where the customer has received a fixed price commitment from us. We attempt to manage this risk by hedging future purchases of metal required for these firm commitments. In addition, we hedge a portion of our future production.
 
To the extent that these exposures are not fully hedged, we are exposed to gains and losses when changes occur in the market price of aluminum. Hedges of specific arrangements and future production increase or decrease the fair value by approximately $40 million for a 10% change in the market value of aluminum as of June 30, 2009.
 
Short-term exposures to changing foreign currency exchange rates occur due to operating cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. We manage this risk with forward currency swap contracts and currency exchange options. Our most significant foreign currency exposures relate to the euro, Brazilian real and the Korean won. We assess market conditions and determine an appropriate amount to hedge based on pre-determined policies.
 
To the extent that foreign currency operating cash flows are not fully hedged, we are exposed to foreign exchange gains and losses. In the event that we choose not to hedge a foreign currency cash flow, an adverse movement in rates could impact our earnings and cash flows. A 10% instantaneous appreciation of all foreign exchange rates against the U.S. dollar would reduce the fair value of our currency derivatives by approximately $50 million as of June 30, 2009.
 
We are exposed to changes in interest rates due to our financing, investing and cash management activities. We may enter into interest rate swap contracts to protect against our exposure to changes in future


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interest rates, which requires deciding how much of the exposure to hedge based on our sensitivity to variable-rate fluctuations.
 
To the extent that we choose to hedge our interest costs, we are able to avoid the impacts of changing interest rates on our interest costs. In the event that we do not hedge a floating rate debt a movement in market interest rates could impact our interest cost. As of June 30, 2009, a 10% change in the market interest rate would increase or decrease the fair value of our interest rate hedges by $2 million. A 12.5 basis point change in market interest rates as of June 30, 2009 would increase or decrease our unhedged interest cost on floating rate debt by approximately $1 million.
 
The majority of our derivative contracts are valued using industry-standard models that use observable market inputs as their basis, such as time value, forward interest rates, volatility factors, and current (spot) and forward market prices for foreign exchange rates. See “Note 17 — Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” to our Audited Financial Statements and “Note 11 — Fair Value Measurements” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for discussion on fair value of derivative instruments.
 
Impairment of Goodwill
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired companies. As a result of the Arrangement, we estimated fair value of goodwill using a number of factors, including the application of multiples and discounted cash flow estimates. We have allocated goodwill to our operating segments in North America, Europe and South America, which are also reporting units for purposes of performing our goodwill impairment testing as follows (in millions):
 
         
    Goodwill as of
 
    March 31, 2009  
 
North America
  $ 288  
Europe
    181  
South America
    113  
         
    $ 582  
         
 
Goodwill is not amortized; instead, it is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. On an ongoing basis, absent any impairment indicators, we perform our goodwill impairment testing as of the last day of February of each year.
 
We test consolidated goodwill for impairment using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. We use our operating segments as our reporting units and perform our goodwill impairment test in two steps. Step one compares the fair value of each reporting unit (operating segment) to its carrying amount. If step one indicates that an impairment potentially exists, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value.
 
For purposes of our step one analysis, our estimate of fair value for each reporting unit is based on a combination of (1) quoted market prices/relationships (the market approach), (2) discounted cash flows (the income approach) and (3) a stock price build-up approach (the build-up approach). The estimated fair value for each reporting unit is within the range of fair values yielded under each approach. The approach to determining fair value for all reporting units is consistent given the similarity of our operations in each region.
 
Under the market approach, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined based upon comparisons to public companies engaged in similar businesses. Under the income approach, the fair value of each reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The income approach is dependent on a number of significant management assumptions including markets and market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, capital spending, working capital changes and the discount rate. We estimate future cash flows for each of our reporting units based on our projections for the respective reporting unit. These projected cash flows are discounted to the present value using a weighted average cost of capital (discount rate). The discount rate is commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows and reflects the rate of return


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required by an investor in the current economic conditions. For impairment tests conducted in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2009, we used a discount rate of 12% for all reporting units, an increase of approximately 3% from the rate used in our prior year impairment test. An increase or decrease of 0.5% in the discount rate impacted the estimated fair value by $25-75 million, depending on the relative size of the reporting unit. The projections are based on both past performance and the projections and assumptions used in our current operating plan. As such, we assumed shipments will remain at levels experienced in our third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2009 until the second half of fiscal 2010. We use unique revenue growth assumptions for each reporting unit, based on history and economic conditions, ranging from 2.5% to 3.5% growth through 2014.
 
Under the build-up approach, which is a variation of the market approach, we estimate the fair value of each reporting unit based on the estimated contribution of each of the reporting units to Hindalco’s total business enterprise value.
 
During the third fiscal quarter of 2009, we concluded that interim impairment testing was required due to the recent deterioration in the global economic environment and the resulting significant decrease in both the market capitalization of our parent company and the valuation of our publicly traded 7.25% senior notes. In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the result of our step one test indicated a potential impairment.
 
For our reporting units in North America, Europe and South America, we proceeded to step two for the goodwill impairment calculation in which we determined the implied fair value of the goodwill and compared it to the carrying value of the goodwill. We allocated the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit has been acquired and the fair value was the price paid to acquire each reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Step two was not performed for Asia as no goodwill has been allocated to this reporting unit. As a result of our step two evaluation, we recorded a $1.34 billion impairment charge in third quarter of fiscal 2009.
 
We performed our annual testing for goodwill impairment as of the last day of February 2009 and no additional goodwill impairment was identified. As a result of improvements in our updated projections related to timing of economic recovery, the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying amounts as of February 28, 2009 by 12% for North America, by 9% for Europe and by 36% for South America.
 
Equity Investments
 
We invest in a number of public and privately-held companies, primarily through joint ventures and consortiums. These investments are accounted for using the equity method and include our investment in Aluminium Norf GmbH. As a result of the Arrangement, investments in and advances to affiliates as of May 16, 2007 were adjusted to reflect fair value.
 
We review equity investments for impairment whenever certain indicators are present suggesting that the carrying value of an investment is not recoverable. This analysis requires a significant amount of judgment to identify events or circumstances indicating that an equity investment may be impaired. Once an impairment indicator is identified, we must determine if an impairment exists, and if so, whether the impairment is other than temporary, in which case the equity investment is written down to its estimated fair value. In connection with the impairment testing conducted in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 related to goodwill, we also evaluated our investment in Norf for impairment using the income approach. This resulted in an impairment charge of $160 million, which is reported in equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates on the consolidated statement of operations.
 
Impairment of Intangible Assets
 
Our other intangible assets of $781 million as of June 30, 2009 consist of tradenames, technology, customer relationships and favorable energy and supply contracts and are amortized over 3 years to 20 years. As of June 30, 2009, we did not have any intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. We consider the


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potential impairment of these other intangibles assets in accordance with FASB Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. For tradenames and technology, we utilize a relief-from-royalty method. All other intangible assets are assessed using the income approach. As a result of these assessments, no impairment was indicated.
 
Impairment of Long Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets contained in our financial statements may not be recoverable. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the asset’s estimated, future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate and recognize an impairment loss. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset will be its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis will be depreciated over the remaining useful life of that asset. Restoration of a previously recognized impairment loss is prohibited.
 
Our impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgments in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that represents the risk inherent in future cash flows. We recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets of $1 million, $18 million (including $17 million classified as Restructuring charges, net), $1 million and $8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2008, the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the three months ended March 31, 2007, respectively. We had no impairment charges on long-lived assets during the three months ended June 30, 2009 and the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to additional impairment losses that could be material to our results of operations.
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
 
We account for our defined benefit pension plans and non-pension postretirement benefit plans in accordance with FASB Statements No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions, and No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. Liabilities and expense for pension plans and other postretirement benefits are determined using actuarial methodologies and incorporate significant assumptions, including the rate used to discount the future estimated liability, the long-term rate of return on plan assets, and several assumptions related to the employee workforce (salary increases, medical costs, retirement age, and mortality).
 
The actuarial models use an attribution approach that generally spreads the financial impact of changes to the plan and actuarial assumptions over the average remaining service lives of the employees in the plan. Changes in liability due to changes in actuarial assumptions such as discount rate, rate of compensation increases and mortality, as well as annual deviations between what was assumed and what was experienced by the plan are treated as gains or losses. Additionally, gains and losses are amortized over the group’s average future service. The average future service for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans is 12.2 and 12.7 years respectively. The principle underlying the required attribution approach is that employees render service over their average remaining service lives on a relatively smooth basis and, therefore, the accounting for benefits earned under the pension or non-pension postretirement benefits plans should follow the same relatively smooth pattern.
 
Our pension obligations relate to funded defined benefit pension plans we have established in the United States, Canada, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, unfunded pension benefits primarily in Germany, and unfunded lump sum indemnities payable upon retirement to employees of businesses in France, South Korea, Malaysia and Italy. Pension benefits are generally based on the employee’s service and either on a flat dollar rate or on the highest average eligible compensation before retirement. Our other postretirement benefit obligations include unfunded healthcare and life insurance benefits provided to retired employees in Canada, the United States and Brazil.


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All net actuarial gains and losses are generally amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employees. The costs and obligations of pension and other postretirement benefits are calculated based on assumptions including the long-term rate of return on pension assets, discount rates for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, expected service period, salary increases, retirement ages of employees and healthcare cost trend rates. These assumptions bear the risk of change as they require significant judgment and they have inherent uncertainties that management may not be able to control.
 
The most significant assumption used to calculate pension and other postretirement obligations is the discount rates used to determine the present value of benefits. It is based on spot rate yield curves and individual bond matching models for pension and other postretirement plans in Canada and the United States, and on published long-term high quality corporate bond indices in other countries, at the end of each fiscal year. Adjustments were made to the index rates based on the duration of the plans’ obligations for each country. The weighted average discount rate used to determine the pension benefit obligation was 6.0% as of March 31, 2009, compared to 5.8% and 5.4% for March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to determine the other postretirement benefit obligation was 6.2% as of March 31, 2009, compared to 6.1% and 5.7% for March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to determine the net periodic benefit cost is the rate used to determine the benefit obligation in the previous year.
 
As of March 31, 2009, an increase in the discount rate of 0.5%, assuming inflation remains unchanged, would result in a decrease of $82 million in the pension and other postretirement obligations and in a decrease of $10 million in the net periodic benefit cost. A decrease in the discount rate of 0.5% as of March 31, 2009, assuming inflation remains unchanged, would result in an increase of $82 million in the pension and other postretirement obligations and in an increase of $10 million in the net periodic benefit cost. The calculation of the estimate of the expected return on assets and additional discussion regarding pension and other postretirement plans is described in “Note 14 — Postretirement Benefit Plans” to our Audited Financial Statements and “Note 8 — Postretirement Benefit Plans” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The weighted average expected return on assets was 6.9% for 2009, 7.3% for 2008 and 7.3% for 2006. The expected return on assets is a long-term assumption whose accuracy can only be measured over a long period based on past experience. A variation in the expected return on assets by 0.5% as of March 31, 2009 would result in a variation of approximately $3 million in the net periodic benefit cost.
 
Income Taxes
 
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. In addition, deferred tax assets are also recorded with respect to net operating losses and other tax attribute carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established when realization of the benefit of deferred tax assets is not deemed to be more likely than not. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
The ultimate recovery of certain of our deferred tax assets is dependent on the amount and timing of taxable income that we will ultimately generate in the future and other factors such as the interpretation of tax laws. This means that significant estimates and judgments are required to determine the extent that valuation allowances should be provided against deferred tax assets. We have provided valuation allowances as of June 30, 2009 aggregating $142 million against such assets based on our current assessment of future operating results and these other factors.
 
By their nature, tax laws are often subject to interpretation. Further complicating matters is that in those cases where a tax position is open to interpretation, differences of opinion can result in differing conclusions as to the amount of tax benefits to be recognized under FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions.


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Recognition (Step 1) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (Step 2) is only addressed if Step 1 has been satisfied. Under Step 2, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Consequently, the level of evidence and documentation necessary to support a position prior to being given recognition and measurement within the financial statements is a matter of judgment that depends on all available evidence.
 
As of June 30, 2009 the total amount of unrecognized benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods based on anticipated settlement dates was $47 million. Although management believes that the estimates and judgments discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, which could result in gains or losses that could be material.
 
Assessment of Loss Contingencies
 
We have legal and other contingencies, including environmental liabilities, which could result in significant losses upon the ultimate resolution of such contingencies. Environmental liabilities that are not legal asset retirement obligations are accrued on an undiscounted basis when it is probable that a liability exists for past events.
 
We have provided for losses in situations where we have concluded that it is probable that a loss has been or will be incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining whether a loss is probable and reasonably estimable due to the uncertainty involved in determining the likelihood of future events and estimating the financial statement impact of such events. If further developments or resolution of a contingent matter are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments, we may need to recognize a significant charge in a future period related to an existing contingency.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
 
We adopted FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“FASB 160”). FASB 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require: (i) the ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent to be clearly identified and presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet within shareholder’s equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; (ii) the amount of condensed consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest to be clearly identified and presented on the face of the condensed consolidated statement of operations and (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary to be accounted for consistently. We adopted FASB 160 effective April 1, 2009, and applied this standard prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which have been applied retrospectively.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing the renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB 142. FSP FAS 142-3 also requires expanded disclosure related to the determination of intangible asset useful lives. This standard will have no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 107-1 (“FSP FAS 107-1”) and APB Opinion 28-1 (“APB 28-1”), Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends FASB 107 and APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (“FSP FAS 157-4”). FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance in accordance with FASB No. 157,


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Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability has significantly decreased. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 115-2 (“FSP FAS 115-2”) and FASB Staff Position No. 124-2 (“FSP FAS 124-2”), Recognition of Other-than-Temporary-Impairments. FSP FAS No. 115-2 and FSP FAS No. 124-2 amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt and equity securities. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Statement No. 141 (Revised), Business Combinations (“FASB 141(R)”) which establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FASB 141(R) also requires acquirers to estimate the acquisition-date fair value of any contingent consideration and to recognize any subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration in earnings. We will apply this new standard prospectively to business combinations occurring after March 31, 2009, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. FASB 141(R) amends certain provisions of FASB 109 such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of FASB 141(R) would also apply the provisions of FASB 141(R). This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (“FSP FAS No. 141(R)-1”). This pronouncement amends FASB 141(R) to clarify the initial and subsequent recognition, subsequent accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. FSP SFAS No. 141(R)-1 requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies be recognized at fair value, as determined in accordance with FASB 157, if the acquisition-date fair value can be reasonably estimated. If the acquisition-date fair value of an asset or liability cannot be reasonably estimated, the asset or liability would be measured at the amount that would be recognized in accordance with FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and FASB Interpretation No. 14, Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss. As the provisions of FSP FAS No. 141(R)-1 are applied prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date on or after the guidance became effective, the impact on condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows cannot be determined until the transactions occur.
 
We adopted the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 08-06, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations (“EITF 08-06”). EITF 08-6 address questions that have arisen about the application of the equity method of accounting for investments acquired after the effective date of both FASB 141(R) and FASB Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. EITF 08-06 clarifies how to account for certain transactions involving equity method investments. EITF 08-6 is effective on a prospective basis. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
The following new accounting standards have been issued, but have not yet been adopted by us as of June 30, 2009, as adoption is not required until future reporting periods.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“FASB 167”). FASB 167 is intended to (1) address the effects on certain provisions of FIN 46(R), as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in FASB Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, and (2) clarify questions about the application of certain key provisions of FIN 46(R), including those in which the accounting and disclosures under FIN 46(R) do not always provided


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timely and useful information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. FASB 167 will be effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2009. We do not anticipate this standard will have any impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (“FSP No. 132(R)-1”). FSP No. 132(R)-1 requires that an employer disclose the following information about the fair value of plan assets: (1) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to understanding of investment policies and strategies; (2) the major categories of plan assets; (3) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; (4) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period; and (5) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. FSP No. 132(R)-1 will be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009, with early application permitted. At initial adoption, application of FSP No. 132(R)-1 would not be required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. This standard will have no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We have determined that all other recently issued accounting standards will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, or do not apply to our operations.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
We are exposed to certain market risks as part of our ongoing business operations, including risks from changes in commodity prices (primarily aluminum, electricity and natural gas), foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, that could impact our results of operations and financial condition. We manage our exposure to these and other market risks through regular operating and financing activities and derivative financial instruments. We use derivative financial instruments as risk management tools only, and not for speculative purposes. Except where noted, the derivative contracts are marked-to-market and the related gains and losses are included in earnings in the current accounting period.
 
By their nature, all derivative financial instruments involve risk, including the credit risk of non-performance by counterparties. All derivative contracts are executed with counterparties that, in our judgment, are creditworthy. Our maximum potential loss may exceed the amount recognized in the accompanying June 30, 2009 condensed consolidated balance sheet.
 
The decision of whether and when to execute derivative instruments, along with the duration of the instrument, can vary from period to period depending on market conditions and the relative costs of the instruments. The duration is always linked to the timing of the underlying exposure, with the connection between the two being regularly monitored.
 
Commodity Price Risks
 
We have commodity price risk with respect to purchases of certain raw materials including aluminum, electricity and natural gas.
 
Aluminum
 
Most of our business is conducted under a conversion model that allows us to pass through increases or decreases in the price of aluminum to our customers. Nearly all of our products have a price structure with two components: (i) a pass through aluminum price based on the LME plus local market premiums and (ii) a “conversion premium” based on the conversion cost to produce the rolled product and the competitive market conditions for that product.
 
When we enter into agreements with our customers that fix the selling price of our products for future delivery, we are exposed to rising aluminum prices. We may not be able to purchase the aluminum necessary to fulfill the order at the same price which we have committed to our customer. We hedge this risk by purchasing LME futures contracts. We expect the gain or loss on the settlement of the derivative to offset increases or decreases in the purchase price of aluminum. These hedges, which comprise the majority of our aluminum derivatives, generate losses in periods of decreasing aluminum prices.


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Metal price lag exposes us to potential losses in periods of falling aluminum prices. We sell short-term LME futures contracts to reduce our exposure to this risk. We expect the gain or loss on the settlement of the derivative to offset the effect of changes in aluminum prices on future product sales. These hedges generally generate losses in periods of increasing aluminum prices.
 
In addition, we have a sales contract which contains a ceiling over which metal prices cannot be contractually passed through to a certain customer. As a result, we were unable to pass through the complete increase in metal prices for sales under this contract and this negatively impacted our margins when the metal price was above the ceiling price. As result of falling LME prices and based upon a June 30, 2009 aluminum price of $1,616 per tonne, there is no unfavorable revenue or cash flow impact estimated through December 31, 2009 when this contract expires.
 
We employ three strategies to mitigate our risk of rising metal prices that we cannot pass through to certain customers due to metal price ceilings. First, we maximize the amount of our internally supplied metal inputs from our smelting, refining and mining operations in Brazil. Second, we rely on the output from our recycling operations which utilize UBCs. Both of these sources of aluminum supply have historically provided a benefit as these sources of metal are typically less expensive than purchasing aluminum from third party suppliers. We refer to these two sources as our internal hedges.
 
Beyond our internal hedges described above, our third strategy to mitigate the risk of loss or reduced profitability associated with the metal price ceilings is to purchase derivative instruments on projected aluminum volume requirements above our assumed internal hedge position. We purchased forward derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to further metal price increases.
 
Sensitivities
 
We estimate that a 10% decline in LME aluminum prices would result in a $40 million pre-tax loss related to the change in fair value of our aluminum contracts as of June 30, 2009.
 
Energy
 
We use several sources of energy in the manufacture and delivery of our aluminum rolled products. In the quarter ended June 30, 2009, natural gas and electricity represented approximately 89% of our energy consumption by cost. We also use fuel oil and transport fuel. The majority of energy usage occurs at our casting centers, at our smelters in South America and during the hot rolling of aluminum. Our cold rolling facilities require relatively less energy.
 
We purchase our natural gas on the open market, which subjects us to market pricing fluctuations. We seek to stabilize our future exposure to natural gas prices through the use of forward purchase contracts. Natural gas prices in Europe, Asia and South America have historically been more stable than in the United States. As of June 30, 2009, we have a nominal amount of forward purchases outstanding related to natural gas.
 
A portion of our electricity requirements are purchased pursuant to long-term contracts in the local regions in which we operate. A number of our facilities are located in regions with regulated prices, which affords relatively stable costs. In South America, we own and operate hydroelectric facilities that meet approximately 25% of our total electricity requirements in that segment. Additionally, we have entered into an electricity swap in North America to fix a portion of the cost of our electricity requirements.
 
We purchase a nominal amount of heating oil forward contracts to hedge against fluctuations in the price of our transport fuel.
 
Fluctuating energy costs worldwide, due to the changes in supply and international and geopolitical events, expose us to earnings volatility as such changes in such costs cannot immediately be recovered under existing contracts and sales agreements, and may only be mitigated in future periods under future pricing arrangements.


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Sensitivities
 
The following table presents the estimated potential effect on the fair values of these derivative instruments as of June 30, 2009 given a 10% decline in spot prices for energy contracts.
 
                 
    Change in
    Change in
 
    Price     Fair Value  
($ in millions)        
 
Electricity
    (10 )%   $ (3 )
Natural Gas
    (10 )%     (1 )
Heating Oil
    (10 )%     (1 )
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Risks
 
Exchange rate movements, particularly the euro, the Canadian dollar, the Brazilian real and the Korean won against the U.S. dollar, have an impact on our operating results. In Europe, where we have predominantly local currency selling prices and operating costs, we benefit as the euro strengthens, but are adversely affected as the euro weakens. In Korea, where we have local currency selling prices for local sales and U.S. dollar denominated selling prices for exports, we benefit slightly as the won weakens, but are adversely affected as the won strengthens, due to a slightly higher percentage of exports compared to local sales. In Canada and Brazil, where we have predominately U.S. dollar selling prices, metal costs and local currency operating costs, we benefit as the local currencies weaken, but are adversely affected as the local currencies strengthen. Foreign currency contracts may be used to hedge the economic exposures at our foreign operations.
 
It is our policy to minimize functional currency exposures within each of our key regional operating segments. As such, the majority of our foreign currency exposures are from either forecasted net sales or forecasted purchase commitments in non-functional currencies. Our most significant non-U.S. dollar functional currency operating segments are Europe and Asia, which have the euro and the Korean won as their functional currencies, respectively. South America is U.S. dollar functional with Brazilian real transactional exposure.
 
We face translation risks related to the changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Amounts invested in our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Shareholders’ equity section of the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Net sales and expenses in our foreign operations’ foreign currencies are translated into varying amounts of U.S. dollars depending upon whether the U.S. dollar weakens or strengthens against other currencies. Therefore, changes in exchange rates may either positively or negatively affect our net sales and expenses from foreign operations as expressed in U.S. dollars.
 
Any negative impact of currency movements on the currency contracts that we have entered into to hedge foreign currency commitments to purchase or sell goods and services would be offset by an equal and opposite favorable exchange impact on the commitments being hedged. For a discussion of accounting policies and other information relating to currency contracts, see “Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 11 — Financial Instruments and Commodity Contracts” to the accompanying unaudited financial statements.


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Sensitivities
 
The following table presents the estimated potential effect on the fair values of these derivative instruments as of June 30, 2009 given a 10% change in rates.
 
                 
    Change in
    Change in
 
($ in millions)   Exchange Rate     Fair Value  
 
Currency measured against the U.S. dollar
               
Euro
    10 %   $ (33 )
Korean won
    (10 )%     (4 )
Brazilian real
    (10 )%     (11 )
British pound
    10 %     2  
Canadian dollar
    (10 )%     (2 )
Swiss franc
    (10 )%     (2 )
 
Loans to and investments in European operations have been hedged with EUR 135 million of cross-currency swaps. We designated these as net investment hedges. While this has no impact on our cash flows, subsequent changes in the value of currency related derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges are recognized in Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in our condensed consolidated statement of operations.
 
We estimate that a 10% increase in the value of the euro against the US dollar would result in a $22 million potential pre-tax loss on these derivatives as of June 30, 2009.
 
Interest Rate Risks
 
As of June 30, 2009, approximately 79% of our debt obligations were at fixed rates. Due to the nature of fixed-rate debt, there would be no significant impact on our interest expense or cash flows from either a 10% increase or decrease in market rates of interest.
 
We are subject to interest rate risk related to our floating rate debt. For every 12.5 basis point increase in the interest rates on our outstanding variable rate debt as of June 30, 2009, which includes $459 million of term loan debt and other variable rate debt of $362 million, our annual pre-tax income would be reduced by approximately $1 million.
 
From time to time, we have used interest rate swaps to manage our debt cost. In Korea, we entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate on various floating rate debt. See “Note 6 — Debt” to the accompanying unaudited financial statements for further information.
 
Sensitivities
 
The following table presents the estimated potential effect on the fair values of these derivative instruments as of June 30, 2009 given a 10% change in the benchmark USD LIBOR interest rate.
 
                 
    Change in
    Change in
 
($ in millions)
  Rate     Fair Value  
 
Interest Rate Contracts
               
North America
    (10 )%   $ (2 )
Asia
    (10 )%     —  


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BUSINESS
 
Overview
 
We are the world’s leading aluminum rolled products producer based on shipment volume in fiscal 2009, with total shipments of approximately 2,943 kt in fiscal 2009. We are the only company of our size and scope focused solely on aluminum rolled products markets and capable of local supply of technologically sophisticated aluminum products in all of these geographic regions. We are also the global leader in the recycling of used aluminum beverage cans. We had net sales of approximately $10.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2009 and approximately $2 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
Our History
 
Organization and Description of Business
 
Novelis Inc., formed in Canada on September 21, 2004, and its subsidiaries, is the world’s leading aluminum rolled products producer based on shipment volume. We produce aluminum sheet and light gauge products for end-use markets, including beverage and food cans, construction and industrial, foil products and transportation markets. As of June 30, 2009, we had operations in 11 countries on four continents: North America, Europe, Asia and South America, through 31 operating plants, one research facility and several market-focused innovation centers. In addition to aluminum rolling and recycling, our South American businesses include bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and power generation facilities that are integrated with our rolling plants in Brazil.
 
On May 18, 2004, Alcan announced its intention to transfer its rolled products businesses into a separate company and to pursue a spin-off of that company to its shareholders. The spin-off occurred on January 6, 2005, following approval by Alcan’s board of directors and shareholders, and legal and regulatory approvals. Alcan shareholders received one Novelis common share for every five Alcan common shares held.
 
Acquisition by Hindalco
 
On May 15, 2007, the company was acquired by Hindalco through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary pursuant to the Arrangement at a price of $44.93 per share. The aggregate purchase price for all of the company’s common shares was $3.4 billion and Hindalco also assumed $2.8 billion of Novelis’ debt for a total transaction value of $6.2 billion. Subsequent to completion of the Arrangement on May 15, 2007, all of our common shares were indirectly held by Hindalco.
 
Our Industry
 
The aluminum rolled products market represents the global supply of and demand for aluminum sheet, plate and foil produced either from sheet ingot or continuously cast roll-stock in rolling mills operated by independent aluminum rolled products producers and integrated aluminum companies alike.
 
Aluminum rolled products are semi-finished aluminum products that constitute the raw material for the manufacture of finished goods ranging from automotive body panels to household foil. There are two major types of manufacturing processes for aluminum rolled products differing mainly in the process used to achieve the initial stage of processing:
 
  •  hot mills — that require sheet ingot, a rectangular slab of aluminum, as starter material; and
 
  •  continuous casting mills — that can convert molten metal directly into semi-finished sheet.
 
Both processes require subsequent rolling, which we call cold rolling, and finishing steps such as annealing, coating, leveling or slitting to achieve the desired thicknesses and metal properties. Most customers receive shipments in the form of aluminum coil, a large roll of metal, which can be fed into their fabrication processes.


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There are two sources of input material: (1) primary aluminum, such as molten metal, re-melt ingot and sheet ingot; and (2) recycled aluminum, such as recyclable material from fabrication processes, which we refer to as recycled process material, UBCs and other post-consumer aluminum.
 
Primary aluminum can generally be purchased at prices set on the LME, plus a premium that varies by geographic region of delivery, form (ingot or molten metal) and purity.
 
Recycled aluminum is also an important source of input material. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable and recycling it requires only approximately 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum. As a result, in regions where aluminum is widely used, manufacturers and customers are active in setting up collection processes in which UBCs and other recyclable aluminum are collected for re-melting at purpose-built plants. Manufacturers may also enter into agreements with customers who return recycled process material and pay to have it re-melted and rolled into the same product again.
 
There has been a long-term industry trend towards lighter gauge (thinner) rolled products, which we refer to as “downgauging,” where customers request products with similar properties using less metal in order to reduce costs and weight. For example, aluminum rolled products producers and can fabricators have continuously developed thinner walled cans with similar strength as previous generation containers, resulting in a lower cost per unit. As a result of this trend, aluminum tonnage across the spectrum of aluminum rolled products, and particularly for the beverage and food cans end-use market, has declined on a per unit basis, but actual rolling machine hours per unit have increased. Because the industry has historically tracked growth based on aluminum tonnage shipped, we believe the downgauging trend may contribute to an understatement of the actual growth of revenue attributable to rolling in some end-use markets.
 
End-use Markets
 
Aluminum rolled products companies produce and sell a wide range of aluminum rolled products, which can be grouped into four end-use markets based upon similarities in end-use markets: (1) beverage and food cans; (2) construction and industrial; (3) foil products and (4) transportation. Within each end-use market, aluminum rolled products are manufactured with a variety of alloy mixtures; a range of tempers (hardness), gauges (thickness) and widths; and various coatings and finishes. Large customers typically have customized needs resulting in the development of close relationships with their supplying mills and close technical development relationships.
 
Beverage and Food Cans.  Beverage cans are the single largest aluminum rolled products application, accounting for approximately 23% of total worldwide shipments in the calendar year ended December 31, 2008, according to market data from CRU. Beverage and food cans is also our largest end-use market, making up 61% and 54% of total flat rolled product shipments for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The recyclability of aluminum cans enables them to be used, collected, melted and returned to the original product form many times, unlike steel, paper or PET plastic, which deteriorate with every iteration of recycling. Aluminum beverage cans also offer advantages in fabricating efficiency and product shelf life. Fabricators are able to produce and fill beverage cans at very high speeds, and non-porous aluminum cans provide longer shelf life than PET plastic containers. Aluminum cans are light, stackable and use space efficiently, making them convenient and cost efficient to ship.
 
Downgauging and changes in can design help to reduce total costs on a per can basis and contribute to making aluminum more competitive with substitute materials.
 
Beverage can sheet is sold in coil form for the production of can bodies, ends and tabs. The material can be ordered as rolled, degreased, pre-lubricated, pre-treated and/or lacquered. Typically, can makers define their own specifications for material to be delivered in terms of alloy, gauge, width and surface finish.
 
Other applications in this end-use market include food cans and screw caps for the beverage industry.
 
Construction and Industrial.  Construction is the largest application within this end-use market. Aluminum rolled products developed for the construction industry are often decorative and non-flammable, offer insulating properties, are durable and corrosion resistant, and have a high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum


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siding, gutters, and downspouts comprise a significant amount of construction volume. Other applications include doors, windows, awnings, canopies, facades, roofing and ceilings.
 
Aluminum’s ability to conduct electricity and heat and to offer corrosion resistance makes it useful in a wide variety of electronic and industrial applications. Industrial applications include electronics and communications equipment, process and electrical machinery and lighting fixtures. Uses of aluminum rolled products in consumer durables include microwaves, coffee makers, flat screen televisions, air conditioners, pleasure boats and cooking utensils.
 
Another industrial application is lithographic sheet. Print shops, printing houses and publishing groups use lithographic sheet to print books, magazines, newspapers and promotional literature. In order to meet the strict quality requirements of the end-users, lithographic sheet must meet demanding metallurgical, surface and flatness specifications.
 
Foil Products.  Aluminum, because of its relatively light weight, recyclability and formability, has a wide variety of uses in packaging. Converter foil is very thin aluminum foil, plain or printed, that is typically laminated to plastic or paper to form an internal seal for a variety of packaging applications, including juice boxes, pharmaceuticals, food pouches, cigarette packaging and lid stock. Customers order coils of converter foil in a range of thicknesses from 6 microns to 60 microns.
 
Household foil includes home and institutional aluminum foil wrap sold as a branded or generic product. Known in the industry as packaging foil, it is manufactured in thicknesses ranging from 11 microns to 23 microns. Container foil is used to produce semi-rigid containers such as pie plates and take-out food trays and is usually ordered in a range of thicknesses ranging from 60 microns to 200 microns.
 
Transportation.  Heat exchangers, such as radiators and air conditioners, are an important application for aluminum rolled products in the truck and automobile categories of the transportation end-use market. Original equipment manufacturers also use aluminum sheet with specially treated surfaces and other specific properties for interior and exterior applications. Newly developed alloys are being used in transportation tanks and rigid containers that allow for safer and more economical transportation of hazardous and corrosive materials.
 
There has been recent growth in certain geographic markets in the use of aluminum rolled products in automotive body panel applications, including hoods, deck lids, fenders and lift gates. These uses typically result from co-operative efforts between aluminum rolled products manufacturers and their customers that yield tailor-made solutions for specific requirements in alloy selection, fabrication procedure, surface quality and joining. We believe the recent growth in automotive body panel applications is due in part to the lighter weight, better fuel economy and improved emissions performance associated with these applications.
 
Aluminum rolled products are also used in aerospace applications, a segment of the transportation market in which we are not allowed to compete until January 6, 2010, pursuant to a non-competition agreement we entered into with Alcan in connection with the spin-off. However, aerospace-related consumption of aluminum rolled products has historically represented a relatively small portion of total aluminum rolled products market shipments.
 
Aluminum is also used in the construction of ships’ hulls and superstructures and passenger rail cars because of its strength, light weight, formability and corrosion resistance.
 
Market Structure
 
The aluminum rolled products industry is characterized by economies of scale, significant capital investments required to achieve and maintain technological capabilities and demanding customer qualification standards. The service and efficiency demands of large customers have encouraged consolidation among suppliers of aluminum rolled products.
 
While our customers tend to be increasingly global, many aluminum rolled products tend to be produced and sold on a regional basis. The regional nature of the markets is influenced in part by the fact that not all mills are equipped to produce all types of aluminum rolled products. For instance, only a few mills in North America, Europe and Asia, and only one mill in South America produce beverage can body and end stock. In


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addition, individual aluminum rolling mills generally supply a limited range of products for end-use markets, and seek to maximize profits by producing high volumes of the highest margin mix per mill hour given available capacity and equipment capabilities.
 
Certain multi-purpose, common alloy and plate rolled products are imported into Europe and North America from producers in emerging markets, such as Brazil, South Africa, Russia and China. However, at this time we believe that most of these producers are generally unable to produce flat rolled products that meet the quality requirements, lead times and specifications of customers with more demanding applications. In addition, high freight costs, import duties, inability to take back recycled aluminum, lack of technical service capabilities and long lead-times mean that many developing market exporters are viewed as second-tier suppliers. Therefore, many of our customers in the Americas, Europe and Asia do not look to suppliers in these emerging markets for a significant portion of their requirements.
 
Competition
 
The aluminum rolled products market is highly competitive. We face competition from a number of companies in all of the geographic regions and end-use markets in which we operate. Our primary competitors are as follows:
 
     
North America
 
Asia
 
Alcoa, Inc. (Alcoa)
  Furukawa-Sky Aluminum Corp.
Aleris International, Inc. (Aleris)
  Sumitomo Light Metal Company, Ltd.
Arco Aluminium, Inc. (a subsidiary of BP plc)
  Southwest Aluminum Co. Ltd.
Norandal Aluminum
  Kobe Steel Ltd.
Wise Metal Group LLC
  Alcoa
Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
   
 
     
Europe
 
South America
 
Hydro A.S.A. 
  Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio
Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. 
  Alcoa
Alcoa
   
Aleris
   
 
The factors influencing competition vary by region and end-use market, but generally we compete on the basis of our value proposition, including price, product quality, the ability to meet customers’ specifications, range of products offered, lead times, technical support and customer service. In some end-use markets, competition is also affected by fabricators’ requirements that suppliers complete a qualification process to supply their plants. This process can be rigorous and may take many months to complete. As a result, obtaining business from these customers can be a lengthy and expensive process. However, the ability to obtain and maintain these qualifications can represent a competitive advantage.
 
In addition to competition from others within the aluminum rolled products industry, we, as well as the other aluminum rolled products manufacturers, face competition from non-aluminum material producers, as fabricators and end-users have, in the past, demonstrated a willingness to substitute other materials for aluminum. In the beverage and food cans end-use market, aluminum rolled products’ primary competitors are glass, PET plastic, and in some regions, steel. In the transportation end-use market, aluminum rolled products compete mainly with steel and composites. Aluminum competes with wood, plastic, cement and steel in building products applications. Factors affecting competition with substitute materials include price, ease of manufacture, consumer preference and performance characteristics.


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Key Factors Affecting Supply and Demand
 
The following factors have historically affected the supply of aluminum rolled products:
 
Production Capacity.  As in most manufacturing industries with high fixed costs, production capacity has the largest impact on supply in the aluminum rolled products industry. In the aluminum rolled products industry, the addition of production capacity requires large capital investments and significant plant construction or expansion, and typically requires long lead-time equipment orders.
 
Alternative Technology.  Advances in technological capabilities allow aluminum rolled products producers to better align product portfolio and supply with industry demand. As an example, continuous casting offers the ability to increase capacity in smaller increments than is possible with hot mill additions. This enables production capacity to better adjust to small year-over-year increases in demand. However, the continuous casting process results in the production of a more limited range of products.
 
Trade.  Some trade flows do occur between regions despite shipping costs, import duties and the need for localized customer support. Higher value-added, specialty products such as lithographic sheet and some foils are more likely to be traded internationally, especially if demand in certain markets exceeds local supply. With respect to less technically demanding applications, emerging markets with low cost inputs may export commodity aluminum rolled products to larger, more mature markets. Accordingly, regional changes in supply, such as plant expansions, may have some effect on the worldwide supply of commodity aluminum rolled products.
 
The following factors have historically affected the demand for aluminum rolled products:
 
Economic Growth.  We believe that economic growth is currently the single largest driver of aluminum rolled products demand. In mature markets, growth in demand has typically correlated closely with growth in industrial production.
 
In emerging markets such as China, growth in demand typically exceeds industrial production growth largely because of expanding infrastructures, capital investments and rising incomes that often accompany economic growth in these markets.
 
Substitution Trends.  Manufacturers’ willingness to substitute other materials for aluminum in their products and competition from substitution materials suppliers also affect demand. For example, in North America, competition from PET plastic containers and glass bottles, and changes in marketing channels and consumer preferences in beverage containers, have, in recent years, reduced the growth rate of aluminum can sheet in North America from the high rates experienced in the 1970s and 1980s. Historically, despite changes in consumer preferences, North American aluminum beverage can shipments have remained at approximately 100 billion cans per year since 1994 according to the Can Manufacturers Institute. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2008, North American aluminum beverage can shipments have declined by approximately 2.8% to 97.4 billion cans mainly due to a decline in carbonated soft drinks.
 
Downgauging.  Increasing technological and asset sophistication has enabled aluminum rolling companies to offer consistent or even improved product strength using less material, providing customers with a more cost-effective product. This continuing trend reduces raw material requirements, but also effectively increases rolled products’ plant utilization rates and reduces available capacity, because to produce the same number of units requires more rolling hours to achieve thinner gauges. As utilization rates increase, revenues rise as pricing tends to be based on machine hours used rather than on the volume of material rolled. On balance, we believe that downgauging has maintained or enhanced overall market economics for both users and producers of aluminum rolled products.
 
Seasonality.  While demand for certain aluminum rolled products is affected by seasonal factors, such as increases in consumption of beer and soft drinks packaged in aluminum cans and the use of aluminum sheet used in the construction and industrial end-use market during summer months, our presence in both the northern and southern hemispheres tends to dampen the impact of seasonality on our business.


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Our Strengths
 
We believe that the following key strengths enable us to compete effectively in the aluminum rolled products market:
 
Leading Market Positions
 
We are the world’s leader in aluminum rolling, producing an estimated 18% of the world’s flat-rolled aluminum products in 2009. Moreover, we are the No. 1 rolled products producer in Europe and South America and the No. 2 producer in both North America and Asia. In terms of end markets, we believe that we are the largest global producer of aluminum rolled products for the beverage can market with a 40% market share, and we are the world’s leader in the recycling of UBCs, recycling around 39 billion UBCs per year. We also believe that we are the world’s leader in aluminum automotive sheet.
 
International Presence and Scale
 
With 31 manufacturing facilities located in 11 countries on four continents as of June 30, 2009, we have a broad geographical presence that we believe allows us to better serve our increasingly global customer base as well as diversify our sources of cash flow and offset risk across the different regions. Our size allows us to service a wide variety of localized and global customer needs, leverage our selling, administrative, research and development and other general expenses to improve margins, establish new uses for aluminum rolled products and access the end-use markets for these products.
 
High-end Product Portfolio Mix
 
Over 50% of our sales are to customers in the beverage can market. We believe the beverage can market is a high value market and more stable than others as it is less vulnerable to economic cycles. In the beverage can market, we go beyond simply supplying metal: Novelis is a technical solution provider. For example, our Global Can Technology Team offers technological expertise and facilities, as well as technical backup and support for our customers’ own innovation activities. We provide technological services and work together with our lithographic, electronic, and automotive customers, among others, to develop solutions to meet their requirements through our customer solution centers in North America and Asia as well as other market-focused innovation centers around the world.
 
Innovation Leader with Proprietary Technologies
 
We endeavor to be at the forefront of developing next generation technologies in the aluminum rolled products industry and believe that we are the world’s leader in continuous casting technology, as owner of technology relating to the two main continuous casting processes. We have state-of-the-art research facilities around the world with more than 200 employees dedicated to research and development and customer technical support. Our technological leadership has led to the design of products to address various end-use requirements in all regions of the world. An important innovation is our Novelis Fusiontm technology. Launched in 2006, Novelis Fusiontm is a breakthrough process that simultaneously casts multiple alloy layers into a single aluminum rolling ingot. Novelis is the first company to achieve commercial production of such multi-alloy ingots. The resulting product allows alloy combinations never before possible. For example, a customer can now have aluminum sheet with both excellent formability and high strength, which provides better shaping performance and the potential to downgauge.
 
Long Term Relationships with Market Leaders
 
We maintain strong, long-standing supply relationships with many of our customers, which include leading global players in our key end markets. Our major customers include: Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Alcan’s packaging business group, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Ball Corporation, various bottlers of the Coca-Cola system, Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc., BMW, Audi AG, Daimler AG, Kodak Polychrome Graphics GmbH, Ford Motor Company, Lotte Aluminum, Pactiv Corporation, Rexam Plc and Xiamen Xiashun Aluminum Foil Co., Ltd. In fiscal 2009, approximately 45% of our net sales were to our ten largest customers,


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most of whom we have been supplying for more than 20 years. We endeavor to gain strong customer loyalty by anticipating and meeting the specific technical standards demanded by our customers with a high level of quality, technical support and customer service.
 
Our Business Strategy
 
Our primary objective is to deliver shareholder and customer value by being the most innovative and profitable aluminum rolled products company in the world. We intend to achieve this objective through the following areas of focus:
 
Focus on core operations and optimize our costs
 
We strive to be one of the lowest cost producers of aluminum rolled products by pursuing a standardized focus on our core operations and through the implementation of cost-reduction and restructuring initiatives. To achieve this objective, we have standardized our manufacturing processes and the associated upstream and downstream production elements and established risk management processes in order to apply best practices in our core operations across all of our regions. In addition, we have implemented numerous restructuring initiatives over the last year, including the shutdown of facilities, staff rationalization and other activities which we believe will lead to annualized cost savings of approximately $140 million beginning in fiscal 2011.
 
Integrate support functions globally in order to further drive improvements in our operations
 
Given our global operating footprint and customer base, we plan to globally align our support functions, such as finance, human resources, legal, information technology and supply chain management. We believe that managing these support functions centrally can accelerate executive decision-making processes, which will allow us to adapt our manufacturing processes and products more quickly and efficiently to respond to changing market conditions. We think that achieving a seamless alignment of goals, methods and metrics across the organization will improve communication and the implementation of strategic initiatives. Over time, we feel that these improvements will result in enhanced operating margins and performance.
 
Expand market leadership position through enhanced global and regional capabilities
 
We benefit from a global manufacturing footprint, including 31 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries on four continents as of June 30, 2009, which enables us to service customers worldwide and provide a strong “asset-based” competitive advantage. We are the only company capable of producing technologically sophisticated, high-end products in all four major market regions of the world. This competitive advantage is evident in our position as the number one global producer of beverage can sheet products. We are able to service large can sheet customers on a worldwide basis, yet, through our regional operations we also have the capability to adapt and cater to the regional preferences and needs of our customers. For example, we recently upgraded our Yeongju plant in Korea with technology and processes developed at our other plants around the world, which has allowed us to capture market share in the can end market in Asia. Additionally, we have been able to qualify Novelis plants in one region to provide alternative supply options and support to customers in a different region.
 
Focus on optimizing premium products to drive enhanced profitability
 
We plan to continue improving our product mix and margins by leveraging our world-class assets and technical capabilities. As a result of the development of Novelis Fusiontm, we have demonstrated the required manufacturing know-how and research and development capabilities to design, develop and commercialize breakthrough technologies. Products like Novelis Fusiontm allow us to defend and enhance our strategic positioning in our core end-user segments. Additionally, our management approach helps us systematically identify opportunities to improve the profitability of our operations through product portfolio analysis. This ensures that we focus on growing in attractive market segments, while also taking actions to exit unattractive ones. For example, in the past three years, we have grown our can stock shipments in all regions by an average 20%, making it an even larger portion of our product mix, while reducing or exiting other less


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attractive market segments. Through our continued focus on operating execution, we believe we can cost effectively deploy proprietary technologies that will contribute to growth and higher profitability.
 
Pursue organic growth in select emerging markets
 
Our international presence positions us well to capture additional growth opportunities in targeted aluminum rolled products in emerging regions, specifically South America and Asia. We believe South America and Asia have high growth potential in areas such as beverage cans, industrial products, construction and electronics. For example, our can stock shipments have grown by 43% in South America and by 63% in Asia from 2005 to 2008. While our manufacturing and operating presence positions us well to capture this growth, we would expect to make some incremental capital expenditures or selective acquisitions to expand our capabilities in these areas.
 
Our Operating Segments
 
Due in part to the regional nature of supply and demand of aluminum rolled products and in order to best serve our customers, we manage our activities on the basis of geographical areas and are organized under four operating segments: North America; Europe; Asia and South America. The following is a description of our operating segments:
 
  •  North America.  Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, this segment manufactures aluminum sheet and light gauge products and operates 11 plants, including two fully dedicated recycling facilities, in two countries.
 
  •  Europe.  Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, this segment manufactures aluminum sheet and foil products and operates 14 plants, including one dedicated recycling facility, in six countries.
 
  •  Asia.  Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, this segment manufactures aluminum sheet and light gauge products and operates three plants in two countries.
 
  •  South America.  Headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this segment comprises bauxite mining, aluminum smelting operations, power generation, aluminum sheet and light gauge products and operates four plants in Brazil.


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The table below shows Net sales and total shipments by segment. For additional financial information related to our operating segments, see “Note 21 — Segment, Geographical Area and Major Customer Information” to our Audited Financial Statements and “Note 15 — Segment, Major Customer and Major Supplier Information” to our Unaudited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
                                                           
    Three Months
    Three Months
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Ended
    Ended
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    June 30,
    June 30,
    March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008       2007     2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Consolidated
                                                         
Net sales(1)
  $ 1,960     $ 3,103     $ 10,177     $ 9,965       $ 1,281     $ 2,630     $ 9,849  
Total shipments
    691       825       2,943       2,787         363       772       3,123  
North America
                                                         
Net sales
  $ 767     $ 1,083     $ 3,930     $ 3,649       $ 446     $ 925     $ 3,691  
Total shipments
    261       294       1,109       1,031         134       286       1,229  
Europe
                                                         
Net sales
  $ 665     $ 1,218     $ 3,718     $ 3,829       $ 510     $ 1,057     $ 3,620  
Total shipments
    212       299       1,009       973         133       287       1,073  
Asia
                                                         
Net sales
  $ 326     $ 510     $ 1,536     $ 1,605       $ 216     $ 413     $ 1,692  
Total shipments
    130       140       460       471         60       117       516  
South America
                                                         
Net sales
  $ 204     $ 295     $ 1,007     $ 887         109     $ 235     $ 863  
Total shipments
    88       92       365       312         36       82       305  
 
 
(1) Consolidated Net sales include the results of our non-consolidated affiliates on a proportionately consolidated basis, which is consistent with the way we manage our business segments. These net sales were $2 million, $3 million, $14 million, $5 million, and $17 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2009, the three months ended June 30, 2008, the year ended March 31, 2009, the period from May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively. There were less than $1 million of net sales from our non-consolidated affiliates in each of the periods from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007, and the three months ended March 31, 2007.
 
We have highly automated, flexible and advanced manufacturing capabilities in operating facilities around the globe. In addition to the aluminum rolled products plants, our South America segment operates bauxite mining, alumina refining, hydro-electric power plants and smelting facilities. We believe our facilities have the assets required for efficient production and are well managed and maintained. For a further discussion of financial information by geographic area, refer to “Note 21 — Segment, Geographical Area and Major Customer Information” to our Audited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
North America
 
Through 11 aluminum rolled products facilities, including two fully dedicated recycling facilities as of June 30, 2009, North America manufactures aluminum sheet and light gauge products. Important end-use markets for this segment include beverage cans, containers and packaging, automotive and other transportation applications, building products and other industrial applications.
 
The majority of North America’s efforts are directed towards the beverage can sheet market. The beverage can end-use market is technically demanding to supply and pricing is competitive. We believe we have a competitive advantage in this market due to our low-cost and technologically advanced manufacturing facilities and technical support capability. Recycling is important in the manufacturing process and we have five facilities in North America that re-melt post-consumer aluminum and recycled process material. Most of the recycled material is from used beverage cans and the material is cast into sheet ingot for North America’s two can sheet production plants (at Logan, Kentucky and Oswego, New York).


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In June 2008, we closed our Louisville, Kentucky plant where we produced light gauge converter foil products.
 
Europe
 
Europe produces value-added sheet and foil products through 12 operating plants as of June 30, 2009, including one dedicated recycling facility.
 
Europe serves a broad range of aluminum rolled product end-use markets including: construction and industrial; beverage and food can; foil and technical products; lithographic; automotive and other. Beverage and food represent the largest end-use market in terms of shipment volume by Europe.
 
Europe also has foil packaging facilities at six locations, and in addition to rolled product plants, has distribution centers in Italy and France together with sales offices in several European countries. In April 2009, we closed the distribution center in France.
 
In March 2009, we announced the closure of our aluminum sheet mill in Rogerstone, South Wales, U.K. The facility ceased operations in April 2009.
 
Asia
 
Asia operates three manufacturing facilities as of June 30, 2009 and manufactures a broad range of sheet and light gauge products. End-use markets include beverage and food cans, foil, electronics and construction and industrial products. The beverage can market represents the largest end-use market in terms of volume. Recycling is an important part of our Korean operations with recycling facilities at both the Ulsan and Yeongju facilities.
 
We believe that Asia is well-positioned to benefit from further economic development in China as well as other parts of Asia.
 
South America
 
South America operates two rolling plants, two primary aluminum smelters, and hydro-electric power plants as of June 30, 2009, all of which are located in Brazil. South America manufactures various aluminum rolled products, including can stock, automotive and industrial sheet and light gauge for the beverage and food can, construction and industrial and transportation and packaging end-use markets. More than 80% of our shipments for the past two years were in the beverage and food can market.
 
The primary aluminum operations in South America include a mine, refinery and smelters used by our Brazilian aluminum rolled products operations, with any excess production being sold on the market in the form of aluminum billets. South America generates a portion of its own power requirements.
 
In May 2009, we ceased the production of alumina at our Ouro Preto facility in Brazil as the sustained decline in alumina prices has made alumina production economically unfeasible. In light of the current alumina and aluminum pricing environment, we are evaluating our primary aluminum business.
 
Financial Information About Geographic Areas
 
Certain financial information about geographic areas is contained in Note 21 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009.
 
Raw Materials and Suppliers
 
The raw materials that we use in manufacturing include primary aluminum, recycled aluminum, sheet ingot, alloying elements and grain refiners. Our smelters also use alumina, caustic soda and calcined petroleum coke and resin. These raw materials are generally available from several sources and are not generally subject to supply constraints under normal market conditions. We also consume considerable amounts of energy in the operation of our facilities.


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Aluminum
 
We obtain aluminum from a number of sources, including the following:
 
Primary Aluminum Sourcing.  We purchased or tolled approximately 1,820 kt of primary aluminum in fiscal 2009 in the form of sheet ingot, standard ingot and molten metal, as quoted on the LME, approximately 47% of which we purchased from Alcan. Following our spin-off from Alcan, we have continued to purchase aluminum from Alcan pursuant to the metal supply agreements described under “Business — Arrangements Between Novelis and Alcan.” Our primary aluminum contracts with Alcan were renegotiated and the amended agreements took effect on January 1, 2008.
 
Primary Aluminum Production.  We produced approximately 103 kt of our own primary aluminum requirements in fiscal 2009 through our smelter and related facilities in Brazil.
 
Recycled Aluminum Products.  We operate facilities in several plants to recycle post-consumer aluminum, such as UBCs collected through recycling programs. In addition, we have agreements with several of our large customers where we take recycled processed material from their fabricating activity and re-melt, cast and roll it to re-supply them with aluminum sheet. Other sources of recycled material include lithographic plates, where over 90% of aluminum used is recycled, and products with longer lifespans, like cars and buildings, which are just starting to become high volume sources of recycled material. We purchased or tolled approximately 1,025 kt of recycled material inputs in fiscal 2009.
 
The majority of recycled material we re-melt is directed back through can-stock plants. The net effect of these activities in terms of total shipments of rolled products is that approximately 32% of our aluminum rolled products production for fiscal 2009 was made with recycled material.
 
Energy
 
We use several sources of energy in the manufacture and delivery of our aluminum rolled products. In fiscal 2009, natural gas and electricity represented approximately 89% of our energy consumption by cost. We also use fuel oil and transport fuel. The majority of energy usage occurs at our casting centers, at our smelters in South America and during the hot rolling of aluminum. Our cold rolling facilities require relatively less energy. We purchase our natural gas on the open market, which subjects us to market pricing fluctuations. We have in the past and may continue to seek to stabilize our future exposure to natural gas prices through the purchase of derivative instruments. Natural gas prices in Europe, Asia and South America have historically been more stable than in the United States.
 
A portion of our electricity requirements are purchased pursuant to long-term contracts in the local regions in which we operate. A number of our facilities are located in regions with regulated prices, which affords relatively stable costs.
 
Our South America segment has its own hydroelectric facilities that meet approximately 25% of its total electricity requirements for smelting operations. As a result of supply constraints, electricity prices in South America have been volatile, with spot prices increasing dramatically. We have a mixture of self-generated electricity, long term fixed contracts and shorter term semi-variable contracts. Although spot prices have returned to normal levels, we may continue to face challenges renewing our South American energy supply contracts at effective rates to enable profitable operation of our full smelter capacity.
 
Others
 
We also have bauxite and alumina requirements. We will satisfy some of our alumina requirements for the near term pursuant to the alumina supply agreement we have entered into with Alcan as discussed below under “Business — Arrangements Between Novelis and Alcan.”
 
Our Customers
 
Although we provide products to a wide variety of customers in each of the markets that we serve, we have experienced consolidation trends among our customers in many of our key end-use markets. In fiscal


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2009, approximately 45% of our total net sales were to our ten largest customers, most of whom we have been supplying for more than 20 years. To address consolidation trends, we focus significant efforts at developing and maintaining close working relationships with our customers and end-users. Our major customers include:
 
     
Agfa-Gevaert N.V. 
  Daching Holdings Limited
Alcan’s packaging business group
  Lotte Aluminum Co. Ltd.
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. 
  Kodak Polychrome Graphics GmbH
Affiliates of Ball Corporation
  Impress
BMW Group
  Pactiv Corporation
Can-Pack S.A. 
  Rexam Plc
Various bottlers of the Coca-Cola system
  Ryerson Inc.
Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. 
  Tetra Pak Ltd.
 
In our single largest end-use market, beverage can sheet, we sell directly to beverage makers and bottlers as well as to can fabricators that sell the cans they produce to bottlers. In certain cases, we also operate under umbrella agreements with beverage makers and bottlers under which they direct their can fabricators to source their requirements for beverage can body, end and tab stock from us. Among these umbrella agreements is the an agreement with several North American bottlers of Coca-Cola branded products, including Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Sales and Services. Under this agreement, we shipped approximately 352 kt of beverage can sheet (including tolled metal) during fiscal 2009. These shipments were made to, and we received payment from, our direct customers, being the beverage can fabricators that sell beverage cans to the Coca-Cola associated bottlers. Under the agreement, bottlers in the Coca-Cola system may join this agreement by committing a specified percentage of the can sheet required by their can fabricators to us.
 
Purchases by Rexam Plc and its affiliates represented approximately 20%, 17%, 15%, 14%, 16%, and 14% of our total net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2009; the year ended March 31, 2009; the period from May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008; the period from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007; the three months ended March 31, 2007; and the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively.
 
Distribution and Backlog
 
We have two principal distribution channels for the end-use markets in which we operate: direct sales and distributors. Approximately 95%, 93%, 90%, 91%, 89%, and 87% of our total net sales were derived from direct sales to our customers and approximately 5%, 7%, 10%, 9%, 11%, and 13% of our total net sales were derived from distributors for the three months ended June 30, 2009; the year ended March 31, 2009; the period from May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008; the period from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007; the three months ended March 31, 2007; and the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively.
 
Direct Sales
 
We supply various end-use markets all over the world through a direct sales force that operates from individual plants or sales offices, as well as from regional sales offices in 21 countries. The direct sales channel typically involves very large, sophisticated fabricators and original equipment manufacturers. Longstanding relationships are maintained with leading companies in industries that use aluminum rolled products. Supply contracts for large global customers generally range from one to five years in length and historically there has been a high degree of renewal business with these customers. Given the customized nature of products and in some cases, large order sizes, switching costs are significant, thus adding to the overall consistency of the customer base.
 
We also use third party agents or traders in some regions to complement our own sales force. They provide service to our customers in countries where we do not have local expertise. We tend to use third party agents in Asia more frequently than in other regions.


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Distributors
 
We also sell our products through aluminum distributors, particularly in North America and Europe. Customers of distributors are widely dispersed, and sales through this channel are highly fragmented. Distributors sell mostly commodity or less specialized products into many end-use markets in small quantities, including the construction and industrial and transportation markets. We collaborate with our distributors to develop new end-use markets and improve the supply chain and order efficiencies.
 
Backlog
 
We believe that order backlog is not a material aspect of our business.
 
Research and Development
 
The table below summarizes our research and development expense in our plants and modern research facilities, which included mini-scale production lines equipped with hot mills, can lines and continuous casters.
 
                                                           
    Three Months
    Three Months
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Ended
    Ended
    Year Ended
    through
      through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    June 30,
    June 30,
    March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008       2007     2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
(In millions)  
Research and development expenses
  $ 8     $ 12     $ 41     $ 46       $ 6     $ 8     $ 40  
 
We conduct research and development activities at our plants in order to satisfy current and future customer requirements, improve our products and reduce our conversion costs. Our customers work closely with our research and development professionals to improve their production processes and market options. We have approximately 200 employees dedicated to research and development, located in many of our plants and research center.
 
Our Employees
 
As of June 30, 2009, we had approximately 11,900 employees. Approximately 5,600 are employed in Europe, approximately 2,900 are employed in North America, approximately 1,500 are employed in Asia and approximately 1,900 are employed in South America and other areas. Approximately 70% of our employees are represented by labor unions and their employment conditions are governed by collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements are negotiated on a site, regional or national level, and are of different durations. We believe that we have good labor relations in all our operations and have not experienced a significant labor stoppage in any of our principal operations during the last decade.
 
Intellectual Property
 
In connection with our spin-off, Alcan has assigned or licensed to us a number of important patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights owned or previously owned by Alcan and required for our business. Ownership of certain intellectual property that is used by both us and Alcan is owned by one of us, and licensed to the other. Certain specific intellectual property rights, which have been determined to be exclusively useful to us or which were required to be transferred to us for regulatory reasons, have been assigned to us with no license back to Alcan.
 
We actively review intellectual property arising from our operations and our research and development activities and, when appropriate, we apply for patents in the appropriate jurisdictions, including the United States and Canada. We currently hold patents and patent applications on approximately 190 different items of intellectual property. While these patents and patent applications are important to our business on an aggregate basis, no single patent or patent application is deemed to be material to our business.


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We have applied for or received registrations for the “Novelis” word trademark and the Novelis logo trademark in approximately 50 countries where we have significant sales or operations. Novelis uses the Aditya Birla Rising Sun logo under license from Aditya Birla Management Corporation Private Limited.
 
We have also registered the word “Novelis” and several derivations thereof as domain names in numerous top level domains around the world to protect our presence on the World Wide Web.
 
Properties
 
Our principal executive offices are located in Atlanta, Georgia. We had 31 operating facilities, one research facility and several market-focused innovation centers in 11 countries as of June 30, 2009. We believe our facilities are generally well-maintained and in good operating condition and have adequate capacity to meet our current business needs. Our principal properties and assets have been pledged to banks pursuant to our senior secured credit facilities, as described in “Description of Other Indebtedness.”
 
The following tables provide information, by operating segment, about the plant locations, processes and major end-use markets/applications for the aluminum rolled products, recycling and primary metal facilities we operated during all or part of the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
North America
 
         
Location
 
Plant Processes
 
Major End-Use Markets
 
Berea, Kentucky
  Recycling   Recycled ingot
Burnaby, British Columbia
  Finishing   Foil containers
Fairmont, West Virginia
  Cold rolling, finishing   Foil, HVAC material
Greensboro, Georgia
  Recycling   Recycled ingot
Kingston, Ontario
  Cold rolling, finishing   Automotive, construction/industrial
Logan, Kentucky(1)
  Hot rolling, cold rolling, finishing, recycling   Can stock
Oswego, New York
  Novelis Fusion(tm) casting, hot rolling, cold rolling, recycling, finishing   Can stock, construction/industrial, semi-finished coil
Saguenay, Quebec
  Continuous casting, recycling   Semi-finished coil
Terre Haute, Indiana
  Cold rolling, finishing   Foil
Toronto, Ontario
  Finishing   Foil, foil containers
Warren, Ohio
  Coating   Can end stock
 
 
(1) We own 40% of the outstanding common shares of Logan Aluminum Inc. (“Logan”), but we have made subsequent equipment investments such that our portion of Logan’s total machine hours has provided us more than 60% of Logan’s total production.
 
Our Oswego, New York facility operates modern equipment for used beverage can recycling, ingot casting, hot rolling, cold rolling and finishing. In March 2006, we commenced commercial production using our Novelis Fusiontm technology — able to produce a high quality ingot with a core of one aluminum alloy, combined with one or more layers of different aluminum alloy(s). The ingot can then be rolled into a sheet product with different properties on the inside and the outside, allowing previously unattainable performance for flat rolled products and creating opportunity for new, premium applications. Oswego produces can stock as well as building and industrial products. Oswego also provides feedstock to our Kingston, Ontario facility, which produces heat-treated automotive sheet, and to our Fairmont, West Virginia facility, which produces light gauge sheet.
 
The Logan, Kentucky facility is a processing joint venture between us and Arco Aluminum Inc. (“ARCO”), a subsidiary of BP plc. Our equity investment in the joint venture is 40%, while ARCO holds the remaining 60% interest. Subsequent equipment investments have provided us with more than 60% of Logan’s total production. Logan, which was built in 1985, is the newest and largest hot mill in North America. Logan


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operates modern and high-speed equipment for ingot casting, hot-rolling, cold-rolling and finishing. Logan is a dedicated manufacturer of aluminum sheet products for the can stock market with modern equipment, an efficient workforce and product focus. A portion of the can end stock is coated at North America’s Warren, Ohio facility, in addition to Logan’s on-site coating assets. Together with ARCO, we operate Logan as a production cooperative, with each party supplying its own primary metal inputs for transformation at the facility. The transformed product is then returned to the supplying party at cost. Logan does not own any of the primary metal inputs or any of the transformed products. All of the fixed assets at Logan are directly owned by us and ARCO in varying ownership percentages or solely by each party. As discussed in “Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our Audited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, our consolidated balance sheets include our share of the assets and liabilities of Logan.
 
We share control of the management of Logan with ARCO through a board of directors with seven voting members on which we appoint four members and ARCO appoints three members. Management of Logan is led jointly by two executive officers who are subject to approval by at least five members of the board of directors.
 
Our Saguenay, Quebec facility operates the world’s largest continuous caster, which produces feedstock for our two foil rolling plants located in Terre Haute, Indiana; and Fairmont, West Virginia. The continuous caster was developed through internal research and development and we own the process technology. Our Saguenay facility sources molten metal under long-term supply arrangements we have with Alcan.
 
Our Burnaby, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario facilities spool and package household foil products and report to our foil business unit based in Toronto, Ontario.
 
Along with our recycling center in Oswego, New York, we own two other fully dedicated recycling facilities in North America, located in Berea, Kentucky and Greensboro, Georgia. Each offers a modern, cost-efficient process to recycle used beverage cans and other recycled aluminum into sheet ingot to supply our hot mills in Logan and Oswego. Berea is the largest used beverage can recycling facility in the world.
 
In August 2009 we entered into a UBC recycling joint venture with Alcoa to create a new independent company, known as Evermore Recycling LLC (“Evermore Recycling”). Our equity investment in Evermore Recycling is 55.8% and Alcoa’s equity investment is 44.2%. Evermore Recycling will purchase UBCs from suppliers for recycling by us and Alcoa and is designed to create value by increasing efficiency, building stronger supplier relationships, and increasing recycling. Evermore Recycling is initiating commercial relationships with prospective suppliers for deliveries effective January 1, 2010.


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Europe
 
         
Location
 
Plant Processes
 
Major End-Use Markets
 
Berlin, Germany
  Converting   Packaging
Bresso, Italy
  Finishing, painting   Painted sheet, architectural
Bridgnorth, United Kingdom
  Cold rolling, finishing, converting   Foil, packaging
Dudelange, Luxembourg
  Continuous casting, cold rolling, finishing   Foil
Göttingen, Germany
  Cold rolling, finishing, painting   Can end, lithographic, painted sheet
Latchford, United Kingdom
  Recycling   Sheet ingot from recycled metal
Ludenscheid, Germany
  Cold rolling, finishing, converting   Foil, packaging
Nachterstedt, Germany
  Cold rolling, finishing   Automotive, industrial
Norf, Germany(1)
  Hot rolling, cold rolling   Can stock, foilstock, feeder stock for finishing operations
Ohle, Germany
  Cold rolling, finishing, converting   Foil, packaging
Pieve, Italy
  Continuous casting, cold rolling   Coil for Bresso, industrial
Rugles, France
  Continuous casting, cold rolling, finishing   Foil
Sierre, Switzerland(2)
  Novelis Fusion(tm) casting, hot rolling, cold rolling   Automotive sheet, industrial
 
 
(1) Operated as a 50/50 joint venture between us and Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH (Hydro).
 
(2) We have entered into an agreement with Alcan pursuant to which Alcan retains access to the plate production capacity, which represents a portion of the total production capacity of the Sierre hot mill.
 
Aluminium Norf GmbH (“Norf”) in Germany, a 50/50 production-sharing joint venture between us and Hydro, is a large scale, modern manufacturing hub for several of our operations in Europe, and is the largest aluminum rolling mill and remelting operation in the world. Norf supplies hot coil for further processing through cold rolling to some of our other plants, including Göttingen and Nachterstedt in Germany and provides foilstock to our plants in Ohle and Ludenscheid in Germany and Rugles in France. Together with Hydro, we operate Norf as a production cooperative, with each party supplying its own primary metal inputs for transformation at the facility. The transformed product is then transferred back to the supplying party on a pre-determined cost-plus basis. The facility’s capacity is shared 50/50. We own 50% of the equity interest in Norf and Hydro owns the other 50%. We share control of the management of Norf with Hydro through a jointly-controlled shareholders’ committee. Management of Norf is led jointly by two managing executives, one nominated by us and one nominated by Hydro.
 
In March 2009, management approved the closure of our aluminum sheet mill in Rogerstone, South Wales, U.K. The facility ceased operations in April 2009. The Rogerstone mill in the United Kingdom supplied Bridgnorth and other foil plants with foilstock and produced hot coil for Nachterstedt and Pieve. In addition, Rogerstone produced standard sheet and coil for the European distributor market.
 
The Pieve plant, located near Milan, Italy, mainly produces continuous cast coil that is cold rolled into paintstock and sent to the Bresso, Italy plant for painting and some specialist finishing. Göttingen also has a paint line as well as lines for can end, food and lithographic sheet.
 
The Dudelange and Rugles foil plants in Luxembourg and France, respectively, utilize continuous twin roll casting equipment and are two of the few foil plants in the world capable of producing 6 micron foil for aseptic packaging applications from continuous cast material. The Sierre hot rolling plant in Switzerland, along with Nachterstedt in Germany, are Europe’s leading producers of automotive sheet in terms of shipments. Sierre also supplies plate stock to Alcan. In April 2008, we announced the commissioning of a new aluminum casthouse in Sierre and began producing multi-alloy sheet ingots in the plant using Novelis Fusiontm in August 2008.


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Our recycling operation in Latchford, United Kingdom is the only major recycling plant in Europe dedicated to used beverage cans.
 
European operations also include Novelis PAE in Voreppe, France, which sells casthouse technology, including liquid metal treatment devices, such as degassers and filters, chill sheet ingot casters and twin roll continuous casters, in many parts of the world.
 
Asia
 
         
Location
 
Plant Processes
 
Major End-Use Markets
 
Bukit Raja, Malaysia(1)
  Continuous casting, cold rolling   Construction/industrial, heavy and lightgauge foils
Ulsan, Korea(2)
  Novelis Fusion(tm) casting, hot rolling, cold rolling, recycling   Can stock, construction/industrial, electronics, foilstock, and recycled material
Yeongju, Korea(3)
  Hot rolling, cold rolling, recycling   Can stock, construction/industrial, electronics, foilstock and recycled material
 
 
(1) Ownership of the Bukit Raja plant corresponds to our 58% equity interest in Aluminium Company of Malaysia Berhad.
 
(2) We hold a 68% equity interest in the Ulsan plant.
 
(3) We hold a 68% equity interest in the Yeongju plant.
 
Our Korean subsidiary, in which we hold a 68% interest, was formed through acquisitions in 1999 and 2000. Since our acquisitions, product capability has been developed to address higher value and more technically advanced markets such as can sheet.
 
We hold a 58% equity interest in the Aluminium Company of Malaysia Berhad, a publicly traded company that wholly owns and controls the Bukit Raja, Selangor light gauge rolling facility.
 
Unlike our production sharing joint ventures at Norf, Germany and Logan, Kentucky, our Korean partners are financial partners and we market 100% of the plants’ output.
 
Asia also operates recycling furnaces at both its Ulsan and Yeongju facilities in Korea for the conversion of customer and third party recycled aluminum, including used beverage cans. Metal from recycled aluminum purchases represented 26% of Asia’s total shipments in fiscal 2009. In June 2008, our plant in Ulsan began the commercial production of Novelis Fusiontm.
 
South America
 
         
Location
 
Plant Processes
 
Major End-Use Markets
 
Pindamonhangaba, Brazil
  Hot rolling, cold rolling, recycling   Construction/industrial, can stock, foilstock, recycled ingot, foundry ingot, forge stock
Utinga, Brazil
  Finishing   Foil
Ouro Preto, Brazil(1)
  Smelting   Primary aluminum (sheet ingot and billets)
Aratu, Brazil
  Smelting   Primary aluminum (sheet ingot)
 
 
(1) In May 2009, we ceased the production of alumina at our Ouro Preto facility in Brazil.
 
Our Pindamonhangaba (“Pinda”) rolling and recycling facility in Brazil has an integrated process that includes recycling, sheet ingot casting, hot mill and cold mill operations. A leased coating line produces painted products, including can end stock. Pinda supplies foilstock to our Utinga foil plant, which produces converter, household and container foil.


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Pinda is the largest aluminum rolling and recycling facility in South America in terms of shipments and the only facility in South America capable of producing can body and end stock. Pinda recycles primarily used beverage cans, and is engaged in tolling recycled metal for our customers.
 
During fiscal 2009, we conducted bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and hydro-electric power generation operations at our Ouro Preto, Brazil facility. Our owned power generation supplies approximately 25% of our smelter needs. We also own the mining rights to bauxite reserves in the Ouro Preto, Cataguases and Carangola regions.
 
In May 2009, we ceased the production of alumina at our Ouro Preto facility in Brazil. The global economic crisis and the recent dramatic drop in alumina prices have made alumina production at Ouro Preto economically unfeasible. Going forward, the plant will purchase alumina through third-parties. Other activities related to the facility, including electric power generation and the production of primary aluminum metal, will continue unaffected.
 
We also conduct primary aluminum smelting operations at our Aratu facility in Candeias, Brazil.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
In connection with our spin-off from Alcan, we assumed a number of liabilities, commitments and contingencies mainly related to our historical rolled products operations, including liabilities in respect of legal claims and environmental matters. As a result, we may be required to indemnify Alcan for claims successfully brought against Alcan or for the defense of legal actions that arise from time to time in the normal course of our rolled products business including commercial and contract disputes, employee-related claims and tax disputes (including several disputes with Brazil’s Ministry of Treasury regarding various forms of manufacturing taxes and social security contributions). In addition to these assumed liabilities and contingencies, we may, in the future, be involved in, or subject to, other disputes, claims and proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business, including some that we assert against others, such as environmental, health and safety, product liability, employee, tax, personal injury and other matters. Where appropriate, we have established reserves in respect of these matters (or, if required, we have posted cash guarantees). While the ultimate resolution of, and liability and costs related to, these matters cannot be determined with certainty due to the considerable uncertainties that exist, we do not believe that any of these pending actions, individually or in the aggregate, will materially impair our operations or materially affect our financial condition or liquidity. The following describes certain environmental matters relating to our business, including those for which we assumed liability as a result of our spin-off from Alcan.
 
Environmental Matters
 
We are involved in proceedings under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as CERCLA or Superfund, or analogous state provisions regarding liability arising from the usage, storage, treatment or disposal of hazardous substances and wastes at a number of sites in the United States, as well as similar proceedings under the laws and regulations of the other jurisdictions in which we have operations, including Brazil and certain countries in the European Union. Many of these jurisdictions have laws that impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, for the costs of environmental remediation, natural resource damages, third party claims, and other expenses. In addition, we are, from time to time, subject to environmental reviews and investigations by relevant governmental authorities.
 
As described further in the following paragraph, we have established procedures for regularly evaluating environmental loss contingencies, including those arising from such environmental reviews and investigations and any other environmental remediation or compliance matters. We believe we have a reasonable basis for evaluating these environmental loss contingencies, and we believe we have made reasonable estimates of the costs that are likely to be borne by us for these environmental loss contingencies. Accordingly, we have established reserves based on our reasonable estimates for the currently anticipated costs associated with these environmental matters. We estimate that the undiscounted remaining clean-up costs related to all of our known environmental matters as of June 30, 2009 will be approximately $52 million. Of this amount, $40 million is


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included in “Other long-term liabilities,” with the remaining $12 million included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet” as of June 30, 2009. Management has reviewed the environmental matters, including those for which we assumed liability as a result of our spin-off from Alcan. As a result of this review, management has determined that the currently anticipated costs associated with these environmental matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair our operations or materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
With respect to environmental loss contingencies, we record a loss contingency on a non-discounted basis whenever such contingency is probable and reasonably estimable. The evaluation model includes all asserted and unasserted claims that can be reasonably identified. Under this evaluation model, the liability and the related costs are quantified based upon the best available evidence regarding actual liability loss and cost estimates. Except for those loss contingencies where no estimate can reasonably be made, the evaluation model is fact-driven and attempts to estimate the full costs of each claim. Management reviews the status of, and estimated liability related to, pending claims and civil actions on a quarterly basis. The estimated costs in respect of such reported liabilities are not offset by amounts related to cost-sharing between parties, insurance, indemnification arrangements or contribution from other potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) unless otherwise noted.
 
In December 2005, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”) issued a Notice of Violation (“NOV”) to the Company’s processing joint venture, Logan, alleging violations of Logan’s Title V Operating Permit, which regulates emissions of air pollutants from the facility. In March 2006, the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (“KDEP”) issued a separate NOV to Logan alleging other violations of the Title V Operating Permit. In March 2009, as a result of these enforcement actions, Logan agreed to install new air pollution control equipment. Logan has also agreed to settle the USEPA NOV, including the payment of a civil penalty of $285,000. The KDEP NOV is currently subject to a Tolling Agreement with the state agency.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
Coca-Cola Lawsuits.  A lawsuit was commenced against Novelis Corporation on February 15, 2007 by CCBSS in Georgia state court. CCBSS is a consortium of Coca-Cola bottlers across the United States, including Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. CCBSS alleges that Novelis Corporation breached an aluminum can stock supply agreement between the parties, and seeks monetary damages in an amount to be determined at trial and a declaration of its rights under the agreement. The agreement includes a “most favored nations” provision regarding certain pricing matters. CCBSS alleges that Novelis Corporation breached the terms of the “most favored nations” provision. The dispute will likely turn on the facts that are presented to the court by the parties and the court’s finding as to how certain provisions of the agreement ought to be interpreted. If CCBSS were to prevail in this litigation, the amount of damages would likely be material. Novelis Corporation has filed its answer and the parties are proceeding with discovery.
 
ARCO Aluminum Complaint.  On May 24, 2007, ARCO filed a complaint against Novelis Corporation and Novelis Inc. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. ARCO and Novelis are partners in Logan, a joint venture rolling mill located in Logan County, Kentucky. In the complaint, ARCO alleged that its consent was required in connection with Hindalco’s acquisition of Novelis. Failure to obtain consent, ARCO alleged, put us in default of the joint venture agreements, thereby triggering certain provisions in those agreements. The provisions include a reversion of the production management at the joint venture to Logan from Novelis, and a reduction of the board of directors of the entity that manages the joint venture from seven members (four appointed by Novelis and three appointed by ARCO) to six members (three appointed by each of Novelis and ARCO). ARCO sought a court declaration that (1) Novelis and its affiliates are prohibited from exercising any managerial authority or control over the joint venture, (2) Novelis’ interest in the joint venture is limited to an economic interest only and (3) ARCO has authority to act on behalf of the joint venture. Alternatively, ARCO sought a reversion of the production management function to Logan, and a change in the composition of the board of directors of the entity that manages the joint venture. Novelis filed its answer to the complaint on July 16, 2007.


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On July 3, 2007, ARCO filed a motion for partial summary judgment with respect to one of the counts of its complaint relating to the claim that Novelis breached the joint venture agreement by not seeking ARCO’s consent. On July 30, 2007, Novelis filed a motion to hold ARCO’s motion for summary judgment in abeyance (pending further discovery), along with a demand for a jury. On February 14, 2008, the judge issued an order granting our motion to hold ARCO’s summary judgment motion in abeyance. Following this ruling, the joint venture continued to conduct operational, management and board activities as normal.
 
On June 4, 2009, ARCO and Novelis entered into a settlement agreement to address and resolve all matters at issue in the lawsuit, including the Logan joint venture governance issues. On June 24, 2009, the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky issued a Stipulation and Order of Dismissal dismissing the lawsuit with prejudice. As a result of the settlement, among other things, Novelis will retain control of the Logan board of directors, production management responsibilities will revert to Logan, and certain Novelis employees who work at Logan will become employees of Logan. There are no remaining reserves on this matter.
 
Environment, Health and Safety
 
We own and operate numerous manufacturing and other facilities in various countries around the world. Our operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations from various jurisdictions, which govern, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the remediation of contaminated sites, post-mining reclamation and restoration of natural resources, and employee health and safety. Future environmental regulations may be expected to impose stricter compliance requirements on the industries in which we operate. Additional equipment or process changes at some of our facilities may be needed to meet future requirements. The cost of meeting these requirements may be significant. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could subject us to administrative, civil or criminal penalties, obligations to pay damages or other costs, and injunctions and other orders, including orders to cease operations.
 
We are involved in proceedings under the Superfund, or analogous state provisions regarding our liability arising from the usage, storage, treatment or disposal of hazardous substances and wastes at a number of sites in the United States, as well as similar proceedings under the laws and regulations of the other jurisdictions in which we have operations, including Brazil and certain countries in the European Union. Many of these jurisdictions have laws that impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, for the costs of environmental remediation, natural resource damages, third party claims, and other expenses. In addition, we are, from time to time, subject to environmental reviews and investigations by relevant governmental authorities.
 
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. We believe we have a reasonable basis for evaluating these environmental loss contingencies, and we also believe we have made reasonable estimates for the costs that are likely to be ultimately borne by us for these environmental loss contingencies. Accordingly, we have established reserves based on our reasonable estimates for the currently anticipated costs associated with these environmental matters. Management has determined that the currently anticipated costs associated with these environmental matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair our operations or materially adversely affect our financial condition.
 
We expect that our total expenditures for capital improvements regarding environmental control facilities for the year ending March 31, 2010 will be approximately $12 million.


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Arrangements Between Novelis and Alcan
 
In connection with our spin-off from Alcan, we entered into a number of ancillary agreements with Alcan governing certain terms of our spin-off as well as various aspects of our relationship with Alcan following the spin-off. These ancillary agreements include:
 
Transitional Services and Similar Agreements.  Pursuant to a collection of approximately 130 individual transitional services agreements, Alcan has provided to us and we have provided to Alcan, as applicable, on an interim, transitional basis, various services, including, but not limited to, treasury administration, selected benefits administration functions, employee compensation and information technology services. The agreed upon charges for these services generally allow us or Alcan, as applicable, to recover fully the allocated costs of providing the services, plus all out-of-pocket costs and expenses plus a margin of five percent. No margin is added to the cost of services supplied by external suppliers. The majority of the individual service agreements, which began on the spin-off date, terminated on or prior to December 31, 2005. However, we had a continuing agreement with Alcan through 2008 to use certain information technology hosting services to support our financial accounting systems for the Nachterstedt and Göttingen plants, which has now expired.
 
Metal Supply Agreements.  We and Alcan have entered into four multi-year metal supply agreements pursuant to which Alcan supplies us with specified quantities of re-melt ingot, molten metal and sheet ingot in North America and Europe on terms and conditions determined primarily by Alcan. We believe these agreements provide us with the ability to cover some metal requirements through a pricing formula pursuant to our spin-off agreement with Alcan. In addition, an ingot supply agreement in effect between Alcan and Novelis Korea Ltd. prior to the spin-off remains in effect following the spin-off.
 
On February 26, 2008, we and Alcan agreed to amend and restate four existing multi-year metal supply agreements, which took effect as of January 1, 2008.
 
The amended and restated metal supply agreement for the supply of re-melt aluminum ingot amends and restates the supply agreement dated January 5, 2005 between the parties. This amended agreement extends the term, establishes an annual quantity of remelt ingot to be supplied and purchased subject to adjustment, establishes certain delivery requirements, changes certain pricing provisions, and revises certain payment terms, among other standard terms and conditions.
 
The amended and restated molten metal supply agreement for the supply of molten metal to the company’s Saguenay Works Facility amends and restates the supply agreement dated January 5, 2005 between the parties. This amended agreement changes certain pricing provisions, and revises certain payment terms, among other standard terms and conditions.
 
The amended and restated metal supply agreement for the supply of sheet ingot in North America amends and restates the supply agreement dated January 5, 2005 between the parties. This amended agreement extends the term, establishes an annual quantity of sheet ingot to be supplied and purchased subject to adjustment, changes certain pricing provisions, and revises certain payment terms, among other standard terms and conditions.
 
The amended and restated metal supply agreement for the supply of sheet ingot in Europe amends and restates the supply agreement dated January 5, 2005 between the parties. This amended agreement extends the term, establishes an annual quantity of sheet ingot to be supplied and purchased subject to adjustment, and changes certain pricing provisions, among other standard terms and conditions.
 
Foil Supply Agreements.  In 2005, we entered into foil supply agreements with Alcan for the supply of foil from our facilities located in Norf, Ludenscheid and Ohle, Germany to Alcan’s packaging facility located in Rorschach, Switzerland as well as from our facilities located in Utinga, Brazil to Alcan’s packaging facility located in Maua, Brazil. These agreements are for five-year terms during the course of which we will supply specified percentages of Alcan’s requirements for its facilities described above (in the case of Alcan’s Rorschach facility, 94% in 2006, 93% in 2007, 92% in 2008 and 90% in 2009, and in the case of Alcan’s Maua facility, 70% for the term of the agreement). In addition, we will continue to supply certain of Alcan’s European operations with foil under the terms of two agreements that were in effect prior to the spin-off.


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Alumina Supply Agreements.  We have entered into a ten-year alumina supply agreement with Alcan pursuant to which we purchase from Alcan, and Alcan supplies to us, alumina for our primary aluminum smelter located in Aratu, Brazil. The annual quantity of alumina to be supplied under this agreement is between 85 kt and 126 kt. In addition, an alumina supply agreement between Alcan and Novelis Deutschland GmbH that was in effect prior to the spin-off remains in effect following the spin-off.
 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Our Executive Officers
 
The following table sets forth information for persons currently serving as executive officers of our company. Biographical details as of October 7, 2009 for each of our executive officers are also set forth below.
 
             
Name
 
Age
 
Position
 
Philip Martens
    49     President and Chief Operating Officer
Steven Fisher
    38     Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Erwin Mayr
    40     Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer
Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
    48     Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Compliance Officer
Jean-Marc Germain
    43     Senior Vice President and President of Novelis North America
Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
    52     Senior Vice President and President of Novelis Europe
Thomas Walpole
    54     Senior Vice President and President of Novelis Asia
Alexandre Almeida
    45     Senior Vice President and President of Novelis South America
Robert Virtue
    57     Vice President, Human Resources
Robert Nelson
    52     Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Brenda Pulley
    51     Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications
Nick Madden
    52     Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer
Randal Miller
    46     Vice President, Treasurer
Christopher Courts
    32     Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
 
Philip Martens was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer effective May 8, 2009. Mr. Martens most recently served as Senior Vice President and President, Light Vehicle Systems, at ArvinMeritor Inc., a global automotive supplier, from September 2006 to January 2009 He was also President and CEO designate at Arvin Innovation, Inc., a global automotive systems supplier. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Plastech Engineered Products, an automotive supplier, from 2005 to 2006. From 1987 to 2005, he held various engineering and leadership positions at Ford Motor Company, a global automotive manufacturer, most recently serving as Group Vice President of Product Creation. Mr. Martens holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. In 2003, Martens received a Doctorate in Automotive Engineering from Lawrence Technological University for his extensive contributions to the global automotive industry.
 
Steven Fisher is our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Fisher joined Novelis in February 2006 as Vice President, Strategic Planning and Corporate Development. He was appointed Chief Financial Officer in May 2007 following the acquisition of Novelis by Hindalco. Mr. Fisher served as Vice President and Controller for TXU Energy, the non-regulated subsidiary of TXU Corp., an energy company, from July 2005 to February 2006. Prior to joining TXU Energy, Mr. Fisher served in various senior finance roles at Aquila, Inc., an international electric and gas utility and energy trading company, including Vice


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President, Controller and Strategic Planning, from 2001 to 2005. He is also a member of the board of directors of Lionbridge Technologies, a global software language company. Mr. Fisher is a graduate of the University of Iowa in 1993, where he earned a B.B.A. in Finance and Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
 
Erwin Mayr was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer effective October 2009. Mr. Mayr previously served as Business Unit President, Advanced Rolled Products, for Novelis Europe from April 2007 to September 2009. He has held leadership positions within the Novelis Europe organization since joining the company in 2002. Previously, he was an associate partner with the consulting firm Monitor Group. Mr. Mayr is a graduate of Ulm University in Germany, where he received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physics.
 
Leslie J. Parrette Jr. served as our General Counsel from February 2005 until March 2009, and rejoined Novelis as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Compliance Officer in October 2009. From March 2009 until October 2009, he served as Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs, for Wesco International, Inc., a Fortune 500 holding company that is a leading distributor of electrical products and supplies. From July 2000 until February 2005, he served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Aquila, Inc., an international electric and gas utility and energy trading company. From September 2001 to February 2005, he also served as Corporate Secretary of Aquila. Prior to joining Aquila, Mr. Parrette was a partner in the Kansas City-based law firm of Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP from April 1992 through June 2000. Mr. Parrette holds an A.B., magna cum laude in Sociology from Harvard College and received his J.D. from Harvard Law School.
 
Jean-Marc Germain is a Senior Vice President and the President of our North American operations. Mr. Germain was Vice President Global Can for Novelis Inc. from January 2007 until May 2008 when he was appointed Senior Vice President and the President of our North American operations. He was previously Vice President and General Manager of Light Gauge Products for Novelis North America from September 2004 to December 2006, and prior to that Mr. Germain held a number of senior positions with Alcan Inc. and Pechiney S.A., which he joined in 1998. From January 2004 to August 2004 he served as co-lead of the Integration Leadership Team for the Alcan and Pechiney merger, which occurred in 2004. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President & General Manager Foil, Strip and Specialties Division for Pechiney from September 2001 to December 2003. Before his time at Alcan and Pechiney, Mr. Germain held a number of international posts for GE Capital, General Electric’s financing unit, and Bain & Company, a global consulting firm. Mr. Germain is a graduate from École Polytechnique in Paris, France.
 
Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci is our Senior Vice President and President of our European operations. He formerly served as Senior Vice President, Strategy, Innovation and Technology from August 2008 to June 2009 and as the Senior Vice President and President of our South American operations from February 2005 to August 2008. Mr. Nardocci joined Alcan in 1980 and was the President of Rolled Products South America from March 2002 until January 2005. Prior to that, he was a Vice President of Rolled Products operations in Southeast Asia and Managing Director of the Aluminium Company of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Mr. Nardocci graduated from the University of São Paulo in Brazil with a degree in metallurgy. Mr. Nardocci is a member of the executive board of the Brazilian Aluminium Association.
 
Thomas Walpole is a Senior Vice President and the President of our Asian operations. Mr. Walpole was our Vice President and General Manager, Can Products Business Unit from January 2005 until February 2006. Mr. Walpole joined Alcan in 1979 and has held various senior management roles. Mr. Walpole held international positions within Alcan in Europe and Asia until 2004. He began as Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Business Development for Alcan Taihan Aluminum Ltd. (now Novelis Korea) and most recently was President of the Litho/Can and Painted Products for the European region. Mr. Walpole graduated from State University of New York at Oswego with a B.S. in Accounting, and holds an M.B.A. from Case Western Reserve University.
 
Alexandre Almeida is a Senior Vice President and President of our South American operations. Prior to this appointment in August 2008, Mr. Almeida had served as Chief Financial Officer of Novelis South America beginning in January 2005. Formerly, he was Managing Director of Alcan Composites Brasil Ltda. from 2003 to 2005, and was previously Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Líder Taxi Aereo S.A., a general aviation service provider in Brazil. Mr. Almeida holds a degree in Metallurgical


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Engineering and a Masters Degree in Computer Science from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, and also a postgraduate degree in Finance Administration from João Pinheiro Foundation.
 
Robert Virtue is our Vice President, Human Resources. Mr. Virtue has served several roles in our human resources department from January 2005 through May 2006 and October 2006 to the present, including Vice President, Compensation and Benefits; Acting Vice President, Human Resources and Director of Compensation and Benefits. He was appointed Vice President, Human Resources in May 2007. Prior to Novelis, he was Vice President, Executive Compensation with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., an international retailer, from May 2006 through October 2006. He was Director Compensation and Benefits for American Retail Group Inc., a retail company, from 1997 through January 2005. Mr. Virtue also spent 15 years with British Petroleum PLC, a global energy company, in a variety of domestic and international human resources roles with assignments in chemicals, coal, refining, transportation, marketing and corporate functions. Mr. Virtue earned a B.S. in Business from Boston University and an M.B.A. from Indiana University.
 
Robert Nelson is our Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Nelson served as the Acting Controller of Novelis Inc. beginning in July 2008 and was appointed Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer in November 2008. Previously, he worked for 22 years at Georgia Pacific, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, and building products. Mr. Nelson served in a variety of corporate and operational financial roles at Georgia Pacific, most recently as Vice President and Controller from 2004 to 2006. Prior to that, he was Vice President Finance, Consumer Products & Packaging. Mr. Nelson earned a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Illinois — Urbana-Champaign and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Georgia.
 
Brenda Pulley is our Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications. She has global responsibility for our organization’s corporate affairs and communication efforts, which include branding, strategic internal and external communications and government relations. Prior to our spin-off from Alcan, Ms. Pulley was Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Government Relations of Alcan from September 2000 to 2004. She has served as Legislative Assistant to Congressman Ike Skelton of Missouri and to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Small Business, specializing in energy, environment, and international trade issues. She also served as Executive Director for the National Association of Chemical Recyclers, and as Director, Federal Government Relations for Safety-Kleen Corp., a leading provider of environmental solutions for business. Ms. Pulley currently serves on the Board of Directors for Keep America Beautiful. Ms. Pulley earned her B.S. majoring in Social Science, with a minor in Communications from Central Missouri State University.
 
Nick Madden is our Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer. Prior to this role, which he assumed in October 2006, Mr. Madden served as President of Novelis Europe’s Can, Litho and Recycling business unit beginning in October 2004. He was Vice President of Metal Management and Procurement for Alcan’s Rolled Products division in Europe from December 2000 until September 2004 and was also responsible for the secondary recycling business. Mr. Madden holds a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Economics and Social Studies from University College in Cardiff, Wales.
 
Randal Miller is our Vice President, Treasurer. Prior to joining Novelis in July 2008, Mr. Miller served as Vice President and Treasurer of Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., the world’s largest offshore drilling company, from May 2006 to November 2007 where he was responsible for all treasury, banking, capital markets and insurance risk management activities for Transocean and its subsidiaries. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Miller served as Vice President Finance, Treasurer of Aquila, Inc. Mr. Miller earned his B.S.B.A. from Iowa State University and M.B.A. from the University of Missouri — Kansas City.
 
Christopher Courts is our Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Courts joined Novelis in April 2005, and has served as Corporate Counsel and most recently Assistant General Counsel. He was appointed Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in March 2009. Prior to joining Novelis, Mr. Courts was Senior Corporate Counsel at Aquila, Inc., from 2003 to April 2005. He previously worked as an associate for the law firm of Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP. Mr. Courts has a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Iowa and a J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law.


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Our Directors
 
Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of five directors. Our directors’ terms will expire at each annual shareholders meeting provided that if an election of directors is not held at an annual meeting of the shareholders, the directors then in office shall continue in office or until their successors shall be elected. Biographical details as of June 30, 2009 for each of our directors are set forth below.
 
                 
Name
 
Director Since
 
Age
 
Position
 
Kumar Mangalam Birla
  May 15, 2007     42     Chairman of the Board
Askaran Agarwala
  May 15, 2007     76     Director
D. Bhattacharya
  May 15, 2007     60     Director and Vice Chairman of the Board
Clarence J. Chandran
  January 6, 2005     60     Director
Donald A. Stewart
  May 15, 2007     62     Director
 
Kumar Mangalam Birla was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Novelis on May 15, 2007. Mr. Birla has served since October 1995 as the Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, which is among India’s largest business houses, and includes such companies as Grasim, Hindalco, UltraTech Cement, Aditya Birla Nuvo and Idea Cellular and globally — Novelis, Minacs, Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Limited and Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited. Mr. Birla has been a Director of the Aditya Birla Group since November 1992. Mr. Birla serves as Chairman of all of the Aditya Birla Group’s blue-chip companies in India. He also serves as director on the board of the Group’s international companies spanning Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Egypt, and Canada. Additionally, Mr. Birla serves on the board of the G.D. Birla Medical Research & Education Foundation, and is a Chancellor of Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani. He is a member of the London Business School’s Asia Pacific Advisory Board. He is also a member and Chairman of the Staff Sub-Committee of Central Board of Reserve Bank of India.
 
Askaran Agarwala has served as a Director of Hindalco since July 2004 and as Chairman of the Business Review Council of the Aditya Birla Group since October 2003. From 1982 to October 2003 he was President of Hindalco. Mr. Agarwala serves on the Compensation Committee of the Novelis Board of Directors. Mr. Agarwala also serves as a director of several other companies in the Aditya Birla Group, including Udyog Services Ltd., Bihar Caustic & Chemicals Ltd., Tanfac Industries Ltd., and Aditya Birla Insurance Advisory Services Limited. He is a Trustee of G.D. Birla Medical Research and Education Foundation, Vaibhav Medical and Education Foundation, Aditya Vikram Birla Memorial Trust and Sarla Basant Birla Memorial Trust. Mr. Agarwala has held the post of President of Aluminum Association of India in the past.
 
D. Bhattacharya is Vice Chairman of Novelis and serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees of the Novelis Board of Directors. Mr. Bhattacharya has served as Managing Director of Hindalco since October 2004 and has served as a Director of Hindalco since April 2004. He also serves as a Director of Aditya Birla Management Corporation Private Limited. He is the Chairman of Utkal Alumina International Limited and of Aditya Birla Minerals Limited in Australia. Mr. Bhattacharya also serves as a Director of Birla Management Centre Services Limited, Dahej Harbour and Infrastructure Limited, Minerals & Minerals Limited and Aditya Birla Power Company Limited and Pidilite Industries Limited. Other positions held by Mr. Bhattacharya include Hon. President — Aluminium Association of India (AAI); Director — The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI).
 
Clarence J. Chandran has been a director of the company since 2005. Since October 2009 he has served as Co-CEO and Global Managing Partner of Namana Capital Group (investment firm). Mr. Chandran serves on the Compensation and Audit Committees of the Novelis Board of Directors, and acts as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Chandran served as Chairman of the Chandran Family Foundation Inc. (healthcare research and education) from 2001 to 2008. Mr. Chandran served as Chairman of Conros Corporation (private mass market consumer products company — including LePages USA and PineMountain) from 2001 to 2006. He is a director of Marfort Deep Sea Technologies Inc., a company which provides Turnkey design, engineering and manufacturing of equipment for subsea field development projects, and is a past director of Alcan Inc. and MDS Inc., a global life sciences company. He retired as President, Business Process Services, of CGI Group Inc. (information technology) in 2004 and retired as Chief Operating Officer of Nortel Networks Corporation (communications) in 2001. Mr. Chandran is a member of the Duke University Board of Visitors.


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Donald A. Stewart is Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Sun Life Financial Inc. and Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, a leading international financial services company. Mr. Stewart serves on the Audit Committee of the Novelis Board of Directors and serves as its Chairman. From 1987 to 1992, Mr. Stewart held overall responsibility for Sun Life’s information technology function. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life Trust Company in September 1992. In 1996, he was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer, and in 1998 Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life. Mr. Stewart also serves a director of the American Council of Life Insurers and the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association.
 
Corporate Governance
 
Holders of our 7.25% senior notes, holders of the notes described in this prospectus and other interested parties may communicate with the Board of Directors, a committee or an individual director by writing to Novelis Inc., 3399 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1500, Atlanta, GA 30326, Attention: Corporate Secretary — Board Communication. All such communications will be compiled by the Corporate Secretary and submitted to the appropriate director or board committee. The Corporate Secretary will reply or take other actions in accordance with instructions from the applicable board contact.
 
Committees of Our Board of Directors
 
Our Board of Directors has established two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Each committee is governed by its own charter.
 
According to their authority as set out in their charters, our Board of Directors and each of its committees may engage outside advisors at the expense of Novelis.
 
Audit Committee and Financial Experts
 
Our Board of Directors has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee. Messrs. Stewart, Bhattacharya and Chandran are the members of the Audit Committee. Mr. Stewart, an independent director, has been identified as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.
 
Our Audit Committee’s main objective is to assist our Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the qualifications and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm and the performance of both our internal audit function and our independent registered public accounting firm. Under the Audit Committee charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for, among other matters:
 
  •  evaluating and compensating our independent registered public accounting firm;
 
  •  making recommendations to the Board of Directors and shareholders relating to the appointment, retention and termination of our independent registered public accounting firm;
 
  •  discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm their qualifications and independence from management;
 
  •  reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of their audit;
 
  •  pre-approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm;
 
  •  review areas of potential significant financial risk and the steps taken to monitor and manage such exposures;
 
  •  overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC; and


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  •  reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies and disclosure, internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures.
 
Compensation Committee
 
Our Compensation Committee establishes our general compensation philosophy and oversees the development and implementation of compensation policies and programs. It also reviews and approves the level of and/or changes in the compensation of individual executive officers taking into consideration individual performance and competitive compensation practices. The committee’s specific roles and responsibilities are set out in its charter. Our Compensation Committee periodically reviews the effectiveness of our overall management organization structure and succession planning for senior management, reviews recommendations for the appointment of executive officers, and reviews annually the development process for high potential employees.
 
Code of Conduct and Guidelines for Ethical Behavior
 
Novelis has adopted a Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors and Senior Managers and maintains a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to our senior financial officers including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions. We also maintain a Code of Conduct that governs all of our employees. Copies of the Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors and Senior Managers and the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers are available on our website at www.novelis.com. We will promptly disclose any future amendments to these codes on our website as well as any waivers from these codes for executive officers and directors. Copies of these codes are also available in print from our Corporate Secretary upon request. Information on our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
Introduction
 
This section provides a discussion of the background and objectives of our compensation programs for senior management, as well as a discussion of all material elements of the compensation of each of the named executive officers for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 identified in the following table. The named executive officers are determined in accordance with SEC rules and include (1) the persons that served as our principal executive officer and principal financial officer during any part of fiscal 2009 and (2) the three other highest paid executive officers that were employed on March 31, 2009.
 
     
Name
 
Title
 
Martha Finn Brooks
  Former President and Chief Operating Officer
Steven Fisher
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Arnaud de Weert
  Former President of Novelis Europe
Jean-Marc Germain
  Senior Vice President and President of Novelis North America
Thomas Walpole
  Senior Vice President and President of Novelis Asia
 
Compensation Committee and Role of Management
 
The Compensation Committee of our board of directors (the “Committee”) has the responsibility for approving the compensation programs for our named executive officers and making decisions regarding specific compensation to be paid or awarded to them. The Committee acts pursuant to a charter approved by our board, which is reviewed annually.
 
Our Vice President Human Resources serves as the management liaison officer for the Committee. Our human resources and legal departments provide assistance to the Committee in connection with administration of the Committee’s responsibilities.
 
Our named executive officers have no direct role in setting their own compensation. The Committee, however, normally meets with our President and Chief Operating Officer to evaluate performance against pre-


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established goals and the President and Chief Operating Officer makes recommendations to the board regarding budgets, which affect certain goals. Our President and Chief Operating Officer also makes recommendations regarding compensation matters related to other named executive officers and provide input regarding executive compensation programs and policies generally.
 
Management also assists the Committee by providing information needed or requested by the Committee (such as our performance against budget and objectives, historic compensation, compensation expense, our policies and programs, and peer companies) and by providing input and advice regarding compensation programs and policies and their impact on the Company and its executives.
 
Objectives and Design of Our Compensation Program
 
Our executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain, and reward talented executives who can contribute to our long-term success and thereby build value for our shareholder. The program is organized around three fundamental principles:
 
  •  Provide Total Direct Compensation Opportunities That Are Competitive with Similar Positions at Comparable Companies:  To enable us to attract, motivate and retain qualified executives, total direct compensation opportunities for each executive (base pay, annual short-term incentives and long-term incentives) are targeted at levels to be competitive with similar positions at comparable companies. The Committee strives to create a total direct compensation package that is at the median of the peer companies described below.
 
  •  A Substantial Portion of Total Direct Compensation Should Be at Risk Because It Is Performance-Based:  We believe executives should be rewarded for their performance. Consequently, a substantial portion of an executive’s total direct compensation should be at risk, with amounts actually paid dependent on performance against pre-established objectives for the individual and us. The proportion of an individual’s total direct compensation that is based upon these performance objectives should increase as the individual’s business responsibilities increase.
 
  •  A Substantial Portion of Total Direct Compensation Should be Delivered in the Form of Long-Term Performance Based Awards:  We believe a long-term stake in the sustained performance of Novelis effectively aligns executive and shareholder interests and provides motivation for enhancing shareholder value. As a result, we may provide long-term performance based awards, which are generally paid in cash.
 
The Committee recognizes that the engagement of strong talent in critical functions may entail recruiting new executives at times and involve negotiations with individual candidates. As a result, the Committee may determine in a particular situation that it is in our best interests to negotiate compensation packages that deviate from the principles set forth above.
 
In fiscal 2009, the Committee and the board, elected not to use the services of a compensation consultant, but instead chose to evaluate our compensation programs based on generally available market data including the following:
 
1. Compensation information derived from SEC filings for the named executive officers of the following peer group of companies: Air Products, Ashland Inc., Ball Corporation, Bemis, Coca Cola Enterprises Inc., Commercial Metals Company, Crown Holdings, Cummins Inc., Eastman Chemical, Ecolab Inc., MeadWestvaco, Monsanto, Newell Rubbermaid, Nucor Corp., Owens Illinois, Pactiv Corp., Parker-Hannifin, PPG Industries, Praxair Inc., Rohm and Haas, Smurfit-Stone Container, Temple-Inland and Worthington Industries.
 
2. Market data provided by Hay Group (a global human resource consulting firm). This comprised of companies of size US$1Bn+ in revenues in the sectors of Manufacturing and Materials. This information was provided for all levels of the organization.
 
3. Data from several compensation surveys published by leading global human resources consulting firms.


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Elements of Our Compensation Program
 
Our compensation program consists of the following key elements:
 
  •  Base Pay
 
  •  Short-Term (Annual) Incentives
 
  •  Long-Term Incentives
 
  •  Employee Benefits
 
The Committee periodically compares the competitiveness of these key elements to that of companies in our peer group and to the market data provided by the Hay Group and other human resources consulting firms. Our general goal is to be at or near the 50th percentile among our peer group. In fiscal 2009, this review revealed that the total direct compensation opportunity for our executive officers was at our target, without significant variation by position and by element of compensation.
 
Base Pay.  Based on market practices, the Committee believes it is appropriate that some portion of total direct compensation (generally 20% to 40%) be provided in a form that is fixed and liquid. Base salary for our named executive officers is generally reviewed by the Committee in the first quarter of each fiscal year and any increases are effective on July 1. In setting base salary, the Committee is mindful of its overall goal for allocation of total compensation to this element and the median base salary for comparable positions at companies in our peer group and as confirmed by additional market data.
 
Short-Term (Annual) Incentives.  We believe having an annual incentive opportunity is necessary to attract, retain and reward key management. Our general philosophy is that annual cash incentives should be based on achievement of company-wide and business unit goals as appropriate for the named executive officer. The committee also retains the discretion to adjust, up or down, annual cash incentives earned based on the Committee’s subjective assessment of individual performance. Annual incentives should be consistent with the strategic goals set by the board, and the performance benchmarks should be sufficiently ambitious so as to provide meaningful incentive to our executive officers. In the normal circumstances, we would expect that approximately 20% of an executive officer’s total direct compensation opportunity would be attributable to short-term incentives.
 
Annual Incentive Plan — 2008 — 2009
 
Our Committee and board, after input from management, approved the Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) — 2008 — 2009 to provide short-term incentives for the period from April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. The performance benchmarks for the year were tied to three key components: (1) Operating Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) performance; (2) Operating free cash flow performance; and (3) satisfaction of certain Environment, Health and Safety (“EHS”) objectives, including recordable case rates, lost time rates and certain EHS-related strategic initiatives. The Recordable Case Rate establishes targets for reducing the level of workplace accidents resulting in an injury requiring more than first aid treatment. The Lost Time Injury and Illness Case Rate establishes targets for reducing the level of workplace injuries or illnesses resulting in lost time of one shift or more. The Strategic EHS Initiatives establish targets for the completion of environmental initiatives that lead to significant reductions in water emissions, energy or waste aligned with site specific issues, and, establish targets for the completion of occupational health and safety initiatives that reduce site specific risks and exposures.
 
In deriving Operating EBITDA, the company first calculates adjusted EBITDA on a segment basis, which is earnings before (a) depreciation and amortization, (b) interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs, (c) interest income, (d) income tax provision (benefit), (e) unrealized (gains) losses on change in fair value of derivative instruments, (f) impairment of goodwill, (g) gain on extinguishment of debt, (h) adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation, (i) restructuring charges, and (j) certain other costs. Then, the company obtains Operating EBITDA from adjusted EBITDA with the following additional adjustments: (a) lag between price the company pays for metal and the price charged to our customers, (b) the non-U.S. denominated working capital and debt remeasurement from the changing exchange rates, (c) ceilings on metal prices that


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restrict passing costs through to certain customers and (d) certain discretionary adjustments. In fiscal 2009, there were no discretionary adjustments.
 
In deriving Operating free cash flow, the company first calculates Free cash flow, which consists of: (a) net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, (b) plus net cash provided by (used in) investing activities and (c) less net proceeds from sales of assets. The company then obtains Operating free cash flow by the following adjustments to Free cash flow: (a) lag between price the company pays for metal and the price charged to our customers, (b) ceilings on metal prices that restrict passing costs through to certain customers, (c) LME prices on closing metal inventory and (d) certain discretionary adjustments. In fiscal 2009, Europe was the only Segment impacted by a discretionary adjustment, and such adjustment related to restructuring payments.
 
The potential payout attributable to operating EBITDA performance could have ranged from: (1) 0% of target if fiscal 2009 performance did not exceed the performance threshold; (2) 100% of target if fiscal 2009 results met the business plan target; and (3) up to a maximum of 200% of target if fiscal 2009 results met or exceeded the high end business plan target. The potential payout attributable to operating free cash flow performance could have ranged from: (1) 0% of target if fiscal 2009 performance did not exceed the performance threshold; (2) 100% of target if fiscal 2009 results met the business plan target; and (3) up to 200% of target if fiscal 2009 results met or exceeded the high end business plan target. The potential payout attributable to satisfying EHS objectives also ranged from 0% to 200% of target and was measured against continuous improvement targets for recordable cases and lost time injuries and illness as well as the completion of strategic EHS initiatives.
 
For each of the named executive officers, the Committee set the weightings for the performance goals as follows: 45% based on operating EBITDA performance; 45% based on operating free cash flow performance; and 10% based on EHS performance. For Ms. Brooks and Mr. Fisher, the performance goals were based on company-wide performance. For each of the other named executive officers, the operating EBITDA goals and operating free cash flow goals were based one-half on company-wide performance and one-half on regional performance, and the EHS goal is based on regional performance.
 
The table below shows, for each named executive officer, the target AIP bonus amount, the applicable performance objectives and relevant weightings, target and actual performance for each goal and the amount earned based on actual performance.
 
                                                             
    Target
                                         
    Bonus
                                Achievement
       
    as a % of
    Target
              Target
    Actual
    as a % of
    Bonus
 
Name
  Salary     Bonus     Performance Objectives   Weighting     Performance     Performance     Target     Payoff  
 
Martha Finn Brooks
    110 %   $ 825,000    
Novelis Operating EBITDA
    45 %   $ 790.1 M     $ 572.6 M       0     $ —  
                   
Novelis Operating Free Cash Flow
    45 %   $ (26 M )   $ (296.4 M)       0     $ —  
                   
Novelis EHS
                                       
                   
  Recordable Case Rate
    3 %     0.99       0.98       100 %   $ 24,750  
                   
  Lost Time Rate
    3 %     0.26       0.25       93.3 %   $ 23,100  
                   
  Completed Strategic
  Initiatives
    4 %     4       >6       200 %   $ 66,000  
                                                             
                                                        $ 113,850  
                                                             
Steven Fisher
    75 %   $ 337,500    
Novelis Operating EBITDA
    45 %   $ 790.1 M     $ 572.6 M       0     $ —  
                   
Novelis Operating Free Cash Flow
    45 %   $ (26 M )   $ (296.4 M)       0     $ —  
                   
Novelis EHS
                                       
                   
  Recordable Case Rate
    3 %     0.99       0.98       100 %   $ 10,125  
                   
  Lost Time Rate
    3 %     0.26       0.25       93.3 %   $ 9,450  
                   
  Completed Strategic
  Initiatives
    4 %     4       >6       200 %   $ 27,000  
                                                             
                                                        $ 46,575  
                                                             
Arnaud de Weert
    62.5 %   $ 367,031    
Novelis Operating EBITDA
    22.5 %   $ 790.1 M     $ 572.6 M       0     $ —  
                   
Europe Operating EBITDA
    22.5 %   € 242 M     € 168.5 M       0     $ —  
                   
Novelis Operating Free Cash Flow
    22.5 %   $ (26 M )   $ (296.4 M)       0     $ —  
                   
Europe Operating Free Cash Flow
    22.5 %   € 151 M     € 159.9 M       114 %   $ 94,391  
                   
Europe EHS
                                       
                   
  Recordable Case Rate
    3 %     1.05       0.86       200 %   $ 22,022  


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    Target
                                         
    Bonus
                                Achievement
       
    as a % of
    Target
              Target
    Actual
    as a % of
    Bonus
 
Name
  Salary     Bonus     Performance Objectives   Weighting     Performance     Performance     Target     Payoff  
 
                   
  Lost Time Rate
    3 %     0.39       0.33       133 %   $ 14,681  
                   
  Completed Strategic
  Initiatives
    4 %     4       >6       200 %   $ 29,362  
                                                             
                                                        $ 160,457  
                                                             
Jean-Marc Germain
    60 %   $ 195,000    
Novelis Operating EBITDA
    22.5 %   $ 790.1 M     $ 572.6 M       0     $ —  
                   
North America Operating EBITDA
    22.5 %   $ 240 M     $ 160.3 M       0     $ —  
                   
Novelis Operating Free Cash Flow
    22.5 %   $ (26 M )   $ (296.4 M)       0     $ —  
                   
North America Operating Free Cash Flow
    22.5 %   $ (87 M )   $ (162.1M)       0     $ —  
                   
North America EHS
                                       
                   
  Recordable Case Rate
    3 %     1.28       1.53       0     $ —  
                   
  Lost Time Rate
    3 %     0.1       0.25       3 %   $ 190  
                   
  Completed Strategic
  Initiatives
    4 %     4       >6       200 %   $ 15,232  
                                                             
                                                        $ 15,422  
                                                             
Thomas Walpole
    55 %   $ 156,750    
Novelis Operating EBITDA
    22.5 %   $ 790.1 M     $ 572.6 M       0     $ —  
                   
Asia Operating EBITDA
    22.5 %   $ 129 M     $ 47.4 M       0     $ —  
                   
Novelis Operating Free Cash Flow
    22.5 %   $ (26 M )   $ (296.4 M)       0     $ —  
                   
Asia Operating Free Cash Flow
    22.5 %   $ 73 M     $ (143.4 M)       0     $ —  
                   
Asia EHS
                                       
                   
  Recordable Case Rate
    3 %     0.59       0.55       133 %   $ 6,270  
                   
  Lost Time Rate
    3 %     0.17       0.12       157 %   $ 7,367  
                   
  Completed Strategic
  Initiatives
    4 %     4       >6       200 %   $ 12,540  
                                                             
                                                        $ 26,177  
                                                             
 
In fiscal 2009, the Committee did not exercise its discretion to adjust annual cash incentives earned under the 2009 AIP based on a subjective review of individual performance.
 
Long-Term Incentives.  The Committee believes that a substantial portion of each executive’s total direct compensation opportunity (generally 40% to 60%) should be based on long-term performance. The awards should align the interests of our executives and our shareholder. The opportunity to receive long-term incentive compensation by an executive in a given year is generally determined by reference to the market for long-term incentive compensation among our peer group companies group and as confirmed by additional market data. The Committee is also mindful of long-term incentive awards made in prior years and takes such awards into account in determining the amount of current-year awards.
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan — FY 2008 — FY 2010 (2008 LTIP)
 
The Committee determined for fiscal 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 to issue awards that are cash-based awards, 80% of which is based on economic profit performance and 20% of which is based on EBITDA performance related to innovation projects, which currently provides the best link between the interests of executives and our shareholder. For future long-term awards, the Committee will consider all types of awards and will determine at the time of each award the appropriate form of award and performance measures to use.
 
The Committee met during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 to evaluate and approve fiscal 2009 payout for the 2008 LTIP. The Committee determined that no awards were earned for the period because the performance requirements were not achieved.
 

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          Eligible for
             
    2008-2010
    Payout
             
    LTIP
    Based on
    2009 LTIP
    2009 LTIP
 
    Approved
    2009
    Approved
    Approved
 
Name
  Grant     Results     Level     Payout  
 
Martha Finn Brooks
  $ 2,100,000     $ 210,000       — %   $ —  
Steven Fisher
  $ 450,000     $ 45,000       — %   $ —  
Arnaud de Weert
  $ 450,000     $ 45,000       — %   $ —  
Jean-Marc Germain
  $ 450,000     $ 45,000       — %   $ —  
Thomas Walpole
  $ 325,000     $ 32,500       — %   $ —  
 
Long-term Incentive Plan — FY 2009 — FY 2012 (2009 LTIP)
 
On June 19, 2008, the board of directors approved the Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 — 2012 (the “2009 LTIP”). The 2009 LTIP has been designed to provide a direct line of sight for participants to company performance as measured by the increase in the price of Hindalco shares.
 
Awards under the 2009 LTIP consist of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), with the value of one SAR being equivalent to the increase in value of one Hindalco share. The SARs will vest 25% each year for four years, subject to performance criteria being fulfilled. The performance criterion will be based on Operating EBIDTA performance for Novelis each year. The vesting threshold will be 75% performance versus target each year, at which point 75% of SARs due that year, would vest. There would be a straight line vesting up to 100% of performance. After the SARs have vested, they can be exercised at times decided by the employee. The value realized is dependent on the stock price of Hindalco at the time of exercise; however, the value will be restricted to a maximum of 2.5 times the target opportunity if the SARs are exercised within one year of vesting. The maximum will be 3 times for SARs exercised more than one year after vesting.
 
In the event a participant resigns, unvested SARs will lapse and vested SARs must be exercised within 90 days. If an employee retires more than one year from the date of grant, SARs will continue to vest and must be exercised no later than the third anniversary of retirement. In the event of death or disability, there will be immediate vesting of all SARs with one year to exercise. Upon a change in control, there would be immediate vesting and cash-out of SARs.
 
The following grants were made to our executives based on the 2009 LTIP Plan. Operating EBITDA for fiscal year 2009 performance did not achieve the threshold, so no SARS were vested for fiscal year 2009.
 
                                 
    2009-2012
          Number of
       
    LTIP
    Number of
    SARs Vesting
    Number of
 
    Approved
    SARs
    Based on
    SARs Forfeited/
 
Name
  Grant     Granted     FY 2009     Canceled  
 
Martha Finn Brooks(A)
  $ 2,231,000       3,919,938       —       979,984  
Steven Fisher
  $ 500,000       878,516       —       219,629  
Arnaud de Weert
  $ 500,000       878,516       —       219,629  
Jean-Marc Germain
  $ 500,000       878,516       —       219,629  
Thomas Walpole
  $ 350,000       614,961       —       153,740  
 
 
(A) Ms Brooks terminated her services with the Company effective May 8, 2009 and an additional 2,939,954 SARs granted to her were forfeited/cancelled.
 
Recognition Agreements
 
On September 25, 2006, we entered into recognition agreements with all of our executives. These agreements provided that the executive would receive a fixed number of our common shares if he or she remained employed through December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008. Payment for the final installment of recognition shares vesting on December 31, 2008 was made in January 2009 in the amounts shown below and the Recognition Agreements expired.
 

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    Recognition
    Consideration
 
Name
  Shares     Received  
 
Martha Finn Brooks
    14,200     $ 638,006  
Steven Fisher
    2,850     $ 128,051  
Arnaud de Weert
    4,100     $ 184,213  
Jean-Marc Germain
    2,700     $ 121,311  
Thomas Walpole
    3,500     $ 157,255  
 
Employee Benefits
 
  •  U.S. Pension Plan:
 
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the Novelis Pension Plan and the Novelis Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “Novelis SERP”), which provide benefits identical to the benefits provided under the Alcancorp plans. Executives who were participants in the Alcancorp Pension Plan participate in the Novelis Pension Plan and Novelis SERP (collectively referred to as the “U.S. Pension Plan”). Executives who were not participants in the Alcancorp Pension Plan or who were hired on or after January 1, 2005 do not participate in the U.S. Pension Plan. Ms. Brooks and Messrs. Germain and Walpole are all participants in the U.S. Pension Plan.
 
Additional Pension Benefits:  In addition to her participation in the U.S. Pension Plan described above, Ms. Brooks will receive from us a supplemental pension equal to the excess, if any, of the pension she would have received from her employer prior to joining Alcan had she been covered by her prior employer’s pension plan until her separation or retirement from Novelis, over the sum of her pension from the U.S. Pension Plan and the pension rights actually accrued with her previous employer.
 
  •  Swiss Pension Schemes:  Since our spin-off from Alcan, we continued to participate in Alcan’s two pension schemes in Switzerland: (1) the Pensionskasse Alcan Schweiz (a defined benefit plan) and (2) the Erganzungskasse Alcan Schweiz (a defined contribution plan). The defined benefit plan is computed based on a participant’s final annual earnings (up to a limit and less a coordination amount) and service up to 45 years. The defined contribution plan only recognizes earnings in excess of the defined benefit earnings limit. Mr. de Weert was the only named executive officer eligible for the Swiss pension schemes in 2008.
 
  •  Savings Plan and Non-Qualified Defined Contribution Plan:  All U.S. based executives are eligible to participate in our tax qualified savings plan. We match up to 4.5% of pay (up to the IRS compensation limit; $245,000 for calendar year 2009) for participants who contribute 6% of pay or more to the savings plan. In addition, U.S. based executives hired on or after January 1, 2005 are eligible to share in our discretionary contributions. Discretionary contributions are first made to the qualified plan (up to the IRS compensation limit) and any excess amounts are made to our non-qualified defined contribution plan. For fiscal 2009, we made a discretionary contribution equal to 5% of pay. Mr. Fisher was the only named executive officer eligible for a discretionary contribution for the period.
 
  •  Perquisites:  As noted in our Summary Compensation Table, we provide our officers with certain perquisites consistent with market practice. We do not view perquisites as a significant element of our comprehensive compensation structure.
 
  •  Health & Welfare Benefits:  Executives are entitled to participate in our employee benefit plans (including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance benefits) on the same basis as other employees.
 
Employment-Related Agreements
 
Each of our named executive officers during fiscal 2009 was covered by an employment or letter agreement setting forth the general terms of his or her employment as well as various other employment related agreements.

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See Employment-Related Agreements and Certain Employee Benefit Plans below for a discussion of these agreements.
 
Timing of Compensation Decisions
 
The Committee develops an annual agenda to assist it in fulfilling its responsibilities. Generally, in the first quarter of each fiscal year, the Committee (1) reviews prior year performance and authorizes the distribution of short-term incentive and long-term incentive pay-outs, if any, for the prior year, (2) establishes performance criteria for the current year short-term incentive program, (3) reviews base pay and annual short-term incentive targets for executives, and (4) recommends to the board of directors the form of award and performance criteria for the current cycle of the long-term incentive program.
 
Long-term incentive awards are generally considered and approved by the Committee during the first quarter of each fiscal year, although the Committee may deviate from this practice when appropriate under the circumstances.
 
Compensation Committee Report
 
The Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on the Committee’s review of and discussions with management, the Committee recommended to the board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009.
 
The foregoing report is provided by the following directors, who constitute the Committee:
 
Mr. Clarence J. Chandran, Chairman
Mr. Debnarayan Bhattacharya
Mr. Askaran Agarwala
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
The table below sets forth information regarding compensation for our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 and the three month transition period ended March 31, 2007.
 
                                                                     
                        Non-Equity
  Change
       
                        Incentive
  in
       
                Stock
  Option
  Plan
  Pension
  All Other
   
Name and Principal Position
  Year   Salary   Bonus   Awards(A)(B)   Awards(B)   Compensation(C)   Value(D)   Compensation(E)   Total
 
Martha Finn Brooks,
  2009   $ 731,250     $ —     $ 211,104     $ —     $ 113,850     $ 344,054     $ 90,666     $ 1,490,924  
President and
  2008     672,572       —       896,739       10,466,761       1,096,223       97,640       92,991       13,322,926  
Chief Operating Officer
  J-M 2007     163,750       —       1,692,965       264,377       147,375       97,363       12,707       2,378,537  
Steven Fisher,
  2009   $ 425,000     $ —     $ 42,370     $ —     $ 46,575     $ —     $ 67,657     $ 581,602  
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  2008     334,538       40,000       171,780       386,927       361,175       —       63,732       1,358,152  
Arnaud de Weert,
  2009   $ 625,745     $ —     $ 60,953     $ —     $ 160,457     $ 17,205     $ 108,161     $ 972,521  
Senior Vice President
  2008     674,280       —       247,123       670,448       601,043       24,801       114,236       2,331,931  
and President of Novelis Europe
  J-M 2007     158,000       —       29,202       140,621       98,750       4,219       20,203       450,995  
Jean-Marc Germain,
  2009   $ 318,625     $ —     $ 40,140     $ —     $ 15,422     $ 24,847     $ 126,681     $ 525,715  
Senior Vice President and President of Novelis North America
                                                                   
Thomas Walpole,
  2009   $ 281,250     $ —     $ 52,033     $ —     $ 26,177     $ 221,833     $ 539,251     $ 1,120,544  
Senior Vice President
  2008     270,000       —       217,752       981,865       210,890       59,765       607,032       2,347,304  
and President of Novelis Asia
  J-M 2007     66,458       —       289,674       278,790       34,406       73,616       3,866       746,810  
 
 
(A) For the year ended March 31, 2009, these stock awards represent awards under our Recognition agreements.


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(B) Represents the cost recognized in our financial statements in the applicable fiscal year calculated in accordance with FAS 123R. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 13 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
 
(C) For the year ended March 31, 2009, these represent awards earned under the Novelis Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).
 
(D) Represents the aggregate change in actuarial present value of the named executive officer’s accumulated benefit under our qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans during fiscal 2009. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 14 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009.
 
(E) The amounts shown in the All Other Compensation Column reflect the values from the table below.
 
                                                         
          Company
                               
          Contribution
                      Other
       
    Severance
    to Defined
    Group
    Relocation and
          Perquisites and
       
    Related
    Contribution
    Life
    Hosing Related
    Child Tuition
    Personal
       
Name
  Payments     Plans(A)     Insurance     Payments     Reimbursement     Benefits     Total  
 
Martha Finn Brooks
  $ —     $ 8,075     $ 2,106     $ —     $ 51,420     $ 29,065 (B)   $ 90,666  
Steven Fisher
  $ —     $ 40,647     $ 457     $ —     $ —     $ 26,553 (B)   $ 67,657  
Arnaud de Weert
  $ —     $ 83,563     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 24,598 (C)   $ 108,161  
Jean-Marc Germain
  $ —     $ 9,705     $ 470     $ —     $ 98,042     $ 18,464 (B)   $ 126,681  
Thomas Walpole
  $ —     $ 8,916     $ 1,024     $ 527,309 (D)   $ —     $ 2,002 (E)   $ 539,251  
 
(A) Represents matching contribution (and discretionary contributions in the case of Mr. Fisher) made to our tax qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans.
 
(B) Includes executive flex allowance, car allowance, tax advice and home security, each of which individually had an aggregate incremental cost less than $25,000.
 
(C) Includes executive flex allowance and car allowance, each of which individually had an aggregate incremental cost less than $25,000.
 
(D) Includes: (i) an Expatriate Premium of $153,346; (ii) Employer paid Korean Tax Deposit of $166,492; (iii) Employer provided housing of $119,544; (iv) Employer paid car/driver for Korean assignment of $64,091; (v) travel reimbursement of $23,543 and (vi) club dues of $293.
 
(E) Includes car allowance and tax advice, each of which individually had an aggregate incremental cost less than $25,000.
 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2009
 
The table below sets forth information regarding grants of plan-based awards made to our named executive officers for the year ended March 31, 2009.
 
                                                         
          Estimated Future Payout
    Estimated Future Payout
 
          Under Non-Equity
    Under Equity
 
          Incentive Plan Awards(A)     Incentive Plan Awards(B)  
Name
  Grant Date     Threshold     Target     Maximum     Threshold     Target ($)     Maximum  
 
Martha Finn Brooks
    11/19/2008     $ —     $ 825,000     $ 1,650,000     $ —     $ 2,231,000     $ 6,693,000  
Steven Fisher
    11/19/2008     $ —     $ 337,500     $ 675,000     $ —     $ 500,000     $ 1,500,000  
Arnaud de Weert
    11/19/2008     $ —     $ 367,031     $ 734,062     $ —     $ 500,000     $ 1,500,000  
Jean-Marc Germain
    11/19/2008     $ —     $ 195,000     $ 390,000     $ —     $ 500,000     $ 1,500,000  
Thomas Walpole
    11/19/2008     $ —     $ 156,750     $ 313,500     $ —     $ 350,000     $ 1,050,000  
 
 
(A) This grant was made under the Novelis Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) for the year ended March 31, 2009.
 
(B) This grant was made under the 2009 LTIP in the form of SARs.
 
Employment-Related Agreements and Certain Employee Benefit Plans
 
Each of our named executive officers was subject to an employment or letter agreement during fiscal 2009. The terms of each such agreement is summarized below.


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Agreement with Martha Finn Brooks
 
We entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Brooks dated November 8, 2004. Pursuant to this agreement, she served as our President and Chief Operating Officer with a base salary of $750,000 in fiscal 2009. Ms. Brooks was eligible for all of our executive long-term and short-term incentive plans and is entitled to certain executive perquisites. She was also eligible for our broad-based employee benefit and health plans. We also agreed to reimburse Ms. Brooks for certain expenses that she may incur in connection with private school tuition costs for her children in grades one through twelve. As part of her May 2, 2002 employment agreement with Alcan, we guaranteed that the total combined qualified and non-qualified pension benefits Ms. Brooks receives under the Novelis, Alcan and Cummins (her former employer) pension plans will not be less than the pension benefit that she would have received if she remained covered by the Cummins Pension Plan from October 16, 1986, until her retirement/termination with us.
 
On May 8, 2009, we entered into a separation and release agreement with Ms. Brooks, regarding the terms of her departure from the Company. The Agreement became effective on May 15, 2009, seven days from the date of execution.
 
Pursuant to the Agreement, Ms. Brooks will receive a goodwill incentive consisting of 1,000,000 stock appreciation rights of Hindalco common stock (“SARs”) at an exercise price of INR 60.50. Each SAR shall be equivalent to one Hindalco share. The SARs, which vested on May 8, 2009, may be exercised, in whole or in part, at any time during a three year exercise period commencing May 8, 2009. Any unexercised SARs shall lapse at the end of the exercise period. The value of one SAR will be the increase in the price of one Hindalco share from the exercise price subject to a maximum price of INR 143.75. The value shall be paid in cash to Ms. Brooks within two weeks of each exercise. Additionally, we agreed to indemnify Ms. Brooks under our director and officer insurance policies and released her from future claims relating to her employment with Novelis.
 
Ms. Brooks was granted the goodwill incentive, in part, as an acknowledgement that she voluntarily delayed her retirement with the Company (a) until her successor could be identified and (b) to facilitate an efficient leadership transition. Additionally, as further consideration for the goodwill incentive, Ms. Brooks: provided a release to Novelis waiving any and all claims she may have against us; agreed to provide continued cooperation with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or hearing; and agreed to not disclose any proprietary information obtained while working at Novelis. Ms. Brooks also agreed to provide general consulting services to Novelis for up to 10 hours a month for a period of six months. Should she provide more than 10 hours of consulting per month, Ms. Brooks will be paid at an hourly rate of $625 subject to a maximum of $5,000 per day.
 
Agreement with Philip Martens
 
On April 16, 2009, the board of directors appointed Philip Martens to succeed Ms. Brooks as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective May 8, 2009. On that date, the board ratified the employment agreement between Mr. Martens and the Company dated April 11, 2009. Pursuant to this employment agreement, Mr. Martens will receive an annual base salary of $700,000, an annual short term target bonus percentage of 90% of his base salary (i.e., $630,000), and an annualized long term incentive target opportunity of $2,000,000. However, during his first year of employment, Mr. Martens will receive not less than 50% of the target of his annual short term target bonus for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 (i.e., $315,000).
 
Mr. Martens will receive benefits and perquisites customarily provided to our executives. He will be entitled to receive two years annual base salary and target short term incentive opportunity (less any other severance payments) as severance pay if he is terminated involuntarily except for cause, death, disability, or retirement. Other severance benefits described in his employment agreement include a lump sum payment to assist him with post-employment medical continuation coverage, life insurance benefits, and retirement benefits.
 
As part of the employment agreement, Mr. Martens agreed to a non-competition provision, prohibiting him from competing with the Company during his employment and for a period of 24 months thereafter. He


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also agreed to not solicit (a) the Company’s customers and suppliers or (b) its employees during his employment and for a period of 24 months thereafter.
 
His employment agreement also states that Mr. Martens’ will receive an agreement providing employment protection in the event of a change in control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company and Mr. Martens’ entered into a Change in Control Agreement dated as of April 16, 2009 (the “CIC Agreement”). The CIC Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) April 15, 2011, unless a change in control event occurs on or before such date, or (ii) 24 months following the date of a change in control event. Pursuant to the CIC Agreement, he will be entitled to the following payments if the Company terminates his employment other than for cause, or if he resigns for good reason, within 24 months after a change in control event:
 
  •  a lump sum cash amount equal to two times the sum of (1) his annual base salary plus (2) his target short term incentive opportunity for the calendar year in which the change in control occurs; the lump sum cash amount will be reduced by the amount of severance payments, if any, paid or payable to him other than pursuant to the CIC Agreement to avoid duplication of payments;
 
  •  other benefits described in the CIC Agreement including a lump sum payment to assist him with post-employment medical continuation coverage, life insurance benefits, and retirement benefits; and
 
  •  a “gross-up” reimbursement for any excise tax liability imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
Such payments shall not be made if his employment terminates because of death, disability, or retirement.
 
Agreement with Steven Fisher
 
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Fisher dated January 17, 2006. He currently serves as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (effective May 16, 2007) with a base salary of $450,000 in fiscal 2009. Mr. Fisher is eligible for all of our executive long-term and short-term incentive plans and is entitled to certain executive perquisites. He is also eligible for our broad-based employee benefit and health plans.
 
Agreement with Arnaud de Weert
 
Mr. de Weert became our Senior Vice President and President of Novelis Europe effective May 1, 2006. Pursuant to his employment agreement, he was entitled to a base salary of $587,250 in fiscal 2009 (435,000 Euros converted to U.S. Dollars at the March 31, 2009 exchange rate of 1.35 U.S. Dollars per Euro) and was eligible for short-term and long-term incentives. Mr. de Weert also participated in our broad-based employee benefit programs and received other executive perquisites. We also agreed to reimburse Mr. de Weert for certain expenses that he may have incurred in connection with his relocation to Zurich. Mr. de Weert’s agreement also provided for a minimum of twelve months severance upon his involuntary termination of employment.
 
On June 8, 2009, the Company announced that Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci was named President, Novelis Europe, effective immediately. Mr. Nardocci succeeds Arnaud de Weert, who is leaving the company on August 31, 2009 to pursue new opportunities.
 
Agreement with Jean-Marc Germain
 
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Germain dated April 28, 2008. He currently serves as our Senior Vice President and President of Novelis North America (effective May 15, 2008) with a base salary of $325,000 in fiscal 2009. Mr. Germain is eligible for all of our executive long-term and short-term incentive plans and is entitled to certain executive perquisites. Mr. Germain’s agreement provides for eighteen months severance upon his involuntary termination except for cause. He is also eligible for certain tuition reimbursements for the education of his children through the end of the 2009 — 2010 school year. He is also eligible for our broad-based employee benefit and health plans.


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Agreement with Thomas Walpole
 
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Walpole effective as of February 1, 2007, pursuant to which he serves as our Senior Vice President and President of Novelis Asia with a base salary of $285,000 in fiscal 2009. Under his agreement, Mr. Walpole is entitled to an expatriate premium and relocation allowance, each in amount equal to 10% of his base salary (net after tax). Mr. Walpole is also eligible for our executive long-term and short-term incentive plans and certain executive perquisites as well as our broad-based employee benefit and health plans. During the term of his Korean assignment, Mr. Walpole is provided with a fully furnished home which is paid for by Novelis Korea Limited and is entitled to be reimbursed for one personal trip to the United States during the year for himself and his family members.
 
Change in Control Agreements
 
We entered into change in control agreements on September 26, 2006 with all of our named executive officers, except for Mr. Germain. These agreements expired on May 15, 2009. We entered into new, and similar, agreements with Messrs. Fisher, Germain and Walpole on June 25, 2009.
 
Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP) — FY 2009 — FY 2012
 
On June 19, 2008, the board of directors approved the Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan for Fiscal Years 2009 — 2012 (2009 LTIP). The 2009 LTIP has been designed to provide a clear line of sight for participants to company performance as measured by the increase in the price of Hindalco shares.
 
Awards under the 2009 LTIP will consist of stock appreciation rights (SARs), with the value of one SAR equivalent to the increase in value of one Hindalco share. The SARs will vest 25% each year for four years, subject to performance criteria being fulfilled. The performance criterion will be based on Operating EBIDTA performance for Novelis each year. The vesting threshold will be 75% performance versus target each year, at which point 75% of SARs due that year, would vest. There would be a straight line vesting up to 100% of performance. After the SARs have vested, they can be exercised anytime by the employee. The upside so realized would be dependent on the stock price of Hindalco at the time of exercise; however, the upside would be restricted to a maximum of 2.5 times the proportionate target opportunity if the SARs are exercised within one year of vesting. The maximum will be 3 times for SARs exercised more than one year after vesting.
 
In the event a participant resigns, unvested SARs will lapse and vested SARs must be exercised within 90 days. If an employee retires more than one year from the date of grant, SARs will continue to vest and must be exercised no later than the third anniversary of retirement. In the event of death or disability, there will be immediate vesting of all SARs with one year to exercise. Upon a change in control, there would be immediate vesting and cash-out of SARs.
 
The following table presents the 2009 LTIP target amounts for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and our named executive officers.
 
         
Name
  LTIP Target  
 
Martha Finn Brooks
  $ 2,231,000  
Steven Fisher
  $ 500,000  
Arnaud de Weert
  $ 500,000  
Jean-Marc Germain
  $ 500,000  
Thomas Walpole
  $ 350,000  
 
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2009
 
The table below sets forth the information regarding stock options that were exercised or were cancelled and paid out during fiscal 2009 and stock awards that vested and were paid out during fiscal 2009.
 


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    Option Awards     Stock Awards  
    Number of
          Number of
       
    Shares
    Value
    Shares
    Value
 
    Acquired on
    Realized on
    Acquired on
    Realized on
 
    Exercise or
    Exercise or
    Vesting or
    Vesting or
 
Name
  Cancellation     Cancellation     Cancellation(A)     Cancellation  
 
Martha Finn Brooks
    —     $ —       14,200     $ 638,006  
Steven Fisher
    —     $ —       2,850     $ 128,051  
Arnaud de Weert
    —     $ —       4,100     $ 184,213  
Jean-Marc Germain
    —     $ —       2,700     $ 121,311  
Thomas Walpole
    —     $ —       3,500     $ 157,255  
 
 
(A) Represents values for Recognition Awards.
 
Outstanding Equity Awards as of March 31, 2009
 
                                 
    SAR Awards  
    Number of
    Number of
             
    Securities
    Securities
             
    Underlying
    Underlying
             
    Unexercised SARs
    Unexercised SARs
    SAR Exercise
    SAR
 
Name
  Exercisable     Unexercisable     Price(A)     Expiration Date  
 
Martha Finn Brooks
    —       2,939,954 (B)   $ 1.16       June 19, 2015  
Steven Fisher
    —       658,887     $ 1.16       June 19, 2015  
Arnaud de Weert
    —       658,887     $ 1.16       June 19, 2015  
Jean-Marc Germain
    —       658,887     $ 1.16       June 19, 2015  
Thomas Walpole
    —       461,221     $ 1.16       June 19, 2015  
 
 
(A) SARs issued are payable in cash based on the stock performance of Hindalco Industries Limited, listed on the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai, India. Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited. The Exercise price of 60.5 Indian Rupees converted to US$ based on an exchange rate of 1US$=INR 52.17 which was the closing exchange rate on March 31, 2009.
 
(B) Ms Brooks terminated her services with the Company effective May 8, 2009 and an additional 2,939,954 SARs granted to her were forfeited /cancelled.
 
Pension Benefits in Fiscal 2009
 
The table below sets forth information regarding the present value as of March 31, 2009 of the accumulated benefits of our named executive officers under our defined benefit pension plans (both qualified and non-qualified). U.S. executives who were hired on or after January 1, 2005 are not eligible to participate in our defined benefit pension plans.
 
                             
        Number of
  Present
  Payments
        Years
  Value of
  During
        Credited
  Accumulated
  Last
Name
 
Plan Name(A)
  Service   Benefit(B)   Fiscal Year
 
Martha Finn Brooks
  Novelis Pension Plan     6.667     $ 125,445     $ —  
    Novelis SERP     6.667       744,392 (C)     —  
Steven Fisher
  Not eligible     —     $ —     $ —  
Arnaud de Weert
  Pensionskasse Alcan Schweiz     2.917     $ 55,659     $ —  
Jean-Marc Germain
  Novelis Pension Plan     2.25     $ 27,726     $ —  
    Novelis SERP     2.25       19,814       —  
Thomas Walpole
  Novelis Pension Plan     29.833     $ 766,967     $ —  
    Novelis SERP     29.833       592,814       —  
 
 
(A) See Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Elements of Our Compensation, Employee Benefits for a discussion of these plans.

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(B) See Note 15 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009, for a discussion of the assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts.
 
(C) Includes an amount of $126,589 as the present value of accumulated benefit under the Cummins Minimum Pension Guarantee as outlined as part of Ms. Brooks’ employment agreement.
 
The following table shows estimated retirement benefits, expressed as a percentage of eligible earnings, payable upon normal retirement at age 65:
 
                                                 
    Years of Service  
    10     15     20     25     30     35  
 
U.S. Pension Plan
    17 %     25 %     34 %     42 %     51 %     59 %
Swiss Pension Scheme
    18 %     27 %     36 %     45 %     54 %     63 %
 
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
 
This section provides an estimate of the payments and benefits that would be paid to certain of our named executive officers, at March 31, 2009, upon voluntary or involuntary termination of employment. This section, however, does not reflect any payments or benefits that would be paid to our salaried employees generally, including for example accrued salary and vacation pay; regular pension benefits under our qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans; normal distribution of account balances under our qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans; or normal retirement, death or disability benefits.
 
                                         
    Martha Finn Brooks(A)  
                      Termination by
       
                      us without
       
                      Cause or by
       
                      Executive for
       
                      Good Reason in
       
    Voluntary
          Termination by
    Connection with
       
    Termination by
    Termination by
    us without
    Change in
    Death or
 
Type of Payment
  Executive     us for Cause     Cause     Control     Disability  
 
Short-Term Incentive Pay(B)
  $ 825,000     $ —     $ 825,000     $ 825,000     $ 825,000  
Long-Term Incentive Plan(C)
    —       —       —       —       —  
Severance
    —       —       1,500,000 (D)     3,150,000 (E)     —  
Retirement plans
    —       —       —       390,861 (F)     —  
Lump sum cash payment for continuation of health coverage
    —       —       —       49,948 (G)     —  
Continued group life insurance coverage
    —       —       —       4,997 (H)     —  
                                         
Total
  $ 825,000     $ —     $ 2,325,000     $ 4,420,806     $ 825,000  
                                         
 
 
(A) In addition to the estimated payments set forth in this table, the executive would be eligible for payments or benefits that would be paid to our salaried employees generally upon termination of employment (including, for example, earned but unpaid base salary and accrued vacation (approximately $57,692 at March 31, 2009). Ms. Brooks was not eligible for retirement on March 31, 2009.
 
(B) These amounts represent 100% of the executive’s target short-term incentive opportunity for the period April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.
 
(C) These amounts represent the amount of Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) that would have been earned as of March 31, 2009.
 
(D) This amount is equal to 200% of executive’s annual base salary and would be paid pursuant to the executive’s Employment Agreement.
 
(E) This amount is equal to two times the sum of executive’s base salary and target short-term incentive and would be paid pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement.
 
(F) This amount is equal to the present value of two additional years of benefit accrual under our qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and is payable pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement. See the Pension Benefits table for pension benefits accrued as of March 31, 2009.


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(G) Pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement, this amount is intended to assist the executive in paying post-employment health coverage and is equal to 24 months times the COBRA premium rate in effect at March 31, 2009, grossed up for applicable taxes using an assumed tax rate of 40%.
 
(H) The executive’s Change in Control Agreement provides that the executive will be entitled to two additional years of coverage under our group life insurance plan.
 
                                         
    Steven Fisher(A)  
                      Termination by
       
                      us without
       
                      Cause or by
       
                      Executive for
       
                      Good Reason in
       
    Voluntary
          Termination by
    Connection with
       
    Termination by
    Termination by
    us without
    Change in
    Death or
 
Type of Payment
  Executive     us for Cause     Cause     Control     Disability  
 
Short-Term Incentive Pay(B)
  $ 337,500     $ —     $ 337,500     $ 337,500     $ 337,500  
Long-Term Incentive Plan(C)
    —       —       —       —       —  
Severance
    —       —       56,250 (D)     1,575,000 (E)     —  
Retirement plans
    —       —       —       100,800 (F)     —  
Lump sum cash payment for continuation of health coverage
    —       —       —       49,948 (G)     —  
Continued group life insurance coverage
    —       —       —       1,432 (H)     —  
                                         
Total
  $ 337,500     $ —     $ 393,750     $ 2,064,680     $ 337,500  
                                         
 
 
(A) In addition to the estimated payments set forth in this table, the executive would be eligible for payments or benefits that would be paid to our salaried employees generally upon termination of employment (including, for example, earned but unpaid base salary and accrued vacation (approximately $34,615 at March 31, 2009). Mr. Fisher was not eligible for retirement on March 31, 2009.
 
(B) These amounts represent 100% of the executive’s target short-term incentive opportunity for the period April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.
 
(C) These amounts represent the amount of Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) that would have been earned as of March 31, 2009.
 
(D) This amount is equal to the benefit payable under the Novelis Severance Pay Plan.
 
(E) This amount is equal to two times the sum of executive’s base salary and target short-term incentive and would be paid pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement.
 
(F) This amount is equal to the present value of two additional years of benefit accrual under our qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and is payable pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement.
 
(G) Pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement, this amount is intended to assist the executive in paying post-employment health coverage and is equal to 24 months times the COBRA premium rate in effect at March 31, 2009, grossed up for applicable taxes using an assumed tax rate of 40%.
 
(H) The executive’s Change in Control Agreement provides that the executive will be entitled to two additional years of coverage under our group life insurance plan.
 


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    Arnaud de Weert(A)  
                      Termination by
       
                      us without
       
                      Cause or by
       
                      Executive for
       
                      Good Reason in
       
    Voluntary
          Termination by
    Connection with
       
    Termination by
    Termination by
    us without
    Change in
    Death or
 
Type of Payment
  Executive     us for Cause     Cause     Control     Disability  
 
Short-Term Incentive Pay(B)
  $ 367,031     $ —     $ 367,031     $ 367,031     $ 367,031  
Long-Term Incentive Plan(C)
    —       —       —       —       —  
Severance
    —       —       685,125 (D)     1,908,563 (E)     —  
Retirement plans
    —       —       —       213,793 (F)     —  
                                         
Total
  $ 367,031     $ —     $ 1,052,156     $ 2,489,387     $ 367,031  
                                         
 
 
(A) In addition to the estimated payments set forth in this table, the executive would be eligible for payments or benefits that would be paid to our salaried employees generally upon termination of employment (including, for example, earned but unpaid base salary and accrued vacation (approximately $45,173 at March 31, 2009). Mr. de Weert was not eligible for retirement on March 31, 2009.
 
(B) These amounts represent 100% of the executive’s target short-term incentive opportunity for the period April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.
 
(C) These amounts represent the amount of Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) that would have been earned as of March 31, 2009.
 
(D) This amount is equal to 14 months of executive’s annual base salary and would be paid pursuant to the executive’s Employment Agreement.
 
(E) This amount is equal to two times the sum of executive’s base salary and target short-term incentive and would be paid pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement.
 
(F) This amount is equal to the present value of two additional years of benefit accrual under our qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and is payable pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement. See the Pension Benefits table for pension benefits accrued as of March 31, 2009.
 
                                         
    Jean-Marc Germain(A)  
                      Termination by
       
                      us without
       
                      Cause or by
       
                      Executive for
       
                      Good Reason in
       
    Voluntary
          Termination by
    Connection with
       
    Termination by
    Termination by
    us without
    Change in
    Death or
 
Type of Payment
  Executive     us for Cause     Cause     Control     Disability  
 
Short-Term Incentive Pay(B)
  $ 195,000     $ —     $ 195,000     $ —     $ 195,000  
Long-Term Incentive Plan(C)
    —       —       —       —       —  
Severance
    —       —       780,000 (D)     —       —  
Retirement plans
    —       —       —       —       —  
Continued group life insurance coverage
    —       —       —       —       —  
                                         
Total
  $ 195,000     $ —     $ 975,000     $ —     $ 195,000  
                                         
 
 
(A) In addition to the estimated payments set forth in this table, the executive would be eligible for payments or benefits that would be paid to our salaried employees generally upon termination of employment (including, for example, earned but unpaid base salary and accrued vacation (approximately $25,000 at March 31, 2009). Mr. Germain was not eligible for retirement on March 31, 2009.
 
(B) These amounts represent 100% of the executive’s target short-term incentive opportunity for the period April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.

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(C) These amounts represent the amount of Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) that would have been earned as of March 31, 2009.
 
(D) This amount is equal to 18 months of executive’s annual base salary and target bonus and would be paid pursuant to the executive’s Employment Agreement.
 
                                         
    Thomas Walpole(A)  
                      Termination by
       
                      us without
       
                      Cause or by
       
                      Executive for
       
                      Good Reason in
       
    Voluntary
          Termination by
    Connection with
    Retirement
 
    Termination by
    Termination by
    us without
    Change in
    Death or
 
Type of Payment
  Executive     us for Cause     Cause     Control     Disability  
 
Short-Term Incentive Pay(B)
  $ 156,750     $ —     $ 156,750     $ 156,750     $ 156,750  
Long-Term Incentive Plan(C)
    —       —       —       —       —  
Severance
    —       —       486,875 (D)     883,500 (E)     —  
Retirement plans
    —       —       —       270,619 (F)     —  
Continued group life insurance coverage
    —       —       —       2,352 (G)     —  
                                         
Total
  $ 156,750     $ —     $ 643,625     $ 1,313,221     $ 156,750  
                                         
 
 
(A) In addition to the estimated payments set forth in this table, the executive would be eligible for payments or benefits that would be paid to our salaried employees generally upon termination of employment (including, for example, earned but unpaid base salary and accrued vacation (approximately $21,923 at March 31, 2009). Mr. Walpole was eligible for retirement on March 31, 2009.
 
(B) These amounts represent 100% of the executive’s target short-term incentive opportunity for the period April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.
 
(C) These amounts represent the amount of Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) that would have been earned as of March 31, 2009.
 
(D) This amount is equal to the benefit payable under the Novelis Severance Pay Plan.
 
(E) This amount is equal to two times the sum of executive’s base salary and target short-term incentive and would be paid pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement.
 
(F) This amount is equal to the present value of two additional years of benefit accrual under our qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and is payable pursuant to the executive’s Change in Control Agreement. See the Pension Benefits table for pension benefits accrued as of March 31, 2009.
 
(G) The executive’s Change in Control Agreement provides that the executive will be entitled to two additional years of coverage under our group life insurance plan.
 
Director Compensation — for Directors for the Period April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009
 
The Chair of our board of directors is entitled to receive cash compensation equal to $250,000 per year, and the Chair of our Audit Committee is entitled to receive $175,000 per year. Each of our other directors is entitled to receive compensation equal to $150,000 per year, plus an additional $5,000 if he is a member of our Audit Committee. Directors’ fees are paid in quarterly installments.
 
On July 8, 2008, our Chairman of the board, Mr. Birla, informed the company that due to current and foreseeable business conditions, he was foregoing the payment of his Novelis director fees until further notice. On November 5, 2008, Mr. Stewart informed the board that he was also foregoing his Novelis director fees with effective date of July 1, 2008 until further notice. All directors, however, will continue to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses associated with attending board and committee meetings. The table below sets forth the total compensation received by our non-employee directors for the year ended March 31, 2009.
 


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    Fees Earned or
 
Name
  Paid in Cash  
 
Kumar Mangalam Birla
  $ 62,500  
D. Bhattacharya
  $ 155,000  
Askaran K. Agarwala
  $ 150,000  
Clarence J. Chandran
  $ 155,000  
Donald A. Stewart
  $ —  
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
In fiscal 2009, only Independent Directors served on the Committee. Clarence J. Chandran was the Chairman of the Committee. The other Committee members during all or part of the year were Mr. D. Bhattacharya and Mr. Askaran Agarwala. No member of our Committee had any relationship with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K. During fiscal 2008, none of our executive officers served as:
 
  •  a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board of Directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Committee;
 
  •  a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Committee; or
 
  •  a member of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as one of our directors.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
On May 15, 2007, the Company was acquired by Hindalco through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary AV Metals Inc. (Acquisition Sub) pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) entered into on February 10, 2007 and approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on May 14, 2007.
 
Subsequent to completion of the Arrangement on May 15, 2007, all of our common shares were indirectly held by Hindalco.


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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
In accordance with our Audit Committee charter, our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the terms of our Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors and Senior Managers, which includes disclosure requirements applicable to our senior managers and our directors relating to conflicts of interest. Accordingly, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the terms and conditions of all transactions that involve the Company, one of our directors or executive officers or any of their immediate family members. On February 11, 2009, the Board of Directors authorized us to enter into the Unsecured Credit Facility of $100 million with a scheduled maturity date of January 15, 2015 from a company affiliated with the Aditya Birla group. Our Chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla, also serves as Chairman of the Aditya Birla group; thus, we consider the Unsecured Credit Facility to be a related party transaction. On August 11, 2009 we repaid in full and terminated the Unsecured Credit Facility with a portion of the proceeds of the offering of the old notes. For each advance under the Unsecured Credit Facility, interest was payable quarterly at a rate of 13% per annum prior to the first anniversary of the advance and 14% per annum thereafter. We paid $1,410,728.21 in interest under the Unsecured Credit facility and the largest aggregate amount of principal outstanding under the Unsecured Credit Facility was $94,306,922.59. We have not entered into any other related party transactions since March 31, 2008 that meet the requirements for disclosure in this prospectus.
 
See “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance — Board of Directors and Corporate Governance Matters” for additional information regarding the independence of our Board of Directors.
 
We maintain various policies and procedures that govern related party transactions. Pursuant to our Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors and Senior Managers, senior managers and directors of the Company (a) must avoid any action that creates or appears to create, a conflict of interest between their own interest and the interest of the Company, (b) cannot usurp corporate opportunities, and (c) must deal fairly with third parties. This policy is available on our website at www.novelis.com. In addition, we have enacted procedures to monitor related party transactions by (x) identifying possible related parties through questions in our director and officer questionnaires, (y) determining whether we receive payments from or make payments to any of the identified related parties, and (z) if we determine payments are made or received, researching the nature of the interactions between the Company and the related parties and ensuring that the related person does not have an interest in the transaction with the related party.


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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
 
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
 
General.  Our senior secured credit facilities consist of (1) the $1.16 billion seven-year Term Loan Facility that can be increased by up to $180 million subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and (2) the $800 million five-year ABL Facility. Following the completion of the offering of the old notes, we used approximately $81 million of the proceeds plus additional cash on hand to repay a portion of the outstanding amount under the ABL Facility. Mandatory minimum principal amortization payments under the Term Loan Facility are $2.95 million per calendar quarter. Any unpaid principal is due in full on July 6, 2014. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral under the senior secured credit facilities. The senior secured credit facilities are also guaranteed by substantially all of our restricted subsidiaries that guarantee our 7.25% senior notes and that guarantee the old notes.
 
Borrowings.  Borrowings under the ABL Facility are generally based on 85% of eligible accounts receivable and 75% of eligible inventories.
 
Interest Rate and Fees.  Generally, for both the Term Loan Facility and ABL Facility, interest rates reset periodically and interest is payable on a periodic basis depending on the type of loan.
 
Under the ABL Facility, interest charged depends on the type of loan as follows: (1) any U.S. swingline loan or any loan categorized as an alternate base rate (“ABR”) borrowing will bear interest at an annual rate equal to the alternate base rate (which is the greater of (a) the base rate in effect on a given day and (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on a given day, plus 0.50%), plus the applicable margin; (2) Eurocurrency loans will bear interest at an annual rate equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate for the applicable interest period, plus the applicable margin; (3) loans designated as Canadian base rate borrowings will bear an annual interest rate equal to the Canadian base rate (“CAPRIME”), plus the applicable margin; (4) loans designated as bankers acceptances (BA) rate loans will bear interest at the average discount rate offered for bankers’ acceptances for the applicable BA interest period, plus 0.05%, plus the applicable margin, and (5) loans designated as Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) loans will bear interest annually at a rate equal to the adjusted EURIBOR rate for the applicable interest period, plus the applicable margin. Applicable margins under the ABL Facility depend upon excess availability levels calculated on a quarterly basis and range from (0.25%) to 1.75%.
 
Commitment fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% are based on average daily amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility during a fiscal quarter and are payable quarterly.
 
Under the Term Loan Facility, loans characterized as ABR borrowings bear interest annually at a rate equal to the alternate base rate (which is the greater of (a) the base rate in effect on a given day and (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on a given day, plus 0.50%) plus a margin of 1.00%. Loans characterized as Eurocurrency borrowings bear interest at an annual rate equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate for the interest period in effect, plus a margin of 2.00%.
 
Interest Rate Swaps.  As of June 30, 2009, we had entered into interest rate swaps to fix the variable interest rate on $920 million of our floating rate Term Loan Facility. We are still obligated to pay any applicable margin, as defined in senior secured credit facilities. Interest rate swaps related to $400 million at an effective weighted average interest rate of 4.0% expire March 31, 2010. In January 2009, we entered into two interest rate swaps to fix the variable interest rate on an additional $300 million of our floating Term Loan Facility at a rate of 1.49%, plus any applicable margin. These interest rate swaps are effective from March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2011. In April 2009, we entered into an additional $220 million interest rate swap at a rate of 1.97%, which is effective through April 30, 2012.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we have an interest rate swap in Korea on our $100 million bank loan through a 5.44% fixed rate KRW 92 billion ($92 million) loan. The interest rate swap expires in October 2010.
 
Prepayments.  We may prepay borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, if certain minimum prepayment amounts and currency requirements are


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satisfied. We are required to repay borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities in certain circumstances in the event we receive net cash proceeds from certain collateral liquidations, asset sales, the issuance of indebtedness preferred stock or common stock not otherwise permitted under the senior secured credit facilities, or damage or destruction to our property. In addition, we are required to use either 25% or 50% of our excess cash flow in any given year to repay our borrowings under the Term Loan Facility.
 
Covenants.  The senior secured credit facilities include various customary covenants, including limitations on our ability to:
 
  •  incur additional debt;
 
  •  create or permit certain liens to exist;
 
  •  enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
 
  •  make investments, loan and advances;
 
  •  engage in mergers, amalgamations or consolidations;
 
  •  make certain asset sales;
 
  •  pay dividends and distributions beyond certain amounts;
 
  •  engage in certain transactions with affiliates;
 
  •  prepay certain indebtedness;
 
  •  amend certain agreements governing our indebtedness;
 
  •  create or permit restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends, make other distributions to us or incur liens on their assets;
 
  •  issue preferred shares or stock of subsidiaries; and
 
  •  change the business conducted by us and our subsidiaries.
 
In addition, under the ABL Facility, if our excess availability under the ABL Facility is less than 10% of the lender commitments under the ABL Facility or less than 10% of our borrowing base, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1 to 1. As of June 30, 2009, our fixed charge coverage ratio was less than 1 to 1 and our excess availability was $299 million, or 37% of the lender commitments under the ABL Facility. Following the completion of the offering of the old notes, we used approximately $81 million of the proceeds plus additional cash on hand to repay a portion of the outstanding amount under the ABL Facility.
 
The senior secured credit facilities also contains various affirmative covenants, including covenants with respect to our financial statements, litigation and other reporting requirements, insurance, payment of taxes, employee benefits, hedging transactions and causing new subsidiaries to pledge collateral and guaranty our obligations.
 
Events of Default.  The senior secured credit facilities contain customary events of default, including defaults with respect to:
 
  •  a default in the payment of principal when due;
 
  •  a default in the payment of interest, fees or any other amount after a specified grace period;
 
  •  a material breach of the representation or warranties;
 
  •  a default in the performance of covenants;
 
  •  the failure to make any payment when due under any indebtedness with a principal amount in excess of a specified amount;


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  •  the failure to observe any covenant or agreement that permits or results in the acceleration of indebtedness with a principal amount in excess of a specified amount;
 
  •  certain bankruptcy events;
 
  •  certain material judgments or court orders;
 
  •  certain ERISA violations;
 
  •  the invalidity or termination of certain loan documents or the liens created in favor of the lenders; and
 
  •  a change in control.
 
7.25% Senior Notes
 
On February 3, 2005, we issued $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes. The senior notes were priced at par, bear interest at 7.25% and mature on February 15, 2015. The 7.25% senior notes are guaranteed by all of our Canadian and U.S. restricted subsidiaries, certain of our foreign restricted subsidiaries and our other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee our senior secured credit facilities and that guarantee the old notes. The 7.25% senior notes are unsecured. As discussed above, in March 2009, we purchased 7.25% senior notes with a principal value of $275 million with the net proceeds of an additional floating rate term loan with a face value of $220 million and estimated fair value of $165 million.
 
Under the indenture that governs the 7.25% senior notes, we are subject to certain restrictive covenants that are substantially similar to the covenants in the indenture governing the old notes.


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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
The company issued the old notes and will issue the new notes under the indenture dated as of August 11, 2009 (the “Indenture”), among the company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”). Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the “Notes” in this “Description of the Notes” include the old notes and the new notes. The old notes and the new notes will be treated as a single class for all purposes of the Indenture. The Indenture complies with the Trust Indenture Act. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act.
 
The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture. It does not restate the Indenture in its entirety. You should read the Indenture because that document, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of the Notes. Copies of the Indenture are available upon request to the company at the address indicated under “Where You Can Find More Information.” You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheading “Certain Definitions.” In this description, the term “Company” refers only to Novelis Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries.
 
Principal, Maturity and Interest
 
The Company is offering to exchange, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal, the new notes for all of the outstanding old notes. In addition, subject to compliance with the limitations described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Debt,” the Company can issue an unlimited principal amount of additional Notes at later dates under the same Indenture (the “Additional Notes”). The Company can issue the Additional Notes as part of the same series or as an additional series. Any Additional Notes that the Company issues in the future will be identical in all respects to the Notes, except that Notes issued in the future will have different issuance dates and may have different issuance prices. The Company will issue Notes only in fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
 
The Notes will mature on February 15, 2015.
 
Interest on the Notes will accrue at a rate of 11.5% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, commencing on February 15, 2010. The Company will pay interest to those persons who were holders of record on the February 1 or August 1 immediately preceding each interest payment date.
 
Interest on the Notes will accrue from the date of original issuance or, if interest has already been paid, from the date it was most recently paid. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
 
The interest rate on the Notes will increase if:
 
(1) the Company does not file within the required time period either:
 
(A) a registration statement to allow for an exchange offer or
 
(B) a resale shelf registration statement for the Notes;
 
(2) one of the registration statements referred to above is not declared effective within the required time period;
 
(3) the exchange offer referred to above is not consummated or the resale shelf registration statement referred to above is not declared effective within the required time period; or
 
(4) certain other conditions are not satisfied.
 
Any additional interest payable as a result of any such event is referred to as “Special Interest” and all references to interest in this description include any Special Interest that becomes payable.


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Ranking
 
The Notes are:
 
  •  senior, unsecured obligations of the Company;
 
  •  effectively junior in right of payment to all existing and future secured debt of the Company (including the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) to the extent of the value of the assets securing that debt;
 
  •  equal in right of payment (pari passu) with all existing and future unsecured senior debt of the Company;
 
  •  senior in right of payment to all future subordinated debt of the Company; and
 
  •  guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by the Subsidiary Guarantors.
 
As of June 30, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, had $2.8 billion of senior debt outstanding, none of which would have been subordinated to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guaranties.
 
Most of the operations of the Company will be conducted through its subsidiaries. Therefore, the Company’s ability to service its debt, including the Notes, will depend substantially upon the cash flows of its subsidiaries and their ability to distribute those cash flows to the Company as dividends, loans or other payments. Certain laws restrict the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends or to make loans and advances to it. The Company’s ability to use the cash flows of those subsidiaries to make payments on the Notes will be limited to the extent of any such restrictions. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, bankruptcy, “fraudulent conveyance” laws or other similar laws could invalidate or limit the efficacy of the Subsidiary Guaranties. Any of the situations described above could make it more difficult for the Company to service its debt, including the Notes.
 
Except to the extent of any intercompany loans or other advances, the Company only has a stockholder’s claim in the assets of its subsidiaries. Its rights as a stockholder are junior in right of payment to the valid claims of creditors of the Company’s subsidiaries against those subsidiaries. Holders of the Notes will only be creditors of the Company and those subsidiaries of the Company that are Subsidiary Guarantors. In the case of subsidiaries of the Company that are not Subsidiary Guarantors, all the existing and future liabilities of those subsidiaries, including any claims of trade creditors and preferred stockholders, will effectively rank senior to the Notes.
 
As of June 30, 2009, the Company had $5.8 billion in total consolidated debt and other liabilities (excluding inter-company balances), of which $6.8 billion (including inter-company balances) was debt and other liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, $1.0 billion (including inter-company balances) of which was debt and other liabilities of the Company’s other subsidiaries and $2.0 billion was inter-company balances. The Subsidiary Guarantors and the Company’s other subsidiaries have other liabilities, including contingent liabilities, that may be significant. The Indenture limits the amount of additional Debt that the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Company and its Subsidiaries may Incur substantial additional Debt. Debt may be Incurred either by Subsidiary Guarantors or by the Company’s other subsidiaries.
 
The Notes and the Subsidiary Guaranties are unsecured obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively. Secured Debt of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, including their obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, is effectively senior to the Notes and the Subsidiary Guaranties to the extent of the value of the assets securing such Debt.
 
As of June 30, 2009, the outstanding secured Debt of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors on a consolidated basis was $1.4 billion.
 
See “Risk Factors — We are a holding company and depend on our subsidiaries to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations, including payments on the notes,” “— Fraudulent conveyance laws and other legal restrictions may permit courts to void or subordinate our subsidiaries’ guarantees of the notes in specific circumstances, which would prevent or limit payment under the guarantees. Certain


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limitations contained in the guarantees, which are designed to avoid this result, may render the guarantees worthless”
 
Subsidiary Guaranties
 
The obligations of the Company under the Indenture, including the repurchase obligation resulting from a Change of Control, are guaranteed, fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis, by: (a) all the existing and all future Canadian Restricted Subsidiaries and U.S. Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company; (b) Novelis do Brasil Ltda., Novelis UK Ltd., Novelis Europe Holdings Limited, Novelis Aluminium Holding Company, Novelis Deutschland GmbH, Novelis Switzerland SA, Novelis Technology AG, Novelis AG, Novelis PAE S.A.S., Novelis Luxembourg S.A., Novelis Madeira, Unipessoal, Lda and Novelis Services Limited; and (c) any other Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that Guarantee Debt in the future under Credit Facilities, provided that the borrower of such Debt is the Company or a Canadian Restricted Subsidiary or a U.S. Restricted Subsidiary. See ‘‘— Certain Covenants — Future Subsidiary Guarantors.” Each Subsidiary Guarantor is “100% owned” by the Company within the meaning of Rule 3-10(h)(i) of Regulation S-X. Each Subsidiary Guarantor’s liability under its Subsidiary Guaranty is limited to the lesser of (i) the aggregate amount of the Company’s obligations under the Notes and the Indenture or (ii) the amount, if any, which would not have (1) rendered the Subsidiary Guarantor “insolvent” (as such term is defined in the Federal Bankruptcy Code and in the Debtor and Creditor Law of the State of New York) or (2) left it with unreasonably small capital at the time its Subsidiary Guaranty with respect to the Notes was entered into, after giving effect to the incurrence of existing Debt immediately before such time. The liability of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guaranty will also be subject to the limitations applicable under local law, including limitations related to insolvency, minimum capital requirements and fraudulent conveyances. For example, with respect to Novelis Deutschland GmbH, its liability under its Subsidiary Guaranty is limited to the extent that its net assets (Eigenkapital) may not fall below the amount of its stated share capital (Stammkapital) as a result of the enforcement of the Subsidiary Guaranty and that such an enforcement must not result in a breach of the prohibition of insolvency causing intervention (Verbot des existenzvernichtenden Eingriffs) by depriving Novelis Deutschland GmbH of the liquidity necessary to fulfill its financial liabilities to its creditors. With respect to the Subsidiary Guarantors organized under Swiss law, namely, Novelis AG, Novelis Switzerland S.A. and Novelis Technology AG, the liability of each such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guaranty is limited to the maximum amount of its profits and reserves available for distribution.
 
The Subsidiary Guarantors currently generate most of the Company’s consolidated net sales and own most of its consolidated assets. The subsidiaries of the Company that are not Subsidiary Guarantors represented the following approximate percentages of (a) net sales, (b) EBITDA and (c) total assets of the Company, on an historical consolidated basis:
 
     
25%
  of the Company’s consolidated net sales are represented by net sales to third parties by subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors (for the three months ended June 30, 2009)
22%
  of the Company’s consolidated EBITDA is represented by the subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors (for the three months ended June 30, 2009)
18%
  of the Company’s consolidated assets are owned by subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors (as of June 30, 2009)
 
If the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, sells or otherwise disposes of either:
 
(1) its ownership interest in a Subsidiary Guarantor, or
 
(2) all or substantially all the assets of a Subsidiary Guarantor,
 
then the Subsidiary Guarantor so sold or disposed of will be released from all of its obligations under its Subsidiary Guaranty. In addition, if, consistent with the requirements of the Indenture, the Company redesignates a Subsidiary Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the redesignated Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from all its obligations under its Subsidiary Guaranty. See ‘‘— Certain Covenants — Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries” and “— Merger, Consolidation and Sale of


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Property.” A Subsidiary Guarantor will also be released from all its obligations under its Subsidiary Guaranty in connection with any legal defeasance of the Notes or upon satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture.
 
Optional Redemption
 
Commencing August 15, 2012, the Company may, from time to time, redeem all or any portion of the Notes after giving the required notice under the Indenture at the redemption prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date). The following prices are for Notes redeemed during the periods set forth below, and are expressed as percentages of principal amount:
 
         
Period
  Redemption Price  
 
August 15, 2012 through February 14, 2013
    108.625 %
February 15, 2013 through February 14, 2014
    105.750 %
February 15, 2014 and thereafter
    100.000 %
 
At any time prior to August 15, 2012, the Company may, from time to time, redeem all or any portion of the Notes after giving the required notice under the Indenture at a redemption price equal to the greater of:
 
(a) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, and
 
(b) the sum of the present values of (1) the redemption price of the Notes at August 15, 2012 (as set forth in the preceding paragraph) and (2) the remaining scheduled payments of interest from the redemption date through August 15, 2012, but excluding accrued and unpaid interest through the redemption date, discounted to the redemption date (assuming a 360 day year consisting of twelve 30 day months), at the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points,
 
plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).
 
Any notice to holders of Notes of such a redemption shall include the appropriate calculation of the redemption price, but need not include the redemption price itself. The actual redemption price, calculated as described above, shall be set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee no later than two business days prior to the redemption date unless clause (b) of the definition of “Comparable Treasury Price” is applicable, in which such Officer’s Certificate should be delivered on the redemption date.
 
In addition, at any time and from time to time prior to August 15, 2012, the Company may redeem up to a maximum of 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) with the proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings at a redemption price equal to 111.500% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided, however, that after giving effect to any such redemption, at least 65% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) remains outstanding. Notice of any such redemption shall be made within 90 days of such Public Equity Offering and such redemption shall be effected upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice.
 
Tax Redemption
 
The Company may, at its option, at any time redeem in whole but not in part the outstanding Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on


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the relevant interest payment date) if it has become obligated to pay any Additional Amounts (as defined herein) in respect of the Notes as a result of:
 
(a) any change in or amendment to the laws (or regulations promulgated thereunder) of any Taxing Jurisdiction, or
 
(b) any change in or amendment to any official position regarding the application or interpretation of such laws or regulations, which change or amendment is announced or is effective on or after the Issue Date.
 
See “— Additional Amounts.”
 
Additional Amounts
 
The Indenture provides that payments made by or on behalf of the Company under or with respect to the Notes will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any Taxes imposed or levied by or on behalf of a Taxing Jurisdiction, unless the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor is required by law to withhold or deduct Taxes from any payment made under or with respect to the Notes or by the interpretation or administration thereof. If, after the Issue Date, the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor is so required to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of Taxes from any payment made under or with respect to the Notes, the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor will pay to each holder of Notes that are outstanding on the date of the required payment, such additional amounts (the “Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary so that the net amount received by such holder (including the Additional Amounts) after such withholding or deduction will not be less than the amount such holder would have received if such Taxes had not been withheld or deducted; provided that no Additional Amounts will be payable with respect to a payment made to a holder of the Notes (an “Excluded holder”):
 
(a) with which the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor does not deal at arm’s length (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) at the time of making such payment, or
 
(b) which is subject to such Taxes by reason of its being connected with the relevant Taxing Jurisdiction otherwise than by the mere acquisition, holding or disposition of the Notes or the Subsidiary Guaranty or the receipt of payments thereunder.
 
The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors will also:
 
(a) make such withholding or deduction, and
 
(b) remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant authority in accordance with applicable law.
 
The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors will furnish to the Trustee, or cause to be furnished to the Trustee, within 30 days after the date the payment of any Taxes is due pursuant to applicable law, certified copies of tax receipts evidencing that such payment has been made by the Company or any such Subsidiary Guarantor or other evidence of such payment satisfactory to the Trustee. The Trustee shall make such evidence available upon the written request of any holder of the Notes that are outstanding on the date of any such withholding or deduction.
 
The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors will indemnify and hold harmless each holder of Notes that are outstanding on the date of the required payment (other than an Excluded holder) and upon written request reimburse each such holder for the amount of:
 
(a) any Taxes so levied or imposed by or on behalf of a Taxing Jurisdiction and paid by such holder as a result of payments made under or with respect to the Notes and any liability (including penalties, interest and expense) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, and
 
(b) any Taxes (other than Taxes on such holder’s profits or net income) imposed with respect to any reimbursement under clause (a) above so that the net amount received by such holder after such


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reimbursement will not be less than the net amount such holder would have received if such reimbursement had not been imposed.
 
At least 30 days prior to each date on which any payment under or with respect to the Notes is due and payable, if the Company or any such Subsidiary Guarantor becomes obligated to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such payment, the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating the fact that such Additional Amounts will be payable, and the amounts so payable and will set forth such other information as is necessary to enable the Trustee to pay such Additional Amounts to the holders of the Notes on the payment date. Whenever in the Indenture there is mentioned, in any context:
 
(a) the payment of principal (and premium, if any),
 
(b) purchase prices in connection with a repurchase of Notes,
 
(c) interest, or
 
(d) any other amount payable on or with respect to any of the Notes,
 
such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided for in this section to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof.
 
Sinking Fund
 
There will be no mandatory sinking fund payments for the Notes.
 
Change of Control Offer
 
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be required to make an offer to each holder of Notes to repurchase all or any part (of $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a purchase price (the “Change of Control Purchase Price”) equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).
 
Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall:
 
(a) cause a notice of the Change of Control Offer to be sent at least once to the Dow Jones News Service or similar business news service in the United States; and
 
(b) send, by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each holder of Notes, at such holder’s address appearing in the Security Register, a notice stating:
 
(1) that a Change of Control has occurred and a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to the covenant entitled “Change of Control Offer” and that all Notes timely tendered will be accepted for payment;
 
(2) the Change of Control Purchase Price and the repurchase date, which shall be, subject to any contrary requirements of applicable law, a business day no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed;
 
(3) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding the Change of Control (including, if applicable, information with respect to pro forma historical income, cash flow and capitalization after giving effect to the Change of Control); and
 
(4) the procedures that holders of Notes must follow in order to tender their Notes (or portions thereof) for payment, and the procedures that holders of Notes must follow in order to withdraw an election to tender Notes (or portions thereof) for payment.
 
The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with


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the requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.
 
The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this covenant, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this covenant by virtue of such compliance.
 
Subject to compliance with the other covenants described in this prospectus, the Company could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of debt outstanding at such time or otherwise affect the Company’s liquidity, capital structure or credit ratings.
 
Holders of Notes may not be entitled to require us to purchase their notes in certain circumstances involving a significant change in the composition of our board of directors, including in connection with a proxy contest where our board of directors does not approve a dissident slate of directors but approves them as continuing directors, even if our board of directors initially opposed the directors.
 
The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the sale, transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or other disposition of “all or substantially all” the Property of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, considered as a whole. Although there is a body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, if the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, considered as a whole, dispose of less than all this Property by any of the means described above, the ability of a holder of Notes to require the Company to repurchase its Notes may be uncertain. In such a case, holders of the Notes may not be able to resolve this uncertainty without resorting to legal action.
 
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities provide that certain of the events that would constitute a Change of Control would also constitute a default under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and entitle the lenders under those facilities to require that such debt be repaid. Other future debt of the Company may prohibit certain events that would constitute a Change of Control or require such debt to be repurchased or repaid upon a Change of Control. Moreover, if holders of Notes exercise their right to require the Company to repurchase such Notes, the Company could be in breach of obligations under existing and future debt of the Company. Finally, the Company’s ability to pay cash to holders of Notes upon a repurchase may be limited by the Company’s then existing financial resources. The Company cannot assure you that sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any required repurchases. The Company’s failure to repurchase Notes, as required following a Change of Control Offer, would result in a default under the Indenture. Such a default would, in turn, constitute a default under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and other existing debt of the Company and may constitute a default under future debt as well. The Company’s obligation to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as a result of a Change of Control may be waived or modified at any time prior to the occurrence of such Change of Control with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes. See “— Amendments and Waivers.”
 
Certain Covenants
 
Covenant Termination and Suspension.  The Indenture provides that the covenants set forth in this section will be applicable to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries unless the Company reaches Investment Grade Status. After the Company has reached Investment Grade Status, and notwithstanding that the Company may later cease to have an Investment Grade Rating from either or both of the Rating Agencies, the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries will be under no obligation to comply with the covenants set forth in this section, except for the covenants described under the following headings:
 
  •  the second paragraph under “— Limitation on Liens,”
 
  •  the second paragraph under “— Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions,”


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  •  “— Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries” (other than clause (x) of the third paragraph (and such clause (x) as referred to in the first paragraph thereunder)),” and
 
  •  “— Future Subsidiary Guarantors.”
 
The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors will also, upon reaching Investment Grade Status, remain obligated to comply with the provisions described under “— Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Property” (other than clause (e) of the first and second paragraphs thereunder).
 
If, prior to the Company reaching Investment Grade Status, the Notes receive an Investment Grade Rating from one of the Rating Agencies and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing then, beginning on that day and continuing until the Investment Grade Rating assigned by that Rating Agency to the Notes subsequently decline as a result of which the Notes do not carry an Investment Grade Rating from at least one Rating Agency (such period being referred to as a “Suspension Period”), the covenants set forth in the Indenture, except for those specifically listed above, will be suspended and will not be applicable during that Suspension Period.
 
In the event that the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the suspended covenants for any period of time as a result of the preceding paragraph and, subsequently, the Rating Agency withdraws its ratings or downgrades the ratings assigned to the Notes below the required Investment Grade Ratings or a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries will from such time and thereafter again be subject to the suspended covenants, and compliance with the suspended covenants with respect to Restricted Payments made after the time of such withdrawal, downgrade, Default or Event of Default will be calculated in accordance with the terms of the covenant described below under “— Limitation on Restricted Payments” as though such covenant had been in effect during the entire period of time from the Issue Date.
 
There can be no assurance that the Notes will ever achieve an Investment Grade Rating from one or both Ratings Agencies.
 
Limitation on Debt.  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, Incur, directly or indirectly, any Debt unless, after giving effect to the application of the proceeds thereof, no Default or Event of Default would occur as a consequence of such Incurrence or be continuing following such Incurrence and either:
 
(1) such Debt is Debt of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor and, after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Debt and the application of the proceeds thereof, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio would be greater than 2.00:1.00, or
 
(2) such Debt is Permitted Debt.
 
The term “Permitted Debt” is defined to include the following:
 
(a) (i) Debt of the Company evidenced by the old notes and the new notes issued in exchange for such old notes and in exchange for any Additional Notes and (ii) Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantors evidenced by Subsidiary Guaranties relating to the old notes and the new notes issued in exchange for such old notes and in exchange for any Additional Notes;
 
(b) Debt of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary under Credit Facilities, provided that the aggregate principal amount of all such Debt under Credit Facilities at any one time outstanding shall not exceed $2.1 billion, which amount shall be permanently reduced by the amount of Net Available Cash used to Repay Debt under Credit Facilities and not subsequently reinvested in Additional Assets or used to purchase Notes or Repay other Debt, pursuant to the covenant described under “— Limitation on Asset Sales;”


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(c) Debt of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of Capital Lease Obligations and Purchase Money Debt, provided that:
 
(1) the aggregate principal amount of such Debt does not exceed the cost of construction, acquisition or improvement of the Property acquired, constructed or leased together with the reasonable costs of acquisition, and
 
(2) the aggregate principal amount of all Debt Incurred and then outstanding pursuant to this clause (c) (together with all Permitted Refinancing Debt Incurred and then outstanding in respect of Debt previously Incurred pursuant to this clause (c)) does not exceed 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets;
 
(d) Debt of the Company owing to and held by any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary and Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to and held by the Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any subsequent issue or transfer of Capital Stock or other event that results in any such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of any such Debt (except to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute the Incurrence of such Debt by the issuer thereof;
 
(e) Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary outstanding on the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary is acquired by the Company or otherwise becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Debt Incurred as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Subsidiary of the Company or was otherwise acquired by the Company), provided that at the time such Restricted Subsidiary is acquired by the Company or otherwise becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Debt, the Company would have been able to Incur $1.00 of additional Debt pursuant to clause (1) of the first paragraph of this covenant;
 
(f) Debt under Interest Rate Agreements entered into by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of limiting interest rate risk in the ordinary course of the financial management of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary and not for speculative purposes, provided that the obligations under such agreements are directly related to payment obligations on Debt otherwise permitted by the terms of this covenant;
 
(g) Debt under Currency Exchange Protection Agreements entered into by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of limiting currency exchange rate risks directly related to transactions entered into by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
 
(h) Debt under Commodity Price Protection Agreements entered into by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of the financial management of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary and not for speculative purposes;
 
(i) Debt in connection with one or more standby letters of credit or performance bonds issued by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to self-insurance obligations and not in connection with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or credit;
 
(j) Debt Incurred by a Securitization Entity in a Qualified Securitization Transaction that is not recourse to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (except for Standard Securitization Undertakings);
 
(k) Debt of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary outstanding on the Issue Date not otherwise described in clauses (a) through (j) above (including in such clauses (a) through (j), but not limited to, any Debt Incurred under Credit Facilities prior to the Issue Date), other than Debt Incurred after February 3, 2005 pursuant to Section 4.09(2)(l) of the Existing Indenture;
 
(l) Debt of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed $150.0 million; and


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(m) Permitted Refinancing Debt Incurred in respect of Debt Incurred pursuant to clause (1) of the first paragraph of this covenant and clauses (a), (c) and (k) above.
 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this covenant, accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Debt, will be deemed not to be an Incurrence of Debt for purposes of this covenant.
 
For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that an item of Debt meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (a) through (m) above or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to clause (l) of the first paragraph of this covenant, the Company shall, in its sole discretion, classify (and may later reclassify in whole or in part, in its sole discretion) such item of Debt in any manner that complies with this covenant; provided, however, that any incurrence of Debt under Credit Facilities prior to the Issue Date shall be treated as having been incurred under clause (b) above.
 
Limitation on Restricted Payments.  The Company shall not make, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment if at the time of, and after giving effect to, such proposed Restricted Payment,
 
(a) a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
 
(b) the Company could not Incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt pursuant to clause (1) of the first paragraph of the covenant described under “— Limitation on Debt,” or
 
(c) the sum of the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments declared or made since February 3, 2005 (the amount of any Restricted Payment, if made other than in cash, to be based upon Fair Market Value at the time of such Restricted Payment) would exceed an amount equal to the sum of:
 
(1) 50% of the aggregate amount of Consolidated Net Income accrued during the period (treated as one accounting period) from January 1, 2005 to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been provided (or if the aggregate amount of Consolidated Net Income for such period shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit), plus
 
(2) 100% of the Capital Stock Sale Proceeds, plus
 
(3) the sum of:
 
(A) the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from the issuance or sale after February 3, 2005 of convertible or exchangeable Debt that has been converted into or exchanged for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company, and
 
(B) the aggregate amount by which Debt (other than Subordinated Debt) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is reduced on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet on or after February 3, 2005 upon the conversion or exchange of any Debt issued or sold on or prior to February 3, 2005 that is convertible or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company,
 
excluding, in the case of clause (A) or (B):
 
(x) any such Debt issued or sold to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any such Subsidiary for the benefit of their employees, and
 
(y) the aggregate amount of any cash or other Property distributed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary upon any such conversion or exchange, plus
 
(4) an amount equal to the sum of:
 
(A) the net reduction in Investments in any Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary resulting from dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of Property, in each case to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from such Person, and


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(B) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Unrestricted Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
provided, however, that the foregoing sum shall not exceed, in the case of any Person, the amount of Investments previously made (and treated as a Restricted Payment) by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Person.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, the Company may:
 
(a) pay dividends on its Capital Stock within 60 days of the declaration thereof if, on the declaration date, such dividends could have been paid in compliance with the Indenture; provided, however, that at the time of such payment of such dividend, no other Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); provided further, however, that such dividend shall be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
 
(b) purchase, repurchase, redeem, legally defease, acquire or retire for value Capital Stock of the Company or Subordinated Debt in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of the Company or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any such Subsidiary for the benefit of their employees); provided, however, that
 
(1) such purchase, repurchase, redemption, legal defeasance, acquisition or retirement shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments, and
 
(2) the Capital Stock Sale Proceeds from such exchange or sale shall be excluded from the calculation pursuant to clause (c)(2) above; and
 
(c) purchase, repurchase, redeem, legally defease, acquire or retire for value any Subordinated Debt in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Permitted Refinancing Debt; provided, however, that such purchase, repurchase, redemption, legal defeasance, acquisition or retirement shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
 
(d) repurchase shares of, or options to purchase shares of, common stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from current or former officers, directors or employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or permitted transferees of such current or former officers, directors or employees); provided, however, that the aggregate amount of such repurchases shall not exceed $10.0 million in any calendar year and such repurchases shall be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; and
 
(e) make other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount after February 3, 2005 not to exceed $75.0 million.
 
Limitation on Liens.  Prior to the Notes achieving Investment Grade Status and during any period other than a Suspension Period (and during any period that this paragraph shall apply when there is no election by the Company pursuant to the following paragraph), the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, Incur or suffer to exist, any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of its Property (including Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary), whether owned at the Issue Date or thereafter acquired, or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom, unless it has made or will make effective provision whereby the Notes or the applicable Subsidiary Guaranty will be secured by such Lien equally and ratably with (or, if such other Debt constitutes Subordinated Debt, prior to) all other Debt of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary secured by such Lien for so long as such other Debt is secured by such Lien.
 
After the Notes achieve Investment Grade Status and during any Suspension Period, the Company may elect by written notice to the Trustee and the holders of the Notes to be subject to an alternative covenant with respect to “Limitation on Liens,” in lieu of the preceding paragraph. Under this alternative covenant, the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien securing Debt (other than Permitted Liens pursuant to clauses (c) through (j) and (l) (but disregarding


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the reference to clause (b) therein) through (s) (each inclusive) of the definition of “Permitted Liens”) upon (1) any Principal Property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, (2) any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary or (3) any Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owed to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary, unless all payments due under the Indenture and the Notes are secured on an equal and ratable basis with (or prior to) the obligations so secured until such time as such other obligations are no longer secured by such lien. Notwithstanding the foregoing, after the Notes achieve Investment Grade Status and during a Suspension Period, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be permitted to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens, and renew, extend or replace such Liens, in each case without complying with the foregoing; provided that the aggregate amount of all Debt of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding at such time that is secured by these Liens (other than (1) Debt secured solely by Permitted Liens pursuant to clauses (c) through (j) and (l) (but disregarding the reference to clause (b) therein) through (s) (each inclusive) of the definition of “Permitted Liens,” (2) Debt that is secured equally and ratably with (or on a basis subordinated to) the Notes and (3) the Notes) plus the aggregate amount of all Attributable Debt of the Company and our Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to all Sale and Leaseback Transactions outstanding at such time (other than Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by the second paragraph under “— Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions”), would not exceed the greater of 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, determined based on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been filed or furnished, and $400,000,000.
 
Limitation on Asset Sales.  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, consummate any Asset Sale unless:
 
(a) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the Property subject to such Asset Sale;
 
(b) at least 75% of the consideration paid to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Asset Sale is in the form of any one or a combination of the following: (i) cash, Cash Equivalents or Additional Assets, (ii) the assumption by the purchasers of liabilities of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities or liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or the applicable Subsidiary Guaranty) as a result of which the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer obligated with respect to such liabilities, or (iii) securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such securities, notes or other obligations are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash, Cash Equivalents or Additional Assets within 90 days of such Asset Sale;
 
(c) no Default or Event of Default would occur as a result of such Asset Sale; and
 
(d) the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee certifying that such Asset Sale complies with the foregoing clauses (a) and (c).
 
The Net Available Cash (or any portion thereof, if any) from Asset Sales may be applied by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, to the extent the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary elects (or is required by the terms of any Debt):
 
(a) to Repay Senior Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor (excluding, in any such case, any Debt owed to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company); or
 
(b) to reinvest in Additional Assets (including by means of an Investment in Additional Assets by a Restricted Subsidiary with Net Available Cash received by the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary).
 
Any Net Available Cash from an Asset Sale not applied in accordance with the preceding paragraph within 365 days from the date of the receipt of such Net Available Cash or that is not segregated from the general funds of the Company for investment in identified Additional Assets in respect of a project that shall have been commenced and for which binding contractual commitments have been entered into prior to the end of such 365-day period and that shall not have been completed or abandoned, shall constitute “Excess


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Proceeds”; provided, however, that the amount of any Net Available Cash that ceases to be so segregated as contemplated above and any Net Available Cash that is segregated in respect of a project that is abandoned or completed shall also constitute “Excess Proceeds” at the time any such Net Available Cash ceases to be so segregated or at the time the relevant project is so abandoned or completed, as applicable; provided further, however, that the amount of any Net Available Cash that continues to be segregated for investment and that is not actually reinvested within twenty-four months from the date of the receipt of such Net Available Cash shall also constitute “Excess Proceeds.”
 
When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Company will be required to make an offer to repurchase (the “Prepayment Offer”) the Notes, which offer shall be in the amount of the Allocable Excess Proceeds (rounded to the nearest $1,000), on a pro rata basis according to principal amount (of a minimum $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), in accordance with the procedures (including prorating in the event of oversubscription) set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that any portion of the amount of Net Available Cash remains after compliance with the preceding sentence and provided that all holders of Notes have been given the opportunity to tender their Notes for repurchase in accordance with the Indenture, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary may use such remaining amount for any purpose permitted by the Indenture, and the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset to zero.
 
The term “Allocable Excess Proceeds” shall mean the product of:
 
(a) the Excess Proceeds; and
 
(b) a fraction,
 
(1) the numerator of which is the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding on the date of the Prepayment Offer, and
 
(2) the denominator of which is the sum of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding on the date of the Prepayment Offer and the aggregate principal amount of other Debt of the Company outstanding on the date of the Prepayment Offer that is pari passu in right of payment with the Notes and subject to terms and conditions in respect of Asset Sales similar in all material respects to this covenant and requiring the Company to make an offer to repurchase such Debt at substantially the same time as the Prepayment Offer.
 
Within five business days after the Company is obligated to make a Prepayment Offer as described in the preceding paragraph, the Company shall send a written notice, by first-class mail, to the holders of Notes, accompanied by such information regarding the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Company in good faith believes will enable such holders to make an informed decision with respect to such Prepayment Offer. Such notice shall state, among other things, the purchase price and the repurchase date, which shall be, subject to any contrary requirements of applicable law, a business day no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed.
 
The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this covenant. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this covenant, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this covenant by virtue thereof.
 
Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries.  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist any consensual restriction on the right of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
 
(a) pay dividends, in cash or otherwise, or make any other distributions on or in respect of its Capital Stock, or pay any Debt or other obligation owed, to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary;


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(b) make any loans or advances to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary; or
 
(c) transfer any of its Property to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary.
 
The foregoing limitations will not apply:
 
(1) to restrictions or encumbrances existing under or by reason of:
 
(A) agreements in effect on the Issue Date (including, without limitation, restrictions pursuant to the Notes, the Indenture, the Subsidiary Guaranties and the Senior Secured Credit Facilities), and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, replacements, refundings, refinancings, increases or supplements of those agreements, provided that the encumbrances or restrictions contained in any such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, replacements, refundings, refinancings, increases or supplements taken as a whole, are not materially more restrictive than the encumbrances or restrictions contained in agreements to which they relate as in place on the date of the Indenture,
 
(B) Debt or Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary existing at the time it became a Restricted Subsidiary or at the time it merges with or into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary if such restriction was not created in connection with or in anticipation of the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by the Company, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, replacements, refundings, refinancings, increases or supplements of those instruments, provided that the encumbrances or restrictions contained in any such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, replacements, refundings, refinancings, increases or supplements, taken as a whole, are not materially more restrictive than the encumbrances or restrictions contained in instruments in effect on the date of acquisition,
 
(C) the Refinancing of Debt Incurred pursuant to an agreement referred to in clause (1)(A) or (B) above or in clause (2)(A) or (B) below, provided such restrictions are not materially less favorable, taken as a whole to the holders of Notes than those under the agreement evidencing the Debt so Refinanced,
 
(D) any applicable law, rule, regulation or order,
 
(E) Permitted Refinancing Debt, provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Debt, taken as a whole, are not materially more restrictive than those contained in the agreements governing the Debt being refinanced,
 
(F) Liens securing obligations otherwise permitted to be incurred under the provisions of the covenant described above under the caption “— Limitation on Liens” or below under the caption “— Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions” that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens,
 
(G) customary provisions limiting or prohibiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, asset sale agreements, Sale and Leaseback Transactions, stock sale agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, which limitation or prohibition is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such agreements,
 
(H) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers or lessors under contracts or leases entered into in the ordinary course of business, or
 
(I) arising under Debt or other contractual requirements of a Securitization Entity in connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction; provided that such restrictions apply only to such Securitization Entity, and
 
(2) with respect to clause (c) only, to restrictions or encumbrances:
 
(A) relating to Debt that is permitted to be Incurred and secured without also securing the Notes or the applicable Subsidiary Guaranty pursuant to the covenants described under


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“— Limitation on Debt” and “— Limitation on Liens” that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the Property securing such Debt,
 
(B) encumbering Property at the time such Property was acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, so long as such restrictions relate solely to the Property so acquired and were not created in connection with or in anticipation of such acquisition,
 
(C) resulting from customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of leases or customary provisions in other agreements that restrict assignment of such agreements or rights thereunder,
 
(D) customary restrictions contained in any asset purchase, stock purchase, merger or other similar agreement, pending the closing of the transaction contemplated thereby, or
 
(E) customary restrictions contained in joint venture agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business in good faith.
 
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, conduct any business or enter into or suffer to exist any transaction or series of transactions (including the purchase, sale, transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or exchange of any Property or the rendering of any service) with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless:
 
(a) the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company;
 
(b) if such Affiliate Transaction involves aggregate payments or value in excess of $20.0 million, the Board of Directors approves such Affiliate Transaction and, in its good faith judgment, believes that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (a) of this paragraph as evidenced by a Board Resolution promptly delivered to the Trustee; and
 
(c) if such Affiliate Transaction involves aggregate payments or value in excess of $50.0 million (1) the Board of Directors (including at least a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors) approves such Affiliate Transaction and, in its good faith judgment, believes that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (a) of this paragraph as evidenced by a Board Resolution promptly delivered to the Trustee, or (2) the Company obtains a written opinion from an Independent Financial Advisor to the effect that the consideration to be paid or received in connection with such Affiliate Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into or suffer to exist the following, which shall not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and therefore will not be subject to the provisions of clauses (a), (b) and (c) above of this covenant:
 
(a) any transaction or series of transactions between the Company and one or more Restricted Subsidiaries or between two or more Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, provided that no more than 10% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully diluted basis) of any such Restricted Subsidiary is owned by an Affiliate of the Company (other than a Restricted Subsidiary);
 
(b) any Restricted Payment permitted to be made pursuant to the covenant described under “— Limitation on Restricted Payments” or any Permitted Investment;
 
(c) any employment, compensation, benefit or indemnification agreement or arrangement (and any payments or other transactions pursuant thereto) entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business (or that is otherwise reasonable as determined in good faith by the board of directors of the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) with an officer, employee, consultant or director and any transactions pursuant to stock option plans, stock ownership plans and employee benefit plans or arrangements;


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(d) loans and advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business other than any loans or advances that would be in violation of Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; provided that the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate principal amount of such loans and advances do not exceed $15.0 million in the aggregate at any time outstanding;
 
(e) any transactions between or among any of the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary and any Securitization Entity in connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction, in each case provided that such transactions are not otherwise prohibited by terms of the Indenture;
 
(f) agreements in effect on the Issue Date and any amendments, modifications, extensions or renewals thereto that are no less favorable to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary than such agreements as in effect on the Issue Date;
 
(g) transactions with a Person that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary owns Capital Stock of and/or controls, such Person;
 
(h) payment of fees and expenses to directors who are not otherwise employees of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, for services provided in such capacity, so long as the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof shall have approved the terms thereof;
 
(i) the granting and performance of registration rights for shares of Capital Stock of the Company under a written registration rights agreement approved by the Company’s Board of Directors as a duly authorized committee thereof; and
 
(j) transactions with Affiliates solely in their capacity as holders of Debt or Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that a significant amount of the Debt or Capital Stock of the same class is also held by persons that are not Affiliates of the Company and those Affiliates are treated no more favorably than holders of the Debt or Capital Stock generally.
 
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.  Prior to the Notes achieving Investment Grade Status and during any period other than a Suspension Period, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to any Property unless:
 
(a) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to:
 
(1) Incur Debt in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the covenant described under “— Limitation on Debt,” and
 
(2) create a Lien on such Property securing such Attributable Debt without also securing the Notes or the applicable Subsidiary Guaranty pursuant to the covenant described under “— Limitation on Liens,” and
 
(b) such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is effected in compliance with the covenant described under “— Limitation on Asset Sales.”
 
After the Notes achieve Investment Grade Status or during any Suspension Period, the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction involving any Principal Property, except for any Sale and Leaseback Transaction involving a lease not exceeding three years unless:
 
(1) the Company or that Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, would at the time of entering into the transaction be entitled to incur Debt secured by a Lien on that Principal Property in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction without equally and ratably securing the Notes; or


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(2) an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of the Sale and Leaseback Transaction is applied within 180 days to:
 
(a) the voluntary retirement or prepayment of any Debt of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary maturing more than one year after the date incurred, and which is senior to or pari passu in right of payment with the Notes, or
 
(b) the purchase of other property that will constitute Principal Property having a value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors) in an amount at least equal to the net cash proceeds of the Sale and Leaseback Transaction; or
 
(3) within the 180-day period specified in clause (2) above, the Company or that Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, deliver to the trustee for cancellation Notes in an aggregate principal amount at least equal to the net proceeds of the Sale and Leaseback Transaction.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, after the Notes achieve Investment Grade Status or during any Suspension Period, the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions that would not otherwise be permitted under the limitations described in the preceding paragraph, provided that the sum of the aggregate amount of all Debt of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is secured by Liens (other than (1) Debt secured solely by Permitted Liens pursuant to clauses (c) through (j) and (l) (but disregarding the reference to clause (b) therein) through (s) of the definition of “Permitted Liens,” (2) Debt that is secured equally and ratably with (or on a basis subordinated to) the Notes and (3) the Notes) and the aggregate amount of all Attributable Debt of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to all Sale and Leaseback Transactions outstanding at such time (other than Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted by the preceding paragraph) would not exceed 10% of the Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.  The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary of the Company to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if:
 
(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated does not own any Capital Stock or Debt of, or own or hold any Lien on any Property of, the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary; and
 
(b) either:
 
(1) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total assets of $1,000 or less, or
 
(2) such designation is effective immediately upon such entity becoming a Subsidiary of the Company, or
 
(3) the Investment by the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary in such Subsidiary is treated as a Restricted Payment under the covenant described under “— Limitation on Restricted Payments” and such Restricted Payment is permitted under such covenant at the time such Investment is made.
 
Unless so designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Company will be classified as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Subsidiary shall not be designated a Restricted Subsidiary and shall be automatically classified as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if either of the requirements set forth in clauses (x) and (y) of the second immediately following paragraph will not be satisfied after giving pro forma effect to such classification or if such Person is a Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, no Restricted Subsidiary may be redesignated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, and neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall at any time be directly or indirectly liable for any Debt that provides that the holder thereof may (with the passage of time or notice or both) declare a default thereon or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity upon the occurrence of a default with respect to any Debt, Lien or other obligation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary (including any right to take enforcement action against such Unrestricted Subsidiary). Upon designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in compliance with this covenant,


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such Restricted Subsidiary shall, by execution and delivery of a supplemental indenture in form satisfactory to the Trustee, be released from any Subsidiary Guaranty previously made by such Restricted Subsidiary.
 
The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if, immediately after giving pro forma effect to such designation,
 
(x) the Company could Incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt pursuant to clause (1) of the first paragraph of the covenant described under “— Limitation on Debt,” and
 
(y) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom.
 
Any such designation or redesignation by the Board of Directors will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a Board Resolution giving effect to such designation or redesignation and an Officers’ Certificate that:
 
(a) certifies that such designation or redesignation complies with the foregoing provisions, and
 
(b) gives the effective date of such designation or redesignation,
 
such filing with the Trustee to occur within 45 days after the end of the fiscal quarter of the Company in which such designation or redesignation is made (or, in the case of a designation or redesignation made during the last fiscal quarter of the Company’s fiscal year, within 90 days after the end of such fiscal year).
 
Future Subsidiary Guarantors.  The Company shall cause each Person that becomes (a) a Canadian Restricted Subsidiary or U.S. Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Restricted Subsidiary that Guarantees Debt in the future under Credit Facilities, provided that the borrower of such Debt is the Company or a Canadian Restricted Subsidiary or U.S. Restricted Subsidiary, in each case following the Issue Date, to execute and deliver to the Trustee a Subsidiary Guaranty at the time such Person becomes a Canadian Restricted Subsidiary or U.S. Restricted Subsidiary or otherwise becomes obligated to become a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture.
 
Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Property
 
The Company shall not merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into any other Person (other than a merger of a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary into the Company) or sell, transfer, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all its Property in any one transaction or series of transactions unless:
 
(a) the Company shall be the Surviving Person in such merger, consolidation or amalgamation, or the Surviving Person (if other than the Company) formed by such merger, consolidation or amalgamation or to which such sale, transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposition is made shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof, the District of Columbia, Canada or any province or territory of Canada;
 
(b) the Surviving Person (if other than the Company) expressly assumes, by supplemental indenture in form satisfactory to the Trustee, executed and delivered to the Trustee by such Surviving Person, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, all the Notes, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the covenants and conditions of the Indenture to be performed by the Company;
 
(c) in the case of a sale, transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all the Property of the Company, such Property shall have been transferred as an entirety or virtually as an entirety to one Person;
 
(d) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (and treating, for purposes of this clause (d) and clause (e) below, any Debt that becomes, or is anticipated to become, an obligation of the Surviving Person or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction or series of transactions as having been Incurred by the Surviving Person or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction or series of transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;


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(e) except in the case of a transaction constituting a Permitted Holdings Amalgamation under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis, the Company or the Surviving Person, as the case may be, would be able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt under clause (1) of the first paragraph of the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Debt;”
 
(f) the Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such transaction or series of transactions and the supplemental indenture, if any, in respect thereto comply with this covenant and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction or series of transactions have been satisfied;
 
(g) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes as a result of such transaction or series of transactions and will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if the transaction or series of transactions had not occurred; and
 
(h) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Canadian federal, provincial or territorial income tax purposes as a result of such transaction or series of transactions and will be subject to Canadian federal, provincial or territorial income taxes (including withholding taxes) on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such transaction or series of transactions had not occurred.
 
The Company shall not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into any other Person (other than a merger of a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary into the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor) or sell, transfer, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all its Property in any one transaction or series of transactions unless:
 
(a) the Surviving Person (if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) formed by such merger, consolidation or amalgamation or to which such sale, transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or disposition is made shall be a corporation, company (including a limited liability company) or partnership organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof, the District of Columbia or Canada or any province or territory of Canada;
 
(b) the Surviving Person (if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) expressly assumes, by supplemental indenture in form satisfactory to the Trustee, executed and delivered to the Trustee by such Surviving Person, the due and punctual performance and observance of all the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guaranty;
 
(c) in the case of a sale, transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all the Property of such Subsidiary Guarantor, such Property shall have been transferred as an entirety or virtually as an entirety to one Person;
 
(d) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (and treating, for purposes of this clause (d) and clause (e) below, any Debt that becomes, or is anticipated to become, an obligation of the Surviving Person, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction or series of transactions as having been Incurred by the Surviving Person, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction or series of transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
 
(e) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis, the Company would be able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt under clause (1) of the first paragraph of the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Debt;”
 
(f) the Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating


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that such transaction or series of transactions and such Subsidiary Guaranty, if any, in respect thereto comply with this covenant and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction or series of transactions have been satisfied;
 
(g) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes as a result of such transaction or series of transactions and will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such transaction or series of transactions had not occurred; and
 
(h) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Canadian federal, provincial or territorial income tax purposes as a result of such transaction or series of transactions and will be subject to Canadian federal, provincial or territorial income taxes (including withholding taxes) on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such transaction or series of transactions had not occurred.
 
The foregoing provisions of this paragraph (other than clause (d)) shall not apply to any transaction or series of transactions which constitute an Asset Sale if the Company has complied with the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Asset Sales.”
 
The Surviving Person shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of the Company under the Indenture (or of the Subsidiary Guarantor under the Subsidiary Guaranty, as the case may be), but the predecessor Company in the case of:
 
(a) a sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance or other disposition (unless such sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance or other disposition is of all the assets of the Company as an entirety or virtually as an entirety), or
 
(b) a lease,
 
shall not be released from any of the obligations or covenants under the Indenture, including with respect to the payment of the Notes.
 
Payments for Consents
 
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any holder of any Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or is paid to all holders of the Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
 
SEC Reports
 
The Company shall provide the Trustee and holders of Notes, within 15 days after it files with, or furnishes to, the SEC, copies of its annual report and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or is required to furnish to the SEC pursuant to the Indenture. Regardless of whether the Company is required to report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Indenture requires the Company to continue to file with, or furnish to, the SEC and provide the Trustee and holders of Notes:
 
(a) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year (or such shorter period as the SEC may in the future prescribe), an annual report containing substantially the same information required to be contained in Form 10-K or Form 20-F (or any successor form) that would be required if the Company were subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; and


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(b) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (or such shorter period as the SEC may in the future prescribe), a quarterly report containing substantially the same information required to be contained in Form 10-Q (or any successor form) that would be required if the Company were organized in the United States and subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act,
 
provided, however, that the Company shall not be so obligated to file any of the foregoing reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit such filings.
 
Events of Default
 
Events of Default in respect of the Notes include:
 
(1) failure to make the payment of any interest (including Additional Amounts) or Special Interest, if any, on the Notes when the same becomes due and payable, and such failure continues for a period of 30 days;
 
(2) failure to make the payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, on, any of the Notes when the same becomes due and payable at its Stated Maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, optional redemption, required repurchase or otherwise;
 
(3) failure to comply with the covenant described under “— Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Property;”
 
(4) failure to comply with any other covenant or agreement in the Notes or in the Indenture (other than a failure that is the subject of the foregoing clause (1), (2) or (3)), and such failure continues for 60 days after written notice is given to the Company as provided below;
 
(5) a default under any Debt by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that results in acceleration of the maturity of such Debt, or failure to pay any such Debt at maturity, in an aggregate amount greater than $50.0 million (the “cross acceleration provisions”);
 
(6) any judgment or judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $50.0 million that shall be rendered against the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and that shall not be waived, satisfied or discharged for any period of 60 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement shall not be in effect (the “judgment default provisions”);
 
(7) certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (the “bankruptcy provisions”);
 
(8) any Subsidiary Guaranty ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Subsidiary Guaranty) or any Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Subsidiary Guaranty (the “guaranty provisions”); and
 
(9) any security interest securing the Notes or any Subsidiary Guaranty that may be granted after the Issue Date pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall, at any time, (A) cease to be in full force and effect for any reason other than in accordance with its terms or the satisfaction in full of all obligations under the Indenture and discharge of the Indenture or (B) be declared invalid or unenforceable or the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall assert, in any pleading in any court of competent jurisdiction, that any such security interest is invalid or unenforceable (the security default provisions).
 
A Default under clause (4) is not an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding notify the Company of the Default and the Company does not cure such Default within the time specified after receipt of such notice. Such notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that such notice is a “Notice of Default.”
 
The Company shall deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture. Upon an Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee,


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within 10 days of becoming so aware, written notice in the form of an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default, its status, and the action the Company proposes to take with respect thereto.
 
If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes (other than an Event of Default resulting from certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Company) shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee or the registered holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may declare to be immediately due and payable the principal amount of all the Notes then outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest, including Special Interest, if any to the date of acceleration. In case an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Company shall occur, such amount with respect to all the Notes shall be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or the holders of the Notes. After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the registered holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, premium or interest, have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture.
 
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the Notes, unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Notes. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default: (a) in the payment of the principal or, premium, if any, or interest, including Special Interest, if any, and (b) in respect of a covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each Note affected thereby.
 
No holder of Notes will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy thereunder, unless:
 
(a) such holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;
 
(b) the registered holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding have made a written request and offered reasonable indemnity to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee; and
 
(c) the Trustee shall not have received from the registered holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days.
 
However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of any Note for enforcement of payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest, including Special Interest, if any, on, such Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note.
 
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders
 
No director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or member of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, as such, will have any liability for any obligations under the Notes, the Indenture, the Subsidiary Guaranties, the registration rights agreement, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.


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Amendments and Waivers
 
Subject to certain exceptions, the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the registered holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes) may amend the Indenture and the Notes, and the registered holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding may waive any past default or compliance with any provisions of the Indenture and the Notes (except a default in the payment of principal, premium, interest, including Special Interest, if any, and certain covenants and provisions of the Indenture which cannot be amended without the consent of each holder of an outstanding Note). However, without the consent of each holder of an outstanding Note, no amendment may, among other things,
 
(1) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
 
(2) reduce the rate of, or extend the time for payment of, interest, including Special Interest, if any, on, any Note;
 
(3) reduce the principal of, or extend the Stated Maturity of, any Note, or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes;
 
(4) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Note;
 
(5) impair the right of any holder of the Notes to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, including Special Interest, if any, on, such holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder’s Notes or any Subsidiary Guaranty;
 
(6) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, including Special Interest, if any, on such Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of such Notes by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
 
(7) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of holders of such Notes to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium or Special Interest, if any, on such Notes;
 
(8) subordinate the Notes or any Subsidiary Guaranty to any other obligation of the Company or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor;
 
(9) release any security interest that may have been granted in favor of the holders of the Notes other than pursuant to the terms of such security interest;
 
(10) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed, as described under “— Optional Redemption” and “— Additional Amounts;”
 
(11) reduce the premium payable upon a Change of Control or, at any time after a Change of Control has occurred, change the time at which the Change of Control Offer relating thereto must be made or at which the Notes must be repurchased pursuant to such Change of Control Offer;
 
(12) at any time after the Company is obligated to make a Prepayment Offer with the Excess Proceeds from Asset Sales, change the time at which such Prepayment Offer must be made or at which the Notes must be repurchased pursuant thereto;
 
(13) amend or modify the provisions described under “— Additional Amounts;”
 
(14) make any change in any Subsidiary Guaranty, that would adversely affect the holders of the Notes; or
 
(15) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.


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The Indenture and the Notes may be amended by the Company and the Trustee without the consent of any holder of the Notes to:
 
(1) cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;
 
(2) provide for the assumption by a Surviving Person of the obligations of the Company under the Indenture, provided, that the Company delivers to the Trustee:
 
(A) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes as a result of such assumption by a successor corporation and will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such assumption had not occurred, and
 
(B) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Canadian federal, provincial or territorial income tax purposes as a result of such assumption by a successor corporation and will be subject to Canadian federal, provincial or territorial income taxes (including withholding taxes) on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such assumption had not occurred;
 
(3) provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes (provided that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code);
 
(4) add additional Guarantees with respect to the Notes or release Subsidiary Guarantors from Subsidiary Guaranties as provided or permitted by the terms of the Indenture;
 
(5) secure the Notes, add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders of the Notes or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company;
 
(6) make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of the Notes;
 
(7) comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
 
(8) evidence or provide for a successor Trustee; or
 
(9) provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the Indenture.
 
The consent of the holders of the Notes is not necessary to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment, supplement or waiver. After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, the Company is required to mail to each registered holder of the Notes at such holder’s address appearing in the Security Register a notice briefly describing such amendment, supplement or waiver. However, the failure to give such notice to all holders of the Notes, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment, supplement or waiver.
 
Defeasance
 
The Company may, at its option and at any time, terminate all its obligations under the Notes and the Indenture (“legal defeasance”), except for certain obligations, including those respecting the defeasance trust and obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the Notes, to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and to maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the Notes and to pay Additional Amounts, if any. The Company at any time also may terminate:
 
(1) its obligations under the covenants described under “— Change of Control Offer” and “— Certain Covenants,”
 
(2) the operation of the cross acceleration provisions, the judgment default provisions, the bankruptcy provisions with respect to Significant Subsidiaries and the guaranty provisions, in each case described under “— Events of Default” above, and


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(3) the limitations contained in clause (e) under the first paragraph of, and in the second paragraph of, “— Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Property” above (“covenant defeasance”).
 
The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.
 
If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect thereto. If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in clause (4) (with respect to the covenants described under “— Certain Covenants”), (5), (6), (7) (with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries), (8) or (9) under “— Events of Default” above or because of the failure of the Company to comply with clause (e) under the first paragraph of, or with the second paragraph of, “— Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Property” above. If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option, any collateral then securing the Notes will be released and each Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from all its obligations under its Subsidiary Guaranty.
 
The legal defeasance option or the covenant defeasance option may be exercised only if:
 
(a) the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, including Special Interest, if any, on the Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
 
(b) the Company delivers to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest when due on all the Notes to be defeased to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
 
(c) 90 days pass after the deposit is made, and during the 90-day period, no Default described in clause (7) under “— Events of Default” occurs with respect to the Company or any other Person making such deposit which is continuing at the end of the period;
 
(d) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit and after giving effect thereto;
 
(e) such deposit does not constitute a default under any other agreement or instrument binding on the Company;
 
(f) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
 
(g) in the case of the legal defeasance option, the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that:
 
(1) the Company has received from the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or
 
(2) since the date of the Indenture there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, to the effect, in either case, that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same time as would be the case if such defeasance has not occurred;
 
(h) in the case of the covenant defeasance option, the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to


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U.S. Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred;
 
(i) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Canadian federal, provincial or territorial tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to Canadian federal, provincial or territorial taxes (including withholding taxes) on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and
 
(j) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Notes have been complied with as required by the Indenture.
 
Satisfaction and Discharge
 
The Company may discharge the Indenture such that it will cease to be of further effect, except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes, as to all outstanding Notes when:
 
(1) either
 
(a) all the Notes previously authenticated (except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has previously been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and is thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from the trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
 
(b) all Notes not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
 
(A) have become due and payable, or
 
(B) will become due and payable at their maturity within one year, or
 
(C) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of a redemption by the Trustee, and
 
in the case of (A), (B) or (C), the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the holders, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination of such cash and U.S. Government Obligations, in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Debt on the Notes not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or redemption, for principal, premium, if any, and interest and Special Interest, if any, on the Notes to the date of deposit, in the case of Notes that have become due and payable, or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be;
 
(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by it under the Indenture; and
 
(3) if required by the Trustee, the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been satisfied.
 
Foreign Currency Equivalents
 
For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction or amount, the U.S. dollar equivalent principal amount of any amount denominated in a foreign currency will be the Dollar Equivalent calculated on the date the Debt was incurred or other transaction was entered into, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt, provided that if any Permitted Refinancing Debt is incurred to refinance Debt denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction will be deemed not have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such Permitted Refinancing Debt does not exceed the principal amount of such Debt being refinanced.


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Notwithstanding any other provision in the Indenture, no restriction or amount will be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies.
 
Consent to Jurisdiction and Service of Process
 
The Company will irrevocably appoint Corporation Service Company as its agent for service of process in any suit, action or proceeding with respect to the Indenture or the Notes brought in any Federal or state court located in New York City and that each of the parties submits to the jurisdiction thereof.
 
Enforceability of Judgments
 
Since most of the Company’s assets are located outside the United States, any judgment obtained in the United States against it, including judgments with respect to the payment of any principal, premium, interest, including Special Interest, and Additional Amounts may not be collectible within United States.
 
The laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein permit an action to be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the Province of Ontario (an “Ontario Court”) for the enforcement of the Indenture or the Notes. An Ontario Court would give a judgment based upon a final and conclusive in personam judgment of any federal or state court located in the City of New York (a “New York Court”) for a sum certain, obtained against the Company with respect to a claim arising out of the Indenture or the Notes (a “New York Judgment”), without reconsideration of the merits, (A) provided that, (i) an action to enforce the New York Judgment must be commenced in the Ontario Court within any applicable limitation period; (ii) the Ontario Court has discretion to stay or decline to hear an action on the New York Judgment if the New York Judgment is under appeal or there is another subsisting judgment in any jurisdiction relating to the same cause of action as the New York Judgment; (iii) the Ontario Court will render judgment only in Canadian dollars; and (iv) an action in the Ontario Court on the New York Judgment may be affected by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally; and (B) subject to the following defenses, (w) the New York Judgment was obtained by fraud or in a manner contrary to the principles of natural justice; (x) the New York Judgment is for a claim which under Ontario Law would be characterized as based on a foreign revenue, expropriatory, penal law; (y) the New York Judgment is contrary to Ontario public policy; and (z) the New York Judgment has been satisfied or is void or voidable under the internal laws of that foreign jurisdiction.
 
In addition, under the Currency Act (Canada), a Canadian Court may only render judgment for a sum of money in Canadian currency, and in enforcing a foreign judgment for a sum of money in a foreign currency, a Canadian court will render its decisions in the Canadian currency equivalent of such foreign currency, calculated at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date the judgment became enforceable at the place where it was rendered.
 
Governing Law
 
The Indenture and the Notes are governed by the laws of the State of New York.
 
The Trustee
 
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. is the Trustee under the Indenture.
 
Except during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the Indenture. During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder of the Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.


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Certain Definitions
 
Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for the full definition of all such terms as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided. Unless the context otherwise requires, an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP.
 
“Additional Assets” means:
 
(a) any Property (other than cash, Cash Equivalents and securities) to be owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and used in a Related Business; or
 
(b) Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock by the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary from any Person other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company; provided, however, that, in the case of clause (b), such Restricted Subsidiary is primarily engaged in a Related Business.
 
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means:
 
(a) any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person, or
 
(b) any other Person who is a director or officer of:
 
(1) such specified Person,
 
(2) any Subsidiary of such specified Person, or
 
(3) any Person described in clause (a) above.
 
For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any Person, means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing. For purposes of the covenants described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates” and “— Limitation on Asset Sales” and the definition of “Additional Assets” only, “Affiliate” shall also mean any beneficial owner of shares representing 10% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully diluted basis) of the Company and any Person who would be an Affiliate of any such beneficial owner pursuant to the first sentence hereof.
 
“Alternative Currency” means any lawful currency other than U.S. dollars that is freely transferable into U.S. dollars.
 
“Approved Member States” means Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
 
“Asset Sale” means any sale, lease, transfer, issuance or other disposition (or series of related sales, leases, transfers, issuances or dispositions) by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”), of the following:
 
(a) any shares of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares), or
 
(b) any other Property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary outside of the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary,
 
other than, in the case of clause (a) or (b) above:
 
(1) any disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary,


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(2) any disposition that constitutes a Permitted Investment or Restricted Payment permitted by the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Restricted Payments,”
 
(3) any disposition effected in compliance with the first or second paragraph of the covenant described under “— Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Property”),
 
(4) any sale of accounts receivable and related assets (including contract rights) of the type specified in the definition of “Qualified Securitization Transaction” to or by a Securitization Entity for the fair market value thereof,
 
(5) any sale of assets pursuant to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, provided that neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall, nor shall they permit any of their respective Subsidiaries to, become or remain liable as lessee or guarantor or other surety with respect to any operating lease, unless the aggregate amount of all rents paid or accrued under all such operating leases does not exceed $25.0 million in any fiscal year;
 
(6) any sale or disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents;
 
(7) the granting of Liens not prohibited by the Indenture; and
 
(8) any disposition in a single transaction or a series of related transactions of assets for aggregate consideration of less than $10.0 million.
 
“Attributable Debt” in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction means, at any date of determination,
 
(a) if such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Debt represented thereby according to the definition of “Capital Lease Obligations,” and
 
(b) in all other instances, the greater of:
 
(1) the Fair Market Value of the Property subject to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction, and
 
(2) the present value (discounted at the interest rate borne by the Senior Notes, compounded annually) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended).
 
“Average Life” means, as of any date of determination, with respect to any Debt or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing:
 
(a) the sum of the product of the numbers of years (rounded to the nearest one-twelfth of one year) from the date of determination to the dates of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Debt or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment by (b) the sum of all such payments.
 
“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company.
 
“Board Resolution” of a Person means a copy of a resolution certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary (or individual performing comparable duties) of the applicable Person to have been duly adopted by the board of directors of such Person and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.
 
“Canadian Restricted Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of Canada or any province thereof.
 
“Capital Lease Obligations” means any obligation under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP; and the amount of Debt represented by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty. For purposes of “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Liens,” a Capital Lease Obligation shall be deemed secured by a Lien on the Property being leased.


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“Capital Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any shares or other equivalents (however designated) of any class of corporate stock or partnership interests or any other participations, rights, warrants, options or other interests in the nature of an equity interest in such Person, including Preferred Stock, but excluding any debt security convertible or exchangeable into such equity interest.
 
“Capital Stock Equivalents” means all securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to purchase or subscribe for any Capital Stock, whether or not presently convertible, exchangeable or exercisable.
 
“Capital Stock Sale Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company from the issuance or sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any such Subsidiary for the benefit of their employees) by the Company of its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) after February 3, 2005, net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, underwriters’ or placement agents’ fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees and expenses actually incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of Taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.
 
“Cash Equivalents” means any of the following:
 
(a) securities issued or fully guaranteed or insured by the federal government of the United States, Canada, Switzerland, any Approved Member State or any agency of the foregoing maturing within 365 days of the date of acquisition thereof;
 
(b) time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, eurocurrency time deposits, overnight bank deposits, money market deposits and bankers’ acceptances maturing within 365 days of the date of acquisition thereof and issued by a bank or trust company organized under the laws of Canada or any province thereof, the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, any non-U.S. bank, or its branches or agencies (fully protected against currency fluctuations) that, at the time of acquisition, is rated at least “A-1” by S&P or “P-1” by Moody’s (or such similar equivalent rating by at least one “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” (as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities Act)) or the “R-1” category by the Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited and has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in excess of $500 million;
 
(c) shares of any money market fund that (i) has at least 95% of its assets invested continuously in the types of investments referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, (ii) has net assets that exceed $500 million and (iii) is rated at least “A-1” by S&P or “P-1” by Moody’s;
 
(d) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (a) entered into with:
 
(1) a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (b) above, or
 
(2) any primary government securities dealer reporting to the Market Reports Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York;
 
(e) commercial paper issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Company) with a rating at the time as of which any Investment therein is made of “P-1” (or higher) according to Moody’s or “A-1” (or higher) according to S&P (or such similar equivalent rating by at least one “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” (as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities Act)) or in the “R-1” category by the Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited; and
 
(f) direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or any political subdivision or instrumentality thereof (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) or any province of Canada (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of such state or province is pledged and maturing within 365 days of the date of acquisition thereof, provided that the long-term debt of such state, province or political subdivision is rated, in the case of a state of the United States, one of the two highest ratings from Moody’s or S&P (or such similar equivalent rating by at least


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one “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” (as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities Act)), or the “R-1” category by the Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited;
 
provided, however, that, to the extent any cash is generated through operations in a jurisdiction outside of the United States, Canada, Switzerland or an Approved Member State, such cash may be retained and invested in obligations of the type described in clauses (a), (b) and (e) of this definition to the extent that such obligations have a credit rating equal to the sovereign rating of such jurisdiction.
 
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
 
(a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act or any successor of the foregoing), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of securities within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, other than a Permitted Holder, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, except that a person will be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all shares that any such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company (for purposes of this clause (a), such person or group shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of a corporation held by any other corporation (the “parent corporation”) so long as such person or group beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate at least a majority of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation); or
 
(b) the sale, transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or other disposition, directly or indirectly, of all or substantially all the Property of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, considered as a whole (other than a disposition of such Property as an entirety or virtually as an entirety to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary), shall have occurred, or the Company merges, consolidates or amalgamates with or into any other Person or any other Person merges, consolidates or amalgamates with or into the Company, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is reclassified into or exchanged for cash, securities or other Property, other than any such transaction where:
 
(1) the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is reclassified into or exchanged for other Voting Stock of the Company or for Voting Stock of the Surviving Person, and
 
(2) the holders of the Voting Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, not less than a majority of the Voting Stock of the Company or the Surviving Person immediately after such transaction; or
 
(c) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (together with any new directors whose election or appointment by such Board or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by a vote of not less than three-fourths of the directors then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors then in office; or
 
(d) the shareholders of the Company shall have approved any plan of liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
 
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
“Commodity Price Protection Agreement” means, in respect of a Person, any forward contract, commodity swap agreement, commodity option agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in commodity prices.
 
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the U.S. treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt


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securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Notes. “Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Trustee after consultation with the Company.
 
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date:
 
(a) the average of the bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the most recently published statistical release designated “H.15(519)” (or any successor release) published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded U.S. treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities,” or
 
(b) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date.
 
“Consolidated Current Liabilities” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate amount of liabilities of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries which may properly be classified as current liabilities (including taxes accrued as estimated), after eliminating:
 
(a) all intercompany items between the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries, and
 
(b) all current maturities of long-term Debt.
 
“Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of:
 
(a) the aggregate amount of EBITDA for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending at least 45 days prior to such determination date to
 
(b) Consolidated Interest Expense for such four fiscal quarters;
 
provided, however, that:
 
(1) if
 
(A) since the beginning of such period the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has Incurred any Debt that remains outstanding or Repaid any Debt, or
 
(B) the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio is an Incurrence or Repayment of Debt,
 
Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such Incurrence or Repayment as if such Debt was Incurred or Repaid on the first day of such period, provided that, in the event of any such Repayment of Debt, EBITDA for such period shall be calculated as if the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary had not earned any interest income actually earned during such period in respect of the funds used to Repay such Debt, and
 
(2) if
 
(A) since the beginning of such period the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have made any Asset Sale or an Investment (by merger or otherwise) in any Restricted Subsidiary (or any Person which becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) or an acquisition of Property which constitutes all or substantially all of an operating unit of a business,
 
(B) the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio is such an Asset Sale, Investment or acquisition, or
 
(C) since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period) shall have made such an Asset Sale, Investment or acquisition,


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then EBITDA for such period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect to such Asset Sale, Investment or acquisition as if such Asset Sale, Investment or acquisition had occurred on the first day of such period.
 
If any Debt bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Debt shall be calculated as if the base interest rate in effect for such floating rate of interest on the date of determination had been the applicable base interest rate for the entire period (taking into account any Interest Rate Agreement applicable to such Debt if such Interest Rate Agreement has a remaining term in excess of 12 months). In the event the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary is sold during the period, the Company shall be deemed, for purposes of clause (1) above, to have Repaid during such period the Debt of such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the Company and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Debt after such sale.
 
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the total interest expense of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, plus, to the extent not included in such total interest expense, and to the extent Incurred by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries,
 
(a) interest expense attributable to leases constituting part of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction and to Capital Lease Obligations,
 
(b) amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost, including commitment fees,
 
(c) capitalized interest,
 
(d) non-cash interest expense,
 
(e) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptance financing,
 
(f) net costs associated with Hedging Obligations (including amortization of fees),
 
(g) Disqualified Stock Dividends,
 
(h) Preferred Stock Dividends,
 
(i) interest Incurred in connection with Investments in discontinued operations,
 
(j) interest accruing on any Debt of any other Person to the extent such Debt is Guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, and
 
(k) the cash contributions to any employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such contributions are used by such plan or trust to pay interest or fees to any Person (other than the Company) in connection with Debt Incurred by such plan or trust.
 
“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that there shall not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:
 
(a) any net income (loss) of any Person (other than the Company) if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that:
 
(1) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (c) below, equity of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries in the net income of any such Person for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash distributed by such Person during such period to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (b) below), and
 
(2) the equity of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries in a net loss of any such Person other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income,


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(b) any net income (loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary if such Restricted Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions, directly or indirectly, to the Company, except that:
 
(1) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (c) below, the equity of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause), and
 
(2) the equity of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income,
 
(c) any gain or loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Property of the Company or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries (including pursuant to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction) that is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business (provided that sales or other dispositions of assets in connection with any Qualified Securitization Transaction shall be deemed to be in the ordinary course),
 
(d) any extraordinary gain or loss,
 
(e) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles, and
 
(f) any non-cash compensation expense realized for grants of performance shares, stock options or other rights to officers, directors and employees of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, provided that such shares, options or other rights can be redeemed at the option of the holder only for Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock).
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Restricted Payments” only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of Property from Unrestricted Subsidiaries to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such dividends, repayments or transfers increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such covenant pursuant to clause (c)(4) thereof.
 
“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of the amounts that would appear on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries as the total assets (less accumulated depreciation and amortization, allowances for doubtful receivables, other applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, after giving effect to purchase accounting and after deducting therefrom Consolidated Current Liabilities and, to the extent otherwise included, the amounts of (without duplication):
 
(a) the excess of cost over fair market value of assets or businesses acquired;
 
(b) any revaluation or other write-up in book value of assets subsequent to December 31, 2004 as a result of a change in the method of valuation in accordance with GAAP;
 
(c) unamortized debt discount and expenses and other unamortized deferred charges, goodwill, patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, organization or developmental expenses and other intangible items;
 
(d) minority interests in consolidated Subsidiaries held by Persons other than the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
 
(e) treasury stock;
 
(f) cash or securities set aside and held in a sinking or other analogous fund established for the purpose of redemption or other retirement of Capital Stock to the extent such obligation is not reflected in Consolidated Current Liabilities; and


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(g) Investments in and assets of Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
 
“Credit Facilities” means, with respect to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, one or more debt or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders (including the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) or indentures, in each case, providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables or inventory financing (including through the sale of receivables or inventory to such lenders or to special purpose, bankruptcy remote entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables or inventory) or trade letters of credit, in each case together with any Refinancings thereof.
 
“Currency Exchange Protection Agreement” means, in respect of a Person, any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, currency option or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
 
“Debt” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):
 
(a) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of:
 
(1) debt of such Person for money borrowed, and
 
(2) debt evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable;
 
(b) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person and all Attributable Debt in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions entered into by such Person;
 
(c) all obligations of such Person representing the deferred purchase price of Property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
 
(d) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations described in (a) through (c) above) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the third business day following receipt by such Person of a demand for reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit);
 
(e) the amount of all obligations of such Person with respect to the Repayment of any Disqualified Stock or, with respect to any Subsidiary of such Person, any Preferred Stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends);
 
(f) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (a) through (e) above of other Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any Guarantee;
 
(g) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above of other Persons secured by any Lien on any Property of such Person (whether or not such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the Fair Market Value of such Property and the amount of the obligation so secured; and
 
(h) to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person.
 
The amount of Debt of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance, or the accreted value of such Debt in the case of Debt issued with original issue discount, at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum liability, upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation, of any contingent obligations at such date. The amount of Debt represented by a Hedging Obligation shall be equal to:
 
(1) zero if such Hedging Obligation has been Incurred pursuant to clause (f), (g) or (h) of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Debt,” or
 
(2) the notional amount of such Hedging Obligation if not Incurred pursuant to such clauses.


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“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
 
“Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable, in either case at the option of the holder thereof) or otherwise:
 
(a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise,
 
(b) is or may become redeemable or repurchaseable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, or
 
(c) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof for Debt or Disqualified Stock, on or prior to, in the case of clause (a), (b) or (c), the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the Notes.
 
“Disqualified Stock Dividends” means all dividends with respect to Disqualified Stock of the Company held by Persons other than a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary. The amount of any such dividend shall be equal to the quotient of such dividend divided by the difference between one and the maximum statutory federal income tax rate (expressed as a decimal number between 1 and 0) then applicable to the Company.
 
“Dollar Equivalent” of any amount means, at the time of determination thereof, (a) if such amount is expressed in U.S. dollars, such amount, (b) if such amount is expressed in an Alternative Currency, the equivalent of such amount in U.S. dollars determined by using the rate of exchange quoted by Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC in New York, New York at 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the date of determination (or, if such date is not a Business Day, the last Business Day prior thereto) to prime banks in New York for the spot purchase in the New York currency exchange market of such amount of U.S. dollars with such Alternative Currency and (c) if such amount is denominated in any other currency, the equivalent of such amount in U.S. dollars as determined by the Trustee using any method of determination it deems appropriate.
 
“EBITDA” means, for any period, an amount equal to, for the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries:
 
(a) the sum of Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus
 
(1) any provision for taxes based on income or profits,
 
(2) Consolidated Interest Expense,
 
(3) loss from extraordinary items,
 
(4) depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses,
 
(5) all other non-cash expenses, charges and losses that are not payable in cash in any subsequent period, and
 
(6) non-recurring cash restructuring expenses, charges and losses, minus
 
(b) the sum of, in each case to the extent included in the calculation of such Consolidated Net Income for such period, but without duplication, (i) any credit for income tax, (ii) interest income, (iii) gains from extraordinary items, (iv) any aggregate net gain (but not any aggregate net loss) from the sale, exchange or other disposition of capital assets and (v) any other non-cash gains or other items which have been added in determining Consolidated Net Income, including any reversal of a change referred to in clause (5) above by reason of a decrease in the value of any Capital Stock or Capital Stock Equivalent.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing clause (a), the provision for taxes and the depreciation, amortization and non-cash items of a Restricted Subsidiary shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute EBITDA only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the net income of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating Consolidated Net Income and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to the Company by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior approval (that has not been obtained), pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees,


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orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary or its shareholders.
 
“Event of Default” has the meaning set forth under “— Events of Default.”
 
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
“Existing Indenture” means the Indenture relating to the Senior Notes, dated as of February 3, 2005, between the Company, the guarantors parties thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, as amended from time to time.
 
“Fair Market Value” means, with respect to any Property, the price that could be negotiated in an arm’s-length free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair Market Value shall be determined, except as otherwise provided,
 
(a) if such Property has a Fair Market Value equal to or less than $50.0 million, by any Officer of the Company, or
 
(b) if such Property has a Fair Market Value in excess of $50.0 million, by at least a majority of the Board of Directors and evidenced by a Board Resolution, dated within 45 days of the relevant transaction, delivered to the Trustee.
 
“GAAP” means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on February 3, 2005, including those set forth in:
 
(a) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants,
 
(b) the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board,
 
(c) such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, and
 
(d) the rules and regulations of the SEC governing the inclusion of financial statements (including pro forma financial statements) in periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, including opinions and pronouncements in staff accounting bulletins and similar written statements from the accounting staff of the SEC.
 
“Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:
 
(a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise), or
 
(b) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part);
 
provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include:
 
(1) endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business, or
 
(2) a contractual commitment by one Person to invest in another Person for so long as such Investment is reasonably expected to constitute a Permitted Investment under clause (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of “Permitted Investment.”
 
The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning. The term “Guarantor” shall mean any Person Guaranteeing any obligation.


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“Hedging Obligation” of any Person means any obligation of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement, Currency Exchange Protection Agreement, Commodity Price Protection Agreement or any other similar agreement or arrangement.
 
“holder” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered in the Security Register.
 
“Incur” means, with respect to any Debt or other obligation of any Person, to create, issue, incur (by merger, conversion, exchange or otherwise), extend, assume, Guarantee or become liable in respect of such Debt or other obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any such Debt or obligation on the balance sheet of such Person (and “Incurrence” and “Incurred” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided, however, that a change in GAAP that results in an obligation of such Person that exists at such time, and is not theretofore classified as Debt, becoming Debt shall not be deemed an Incurrence of such Debt; provided further, however, that any Debt or other obligations of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary; and provided further, however, that solely for purposes of determining compliance with “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Debt,” amortization of debt discount shall not be deemed to be the Incurrence of Debt, provided that in the case of Debt sold at a discount, the amount of such Debt Incurred shall at all times be the aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity.
 
“Independent Financial Advisor” means an investment banking firm of national standing or any third party appraiser of national standing, provided that such firm or appraiser is not an Affiliate of the Company.
 
“Interest Rate Agreement” means, for any Person, any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement or other similar agreement designed to protect against fluctuations in interest rates.
 
“Investment” by any Person means any direct or indirect loan (other than advances to customers in the ordinary course of business that are recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of such Person), advance or other extension of credit or capital contribution (by means of transfers of cash or other Property to others or payments for Property or services for the account or use of others, or otherwise) to, or Incurrence of a Guarantee of any obligation of, or purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities or evidence of Debt issued by, any other Person. For purposes of the covenants described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Restricted Payments” and “— Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries” and the definition of “Restricted Payment,” the term “Investment” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of any Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary of an amount (if positive) equal to:
 
(a) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, less
 
(b) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation.
 
In determining the amount of any Investment made by transfer of any Property other than cash, such Property shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such Investment.
 
“Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P.
 
“Investment Grade Status” shall be deemed to have been reached on the date that the Notes have an Investment Grade Rating from both Rating Agencies.
 
“Issue Date” means the date on which the old notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture.
 
“Lien” means, with respect to any Property of any Person, any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, lien, charge, easement (other than any


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easement not materially impairing usefulness or marketability), encumbrance, preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such Property (including any Capital Lease Obligation, conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing or any Sale and Leaseback Transaction).
 
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
 
“Net Available Cash” from any Asset Sale means cash payments received therefrom (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Debt or other obligations relating to the Property that is the subject of such Asset Sale or received in any other non-cash form), in each case net of:
 
(a) all legal, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such Asset Sale,
 
(b) all payments made on or in respect of any Debt that is secured by any Property subject to such Asset Sale, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon such Property, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Sale, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Sale,
 
(c) all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Sale, and
 
(d) the deduction of appropriate amounts provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the Property disposed of in such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Sale.
 
“Obligations” means all obligations for principal, premium, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Debt.
 
“Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or any other executive officer of the Company.
 
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, signed by two Officers of the Company, at least one of whom shall be the principal executive officer or principal financial officer of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
 
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Trustee.
 
“Permitted Holder” means Hindalco Industries Ltd. and any Affiliate and Related Person thereof. Any person or group whose acquisition of beneficial ownership constitutes a Change of Control in respect of which a Change of Control Offer is made in accordance with the requirements of the Indenture (or would result in a Change of Control Offer in the absence of the waiver of such requirement by holders in accordance with the Indenture) will thereafter, together with any of its Affiliates and Related Persons, constitute additional Permitted Holders.
 
“Permitted Investment” means any Investment by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in:
 
(a) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
 
(b) any Person that will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
(c) any Person if as a result of such Investment such Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its Property to, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
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(e) receivables owing to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided, however, that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;
 
(f) payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business;
 
(g) loans and advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, provided that such loans and advances do not exceed $15.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
 
(h) stock, obligations or other securities received in settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments;
 
(i) any Person to the extent such Investment represents the non-cash portion of the consideration received in connection with (A) an Asset Sale consummated in compliance with the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Asset Sales,” or (B) any disposition of Property not constituting an Asset Sale;
 
(j) any Persons made for Fair Market Value that do not exceed 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets in the aggregate outstanding at any one time;
 
(k) a Securitization Entity or any Investment by a Securitization Entity in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction provided that any Investment in a Securitization Entity is in the form of a Purchase Money Note, contribution of additional receivables and related assets or any equity interests; and
 
(l) other Investments made for Fair Market Value that do not exceed $20.0 million in the aggregate outstanding at any one time.
 
“Permitted Liens” means:
 
(a) Liens to secure Debt permitted to be Incurred under clause (b) of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Debt”;
 
(b) Liens to secure Debt permitted to be Incurred under clause (c) of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Debt,” provided that any such Lien may not extend to any Property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, other than the Property acquired, constructed or leased with the proceeds of such Debt and any improvements or accessions to such Property;
 
(c) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies on the Property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary if the same shall not at the time be delinquent or thereafter can be paid without penalty, or are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings timely instituted and diligently pursued, provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision that shall be required in accordance with GAAP shall have been established with respect thereto;
 
(d) Deposit account banks’ rights of set-off, Liens of landlords arising by statute, Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens and other similar Liens, on the Property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary arising in the ordinary course of business and securing payment of obligations that are not more than 60 days past due or are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;
 
(e) Liens on the Property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of obligations with respect to statutory or regulatory requirements, performance or return-of-money bonds, surety bonds or other obligations of a like nature and Incurred in a manner consistent with industry practice, in each case which are not Incurred in


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connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or credit or the payment of the deferred purchase price of Property and which do not in the aggregate impair in any material respect the use of Property in the operation of the business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole;
 
(f) Liens on Property at the time the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary acquired such Property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any such Lien may not extend to any other Property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided further, however, that such Liens shall not have been Incurred in anticipation of or in connection with the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which such Property was acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
 
(g) Liens on the Property of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any such Lien may not extend to any other Property of the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a direct Subsidiary of such Person; provided further, however, that any such Lien was not Incurred in anticipation of or in connection with the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
(h) pledges or deposits by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary under workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Debt) or leases to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of the Company, or deposits for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;
 
(i) utility easements, building restrictions and such other encumbrances or charges against real Property as are of a nature generally existing with respect to properties of a similar character;
 
(j) Liens existing on the Issue Date not otherwise described in clauses (a) through (i) above, other than Liens created after February 3, 2005 that were permitted liens pursuant to clause (t) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” set forth in the Existing Indenture;
 
(k) Liens not otherwise described in clauses (a) through (j) above on the Property of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor to secure any Debt permitted to be Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Debt”;
 
(l) Liens on the Property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to secure any Refinancing, in whole or in part, of any Debt secured by Liens referred to in clause (b), (f), (g), or (j) above; provided, however, that any such Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same Property that secured the original Lien (together with improvements and accessions to such Property), and the aggregate principal amount of Debt that is secured by such Lien shall not be increased to an amount greater than the sum of:
 
(1) the outstanding principal amount, or, if greater, the committed amount, of the Debt secured by Liens described under clause (b), (f), (g) or (j) above, as the case may be, at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under the Indenture, and
 
(2) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums and defeasance costs, incurred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Refinancing;
 
(m) Liens on accounts receivable and related assets (including contract rights) of the type specified in the definition of “Qualified Securitization Transaction” transferred to a Securitization Entity in a Qualified Securitization Transaction;
 
(n) encumbrances arising by reason of zoning restrictions, easements, licenses, reservations, covenants, rights-of-way, utility easements, building restrictions and other similar encumbrances on the use of real property not materially detracting from the value of such real property or not materially interfering with the ordinary conduct of the business conducted and proposed to be conducted at such real property;


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(o) encumbrances arising under leases or subleases of real property that do not, in the aggregate, materially detract from the value of such real property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business conducted and proposed to be conducted at such real property;
 
(p) financing statements with respect to a lessor’s rights in and to personal property leased to such Person in the ordinary course of such Person’s business other than through a Capital Lease;
 
(q) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business;
 
(r) licenses of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights granted in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any respect with the ordinary conduct of such Person’s business;
 
(s) Liens arising out of conditional sale, retention, consignment or similar arrangement, incurred in the ordinary course of business, for the sale of goods; and
 
(t) Liens not otherwise permitted by clauses (a) through (s) above encumbering Property having an aggregate Fair Market Value not in excess of 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, as determined based on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been filed or furnished.
 
“Permitted Refinancing Debt” means any Debt that Refinances any other Debt, including any successive Refinancings, so long as:
 
(a) such Debt is in an aggregate principal amount (or if Incurred with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) not in excess of the sum of:
 
(1) the aggregate principal amount (or if Incurred with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding of the Debt being Refinanced, and
 
(2) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums and defeasance costs, related to such Refinancing,
 
(b) the Average Life of such Debt is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Debt being Refinanced,
 
(c) the Stated Maturity of such Debt is no earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Debt being Refinanced, and
 
(d) the new Debt shall not be senior in right of payment to the Debt that is being Refinanced;
 
provided, however, that Permitted Refinancing Debt shall not include:
 
(x) Debt of a Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor that Refinances Debt of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, or
 
(y) Debt of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary that Refinances Debt of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
“Person” means any individual, corporation, company (including any limited liability company), association, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
 
“Preferred Stock” means any Capital Stock of a Person, however designated, which entitles the holder thereof to a preference with respect to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of any other class of Capital Stock issued by such Person.
 
“Preferred Stock Dividends” means all dividends with respect to Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries held by Persons other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary. The amount of any such dividend shall be equal to the quotient of such dividend divided by the difference between one and the


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maximum statutory federal income rate (expressed as a decimal number between 1 and 0) then applicable to the issuer of such Preferred Stock.
 
“Principal Property” means any manufacturing plant or facility owned by the Company and/or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries having a gross book value in excess of 1.5% of the Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
“pro forma” means, with respect to any calculation made or required to be made pursuant to the terms hereof, a calculation performed in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act, as interpreted in good faith by the Board of Directors after consultation with the independent certified public accountants of the Company, or otherwise a calculation made in good faith by the Board of Directors after consultation with the independent certified public accountants of the Company, as the case may be.
 
“Property” means, with respect to any Person, any interest of such Person in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible, including Capital Stock in, and other securities of, any other Person. For purposes of any calculation required pursuant to the Indenture, the value of any Property shall be its Fair Market Value.
 
“Public Equity Offering” means an underwritten public offering of common stock of the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.
 
“Purchase Money Debt” means Debt:
 
(a) consisting of the deferred purchase price of Property, conditional sale obligations, obligations under any title retention agreement, other purchase money obligations and obligations in respect of industrial revenue bonds, in each case where the maturity of such Debt does not exceed the anticipated useful life of the Property being financed, and
 
(b) Incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or lease by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of such Property, including additions and improvements thereto;
 
provided, however, that such Debt is Incurred within 180 days after the acquisition, construction or lease of such Property by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary.
 
“Purchase Money Note” means a promissory note evidencing a line of credit, or evidencing other Debt owed to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction, which note shall be repaid from cash available to the maker of such note, other than amounts required to be established as reserves, amounts paid to investors in respect of interest, principal and other amounts owing to such investors and amounts paid in connection with the purchase of newly generated accounts receivable.
 
“Qualified Securitization Transaction” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell, convey or otherwise transfer pursuant to customary terms to (a) a Securitization Entity (in the case of a transfer by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary) and (b) any other Person (in the case of transfer by a Securitization Entity), or may grant a security interest in any accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising or acquired in the future) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, and any assets related thereto including all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and contract rights and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets (including contract rights) which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving accounts receivable.
 
“Rating Agencies” means Moody’s and S&P.
 
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, RBS Securities Inc. and their successors and any other primary U.S. Government securities dealer or dealers in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company; provided,


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however, that if any of the foregoing cease to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Company shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.
 
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the third business day preceding such redemption date.
 
“Refinance” means, in respect of any Debt, to refinance, extend, renew, refund or Repay, or to issue other Debt, in exchange or replacement for, such Debt. “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.
 
“Related Business” means any business that is related, ancillary or complementary to the businesses of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date.
 
“Related Person” with respect to any Permitted Holder means:
 
(a) any controlling stockholder or a majority (or more) owned Subsidiary of such Permitted Holder or, in the case of an individual, any spouse or immediate family member of such Permitted Holder, any trust created for the benefit of such individual or such individual’s estate, executor, administrator, committee or beneficiaries; or
 
(b) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or Persons beneficially holding a majority (or more) controlling interest of which consist of such Permitted Holder and/or such other Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (a).
 
“Repay” means, in respect of any Debt, to repay, prepay, repurchase, redeem, legally defease or otherwise retire such Debt. “Repayment” and “Repaid” shall have correlative meanings. For purposes of the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Limitation on Asset Sales” and the definition of “Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio,” Debt shall be considered to have been Repaid only to the extent the related loan commitment, if any, shall have been permanently reduced in connection therewith.
 
“Restricted Payment” means:
 
(a) any dividend or distribution (whether made in cash, securities or other Property) declared or paid on or with respect to any shares of Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), except for (i) any dividend or distribution that is made solely to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary (and, if such Restricted Subsidiary is not a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, to the other shareholders of such Restricted Subsidiary on a pro rata basis or on a basis that results in the receipt by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of dividends or distributions of greater value than it would receive on a pro rata basis), or (ii) any dividend or distribution payable solely in shares of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;
 
(b) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than from the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) or any securities exchangeable for or convertible into any such Capital Stock, including the exercise of any option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than for or into Capital Stock of the Company that is not Disqualified Stock);
 
(c) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, acquisition or retirement for value, prior to the date for any scheduled maturity, sinking fund or amortization or other installment payment, of any Subordinated Obligation (other than the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of any Subordinated Obligation purchased in anticipation of satisfying a scheduled maturity, sinking fund or amortization or other installment obligation, in each case due within one year of the date of acquisition); or
 
(d) any Investment (other than Permitted Investments) in any Person.


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“Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc., a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
 
“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any direct or indirect arrangement relating to Property now owned or hereafter acquired whereby the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such Property to another Person and the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.
 
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
“Securitization Entity” means any wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (or another Person in which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary make an Investment and to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary transfers accounts receivable and related assets) (a) which engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of accounts receivable or related assets, (b) which is designated by the Board of Directors (as provided below) as a Securitization Entity, (c) no portion of the Debt or any other Obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding guarantees of Obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Debt) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings and guarantees by the Securitization Entity), (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Securitization Entity) in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings or (iii) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Securitization Entity), directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings and other than any interest in the accounts receivable and related assets being financed (whether in the form of any equity interest in such assets or subordinated indebtedness payable primarily from such financed assets) retained or acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, (d) with which none of the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than those customary for a Qualified Securitization Transaction and, in any event, on terms no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, and (e) to which none of the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.
 
“Senior Debt” of the Company means:
 
(a) all obligations consisting of the principal, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company to the extent post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding) in respect of:
 
(1) Debt of the Company for borrowed money, and
 
(2) Debt of the Company evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments permitted under the Indenture for the payment of which the Company is responsible or liable;
 
(b) all Capital Lease Obligations of the Company and all Attributable Debt in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions entered into by the Company;
 
(c) all obligations of the Company
 
(1) for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or similar credit transaction,
 
(2) under Hedging Obligations, or


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(3) issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of Property and all conditional sale obligations of the Company and all obligations under any title retention agreement permitted under the Indenture; and
 
(d) all obligations of other Persons of the type referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) for the payment of which the Company is responsible or liable as Guarantor;
 
provided, however, that Senior Debt shall not include:
 
(A) Debt of the Company that is by its terms subordinate in right of payment to the Notes, including any Subordinated Debt;
 
(B) any Debt Incurred in violation of the provisions of the Indenture;
 
(C) accounts payable or any other obligations of the Company to trade creditors created or assumed by the Company in the ordinary course of business in connection with the obtaining of materials or services (including Guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such liabilities);
 
(D) any liability for Federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Company;
 
(E) any obligation of the Company to any Subsidiary; or
 
(F) any obligations with respect to any Capital Stock of the Company.
 
To the extent that any payment of Senior Debt (whether by or on behalf of the Company as proceeds of security or enforcement or any right of setoff or otherwise) is declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be paid to a trustee, receiver or other similar party under any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, then if such payment is recovered by, or paid over to, such trustee, receiver or other similar party, the Senior Debt or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be deemed to be reinstated and outstanding as if such payment had not occurred.
 
“Senior Debt” of any Subsidiary Guarantor has a correlative meaning to Senior Debt of the Company.
 
“Senior Notes” means the Company’s 7.25% Senior Notes due 2015.
 
“Senior Secured Credit Facilities” means (a) the asset-based lending facility dated as of July 6, 2007 by and among the Company, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. as administrative agent, and the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto, including any notes, collateral documents, and documentation and guarantees and any appendices, exhibits or schedules to any of the preceding, and (b) the term loan facility dated as of July 6, 2007 by and among the Company, UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as administrative agent and as collateral agent, and the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto, including any notes, collateral documents, letters of credit and documentation and guarantees and any appendices, exhibits or schedules to any of the preceding, as such agreements may be in effect from time to time, in each case, as any or all of such agreements (or any other agreement that Refinances any or all of such agreements) may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, or renewed, refunded, refinanced, restructured, replaced, repaid or extended from time to time, whether with the original agents and lenders or other agents and lenders or otherwise, and whether provided under the original credit agreement or one or more other credit agreements, indentures or otherwise.
 
“Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act.
 
“Special Interest” means the additional interest, if any, to be paid on the Notes.
 
“Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that are reasonably customary in an accounts receivable securitization transaction so long as none of the same constitute Debt, a Guarantee or otherwise require the provision of credit support.
 
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any


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mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the issuer unless such contingency has occurred).
 
“Subordinated Debt” means any Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes or the applicable Subsidiary Guaranty pursuant to a written agreement to that effect.
 
“Subsidiary” means, in respect of any Person, any corporation, company (including any limited liability company), association, partnership, joint venture or other business entity of which an aggregate of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by:
 
(a) such Person,
 
(b) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or
 
(c) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.
 
“Subsidiary Guarantor” means (a) each Canadian Restricted Subsidiary and U.S. Restricted Subsidiary; (b) Novelis do Brasil Ltda, Novelis UK Ltd., Novelis Europe Holdings Limited, Novelis Aluminium Holding Company, Novelis Deutschland GmbH, Novelis Switzerland SA, Novelis Technology AG, Novelis AG, Novelis PAE S.A.S., Novelis Luxembourg S.A., Novelis Madeira, Unipessoal, Lda and Novelis Services Limited; and (c) any other Person that becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Future Subsidiary Guarantors” or who otherwise executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the Trustee providing for a Subsidiary Guaranty.
 
“Subsidiary Guaranty” means a Guarantee on the terms set forth in the Indenture by a Subsidiary Guarantor of the Company’s obligations with respect to the Notes.
 
“Surviving Person” means the surviving Person formed by a merger, consolidation or amalgamation and, for purposes of the covenant described under “— Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Property,” a Person to whom all or substantially all of the Property of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor is sold, transferred, assigned, leased, conveyed or otherwise disposed.
 
“Taxes” means any present or future tax, duty, levy, interest, assessment or other governmental charge imposed or levied by or on behalf of any government or any political subdivision or territory or possession of any government or any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax.
 
“Taxing Jurisdiction” means (i) with respect to any payment made under the Notes, any jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof or therein) in which the Company, or any of its successors, are organized or resident for tax purposes or conduct of business, or from or through which payment is made and (ii) with respect to any payment made by a Subsidiary Guarantor, any jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof or therein) in which such Subsidiary Guarantor is organized or resident for tax purposes or conduct of business, or from or through which payment is made.
 
“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, compounded semi-annually, assuming a price for such Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.
 
“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means:
 
(a) any Subsidiary of the Company that is designated after the Issue Date as an Unrestricted Subsidiary as permitted or required pursuant to the covenant described under “— Certain Covenants — Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries” and is not thereafter redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary as permitted pursuant thereto; and
 
(b) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.


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“U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the issuer’s option.
 
“U.S. Restricted Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia.
 
“Voting Stock” of any Person means all classes of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership interests) of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof.
 
“Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any time, a Restricted Subsidiary all the Voting Stock of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) is at such time owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company and its other Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.


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BOOK-ENTRY SETTLEMENT AND CLEARANCE
 
Except as set forth below, new notes will be issued in registered, global form, without interest coupons (the “Global Notes”) in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $1,000. Upon issuance, each of the global notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.
 
Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may not be exchanged for notes in certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below. See “— Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes.” Except in the limited circumstances described below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form. In addition, transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants, which may change from time to time.
 
Depositary Procedures
 
The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC is provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. We take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.
 
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the “participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. The participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the “indirect participants”). Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the participants or the indirect participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the participants and indirect participants.
 
DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to procedures established by it:
 
(1) upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of participants designated by the initial purchasers with portions of the principal amount of the Global Notes; and
 
(2) ownership of these interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the participants) or by the participants and the indirect participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes).
 
Investors in the Global Notes who are participants in DTC’s system may hold their interests therein directly through DTC. Investors in the Global Notes who are not participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through organizations which are participants in such system. All interests in a Global Note may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. The laws of some states require that certain Persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such Persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of participants, which in turn act on behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a Person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge such interests to Persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or


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otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.
 
Except as described below, owners of an interest in the Global Notes will not have notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or “holders” thereof under the Indenture for any purpose.
 
Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium and additional interest, if any, on a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder under the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the company and the Trustee will treat the Persons in whose names the notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners of the notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither the company, the Trustee nor any agent of the company or the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for:
 
(1) any aspect of DTC’s records or any participant’s or indirect participant’s records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC’s records or any participant’s or indirect participant’s records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes; or
 
(2) any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its participants or indirect participants.
 
DTC has advised us that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the participants and the indirect participants to the beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the participants or the indirect participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the Trustee or the company. Neither the company nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of its participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the notes, and the company and the Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.
 
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC’s procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds.
 
DTC has advised the company that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for legended notes in certificated form, and to distribute such notes to its participants.
 
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Notes among participants, it is under no obligation to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued or changed at any time. Neither the company nor the Trustee nor any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
 
Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes
 
A Global Note is exchangeable for Certificated Notes if:
 
(1) DTC (a) notifies the company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in each case, a successor depositary is not appointed;


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(2) the company, at their option, notify the Trustee in writing that they elect to cause the issuance of the Certificated Notes; or
 
(3) there has occurred and is continuing a Default with respect to the notes.
 
In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for Certificated Notes upon prior written notice given to the Trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the Indenture. In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures) and will bear the applicable restrictive legend unless that legend is not required by applicable law.
 
Exchange of Certificated Notes for Global Notes
 
Certificated Notes may not be exchanged for beneficial interests in any Global Note unless the transferor first delivers to the Trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in the Indenture) to the effect that such transfer will comply with the appropriate transfer restrictions applicable to such notes.
 
Same Day Settlement and Payment
 
The company will make payments in respect of the notes represented by the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and additional interest, if any) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Global Note holder. The company will make all payments of principal, interest and premium and additional interest, if any, with respect to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the Certificated Notes or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder’s registered address. The notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to be made eligible to trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. The company expect that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.


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PRINCIPAL CANADIAN AND U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
Canadian Federal Income Taxation
 
Exchange of Old Notes
 
A Non-Resident Holder (as defined below) will not be subject to Canadian federal income tax as a result of the exchange of old notes for new notes in the exchange offer.
 
Ownership of New Notes
 
Amounts paid or credited, or deemed to be paid or credited, as, on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of the principal of the new notes or premium, discount or interest on the new notes by us to a Non-Resident Holder, including in respect of a required offer to purchase the new notes, will be exempt from Canadian withholding tax. However, a Non-Resident Holder who transfers a new note to a holder resident deemed to be resident in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”) with whom the Non-Resident Holder does not deal at arm’s length should consult its own tax advisor.
 
No other taxes on income (including taxable capital gains) will be payable under the Tax Act by Non-Resident Holders of the new notes in respect of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of the new notes.
 
For purposes of this section, “Non-Resident Holder” means a holder who exchanges old notes for new notes in the exchange offer and who, at all relevant times, (i) is not and is not deemed to be a resident of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act and any applicable income tax convention, (ii) deals at arm’s length with us for purposes of the Tax Act and (iii) holds the old notes and new notes as capital property.
 
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer
 
The following discussion is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange offer to holders of old notes, but is not a complete analysis of all potential tax effects. The summary below is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), regulations of the Treasury Department, administrative rulings and pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service and judicial decisions, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to particular holders, including dealers in securities, financial institutions, insurance companies and tax-exempt organizations. In addition, this summary does not consider the effect of any foreign, state, local, gift, estate or other tax laws that may be applicable to a particular holder. This summary applies only to a holder that acquired old notes at original issue for cash and holds such old notes as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code.
 
The exchange of old notes for new notes in the exchange offer will not constitute a taxable event to holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, no gain or loss will be recognized by a holder upon receipt of a new note, the holder’s holding period for the new note will include the holder’s holding period for the old note exchanged therefor, and the holder’s basis in the new note will be the same as the holder’s basis in the old note immediately before the exchange. Likewise, because the old notes were issued with original issue discount (which U.S. holders must accrue and include in income prior to the receipt of cash attributable to such income), such discount will carry over to the new notes.
 
Persons considering the exchange of old notes for new notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the Canadian and U.S. federal income tax consequences to them in light of their particular situations as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.


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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
For a period of 180 days from the date on which the exchange offer is consummated, we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer, other than commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers and will indemnify the holders of the notes, including any broker-dealers, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes where such old notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the date on which the exchange offer is consummated, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until          , 2009, all dealers effecting transactions in the new notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.
 
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of new notes by broker-dealers. New notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the new notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such new notes. Any broker-dealer that resells new notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such new notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of new notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
For a period of 180 days after the date on which the exchange offer is consummated we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the holders of the notes) other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.


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LEGAL MATTERS
 
The validity of the new notes and the related guarantees will be passed upon for us by King & Spalding LLP, Atlanta, Georgia. In rendering its opinion, King & Spalding LLP will rely upon the opinions of non-U.S. local counsel as to all matters of non-U.S. law.
 
EXPERTS
 
The consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009; as of March 31, 2008; for the periods May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008 and April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007; the three months ended March 31, 2007; and for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in this Prospectus and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting as of March 31, 2009 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009) have been so included in reliance on the reports (which contain an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s retrospective application of SFAS No. 160 and an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any documents we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the public reference rooms.
 
While any notes remain outstanding, we will make available without charge, upon written or oral request, to any beneficial owner and any prospective purchaser of notes the information required pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act during any period in which we are not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Also, we will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, a copy of all documents referred to below which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. Any such request should be directed to us at:
 
Corporate Secretary
Novelis Inc.
3399 Peachtree Road, NE
Suite 1500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 814-4200


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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
         
    F-2  
         
    F-5  
         
    F-6  
         
    F-7  
         
    F-9  
         
    F-11  
         
    F-12  
         
    F-97  
         
    F-98  
         
    F-99  
         
    F-100  
         
    F-101  
         
    F-102  


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of Novelis Inc.:
 
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholder’s equity, cash flows, and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended March 31, 2009 and the period from May 16, 2007 to March 31, 2008 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Novelis Inc. and its subsidiaries (Successor) at March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2009 and the period from May 16, 2007 to March 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting with respect to the application of purchase accounting for an equity method investee including related income tax accounts existed as of that date. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness referred to above is described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (not presented herein) appearing under Item 9A of Novelis Inc.’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We considered this material weakness in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2009 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in management’s report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that


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controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for minority interests (now termed noncontrolling interests) to conform to SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”), effective April 1, 2009 and retrospectively adjusted the financial statements as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the year ended March 31, 2009 and the period from May 16, 2007 to March 31, 2008.
 
/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
Atlanta, GA
June 29, 2009 (except with respect to our opinion on the consolidated financial statements insofar as it relates to the retrospective application of SFAS No. 160, as to which the date is August 5, 2009).


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of Novelis Inc.:
 
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, shareholder’s/invested equity, cash flows, and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods from April 1, 2007 to May 15, 2007, and January 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007, and the year ended December 31, 2006 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Novelis Inc. and its subsidiaries (Predecessor) for the periods from April 1, 2007 to May 15, 2007, and January 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007, and for the year ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans effective December 31, 2006.
 
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for minority interests (now termed noncontrolling interests) to conform to SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”), effective April 1, 2009 and retrospectively adjusted the financial statements for the periods from April 1, 2007 to May 15, 2007, and January 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007, and the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
Atlanta, GA
June 29, 2009 (except with respect to our opinion on the consolidated financial statements insofar as it relates to the retrospective application of SFAS No. 160, as to which the date is August 5, 2009).


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Novelis Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
                                           
          May 16,
      April 1,
    Three
       
          2007
      2007
    Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008       2007     2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Net sales
  $ 10,177     $ 9,965       $ 1,281     $ 2,630     $ 9,849  
                                           
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    9,251       9,042         1,205       2,447       9,317  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    319       319         95       99       410  
Depreciation and amortization
    439       375         28       58       233  
Research and development expenses
    41       46         6       8       40  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    182       191         27       54       221  
Interest income
    (14 )     (18 )       (1 )     (4 )     (15 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    556       (22 )       (20 )     (30 )     (63 )
Impairment of goodwill
    1,340       —         —       —       —  
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    (122 )     —         —       —       —  
Restructuring charges, net
    95       6         1       9       19  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    172       (25 )       (1 )     (3 )     (16 )
Other (income) expenses, net
    86       (6 )       35       47       (19 )
                                           
      12,345       9,908         1,375       2,685       10,127  
                                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,168 )     57         (94 )     (55 )     (278 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (246 )     73         4       7       (4 )
                                           
Net loss
    (1,922 )     (16 )       (98 )     (62 )     (274 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (12 )     4         (1 )     2       1  
                                           
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
    (1,910 )     (20 )       (97 )     (64 )     (275 )
                                           
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.00     $ 0.00       $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.20  
                                           
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Novelis Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except number of shares)
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
ASSETS
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 248     $ 326  
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $2 and $1 as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)
               
— third parties
    1,049       1,248  
— related parties
    25       31  
Inventories
    793       1,455  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    51       58  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    119       203  
Deferred income tax assets
    216       125  
                 
Total current assets
    2,501       3,446  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,799       3,357  
Goodwill
    582       1,930  
Intangible assets, net
    787       888  
Investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    719       946  
Fair value of derivative instruments, net of current portion
    72       21  
Deferred income tax assets
    4       6  
Other long-term assets
               
— third parties
    80       102  
— related parties
    23       41  
                 
Total assets
  $ 7,567     $ 10,737  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 51     $ 15  
Short-term borrowings
    264       115  
Accounts payable
               
— third parties
    725       1,582  
— related parties
    48       55  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    640       148  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    516       704  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       39  
                 
Total current liabilities
    2,244       2,658  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
               
— third parties
    2,417       2,560  
— related party
    91       —  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    469       754  
Accrued postretirement benefits
    495       421  
Other long-term liabilities
    342       672  
                 
      6,058       7,065  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Shareholder’s equity
               
Common stock, no par value; unlimited number of shares authorized; 77,459,658 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively
    —       —  
Additional paid-in capital
    3,497       3,497  
Accumulated deficit
    (1,930 )     (20 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (148 )     46  
                 
Total equity of our common shareholder
    1,419       3,523  
Noncontrolling interests
    90       149  
                 
Total equity
    1,509       3,672  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 7,567     $ 10,737  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Novelis Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
                                           
          May 16,
      April 1,
    Three
       
          2007
      2007
    Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008       2007     2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                         
Net loss
  $ (1,922 )   $ (16 )     $ (98 )   $ (62 )   $ (274 )
Adjustments to determine net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                                         
Depreciation and amortization
    439       375         28       58       233  
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    556       (22 )       (20 )     (30 )     (63 )
Non-cash Restructuring charges, net
    22       —         —       8       —  
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    (122 )     —         —       —       —  
Deferred income taxes
    (331 )     (5 )       (18 )     (9 )     (77 )
Write-off and amortization of fair value adjustments, net
    (233 )     (221 )       —       —       —  
Impairment of goodwill
    1,340       —         —       —       —  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    172       (25 )       (1 )     (3 )     (16 )
Foreign exchange remeasurement on debt
    26       —         —       —       —  
Gain on reversal of accrued legal claim
    (26 )     —         —       —       —  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    5       10         1       2       13  
Other, net
    3       2         4       2       12  
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures):
                                         
Accounts receivable
    69       181         (21 )     (25 )     (141 )
Inventories
    466       208         (76 )     (95 )     (206 )
Accounts payable
    (655 )     (18 )       (62 )     78       523  
Other current assets
    (6 )     (8 )       (7 )     3       25  
Other current liabilities
    (63 )     (68 )       42       (22 )     (64 )
Other noncurrent assets
    17       (30 )       (1 )     (5 )     6  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    7       42         (1 )     13       45  
                                           
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (236 )     405         (230 )     (87 )     16  
                                           
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                         
Capital expenditures
    (145 )     (185 )       (17 )     (24 )     (116 )
Disposal of business, net
    —       —         —       —       (7 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
    5       8         —       —       38  
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    20       24         1       1       3  
Proceeds from related party loans receivable, net
    17       18         —       1       37  
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    (8 )     37         18       24       238  
                                           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (111 )     (98 )       2       2       193  
                                           
 
(Continued)


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Novelis Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
(In millions)
 
                                           
          May 16,
      April 1,
    Three
       
          2007
      2007
    Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008       2007     2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                         
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    —       92         —       —       —  
Proceeds from issuance of debt
                                         
— third parties
    263       1,100         150       —       41  
— related parties
    91       —         —       —       —  
Principal repayments
    (235 )     (1,009 )       (1 )     (1 )     (353 )
Short-term borrowings, net
    176       (241 )       60       113       103  
Dividends
    (6 )     (1 )       (7 )     —       (30 )
Debt issuance costs
    (3 )     (37 )       (2 )     —       (11 )
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    —       —         1       27       2  
Other
    —       —         —       1       5  
                                           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    286       (96 )       201       140       (243 )
                                           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (61 )     211         (27 )     55       (34 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
    (17 )     13         1       —       7  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    326       102         128       73       100  
                                           
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 248     $ 326       $ 102     $ 128     $ 73  
                                           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                                         
Interest paid
  $ 169     $ 200       $ 13     $ 84     $ 201  
Income taxes paid
    65       64         9       18       68  
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Novelis Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
(In millions, except number of shares)
 
                                                         
    Equity of our Common Shareholder              
                            Accumulated
             
                      Retained
    Other
             
                Additional
    Earnings/
    Comprehensive
    Non-
       
    Common Stock     Paid-in
    (Accumulated
    Income (Loss)
    controlling
    Total
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit)     (AOCI)     Interests     Equity  
 
Predecessor
                                                       
Balance as of December 31, 2005
    74,005,649     $ —     $ 425     $ 92     $ (84 )   $ 159     $ 592  
Fiscal 2006 Activity:
                                                       
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
    —       —       —       (275 )     —       —       (275 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       —       —       —       1       1  
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock plans
    134,686       —       2       —       —       —       2  
Spin-off settlement and post-closing adjustments
    —       —       (38 )     —       —       —       (38 )
Share-based compensation
    —       —       9       —       —       —       9  
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax provision of $4 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       168       13       181  
Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net
    —       —       —       —       (46 )     —       (46 )
Postretirement benefit plans:
                                                       
Change in minimum pension liability, net of tax provision of $4 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       12       —       12  
Initial impact of adopting Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement No. 158
    —       —       —       —       (55 )     —       (55 )
Noncontrolling interests cash dividends
    —       —       —       —       —       (15 )     (15 )
Dividends on common shares
    —       —       —       (15 )     —       —       (15 )
                                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2006
    74,140,335       —       398       (198 )     (5 )     158       353  
Activity for Three Months Ended March 31, 2007:
                                                       
Adjustment for uncertain tax positions
    —       —       —       (1 )     —       —       (1 )
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
    —       —       —       (64 )     —       —       (64 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       —       —       —       2       2  
Issuance of common stock from the exercise of stock options
    1,217,325       —       27       —       —       —       27  
Share-based compensation
    —       —       2       —       —       —       2  
Windfall tax benefit on share-based compensation
    —       —       1       —       —       —       1  
Currency translation adjustment
    —       —       —       —       11       (1 )     10  
Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net of tax provision of $4 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       3       —       3  
Postretirement benefit plans:
                                                       
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax provision of $1 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       1       —       1  
Noncontrolling interests cash dividends
    —       —       —       —       —       (7 )     (7 )
                                                         
Balance as of March 31, 2007
    75,357,660       —       428       (263 )     10       152       327  
 
(Continued)


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Novelis Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY — (Continued)
(In millions, except number of shares)
 
                                                         
    Equity of our Common Shareholder              
                            Accumulated
             
                      Retained
    Other
             
                Additional
    Earnings/
    Comprehensive
    Non-
       
    Common Stock     Paid-in
    (Accumulated
    Income (Loss)
    controlling
    Total
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit)     (AOCI)     Interests     Equity  
 
Predecessor
                                                       
Activity for April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007:
                                                       
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
    —       —       —       (97 )     —       —       (97 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       —       —       —       (1 )     (1 )
Issuance of common stock from the exercise of stock options
    57,876       —       1       —       —       —       1  
Conversion of share-based compensation plans from equity-based plans to liability-based plans
    —       —       (7 )     —       —       —       (7 )
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax benefit of $4 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       35       1       36  
Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net of tax
    —       —       —       —       (1 )     —       (1 )
Postretirement benefit plans:
                                                    —  
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    —       —       —       —       (1 )     —       (1 )
                                                         
Balance as of May 15, 2007
    75,415,536     $ —     $ 422     $ (360 )   $ 43     $ 152     $ 257  
                                                         
Successor
                                                       
Balance as of May 16, 2007
    75,415,536     $ —     $ 3,405     $ —     $ —     $ 152     $ 3,557  
Activity for May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008:
                                                       
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
    —       —       —       (20 )     —       —       (20 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       —       —       —       4       4  
Issuance of additional common stock
    2,044,122       —       92       —       —       —       92  
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax
    —       —       —       —       59       (6 )     53  
Postretirement benefit plans:
                                            —          
Change in pension and other benefits, net of tax benefit of $4 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       (13 )     —       (13 )
Noncontrolling interests cash dividends
    —       —       —       —       —       (1 )     (1 )
                                                         
Balance as of March 31, 2008
    77,459,658       —       3,497       (20 )     46       149       3,672  
Fiscal 2009 Activity:
                                                       
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
    —       —       —       (1,910 )     —       —       (1,910 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       —       —       —       (12 )     (12 )
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax
    —       —       —       —       (122 )     (41 )     (163 )
Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net of tax benefit of $11 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       (19 )     —       (19 )
Postretirement benefit plans:
                                                       
Change in pension and other benefits, net of tax benefit of $31 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       (53 )     —       (53 )
Noncontrolling interests cash dividends
    —       —       —       —       —       (6 )     (6 )
                                                         
Balance as of March 31, 2009
    77,459,658     $ —     $ 3,497     $ (1,930 )   $ (148 )   $ 90     $ 1,509  
                                                         
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Novelis Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
(in millions)
 
                                           
          May 16,
      April 1,
    Three
       
    Year
    2007
      2007
    Months
       
    Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    March 31,
      May 15,
    March 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008       2007     2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (1,910 )   $ (20 )     $ (97 )   $ (64 )   $ (275 )
                                           
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                         
Currency translation adjustment
    (122 )     59         31       11       172  
Change in fair value of effective portion of
hedges, net
    (30 )     —         (1 )     7       (46 )
Postretirement benefit plans:
                                         
Change in pension and other benefits
    (84 )     (17 )       —       —          
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    —       —         (1 )     2       —  
Change in minimum pension liability
    —       —         —       —       16  
                                           
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect
    (236 )     42         29       20       142  
Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
    (42 )     (4 )       (4 )     5       8  
                                           
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (194 )     46         33       15       134  
                                           
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
    (2,104 )     26         (64 )     (49 )     (141 )
                                           
                                           
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (12 )     4         (1 )     2       1  
                                           
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                         
Currency translation adjustment
    (41 )     (6 )       1       (1 )     13  
                                           
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    (41 )     (6 )       1       (1 )     13  
                                           
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (53 )     (2 )       —       1       14  
                                           
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (2,157 )   $ 24       $ (64 )   $ (48 )   $ (127 )
                                           
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.   BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
References herein to “Novelis,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Novelis Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. References herein to “Hindalco” refer to Hindalco Industries Limited. In October 2007, the Rio Tinto Group purchased all the outstanding shares of Alcan, Inc. References herein to “Alcan” refer to Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
 
Organization and Description of Business
 
Novelis Inc., formed in Canada on September 21, 2004, and its subsidiaries, is the world’s leading aluminum rolled products producer based on shipment volume. We produce aluminum sheet and light gauge products for the beverage and food can, transportation, construction and industrial, and foil products markets. As of March 31, 2009, we had operations on four continents: North America; South America; Asia; and Europe, through 32 operating plants and four research facilities in 11 countries. In addition to aluminum rolled products plants, our South American businesses include bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and power generation facilities that are integrated with our rolling plants in Brazil.
 
On May 18, 2004, Alcan announced its intention to transfer its rolled products businesses into a separate company and to pursue a spin-off of that company to its shareholders. The spin-off occurred on January 6, 2005, following approval by Alcan’s board of directors and shareholders, and legal and regulatory approvals. Alcan shareholders received one Novelis common share for every five Alcan common shares held.
 
Acquisition of Novelis Common Stock and Predecessor and Successor Reporting
 
On May 15, 2007, the Company was acquired by Hindalco through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the Arrangement) at a price of $44.93 per share. The aggregate purchase price for all of the Company’s common shares was $3.4 billion and Hindalco also assumed $2.8 billion of Novelis’ debt for a total transaction value of $6.2 billion. Subsequent to completion of the Arrangement on May 15, 2007, all of our common shares were indirectly held by Hindalco.
 
Our acquisition by Hindalco was recorded in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 103, Push Down Basis of Accounting Required in Certain Limited Circumstances (SAB 103). In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the consideration and related costs paid by Hindalco in connection with the acquisition have been “pushed down” to us and have been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 141, Business Combinations (FASB 141). Due to the impact of push down accounting, the Company’s consolidated financial statements and certain note presentations separate the Company’s presentation into two distinct periods to indicate the application of two different bases of accounting between the periods presented: (1) the periods up to, and including, the May 15, 2007 acquisition date (labeled “Predecessor”) and (2) the periods after that date (labeled “Successor”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include a black line division which indicates that the Predecessor and Successor reporting entities shown are not comparable.
 
Change in Fiscal Year End
 
On June 26, 2007, our board of directors approved the change of our fiscal year end to March 31 from December 31. On June 28, 2007, we filed a Transition Report on Form 10-Q for the three month period ended March 31, 2007 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to Rule 13a-10 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for transition period reporting. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements present our financial position as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of our operations, cash flows and changes in shareholder’s equity for the year ended March 31, 2009; the periods from May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008 and from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007; the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006.


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Consolidation Policy
 
Our consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned subsidiaries over which we exercise control, entities in which we have a controlling financial interest or are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all significant intercompany accounts and transactions from our financial statements.
 
We use the equity method to account for our investments in entities that we do not control, but where we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Consolidated net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder includes our share of the net earnings (losses) of these entities. The difference between consolidation and the equity method impacts certain of our financial ratios because of the presentation of the detailed line items reported in the consolidated financial statements for consolidated entities, compared to a two-line presentation of equity method investments and net losses.
 
We use the cost method to account for our investments in entities that we do not control and for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. These investments are recorded at the lower of their cost or fair value.
 
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
 
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The principal areas of judgment relate to (1) the fair value of derivative financial instruments; (2) impairment of goodwill; (3) impairments of long lived assets, intangible assets and equity investments; (4) actuarial assumptions related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans; (5) income tax reserves and valuation allowances and (6) assessment of loss contingencies, including environmental and litigation reserves. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty, and accordingly, our accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as our operating environment changes. We evaluate and update our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in our evaluations. Actual results could differ from the estimates we have used.
 
Risks and Uncertainties
 
We are exposed to a number of risks in the normal course of our operations that could potentially affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
 
Laws and regulations
 
We operate in an industry that is subject to a broad range of environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws and regulations impose increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety protection standards and permitting requirements regarding, among other things, air emissions, wastewater storage, treatment and discharges, the use and handling of hazardous or toxic materials, waste disposal practices, the remediation of environmental contamination, post-mining reclamation and working conditions for our employees. Some environmental laws, such as the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as CERCLA or Superfund, and comparable state laws, impose joint and several liability for the cost of environmental remediation, natural resource damages, third party claims, and other expenses, without regard to the fault or the legality of the original conduct.


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The costs of complying with these laws and regulations, including participation in assessments and remediation of contaminated sites and installation of pollution control facilities, have been, and in the future could be, significant. In addition, these laws and regulations may also result in substantial environmental liabilities associated with divested assets, third party locations and past activities. In certain instances, these costs and liabilities, as well as related action to be taken by us, could be accelerated or increased if we were to close, divest of or change the principal use of certain facilities with respect to which we may have environmental liabilities or remediation obligations. Currently, we are involved in a number of compliance efforts, remediation activities and legal proceedings concerning environmental matters, including certain activities and proceedings arising under U.S. Superfund and comparable laws in other jurisdictions where we have operations.
 
We have established reserves for environmental remediation activities and liabilities where appropriate. However, the cost of addressing environmental matters (including the timing of any charges related thereto) cannot be predicted with certainty, and these reserves may not ultimately be adequate, especially in light of potential changes in environmental conditions, changing interpretations of laws and regulations by regulators and courts, the discovery of previously unknown environmental conditions, the risk of governmental orders to carry out additional compliance on certain sites not initially included in remediation in progress, our potential liability to remediate sites for which provisions have not been previously established and the adoption of more stringent environmental laws. Such future developments could result in increased environmental costs and liabilities and could require significant capital expenditures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations or cash flows. Furthermore, the failure to comply with our obligations under the environmental laws and regulations could subject us to administrative, civil or criminal penalties, obligations to pay damages or other costs, and injunctions or other orders, including orders to cease operations. In addition, the presence of environmental contamination at our properties could adversely affect our ability to sell a property, receive full value for a property or use a property as collateral for a loan.
 
Some of our current and potential operations are located or could be located in or near communities that may regard such operations as having a detrimental effect on their social and economic circumstances. Environmental laws typically provide for participation in permitting decisions, site remediation decisions and other matters. Concern about environmental justice issues may affect our operations. Should such community objections be presented to government officials, the consequences of such a development may have a material adverse impact upon the profitability or, in extreme cases, the viability of an operation. In addition, such developments may adversely affect our ability to expand or enter into new operations in such location or elsewhere and may also have an effect on the cost of our environmental remediation projects.
 
We use a variety of hazardous materials and chemicals in our rolling processes, as well as in our smelting operations in Brazil and in connection with maintenance work on our manufacturing facilities. Because of the nature of these substances or related residues, we may be liable for certain costs, including, among others, costs for health-related claims or removal or re-treatment of such substances. Certain of our current and former facilities incorporate asbestos-containing materials, a hazardous substance that has been the subject of health-related claims for occupation exposure. In addition, although we have developed environmental, health and safety programs for our employees, including measures to reduce employee exposure to hazardous substances, and conduct regular assessments at our facilities, we are currently, and in the future may be, involved in claims and litigation filed on behalf of persons alleging injury predominantly as a result of occupational exposure to substances at our current or former facilities. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these claims and lawsuits due to the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation. If these claims and lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, were finally resolved against us, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Materials and labor
 
In the aluminum rolled products industry, our raw materials are subject to continuous price volatility. We may not be able to pass on the entire cost of the increases to our customers or offset fully the effects of higher raw material costs, other than metal, through productivity improvements, which may cause our profitability to decline. In addition, there is a potential time lag between changes in prices under our purchase contracts and the point when we can implement a corresponding change under our sales contracts with our customers. As a result, we could be exposed to fluctuations in raw materials prices, including metal, since, during the time lag period, we may have to temporarily bear the additional cost of the change under our purchase contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Significant price increases may result in our customers’ substituting other materials, such as plastic or glass, for aluminum or switch to another aluminum rolled products producer, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We consume substantial amounts of energy in our rolling operations, our cast house operations and our Brazilian smelting operations. The factors that affect our energy costs and supply reliability tend to be specific to each of our facilities. A number of factors could materially adversely affect our energy position including, but not limited to: (a) increases in the cost of natural gas; (b) increases in the cost of supplied electricity or fuel oil related to transportation; (c) interruptions in energy supply due to equipment failure or other causes and (d) the inability to extend energy supply contracts upon expiration on economical terms. A significant increase in energy costs or disruption of energy supplies or supply arrangements could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Approximately 70% of our employees are represented by labor unions under a large number of collective bargaining agreements with varying durations and expiration dates. We may not be able to satisfactorily renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements when they expire. In addition, existing collective bargaining agreements may not prevent a strike or work stoppage at our facilities in the future, and any such work stoppage could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Geographic markets
 
We are, and will continue to be, subject to financial, political, economic and business risks in connection with our global operations. We have made investments and carry on production activities in various emerging markets, including Brazil, Korea and Malaysia, and we market our products in these countries, as well as China and certain other countries in Asia. While we anticipate higher growth or attractive production opportunities from these emerging markets, they also present a higher degree of risk than more developed markets. In addition to the business risks inherent in developing and servicing new markets, economic conditions may be more volatile, legal and regulatory systems less developed and predictable, and the possibility of various types of adverse governmental action more pronounced. In addition, inflation, fluctuations in currency and interest rates, competitive factors, civil unrest and labor problems could affect our revenues, expenses and results of operations. Our operations could also be adversely affected by acts of war, terrorism or the threat of any of these events as well as government actions such as controls on imports, exports and prices, tariffs, new forms of taxation, or changes in fiscal regimes and increased government regulation in the countries in which we operate or service customers. Unexpected or uncontrollable events or circumstances in any of these markets could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Other risks and uncertainties
 
In addition, refer to Note 17 — Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities and Note 20 — Commitments and Contingencies for a discussion of financial instruments and commitments and contingencies.


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications of the prior period amounts and presentation have been made to conform to the presentation adopted for the current period.
 
The following reclassifications and presentation changes were made to the prior periods’ consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of operations to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total assets, total shareholder’s equity, net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder or cash flows as previously presented:
 
  •  The current portion of liabilities related to the Fair value of derivative instruments were reclassified from Accrued expenses and other current liabilities to a separate line item.
 
  •  Restructuring charges, net were reclassified from Other (income) expenses, net to a separate line item.
 
  •  Interest income was reclassified from Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs to a separate line item.
 
  •  Sale transaction fees were reclassified from a separate line item to Other (income) expense, net.
 
In the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2008, we reclassified $6 million from Current deferred income tax assets, $2 million from Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and $53 million from Long-term deferred income tax liabilities to Goodwill due to a misclassification on the opening balance sheet of the Successor company. The impact of this reclassification increased total assets and total liabilities by $55 million, but had no effect on total shareholder’s equity, net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder or cash flows as previously presented and is not considered material to the March 31, 2008 financial statements.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We recognize sales when the revenue is realized or realizable, and has been earned. We record sales when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred and collectibility of the fixed or determinable sales price is reasonably assured.
 
We recognize product revenue, net of trade discounts and allowances, in the reporting period in which the products are shipped and the title and risk of ownership pass to the customer. We generally ship our product to our customers FOB (free on board) destination point. Our standard terms of delivery are included in our contracts of sale, order confirmation documents and invoices. We sell most of our products under contracts based on a “conversion premium,” which is subject to periodic adjustments based on market factors. As a result, the aluminum price risk is largely absorbed by the customer. In situations where we offer customers fixed prices for future delivery of our products, we may enter into derivative instruments for all or a portion of the cost of metal inputs to protect our profit on the conversion of the product. In addition, certain of our sales contracts provide for a ceiling over which metal prices cannot contractually be passed through to our customers, unless adjusted. We partially mitigate the risk of this metal price exposure through the purchase of derivative instruments.
 
We record tolling revenue when the revenue is realized or realizable, and has been earned. Tolling refers to the process by which certain customers provide metal to us for conversion to rolled product. We do not take title to the metal and, after the conversion and return shipment of the rolled product to the customer, we charge them for the value-added conversion cost and record these amounts in Net sales.
 
Shipping and handling amounts we bill to our customers are included in Net sales and the related shipping and handling costs we incur are included in Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization).


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
 
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) includes all costs associated with inventories, including the procurement of materials, the conversion of such materials into finished product, and the costs of warehousing and distributing finished goods to customers. Material procurement costs include inbound freight charges as well as purchasing, receiving, inspection and storage costs. Conversion costs include the costs of direct production inputs such as labor and energy, as well as allocated overheads from indirect production centers and plant administrative support areas. Warehousing and distribution expenses include inside and outside storage costs, outbound freight charges and the costs of internal transfers.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses include selling, marketing and advertising expenses; salaries, travel and office expenses of administrative employees and contractors; legal and professional fees; software license fees; and bad debt expenses.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents includes investments that are highly liquid and have maturities of three months or less when purchased. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
 
We maintain amounts on deposit with various financial institutions, which may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. However, management periodically evaluates the credit-worthiness of those institutions, and we have not experienced any losses on such deposits.
 
Accounts Receivable
 
Our accounts receivable are geographically dispersed. We do not obtain collateral relating to our accounts receivable. We do not believe there are any significant concentrations of revenues from any particular customer or group of customers that would subject us to any significant credit risks in the collection of our accounts receivable. We report accounts receivable at the estimated net realizable amount we expect to collect from our customers.
 
Additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are made by means of the provision for doubtful accounts. We write-off uncollectible accounts receivable against the allowance for doubtful accounts after exhausting collection efforts.
 
For each of the periods presented, we performed an analysis of our historical cash collection patterns and considered the impact of any known material events in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts. In performing the analysis, the impact of any adverse changes in general economic conditions was considered, and for certain customers we reviewed a variety of factors including: past due receivables; macro-economic conditions; significant one-time events and historical experience. Specific reserves for individual accounts may be established due to a customer’s inability to meet their financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or the deterioration in a customer’s operating results or financial position. As circumstances related to customers change, we adjust our estimates of the recoverability of the accounts receivable.
 
Derivative Instruments
 
We utilize derivative instruments to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The fair values of all derivative instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities at the balance sheet date. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized as (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net and included in our consolidated statements of


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
operations or included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) on our consolidated balance sheet, depending on the nature or use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting treatment under the provisions of FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (FASB 133), as amended.
 
Gains and losses on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges are included, to the extent the hedges are effective, in AOCI, until the underlying transactions are recognized as gains or losses and included in our consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses on derivative instruments used as hedges of our net investment in foreign operations are included, net of taxes, to the extent the hedges are effective, in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment (CTA). The ineffective portions of cash flow hedges and hedges of net investments in foreign operations, if any, are recognized as gains or losses and included in our consolidated statements of operations, in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in the current period.
 
Inventories
 
We carry our inventories at the lower of their cost or market value, reduced by reserves for excess and obsolete items. We use the “average cost” method to determine cost.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
We report land, buildings, leasehold improvements and machinery and equipment at cost. We report assets under capital lease obligations at the lower of their fair value or the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments as of the beginning of the lease term. We depreciate our assets using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the assets or the lease term, excluding any lease renewals, unless the lease renewals are reasonably assured. As a result of the Arrangement, land, building, leasehold improvements and machinery and equipment as of May 16, 2007 were adjusted to reflect fair value.
 
The ranges of estimated useful lives are as follows:
 
         
    Years  
 
Buildings
    30 to 40  
Leasehold improvements
    7 to 20  
Machinery and equipment
    5 to 25  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    3 to 10  
Equipment under capital lease obligations
    6 to 15  
 
As noted above, our machinery and equipment have useful lives of 5 to 25 years. Most of our large scale machinery, including hot mills, cold mills, continuous casting mills, furnaces and finishing mills have useful lives of 15-25 years. Supporting machinery and equipment, including automation and work rolls, have useful lives of 5-15 years.
 
Maintenance and repairs of property and equipment are expensed as incurred. We capitalize replacements and improvements that increase the estimated useful life of an asset, and when material, we capitalize interest on major construction and development projects while in progress.
 
We retain fully depreciated assets in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until we remove them from service. In the case of sale, retirement or disposal, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation balances are removed from the respective accounts, and the resulting net amount, less any proceeds, is included as a gain or loss in Other (income) expenses, net in our consolidated statements of operations.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
We account for operating leases under the provisions of FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases (FASB 13), and FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-3, Accounting for Operating Leases with Scheduled Rent Increases. These pronouncements require us to recognize escalating rents, including any rent holidays, on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease for those lease agreements where we receive the right to control the use of the entire leased property at the beginning of the lease term.
 
Goodwill
 
We account for goodwill under the guidance in FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations (FASB 141) and FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (FASB 142).
 
We test goodwill for impairment using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. We use our operating segments as our reporting units. We test for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, unless some triggering event occurs that would require an impairment assessment. In accordance with FASB 142, we concluded that events had occurred and circumstances had changed during our third quarter of fiscal 2009 requiring us to perform an interim period goodwill impairment test. See Note 3 — Impairment of Goodwill and Investment in Affiliate.
 
We use the present value of estimated future cash flows to establish the estimated fair value of our reporting units as of the testing dates. This approach includes many assumptions related to future growth rates, discount factors and tax rates, among other considerations. Changes in economic and operating conditions impacting these assumptions could result in goodwill impairment in future periods. When available and as appropriate, we use comparative market multiples to corroborate the estimated fair value. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill were to exceed its estimated fair value, we would recognize an impairment charge in Impairment of goodwill in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
When a business within a reporting unit is disposed of, goodwill is allocated to the gain or loss on disposition using the relative fair value methodology of FASB 142.
 
Long-Lived Assets and Other Intangible Assets
 
In accordance with FASB 142, we amortize the cost of intangible assets over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual value.
 
Under the guidance in FASB Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets (excluding goodwill) and definite-lived intangible assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that we may not be able to recover the asset’s carrying amount. We measure the recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset (groups) to the expected, undiscounted future net cash flows to be generated by that asset (groups), or, for identifiable intangible assets, by determining whether the amortization of the intangible asset balance over its remaining life can be recovered through undiscounted future cash flows. The amount of impairment of identifiable intangible assets is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. We measure the amount of impairment of other long-lived assets (excluding goodwill) as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally determined as the present value of estimated future cash flows or as the appraised value. Impairments of long-lived assets have been included in Restructuring charges, net and Other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations.
 
If the carrying amount of an intangible asset were to exceed its fair value, we would recognize an impairment charge in Other (income) expenses, net in our consolidated statements of operations. No impairments of other intangible assets have been identified during any of the periods presented.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
We continue to amortize long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale. We carry long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale in our consolidated balance sheets at the lower of net book value or the fair value less cost to sell, and we cease depreciation.
 
Investment in and Advances to Non-Consolidated Affiliates
 
Management assesses the potential for other-than-temporary impairment of our equity method and cost method investments. We consider all available information, including the recoverability of the investment, the earnings and near-term prospects of the affiliate, factors related to the industry, conditions of the affiliate, and our ability, if any, to influence the management of the affiliate. We assess fair value based on valuation methodologies, as appropriate, including the present value of estimated future cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds, and external appraisals. If an investment is considered to be impaired and the decline in value is other than temporary, we record an appropriate write-down.
 
Guarantees
 
We account for certain guarantees in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (FIN 45). FIN 45 requires that a guarantor recognize a liability for the fair value of obligations undertaken at the inception of a guarantee.
 
Financing Costs and Interest Income
 
We amortize financing costs and premiums, and accrete discounts, over the remaining life of the related debt using the “effective interest amortization” and straight-line methods. The related income or expense is included in Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs in our consolidated statements of operations. We record discounts or premiums as a direct deduction from, or addition to, the face amount of the financing.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (FASB 157), defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB 157 also applies to measurements under other accounting pronouncements, such as FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (FASB 107) that require or permit fair value measurements. FASB 107 requires disclosures of the fair value of financial instruments. Our financial instruments include: cash and cash equivalents; certificates of deposit; accounts receivable; accounts payable; foreign currency, energy and interest rate derivative instruments; cross-currency swaps; metal option and forward contracts; related party notes receivable and payable; letters of credit; short-term borrowings and long-term debt.
 
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable and current related party notes receivable and payable approximate their fair value because of the short-term maturity and highly liquid nature of these instruments. The fair value of our letters of credit is deemed to be the amount of payment guaranteed on our behalf by third party financial institutions. We determine the fair value of our short-term borrowings and long-term debt based on various factors including maturity schedules, call features and current market rates. We also use quoted market prices, when available, or the present value of estimated future cash flows to determine fair value of short-term borrowings and long-term debt. When quoted market prices are not available for various types of financial instruments (such as currency, energy and interest rate derivative instruments, swaps, options and forward contracts), we use standard pricing models with market-based inputs, which take into account the present value of estimated future cash flows.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Pensions and Postretirement Benefits
 
We account for our pensions and other postretirement benefits in accordance with FASB Statements No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (FASB 158), No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions, and No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions. We adopted FASB 158 for the year ended December 31, 2006. FASB 158 requires us to recognize the funded status of our benefit plans as a net asset or liability, with an offsetting adjustment to AOCI in shareholder’s equity. The funded status is calculated as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. Prior to and including the three months ended March 31, 2007, we used a December 31 measurement date for our pension and postretirement plans. As a result of our acquisition by Hindalco and the application of push down accounting, our pension and postretirement plans were remeasured as of May 16, 2007. For the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we used March 31 as the measurement date.
 
We use standard actuarial methods and assumptions to account for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Pension and postretirement benefit obligations are actuarially calculated using management’s best estimates of expected service periods, salary increases and retirement ages of employees. Pension and postretirement benefit expense includes the actuarially computed cost of benefits earned during the current service period, the interest cost on accrued obligations, the expected return on plan assets based on fair market value and the straight-line amortization of net actuarial gains and losses and adjustments due to plan amendments. Generally, all net actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the expected average remaining service lives of plan participants.
 
Our pension obligations relate to funded defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland and the U.K., unfunded pension plans in Germany, and unfunded lump sum indemnities in France, South Korea, Malaysia and Italy. Our other postretirement obligations include unfunded healthcare and life insurance benefits provided to retired employees in Canada, the U.S. and Brazil.
 
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
 
These financial statements reflect the retrospective application of FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (FASB 160) for all periods presented. FASB 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require: (i) the ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent to be clearly identified and presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet within shareholder’s equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; (ii) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest to be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of operations and (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary to be accounted for consistently.
 
Our consolidated financial statements include all assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of less-than- 100%-owned affiliates that we control or for which we are the primary beneficiary. We record a noncontrolling interest for the allocable portion of income or loss to which the noncontrolling interest holders are entitled based upon their ownership share of the affiliate. Distributions made to the holders of noncontrolling interests are charged to the respective noncontrolling interest balance.
 
Losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest in an affiliate may exceed our interest in the affiliate’s equity. The excess, and any further losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest, shall be attributed to those interests. The noncontrolling interest shall continue to be attributed its share of losses even if that attribution results in a deficit noncontrolling interest balance. As of March 31, 2009, we have no such losses.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Environmental Liabilities
 
We record accruals for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based on current law and existing technologies. We adjust these accruals periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information become available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are stated at undiscounted amounts. Environmental liabilities are included in our consolidated balance sheets in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, depending on their short- or long-term nature. Any receivables for related insurance or other third party recoveries for environmental liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a recovery will be realized and are included in our consolidated balance sheets in Prepaid expenses and other current assets.
 
Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and clean-up are charged to expense. Estimated future incremental operations, maintenance and management costs directly related to remediation are accrued in the period in which such costs are determined to be probable and estimable.
 
Litigation Reserves
 
FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, requires that we accrue for loss contingencies associated with outstanding litigation, claims and assessments for which management has determined it is probable that a loss contingency exists and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We expense professional fees associated with litigation claims and assessments as incurred.
 
Income Taxes
 
We provide for income taxes using the asset and liability method as required by FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (FASB 109). This approach recognizes the amount of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year, as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequence of events recognized in the consolidated financial statements and income tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are adjusted to recognize the effects of changes in tax laws or enacted tax rates. Under FASB 109, a valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income.
 
Share-Based Compensation
 
On January 1, 2006, we adopted FASB Statement No. 123 (Revised), Share-Based Payment (FASB 123(R)), which is a revision to FASB Statement No. 123. FASB 123(R) requires the recognition of compensation expense for a share-based award over an employee’s requisite service period based on the award’s grant date fair value, subject to adjustment.
 
We adopted FASB 123(R) using the modified prospective method, which requires companies to record compensation cost beginning with the effective date based on the requirements of FASB 123(R) for all share-based payments granted after the effective date. All awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of FASB 123(R) that remain unvested at the adoption date will continue to be expensed over the remaining service period. Additionally, we determined that all of our compensation plans settled in cash are considered liability based awards. As such, liabilities for awards under these plans are required to be measured at each reporting date until the date of settlement. Various valuation methods were used to determine the fair value of these awards.
 
Cash flows resulting from tax benefits for deductions in excess of compensation cost recognized are classified within financing cash flows.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
In accordance with FASB Statement No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation, the assets and liabilities of foreign operations, whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar (located in Europe and Asia), are translated to U.S. dollars at the period end exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period. Differences arising from the translation of assets and liabilities are included in the currency translation adjustment (CTA) component of accumulated other comprehensive income. If there is a reduction in our ownership in a foreign operation, the relevant portion of the CTA is recognized in Other (income) expenses, net.
 
For all operations, the remeasurement of monetary items denominated in currencies other than the functional currency produce transaction gains and losses. For these operations, the monetary items denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are remeasured at period exchange rates and transaction gains and losses are included in Other (income) expenses, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Non-monetary items are remeasured at historical rates.
 
Research and Development
 
We incur costs in connection with research and development programs that are expected to contribute to future earnings, and charge such costs against income as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of salaries and administrative costs.
 
Restructuring Activities
 
Restructuring charges, net include employee severance and benefit costs, impairments of assets, and other costs associated with exit activities. We apply the provisions of FASB Statement No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (FASB 146) relating to one-time termination benefits. Severance costs accounted for under FASB 146 are recognized when management with the proper level of authority has committed to a restructuring plan and communicated those actions to employees. Impairment losses are based upon the estimated fair value less costs to sell, with fair value estimated based on existing market prices for similar assets. Other exit costs include environmental remediation costs and contract termination costs, primarily related to equipment and facility lease obligations. At each reporting date, we evaluate the accruals for restructuring costs to ensure the accruals are still appropriate.
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
 
The following accounting standards have been adopted by us during the twelve months ended March 31, 2009.
 
During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, we adopted FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (FASB 161). FASB 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB 133 and its related interpretations and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we adopted FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 140-4 and FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)-8 (FIN 46(R)-8), Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities. FIN 46(R)-8 calls for enhanced disclosures by public entities about interests in variable interest entities (VIE) and provides users of the financial statements


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
with greater transparency about an enterprise’s involvement with variable interest entities. This FSP had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operation and cash flows.
 
On April 1, 2008, we adopted FASB Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (FASB 159). FASB 159 permits entities to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis (the “fair value option”) with changes in fair value reported in earnings each reporting period. The fair value option enables some companies to reduce the volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without applying the complex hedge accounting requirements under FASB 133, to achieve similar results. We previously recorded our derivative contracts and hedging activities at fair value in accordance with FASB 133. We did not elect the fair value option for any other financial instruments or certain other financial assets and liabilities that were not previously required to be measured at fair value.
 
On April 1, 2008, we adopted FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (FASB 157), as it relates to financial assets and financial liabilities. On October 10, 2008, we adopted FASB Staff Position FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active (FSP FAS 157-3). The FSP clarifies the application of FASB 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP FAS 157-3 is effective for prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operation and cash flows. See Note 17 — Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities regarding our adoption of this standard.
 
On April 1, 2008, we adopted FASB Staff Position No. FIN 39-1, Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39, (FSP FIN 39-1). FSP FIN 39-1 amends FASB Statement No. 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts, by permitting entities that enter into master netting arrangements as part of their derivative transactions to offset in their financial statements net derivative positions against the fair value of amounts (or amounts that approximate fair value) recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral under those arrangements. Our adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
The following new accounting standards have been issued, but have not yet been adopted by us as of March 31, 2009, as adoption is not required until future reporting periods.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 107-1 (FSP FAS 107-1) and APB Opinion 28-1 (APB 28-1), Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends FASB 107 and APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. As FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 only require enhanced disclosures, they will have no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operation and cash flows.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4). FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance in accordance with FASB No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability has significantly decreased. FSP FAS 157-4 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. This standard will have no impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 115-2 (FSP FAS 115-2) and FASB Staff Position No. 124-2 (FSP FAS 124-2), Recognition of Other-than-Temporary-Impairments. FSP FAS No. 115-2 and FSP FAS No. 124-2 amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt and equity


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
securities. FSP FAS No. 115-2 and FSP FAS No. 124-2 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. This standard will have no impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (FSP No. 132(R)-1). FSP No. 132(R)-1 requires that an employer disclose the following information about the fair value of plan assets: 1) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to understanding of investment policies and strategies; 2) the major categories of plan assets; 3) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; 4) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period; and 5) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. FSP No. 132(R)-1 will be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009, with early application permitted. At initial adoption, application of FSP No. 132(R)-1 would not be required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. This standard will have no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In November 2008, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued Issue No. 08-06, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations (EITF 08-06). EITF 08-6 address questions that have arisen about the application of the equity method of accounting for investments acquired after the effective date of both FASB 141(R) and FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. EITF 08-06 clarifies how to account for certain transactions involving equity method investments. EITF 08-6 is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. This standard will have no impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of Useful Life of Intangible Assets (FSP FAS 142-3). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing the renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB 142. FSP FAS 142-3 also requires expanded disclosure related to the determination of intangible asset useful lives. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We have not yet commenced evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (Revised), Business Combinations (FASB 141(R)). FASB 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FASB 141(R) also requires acquirers to estimate the acquisition-date fair value of any contingent consideration and to recognize any subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration in earnings. We will be required to apply this new standard prospectively to business combinations occurring after March 31, 2009, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. FASB 141(R) amends certain provisions of FASB 109 such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of FASB 141(R) would also apply the provisions of FASB 141(R). Early adoption is prohibited.
 
We have determined that all other recently issued accounting standards will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, or do not apply to our operations.
 
2.   LIQUIDITY
 
We believe we have adequate liquidity to meet our operational and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. Our primary sources of liquidity are available cash and cash equivalents, borrowing


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
availability under our revolving credit facility and future cash generated by operating activities. During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, our liquidity position decreased significantly as the global recession led to a rapid decline in aluminum prices and end-customer demand for flat-rolled products. However, we believe aluminum prices have stabilized and that there is limited risk of further significant volume declines in fiscal 2010 due to the volume of our sales into the beverage can sheet market. We had stable liquidity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and expect to operate with positive cash flow in 2010, despite continued low levels of demand and net cash outflows to settle derivative positions. This reflects our ongoing efforts to preserve liquidity through cost and capital spending controls and effective management of working capital. Risks associated with supplier terms, customer credit and broker hedging capacity, while still present to some degree, have been managed to date with minimal negative impact on our business. Although there can be no assurances that further deterioration in global market conditions would not negatively impact our liquidity in 2010, we believe that our liquidity position will improve during fiscal 2010, due primarily to expected reduced cash outflows for metal derivatives and cash savings from previously-announced restructuring programs.
 
3.   IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE
 
In accordance with FASB 142, we evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for potential impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is likely to be below its carrying value. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we concluded that interim impairment testing was required due to the recent deterioration in the global economic environment and the resulting significant decrease in both the market capitalization of our parent company and the valuation of our publicly traded 7.25% Senior Notes.
 
We test consolidated goodwill for impairment using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. We use our operating segments as our reporting units and perform our goodwill impairment test in two steps. Step one compares the fair value of each reporting unit (operating segment) to its carrying amount. If step one indicates that an impairment potentially exists, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value.
 
Quarter Ended December 31, 2008 Impairment Testing
 
For purposes of our step one analysis, our estimate of fair value of each reporting unit is based on a combination of (1) quoted market prices/relationships (the market approach), (2) discounted cash flows (the income approach) and (3) a stock price build-up approach (the build-up approach). Under the market approach, the fair value of each reporting unit was determined based upon comparisons to public companies engaged in similar businesses. Under the income approach, the fair value of each reporting unit was based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The income approach is dependent on a number of significant management assumptions including estimated demand in each geographic market, future LME prices and the discount rate. The discount rate is commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows and reflects the rate of return required by an investor in the current economic conditions. Under the build-up approach, which is a variation of the market approach, we estimated the fair value of each reporting unit based on the estimated contribution of each of the reporting units to Hindalco’s total business enterprise value. The estimated fair value for each reporting unit was within the range of fair values yielded under each approach. The result of our step one test indicated a potential impairment.
 
For our reporting units in North America, Europe and South America, we proceeded to step two for the goodwill impairment calculation in which we determined the implied fair value of the goodwill and compared it to the carrying value of the goodwill. We allocated the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit has been acquired and the fair value was the price paid to acquire each reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
liabilities is the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Step two was not performed for Asia as no goodwill has been allocated to this reporting unit.
 
As a result of our step two evaluation, we recorded a $1.34 billion impairment charge in the quarter ended December 31, 2008. We finalized our interim goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter which resulted in no adjustment to the charge as recorded.
 
We also evaluated the carrying value of our investment in Aluminium Norf GmbH for impairment. This resulted in an impairment charge of $160 million, which is reported in Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates on the consolidated statement of operations.
 
Year End Impairment Testing
 
Our annual goodwill impairment test was performed in the fourth quarter and no additional impairment was identified. The table below summarizes goodwill by reporting unit (in millions).
 
                                 
    March 31,
          Other
    March 31,
 
Reporting Unit
  2008(A)     Impairments     Adjustments(B)     2009  
    Successor                 Successor  
 
North America
  $ 1,149     $ (860 )   $ (1 )   $ 288  
Europe
    518       (330 )     (7 )     181  
South America
    263       (150 )     —       113  
                                 
    $ 1,930     $ (1,340 )   $ (8 )   $ 582  
                                 
 
 
(A) See Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Reclassifications) for discussion of goodwill balance reclassification at March 31, 2008.
 
(B) Other adjustments include: (1) an adjustment in North America for final payment related to the transfer of pension plans in Canada for employees who elected to transfer their past service to Novelis during the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and (2) adjustments in Europe related to tax audits during the year ended March 31, 2009.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
4.   RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMS
 
The following table summarizes the restructuring activity by region (in millions). Restructuring charges, net on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2009 of $95 million include $22 million of non-cash charges related to restructuring actions in Europe and Asia, discussed below.
 
                                                 
          North
          South
          Restructuring
 
    Europe     America     Asia     America     Corporate     Reserves  
 
Predecessor
                                               
Balance as of December 31, 2006
  $ 33     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 1     $ 34  
January 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007 Activity:
                                               
Provisions (recoveries), net
    9       —       —       —       —       9  
Cash payments
    (5 )     —       —       —       (1 )     (6 )
Adjustments — other
    (1 )     —       —       —       —       (1 )
                                                 
Balance as of March 31, 2007
    36       —       —       —       —       36  
April 1, 2007 to May 15, 2007 Activity:
                                               
Provisions (recoveries), net
    1       —       —       —       —       1  
Cash payments
    (1 )     —       —       —       —       (1 )
Adjustments — other
    1       —       —       —       —       1  
                                                 
Balance as of May 15, 2007
    37       —       —       —       —       37  
                                                 
Successor
                                               
May 16, 2007 to March 31, 2008 Activity:
                                               
Provisions (recoveries), net
    2       4       —       —       —       6  
Cash payments
    (20 )     —       —       —       —       (20 )
Adjustments — other
    1       —       —       —       —       1  
                                                 
Balance as of March 31, 2008
    20       4       —       —       —       24  
Fiscal 2009 Activity:
                                               
Provisions (recoveries), net
    53       16       1       2       1       73  
Cash payments
    (8 )     (5 )     (1 )     —       —       (14 )
Adjustments — other
    (4 )     1       —       —       —       (3 )
                                                 
Balance as of March 31, 2009
  $ 61     $ 16     $ —     $ 2     $ 1     $ 80  
                                                 
 
Year Ended March 31, 2009 Restructuring Activities
 
Europe
 
In March 2009, we announced the closure of our aluminum sheet mill in Rogerstone, South Wales, U.K. Operations ceased in April 2009, resulting in the elimination of 440 positions. The total amount expected to be incurred in connection with this action is $63 million, of which $60 million was recorded in the year ended March 31, 2009. Included within the $60 million recorded for the year ended March 31, 2009 was the following (in millions):
 
         
Severance related costs
  $ 20  
Environmental remediation expense
    20  
Fixed asset impairments(A)
    12  
Write-down of parts and supplies(A)
    8  
Reduction of reserve associated with unfavorable contract(A)
    (3 )
Other exit costs
    3  
         
    $ 60  
 
 
(A) These restructuring charges are not included in the restructuring provision table above but have been reflected as reductions to the respective balance sheet accounts.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
While no significant payments have been made related to this facility closure as of March 31, 2009, we expect all severance and other exit costs to be paid within one year. Environmental liabilities are projected to be settled through April 2011.
 
In March 2009, we announced a restructuring plan to streamline our operations at our Rugles facility located in Upper Normandy, France, which eliminates approximately 80 positions. The facility will continue operation of its five major processes, including continuous casting, breakdown/foilstock, rolling, grinding and finishing. For the year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded $9 million in severance-related costs.
 
In March 2009, we recorded $1 million in severance costs at our Ohle, Germany facility related to the elimination of 13 positions.
 
North America
 
In November 2008, we announced a Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) available to salaried employees in North America and the Corporate office aimed at reducing staff levels. This VSP supplemented a pre-existing Involuntary Severance Program (ISP). We eliminated approximately 120 positions for the year ended March 31, 2009, and recorded $16 million in severance-related costs for the VSP and ISP programs.
 
South America
 
In January 2009, we announced that we will cease production of alumina at our Ouro Preto facility in Brazil effective May 2009. The global economic crisis and the recent dramatic drop in alumina prices have made alumina production at Ouro Preto economically unfeasible. For the foreseeable future, the Ouro Preto facility will purchase alumina through third-parties. Approximately 290 positions were eliminated at Ouro Preto, including 150 employees and 140 contractors. For the year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded approximately $2 million in severance-related costs. Other exit costs include less than $1 million related to the idling of the refinery. Other activities related to the facility, including electric power generation and the production of primary aluminum, will continue unaffected.
 
Asia
 
In February 2009, we recorded approximately $1 million in severance-related costs related to a voluntary retirement program in Asia which eliminated 34 positions. Also, during the year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $5 million in Novelis Korea due to the obsolescence of certain production related fixed assets. These restructuring charges are not included in the restructuring provision table above but have been reflected as reductions to the respective balance sheet account.
 
Year Ended March 31, 2008 Restructuring Activities
 
North America
 
In March 2008, management approved the closure of our light gauge converter products facility in Louisville, Kentucky. The closure is intended to bring the capacity of our North American operations in line with local market demand. As a result of the closure, we recognized approximately $5 million in restructuring charges during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. Our Louisville facility closed in June 2008.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 Restructuring Activities
 
Europe
 
In March 2007, management approved the proposed restructuring of our facilities in Bridgnorth, U.K. These proposed actions were intended to bring the capacity of our U.K. operations in line with local market demand and to reduce the cost of our U.K. operations. Certain production lines were shut down in the U.K. and volume was relocated to other European plants. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, we


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
recognized approximately $8 million each in impairment charges on long-lived assets in the U.K. that will no longer be used and severance costs.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2006 Restructuring Activities
 
Europe
 
In December 2006, we announced several restructuring actions at our facilities in the U.K., Germany, France and Italy. These actions are intended to streamline the management of these operations. We incurred $2 million in severance-related costs through December 31, 2006 in connection with these programs. We incurred no additional costs related to these programs and we completed all actions by March 2008.
 
In August 2006, we announced a restructuring of our European central management and administration activities in Zurich, Switzerland to reduce overhead costs and streamline support functions. In addition, we exited our Neuhausen research and development center in Switzerland. Through March 31, 2008, we completed this action and incurred costs of approximately $4 million.
 
In July 2006, we announced restructuring actions at our Goettingen facility in Germany to reduce overhead administrative costs and streamline functions. We incurred approximately $5 million related primarily to severance costs through December 31, 2006. As of March 31, 2009, we have completed this action and have not incurred significant additional costs.
 
In March 2006, we announced the restructuring of our European operations, with the reorganization of our plants in Ohle and Ludenscheid, Germany, including the closing of two non-core business lines located within those facilities. In connection with the reorganization of our Ohle and Ludenscheid plants, we incurred costs of approximately $5 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. We do not anticipate future costs related to these programs to be significant and expect all obligations to be fulfilled by December 2011.
 
North America
 
In December 2006, we announced the closing of our Montreal planning office. We incurred approximately $1 million of severance-related costs through December 31, 2006. Through March 31, 2008, we completed this action and incurred no additional costs.
 
5.   ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
Accounts receivable consists of the following (in millions).
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Trade accounts receivable
  $ 1,002     $ 1,160  
Other accounts receivable
    49       89  
                 
Accounts receivable — third parties
    1,051       1,249  
Allowance for doubtful accounts — third parties
    (2 )     (1 )
                 
      1,049       1,248  
Other accounts receivable — related parties
    25       31  
                 
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 1,074     $ 1,279  
                 
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
The allowance for doubtful accounts is management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the allowance based on known uncollectible accounts,


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
historical experience and other currently available evidence. As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, our allowance for doubtful accounts represented approximately 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively, of gross accounts receivable.
 
Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (in millions).
 
                                         
    Balance at
    Additions
    Accounts
             
    Beginning
    Charged to
    Recovered/
    Foreign Exchange
    Balance at
 
    of Period     Expense     (Written-Off)     and Other     End of Period  
 
Predecessor
                                       
Year Ended December 31, 2006
  $ 26     $ 4     $ (4 )   $ 3     $ 29  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
  $ 29     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 29  
April 1, 2007 Through May 15, 2007
  $ 29     $ —     $ (2 )   $ 1     $ 28  
Successor
                                       
May 16, 2007 Through March 31, 2008
  $ —     $ 1     $ —     $ —     $ 1  
Year Ended March 31, 2009
  $ 1     $ 2     $ (1 )   $ —     $ 2  
 
Forfaiting of Trade Receivables
 
Novelis Korea Ltd. forfaits trade receivables in the ordinary course of business. These trade receivables are typically outstanding for 60 to 120 days. Forfaiting is a non-recourse method to manage credit and interest rate risks. Under this method, customers contract to pay a financial institution. The institution assumes the risk of non-payment and remits the invoice value (net of a fee) to us after presentation of a proof of delivery of goods to the customer. We do not retain a financial or legal interest in these receivables, and they are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Forfaiting expenses are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Factoring of Trade Receivables
 
Our Brazilian operations factor, without recourse, certain trade receivables that are unencumbered by pledge restrictions. Under this method, customers are directed to make payments on invoices to a financial institution, but are not contractually required to do so. The financial institution pays us any invoices it has approved for payment (net of a fee). We do not retain financial or legal interest in these receivables, and they are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Factoring expenses are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Summary Disclosures of Financial Amounts
 
The following tables summarize amounts relating to our forfaiting and factoring activities (in millions).
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Receivables forfaited
  $ 570     $ 507       $ 51     $ 68     $ 424  
Receivables factored
  $ 70     $ 75       $ —     $ 18     $ 71  
Forfaiting expense
  $ 5     $ 6       $ 1     $ 1     $ 5  
Factoring expense
  $ 1     $ 1       $ —     $ —     $ 1  
 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                 
    March 31,
    2009   2008
    Successor   Successor
 
Forfaited receivables outstanding
  $ 71     $ 149  
Factored receivables outstanding
  $ —     $ —  
 
6.   INVENTORIES
 
Inventories consist of the following (in millions).
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Finished goods
  $ 215     $ 381  
Work in process
    296       638  
Raw materials
    207       362  
Supplies
    79       75  
                 
      797       1,456  
Allowances
    (4 )     (1 )
                 
Inventories
  $ 793     $ 1,455  
                 
 
7.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
Property, plant and equipment, net, consists of the following (in millions).
 
                         
    As of March 31,  
    2009           2008  
    Successor           Successor  
 
Land and property rights
  $ 213             $ 258  
Buildings
    760               826  
Machinery and equipment
    2,495               2,460  
                         
      3,468               3,544  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (741 )             (331 )
                         
      2,727               3,213  
Construction in progress
    72               144  
                         
Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 2,799             $ 3,357  
                         
 
Due to the assignment of new fair values as a result of the Arrangement, we have no fully depreciated assets included in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
Total depreciation expense is shown in the table below (in millions). Capitalized interest related to construction of property, plant and equipment was immaterial in the periods presented.
 
                                           
    Year Ended
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
    2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment
  $ 398     $ 338       $ 28     $ 58     $ 231  
                                           

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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Asset impairments
 
During the year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded $1 million of impairment charges, which is included in Other (income) expense, net on the consolidated statement of operations. We also recorded impairment charges totaling $17 million related to assets in Europe and Asia which have been included in Restructuring charges, net on the consolidated statement of operations (see Note 4 — Restructuring Programs).
 
During the period from May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008, we recorded an impairment charge of $1 million in Novelis Italy due to the obsolescence of certain production related fixed assets.
 
Leases
 
We lease certain land, buildings and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2015, and we lease assets in Sierre, Switzerland including a 15-year capital lease through 2020 from Alcan. Operating leases generally have five to ten-year terms, with one or more renewal options, with terms to be negotiated at the time of renewal. Various facility leases include provisions for rent escalation to recognize increased operating costs or require us to pay certain maintenance and utility costs.
 
The following table summarizes rent expense included in our consolidated statements of operations (in millions):
 
                                           
    Year Ended
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
    2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Rent expense
  $ 25     $ 27       $ 3     $ 4     $ 22  
                                           
 
Future minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2009, for our operating and capital leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year are as follows (in millions). The future minimum lease payments for capital lease obligations exclude $3 million of unamortized fair value adjustments recorded as a result of the Arrangement (see Note 12 — Debt in the accompanying consolidated financial statements).
 
                 
    Operating
    Capital Lease
 
Year Ending March 31,
  Leases     Obligations  
 
2010
  $ 19     $ 7  
2011
    16       7  
2012
    14       7  
2013
    13       7  
2014
    11       6  
Thereafter
    23       34  
                 
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 96       68  
                 
Less: interest portion on capital lease
            (21 )
                 
Principal obligation on capital leases
          $ 47  
                 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Assets and related accumulated amortization under capital lease obligations as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows (in millions).
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Assets under capital lease obligations:
               
Buildings
  $ 9     $ 13  
Machinery and equipment
    63       55  
                 
      72       68  
Accumulated amortization
    (19 )     (17 )
                 
    $ 53     $ 51  
                 
 
Sale of assets
 
There were no material sales of fixed assets during the year ended March 31, 2009. During March 2008, we sold land at our Kingston facility in Ontario, Canada for $5 million. No gain or loss was recognized on the sale. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we sold our rights to develop and operate two hydroelectric power plants in South America and recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $11 million, included in Other (income) expenses, net in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Asset Retirement Obligations
 
The following is a summary of our asset retirement obligation activity. The period-end balances are included in Other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
 
         
Predecessor
       
Asset retirement obligation as of December 31, 2006
  $ 13  
Liability incurred
    1  
Liability settled
    —  
Accretion
    —  
         
Asset retirement obligation as of March 31, 2007
    14  
Liability incurred
    —  
Liability settled
    —  
Accretion
    —  
         
Asset retirement obligation as of May 15, 2007
  $ 14  
         
Successor
       
Asset retirement obligation as of May 16, 2007
  $ 14  
Liability incurred
    —  
Liability settled
    —  
Accretion
    2  
         
Asset retirement obligation as of March 31, 2008
    16  
Liability incurred
    —  
Liability settled
    —  
Accretion
    1  
Other
    (1 )
         
Asset retirement obligation as of March 31, 2009
  $ 16  
         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
8.   INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
The components of intangible assets were as follows (in millions).
 
                                                                 
    March 31, 2009 — Successor     March 31, 2008 — Successor  
    Gross
          Net
    Weighted
    Gross
          Net
    Weighted
 
    Carrying
    Accumulated
    Carrying
    Average
    Carrying
    Accumulated
    Carrying
    Average
 
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Life     Amount     Amortization     Amount     Life  
 
Tradenames
  $ 140     $ (13 )   $ 127       20 years     $ 152     $ (6 )   $ 146       20 years  
Technology
    165       (21 )     144       15 years       169       (10 )     159       15 years  
Customer-related intangible assets
    459       (43 )     416       20 years       484       (21 )     463       20 years  
Favorable energy supply contract
    124       (28 )     96       9.5 years       124       (13 )     111       9.5 years  
Other favorable contracts
    13       (9 )     4       3.3 years       15       (6 )     9       3.3 years  
                                                                 
    $ 901     $ (114 )   $ 787       17.2 years     $ 944     $ (56 )   $ 888       17.2 years  
                                                                 
 
Our favorable energy supply contract and other favorable contracts are amortized over their estimated useful lives using methods that reflect the pattern in which the economic benefits are expected to be consumed. All other intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method.
 
Amortization expense related to intangible assets is as follows (in millions):
 
                                           
    Year Ended
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
    2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Total Amortization expense related to intangible assets
  $ 59     $ 56       $ —     $ —     $ 2  
Less: Amortization expense related to intangible assets included in Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)(A)
    18       19         —       —       —  
                                           
Amortization expense related to intangible assets included in Depreciation and amortization
  $ 41     $ 37       $ —     $ —     $ 2  
                                           
 
 
(A) Relates to amortization of favorable energy and other supply contracts.
 
Estimated total amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows (in millions). Actual amounts may differ from these estimates due to such factors as customer turnover, raw material consumption patterns, impairments, additional intangible asset acquisitions and other events.
 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
         
Fiscal Year Ending March 31,
     
 
2010
  $ 58  
2011
    55  
2012
    54  
2013
    54  
2014
    53  
 
9.   CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 
We have a variable interest in Logan Aluminum, Inc. (Logan) and have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary. As a result, this entity is consolidated pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)) in all periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
Logan Organization and Operations
 
In 1985, Alcan purchased an interest in Logan to provide tolling services jointly with ARCO Aluminum, Inc. (ARCO). Logan produces approximately one-third of the can sheet utilized in the U.S. can sheet market. According to the joint venture agreements between Alcan and ARCO, Alcan owned 40 shares of Class A common stock and ARCO owned 60 shares of Class B common stock in Logan. Each share provides its holder with one vote, regardless of class. However, Class A shareholders have the right to select four directors, and Class B shareholders have the right to select three directors. Generally, a majority vote is required for the Logan board of directors to take action. In connection with our spin-off from Alcan in January 2005, Alcan transferred all of its rights and obligations under a joint venture agreement and subsequent ancillary agreements (collectively, the JV Agreements) to us.
 
Logan processes metal received from Novelis and ARCO and charges the respective partner a fee to cover expenses. Logan has no equity and relies on the regular reimbursement of costs and expenses by Novelis and ARCO to fund its operations. This reimbursement is considered a variable interest as it constitutes a form of financing of the activities of Logan. Other than these contractually required reimbursements, we do not provide other additional support to Logan. We are obligated to absorb a majority of the risk of loss; however, Logan’s creditors do not have recourse to our general credit.
 
Primary Beneficiary
 
A variable interest holder that consolidates the VIE is called the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary beneficiary generally must initially record all of the VIE’s assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests at fair value. Generally, the primary beneficiary is the reporting enterprise with a variable interest in the entity that is obligated to absorb the majority (greater than 50%) of the VIE’s expected loss.
 
Based upon a previous restructuring program, Novelis acquired the right to use the excess capacity at Logan. To utilize this capacity, we installed and have sole ownership of a cold mill at the Logan facility which enabled us have the ability to take the majority share of production and costs. These facts qualify Novelis as Logan’s primary beneficiary under FIN 46(R).

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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Carrying Value
 
The following table summarizes the carrying value and classification on our consolidated balance sheets of assets and liabilities owned by the Logan joint venture and consolidated under FIN 46(R) (in millions). There are significant other assets used in the operations of Logan that are not part of the joint venture.
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Current assets
  $ 64     $ 61  
Total assets
  $ 124     $ 106  
Current liabilities
  $ (35 )   $ (39 )
Total liabilities
  $ (135 )   $ (112 )
Net carrying value
  $ (11 )   $ (6 )
 
10.   INVESTMENT IN AND ADVANCES TO NON-CONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
The following table summarizes the ownership structure and our ownership percentage of the non-consolidated affiliates in which we have an investment as of March 31, 2009, and which we account for using the equity method. We do not control our non-consolidated affiliates, but have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies. We have no material investments that we account for using the cost method.
 
             
        Ownership
 
Affiliate Name
 
Ownership Structure
  Percentage  
 
Aluminium Norf GmbH
  Corporation     50 %
Consorcio Candonga
  Unincorporated Joint Venture     50 %
MiniMRF LLC
  Limited Liability Company     50 %
Deutsche Aluminium Verpackung Recycling GmbH
  Corporation     30 %
France Aluminium Recyclage S.A. 
  Public Limited Company     20 %
 
In September 2007, we completed the dissolution of EuroNorca Partners, and we received approximately $2 million upon the completion of liquidation proceedings. No gain or loss was recognized on the liquidation.
 
In November 2006, we sold the common and preferred shares of our 25% interest in Petrocoque S.A. Industria e Comercio (Petrocoque) to the other shareholders of Petrocoque. Prior to the sale, we accounted for Petrocoque using the equity method of accounting. The results of operations of Petrocoque through the date of sale are included in the table below.
 
The following table summarizes the condensed assets, liabilities and equity of our equity method affiliates (on a 100% basis, in millions) on a historical basis of accounting. The results do not include the unamortized fair value adjustments relating to our non-consolidated affiliates due to the Arrangement. As of March 31,


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2009 and 2008, there were $551 million and $766 million, respectively, of unamortized fair value adjustments recorded in Investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates.
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
Assets:
               
Current assets
  $ 158     $ 192  
Non-current assets
    560       677  
                 
Total assets
  $ 718     $ 869  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Current liabilities
  $ 128     $ 151  
Non-current liabilities
    254       359  
                 
Total liabilities
    382       510  
Equity:
               
Novelis
    168       180  
Third parties
    168       179  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 718     $ 869  
                 
 
The following table summarizes the condensed results of operations of our equity method affiliates (on a 100% basis, in millions) on a historical basis of accounting. These results do not include the incremental depreciation and amortization expense that we record in our equity method accounting, which arises as a result of the amortization of fair value adjustments we made to our investments in non-consolidated affiliates due to the Arrangement. These results also do not include the $160 million impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of our investment in Aluminium Norf GmbH for the year ended March 31, 2009. (See Note 3 — Impairment of Goodwill and Investment in Affiliate.)
 
                                         
    Year
    May 16, 2007
    April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year
 
    Ended
    Through
    Through
    Ended
    Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008     May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
 
Net sales
  $ 553     $ 564     $ 45     $ 127     $ 558  
Costs, expenses and income taxes
    511       495       43       122       521  
                                         
Net income
  $ 42     $ 69     $ 2     $ 5     $ 37  
                                         
 
The table below summarizes our incremental depreciation and amortization expense on our equity method investments due to the Arrangement.
 
                 
    Year
    May 16, 2007
 
    Ended
    Through
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Incremental depreciation and amortization expense
  $ 48     $ 39  
Tax benefit(A)
    (15 )     (29 )
                 
Incremental depreciation and amortization expense, net
  $ 33     $ 10  
                 
 
 
(A) The tax benefits for the period from May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008 includes tax benefits associated with amortization and a statutory tax rate change recorded as part of our equity method accounting


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
for these investments. There were no such statutory tax rate changes in the other period noted in the table above.
 
Included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are transactions and balances arising from business we conduct with these non-consolidated affiliates, which we classify as related party transactions and balances. The following table describes the nature and amounts of transactions that we had with related parties (in millions).
 
                                           
    Year
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year
 
    Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Purchases of tolling services, electricity and inventories
                                         
Aluminium Norf GmbH(A)
  $ 257     $ 253       $ 21     $ 61     $ 227  
Consorcio Candonga(B)
    18       24         1       3       14  
Petrocoque S.A. Industria e Comercio(C)
    n.a.       n.a.         n.a.       n.a.       2  
                                           
Total purchases from related parties
  $ 275     $ 277       $ 22     $ 64     $ 243  
                                           
Interest (income) expense
                                         
Aluminium Norf GmbH(D)
  $ —     $ 1       $ —     $ —     $ (1 )
                                           
 
 
(A) We purchase tolling services (the conversion of customer-owned metal) from Aluminium Norf GmbH.
 
(B) We obtain electricity from Consorcio Candonga for our operations in South America.
 
(C) We purchased calcined-coke from Petrocoque for use in our smelting operations in South America. As previously discussed, we sold our interest in Petrocoque in November 2006. They are not considered a related party in periods subsequent to November 2006.
 
(D) We earn interest income on a loan due from Aluminium Norf GmbH.
 
n.a. not applicable — see (C).
 
The following table describes the period-end account balances that we have with these non-consolidated affiliates, shown as related party balances in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Accounts receivable(A)
  $ 25     $ 31  
Other long-term receivables(A)
  $ 23     $ 41  
Accounts payable(B)
  $ 48     $ 55  
 
 
(A) The balances represent current and non-current portions of a loan due from Aluminium Norf GmbH.
 
(B) We purchase tolling services from Aluminium Norf GmbH and electricity from Consorcio Candonga.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
11.   ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities are comprised of the following (in millions).
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Accrued compensation and benefits
  $ 103     $ 141  
Accrued settlement of legal claim
    —       39  
Accrued interest payable
    12       15  
Accrued income taxes
    33       37  
Current portion of fair value of unfavorable sales contracts
    152       242  
Other current liabilities
    216       230  
                 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
  $ 516     $ 704  
                 


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
12.   DEBT
 
Debt consists of the following (in millions).
 
                                                         
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008  
                Unamortized
                Unamortized
       
    Interest
          Fair Value
    Carrying
          Fair Value
    Carrying
 
    Rates(A)     Principal     Adjustments(B)     Value     Principal     Adjustments(B)     Value  
                Successor                 Successor        
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion — third parties:
                                                       
Novelis Inc.
                                                       
7.25% Senior Notes, due February 2015
    7.25 %   $ 1,124     $ 47     $ 1,171     $ 1,399     $ 67     $ 1,466  
Floating rate Term Loan facility, due July 2014
    3.21 %(C)     295       —       295       298       —       298  
Novelis Corporation
                                                       
Floating rate Term Loan facility, due July 2014
    3.21 %(C)     867       (54 )     813       655       —       655  
Novelis Switzerland S.A.
                                                       
Capital lease obligation, due December 2019 (Swiss francs (CHF) 51 million)
    7.50 %     45       (3 )     42       54       (4 )     50  
Capital lease obligation, due August 2011 (CHF 3 million)
    2.49 %     2       —       2       3       —       3  
Novelis Korea Limited
                                                       
Bank loan, due October 2010
    5.44 %     100       —       100       100       —       100  
Bank loan, due February 2010 (Korean won (KRW) 50 billion)
    3.94 %     37       —       37       —       —       —  
Bank loan, due May 2009 (KRW 10 billion)
    7.47 %     7       —       7       —       —       —  
Bank loans, due September 2010 through June 2011 (KRW 308 million)
    3.24 %(D)     —       —       —       1       —       1  
Other
                                                       
Other debt, due April 2009 through December 2012
    0.61 %(D)     1       —       1       2       —       2  
                                                         
Total debt — third parties
            2,478       (10 )     2,468       2,512       63       2,575  
Less: current portion
            (59 )     8       (51 )     (15 )     —       (15 )
                                                         
Long-term debt, net of current portion — third parties:
          $ 2,419     $ (2 )   $ 2,417     $ 2,497     $ 63     $ 2,560  
                                                         
Long-term debt, net of current portion — related party
                                                       
Novelis Inc.
                                                       
Unsecured credit facility — related party, due January 2015
    13.00 %   $ 91     $ —     $ 91     $ —     $ —     $ —  
                                                         
 
 
(A) Interest rates are as of March 31, 2009 and exclude the effects of accretion/amortization of fair value adjustments as a result of the Arrangement.
 
(B) Debt existing at the time of the Arrangement was recorded at fair value. Additional floating rate Term Loan with a face value of $220 million issued in March 2009 was recorded at a fair value of $165 million. See discussion below.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
(C) Excludes the effect of related interest rate swaps and the effect of accretion of fair value.
 
(D) Weighted average interest rate.
 
Principal repayment requirements for our total debt over the next five years and thereafter (excluding unamortized fair value adjustments and using rates of exchange as of March 31, 2009 for our debt denominated in foreign currencies) are as follows (in millions).
 
         
Year Ending March 31,
  Amount  
 
2010
  $ 59  
2011
    116  
2012
    16  
2013
    16  
2014
    15  
Thereafter
    2,347  
         
Total
  $ 2,569  
         
 
7.25% Senior Notes
 
On February 3, 2005, we issued $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured debt securities (Senior Notes). The Senior Notes were priced at par, bear interest at 7.25% and mature on February 15, 2015.
 
As a result of the Arrangement, the Senior Notes were recorded at their fair value of $1.474 billion based on their market price of 105.25% of $1,000 face value per bond as of May 14, 2007. The incremental fair value of $74 million is being amortized over the remaining life of the Senior Notes as an offset to interest expense using the effective interest amortization method.
 
Under the indenture that governs the Senior Notes, we are subject to certain restrictive covenants applicable to incurring additional debt and providing additional guarantees, paying dividends beyond certain amounts and making other restricted payments, sales and transfers of assets, certain consolidations or mergers, and certain transactions with affiliates.
 
In March 2009, we recognized a $122 million pre-tax gain on the extinguishment of debt as part of a debt restructuring action. We exchanged Senior Notes with a principal value of $275 million for additional floating rate Term Loan with a face value of $220 million and estimated fair value of $165 million. In accordance with EITF 96-19, Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments, the exchange was accounted for as a debt extinguishment and issuance of new debt, with the fair value of the Term Loan used to determine the gain on extinguishment. The carrying value of the Senior Notes used in the gain calculation includes $12 million representing the pro rata allocation of the remaining unamortized fair value adjustment that was established in connection with the Arrangement.
 
Credit Agreements
 
On July 6, 2007, we entered into new senior secured credit facilities with a syndicate of lenders led by affiliates of UBS and ABN AMRO (Credit Agreements) providing for aggregate borrowings of up to $1.76 billion. The Credit Agreements consist of (1) a $960 million seven-year Term Loan facility (Term Loan facility) and (2) an $800 million five year multi-currency asset-based revolving credit line and letter of credit facility (ABL facility).
 
Under the ABL facility, interest charged is dependent on the type of loan as follows: (1) any swingline loan or any loan categorized as an ABR borrowing will bear interest at an annual rate equal to the alternate


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
base rate (which is the greater of (a) the base rate in effect on a given day and (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on a given day, plus 0.50%) plus the applicable margin; (2) Eurocurrency loans will bear interest at an annual rate equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate for the applicable interest period, plus the applicable margin; (3) loans designated as Canadian base rate borrowings will bear an annual interest rate equal to the Canadian base rate (CAPRIME), plus the applicable margin; (4) loans designated as bankers acceptances (BA) rate loans will bear interest at the average discount rate offered for bankers’ acceptances for the applicable BA interest period, plus the applicable margin and (5) loans designated as Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) loans will bear interest annually at a rate equal to the adjusted EURIBOR rate for the applicable interest period, plus the applicable margin. Applicable margins under the ABL facility depend upon excess availability levels calculated on a quarterly basis.
 
Generally, for both the Term Loan facility and ABL facility, interest rates reset every three months and interest is payable on a monthly, quarterly, or other periodic basis depending on the type of loan.
 
The proceeds from the Term Loan facility of $960 million, drawn in full at the time of closing, and an initial draw of $324 million under the ABL facility were used to pay off our old senior secured credit facility, pay for debt issuance costs of the Credit Agreements and provide for additional working capital. Mandatory minimum principal amortization payments under the Term Loan facility are $2.4 million per calendar quarter. Additional mandatory prepayments are required to be made for certain collateral liquidations, asset sales, debt and preferred stock issuances, equity issuances, casualty events and excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreements). Any unpaid principal is due in full on July 6, 2014.
 
Under the Term Loan facility, loans characterized as alternate base rate (ABR) borrowings bear interest annually at a rate equal to the alternate base rate (which is the greater of (a) the base rate in effect on a given day and (b) the federal funds effective rate in effect on a given day, plus 0.50%) plus the applicable margin. Loans characterized as Eurocurrency borrowings bear interest at an annual rate equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate for the interest period in effect, plus the applicable margin.
 
Borrowings under the ABL facility are generally based on 85% of eligible accounts receivable and 70% to 75% of eligible inventories. Commitment fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% are based on average daily amounts outstanding under the ABL facility during a fiscal quarter and are payable quarterly.
 
The Credit Agreements include customary affirmative and negative covenants. Under the ABL facility, if our excess availability, as defined under the borrowing, is less than $80 million, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1 to 1. As of March 31, 2009, our fixed charge coverage ratio is less than 1 to 1, resulting in a reduction of availability under our ABL facility of $80 million. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral under the Credit Agreements.
 
As discussed above, in March 2009, we issued an additional Term Loan with a face value of $220 million in exchange for $275 million of Senior Notes. The additional Term Loan was recorded at a fair value of $165 million determined using a discounted cash flow model. The difference between the fair value and the face value of the new Term Loan will be accreted over the life of the Term Loan using the effective interest method, resulting in additional non-cash interest expense.
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
As of March 31, 2009, we had entered into interest rate swaps to fix the variable LIBOR interest rate on $700 million of our floating rate Term Loan facility. We are still obligated to pay any applicable margin, as defined in our Credit Agreements. Interest rate swaps related to $400 million at an effective weighted average interest rate of 4.0% expire March 31, 2010. In January 2009, we entered into two interest rate swaps to fix the variable LIBOR interest rate on an additional $300 million of our floating Term Loan facility at a rate of 1.49%, plus any applicable margin. These interest rate swaps are effective from March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2011.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As of March 31, 2009 approximately 71% of our debt was fixed rate and approximately 29% was variable-rate.
 
Unsecured Credit Facility
 
In February 2009, to assist in maintaining adequate liquidity levels, we entered into an unsecured credit facility of $100 million (the Unsecured Credit Facility) with a scheduled maturity date of January 15, 2015 from an affiliate of the Aditya Birla group. Any advance of the Unsecured Credit Facility is deemed to be a permanent reduction of the loan and any part of the loan which is repaid may not be re-borrowed. For each advance under the credit facility, interest is payable quarterly at a rate of 13% per annum prior to the first anniversary of the advance and 14% per annum thereafter, until the earlier of repayment or maturity.
 
Under the Unsecured Credit Facility, we are subject to certain negative covenants applicable to the restriction of prepayments of other indebtedness and to certain modification of our Credit Agreements and 7.25% Senior Notes.
 
As of March 31, 2009, we have drawn down $91 million of this facility.
 
Short-Term Borrowings and Lines of Credit
 
As of March 31, 2009, our short-term borrowings were $264 million consisting of (1) $231 million of short-term loans under our ABL facility, (2) a $9 million short-term loan in Italy, (3) a $22 million short-term loan in Korea and (4) $2 million in bank overdrafts. As of March 31, 2009, $42 million of our ABL facility was utilized for letters of credit and we had $233 million in remaining availability under this revolving credit facility before the covenant related restriction discussed above.
 
As of March 31, 2009, we had an additional $92 million outstanding under letters of credit in Korea not included in our revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate on our total short-term borrowings was 2.75% and 4.12% as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Korean Bank Loans
 
In December 2004, we entered into (1) a $70 million floating rate loan and (2) a KRW 25 billion ($25 million) floating rate loan, both due in December 2007. We immediately entered into an interest rate and cross currency swap on the $70 million floating rate loan through a 4.55% fixed rate KRW 73 billion ($73 million) loan and an interest rate swap on the KRW 25 billion floating rate loan to fix the interest rate at 4.45%. In October 2007, we entered into a $100 million floating rate loan due October 2010 and immediately repaid the $70 million loan. In December 2007, we repaid the KRW 25 billion loan from the proceeds of the $100 million floating rate loan. Additionally, we immediately entered into an interest rate swap and cross currency swap for the $100 million floating rate loan through a 5.44% fixed rate KRW 92 billion ($92 million) loan.
 
In November 2008, we entered into a 7.47% interest rate KRW 10 billion ($7 million) bank loan due May 2009. In February 2009, we entered into a 3.94% interest rate KRW 50 billion ($37 million) bank loan due February 2010.
 
Capital Lease Obligations
 
In December 2004, we entered into a fifteen-year capital lease obligation with Alcan for assets in Sierre, Switzerland, which has an interest rate of 7.5% and fixed quarterly payments of CHF 1.7 million, which is equivalent to $1.5 million at the exchange rate as of March 31, 2009.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
In September 2005, we entered into a six-year capital lease obligation for equipment in Switzerland which has an interest rate of 2.49% and fixed monthly payments of CHF 0.1 million, which is equivalent to $0.1 million at the exchange rate as of March 31, 2009.
 
13.   SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Share-Based Compensation Expense
 
Total share-based compensation expense for active and inactive plans for the respective periods, including amounts related to the cumulative effect of an accounting change (exclusive of income taxes) from adopting FASB Statement No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, is presented in the table below (in millions). These amounts are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended March 31, 2009, total compensation expense related to share-based awards was less than $1 million, and therefore are not included in the table.
 
                                   
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
    March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Active Plans(A):
                                 
Recognition Awards(B)
  $ 2.3       $ 1.5     $ 0.5     $ 0.5  
                                   
Inactive Plans:
                                 
Novelis 2006 Incentive Plan (stock options)
    n.a.         14.5       0.9       0.7  
Novelis 2006 Incentive Plan (stock appreciation rights)
    n.a.         5.6       1.4       0.4  
Novelis Conversion Plan of 2005
    n.a.         23.8       0.3       7.3  
Stock Price Appreciation Unit Plan
    n.a.         (0.5 )     4.4       4.5  
Deferred Share Unit Plan for Non-Executive Directors
    n.a.         0.2       2.2       1.8  
Novelis Founders Performance Awards
    n.a.         0.1       6.0       2.7  
Total Shareholder Returns Performance Plan
    n.a.         —       —       0.2  
                                   
Inactive Plants — Total Share-Based Compensation Expense
    n.a.       $ 43.7     $ 15.2     $ 17.6  
                                   
 
 
(A) In June 2008, our board of directors authorized the 2009 Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan. As of March 31, 2009, only the 2009 Novelis Long-term Incentive Plan remained active; however, there was no share-based compensation expense related to this plan in any period reflected in the table above or for the year ended March 31, 2009.
 
(B) One-half of the outstanding Recognition Awards vested on December 31, 2007. The remaining outstanding Recognition Awards vested on December 31, 2008. As of March 31, 2009, the Recognition Awards were inactive.
 
n.a. Not applicable as plan was cancelled as a result of the Arrangement
 
Effect of Acquisition by Hindalco
 
As a result of the Arrangement, all of our share-based compensation awards (except for our Recognition Awards) were accelerated to vest, cancelled and settled in cash using the $44.93 purchase price per common share paid by Hindalco in the transaction. We made aggregate cash payments (including applicable payroll-


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
related taxes) totaling $72 million to plan participants following consummation of the Arrangement, as follows:
 
                 
    Shares/Units
    Cash Payments
 
    Settled     (In millions)  
 
Novelis 2006 Incentive Plan (stock options)
    825,850     $ 16  
Novelis 2006 Incentive Plan (stock appreciation rights)
    378,360       7  
Novelis Conversion Plan of 2005
    1,238,183       29  
Stock Price Appreciation Unit Plan
    299,873       7  
Deferred Share Unit Plan for Non-Executive Directors
    109,911       5  
Novelis Founders Performance Awards
    180,400       8  
                 
            $ 72  
                 
 
Compensation expense resulting from the accelerated vesting of plan awards, totaling $45 million is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statement of operations for the period from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007. We also recorded a $7 million reduction to Additional paid-in capital during the period from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007 for the conversion of certain of our share-based compensation plans from equity-based to liability-based plans.
 
2009 Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
In June 2008, our board of directors authorized the Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan FY 2009 — FY 2012 (2009 LTIP) covering the performance period from April 1, 2008 through March 31, 2012. Under the 2009 LTIP, stock appreciation rights (SARs) are to be granted to certain of our executive officers and key employees. The SARs will vest at the rate of 25% per year (every June 19th) subject to performance criteria (see below), and expire seven years from the date the plan was authorized by the board. Each SAR is to be settled in cash based on the difference between the market value of one Hindalco share on the date of grant compared to the date of exercise, converted from Indian rupees to the participant’s payroll currency at the time of exercise. The amount of cash paid would be limited to (i) 2.5 times the target payout if exercised within one year of vesting or (ii) 3 times the target payout if exercised after one year of vesting. The SARs do not transfer any shareholder rights in Hindalco to a participant. SARs that do not vest as a result of failure to achieve a performance criterion will be cancelled. Generally, all vested SARs expire 90 days after termination of employment, except (1) in the case of death or disability, when any unvested SARs will vest immediately and expire within one year and (2) in the case of retirement, when, if retirement occurs more than one year from the grant date, the SARs would continue to vest and expire three years following retirement. All awards vest upon a change in control of the Company (as defined in the 2009 LTIP).
 
The performance criterion for vesting is based on the actual overall Novelis Operating Earnings before Interest, Depreciation, Amortization and Taxes (Operating EBITDA, as defined in the 2009 LTIP) compared to the target Operating EBITDA established and approved each fiscal year. The minimum threshold for vesting each year is 75% of each annual target Operating EBITDA, at which point 75% of the SARs for that period would vest, with an equal pro rata amount of SARs vesting through 100% achievement of the target. This performance condition has no impact on the fair value of the SARs.
 
In October 2008, our board of directors approved an amendment to the 2009 LTIP. The design elements of the amended 2009 LTIP are largely unchanged from the original 2009 LTIP. However, the amended 2009 LTIP now specifies that (a) the plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, (b) all payments shall be made in cash upon exercise (less applicable withholdings), and (c) the Compensation Committee has the authority to make adjustments in the number and price of SARs covered by the plan in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of employees that would otherwise result


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
from a change in the capital structure of the Company (e.g., dividends, stock splits, rights issuances, reorganizations, liquidation of assets, etc.).
 
In November 2008, grants totaling 21,534,619 SARs at an exercise price of 60.50 Indian Rupees ($1.23 at the December 31, 2008 exchange rate) per SAR were made to our executive officers and key employees. For the year ended March 31, 2009, there were 1,168,426 SARs forfeited.
 
At March 31, 2009, for outstanding SARs, the average remaining contractual term is 6.22 years and the aggregate intrinsic value is zero as the market value of a share of Hindalco stock was less than the SAR exercise price. No SARs were exercisable at March 31, 2009.
 
The fair value of each SAR is based on the difference between the fair value of a long call and a short call option. The fair value of each of these call options was determined using the Black-Scholes valuation method. We used historical stock price volatility data of Hindalco on the Bombay Stock Exchange to determine expected volatility assumptions. The annual expected dividend yield is based on Hindalco dividend payments of $0.04 (1.85 Indian Rupees) per year. Risk-free interest rates are based on treasury yields in India, consistent with the expected remaining lives of the SARs. Because we do not have a sufficient history of SAR exercise or cancellation, we estimated the expected remaining life of the SARs based on an extension of the “simplified method” as prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment (SAB 107).
 
The fair value of each SAR under the 2009 LTIP was estimated as of March 31, 2009 using the following assumptions:
 
     
Expected volatility
  47.60 - 54.49%
Weighted average volatility
  50.87%
Dividend yield
  3.55%
Risk-free interest rate
  6.21 - 6.72%
Expected life
  3.22 - 4.72 years
 
The fair value of the SARs is being recognized over the requisite performance and service period of each tranche, subject to the achievement of any performance criterion. No compensation expense for this performance period has been recorded in the year ended March 31, 2009 as annual performance criterion were not met. Additionally, since the performance criteria for the fiscal years 2010 to 2012 have not yet been established and therefore, no measurement periods have commenced, no expense has been recorded for those tranches in the year ended March 31, 2009.
 
Unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested SARs (assuming all future performance criteria are met except for the 2009 performance period) of $3 million is expected to be realized over a weighted average period of 4.2 years.
 
Recognition Awards
 
In September 2006, we entered into Recognition Agreements and granted Recognition Awards to certain executive officers and other key employees (Executives) to retain and reward them for continued dedication towards corporate objectives. Under the terms of these agreements, Executives who remained continuously employed by us through the vesting dates of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008 were entitled to receive one-half of their total Recognition Awards on each vesting date. The number of Recognition Awards payable under the agreements varied by Executive. As a result of the Arrangement, the Recognition Awards changed from an equity-based to a liability-based plan using the $44.93 per common share transaction price as the per share value. This change resulted in additional share-based compensation expense of $1.3 million during the period from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
One-half of the outstanding Recognition Awards vested on December 31, 2007, and were settled for approximately $3 million in cash in January 2008. The remaining outstanding Recognition Awards vested on December 31, 2008, and were settled for approximately $2 million in cash in January 2009.
 
Inactive Plans
 
As previously mentioned, as a result of the Arrangement, all of our share-based compensation awards (except for our Recognition Awards) were accelerated to vest, cancelled and settled in cash using the $44.93 purchase price per common share paid by Hindalco in the transaction. The following tables summarizes the activity and assumptions used to estimate fair value of the cancelled plans.
 
Novelis 2006 Incentive Plan
 
In October 2006, our shareholders approved the Novelis 2006 Incentive Plan (2006 Incentive Plan) to effectively replace the Novelis Conversion Plan of 2005 and Stock Price Appreciation Unit Plan (both described below). Under the 2006 Incentive Plan, up to an aggregate number of 7,000,000 shares of Novelis common stock were authorized to be issued in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares and other share-based incentives.
 
2006 Stock Options
 
In October 2006, our board of directors authorized a grant of an aggregate of 885,170 seven-year non-qualified stock options under the 2006 Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $25.53 to certain of our executive officers and key employees.
 
Prior to the Arrangement, the fair value of our premium and non-premium options was estimated using the following assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2006, the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the period from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007 (Predecessor):
 
     
Expected volatility
  42.20 to 46.40%
Weighted average volatility
  44.30%
Dividend yield
  0.16%
Risk-free interest rate
  4.68 to 4.71%
Expected life
  1.00 to 4.75 years
 
As a result of the Arrangement, 825,850 premium and non-premium options under the 2006 Incentive Plan were accelerated to vest and were settled in cash for approximately $16 million.
 
Stock Appreciation Rights
 
In October 2006, our board of directors authorized a grant of 381,090 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) under the 2006 Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $25.53 to certain of our executive officers and key employees.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The fair value of premium and non-premium SARs under the 2006 Incentive Plan was estimated using the following assumptions:
 
         
    Three Months Ended
  Year Ended
    March 31, 2007   December 31, 2006
    Predecessor   Predecessor
 
Expected volatility
  40.70 to 44.70%   40.80 to 45.40%
Weighted average volatility
  42.70%   43.10%
Dividend yield
  None   0.14%
Risk-free interest rate
  4.51 to 4.59%   4.67 to 4.71%
Expected life
  0.57 to 4.32 years   0.83 to 4.57 years
 
As a result of the Arrangement, 378,360 premium and non-premium SARs were accelerated to vest and were settled in cash for approximately $7 million.
 
Novelis Conversion Plan of 2005
 
In January 2005, our board of directors adopted the Novelis Conversion Plan of 2005 (the Conversion Plan) to allow for 1,372,663 Alcan stock options held by employees of Alcan who became our employees following our spin-off from Alcan to be replaced with options to purchase 2,723,914 of our common shares.
 
The fair value of each option was estimated using the following assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2006, the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the period from April 1 through May 15, 2007:
 
     
Expected volatility
  30.30%
Weighted-average volatility
  30.30%
Dividend yield
  1.56%
Risk-free interest rate
  2.88 to 3.73%
Expected life
  0.70 to 5.70 years
 
As a result of the Arrangement, 563,651 options were accelerated to vest with a total fair value of approximately $4 million and a total of 1,238,183 options were settled in cash using the $44.93 purchase price per common share paid by Hindalco in the transaction for approximately $29 million.
 
Stock Price Appreciation Unit Plan
 
Prior to the spin-off, some Alcan employees who later transferred to Novelis held Alcan stock price appreciation units (SPAUs). These units entitled them to receive cash equal to the excess of the market value of an Alcan common share on the exercise date of a SPAU over the market value of an Alcan common share on its grant date.
 
The fair value of each SPAU was estimated using the following assumptions:
 
         
    Three Months Ended
  Year Ended
    March 31, 2007   December 31, 2006
    Predecessor   Predecessor
 
Expected volatility
  38.20 to 40.80%   36.20 to 40.30%
Weighted average volatility
  39.31%   39.32%
Dividend yield
  None   0.14%
Risk-free interest rate
  4.51 to 4.56%   4.67 to 4.80%
Expected life
  2.25 to 4.37 years   2.37 to 4.37 years


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As a result of the Arrangement, 201,495 SPAUs were accelerated to vest and 299,873 SPAUs were settled in cash using the $44.93 per common share purchase price paid by Hindalco in the transaction for approximately $7 million.
 
Deferred Share Unit Plan for Non-Executive Directors
 
In January 2005, Novelis established the Deferred Share Unit Plan for Non-Executive Directors under which non-executive directors would receive 50% of their compensation payable in the form of directors’ deferred share units (DDSUs) and the other 50% in the form of either cash, additional DDSUs or a combination of these two (at the election of each non-executive director).
 
As a result of the Arrangement, 109,911 DDSUs were settled in cash using the $44.93 purchase price per common share paid by Hindalco in the transaction for approximately $5 million.
 
Novelis Founders Performance Awards
 
In March 2005 (as amended and restated in March 2006 and February 2007), Novelis established a plan to reward certain key executives with Performance Share Units (PSUs) if Novelis common share price improvement targets were achieved within specific time periods. There were three equal tranches of PSUs, and each had a specific share price improvement target.
 
The share price improvement targets for the first tranche were achieved and 180,350 Performance Share Units (PSUs) were awarded on June 20, 2005. For the year ended December 31, 2005, 1,650 PSUs were forfeited and 178,700 remained outstanding. In March 2006, 46,850 PSUs were forfeited and 131,850 PSUs were ultimately paid out. The liability for the first tranche was accrued over its term, was valued on March 24, 2006, and was paid in April 2006 in the aggregate amount of approximately $3 million.
 
The fair value of each PSUs was estimated using the following assumptions:
 
     
    Year Ended
    December 31, 2006
    Predecessor
 
Expected volatility
  37.00%
Weighted average volatility
  37.00%
Dividend yield
  0.14%
Risk-free interest rate
  4.75%
Expected life (derived service periods)
  0.93 to 1.23 years
 
As a result of the Arrangement, the second and third tranches (represented by 94,450 and 85,950 PSUs, respectively) were settled in cash using the $44.93 purchase price per common share paid by Hindalco in the transaction for approximately $8 million.
 
Total Shareholder Returns Performance Plan
 
Some Alcan employees who transferred to Novelis were entitled to receive cash awards under the Alcan Total Shareholder Returns Performance Plan (TSR). In January 2005, the accrued awards for all of the TSR participants were converted into 452,667 Novelis restricted share units (RSUs). In October 2005, an aggregate of $7 million was paid to employees who held RSUs that had vested on September 30, 2005. In October 2006, 120,949 RSUs and related dividends outstanding were paid to employees in the aggregate amount of $3 million.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
14.   POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
 
Our pension obligations relate to funded defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland and the U.K., unfunded pension plans in Germany, and unfunded lump sum indemnities in France, South Korea, Malaysia and Italy. Our other postretirement obligations (Other Benefits, as shown in certain tables below) include unfunded healthcare and life insurance benefits provided to retired employees in Canada, the U.S. and Brazil.
 
Some of our employees participated in defined benefit plans that were previously managed by Alcan in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Switzerland. These benefits are generally based on the employee’s years of service and the highest average eligible compensation before retirement.
 
For the period January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2009, the following occurred related to existing Alcan pension plans covering our employees:
 
a) In the U.K., former Alcan employees who participated in the British Alcan RILA Plan in 2005 began participating in the Novelis U.K. pension plan effective January 1, 2006. Of the approximate 575 Novelis employees who had participated in the British Alcan RILA plan, 208 employees elected to transfer their past service to the Novelis U.K. pension plan. Novelis made a payment of $7 million to the British Alcan RILA plan in November 2006 to pay the statutory withdrawal liability. In October 2007, we completed the transfer of U.K. plan assets and liabilities from Alcan to Novelis. Plan liabilities assumed exceeded plan assets received by $4 million. We made an additional contribution of approximately $2 million to the plan in February 2008.
 
b) In Canada, former Alcan employees who participated in the Alcan Pension Plan (Canada) began participating in the NPP (Canada) effective January 1, 2005. Of the approximate 680 employees who had participated in the Alcan plan, 420 employees elected to transfer their past service to the Novelis Plan. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we completed the transfer of plan assets and liabilities from Alcan to Novelis. Plan assets received exceeded plan liabilities assumed by $1 million. We recorded the $1 million difference between transferred plan assets and liabilities as an adjustment to Goodwill.
 
c) In the U.S., former non-union Alcan employees who participated in the Alcancorp Pension Plan had their pension liabilities transferred to the Novelis Pension Plan effective January 1, 2006. Plan liabilities exceeded plan assets received by $22 million on the transfer date.
 
d) In Switzerland, we have been a participating employer in the Alcan Swiss Pension Plan since January 1, 2005. Our employees are participating in this plan indefinitely (subject to Alcan approval and provided we make the required pension contributions). Effective May 16, 2007, we changed our treatment of our participation in the Alcan Swiss Pension Plan from a multi-employer plan to a single-employer plan; thus, Novelis’ share of plan assets, liabilities, contributions and expenses are included in this note.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Employer Contributions to Plans
 
For pension plans, our policy is to fund an amount required to provide for contractual benefits attributed to service to date, and amortize unfunded actuarial liabilities typically over periods of 15 years or less. We also participate in savings plans in Canada and the U.S., as well as defined contribution pension plans in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Malaysia and Brazil. We contributed the following amounts to all plans, including the Alcan plans that cover our employees (in millions).
 
                                           
    Year Ended
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
    2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Funded pension plans
  $ 29     $ 35       $ 4     $ 10     $ 39  
Unfunded pension plans
    16       19         2       6       22  
Savings and defined contribution pension plans
    16       13         2       3       12  
                                           
Total contributions
  $ 61     $ 67       $ 8     $ 19     $ 73  
                                           
 
During fiscal year 2010, we expect to contribute $52 million to our funded pension plans, $14 million to our unfunded pension plans and $16 million to our savings and defined contribution plans.
 
Investment Policy and Asset Allocation
 
Each of our funded pension plans is governed by an Investment Fiduciary, who establishes an investment policy appropriate for the pension plan. The Investment Fiduciary is responsible for selecting the asset allocation for each plan, monitoring investment managers, monitoring returns versus benchmarks and monitoring compliance with the investment policy. The targeted allocation ranges by asset class, and the actual allocation percentages for each class are listed in the table below.
 
                         
          Allocation in
 
          Aggregate as of
 
    Target
    March 31,  
Asset Category
  Allocation Ranges     2009     2008  
          Successor     Successor  
 
Equity securities
    35 - 70 %     46 %     50 %
Debt securities
    25 - 60 %     46 %     42 %
Real estate
    0 - 25 %     4 %     4 %
Other
    0 - 15 %     4 %     3 %


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Funded Status and Amounts Recognized in Financial Statements
 
The following tables present the change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets and the funded status for pension and other benefits (in millions), including the Swiss Pension Plan effective May 16, 2007. Other Benefits in the tables below include unfunded healthcare and life insurance benefits provided to retired employees in Canada, Brazil and the U.S.
 
                                           
    Pension Benefits  
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Change in benefit obligation
                                         
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
  $ 991     $ 867       $ 885     $ 877     $ 575  
Service cost
    38       40         6       12       42  
Interest cost
    57       43         6       12       44  
Members’ contributions
    9       5         —       1       4  
Benefits paid
    (39 )     (39 )       (4 )     (10 )     (30 )
Amendments
    —       (9 )       —       —       1  
Transfers/mergers
    48       95         —       —       209  
Curtailments/ termination benefits
    (2 )     —         —       —       (5 )
Actuarial (gains) losses
    (33 )     (52 )       (32 )     (9 )     (10 )
Currency (gains) losses
    (124 )     41         6       2       47  
                                           
Benefit obligation at end of period
  $ 945     $ 991       $ 867     $ 885     $ 877  
                                           
Benefit obligation of funded plans
  $ 787     $ 800       $ 680     $ 696     $ 690  
Benefit obligation of unfunded plans
    158       191         187       189       187  
                                           
Benefit obligation at end of period
  $ 945     $ 991       $ 867     $ 885     $ 877  
                                           
 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                           
    Other Benefits  
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
  $ 171     $ 140       $ 141     $ 139     $ 122  
Service cost
    7       4         1       2       5  
Interest cost
    10       7         1       2       7  
Benefits paid
    (7 )     (6 )       (1 )     (2 )     (8 )
Transfers/mergers
    —       —         (1 )     —       1  
Curtailments/termination benefits
    (3 )     —         —       —       —  
Actuarial (gains) losses
    (14 )     25         (2 )     —       12  
Currency (gains) losses
    (2 )     1         1       —       —  
                                           
Benefit obligation at end of period
  $ 162     $ 171         140     $ 141     $ 139  
                                           
Benefit obligation of funded plans
  $ —     $ —       $ —     $ —     $ —  
Benefit obligation of unfunded plans
    162       171         140       141       139  
                                           
Benefit obligation at end of period
  $ 162     $ 171       $ 140     $ 141     $ 139
 
                                           
                                           
    Pension Benefits  
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Change in fair value of plan assets
                                         
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
  $ 724     $ 607       $ 578     $ 568     $ 301  
Actual return on plan assets
    (102 )     (14 )       16       6       41  
Members’ contributions
    9       5         —       1       4  
Benefits paid
    (39 )     (39 )       (2 )     (5 )     (30 )
Company contributions
    45       54         12       3       51  
Transfers/mergers
    49       94         —       4       178  
Currency gains (losses)
    (88 )     17         3       1       23  
                                           
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
  $ 598     $ 724       $ 607     $ 578     $ 568  
                                           
 

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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                   
    March 31,  
    2009       2008  
    Pension
    Other
      Pension
    Other
 
    Benefits     Benefits       Benefits     Benefits  
    Successor       Successor  
 
Funded status
                                 
Funded Status at end of period:
                                 
Assets less the benefit obligation of funded plans
  $ (189 )   $ —       $ (76 )   $ —  
Benefit obligation of unfunded plans
    (158 )     (162 )       (191 )     (171 )
                                   
    $ (347 )   $ (162 )     $ (267 )   $ (171 )
                                   
As included on consolidated balance sheet
                                 
Other long-term assets — third parties
  $ —     $ —       $ 7     $ —  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    (12 )     (7 )       (16 )     (8 )
Accrued postretirement benefits
    (335 )     (155 )       (258 )     (163 )
                                   
    $ (347 )   $ (162 )     $ (267 )   $ (171 )
                                   
 
The postretirement amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax effects, are presented in the table below (in millions).
 
                                   
    March 31,  
    2009       2008  
    Pension
    Other
      Pension
    Other
 
    Benefits     Benefits       Benefits     Benefits  
    Successor       Successor  
 
Net actuarial loss
  $ 118     $ 9       $ 2     $ 25  
Prior service cost (credit)
    (7 )     —         (10 )     —  
                                   
Total postretirement amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)
  $ 111     $ 9       $ (8 )   $ 25  
                                   
 
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2010 are $10 million for pension benefits and $1 million for other postretirement benefits, primarily related to net actuarial loss.
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
 
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the table below (in millions).
 
                   
    March 31,  
    2009       2008  
    Successor       Successor  
 
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 887       $ 528  
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 784       $ 496  
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 549       $ 302  

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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Future Benefit Payments
 
Expected benefit payments to be made during the next ten fiscal years are listed in the table below (in millions).
 
                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
 
2010
  $ 35     $ 7  
2011
    36       8  
2012
    40       9  
2013
    44       10  
2014
    49       11  
2015 through 2019
    301       69  
                 
Total
  $ 505     $ 114  
                 
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the respective periods are listed in the table below (in millions).
 
                                           
    Year Ended
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
Pension Benefits
  2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Net periodic benefit cost
                                         
Service cost
  $ 38     $ 40       $ 6     $ 12     $ 42  
Interest cost
    57       43         6       12       44  
Expected return on assets
    (50 )     (41 )       (5 )     (11 )     (38 )
Amortization
                                         
— actuarial losses
    —       —         —       1       6  
— prior service cost
    (1 )     —         —       —       2  
Curtailment/settlement losses
    (1 )     —         —       —       (4 )
                                           
Net periodic benefit cost
    43       42         7       14       52  
Proportionate share of non-consolidated affiliates’ deferred pension costs, net of tax
    4       4         —       —       4  
                                           
Total net periodic benefit costs recognized
  $ 47     $ 46       $ 7     $ 14     $ 56  
                                           
 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                           
    Year Ended
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
Other Benefits
  2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Net periodic benefit cost
                                         
Service cost
  $ 7     $ 4       $ 1     $ 1     $ 5  
Interest cost
    10       7         1       2       7  
Amortization
                                         
— actuarial losses
    2       —         —       1       1  
Curtailment/termination benefits
    (3 )     —         —       —       —  
                                           
Total net periodic benefit costs recognized
  $ 16     $ 11       $ 2     $ 4     $ 13  
                                           
 
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 6.7% in fiscal 2010.
 
Actuarial Assumptions and Sensitivity Analysis
 
The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs for the respective periods are listed in the table below.
 
                                           
    Year Ended
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
Pension Benefits
  2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
                                         
Discount rate
    6.0 %     5.8 %       5.4 %     5.3 %     5.4 %
Average compensation growth
    3.6 %     3.4 %       3.8 %     3.8 %     3.8 %
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
                                         
Discount rate
    5.9 %     5.2 %       5.4 %     5.4 %     5.1 %
Average compensation growth
    3.6 %     3.7 %       3.8 %     3.8 %     3.9 %
Expected return on plan assets
    6.9 %     7.3 %       7.5 %     7.5 %     7.3 %
                                           
                                           
                                           
    Year Ended
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
    Year Ended
 
    March 31,
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    December 31,
 
Other Benefits
  2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
                                         
Discount rate
    6.2 %     6.1 %       5.8 %     5.7 %     5.7 %
Average compensation growth
    3.9 %     3.9 %       3.9 %     3.9 %     3.9 %
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
                                         
Discount rate
    6.1 %     5.7 %       5.7 %     5.7 %     5.7 %
Average compensation growth
    3.9 %     3.9 %       3.9 %     3.9 %     3.9 %

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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
In selecting the appropriate discount rate for each plan, we generally used a country-specific, high-quality corporate bond index, adjusted to reflect the duration of the particular plan. In the U.S. and Canada, the discount rate was calculated by matching the plan’s projected cash flows with similar duration high-quality corporate bonds to develop a present value, which was then interpolated to develop a single equivalent discount rate.
 
In estimating the expected return on assets of a pension plan, consideration is given primarily to its target allocation, the current yield on long-term bonds in the country where the plan is established, and the historical risk premium of equity or real estate over long-term bond yields in each relevant country. The approach is consistent with the principle that assets with higher risk provide a greater return over the long-term.
 
We provide unfunded healthcare and life insurance benefits to our retired employees in Canada, the U.S. and Brazil, for which we paid $7 million for the year ended March 31, 2009, $6 million for the period from May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008, $1 million for the period from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007, $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The assumed healthcare cost trend used for measurement purposes is 7.5% for fiscal 2010, decreasing gradually to 5% in 2014 and remaining at that level thereafter.
 
A change of one percentage point in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects on our other benefits (in millions).
 
                 
    1% Increase     1% Decrease  
 
Sensitivity Analysis
               
Effect on service and interest costs
  $ 2     $ (2 )
Effect on benefit obligation
  $ 14     $ (12 )
 
In addition, we provide post-employment benefits, including disability, early retirement and continuation of benefits (medical, dental, and life insurance) to our former or inactive employees, which are accounted for on the accrual basis in accordance with FASB Statement No. 112, Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits. Other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets includes $20 million and $23 million as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for these benefits.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
15.   CURRENCY LOSSES (GAINS)
 
The following currency losses (gains) are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Net (gain) loss on change in fair value of currency derivative instruments(A)
  $ (21 )   $ 44       $ (10 )   $ (5 )   $ 24  
Net (gain) loss on remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities(B)
    98       (2 )       4       6       (8 )
                                           
Net currency (gain) loss
  $ 77     $ 42       $ (6 )   $ 1     $ 16  
                                           
 
 
(A) Included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net.
 
(B) Included in Other (income) expenses, net.
 
The following currency gains (losses) are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), net of tax (in millions).
 
                 
          May 16, 2007
 
    Year Ended
    Through
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Cumulative currency translation adjustment — beginning of
period
  $ 85     $ 32  
Effect of changes in exchange rates
    (163 )     53  
                 
Cumulative currency translation adjustment — end of period
  $ (78 )   $ 85  
                 
 
16.   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND COMMODITY CONTRACTS
 
In conducting our business, we use various derivative and non-derivative instruments to manage the risks arising from fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates, aluminum prices and energy prices. Such instruments are used for risk management purposes only. We may be exposed to losses in the future if the counterparties to the contracts fail to perform. We are satisfied that the risk of such non-performance is remote due to our monitoring of credit exposures. Our ultimate gain or loss on these derivatives may differ from the amount recognized in the accompanying March 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet.
 
The decision of whether and when to execute derivative instruments, along with the duration of the instrument, can vary from period to period depending on market conditions, the relative costs of the instruments and capacity to hedge. The duration is always linked to the timing of the underlying exposure, with the connection between the two being regularly monitored.
 
The current and noncurrent portions of derivative assets and the current portion of derivative liabilities are presented on the face of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The noncurrent portions of derivative liabilities are included in Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The fair values of our financial instruments and commodity contracts as of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 are as follows (in millions):
 
                                         
    March 31, 2009  
    Assets     Liabilities     Net Fair Value
 
    Current     Noncurrent     Current     Noncurrent     Assets/(Liabilities)  
 
Successor
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Currency exchange contracts
  $ —     $ —     $ —     $ (11 )   $ (11 )
Interest rate swaps
    —       —       (13 )     —       (13 )
Electricity swap
    —       —       (6 )     (12 )     (18 )
                                         
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    —       —       (19 )     (23 )     (42 )
                                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Aluminum contracts
    99       41       (532 )     (13 )     (405 )
Currency exchange contracts
    20       31       (77 )     (12 )     (38 )
Energy contracts
    —       —       (12 )     —       (12 )
                                         
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
    119       72       (621 )     (25 )     (455 )
                                         
Total derivative fair value
  $ 119     $ 72     $ (640 )   $ (48 )   $ (497 )
                                         
 
                                         
    March 31, 2008  
    Assets     Liabilities     Net Fair Value
 
    Current     Noncurrent     Current     Noncurrent     Assets/(Liabilities)  
 
Successor
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Currency exchange contracts
  $ —     $ —     $ —     $ (184 )   $ (184 )
Interest rate swaps
    —       —       (3 )     (12 )     (15 )
Electricity swap
    3       11       —       —       14  
                                         
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    3       11       (3 )     (196 )     (185 )
                                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Aluminum contracts
    131       4       (29 )     —       106  
Currency exchange contracts
    64       6       (116 )     (5 )     (51 )
Energy contracts
    5       —       —       —       5  
                                         
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
    200       10       (145 )     (5 )     60  
                                         
Total derivative fair value
  $ 203     $ 21     $ (148 )   $ (201 )   $ (125 )
                                         


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Net Investment Hedges
 
We use cross-currency swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating exchange rates arising from our loans to and investments in our European operations. We have designated these as net investment hedges. The effective portion of gain or loss on the fair value of the derivative is included in Other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI). Prior to the Arrangement, the effective portion on the derivative was included in Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net. After the completion of the Acquisition, the effective portion on the derivative is included in Currency translation adjustments. The ineffective portion of gain or loss on the derivative is included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net. We had cross-currency swaps of Euro 135 million against the U.S. dollar outstanding as of March 31, 2009.
 
The following table summarizes the amount of gain (loss) we recognized in OCI related to our net investment hedge derivatives (in millions).
 
                           
        May 16, 2007
    April 1, 2007
    Year Ended
  Through
    Through
    March 31, 2009   March 31, 2008     May 15, 2007
    Successor   Successor     Predecessor
Currency exchange contracts
  $ 169     $ (82 )     $ (8 )
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
We own an interest in an electricity swap which we have designated as a cash flow hedge against our exposure to fluctuating electricity prices. The effective portion of gain or loss on the derivative is included in OCI and reclassified into (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivatives, net in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2009, the outstanding portion of this swap includes 20,888 megawatt hours through 2017.
 
We use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to changes in the benchmark LIBOR interest rate arising from our variable-rate debt. We have designated these as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of gain or loss on the derivative is included in OCI and reclassified into Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. We had $690 million of outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2009.
 
For all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, gains or losses representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in our current period earnings. If at any time during the life of a cash flow hedge relationship we determine that the relationship is no longer effective, the derivative will be de-designated as a cash flow hedge. This could occur if the underlying hedged exposure is determined to no longer be probable, or if our ongoing assessment of hedge effectiveness determines that the hedge relationship no longer meets the measures we have established at the inception of the hedge. Gains or losses recognized to date in AOCI would be immediately reclassified into current period earnings, as would any subsequent changes in the fair value of any such derivative.
 
During the next twelve months we expect to realize $13 million in effective net losses from our cash flow hedges. The maximum period over which we have hedged our exposure to cash flow variability is through 2017.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes the impact on AOCI and earnings of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedge (in millions).
 
                         
            Gain or (Loss)
            Recognized in Income
        Gain (Loss)
  (Ineffective Portion and Amount
    Gain (Loss)
  Reclassified from
  Excluded from
    Recognized in OCI   AOCI into Income   Effectiveness Testing)
    Year Ended
  Year Ended
  Year Ended
    March 31, 2009   March 31, 2009   March 31, 2009
    Successor   Successor   Successor
 
Energy contracts
  $ (21 )   $ 12     $ —  
Interest rate swaps
  $ 3     $ —     $ —  
 
                                                       
                Gain (Loss)
 
                Recognized in Income
 
          Gain (Loss)
    (Ineffective Portion and Amount
 
    Gain (Loss)
    Reclassified from
    Excluded from
 
    Recognized in OCI     AOCI into Income     Effectiveness Testing)  
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
 
    Through
      Through
    Through
      Through
    Through
      Through
 
    March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007  
    Successor       Predecessor     Successor       Predecessor     Successor       Predecessor  
Currency exchange contracts
  $ —       $ 4     $ —       $ 1     $ —       $ —  
Energy contracts
  $ 23       $ 4     $ 8       $ —     $ —       $ —  
Interest rate swaps
  $ (15 )     $ —     $ —       $ —     $ (1 )     $ —   
 
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
 
We use aluminum forward contracts and options to hedge our exposure to changes in the London Metal Exchange (LME) price of aluminum. These exposures arise from firm commitments to sell aluminum in future periods at fixed or capped prices, the forecasted output of our smelter operations in South America and the forecasted metal price lag associated with firm commitments to sell aluminum in future periods at prices based on the LME. In addition, transactions with certain customers meet the definition of a derivative under FASB 133 and are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2009, we had 294 kilotonnes (kt) of outstanding aluminum contracts not designated as hedges.
 
We recognize a derivative position which arises from a contractual relationship with a customer that entitles us to pass-through the economic effect of trading positions that we take with other third parties on our customers’ behalf.
 
We use foreign exchange forward contracts and cross-currency swaps to manage our exposure to changes in exchange rates. These exposures arise from recorded assets and liabilities, firm commitments and forecasted cash flows denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of certain of our operations. As of March 31, 2009, we had outstanding currency exchange contracts with a total notional amount of $1.4 billion not designated as hedges.
 
We use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating interest rates associated with variable-rate debt. As of March 31, 2009, we had $10 million of outstanding interest rate swaps that were not designated as hedges.
 
We use heating oil swaps and natural gas swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating energy prices in North America. As of March 31, 2009, we had 3.4 million gallons of heating oil swaps and 3.8 million MMBtu’s of natural gas that were not designated as hedges.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
While each of these derivatives is intended to be effective in helping us manage risk, they have not been designated as hedging instruments under FASB 133. The change in fair value of these derivative instruments is included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
 
The following table summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in current period earnings (in millions).
 
                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
 
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor  
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
                         
Aluminum contracts
  $ (561 )   $ 44       $ 7  
Currency exchange contracts
    21       (44 )       10  
Energy contracts
    (29 )     12         3  
                           
Gain (loss) recognized
    (569 )     12         20  
Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
                         
Interest rate swaps
    —       (1 )       —  
Electricity swap
    13       11         —  
                           
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
  $ (556 )   $ 22       $ 20  
                           
 
17.   FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
FASB 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of this standard apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and are to be applied prospectively with limited exceptions. Additionally, FASB 157 amended FASB 107, Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (FASB 107), and as such, we follow FASB 157 in determination of FASB 107 fair value disclosure amounts. The disclosures required under FASB 157 and FASB 107 are included in this note.
 
The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and for estimating fair value for financial instruments not previously recorded at fair value.
 
FASB 157 Instruments
 
Our adoption of FASB 157 on April 1, 2008 resulted in (1) a gain of $1 million, which is included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in our consolidated statement of operations, (2) a $1 million decrease to the fair value of effective portion of hedges included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and (3) a $29 million increase to the foreign currency translation adjustment included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These adjustments are primarily due to the inclusion of nonperformance risk (i.e., credit spreads) in our valuation models related to certain of our cross-currency swap derivative instruments (see Note 16 — Financial Instruments and Commodity Contracts).
 
FASB 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB 157 is the single source in GAAP for the definition of fair value, except for the fair value of leased property as defined in FASB 13, for purposes of lease classification or measurement. FASB 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under FASB 157 are described as follows:
 
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date;
 
Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
 
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require us to develop our own assumptions based on the best information available as what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
The following section describes the valuation methodologies we used to measure our various financial instruments at fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified:
 
Derivative contracts
 
For certain of our derivative contracts whose fair values are based upon trades in liquid markets, such as aluminum forward contracts and options, 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.
 
The majority of our derivative contracts are valued using industry-standard models that use observable market inputs as their basis, such as time value, forward interest rates, volatility factors, and current (spot) and forward market prices for foreign exchange rates. We generally classify these instruments within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Such derivatives include interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, foreign currency forward contracts and certain energy-related forward contracts (e.g., natural gas).
 
We classify derivative contracts that are valued based on models with significant unobservable market inputs as Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. These derivatives include certain of our energy-related forward contracts (e.g., electricity) and certain foreign currency forward contracts. Models for these fair value measurements include inputs based on estimated future prices for periods beyond the term of the quoted prices.
 
FASB 157 requires that for Level 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy, where appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit considerations (nonperformance risk).
 
The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2009 (in millions).
 
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using
    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
 
Successor:
                               
Assets — Derivative instruments
  $ —     $ 191     $ —     $ 191  
Liabilities — Derivative instruments
  $ —     $ (644 )   $ (44 )   $ (688 )
 
Financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy represent derivative contracts (primarily energy-related and certain foreign currency forward contracts) in which at least one significant


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
unobservable input is used in the valuation model. We incurred $26 million of unrealized losses related to Level 3 financial instruments that were still held as of March 31, 2009. These unrealized losses are included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net.
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of fair value activity for Level 3 derivative contracts on a net basis (in millions).
 
         
    Level 3
 
    Derivative
 
    Instruments(A)  
 
Successor:
       
Balance as of April 1, 2008
  $ 11  
Net realized/unrealized (losses) included in earnings(B)
    (10 )
Net realized/unrealized (losses) included in Other comprehensive income (loss)(C)
    (33 )
Net purchases, issuances and settlements
    (13 )
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    1  
         
Balance as of March 31, 2009
  $ (44 )
         
 
 
(A) Represents derivative assets net of derivative liabilities.
 
(B) Included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net.
 
(C) Included in Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net.
 
FASB 107 Instruments
 
The table below is a summary of fair value estimates as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, for financial instruments, as defined by FASB 107, excluding short-term financial assets and liabilities, for which carrying amounts approximate fair value, and excluding financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (FASB 157 instruments) (in millions).
 
                                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Carrying
    Fair
    Carrying
    Fair
 
    Value     Value     Value     Value  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
 
Assets
                               
Long-term receivables from related parties
  $ 23     $ 23     $ 41     $ 41  
Liabilities
                               
Long-term debt
                               
Novelis Inc.
                               
7.25% Senior Notes, due February 2015
    1,171       454       1,466       1,249  
Floating rate Term Loan facility, due July 2014
    295       200       298       298  
Unsecured credit facility — related party, due January 2015
    91       93       —       —  
Novelis Corporation
                               
Floating rate Term Loan facility, due July 2014
    813       584       655       655  
Novelis Switzerland S.A.
                               
Capital lease obligation, due December 2019 (CHF 51 million)
    42       36       50       43  
Capital lease obligation, due August 2011 (CHF 3 million)
    2       2       3       3  


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Carrying
    Fair
    Carrying
    Fair
 
    Value     Value     Value     Value  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
 
Novelis Korea Limited
                               
Bank loan, due October 2010
    100       83       100       87  
Bank loan, due February 2010 (KRW 50 billion)
    37       33       —       —  
Bank loan, due May 2009 (KRW 10 billion)
    7       7       —       —  
Bank loans, due September 2010 through June 2011 (KRW 308 million)
    —       —       1       1  
Other
                               
Other debt, due April 2009 through December 2012
    1       1       2       2  
Financial commitments
                               
Letters of credit
    —       134       —       148  
 
18.   OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES, NET
 
Other (income) expenses, net is comprised of the following (in millions).
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Exchange (gains) losses, net
  $ 98     $ (2 )     $ 4     $ 6     $ (8 )
Gain on reversal of accrued legal claims(A)
    (26 )     —         —       —       —  
Brazilian tax settlement(B)
    9       —         —       —       —  
Impairment charges on long-lived assets
    1       1         —       8       —  
Loss on disposal of business
    —       —         —       —       15  
Gain on sale of equity interest in non-consolidated affiliate(C)
    —       —         —       —       (15 )
Gain on sale of rights to develop and operate hydroelectric power plants(D)
    —       —         —       —       (11 )
Losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment, net
    —       —         —       —       5  
Sale transaction fees
    —       —         32       32       —  
Other, net
    4       (5 )       (1 )     1       (5 )
                                           
Other (income) expenses, net
  $ 86     $ (6 )     $ 35     $ 47     $ (19 )
                                           
 
 
(A) We recognized a $26 million gain on the reversal of a previously recorded legal accrual upon settlement in September 2008.
 
(B) Interest and penalty on Brazilian tax settlement. See Note 20 — Commitments and Contingencies (Brazil Tax Matters).
 
(C) In November 2006, we sold the common and preferred shares of our 25% interest in Petrocoque to the other shareholders of Petrocoque for approximately $20 million. We recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $15 million.
 
(D) During the fourth quarter of 2006, we sold our rights to develop and operate two hydroelectric power plants in South America and recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $11 million.

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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
19.   INCOME TAXES
 
We are subject to Canadian and United States federal, state, and local income taxes as well as other foreign income taxes. The domestic (Canada) and foreign components of our Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for taxes on income (loss) (and after removing our Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates) are as follows (in millions).
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Domestic (Canada)
  $ (15 )   $ (102 )     $ (45 )   $ (44 )   $ (100 )
Foreign (all other countries)
    (1,981 )     134         (50 )     (14 )     (194 )
                                           
Pre-tax income (loss) before equity in net (income) loss on non-consolidated affiliates
  $ (1,996 )   $ 32       $ (95 )   $ (58 )   $ (294 )
                                           
 
The components of the Income tax provision (benefit) are as follows (in millions).
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Current provision (benefit):
                                         
Domestic (Canada)
  $ 7     $ 7       $ —     $ 1     $ 1  
Foreign (all other countries)
    78       71         21       15       72  
                                           
Total current
    85       78         21       16       73  
                                           
Deferred provision (benefit):
                                         
Domestic (Canada)
    —       —         4       —       4  
Foreign (all other countries)
    (331 )     (5 )       (21 )     (9 )     (81 )
                                           
Total deferred
    (331 )     (5 )       (17 )     (9 )     (77 )
                                           
Income tax provision (benefit)
  $ (246 )   $ 73       $ 4     $ 7     $ (4 )
                                           


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The reconciliation of the Canadian statutory tax rates to our effective tax rates are shown below (in millions).
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Pre-tax income (loss) before equity in net (income) loss on non-consolidated affiliates
  $ (1,996 )   $ 32       $ (95 )   $ (58 )   $ (294 )
                                           
Canadian Statutory tax rate
    31 %     32 %       33 %     33 %     33 %
                                           
Provision (benefit) at the Canadian statutory rate
  $ (619 )   $ 10       $ (31 )   $ (19 )   $ (97 )
Increase (decrease) for taxes on income (loss) resulting from:
                                         
Non-deductible goodwill impairment
    415       —         —       —       —  
Exchange translation items
    (4 )     39         23       6       15  
Exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes
    (48 )     27         3       2       3  
Change in valuation allowances
    61       (6 )       13       23       71  
Tax credits and other allowances
    (8 )     (1 )       —       —       —  
Expense (income) items not subject to tax
    3       5         (9 )     1       13  
Enacted tax rate changes
    (7 )     (17 )       —       —       —  
Tax rate differences on foreign earnings
    (33 )     2         2       (6 )     (15 )
Uncertain tax positions
    2       17         —       —       —  
Other, net
    (8 )     (3 )       3       —       6  
                                           
Income tax provision (benefit)
  $ (246 )   $ 73       $ 4     $ 7     $ (4 )
                                           
Effective tax rate
    12 %     228 %       (4 )%     (12 )%     1 %
                                           
 
Our effective tax rate differs from the Canadian statutory rate primarily due to the following factors: (1) non-deductible impairment of goodwill; (2) pre-tax foreign currency gains or losses with no tax effect and the tax effect of U.S. dollar denominated currency gains or losses with no pre-tax effect, which is shown above as exchange translation items; (3) the remeasurement of deferred income taxes due to foreign currency changes, which is shown above as exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes; (4) changes in valuation allowances primarily related to tax losses in certain jurisdictions where we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be able to utilize those losses; (5) the effects of enacted tax rate changes on cumulative taxable temporary differences; (6) differences between the Canadian statutory and foreign effective tax rates applied to entities in different jurisdictions shown above as tax rate differences on foreign earnings and (7) increases in uncertain tax positions recorded under the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48).
 
In connection with our spin-off from Alcan we entered into a tax sharing and disaffiliation agreement that provides indemnification if certain factual representations are breached or if certain transactions are undertaken or certain actions are taken that have the effect of negatively affecting the tax treatment of the spin-off. It further governs the disaffiliation of the tax matters of Alcan and its subsidiaries or affiliates other than us, on the one hand, and us and our subsidiaries or affiliates, on the other hand. In this respect it allocates taxes


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
accrued prior to the spin-off and after the spin-off as well as transfer taxes resulting therefrom. It also allocates obligations for filing tax returns and the management of certain pending or future tax contests and creates mutual collaboration obligations with respect to tax matters.
 
We enjoy the benefits of favorable tax holidays in various jurisdictions; however, the net impact of these tax holidays on our income tax provision (benefit) is immaterial.
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes recognize the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the carrying amounts used for income tax purposes, and the impact of available net operating loss (NOL) and tax credit carryforwards. These items are stated at the enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered.
 
Our deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are as follows (in millions).
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Deferred income tax assets:
               
Provisions not currently deductible for tax purposes
  $ 363     $ 324  
Tax losses/benefit carryforwards, net
    390       311  
Depreciation and Amortization
    85       91  
Other assets
    45       47  
                 
Total deferred income tax assets
    883       773  
Less: valuation allowance
    (228 )     (160 )
                 
Net deferred income tax assets
  $ 655     $ 613  
                 
Deferred income tax liabilities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 774     $ 940  
Inventory valuation reserves
    55       134  
Other liabilities
    75       201  
                 
Total deferred income tax liabilities
  $ 904     $ 1,275  
                 
Total deferred income tax liabilities
  $ 904     $ 1,275  
Less: Net deferred income tax assets
    655       613  
                 
Net deferred income tax liabilities
  $ 249     $ 662  
                 
 
FASB 109 requires that we reduce our deferred income tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. After consideration of all evidence, both positive and negative, management concluded that it is more likely than not that we will not realize a portion of our deferred tax assets and that valuation allowances of $228 million and $160 million were necessary as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as described below.
 
As of March 31, 2009, we had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $354 million (tax effected) and tax credit carryforwards of $36 million, which will be available to offset future taxable income and tax liabilities, respectively. The carryforwards begin expiring in 2009 with some amounts being carried forward indefinitely. As of March 31, 2009, valuation allowances of $117 million and $17 million had been recorded against net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, respectively, where it appeared


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
more likely than not that such benefits will not be realized. The net operating loss carryforwards are predominantly in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, France, Italy, and Luxembourg.
 
As of March 31, 2008, we had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $269 million (tax effected) and tax credit carryforwards of $42 million, which will be available to offset future taxable income and tax liabilities, respectively. The carryforwards began expiring in 2008 with some amounts being carried forward indefinitely. As of March 31, 2008, valuation allowances of $103 million and $21 million had been recorded against net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, respectively, where it appeared more likely than not that such benefit will not be realized. The net operating loss carryforwards are predominantly in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, France, and Italy.
 
Our valuation allowance increased $68 million (net) during the year ended March 31, 2009. Of this amount, $61 million was charged to expense.
 
Although realization is not assured, we believe that it is more likely than not that the remaining deferred income tax assets will be realized. In the near-term, the amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced if we do not generate sufficient taxable income in certain jurisdictions.
 
We have undistributed earnings in our foreign subsidiaries. For those subsidiaries where the earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested, no provision for Canadian income taxes has been provided. Upon repatriation of those earnings, in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to both Canadian income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign taxes paid) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. For those subsidiaries where the earnings are not considered permanently reinvested, taxes have been provided as required. The determination of the unrecorded deferred income tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures that are considered to be permanently reinvested is not considered practicable.
 
During the year ended March 31, 2009, Canadian legislation was enacted allowing us to elect to calculate and pay our Canadian tax liability in U.S. dollars. Our election is effective April 1, 2008, and due to a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax asset position in Canada, the election has an immaterial effect on our deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2009.
 
Tax Uncertainties
 
Adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) which clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Upon adoption of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, we increased our reserves for uncertain tax positions by $1 million. We recognized the increase as a cumulative effect adjustment to Shareholder’s equity, as an increase to our Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit). Including this adjustment, reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $46 million as of January 1, 2007.
 
As of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods based on anticipated settlement dates is $46 million and $44 million, respectively. Of the March 31, 2009 amount, it is reasonably possible that the expiration of the statutes of limitations or examinations by taxing authorities will result in a decrease in the unrecognized tax benefits of $25 million related to potential withholding taxes and cross-border intercompany pricing of services rendered in various jurisdictions by March 31, 2010.
 
Separately, we are awaiting a court ruling regarding the utilization of certain operating losses. We anticipate that it is reasonably possible that this ruling will result in a $10 million decrease in unrecognized


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
tax benefits by March 31, 2010 related to this matter. We have fully funded this contingent liability through a judicial deposit, which is included in Other long-term assets — third parties since January 2007.
 
Tax authorities are currently examining certain of our tax returns for fiscal years 2004 through 2008. We are evaluating potential adjustments and we do not anticipate that settlement of the examinations will result in a material payout. With few exceptions, tax returns for all jurisdictions for all tax years before 2003 are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities.
 
During the year ended March 31, 2009, taxing authorities in Germany concluded their audit of the tax years 1999-2003. As a result of the settlement, we reduced our unrecognized tax benefits by $10 million, including cash payments to taxing authorities of $6 million and a reduction to Goodwill of $4 million.
 
Our continuing practice and policy is to record potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our Income tax provision (benefit). As of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, we had $12 million and $14 million accrued for potential interest on income taxes, respectively. For the periods from May 16, 2007 through March 31, 2008; from April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007 and for the three months ended March 31, 2007, our Income tax provision included a charge for an additional $5 million, $0.4 million and $1 million of potential interest, respectively.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):
 
                                   
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
 
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor  
Beginning balance
  $ 61     $ 47       $ 46     $ 46  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current period
    1       2         —       —  
Additions based on tax positions of prior years
    3       7         —       1  
Reductions based on tax positions of prior years
    (3 )     —         —       (1 )
Settlements
    (4 )     —         —       —  
Statute Lapses
    (1 )     —         —       —  
Foreign Exchange
    (6 )     5         1       —  
                                   
Ending Balance
  $ 51     $ 61       $ 47     $ 46  
                                   
 
Income Taxes Payable
 
Our consolidated balance sheets include income taxes payable of $85 million and $96 million as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Of these amounts, $33 million and $35 million are reflected in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
20.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Primary Supplier
 
Alcan is our primary supplier of metal inputs, including prime and sheet ingot. The table below shows our purchases from Alcan as a percentage of our total combined metal purchases.
 
                                           
        May 16, 2007
    April 1, 2007
  Three Months
   
    Year Ended
  Through
    Through
  Ended
  Year Ended
    March 31, 2009   March 31, 2008     May 15, 2007   March 31, 2007   December 31, 2006
    Successor   Successor     Predecessor   Predecessor   Predecessor
Purchases from Alcan as a percentage of total combined prime and sheet ingot purchases in kt(A)
    47 %     35 %       34 %     35 %     35 %
                                           
 
 
(A) One kilotonne (kt) is 1,000 metric tonnes. One metric tonne is equivalent to 2,204.6 pounds.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
Coca-Cola Lawsuit.  A lawsuit was commenced against Novelis Corporation on February 15, 2007 by Coca-Cola Bottler’s Sales and Services Company LLC (CCBSS) in Georgia state court. CCBSS is a consortium of Coca-Cola bottlers across the United States, including Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. CCBSS alleges that Novelis Corporation breached an aluminum can stock supply agreement between the parties, and seeks monetary damages in an amount to be determined at trial and a declaration of its rights under the agreement. The agreement includes a “most favored nations” provision regarding certain pricing matters. CCBSS alleges that Novelis Corporation breached the terms of the “most favored nations” provision. The dispute will likely turn on the facts that are presented to the court by the parties and the court’s finding as to how certain provisions of the agreement ought to be interpreted. If CCBSS were to prevail in this litigation, the amount of damages would likely be material. Novelis Corporation has filed its answer and the parties are proceeding with discovery.
 
ARCO Aluminum Complaint.  On May 24, 2007, Arco Aluminum Inc. (ARCO) filed a complaint against Novelis Corporation and Novelis Inc. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. ARCO and Novelis are partners in a joint venture rolling mill located in Logan County, Kentucky. In the complaint, ARCO alleged that its consent was required in connection with Hindalco’s acquisition of Novelis. Failure to obtain consent, ARCO alleged, put us in default of the joint venture agreements, thereby triggering certain provisions in those agreements. The provisions include a reversion of the production management at the joint venture to Logan Aluminum from Novelis, and a reduction of the board of directors of the entity that manages the joint venture from seven members (four appointed by Novelis and three appointed by ARCO) to six members (three appointed by each of Novelis and ARCO).
 
ARCO sought a court declaration that (1) Novelis and its affiliates are prohibited from exercising any managerial authority or control over the joint venture, (2) Novelis’ interest in the joint venture is limited to an economic interest only and (3) ARCO has authority to act on behalf of the joint venture. Alternatively, ARCO sought a reversion of the production management function to Logan Aluminum, and a change in the composition of the board of directors of the entity that manages the joint venture. Novelis filed its answer to the complaint on July 16, 2007.
 
On July 3, 2007, ARCO filed a motion for partial summary judgment with respect to one of the counts of its complaint relating to the claim that Novelis breached the joint venture agreement by not seeking ARCO’s consent. On July 30, 2007, Novelis filed a motion to hold ARCO’s motion for summary judgment in abeyance (pending further discovery), along with a demand for a jury. On February 14, 2008, the judge issued an order


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
granting our motion to hold ARCO’s summary judgment motion in abeyance. Following this ruling, the joint venture continued to conduct operational, management and board activities as normal.
 
On June 4, 2009, ARCO and Novelis entered into a settlement agreement to address and resolve all matters at issue in the lawsuit, including the Logan Joint Venture governance issues. On June 22, 2009, the parties requested an order from the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice. As a result of the settlement, among other things, Novelis will retain control of the Logan board of directors, production management responsibilities will revert to Logan, and certain Novelis employees who work at Logan will become employees of Logan. There are no remaining reserves on this matter.
 
Environmental Matters
 
The following describes certain environmental matters relating to our business.
 
We are involved in proceedings under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as CERCLA or Superfund, or analogous state provisions regarding liability arising from the usage, storage, treatment or disposal of hazardous substances and wastes at a number of sites in the United States, as well as similar proceedings under the laws and regulations of the other jurisdictions in which we have operations, including Brazil and certain countries in the European Union. Many of these jurisdictions have laws that impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, for the costs of environmental remediation, natural resource damages, third party claims, and other expenses. In addition, we are, from time to time, subject to environmental reviews and investigations by relevant governmental authorities.
 
As described further in the following paragraph, we have established procedures for regularly evaluating environmental loss contingencies, including those arising from such environmental reviews and investigations and any other environmental remediation or compliance matters. We believe we have a reasonable basis for evaluating these environmental loss contingencies, and we believe we have made reasonable estimates of the costs that are likely to be borne by us for these environmental loss contingencies. Accordingly, we have established reserves based on our reasonable estimates for the currently anticipated costs associated with these environmental matters. We estimate that the undiscounted remaining clean-up costs related to all of our known environmental matters as of March 31, 2009 will be approximately $52 million. Of this amount, $38 million is included in Other long-term liabilities, with the remaining $14 million included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009. Management has reviewed the environmental matters, including those for which we assumed liability as a result of our spin-off from Alcan. As a result of this review, management has determined that the currently anticipated costs associated with these environmental matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair our operations or materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
With respect to environmental loss contingencies, we record a loss contingency on whenever such contingency is probable and reasonably estimable. The evaluation model includes all asserted and unasserted claims that can be reasonably identified. Under this evaluation model, the liability and the related costs are quantified based upon the best available evidence regarding actual liability loss and cost estimates. Except for those loss contingencies where no estimate can reasonably be made, the evaluation model is fact-driven and attempts to estimate the full costs of each claim. Management reviews the status of, and estimated liability related to, pending claims and civil actions on a quarterly basis. The estimated costs in respect of such reported liabilities are not offset by amounts related to cost-sharing between parties, insurance, indemnification arrangements or contribution from other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) unless otherwise noted.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Butler Tunnel Site.  Novelis Corporation was a party in a 1989 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lawsuit before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania involving the Butler Tunnel Superfund site, a third-party disposal site. In May 1991, the court granted summary judgment against Novelis Corporation for alleged disposal of hazardous waste. After unsuccessful appeals, Novelis Corporation paid the entire judgment plus interest.
 
The EPA filed a second cost recovery action against Novelis Corporation seeking recovery of expenses associated with the installation of an early warning and response system for potential future releases from the Butler Tunnel site. In January 2008, Novelis Corporation and the Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, entered into a consent decree whereby Novelis Corporation agreed to pay approximately $2 million in three installments in settlement of its liability with the U.S. government. This settlement has been fully paid.
 
Prior to the execution of the Novelis Corporation consent decree, the EPA entered into consent decrees with the other Butler Tunnel PRPs to finance and construct the early warning and response system. On October 30, 2008, the trustee for the PRPs provided a detailed analysis of the past and future costs associated with the implementation of the early warning system and advised us of their intention to file a contribution action against us.
 
On February 3, 2009, Butler Tunnel PRPs and Novelis Corporation entered into a settlement agreement resolving the contribution claims. On March 5, 2009, pursuant to these agreements, Novelis Corporation remitted its settlement payment of past costs in the amount of approximately $1 million. As part of the settlement, Novelis became a member of the PRP group. Accordingly, Novelis bears an allocated share of certain future costs in the approximate annual amount of $75,000 between 2009 and 2018 related to the costs to complete and maintain the early warning and response system at the Butler Tunnel site. Accordingly, Novelis Corporation has established a reserve of $742,000 for these payments through 2018.
 
In December 2005, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the Company’s subsidiary, Logan Aluminum, Inc. (Logan), alleging violations of Logan’s Title V Operating Permit, which regulates emissions of air pollutants from the facility. In March 2006, the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KDEP) issued a separate NOV to Logan alleging other violations of the Title V Operating Permit. In March 2009, as a result of these enforcement actions, Logan agreed to install new air pollution control equipment. Logan has also agreed to settle the USEPA NOV, including the payment of a civil penalty of $285,000. The KDEP NOV is currently subject to a Tolling Agreement with the state agency.
 
Brazil Tax Matters
 
Primarily as a result of legal proceedings with Brazil’s Ministry of Treasury regarding certain taxes in South America, as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, we had cash deposits aggregating approximately $30 million and $36 million, respectively, in judicial depository accounts pending finalization of the related cases. The depository accounts are in the name of the Brazilian government and will be expended towards these legal proceedings or released to us, depending on the outcome of the legal cases. These deposits are included in Other long-term assets — third parties in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we are involved in several disputes with Brazil’s Ministry of Treasury about various forms of manufacturing taxes and social security contributions, for which we have made no judicial deposits but for which we have established reserves ranging from $6 million to $118 million as of March 31, 2009. In total, these reserves approximate $135 million as of March 31, 2009 and are included in Other long-term liabilities in our accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
 
On May 28, 2009, the Brazilian government passed a law allowing taxpayers to settle certain federal tax disputes with the Brazilian tax authorities, including disputes relating to a Brazilian national tax on manufactured products, through an installment program. Pursuant to the installment plan, companies can elect


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
to (a) pay the principal amount of the disputed tax amounts over a near-term period (e.g., 1-60 monthly installments) and receive a 35-45% discount on the interest and 80-100% discount on the penalties owed, (b) pay the principal and interest over a medium-term period (e.g., 60-120 monthly installments) and receive a 30-35% discount on the interest and 70-80% discount on the penalties owed, or (c) pay the full amount of the disputed tax amounts, including interest and penalties, over a longer-term period (e.g., 120-180 monthly installments) and receive a 25-30% discount on the interest and 60-70% discount on the penalties owed. Novelis has already joined the installment plan. However, we will announce (a) the amount of the tax disputes that will be settled and (b) the number of installments elected once the Ministry of Treasury enacts the final installment plan regulations.
 
Guarantees of Indebtedness
 
We have issued guarantees on behalf of certain of our subsidiaries and non-consolidated affiliates, including certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and Aluminium Norf GmbH, which is a fifty percent (50%) owned joint venture that does not meet the requirements for consolidation under FIN 46(R).
 
In the case of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, the indebtedness guaranteed is for trade accounts payable to third parties. Some of the guarantees have annual terms while others have no expiration and have termination notice requirements. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries or non-consolidated affiliates holds any assets of any third parties as collateral to offset the potential settlement of these guarantees.
 
Since we consolidate wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements, all liabilities associated with trade payables and short-term debt facilities for these entities are already included in our consolidated balance sheets.
 
The following table discloses information about our obligations under guarantees of indebtedness as of March 31, 2009 (in millions). We did not have obligations under guarantees of indebtedness related to our majority-owned subsidiaries as of March 31, 2009.
 
                 
    Maximum
  Liability
    Potential
  Carrying
Type of Entity
  Future Payment   Value
 
Wholly-owned subsidiaries
  $ 50     $ 14  
Aluminium Norf GmbH
    13       —  
 
We have no retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets.
 
21.   SEGMENT, GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AND MAJOR CUSTOMER INFORMATION
 
Segment Information
 
Due in part to the regional nature of supply and demand of aluminum rolled products and in order to best serve our customers, we manage our activities on the basis of geographical areas and are organized under four operating segments: North America; Europe; Asia and South America.
 
Corporate and Other includes functions that are managed directly from our corporate office, which focuses on strategy development and oversees governance, policy, legal compliance, human resources and finance matters. These expenses have not been allocated to the regions. It also includes realized gains (losses) on corporate derivative instruments, consolidating and other elimination accounts.
 
We measure the profitability and financial performance of our operating segments, based on Segment income, in accordance with FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosure About the Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. Segment income provides a measure of our underlying segment results that is in line with our portfolio approach to risk management. We define Segment income as earnings before (a) depreciation


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
and amortization; (b) interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs; (c) interest income; (d) unrealized gains (losses) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net; (e) impairment of goodwill; (f) impairment charges on long-lived assets (other than goodwill); (g) gain on extinguishment of debt; (h) noncontrolling interests’ share; (i) adjustments to reconcile our proportional share of Segment income from non-consolidated affiliates to income as determined on the equity method of accounting; (k) restructuring charges, net; (k) gains or losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment and businesses, net; (l) other costs, net; (m) litigation settlement, net of insurance recoveries; (n) sale transaction fees; (o) income tax provision (benefit) (p) cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax.
 
Net sales and expenses are measured in accordance with the policies and procedures described in Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
 
For Segment income purposes we only include the impact of the derivative gains or losses to the extent they are settled in cash (i.e., realized) during that period.
 
The following is a description of our operating segments:
 
  •  North America.  Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, this segment manufactures aluminum sheet and light gauge products and operates 11 plants, including two fully dedicated recycling facilities, in two countries.
 
  •  Europe.  Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, this segment manufactures aluminum sheet and light gauge products and operates 14 plants, including one recycling facility, in six countries.
 
  •  Asia.  Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, this segment manufactures aluminum sheet and light gauge products and operates three plants in two countries.
 
  •  South America.  Headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this segment comprises bauxite mining, alumina refining, smelting operations, power generation, carbon products, aluminum sheet and light gauge products and operates four plants in Brazil.
 
Adjustment to Eliminate Proportional Consolidation.  The financial information for our segments includes the results of our non-consolidated affiliates on a proportionately consolidated basis, which is consistent with the way we manage our business segments. However, under GAAP, these non-consolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, in order to reconcile the financial information for the segments shown in the tables below to the GAAP-based measure, we must remove our proportional share of each line item that we included in the segment amounts. See Note 10 — Investment in and Advances to Non-Consolidated Affiliates and Related Party Transactions for further information about these non-consolidated affiliates.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The tables below show selected segment financial information (in millions).
 
Selected Segment Financial Information
 
                                                         
                                  Adjustment to
       
    Reportable Segments           Eliminate
       
Selected Operating Results
  North
                South
    Corporate
    Proportional
       
Year Ended March 31, 2009
  America     Europe     Asia     America     and Other     Consolidation     Total  
(Successor)                                          
 
Net sales
  $ 3,930     $ 3,718     $ 1,536     $ 1,007     $ —     $ (14 )   $ 10,177  
Write-off and amortization of fair value adjustments
    218       7       —       —       8       —       233  
Depreciation and amortization
    166       226       50       72       3       (78 )     439  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (156 )     (13 )     (8 )     (62 )     9       (16 )     (246 )
Capital expenditures
    42       76       20       25       2       (20 )     145  
Total assets as of March 31, 2009
  $ 2,973     $ 2,750     $ 732     $ 1,296     $ 50     $ (234 )   $ 7,567  
 
                                                         
                                  Adjustment to
       
    Reportable Segments           Eliminate
       
Selected Operating Results
  North
                South
    Corporate
    Proportional
       
May 16, 2007 Through March 31, 2008
  America     Europe     Asia     America     and Other     Consolidation     Total  
(Successor)                                          
 
Net sales
  $ 3,655     $ 3,828     $ 1,602     $ 885     $ —     $ (5 )   $ 9,965  
Write-off and amortization of fair value adjustments
    242       (8 )     (11 )     (9 )     7       —       221  
Depreciation and amortization
    140       176       52       62       1       (56 )     375  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    23       (70 )     1       69       16       34       73  
Capital expenditures
    42       98       28       28       3       (14 )     185  
Total assets as of March 31, 2008
  $ 3,957     $ 4,355     $ 1,080     $ 1,485     $ 59     $ (199 )   $ 10,737  
 
 
                                                         
                                  Adjustment to
       
    Reportable Segments           Eliminate
       
Selected Operating Results
  North
                South
    Corporate
    Proportional
       
April 1, 2007 Through May 15, 2007
  America     Europe     Asia     America     and Other     Consolidation     Total  
(Predecessor)                                          
 
Net sales
  $ 446     $ 510     $ 216     $ 109     $ —     $ —     $ 1,281  
Depreciation and amortization
    7       11       7       5       1       (3 )     28  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (19 )     10       —       14       (1 )     —       4  
Capital expenditures
    4       8       4       3       1       (3 )     17  
 
                                                         
                                  Adjustment to
       
    Reportable Segments           Eliminate
       
Selected Operating Results
  North
                South
    Corporate
    Proportional
       
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
  America     Europe     Asia     America     and Other     Consolidation     Total  
(Predecessor)                                          
 
Net sales
  $ 925     $ 1,057     $ 413     $ 235     $ —     $ —     $ 2,630  
Depreciation and amortization
    16       24       14       11       1       (8 )     58  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (10 )     6       —       11       —       —       7  
Capital expenditures
    9       11       3       4       1       (4 )     24  
 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                                         
                                  Adjustment to
       
    Reportable Segments           Eliminate
       
Selected Operating Results
  North
                South
    Corporate
    Proportional
       
Year Ended December 31, 2006
  America     Europe     Asia     America     and Other     Consolidation     Total  
(Predecessor)                                          
 
Net sales
  $ 3,691     $ 3,620     $ 1,692     $ 863     $ —     $ (17 )   $ 9,849  
Depreciation and amortization
    70       92       55       44       4       (32 )     233  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (111 )     29       11       63       9       (5 )     (4 )
Capital expenditures
    39       45       21       26       3       (18 )     116  

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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table shows the reconciliation from Income from reportable segments to Net loss attributable to our common shareholder (in millions).
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Income from reportable segments:
                                         
North America
  $ 82     $ 266       $ (24 )   $ (17 )   $ 20  
Europe
    236       241         32       85       245  
Asia
    86       46         6       16       82  
South America
    139       143         18       57       165  
                                           
      543       696         32       141       512  
Corporate and other(A)
    (55 )     (46 )       (38 )     (29 )     (170 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (439 )     (375 )       (28 )     (58 )     (233 )
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    (182 )     (191 )       (27 )     (54 )     (221 )
Interest income
    14       18         1       4       15  
Unrealized gains (losses) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net(B)
    (519 )     (8 )       5       (1 )     (151 )
Impairment of goodwill
    (1,340 )     —         —       —       —  
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    122       —         —       —       —  
Impairment charges on long-lived assets
    (1 )     (1 )       —       (8 )     —  
Adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation(C)
    (226 )     (36 )       (7 )     (9 )     (35 )
Restructuring charges, net
    (95 )     (6 )       (1 )     (9 )     (19 )
Loss on disposals of assets, net
    —       —         —       —       (20 )
Other costs, net(D)
    10       6         (31 )     (32 )     44  
                                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,168 )     57         (94 )     (55 )     (278 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (246 )     73         4       7       (4 )
                                           
Net loss
    (1,922 )     (16 )       (98 )     (62 )     (274 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (12 )     4         (1 )     2       1  
                                           
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (1,910 )   $ (20 )     $ (97 )   $ (64 )   $ (275 )
                                           


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
(A) Corporate and other includes functions that are managed directly from our corporate office, which focuses on strategy development and oversees governance, policy, legal compliance, human resources and finance matters. These expenses have not been allocated to the regions. It also includes realized gains (losses) on corporate derivative instruments.
 
(B) Unrealized gains (losses) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net represents the portion of gains (losses) that were not settled in cash during the period. Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) are shown in the table below and are included in the aggregate each period in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net on our consolidated statements of operations.
 
(C) Our financial information for our segments (including Segment income) includes the results of our non-consolidated affiliates on a proportionately consolidated basis, which is consistent with the way we manage our business segments. However, under GAAP, these non-consolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, in order to reconcile Income from reportable segments to Net loss, the proportional Segment income of these non-consolidated affiliates is removed from Income from reportable segments, net of our share of their net after-tax results, which is reported as Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates on our consolidated statements of operations. The adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation for the year ended March 31, 2009 includes a $160 million impairment charge related to our investment in Norf. See Note 10 — Investment in and Advances to Non-Consolidated Affiliates and Related Party Transactions for further information about these non-consolidated affiliates.
 
(D) Other costs, net for the year ended March 31, 2009 include a $26 million non-cash gain on reversal of a legal accrual, as well as a $9 million charge for a tax settlement in Brazil. Sales transaction fees of $32 million were recorded in both the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the period April 1, 2007 through May 15, 2007. In the year ended December 31, 2006, Other costs, net includes a $15 million gain on sale of equity interest in non-consolidated affiliates and an $11 million gain on sale of rights to develop and operate hydroelectric power plants (see Note 18 — Other (Income) Expenses, net).
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
(Gains) losses on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net:
                                         
Realized and included in Segment income
  $ 41     $ (14 )     $ (18 )   $ (33 )   $ (249 )
Realized on corporate derivative instruments
    (4 )     (16 )       3       2       35  
Unrealized
    519       8         (5 )     1       151  
                                           
(Gains) losses on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
  $ 556     $ (22 )     $ (20 )   $ (30 )   $ (63 )
                                           


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Geographical Area Information
 
We had 32 operating facilities in 11 countries as of March 31, 2009. The tables below present Net sales and Long-lived assets by geographical area (in millions). Net sales are attributed to geographical areas based on the origin of the sale. Long-lived assets are attributed to geographical areas based on asset location and exclude investments in and advances to our non-consolidated affiliates.
 
                                           
          May 16, 2007
      April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
      Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008       May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor       Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
Net sales:
                                         
United States
  $ 3,685     $ 3,419       $ 427     $ 870     $ 3,474  
Asia and Other Pacific
    1,536       1,602         216       413       1,691  
Brazil
    1,006       880         109       235       847  
Canada
    243       236         19       55       217  
Germany
    2,439       2,508         212       651       2,263  
United Kingdom
    347       445         79       136       428  
Other Europe
    921       875         219       270       929  
                                           
Total Net sales
  $ 10,177     $ 9,965       $ 1,281     $ 2,630     $ 9,849  
                                           
 
                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Long-lived assets:
               
United States
  $ 1,902     $ 2,566  
Asia and Other Pacific
    384       565  
Brazil
    768       967  
Canada
    171       514  
Germany
    415       247  
United Kingdom
    51       170  
Other Europe
    477       1,146  
                 
Total long-lived assets
  $ 4,168     $ 6,175  
                 
 
Major Customer Information
 
All of our operating segments had Net sales to Rexam Plc (Rexam), our largest customer. The table below shows our net sales to Rexam as a percentage of total Net sales.
 
                                         
          May 16, 2007
    April 1, 2007
    Three Months
       
    Year Ended
    Through
    Through
    Ended
    Year Ended
 
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008     May 15, 2007     March 31, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Successor     Successor     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
 
Net sales to Rexam as a percentage of total net sales
    17 %     15 %     14 %     16 %     14 %
                                         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
22.   SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
The following table shows non-cash investing and financing activities related to the Acquisition of Novelis Common Stock.
 
         
    May 16, 2007
 
    Through
 
    March 31, 2008  
    Successor  
 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities related to the Acquisition of Novelis Common Stock:
       
Property, plant and equipment
  $ (1,344 )
Goodwill
    (1,625 )
Intangible assets
    (893 )
Investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    (776 )
Debt
    66  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) consists of the following (in millions).
 
                 
    March 31,
    March 31,
 
    2009     2008  
    Successor     Successor  
 
Currency translation adjustment
  $ (62 )   $ 60  
Fair value of effective portion of hedges
    (19 )     —  
Pension and other benefits
    (67 )     (14 )
                 
AOCI
  $ (148 )   $ 46  
                 
 
23.   QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we identified errors in our interim financial statements included in previously filed fiscal 2009 Form 10-Qs. We deemed the correction of these errors to be both quantitatively and qualitatively immaterial after consideration of SEC Staff Accounting Bulleting (SAB) No. 99, Materiality, as well as SEC SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (SAB 108). These adjustments will be reflected when the affected periods are presented in future interim reports. The following summarizes these immaterial errors:
 
  •  We identified that a customer sales contract included certain terms which, when elected by the customer, result in the recognition of a derivative under FASB 133. As changes in the valuation of the derivative associated with this arrangement were not previously recognized in our financial statements, the amounts previously reported in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net were misstated for the quarters ended June 30, 2008, September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2008 by $1 million, $(4) million and $(8) million, respectively. This error increased (decreased) previously reported net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder by $(1) million, $2 million and $5 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2008, September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
  •  We determined that there was an error in our valuation of certain of our cross-currency swap derivative instruments. As a result, the amounts previously reported in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net were misstated for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2008 by $4 million and $(1) million, respectively. This error increased (decreased) previously reported net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder by $(3) million and $1 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2008, respectively.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
The table below presents select operating results (in millions) and dividends per common share information by period. Certain reclassifications of prior period quarterly amounts have been made to conform to the presentation adopted for the current year as discussed in Note 1. Also, the quarterly results below reflect the correction of the aforementioned errors.
 
                                 
    (Unaudited)
 
    Quarter Ended  
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
    March 31,
 
    2008(A)     2008(A)     2008(A)     2009  
    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
 
Net sales
  $ 3,103     $ 2,959     $ 2,176     $ 1,939  
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    2,831       2,791       2,023       1,606  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    84       89       73       73  
Depreciation and amortization
    116       107       107       109  
Research and development expenses
    12       10       11       8  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    45       46       47       44  
Interest income
    (5 )     (5 )     (3 )     (1 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (65 )     185       396       40  
Impairment of goodwill
    —       —       1,340       —  
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    —       —       —       (122 )
Restructuring charges, net
    (1 )     —       15       81  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    2       (2 )     166       6  
Other (income) expenses, net
    23       10       20       33  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    35       (168 )     (196 )     83  
                                 
Net income (loss)
    26       (104 )     (1,823 )     (21 )
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    2       —       (9 )     (5 )
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ 24     $ (104 )   $ (1,814 )   $ (16 )
                                 
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
                                 
 
 
(A) As revised.


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                                   
          April 1. 2007
      May 16, 2007
    Quarter Ended  
    Quarter Ended
    Through
      Through
    September 30,
    December 31,
    March 31,
 
    March 31, 2007     May 15, 2007       June 30, 2007(B)     2007(B)     2007(B)     2008(B)  
    Predecessor     Predecessor       Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor  
Net sales
  $ 2,630     $ 1,281       $ 1,547     $ 2,821     $ 2,735     $ 2,862  
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    2,447       1,205         1,436       2,555       2,474       2,577  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    99       95         42       88       99       90  
Depreciation and amortization
    58       28         53       103       108       111  
Research and development expenses
    8       6         13       10       11       12  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    54       27         28       60       53       50  
Interest income
    (4 )     (1 )       (3 )     (4 )     (6 )     (5 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments , net
    (30 )     (20 )       (14 )     30       56       (94 )
Restructuring charges, net
    9       1         1       —       1       4  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    (3 )     (1 )       1       (20 )     3       (9 )
Other (income) expenses, net
    47       35         10       (2 )     (17 )     3  
Income tax provision
    7       4         27       20       26       —  
                                                   
Net income (loss)
    (62 )     (98 )       (47 )     (19 )     (73 )     123  
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    2       (1 )       (2 )     —       —       6  
                                                   
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (64 )   $ (97 )     $ (45 )   $ (19 )   $ (73 )   $ 117  
                                                   
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.00     $ 0.00       $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
                                                   
 
 
(B) Unaudited.
 
24.   SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION
 
In connection with the issuance of our Senior Notes, certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are “100% owned” within the meaning of Rule 3-10(h)(i) of Regulation S-X, provided guarantees of the Senior Notes. These guarantees are full and unconditional as well as joint and several. The guarantor subsidiaries (the Guarantors) comprise the majority of our businesses in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Brazil and Switzerland, as well as certain businesses in Germany. Certain Guarantors may be subject to restrictions on their ability to distribute earnings to Novelis Inc. (the Parent). The remaining subsidiaries (the Non-Guarantors) of the Parent are not guarantors of the Senior Notes.
 
The following information presents consolidating statements of operations, consolidating balance sheets and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows of the Parent, the Guarantors and the Non-Guarantors. Investments include investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates as well as investments in net assets of divisions included in the Parent, and have been presented using the equity method of accounting.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Year Ended March 31, 2009 — Successor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,186     $ 8,421     $ 2,647     $ (2,077 )   $ 10,177  
                                         
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    1,182       7,679       2,467       (2,077 )     9,251  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    9       242       68       —       319  
Depreciation and amortization
    16       328       95       —       439  
Research and development expenses
    29       10       2       —       41  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    114       134       23       (89 )     182  
Interest income
    (78 )     (15 )     (10 )     89       (14 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    5       511       40       —       556  
Impairment of goodwill
    —       1,340       —       —       1,340  
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net
    (67 )     (55 )     —       —       (122 )
Restructuring charges, net
    5       74       16       —       95  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    1,890       172       —       (1,890 )     172  
Other (income) expenses, net
    (14 )     11       89       —       86  
                                         
      3,091       10,431       2,790       (3,967 )     12,345  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (1,905 )     (2,010 )     (143 )     1,890       (2,168 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    5       (237 )     (14 )     —       (246 )
                                         
Net income (loss)
    (1,910 )     (1,773 )     (129 )     1,890       (1,922 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       (12 )     —       (12 )
                                         
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (1,910 )   $ (1,773 )   $ (117 )   $ 1,890     $ (1,910 )
                                         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    May 16, 2007 Through March 31, 2008 — Successor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,300     $ 8,266     $ 2,701     $ (2,302 )   $ 9,965  
                                         
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    1,294       7,504       2,546       (2,302 )     9,042  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    40       210       69       —       319  
Depreciation and amortization
    19       294       62       —       375  
Research and development expenses
    27       17       2       —       46  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    124       135       34       (102 )     191  
Interest income
    (90 )     (17 )     (13 )     102       (18 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    8       (13 )     (17 )     —       (22 )
Restructuring charges, net
    —       2       4       —       6  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    (83 )     (25 )     —       83       (25 )
Other (income) expenses, net
    (33 )     6       21       —       (6 )
                                         
      1,306       8,113       2,708       (2,219 )     9,908  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (6 )     153       (7 )     (83 )     57  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    14       53       6       —       73  
                                         
Net income (loss)
    (20 )     100       (13 )     (83 )     (16 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       4       —       4  
                                         
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (20 )   $ 100     $ (17 )   $ (83 )   $ (20 )
                                         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    April 1, 2007 Through May 15, 2007 — Predecessor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $ 129     $ 1,020     $ 359     $ (227 )   $ 1,281  
                                         
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    131       961       340       (227 )     1,205  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    29       51       15       —       95  
Depreciation and amortization
    2       18       8       —       28  
Research and development expenses
    5       1       —       —       6  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    12       21       4       (10 )     27  
Interest income
    (9 )     (1 )     (1 )     10       (1 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (2 )     (19 )     1       —       (20 )
Restructuring charges, net
    —       1       —       —       1  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    29       (1 )     —       (29 )     (1 )
Other (income) expenses, net
    29       8       (2 )     —       35  
                                         
      226       1,040       365       (256 )     1,375  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (97 )     (20 )     (6 )     29       (94 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    —       3       1       —       4  
                                         
Net income (loss)
    (97 )     (23 )     (7 )     29       (98 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       (1 )     —       (1 )
                                         
Net loss attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (97 )   $ (23 )   $ (6 )   $ 29     $ (97 )
                                         


F-87


Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 — Predecessor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $ 378     $ 2,228     $ 723     $ (699 )   $ 2,630  
                                         
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    377       2,094       675       (699 )     2,447  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    10       69       20       —       99  
Depreciation and amortization
    3       38       17       —       58  
Research and development expenses
    5       2       1       —       8  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    32       42       7       (27 )     54  
Interest income
    (25 )     (3 )     (3 )     27       (4 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments , net
    2       (29 )     (3 )     —       (30 )
Restructuring charges, net
    —       9       —       —       9  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    11       (3 )     —       (11 )     (3 )
Other (income) expenses, net
    27       17       3       —       47  
                                         
      442       2,236       717       (710 )     2,685  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (64 )     (8 )     6       11       (55 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    —       5       2       —       7  
                                         
Net income (loss)
    (64 )     (13 )     4       11       (62 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       2       —       2  
                                         
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (64 )   $ (13 )   $ 2     $ 11     $ (64 )
                                         


F-88


Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2006 — Predecessor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,572     $ 8,340     $ 2,822     $ (2,885 )   $ 9,849  
                                         
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    1,522       8,010       2,670       (2,885 )     9,317  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    72       269       69       —       410  
Depreciation and amortization
    15       153       65       —       233  
Research and development expenses
    28       12       —       —       40  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    145       152       31       (107 )     221  
Interest income
    (97 )     (12 )     (13 )     107       (15 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments , net
    49       (128 )     16       —       (63 )
Restructuring charges, net
    —       16       3       —       19  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    115       (16 )     —       (115 )     (16 )
Other (income) expenses, net
    (11 )     4       (12 )     —       (19 )
                                         
      1,838       8,460       2,829       (3,000 )     10,127  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (266 )     (120 )     (7 )     115       (278 )
Income tax provision (benefit)
    9       (28 )     15       —       (4 )
                                         
Net income (loss)
    (275 )     (92 )     (22 )     115       (274 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       1       —       1  
                                         
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ (275 )   $ (92 )   $ (23 )   $ 115     $ (275 )
                                         


F-89


Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
 
                                         
    As of March 31, 2009 — Successor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
ASSETS
Current assets
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3     $ 175     $ 70     $ —     $ 248  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
                                       
— third parties
    21       761       267       —       1,049  
— related parties
    411       183       32       (601 )     25  
Inventories
    31       523       239       —       793  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4       31       16       —       51  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    —       145       7       (33 )     119  
Deferred income tax assets
    —       192       24       —       216  
                                         
Total current assets
    470       2,010       655       (634 )     2,501  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    162       2,146       491       —       2,799  
Goodwill
    —       570       12       —       582  
Intangible assets, net
    —       787       —       —       787  
Investments in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    1,647       719       —       (1,647 )     719  
Fair value of derivative instruments, net of current portion
    —       46       28       (2 )     72  
Deferred income tax assets
    1       3       —       —       4  
Other long-term assets
    1,028       207       96       (1,228 )     103  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 3,308     $ 6,488     $ 1,282     $ (3,511 )   $ 7,567  
                                         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities
                                       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 3     $ 4     $ 44     $ —     $ 51  
Short-term borrowings
                                       
— third parties
    —       231       33       —       264  
— related parties
    7       330       22       (359 )     —  
Accounts payable
                                       
— third parties
    33       458       234       —       725  
— related parties
    41       157       90       (240 )     48  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    7       540       126       (33 )     640  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    34       395       90       (3 )     516  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       —       —       —       —  
                                         
Total current liabilities
    125       2,115       639       (635 )     2,244  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
                                       
— third parties
    1,464       852       101       —       2,417  
— related parties
    223       976       120       (1,228 )     91  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       459       10       —       469  
Accrued postretirement benefits
    27       346       122       —       495  
Other long-term liabilities
    50       288       5       (1 )     342  
                                         
      1,889       5,036       997       (1,864 )     6,058  
                                         
Commitments and contingencies
                                       
                                         
Shareholder’s equity                                        
Common stock
    —       —       —       —       —  
Additional paid-in capital
    3,497       —       —       —       3,497  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    (1,930 )     1,533       325       (1,858 )     (1,930 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (148 )     (81 )     (130 )     211       (148 )
                                         
Total equity of our common shareholder
    1,419       1,452       195       (1,647 )     1,419  
Noncontrolling interests
    —       —       90       —       90  
                                         
Total equity
    1,419       1,452       285       (1,647 )     1,509  
                                         
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 3,308     $ 6,488     $ 1,282     $ (3,511 )   $ 7,567  
                                         


F-90


Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
 
                                         
    As of March 31, 2008 — Successor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
ASSETS
Current assets
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12     $ 177     $ 137     $ —     $ 326  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
                                       
— third parties
    38       819       391       —       1,248  
— related parties
    519       288       34       (810 )     31  
Inventories
    58       992       405       —       1,455  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4       34       20       —       58  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    —       187       29       (13 )     203  
Deferred income tax assets
    —       121       4       —       125  
                                         
Total current assets
    631       2,618       1,020       (823 )     3,446  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    178       2,455       724       —       3,357  
Goodwill
    —       1,741       189       —       1,930  
Intangible assets, net
    —       888       —       —       888  
Investments in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    3,629       945       1       (3,629 )     946  
Fair value of derivative instruments, net of current portion
    —       18       3       —       21  
Deferred income tax assets
    4       —       2       —       6  
Other long-term assets
    1,329       159       135       (1,480 )     143  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 5,771     $ 8,824     $ 2,074     $ (5,932 )   $ 10,737  
                                         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities
                                       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 3     $ 11     $ 1     $ —     $ 15  
Short-term borrowings
                                       
— third parties
    —       70       45       —       115  
— related parties
    5       370       25       (400 )     —  
Accounts payable
                                       
— third parties
    84       925       573       —       1,582  
— related parties
    109       234       88       (376 )     55  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    —       146       15       (13 )     148  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    40       555       113       (4 )     704  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       39       —       —       39  
                                         
Total current liabilities
    241       2,350       860       (793 )     2,658  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
                                       
— third parties
    1,761       698       101       —       2,560  
— related parties
    —       1,206       304       (1,510 )     —  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    1       733       20       —       754  
Accrued postretirement benefits
    23       297       101       —       421  
Other long-term liabilities
    222       431       19       —       672  
                                         
      2,248       5,715       1,405       (2,303 )     7,065  
                                         
Commitments and contingencies
                                       
                                         
Shareholder’s equity
                                       
Common stock
    —       —       —       —       —  
Additional paid-in capital
    3,497       —       —       —       3,497  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    (20 )     3,075       564       (3,639 )     (20 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    46       34       (44 )     10       46  
                                         
Total equity of our common shareholder
    3,523       3,109       520       (3,629 )     3,523  
Noncontrolling interests
    —       —       149       —       149  
                                         
Total equity
    3,523       3,109       669       (3,629 )     3,672  
                                         
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 5,771     $ 8,824     $ 2,074     $ (5,932 )   $ 10,737  
                                         


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Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Year Ended March 31, 2009 — Successor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 87     $ (139 )   $ 39     $ (223 )   $ (236 )
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (8 )     (100 )     (37 )     —       (145 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
    2       2       1       —       5  
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    —       20       —       —       20  
Proceeds from loans receivable, net — related parties
    —       17       —       —       17  
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    2       (77 )     67       —       (8 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (4 )     (138 )     31       —       (111 )
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from issuance of debt
                                       
— third parties
    —       220       43       —       263  
— related parties
    91       —       —       —       91  
Principal repayments
                                       
— third parties
    (223 )     (11 )     (1 )     —       (235 )
— related parties
    41       (89 )     (152 )     200       —  
Short-term borrowings, net
                                       
— third parties
    —       185       (9 )     —       176  
— related parties
    2       (25 )     —       23       —  
Dividends
                                       
— noncontrolling interests
    —       —       (6 )     —       (6 )
Debt issuance costs
    (3 )     —       —       —       (3 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (92 )     280       (125 )     223       286  
                                         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (9 )     3       (55 )     —       (61 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
    —       (5 )     (12 )     —       (17 )
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    12       177       137       —       326  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 3     $ 175     $ 70     $ —     $ 248  
                                         


F-92


Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    May 16, 2007 Through March 31, 2008 — Successor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 88     $ 363     $ 144     $ (190 )   $ 405  
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (11 )     (143 )     (31 )     —       (185 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
    5       2       1       —       8  
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    (40 )     25       (1 )     40       24  
Proceeds from loans receivable, net — related parties
    —       18       —       —       18  
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    12       32       (7 )     —       37  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (34 )     (66 )     (38 )     40       (98 )
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    92       40       —       (40 )     92  
Proceeds from issuance of debt
    300       659       141       —       1,100  
Principal repayments
                                       
— third parties
    (261 )     (608 )     (140 )     —       (1,009 )
— related parties
    —       (189 )     31       158       —  
Short-term borrowings, net
                                       
— third parties
    (45 )     (188 )     (8 )     —       (241 )
— related parties
    (99 )     81       (14 )     32       —  
Dividends
                                       
— noncontrolling interests
    —       —       (1 )     —       (1 )
Debt issuance costs
    (37 )     —       —       —       (37 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (50 )     (205 )     9       150       (96 )
                                         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    4       92       115       —       211  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
    —       11       2       —       13  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    8       74       20       —       102  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 12     $ 177     $ 137     $ —     $ 326  
                                         


F-93


Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    April 1, 2007 Through May 15, 2007 — Predecessor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (21 )   $ (181 )   $ (28 )   $ —     $ (230 )
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (1 )     (10 )     (6 )     —       (17 )
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    —       1       —       —       1  
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    (5 )     23       —       —       18  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (6 )     14       (6 )     —       2  
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from issuance of debt
    —       150       —       —       150  
Principal repayments
    —       (1 )     —       —       (1 )
Short-term borrowings, net
                                       
— third parties
    45       9       6       —       60  
— related parties
    (15 )     11       4       —       —  
Dividends
                                       
— noncontrolling interests
    —       —       (7 )     —       (7 )
Debt issuance costs
    (2 )     —       —       —       (2 )
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    1       —       —       —       1  
                                         
Net cash provided by financing activities
    29       169       3       —       201  
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    2       2       (31 )     —       (27 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
    —       1       —       —       1  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    6       71       51       —       128  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 8     $ 74     $ 20     $ —     $ 102  
                                         


F-94


Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 — Predecessor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (30 )   $ (55 )   $ 50     $ (52 )   $ (87 )
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (2 )     (16 )     (6 )     —       (24 )
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    —       1       —       —       1  
Proceeds from loans receivable, net — related parties
    —       1       —       —       1  
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    —       24       —       —       24  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (2 )     10       (6 )     —       2  
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Principal repayments
    —       (1 )     —       —       (1 )
Short-term borrowings, net
                                       
— third parties
    —       113       —       —       113  
— related parties
    7       5       (12 )     —       —  
Dividends
                                       
— common shareholders
    —       (38 )     (14 )     52       —  
Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options
    27       —       —       —       27  
Windfall tax benefit on share-based compensation
    1       —       —       —       1  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    35       79       (26 )     52       140  
                                         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    3       34       18       —       55  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    3       37       33       —       73  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 6     $ 71     $ 51     $ —     $ 128  
                                         


F-95


Table of Contents

 
Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2006 — Predecessor  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 104     $ (9 )   $ 87     $ (166 )   $ 16  
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (8 )     (72 )     (36 )     —       (116 )
Disposal of business, net
    (7 )     —       —       —       (7 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
    —       38       —       —       38  
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    —       3       —       —       3  
Proceeds from (advances on) loans receivable, net — related parties
    48       (60 )     (28 )     77       37  
Premiums paid to purchase derivative instruments
    —       (4 )     —       —       (4 )
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    (34 )     283       (7 )     —       242  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (1 )     188       (71 )     77       193  
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from issuance of debt
                                       
— third parties
    —       —       41       —       41  
— related parties
    —       1,300       460       (1,760 )     —  
Principal repayments
                                       
— third parties
    (83 )     (147 )     (123 )     —       (353 )
— related parties
    —       (1,247 )     (397 )     1,644       —  
Short-term borrowings, net
                                       
— third parties
    —       103       —       —       103  
Dividends
                                       
— preference shares
    —       (12 )     —       12       —  
— common shareholders
    (15 )     (175 )     (18 )     193       (15 )
— noncontrolling interests
    —       —       (15 )     —       (15 )
Net receipts from Alcan
    5       —       —       —       5  
Debt issuance costs
    (11 )     —       —       —       (11 )
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    2       —       —       —       2  
                                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (102 )     (178 )     (52 )     89       (243 )
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    1       1       (36 )     —       (34 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
    —       2       5       —       7  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    2       34       64       —       100  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 3     $ 37     $ 33     $ —     $ 73  
                                         


F-96


Table of Contents

Novelis Inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
(In millions)
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,960     $ 3,103  
                 
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    1,533       2,831  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    78       84  
Depreciation and amortization
    100       116  
Research and development expenses
    8       12  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    43       45  
Interest income
    (3 )     (5 )
Gain on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (72 )     (65 )
Restructuring charges, net
    3       (1 )
Equity in net loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    10       2  
Other (income) expenses, net
    (13 )     23  
                 
      1,687       3,042  
                 
Income before income taxes
    273       61  
Income tax provision
    112       35  
                 
Net income
    161       26  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    18       2  
                 
Net income attributable to our common shareholder
  $ 143     $ 24  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


F-97


Table of Contents

Novelis Inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
(In millions, except number of shares)
 
                 
    June 30,
    March 31,
 
    2009     2009  
 
ASSETS
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 237     $ 248  
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $3 and $2 as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009)
               
— third parties
    1,154       1,049  
— related parties
    19       25  
Inventories
    813       793  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    50       51  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    111       119  
Deferred income tax assets
    125       216  
                 
Total current assets
    2,509       2,501  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,795       2,799  
Goodwill
    582       582  
Intangible assets, net
    781       787  
Investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    740       719  
Fair value of derivative instruments, net of current portion
    58       72  
Deferred income tax assets
    5       4  
Other long-term assets
               
— third parties
    87       80  
— related parties
    23       23  
                 
Total assets
  $ 7,580     $ 7,567  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 45     $ 51  
Short-term borrowings
    237       264  
Accounts payable
               
— third parties
    785       725  
— related parties
    52       48  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    338       640  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    507       516  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       —  
                 
Total current liabilities
    1,964       2,244  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
               
— third parties
    2,416       2,417  
— related parties
    94       91  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    495       469  
Accrued postretirement benefits
    517       495  
Other long-term liabilities
    356       342  
                 
Total liabilities
    5,842       6,058  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Shareholder’s equity
               
Common stock, no par value; unlimited number of shares authorized; 77,459,658 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009
    —       —  
Additional paid-in capital
    3,497       3,497  
Accumulated deficit
    (1,787 )     (1,930 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (86 )     (148 )
                 
Total equity of our common shareholder
    1,624       1,419  
Noncontrolling interests
    114       90  
                 
Total equity
    1,738       1,509  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 7,580     $ 7,567  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


F-98


Table of Contents

Novelis Inc.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(In millions)
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net income
  $ 161     $ 26  
Adjustments to determine net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    100       116  
Gain on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (72 )     (65 )
Deferred income taxes
    98       10  
Write-off and amortization of fair value adjustments, net
    (51 )     (64 )
Equity in net loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    10       2  
Foreign exchange remeasurement of debt
    (7 )     —  
Other, net
    2       1  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (80 )     (339 )
Inventories
    11       (129 )
Accounts payable
    31       74  
Other current assets
    3       (29 )
Other current liabilities
    29       (5 )
Other noncurrent assets
    (9 )     8  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    32       43  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    258       (351 )
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Capital expenditures
    (24 )     (33 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
    3       1  
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    3       6  
Proceeds from related party loans receivable, net
    6       8  
Net proceeds (outflows) from settlement of derivative instruments
    (223 )     34  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (235 )     16  
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from issuance of debt, related parties
    3       —  
Principal payments
    (12 )     (4 )
Short-term borrowings, net
    (33 )     313  
Dividends, noncontrolling interest
    (1 )     —  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (43 )     309  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (20 )     (26 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
    9       (4 )
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    248       326  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 237     $ 296  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 18     $ 17  
Income taxes paid (refunded)
  $ (7 )   $ 55  
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


F-99


Table of Contents

Novelis Inc.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY (unaudited)
(In millions, except number of shares)
 
                                                         
    Equity of our common shareholder              
                      Retained
    Accumulated
             
                Additional
    Earnings
    Other
    Non-
       
    Common Stock     Paid-in
    (Accumulated
    Comprehensive
    controlling
    Total
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit)     Income (Loss) (AOCI)     Interests     Equity  
 
Balance as of March 31, 2009
    77,459,658     $ —     $ 3,497     $ (1,930 )   $ (148 )   $ 90     $ 1,509  
Net income attributable to our common shareholder
    —       —       —       143       —       —       143  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       —       —       —       18       18  
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax provision of $3 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       53       7       60  
Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net of tax provision of $4 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       7       —       7  
Postretirement benefit plans:
                                                       
Change in pension and other benefits, net of tax provision of $1 included in AOCI
    —       —       —       —       2       —       2  
Noncontrolling interests cash dividends
    —       —       —       —       —       (1 )     (1 )
                                                         
Balance as of June 30, 2009
    77,459,658     $ —     $ 3,497     $ (1,787 )   $ (86 )   $ 114     $ 1,738  
                                                         
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


F-100


Table of Contents

Novelis Inc.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)
(In millions)
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30, 2009     June 30, 2008  
    Attributable to
    Attributable to
          Attributable to
    Attributable to
       
    Our Common
    Noncontrolling
          Our Common
    Noncontrolling
       
    Shareholder     Interests     Total     Shareholder     Interests     Total  
 
Net income
  $ 143     $ 18     $ 161     $ 24     $ 2     $ 26  
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                               
Currency translation adjustment
    56       7       63       10       (2 )     8  
Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net
    11       —       11       19       —       19  
Postretirement benefit plans:
                                               
Change in pension and other benefits
    3       —       3       —       —       —  
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect
    70       7       77       29       (2 )     27  
Income tax provision related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
    8       —       8       8       —       8  
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    62       7       69       21       (2 )     19  
                                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 205     $ 25     $ 230     $ 45     $ —     $ 45  
                                                 
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Novelis Inc.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
 
1.   BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
References herein to “Novelis,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Novelis Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. References herein to “Hindalco” refer to Hindalco Industries Limited. In October 2007, the Rio Tinto Group purchased all the outstanding shares of Alcan, Inc. References herein to “Rio Tinto Alcan” refer to Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
 
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
 
Novelis Inc., formed in Canada on September 21, 2004, and its subsidiaries, is the world’s leading aluminum rolled products producer based on shipment volume. We produce aluminum sheet and light gauge products where the end-use destination of the products includes the beverage and food can, transportation, construction and industrial, and foil products markets. As of June 30, 2009, we had operations on four continents: North America; Europe; Asia and South America, through 31 operating plants, one research facility and several market-focused innovation centers in 11 countries. In addition to aluminum rolled products plants, our South American businesses include bauxite mining, primary aluminum smelting and power generation facilities that supply our rolling plants in Brazil.
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 29, 2009. Management believes that all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of results, consisting of normally recurring items, have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods presented. Further, in connection with the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements and in accordance with the recently issued FASB Statement No. 165 “Subsequent Events” (FASB 165), the Company evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of June 30, 2009 through August 3, 2009, the date these financial statements were issued.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The principal areas of judgment relate to (1) the fair value of derivative financial instruments; (2) impairment of goodwill; (3) impairments of long lived assets, intangible assets and equity investments; (4) actuarial assumptions related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans; (5) income tax reserves and valuation allowances and (6) assessment of loss contingencies, including environmental and litigation reserves.
 
Acquisition of Novelis Common Stock
 
On May 15, 2007, the Company was acquired by Hindalco through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the Arrangement) at a price of $44.93 per share. The aggregate purchase price for all of the Company’s common shares was $3.4 billion and Hindalco also assumed $2.8 billion of Novelis’ debt for a total transaction value of $6.2 billion. Subsequent to completion of the Arrangement on May 15, 2007, all of our common shares were indirectly held by Hindalco.
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
 
The following accounting standards have been adopted by us during the three months ended June 30, 2009.
 
We adopted FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (FASB 160). FASB 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require: (i) the ownership interest


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent to be clearly identified and presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet within shareholder’s equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; (ii) the amount of condensed consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest to be clearly identified and presented on the face of the condensed consolidated statement of operations and (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary to be accounted for consistently. We adopted FASB 160 effective April 1, 2009, and applied this standard prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which have been applied retrospectively. The adoption of FASB 160 did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, Determination of Useful Life of Intangible Assets (FSP FAS 142-3). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing the renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB 142. FSP FAS 142-3 also requires expanded disclosure related to the determination of intangible asset useful lives. This standard will have no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 107-1 (FSP FAS 107-1) and APB Opinion 28-1 (APB 28-1), Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends FASB 107 and APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4). FSP FAS 157-4 provides additional guidance in accordance with FASB No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability has significantly decreased. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 115-2 (FSP FAS 115-2) and FASB Staff Position No. 124-2 (FSP FAS 124-2), Recognition of Other-than-Temporary-Impairments. FSP FAS No. 115-2 and FSP FAS No. 124-2 amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt and equity securities. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Statement No. 141 (Revised), Business Combinations (FASB 141(R)) which establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FASB 141(R) also requires acquirers to estimate the acquisition-date fair value of any contingent consideration and to recognize any subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration in earnings. We will apply this new standard prospectively to business combinations occurring after March 31, 2009, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. FASB 141(R) amends certain provisions of FASB 109 such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of FASB 141(R) would also apply the provisions of FASB 141(R). This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We adopted FASB Staff Position No. 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (FSP FAS No. 141(R)-1). This pronouncement amends FASB 141(R) to clarify the initial and subsequent recognition, subsequent accounting, and disclosure


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. FSP SFAS No. 141(R)-1 requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies be recognized at fair value, as determined in accordance with FASB 157, if the acquisition-date fair value can be reasonably estimated. If the acquisition-date fair value of an asset or liability cannot be reasonably estimated, the asset or liability would be measured at the amount that would be recognized in accordance with FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, and FASB Interpretation No. 14, Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss. As the provisions of FSP FAS No. 141(R)-1 are applied prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date on or after the guidance became effective, the impact on condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows cannot be determined until the transactions occur.
 
We adopted the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 08-06, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations (EITF 08-06). EITF 08-6 address questions that have arisen about the application of the equity method of accounting for investments acquired after the effective date of both FASB 141(R) and FASB Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. EITF 08-06 clarifies how to account for certain transactions involving equity method investments. EITF 08-6 is effective on a prospective basis. This standard had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
The following new accounting standards have been issued, but have not yet been adopted by us as of June 30, 2009, as adoption is not required until future reporting periods.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (FASB 167). FASB 167 is intended to (1) address the effects on certain provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)), as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in FASB Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, and (2) clarify questions about the application of certain key provisions of FIN 46(R), including those in which the accounting and disclosures under FIN 46(R) do not always provided timely and useful information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. FASB 167 will be effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2009. We do not anticipate this standard will have any impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (FSP No. 132(R)-1). FSP No. 132(R)-1 requires that an employer disclose the following information about the fair value of plan assets: (1) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to understanding of investment policies and strategies; (2) the major categories of plan assets; (3) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; (4) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period; and (5) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. FSP No. 132(R)-1 will be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009, with early application permitted. At initial adoption, application of FSP No. 132(R)-1 would not be required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. This standard will have no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We have determined that all other recently issued accounting standards will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, or do not apply to our operations.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
2.   RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMS
 
There were no new restructuring actions initiated during the three months ended June 30, 2009. Restructuring charges, net of $3 million on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 consisted of the following (1) $2 million write down of parts and supplies related to our Rogerstone facility and (2) approximately $1 million in other items at other European facilities. The $2 million write down is not included in the table below as it was reflected as a reduction to the appropriate balance sheet accounts. The following table summarizes our restructuring accrual activity by region (in millions).
 
                                                 
          North
          South
          Restructuring
 
    Europe     America     Asia     America     Corporate     Reserves  
 
Balance as of March 31, 2009
  $ 61     $ 16     $ —     $ 2     $ 1     $ 80  
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 Activity:
                                               
Provisions (recoveries), net
    1       —       —       —       —       1  
Cash payments
    (13 )     (3 )     —       (1 )     —       (17 )
Adjustments — other(A)
    7       —       —       —       —       7  
                                                 
Balance as of June 30, 2009
  $ 56     $ 13     $ —     $ 1     $ 1     $ 71  
                                                 
 
 
(A) Consists of the impact of exchange rates on restructuring balances.
 
Europe
 
Restructuring charges for the three months ended June 30, 2009 consist of approximately $1 million in additional severance and other exit costs for our plants in Rogerstone, Rugles and Ohle plants. For the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we made $8 million in severance payments, $4 million in payments for environmental remediation and approximately $1 million of other payments related primarily to contract terminations.
 
North America
 
For the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we made $3 million in severance payments related to the voluntary and involuntary separation programs initiated in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
 
South America
 
For the quarter ended June 30, 2009, we made $1 million in severance payments.
 
3.   INVENTORIES
 
Inventories consist of the following (in millions).
 
                 
    June 30,
    March 31,
 
    2009     2009  
 
Finished goods
  $ 203     $ 215  
Work in process
    326       296  
Raw materials
    199       207  
Supplies
    88       79  
                 
      816       797  
Allowances
    (3 )     (4 )
                 
Inventories
  $ 813     $ 793  
                 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
4.   CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 
We have a variable interest in the Logan Aluminum, Inc. (Logan). Based upon a previous restructuring program, Novelis acquired the right to use the excess capacity at Logan. To utilize this capacity, we installed and have sole ownership of a cold mill at the Logan facility which enabled us to have the ability to take the majority share of production and costs. These facts qualify Novelis as Logan’s primary beneficiary. As a result, this entity is consolidated pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)) in all periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
The following table summarizes the carrying value and classification on our condensed consolidated balance sheets of assets and liabilities owned by the Logan joint venture and consolidated under FIN 46(R) (in millions). There are significant other assets used in the operations of Logan that are not part of the joint venture.
 
                 
    June 30,
    March 31,
 
    2009     2009  
 
Current assets
  $ 66     $ 64  
Total assets
  $ 126     $ 124  
Current liabilities
  $ (34 )   $ (35 )
Total liabilities
  $ (137 )   $ (135 )
Net carrying value
  $ (11 )   $ (11 )
 
5.   INVESTMENT IN AND ADVANCES TO NON-CONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
The following table summarizes the condensed results of operations of our equity method affiliates (on a 100% basis, in millions) on a historical basis of accounting. These results do not include the incremental depreciation and amortization expense that we record in our equity method accounting, which arises as a result of the amortization of fair value adjustments we made to our investments in non-consolidated affiliates due to the Arrangement.
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Net sales
  $ 113     $ 157  
Costs, expenses and provisions for taxes on income
    116       142  
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (3 )   $ 15  
                 
 
We recognized $8 million and $9 million of incremental depreciation and amortization expense, net of tax on our equity method investments due to the Arrangement for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We recorded a tax benefit of $4 million and $5 million associated with the incremental depreciation and amortization for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are transactions and balances arising from business we conduct with these non-consolidated affiliates, which we classify as related party transactions and balances. We earned less than $1 million of interest income on a loan due from Aluminium


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Norf GmbH during each of the periods presented in the table below. The following table describes the nature and amounts of significant transactions that we had with these non-consolidated affiliates (in millions).
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Purchases of tolling services and electricity
               
Aluminium Norf GmbH(A)
  $ 56     $ 74  
Consorcio Candonga(B)
    1       3  
                 
Total purchases from related parties
  $ 57     $ 77  
                 
 
 
(A) We purchase tolling services from Aluminium Norf GmbH.
 
(B) We obtain electricity from Consorcio Candonga for our operations in South America.
 
The following table describes the period-end account balances that we have with these non-consolidated affiliates, shown as related party balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions). We have no other material related party balances with these non-consolidated affiliates.
 
                 
    June 30,
    March 31,
 
    2009     2009  
 
Accounts receivable(A)
  $ 19     $ 25  
Other long-term receivables(A)
  $ 23     $ 23  
Accounts payable(B)
  $ 52     $ 48  
 
 
(A) The balances represent current and non-current portions of a loan due from Aluminium Norf GmbH.
 
(B) We purchase tolling services from Aluminium Norf GmbH and electricity from Consorcio Candonga.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
6.   DEBT
 
Debt consists of the following (in millions).
 
                                                         
    June 30, 2009     March 31, 2009  
                Unamortized
                Unamortized
       
    Interest
          Fair Value
    Carrying
          Fair Value
    Carrying
 
    Rates(A)     Principal     Adjustments(B)     Value     Principal     Adjustments(B)     Value  
 
Third party debt:
                                                       
Short term borrowings
    2.81 %   $ 237     $ —     $ 237     $ 264     $ —     $ 264  
Novelis Inc.
                                                       
7.25% Senior Notes, due February 2015
    7.25 %     1,124       45       1,169       1,124       47       1,171  
Floating rate Term Loan Facility, due July 2014
    2.60 %(C)     294       —       294       295       —       295  
Novelis Corporation
                                                       
Floating rate Term Loan Facility, due July 2014
    2.60 %(C)     865       (52 )     813       867       (54 )     813  
Novelis Switzerland S.A.
                                                       
Capital lease obligation, due December 2019 (Swiss francs (CHF) 50 million)
    7.50 %     46       (3 )     43       45       (3 )     42  
Capital lease obligation, due August 2011 (CHF 2 million)
    2.49 %     2       —       2       2       —       2  
Novelis Korea Limited
                                                       
Bank loan, due October 2010
    4.09 %     100       —       100       100       —       100  
Bank loan, due February 2010 (Korean won (KRW) 50 billion)
    3.76 %     39       —       39       37       —       37  
Bank loan, due May 2009 (KRW 10 billion)
    7.47 %     —       —       —       7       —       7  
Other
                                                       
Other debt, due December 2011 through December 2012
    1.00 %     1       —       1       1       —       1  
                                                         
Total debt — third parties
            2,708       (10 )     2,698       2,742       (10 )     2,732  
Less: Short term borrowings
            (237 )     —       (237 )     (264 )     —       (264 )
 Current portion of long tern debt
            (54 )     9       (45 )     (59 )     8       (51 )
                                                         
Long-term debt, net of current portion — third parties:
          $ 2,417     $ (1 )   $ 2,416     $ 2,419     $ (2 )   $ 2,417  
                                                         
Related party debt
                                                       
Novelis Inc.
                                                       
Unsecured credit facility — related party, due January 2015
    13.00 %   $ 94     $ —     $ 94     $ 91     $ —     $ 91  
                                                         
 
 
(A) Interest rates are as of June 30, 2009 and exclude the effects of accretion/amortization of fair value adjustments as a result of the Arrangement and the debt exchange completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.
 
(B) Debt existing at the time of the Arrangement was recorded at fair value. Additional floating rate Term Loan with a face value of $220 million issued in March 2009 was recorded at a fair value of $165 million.
 
(C) Excludes the effect of related interest rate swaps and the effect of accretion of fair value.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
 
Our senior secured credit facilities consist of (1) a $1.16 billion seven year term loan facility maturing July 2014 (Term Loan facility) and (2) a $800 million five-year multi-currency asset-backed revolving credit line and letter of credit facility (ABL Facility). The senior secured credit facilities include customary affirmative and negative covenants. Under the ABL Facility, if our excess availability, as defined under the borrowing, is less than $80 million, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1 to 1. As of June 30, 2009, our fixed charge coverage ratio is less than 1 to 1, resulting in a reduction of availability under the ABL Facility of $80 million. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral under the senior secured credit facilities.
 
Short-Term Borrowings and Lines of Credit
 
As of June 30, 2009, our short-term borrowings were $237 million consisting of (1) $226 million of short-term loans under the ABL Facility, (2) a $7 million short-term loan in Italy and (3) $4 million in bank overdrafts. As of June 30, 2009, $31 million of the ABL Facility was utilized for letters of credit and we had $299 million in remaining availability under the ABL Facility before covenant related restrictions. The weighted average interest rate on our total short-term borrowings was 2.81% and 2.75% as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, respectively.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we had an additional $71 million outstanding under letters of credit in Korea not included in the ABL Facility.
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
As of June 30, 2009, we have interest rate swaps to fix the variable LIBOR interest rate on $920 million of our floating rate Term Loan facility. We are still obligated to pay any applicable margin, as defined in our senior secured credit facilities. Interest rates swaps related to $400 million at an effective weighted average interest rate of 4.0% expire March 31, 2010. In January 2009, we entered into two interest rate swaps to fix the variable LIBOR interest rate on an additional $300 million of our floating Term Loan facility at a rate of 1.49%, plus any applicable margin. These interest rate swaps are effective from March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2011. In April 2009, we entered into an additional $220 million interest rate swap at a rate of 1.97%, which is effective through April 30, 2012.
 
As of June 30, 2009, we have an interest rate swap in Korea on our $100 million bank loan through a 5.44% fixed rate KRW 92 billion ($92 million) loan. The interest rate swap expires in October 2010.
 
As of June 30, 2009 approximately 79% of our debt was fixed rate and approximately 21% was variable rate.
 
7.   SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Total compensation expense related to share-based awards was less than $1 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.
 
Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
In June 2009, our board of directors authorized the Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan FY 2010 — FY 2013 (2010 LTIP) covering the performance period from April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2013. The terms of the 2010 LTIP are the same as the Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan FY 2009 — FY 2012 (2009 LTIP) approved in June 2008. Under the 2010 LTIP, phantom stock appreciation rights (SARs) are to be granted to certain of our executive officers and key employees. The SARs will vest at the rate of 25% per year, subject to performance criteria (see below) and expire seven years from their grant date. Each SAR is to be settled in


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
cash based on the difference between the market value of one Hindalco share on the date of grant compared to the date of exercise, converted from Indian rupees to U.S. dollars at the time of exercise. The amount of cash paid would be limited to (i) 2.5 times the target payout if exercised within one year of vesting or (ii) 3 times the target payout if exercised after one year of vesting. The SARs do not transfer any shareholder rights in Hindalco to a participant. As of June 30, 2009, no SARs have been awarded under the 2010 LTIP.
 
The performance criterion for vesting is based on the actual overall Novelis operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted (adjusted Operating EBITDA) compared to the target adjusted Operating EBITDA established and approved each fiscal year. The minimum threshold for vesting each year is 75% of each annual target adjusted Operating EBITDA, at which point 75% of the SARs for that period would vest, with an equal pro rata amount of SARs vesting through 100% achievement of the target.
 
8.   POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
 
Our pension obligations relate to funded defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland and the U.K., unfunded pension plans in Germany, and unfunded lump sum indemnities in France, South Korea, Malaysia and Italy. Our other postretirement obligations (Other Benefits, as shown in certain tables below) include unfunded healthcare and life insurance benefits provided to retired employees in Canada, the U.S. and Brazil.
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost for all of our significant postretirement benefit plans are shown in the tables below (in millions).
 
                                 
    Pension Benefit Plans     Other Benefits  
    Three Months Ended
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
Service cost
  $ 8     $ 10     $ 2     $ 2  
Interest cost
    14       15       3       3  
Expected return on assets
    (10 )     (13 )     —       —  
Amortization — (gains) losses
    3       —       —       —  
Curtailment/settlement losses
    —       1       —       (2 )
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 15     $ 13     $ 5     $ 3  
                                 
 
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 6.7% in fiscal 2010.
 
Employer Contributions to Plans
 
For pension plans, our policy is to fund an amount required to provide for contractual benefits attributed to service to date, and amortize unfunded actuarial liabilities typically over periods of 15 years or less. We also participate in savings plans in Canada and the U.S., as well as defined contribution pension plans in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Malaysia and Brazil. We contributed the following amounts to all plans, including the Rio Tinto Alcan plans that cover our employees (in millions).
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Funded pension plans
  $ 3     $ 4  
Unfunded pension plans
    4       4  
Savings and defined contribution pension plans
    3       5  
                 
Total contributions
  $ 10     $ 13  
                 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
During the remainder of fiscal 2010, we expect to contribute an additional $42 million to our funded pension plans, $10 million to our unfunded pension plans and $12 million to our savings and defined contribution plans.
 
9.   CURRENCY (GAINS) LOSSES
 
The following currency (gains) losses are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Net gain on change in fair value of currency derivative instruments(A)
  $ (22 )   $ (32 )
Net (gain) loss on remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities(B)
    (4 )     20  
                 
    $ (26 )   $ (12 )
                 
 
 
(A) Included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net.
 
(B) Included in Other (income) expenses, net.
 
The following currency gains (losses) are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), net of tax. (in millions).
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
    Year Ended
 
    June 30, 2009     March 31, 2009  
 
Cumulative currency translation adjustment — beginning of period
  $ (78 )   $ 85  
Effect of changes in exchange rates
    60       (163 )
                 
Cumulative currency translation adjustment — end of period
  $ (18 )   $ (78 )
                 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
10.   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND COMMODITY CONTRACTS
 
The fair values of our financial instruments and commodity contracts as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009 are as follows (in millions):
 
                                         
    June 30, 2009  
    Assets     Liabilities     Net Fair Value
 
    Current     Noncurrent     Current     Noncurrent(A)     Assets/(Liabilities)  
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Currency exchange contracts
  $ —     $ —     $ (1 )   $ (23 )   $ (24 )
Interest rate swaps
    —       3       (14 )     —       (11 )
Electricity swap
    —       —       (4 )     (2 )     (6 )
                                         
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    —       3       (19 )     (25 )     (41 )
                                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Aluminum forward contracts
    86       27       (268 )     (7 )     (162 )
Currency exchange contracts
    25       28       (44 )     (4 )     5  
Energy contracts
    —       —       (7 )     —       (7 )
                                         
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
    111       55       (319 )     (11 )     (164 )
                                         
Total derivative fair value
  $ 111     $ 58     $ (338 )   $ (36 )   $ (205 )
                                         
 
                                         
    March 31, 2009  
    Assets     Liabilities     Net Fair Value
 
    Current     Noncurrent     Current     Noncurrent(A)     Assets/(Liabilities)  
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Currency exchange contracts
  $ —     $ —     $ —     $ (11 )   $ (11 )
Interest rate swaps
    —       —       (13 )     —       (13 )
Electricity swap
    —       —       (6 )     (12 )     (18 )
                                         
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    —       —       (19 )     (23 )     (42 )
                                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Aluminum contracts
    99       41       (532 )     (13 )     (405 )
Currency exchange contracts
    20       31       (77 )     (12 )     (38 )
Energy contracts
    —       —       (12 )     —       (12 )
                                         
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
    119       72       (621 )     (25 )     (455 )
                                         
Total derivative fair value
  $ 119     $ 72     $ (640 )   $ (48 )   $ (497 )
                                         
 
 
(A) The noncurrent portions of derivative liabilities are included in Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Net Investment Hedges
 
We use cross-currency swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating exchange rates arising from our loans to and investments in our European operations. The effective portion of gain or loss on the fair value of the derivative is included in Other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI). The effective portion of the derivatives is included in Currency translation adjustments. The ineffective portion of gain or loss on derivatives is included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net. We had cross-currency swaps of Euro 135 million against the U.S. dollar outstanding as of both June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009.
 
We recognized a $16 million loss and a $28 million gain in OCI for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for our currency exchange contracts designated as net investment hedges.
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
We own an interest in an electricity swap which we have designated as a cash flow hedge against our exposure to fluctuating electricity prices. The effective portion of gain or loss on the derivative is included in OCI and reclassified when settled into (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivatives, net in our accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2009, the outstanding portion of this swap includes 1.9 million megawatt hours through 2017.
 
We use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to changes in the benchmark LIBOR interest rate arising from our variable-rate debt. We have designated these as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of gain or loss on the derivative is included in OCI and reclassified when settled into Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs in our accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. We had $910 million and $690 million of outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, respectively.
 
For all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, gains or losses representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in our current period earnings. If at any time during the life of a cash flow hedge relationship we determine that the relationship is no longer effective, the derivative will be no longer be designated as a cash flow hedge. This could occur if the underlying hedged exposure is determined to no longer be probable, or if our ongoing assessment of hedge effectiveness determines that the hedge relationship no longer meets the measures we have established at the inception of the hedge. Gains or losses recognized to date in AOCI would be immediately reclassified into current period earnings, as would any subsequent changes in the fair value of any such derivative.
 
During the next twelve months we expect to realize $11 million in effective net losses from our cash flow hedges. The maximum period over which we have hedged our exposure to cash flow variability is through 2017.
 
The following table summarizes the impact on AOCI and earnings of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (in millions).
 
                         
                Gain or (Loss)
 
                Recognized in Income
 
          Gain (Loss)
    (Ineffective Portion and Amount
 
    Gain (Loss)
    Reclassified from
    Excluded from
 
    Recognized in OCI     AOCI into Income     Effectiveness Testing)  
    Three Months Ended
    Three Months Ended
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30, 2009     June 30, 2009     June 30, 2009  
 
Energy contracts
  $ 9     $ (1 )   $ 2  
Interest rate swaps
  $ 1     $ —     $ —  
 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                         
                Gain or (Loss)
 
                Recognized in Income
 
          Gain (Loss)
    (Ineffective Portion and Amount
 
    Gain (Loss)
    Reclassified from
    Excluded from
 
    Recognized in OCI     AOCI into Income     Effectiveness Testing)  
    Three Months Ended
    Three Months Ended
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30, 2008     June 30, 2008     June 30, 2008  
 
Energy contracts
  $ 10     $ (3 )   $ —  
Interest rate swaps
  $ 6     $ —     $ —  
 
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
 
While each of these derivatives is intended to be effective in helping us manage risk, they have not been designated as hedging instruments under FASB 133. The change in fair value of these derivative instruments is included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations.
 
We use aluminum forward contracts and options to hedge our exposure to changes in the London Metal Exchange (LME) price of aluminum. These exposures arise from firm commitments to sell aluminum in future periods at fixed or capped prices, the forecasted output of our smelter operations in South America and the forecasted metal price lag associated with firm commitments to sell aluminum in future periods at prices based on the LME. In addition, transactions with certain customers meet the definition of a derivative under FASB 133 and are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had 362 kilotonnes (kt) and 294 kt, respectively, of outstanding aluminum contracts not designated as hedges.
 
We recognize a derivative position which arises from a contractual relationship with a customer that entitles us to pass-through the economic effect of trading positions that we take with other third parties on our customers’ behalf.
 
We use foreign exchange forward contracts and cross-currency swaps to manage our exposure to changes in exchange rates. These exposures arise from recorded assets and liabilities, firm commitments and forecasted cash flows denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of certain of our operations. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had outstanding currency exchange contracts with a total notional amount of $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, not designated as hedges.
 
We use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating interest rates associated with variable-rate debt. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had $10 million and $10 million, respectively, of outstanding interest rate swaps that were not designated as hedges.
 
We use heating oil swaps and natural gas swaps to manage our exposure to fluctuating energy prices in North America. As of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had 3.3 million gallons and 3.4 million gallons, respectively, of heating oil swaps and 2.8 million MMBTUs and 3.8 million MMBTUs, respectively, of natural gas that were not designated as hedges. One MMBTU is the equivalent of one decatherm, or one million British Thermal Units.

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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in current period earnings (in millions).
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
               
Aluminum contracts
  $ 48     $ 22  
Currency exchange contracts
    22       32  
Energy contracts
    —       7  
                 
Gain (loss) recognized
    70       61  
Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
               
Interest rate swaps
    —       —  
Electricity swap
    2       4  
                 
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
  $ 72     $ 65  
                 
 
11.   FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and for estimating fair value for financial instruments not recorded at fair value under FASB 107, Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (FASB 107).
 
FASB 157 Instruments
 
The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009 (in millions).
 
                                 
    June 30, 2009  
    Fair Value Measurements Using  
    Level 1(A)     Level 2(B)     Level 3(C)     Total  
 
Assets — Derivative instruments
  $ —     $ 169     $ —     $ 169  
Liabilities — Derivative instruments
  $ —     $ (347 )   $ (27 )   $ (374 )
 
                                 
    March 31, 2009  
    Fair Value Measurements Using  
    Level 1(A)     Level 2(B)     Level 3(C)     Total  
 
Assets — Derivative instruments
  $ —     $ 191     $ —     $ 191  
Liabilities — Derivative instruments
  $ —     $ (644 )   $ (44 )   $ (688 )
 
 
(A) Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
 
(B) Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
 
(C) Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require us to develop our own assumptions based on the best information available as what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
For certain of our derivative contracts whose fair values are based upon trades in liquid markets, such as aluminum forward contracts and options, valuation model inputs can generally be verified and valuation


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
techniques do not involve significant judgment. The fair values of such financial instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
The majority of our derivative contracts are valued using industry-standard models that use observable market inputs as their basis, such as time value, forward interest rates, volatility factors, and current (spot) and forward market prices for foreign exchange rates. We generally classify these instruments within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Such derivatives include interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, foreign currency forward contracts and certain energy-related forward contracts (e.g., natural gas).
 
We classify derivative contracts that are valued based on models with significant unobservable market inputs as Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. These derivatives include certain of our energy-related forward contracts (e.g., electricity) and certain foreign currency forward contracts. Models for these fair value measurements include inputs based on estimated future prices for periods beyond the term of the quoted prices.
 
FASB 157 requires that for Level 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy, where appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit considerations (nonperformance risk).
 
Financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy represent derivative contracts (primarily energy-related and certain foreign currency forward contracts) in which at least one significant unobservable input is used in the valuation model. We incurred unrealized losses of $26 million related to Level 3 financial instruments that were still held as of June 30, 2009. These unrealized losses are included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net.
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of fair value activity for Level 3 derivative contracts on a net basis (in millions).
 
         
    Level 3
 
    Derivative
 
    Instruments(A)  
 
Balance as of March 31, 2009
  $ (44 )
Net realized/unrealized gains included in earnings(B)
    10  
Net realized/unrealized gains included in Other comprehensive income(C)
    5  
Net purchases, issuances and settlements
    2  
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
    —  
         
Balance as of June 30, 2009
  $ (27 )
         
 
 
(A) Represents derivative assets net of derivative liabilities.
 
(B) Included in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net.
 
(C) Included in Change in fair value of effective portion of hedges, net.
 
FASB 107 Instruments
 
Our estimates of fair value are based on (1) quoted market price (applicable to our 7.25% Senior Notes) and (2) discounted cash flow model with a discount rate commensurate with the risk inherent in the projected cash flows and reflects the rate of return required by an investor in the current economic situation (applicable to our Floating rate Term Loan facility, unsecured credit facility, capital lease obligations and Novelis Korea Limited Bank loans). We determined that carrying amounts for our long-term receivables from related parties and our other debt approximates fair value. The fair value of our letters of credit is based on the availability under such credit agreements.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The table below is a summary of fair value estimates as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, for financial instruments, as defined by FASB 107, excluding short-term financial assets and liabilities, for which carrying amounts approximate fair value, and excluding financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (FASB 157 instruments) (in millions).
 
                                 
    June 30, 2009     March 31, 2009  
    Carrying
    Fair
    Carrying
    Fair
 
    Value     Value     Value     Value  
 
Assets
                               
Long-term receivables from related parties
  $ 23     $ 22     $ 23     $ 21  
Liabilities
                               
Long-term debt
                               
Novelis Inc.
                               
7.25% Senior Notes, due February 2015
    1,169       859       1,171       454  
Floating rate Term Loan facility, due July 2014
    294       243       295       200  
Unsecured credit facility — related party, due January 2015
    94       107       91       93  
Novelis Corporation
                               
Floating rate Term Loan facility, due July 2014
    813       710       813       584  
Novelis Switzerland S.A.
                               
Capital lease obligation, due December 2019 (CHF 50 million)
    43       40       42       36  
Capital lease obligation, due August 2011 (CHF 2 million)
    2       2       2       2  
Novelis Korea Limited
                               
Bank loan, due October 2010
    100       90       100       83  
Bank loan, due February 2010 (KRW 50 billion)
    39       37       37       33  
Bank loan, due May 2009 (KRW 10 billion)
    —       —       7       7  
Other
                               
Other debt, due April 2009 through December 2012
    1       1       1       1  
Financial commitments
                               
Letters of credit
    —       102       —       134  
 
12.   OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES, NET
 
Other (income) expenses, net is comprised of the following (in millions).
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Exchange (gains) losses, net
  $ (4 )   $ 20  
Impairment charges on long-lived assets
    —       1  
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net
    (1 )     (1 )
Gain on tax litigation settlement in Brazil
    (6 )     —  
Other, net
    (2 )     3  
                 
Other (income) expenses, net
  $ (13 )   $ 23  
                 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
13.   INCOME TAXES
 
A reconciliation of the Canadian statutory tax rates to our effective tax rates is as follows (in millions, except percentages).
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Pre-tax income before equity in net loss of non-consolidated affiliates
  $ 283     $ 63  
                 
Canadian statutory tax rate
    30 %     31 %
                 
Provision at the Canadian statutory rate
    85       20  
Increase (decrease) for taxes on income (loss) resulting from:
               
Exchange translation items
    12       9  
Exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes
    23       20  
Change in valuation allowances
    1       3  
Expense (income) items not subject to tax
    1       (4 )
Tax rate differences on foreign earnings
    (11 )     (14 )
Uncertain tax positions
    1       1  
                 
Provision
  $ 112     $ 35  
                 
Effective tax rate
    40 %     56 %
                 
 
As of June 30, 2009, we had a net deferred tax liability of $365 million, including deferred tax assets of approximately $417 million for net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The carryforwards begin expiring in 2010 with some amounts being carried forward indefinitely. As of June 30, 2009, valuation allowances of $142 million had been recorded against net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, where it appeared more likely than not that such benefits will not be realized. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the tax attribute carryforwards. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. In the near term, the amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced if we do not generate sufficient taxable income in certain jurisdictions.
 
14.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Legal Proceedings
 
Coca-Cola Lawsuit.  A lawsuit was commenced against Novelis Corporation on February 15, 2007 by Coca-Cola Bottler’s Sales and Services Company LLC (CCBSS) in Georgia state court. CCBSS is a consortium of Coca-Cola bottlers across the United States, including Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. CCBSS alleges that Novelis Corporation breached an aluminum can stock supply agreement between the parties, and seeks monetary damages in an amount to be determined at trial and a declaration of its rights under the agreement. The agreement includes a “most favored nations” provision regarding certain pricing matters. CCBSS alleges that Novelis Corporation breached the terms of the “most favored nations” provision. The dispute will likely turn on the facts that are presented to the court by the parties and the court’s finding as to how certain provisions of the agreement ought to be interpreted. If CCBSS were to prevail in this litigation, the amount of damages would likely be material. Novelis Corporation has filed its answer and the parties are proceeding with discovery.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Environmental Matters
 
The following describes certain environmental matters relating to our business.
 
We are involved in proceedings under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as CERCLA or Superfund, or analogous state provisions regarding liability arising from the usage, storage, treatment or disposal of hazardous substances and wastes at a number of sites in the United States, as well as similar proceedings under the laws and regulations of the other jurisdictions in which we have operations, including Brazil and certain countries in the European Union. Many of these jurisdictions have laws that impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, for the costs of environmental remediation, natural resource damages, third party claims, and other expenses. In addition, we are, from time to time, subject to environmental reviews and investigations by relevant governmental authorities.
 
As described further in the following paragraph, we have established procedures for regularly evaluating environmental loss contingencies, including those arising from such environmental reviews and investigations and any other environmental remediation or compliance matters. We believe we have a reasonable basis for evaluating these environmental loss contingencies, and we believe we have made reasonable estimates of the costs that are likely to be borne by us for these environmental loss contingencies. Accordingly, we have established reserves based on our reasonable estimates for the currently anticipated costs associated with these environmental matters. We estimate that the undiscounted remaining clean-up costs related to all of our known environmental matters as of June 30, 2009 will be approximately $52 million. Of this amount, $40 million is included in Other long-term liabilities, with the remaining $12 million included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2009. Management has reviewed the environmental matters, including those for which we assumed liability as a result of our spin-off from Rio Tinto Alcan. As a result of this review, management has determined that the currently anticipated costs associated with these environmental matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair our operations or materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
With respect to environmental loss contingencies, we record a loss contingency whenever such contingency is probable and reasonably estimable. The evaluation model includes all asserted and unasserted claims that can be reasonably identified. Under this evaluation model, the liability and the related costs are quantified based upon the best available evidence regarding actual liability loss and cost estimates. Except for those loss contingencies where no estimate can reasonably be made, the evaluation model is fact-driven and attempts to estimate the full costs of each claim. Management reviews the status of, and estimated liability related to, pending claims and civil actions on a quarterly basis. The estimated costs in respect of such reported liabilities are not offset by amounts related to cost-sharing between parties, insurance, indemnification arrangements or contribution from other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) unless otherwise noted.
 
Brazil Tax Matters
 
Primarily as a result of legal proceedings with Brazil’s Ministry of Treasury regarding certain taxes in South America, as of June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, we had cash deposits aggregating approximately $38 million and $30 million, respectively, in judicial depository accounts pending finalization of the related cases. The depository accounts are in the name of the Brazilian government and will be expended towards these legal proceedings or released to us, depending on the outcome of the legal cases. These deposits are included in Other long-term assets — third parties in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we are involved in several disputes with Brazil’s Ministry of Treasury about various forms of manufacturing taxes and social security contributions, for which we have made no judicial deposits but for which we have established reserves ranging from $7 million to $108 million as of June 30, 2009. In total, these reserves approximate $128 million as of June 30, 2009 and are included in Other long-term liabilities in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
On May 28, 2009, the Brazilian government passed a law allowing taxpayers to settle certain federal tax disputes with the Brazilian tax authorities, including disputes relating to a Brazilian national tax on manufactured products, through an installment program. Pursuant to the installment plan, companies can elect to (a) pay the principal amount of the disputed tax amounts over a near-term period (e.g., 1-60 monthly installments) and receive a 35-45% discount on the interest and 80-100% discount on the penalties owed, (b) pay the principal and interest over a medium-term period (e.g., 60-120 monthly installments) and receive a 30-35% discount on the interest and 70-80% discount on the penalties owed, or (c) pay the full amount of the disputed tax amounts, including interest and penalties, over a longer-term period (e.g., 120-180 monthly installments) and receive a 25-30% discount on the interest and 60-70% discount on the penalties owed. Novelis has already joined the installment plan. The Ministry of Treasury enacted final installment plan regulations on July 23, 2009. The term for joining the installment plan will begin on August 17, 2009 and end on November 30, 2009. When we formally join the installment plan, we will elect (a) the amount of the tax disputes that will be settled and (b) the number of installments elected.
 
Guarantees of Indebtedness
 
We have issued guarantees on behalf of certain of our subsidiaries and non-consolidated affiliates, including certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and Aluminium Norf GmbH, which is a fifty percent (50%) owned joint venture that does not meet the requirements for consolidation under FIN 46(R).
 
In the case of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, the indebtedness guaranteed is for trade accounts payable to third parties. Some of the guarantees have annual terms while others have no expiration and have termination notice requirements. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries or non-consolidated affiliates holds any assets of any third parties as collateral to offset the potential settlement of these guarantees.
 
Since we consolidate wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries in our condensed consolidated financial statements, all liabilities associated with trade payables and short-term debt facilities for these entities are already included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
The following table discloses information about our obligations under guarantees of indebtedness of others as of June 30, 2009 (in millions). We did not have any obligations under guarantees of indebtedness related to our majority-owned subsidiaries as of June 30, 2009.
 
                 
    Maximum
    Liability
 
    Potential
    Carrying
 
Type of Entity
  Future Payment     Value  
 
Wholly-owned subsidiaries
  $ 45     $ 7  
Aluminium Norf GmbH
  $ 14     $ —  
 
We have no retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets.
 
15.   SEGMENT, MAJOR CUSTOMER AND MAJOR SUPPLIER INFORMATION
 
Segment Information
 
Due in part to the regional nature of supply and demand of aluminum rolled products and in order to best serve our customers, we manage our activities on the basis of geographical areas and are organized under four operating segments: North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Corporate and Other includes functions that are managed directly from our corporate office, which focuses on strategy development and oversees governance, policy, legal compliance, human resources and finance matters. These expenses have not been allocated to the regions. It also includes consolidating and other elimination accounts.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Adjustment to Eliminate Proportional Consolidation.  The financial information for our segments includes the results of our non-consolidated affiliates on a proportionately consolidated basis, which is consistent with the way we manage our business segments. However, under GAAP, these non-consolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Therefore, in order to reconcile the financial information for the segments shown in the tables below to the relevant GAAP-based measures, we must remove our proportional share of each line item that we included in the segment amounts. See Note 5 — Investment in and Advances to Non-Consolidated Affiliates and Related Party Transactions for further information about these non-consolidated affiliates.
 
We measure the profitability and financial performance of our operating segments, based on Segment income, in accordance with FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosure About the Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. Segment income provides a measure of our underlying segment results that is in line with our portfolio approach to risk management. We define Segment income as earnings before (a) depreciation and amortization; (b) interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs; (c) interest income; (d) unrealized gains (losses) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net; (e) impairment of goodwill; (f) impairment charges on long-lived assets (other than goodwill); (g) gain on extinguishment of debt; (h) noncontrolling interests’ share; (i) adjustments to reconcile our proportional share of Segment income from non-consolidated affiliates to income as determined on the equity method of accounting; (k) restructuring charges, net; (k) gains or losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment and businesses, net; (l) other costs, net; (m) litigation settlement, net of insurance recoveries; (n) sale transaction fees; (o) provision or benefit for taxes on income (loss) and (p) cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax.
 
The tables below show selected segment financial information (in millions).
 
Selected Segment Financial Information
 
                                                         
                                  Adjustment to
       
                                  Eliminate
       
    North
                South
    Corporate
    Proportional
       
Total Assets
  America     Europe     Asia     America     and Other     Consolidation     Total  
 
June 30, 2009
  $ 2,808     $ 2,793     $ 817     $ 1,341     $ 38     $ (217 )   $ 7,580  
March 31, 2009
  $ 2,973     $ 2,750     $ 732     $ 1,296     $ 50     $ (234 )   $ 7,567  
 
                                                         
                                  Adjustment to
       
                                  Eliminate
       
Selected Operating Results
  North
                South
    Corporate
    Proportional
       
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
  America     Europe     Asia     America     and Other     Consolidation     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 767     $ 665     $ 326     $ 204     $ —     $ (2 )   $ 1,960  
Segment income
    57       33       38       11       (15 )     —       124  
Depreciation and amortization
    41       48       11       18       1       (19 )     100  
Capital expenditures
    6       11       3       7       —       (3 )     24  
 
                                                         
                                  Adjustment to
       
                                  Eliminate
       
Selected Operating Results
  North
                South
    Corporate
    Proportional
       
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
  America     Europe     Asia     America     and Other     Consolidation     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,083     $ 1,219     $ 511     $ 295     $ —     $ (5 )   $ 3,103  
Segment income
    42       111       31       47       (13 )     —       218  
Depreciation and amortization
    42       63       15       17       1       (22 )     116  
Capital expenditures
    7       19       5       6       —       (4 )     33  


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table shows the reconciliation from Income from reportable segments to Net income attributable to our common shareholder (in millions).
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
(In millions)
  2009     2008  
 
Income from reportable segments:
               
North America
  $ 57     $ 42  
Europe
    33       111  
Asia
    38       31  
South America
    11       47  
                 
      139       231  
Corporate and other(A)
    (15 )     (13 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (100 )     (116 )
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    (43 )     (45 )
Interest income
    3       5  
Unrealized gains on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net(B)
    299       20  
Impairment charges on long-lived assets
    —       (1 )
Adjustment to eliminate proportional consolidation
    (16 )     (18 )
Restructuring recoveries (charges), net
    (3 )     1  
Other costs, net
    9       (3 )
                 
Income before income taxes
    273       61  
Income tax benefit
    (112 )     (35 )
                 
Net income
    161       26  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (18 )     (2 )
                 
Net income attributable to our common shareholder
  $ 143     $ 24  
                 
 
 
(A) Corporate and other includes functions that are managed directly from our corporate office, which focuses on strategy development and oversees governance, policy, legal compliance, human resources and finance matters. These expenses have not been allocated to the regions.
 
(B) Unrealized gains (losses) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net represents the portion of gains (losses) that were not settled in cash during the period. Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) are shown in the table below and are included in the aggregate each period in (Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Gains (losses) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net:
               
Realized gains (losses) included in Segment income
  $ (228 )   $ 45  
Realized gains on corporate derivative instruments
    1       —  
Unrealized gains
    299       20  
                 
Gains on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
  $ 72     $ 65  
                 


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Information about Major Customers and Primary Supplier
 
The table below shows our net sales to Rexam Plc (Rexam) and Anheuser-Busch Companies (Anheuser-Busch), our two largest customers, as a percentage of total Net sales.
 
                 
    Three Months Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Rexam
    20 %     16 %
Anheuser-Busch
    12 %     7 %
 
Rio Tinto Alcan is our primary supplier of metal inputs, including prime and sheet ingot. During the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, purchases from Rio Tinto Alcan as a percentage of total combined prime and sheet ingot purchases (in kt) was 43% and 35%, respectively, in each period.
 
16.   SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) consists of the following (in millions).
 
                 
    June 30,
    March 31,
 
    2009     2009  
 
Currency translation adjustment
  $ (9 )   $ (62 )
Fair value of effective portion of hedges
    (12 )     (19 )
Pension and other benefits
    (65 )     (67 )
                 
AOCI
  $ (86 )   $ (148 )
                 
 
17.   SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION
 
In connection with the issuance of our Senior Notes, certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are “100% owned” within the meaning of Rule 3-10(h)(1) of Regulation S-X, provided guarantees of the Senior Notes. These guarantees are full and unconditional as well as joint and several. The guarantor subsidiaries (the Guarantors) are comprised of the majority of our businesses in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, Portugal, Luxembourg and Switzerland, as well as certain businesses in Germany. Certain Guarantors may be subject to restrictions on their ability to distribute earnings to Novelis Inc. (the Parent). The remaining subsidiaries (the Non-Guarantors) of the Parent are not guarantors of the Senior Notes.
 
The following information presents condensed consolidating statements of operations, balance sheets and statements of cash flows of the Parent, the Guarantors, and the Non-Guarantors. Investments include investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates as well as investments in net assets of divisions included in the Parent, and have been presented using the equity method of accounting.


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2009  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $ 168     $ 1,534     $ 551     $ (293 )   $ 1,960  
                                         
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    156       1,214       456       (293 )     1,533  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    10       56       12       —       78  
Depreciation and amortization
    1       78       21       —       100  
Research and development expenses
    5       3       —       —       8  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    26       30       3       (16 )     43  
Interest income
    (15 )     (3 )     (1 )     16       (3 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    (2 )     (61 )     (9 )     —       (72 )
Restructuring charges, net
    —       3       —       —       3  
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    (147 )     10       —       147       10  
Other (income) expenses, net
    (7 )     7       (13 )     —       (13 )
                                         
      27       1,337       469       (146 )     1,687  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    141       197       82       (147 )     273  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (2 )     101       13       —       112  
                                         
Net income
    143       96       69       (147 )     161  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       18       —       18  
                                         
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ 143     $ 96     $ 51     $ (147 )   $ 143  
                                         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2008  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
Net sales
  $ 395     $ 2,582     $ 836     $ (710 )   $ 3,103  
                                         
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)
    387       2,377       777       (710 )     2,831  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    —       62       22       —       84  
Depreciation and amortization
    6       89       21       —       116  
Research and development expenses
    8       3       1       —       12  
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
    28       34       8       (25 )     45  
Interest income
    (21 )     (5 )     (4 )     25       (5 )
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
    —       (61 )     (4 )     —       (65 )
Restructuring charges, net
    —       (1 )     —       —       (1 )
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
    (31 )     2       —       31       2  
Other (income) expenses, net
    (7 )     15       15       —       23  
                                         
      370       2,515       836       (679 )     3,042  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes
    25       67       —       (31 )     61  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    1       33       1       —       35  
                                         
Net income (loss)
    24       34       (1 )     (31 )     26  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    —       —       2       —       2  
                                         
Net income (loss) attributable to our common shareholder
  $ 24     $ 34     $ (3 )   $ (31 )   $ 24  
                                         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
 
                                         
    June 30, 2009  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
ASSETS
Current assets
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 7     $ 142     $ 88     $ —     $ 237  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
                                       
— third parties
    16       817       321       —       1,154  
— related parties
    502       199       42       (724 )     19  
Inventories
    34       543       236       —       813  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4       32       14       —       50  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    3       124       7       (23 )     111  
Deferred income tax assets
    —       109       16       —       125  
                                         
Total current assets
    566       1,966       724       (747 )     2,509  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    156       2,126       513       —       2,795  
Goodwill
    —       571       11       —       582  
Intangible assets, net
    —       781       —       —       781  
Investments in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    1,823       739       1       (1,823 )     740  
Fair value of derivative instruments, net of current portion
    3       32       26       (3 )     58  
Deferred income tax assets
    1       4       —       —       5  
Other long-term assets
    1,014       211       92       (1,207 )     110  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 3,563     $ 6,430     $ 1,367     $ (3,780 )   $ 7,580  
                                         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities
                                       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 3     $ 3     $ 39     $ —     $ 45  
Short-term borrowings
                                       
— third parties
    —       227       10       —       237  
— related parties
    17       356       23       (396 )     —  
Accounts payable
                                       
— third parties
    39       456       290       —       785  
— related parties
    37       233       107       (325 )     52  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    9       277       75       (23 )     338  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    58       366       85       (2 )     507  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       —       —       —       —  
                                         
Total current liabilities
    163       1,918       629       (746 )     1,964  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
                                       
— third parties
    1,461       854       101       —       2,416  
— related parties
    222       963       117       (1,208 )     94  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       476       19       —       495  
Accrued postretirement benefits
    29       361       127       —       517  
Other long-term liabilities
    63       291       5       (3 )     356  
                                         
Total liabilities
    1,938       4,863       998       (1,957 )     5,842  
                                         
Commitments and contingencies
                                       
Shareholder’s equity
                                       
Common stock
    —       —       —       —       —  
Additional paid-in capital
    3,497       —       —       —       3,497  
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)/owner’s net investment
    (1,786 )     1,615       378       (1,994 )     (1,787 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (86 )     (48 )     (123 )     171       (86 )
                                         
Total equity of our common shareholder
    1,625       1,567       255       (1,823 )     1,624  
Noncontrolling interests
    —       —       114       —       114  
                                         
Total equity
    1,625       1,567       369       (1,823 )     1,738  
                                         
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 3,563     $ 6,430     $ 1,367     $ (3,780 )   $ 7,580  
                                         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
 
 
                                         
    As of March 31, 2009  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
ASSETS
Current assets
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3     $ 175     $ 70     $ —     $ 248  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances
                                       
— third parties
    21       761       267       —       1,049  
— related parties
    411       183       32       (601 )     25  
Inventories
    31       523       239       —       793  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4       31       16       —       51  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    —       145       7       (33 )     119  
Deferred income tax assets
    —       192       24       —       216  
                                         
Total current assets
    470       2,010       655       (634 )     2,501  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    162       2,146       491       —       2,799  
Goodwill
    —       570       12       —       582  
Intangible assets, net
    —       787       —       —       787  
Investments in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    1,647       719       —       (1,647 )     719  
Fair value of derivative instruments, net of current portion
    —       46       28       (2 )     72  
Deferred income tax assets
    1       3       —       —       4  
Other long-term assets
    1,028       207       96       (1,228 )     103  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 3,308     $ 6,488     $ 1,282     $ (3,511 )   $ 7,567  
                                         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities
                                       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 3     $ 4     $ 44     $ —     $ 51  
Short-term borrowings
                                       
— third parties
    —       231       33       —       264  
— related parties
    7       330       22       (359 )     —  
Accounts payable
                                       
— third parties
    33       458       234       —       725  
— related parties
    41       157       90       (240 )     48  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    7       540       126       (33 )     640  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    34       395       90       (3 )     516  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       —       —       —       —  
                                         
Total current liabilities
    125       2,115       639       (635 )     2,244  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
                                       
— third parties
    1,464       852       101       —       2,417  
— related parties
    223       976       120       (1,228 )     91  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    —       459       10       —       469  
Accrued postretirement benefits
    27       346       122       —       495  
Other long-term liabilities
    50       288       5       (1 )     342  
                                         
Total liabilities
    1,889       5,036       997       (1,864 )     6,058  
                                         
Commitments and contingencies
                                       
Shareholder’s equity
                                       
Common stock
    —       —       —       —       —  
Additional paid-in capital
    3,497       —       —       —       3,497  
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)/owner’s net investment
    (1,930 )     1,533       325       (1,858 )     (1,930 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (148 )     (81 )     (130 )     211       (148 )
                                         
Total equity of our common shareholder
    1,419       1,452       195       (1,647 )     1,419  
Noncontrolling interests
    —       —       90       —       90  
                                         
Total equity
    1,419       1,452       285       (1,647 )     1,509  
                                         
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 3,308     $ 6,488     $ 1,282     $ (3,511 )   $ 7,567  
                                         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2009  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 3     $ 131     $ 151     $ (27 )   $ 258  
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (1 )     (18 )     (5 )     —       (24 )
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
    —       —       3       —       3  
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    —       3       —       —       3  
Proceeds from loans receivable, net — related parties
    —       6       —       —       6  
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    (1 )     (179 )     (43 )     —       (223 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (2 )     (188 )     (45 )     —       (235 )
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from issuance of debt — related party
    3       —       —       —       3  
Principal payments
                                       
— third parties
    (1 )     (3 )     (8 )     —       (12 )
— related parties
    (9 )     5       (59 )     63       —  
Short-term borrowings, net
                                       
— third parties
    —       (8 )     (25 )     —       (33 )
— related parties
    10       26       —       (36 )     —  
Dividends — noncontrolling interests
    —       —       (1 )     —       (1 )
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    3       20       (93 )     27       (43 )
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    4       (37 )     13       —       (20 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
    —       4       5       —       9  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    3       175       70       —       248  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 7     $ 142     $ 88     $ —     $ 237  
                                         


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Novelis Inc.
 
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) — (Continued)
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
                                         
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2008  
                Non-
             
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 4     $ (313 )   $ (7 )   $ (35 )   $ (351 )
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (1 )     (25 )     (7 )     —       (33 )
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
    —       1       —       —       1  
Changes to investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates
    —       6       —       —       6  
Proceeds from loans receivable — net — related parties
    —       8       —       —       8  
Net proceeds from settlement of derivative instruments
    —       21       13       —       34  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (1 )     11       6       —       16  
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Principal payments
                                       
— third parties
    (1 )     (2 )     (1 )     —       (4 )
— related parties
    —       5       (30 )     25       —  
Short-term borrowings — net
                                       
— third parties
    —       288       25       —       313  
— related parties
    —       (5 )     (5 )     10       —  
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (1 )     286       (11 )     35       309  
                                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    2       (16 )     (12 )     —       (26 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
    —       —       (4 )     —       (4 )
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    12       177       137       —       326  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 14     $ 161     $ 121     $ —     $ 296  
                                         


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(NOVELIS LOGO)
 


Table of Contents

PART II: INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
Item 20.   Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
 
The Canada Business Corporations Act (the “Act”), the governing act to which the Company is subject, provides that,
 
(1) a corporation may indemnify a Director or Officer of the Corporation, a former Director or Officer of the Corporation or another individual who acts or acted at the Corporation’s request as a Director or Officer or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of another entity, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by the individual in respect of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding in which the individual is involved because of that association with the Corporation or other entity.
 
(2) a corporation may advance moneys to a Director, Officer or other individual for the costs, charges and expenses of a proceeding referred to paragraph (1). However, the individual shall repay the moneys if he or she does not fulfill the conditions of paragraph (3).
 
(3) a corporation may not indemnify an individual under paragraph (1), unless the individual
 
(a) acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation, or, as the case may be, to the best interests of the other entity for which the individual acted as a director or officer or in a similar capacity at the Corporation’s request; and
 
(b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, the individual had reasonable grounds for believing that the individual’s conduct was lawful.
 
(4) A Corporation may with the approval of a court indemnify an individual referred to in paragraph (1), or advance moneys under paragraph (2), in respect of an action by or on behalf of the Corporation or other entity to procure a judgment in its favor, to which the individual is made a party because of the individual’s association with the Corporation or other entity as described in paragraph (1) against all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by the individual in connection with such action if the individual fulfils the conditions set out in paragraph (3).
 
(5) Despite paragraph (1), an individual referred to in paragraph (1) is entitled to indemnity from the Corporation in respect of all costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by the individual in connection with the defense of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding to which the individual is subject because of the individual’s association with the Corporation or other entity as described in paragraph (1), if the individual seeking indemnity:
 
(a) was not judged by the court or other competent authority to have committed any fault or omitted to do anything that the individual ought to have done; and
 
(b) fulfils the conditions set out in paragraph (3).
 
The Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Corporation, adopted July 24, 2008 contain provisions governing the indemnification of Directors and Officers of the Corporation which represent, in general terms, the extent to which Directors and Officers may be indemnified by the Company under the Act. The By-Laws provide as follows:
 
“Section 6.01.  Indemnity.  Subject to the limitations contained in the governing Act but without limit to the right of the Corporation to indemnify as provided for in the Act, the Corporation shall indemnify a Director or Officer, a former Director or Officer, or a person who acts or acted at the Corporation’s request as a Director or Officer or in a similar capacity of another entity at the Corporation’s request (or a person who undertakes or has undertaken any liability on behalf of the Corporation or at the Corporation’s request on behalf of any such other entity) and his heirs and legal representatives, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or


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satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by him in respect of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of being or having been a Director or Officer of the Corporation or such body corporate or by reason of having undertaken such liability.
 
Section 6.02.  Limitation.  The corporation may not indemnify an individual under Section 6.01 unless the individual (a) acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation; and (b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he had reasonable grounds for believing that his conduct was lawful.
 
Section 6.03.  Insurance.  The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any person referred to in Section 6.01 to the extent permitted by the Act.”
 
The Company also has an insurance policy covering Directors and Officers of the Company and of its subsidiaries against certain liabilities which might be incurred by them in their capacities as such, but excluding those claims for which such insured persons could be indemnified by the Company or its subsidiaries.
 
Item 21.   Exhibits.
 
The exhibits listed below in the “Index to Exhibits” are part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
 
Item 22.   Undertakings.
 
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
 
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually of in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
 
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
 
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
 
(4) That, for purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
 
(i) Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of the registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as


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of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
 
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:
 
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
 
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
 
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
 
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
 
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
 
(6) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
(7) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
 
(8) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
  By: 
*
Name: Philip Martens
Title: President and Chief Operating Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Philip Martens
  President and Chief Operating Officer (Principal Executive Officer)   October 20, 2009
         
*

Steven Fisher
  Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Robert Nelson
  Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Kumar Mangalam Birla
  Chairman of the Board of Directors   October 20, 2009
         
*

Askaran Agarwala
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
*

Debnarayan Bhattacharya
  Vice Chairman, Director   October 20, 2009
         
    

Clarence J. Chandran
  Director    
         
*

Donald A. Stewart
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Leslie J. Parrette Jr.

Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS CORPORATION
 
  By: 
*

Name: Jean-Marc Germain
Title: President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Jean-Marc Germain
  Director, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Glen Guman
  Director, Vice President and
Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Leslie J. Parrette Jr.

Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
EUROFOIL INC. (USA)
 
  By: 
*
Name:     John Tillman
Title:      President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

John Tillman
  Director, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Glen Guman
  Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Gordon Becker
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Leslie J. Parrette Jr.

Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS PAE CORPORATION
 
  By: 
*
Name:     John Tillman
Title:      President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

John Tillman
  Director, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Glen Guman
  Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Gordon Becker
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Leslie J. Parrette Jr.

Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
ALUMINUM UPSTREAM HOLDINGS LLC
 
  By: 
/s/  Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
Name:     Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
Title:      President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
/s/  Leslie J. Parrette Jr.

Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
  Director, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Randal P. Miller
  Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Steve Fisher
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
*

Philip Martens
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS BRAND LLC
 
  By: 
*
Name:    Marion Greenhalgh
Title:      President and Secretary
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Marion Greenhalgh
  Director, President and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS SOUTH AMERICA HOLDINGS LLC
 
  By: 
/s/  Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
Name:     Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
Title:      President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
/s/  Leslie J. Parrette Jr.

Leslie J. Parrette Jr.
  Director, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Randal P. Miller
  Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Steve Fisher
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
*

Philip Martens
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS CAST HOUSE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Marion Greenhalgh
Title:      President and Secretary
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Marion Greenhalgh
  Director, President and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS NO. 1 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
  By:  4260848 CANADA INC.,
as General Partner
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Marion Greenhalgh
Title:      President and Secretary
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Marion Greenhalgh
  Director, President and Secretary
4260848 Canada Inc.
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
4260848 CANADA INC.
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Marion Greenhalgh
Title:      President and Secretary
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Marion Greenhalgh
  Director, President and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
4260856 CANADA INC.
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Marion Greenhalgh
Title:      President and Secretary
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Marion Greenhalgh
  Director, President and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS EUROPE HOLDINGS LIMITED
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
Title:      Director
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
  Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Colin Bond
  Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

David Sneddon
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
*

James Gunningham
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/ Christopher Courts
*Christopher CourtsAttorney-in-Fact 
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS UK LTD.
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
Title:      Director
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
  Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Colin Bond
  Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

David Sneddon
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in
the United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/ Christopher Courts
*Christopher CourtsAttorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS SERVICES LIMITED
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Colin Bond
Title:      Director
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Colin Bond
  Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

James Gunningham
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
*

David Sneddon
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/ Christopher Courts
*Christopher CourtsAttorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS DO BRASIL LTDA.
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
Title:      Corporate Matters President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
  Director, Corporate Matters President (Principal Executive Officer)   October 20, 2009
         
*

Alexandre Almeida
  Director, Executive President   October 20, 2009
         
*

Alexandre Sesso
  Director, Finance Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/ Christopher Courts
*Christopher CourtsAttorney-in-Fact
       


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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS AG
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Antonie Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
Title:      President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Antonie Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
  Director, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Colin Bond
  Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Erwin Mayr
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/ Christopher Courts
*Christopher CourtsAttorney-in-Fact
       


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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS SWITZERLAND S.A.
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Antonie Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
Title:      President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Antonie Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
  Director, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Colin Bond
  Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Erwin Mayr
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/ Christopher Courts
*Christopher CourtsAttorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS TECHNOLOGY AG
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Antonie Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
Title:      President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Antonie Tadeu Coelho Nardocci
  Director, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Colin Bond
  Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Erwin Mayr
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS ALUMINIUM HOLDING COMPANY
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Andreas Thiele
Title:      Director
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Andreas Thiele
  Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Colin Bond
  Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Tony Lucido
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
 
  By: 
*
Name:     Erwin Mayr
Title:      Managing Director
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Erwin Mayr
  Managing Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Gottfried Weindl
  Managing Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS LUXEMBOURG S.A.
 
  By: 
*
Name:     François Coeffic
Title:      Director
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

François Coeffic
  Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Luigi Pisa
  Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Pierre Labat
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS PAE S.A.S.
 
  By: 
*
Name:    Philippe Charlier
Title:      President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Philippe Charlier
  President
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Jean-Marc Baudino
  Financial Manager
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on October 20, 2009.
 
NOVELIS MADEIRA, UNIPESSOAL, LDA
 
  By: 
*
Name:    Nick Madden
Title:      Director
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
*

Nick Madden
  Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

Alexandre Almeida
  Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  October 20, 2009
         
*

James Gunningham
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
*

Andreas Glapka
  Director   October 20, 2009
         
    

Rosa Maria de Canha Ornelas Frazão Afonso
  Director    
         
    

Roberto Luiz Homem
  Director    
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

Christopher Courts
  Authorized Representative in the
United States of America
  October 20, 2009
         
/s/  Christopher Courts

*Christopher Courts
Attorney-in-Fact
       
 


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Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  2 .1   Arrangement Agreement by and among Hindalco Industries Limited, AV Aluminum Inc. and Novelis Inc., dated as of February 10, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2007 (File No. 001-32312)).
  3 .1   Restated Certificate and Articles of Incorporation of Novelis Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2005 (File No. 001-32312)).
  3 .2   Novelis Inc. Amended and Restated Bylaws, adopted as of July 24, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2008 (File No. 001-32312)).
  3 .3   Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Novelis Corporation (formerly Alcan Aluminum Corporation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .4   Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Novelis Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .5   Articles of Incorporation of Novelis Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .6   Bylaws of Novelis Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .7   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Novelis PAE Corporation (formerly Pechiney Aluminum Engineering, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .8   Certificate of Incorporation of Novelis PAE Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .9   By-laws of Novelis PAE Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .10   Certificate of Incorporation of Eurofoil Inc. (USA) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .11   By-laws of Eurofoil Inc. (USA) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.11 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .12   Certificate of Formation of Aluminum Upstream Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.33 to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 1, 2006 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .13   Certificate of Amendment No. 1 to Certificate of Formation of Aluminum Upstream Holdings LLC.†
  3 .14   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Aluminum Upstream Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.35 to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 1, 2006 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .15   Certificate of Formation of Novelis South America Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.36 to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 1, 2006 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .16   Certificate of Amendment No. 1 to Certificate of Formation of Novelis South America Holdings LLC.†
  3 .17   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Novelis South America Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.34 to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 1, 2006 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .18   Certificate of Formation of Novelis Brand LLC (formerly Novelis Finances USA LLC) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.31 to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 1, 2006 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .19   Certificate of Amendment No. 1 to Certificate of Formation of Novelis Brand LLC.†
  3 .20   Certificate of Amendment No. 2 to Certificate of Formation of Novelis Brand LLC.†
  3 .21   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Novelis Brand LLC (formerly Novelis Finances USA LLC) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.32 to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 1, 2006 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .22   Articles of Association of Novelis do Brasil Ltda. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.12 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .23   Amendment No. 1 to Articles of Association of Novelis do Brasil Ltda.†
  3 .24   Amendment No. 2 to Articles of Association of Novelis do Brasil Ltda.†

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Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  3 .25   Amendment No. 3 to Articles of Association of Novelis do Brasil Ltda.†
  3 .26   Certificate and Articles of Incorporation of 4260848 Canada Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.13 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .27   By-law No. 1 of 4260848 Canada Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.14 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .28   Certificate and Articles of Incorporation of 4260856 Canada Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.15 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .29   By-law No. 1 of 4260856 Canada Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.16 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .30   Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of Novelis Cast House Technology Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.17 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .31   Certificate and Articles of Incorporation of Novelis Cast House Technology Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.18 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .32   By-law No. 2 of Novelis Cast House Technology Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.19 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .33   By-law No. 1 of Novelis Cast House Technology Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.20 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .34   Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Novelis No. 1 Limited Partnership.†
  3 .35   Bylaws of Novelis Deutschland GmbH.†
  3 .36   Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name of Novelis Aluminium Holding Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.22 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .37   Memorandum and Articles of Association of Novelis Aluminium Holding Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.23 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .38   Articles of Association of Novelis AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.24 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .39   Articles of Association of Novelis Technology AG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.25 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .40   Articles of Association for Novelis Switzerland S.A.†
  3 .41   Memorandum of Association of Novelis UK Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.27 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .42   Articles of Association of Novelis UK Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.28 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .43   Memorandum of Association of Novelis Europe Holdings Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.29 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .44   Articles of Association of Novelis Europe Holdings Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.30 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  3 .45   Memorandum of Association of Novelis Services Limited.†
  3 .46   Articles of Association of Novelis Services Limited.†
  3 .47   Articles of Novelis Luxembourg S.A.†
  3 .48   Bylaws of Novelis PAE S.A.S.†
  3 .49   Articles of Novelis Madeira, Unipessoal, Lda.†
  4 .1   Shareholder Rights Agreement between Novelis Inc. and CIBC Mellon Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2005 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .2   First Amendment to the Shareholder Rights Agreement between Novelis Inc. and CIBC Mellon Trust Company, dated as of February 10, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 13, 2007 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .3   Specimen Certificate of Novelis Inc. Common Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Registration Statement on Form 10-12B filed on December 27, 2004 (File No. 001-32312)).

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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  4 .4   Indenture, relating to the 71/4% Senior Notes due 2015, dated as of February 3, 2005, between the Company, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2005 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .5   Form of Note for 71/4% Senior Notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 3, 2005 (File No. 333-127139)).
  4 .6   Supplemental Indenture, between the Company, Novelis Finances USA LLC, Novelis South America Holdings LLC, Aluminum Upstream Holdings LLC and the Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 Registration Statement filed on December 1, 2006 (File No. 333-127139)).
  4 .7   Supplemental Indenture, among the Company, Novelis No. 1 Limited Partnership, and the Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of May 14, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .8   Supplemental Indenture, among the Company, Novelis Luxembourg SA, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of January 29, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .9   Supplemental Indenture, among the Company, Bellona-Trading Internacional, Sociedade Unipessoal, LDA, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of June 26, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .10   Supplemental Indenture, among the Company, Novelis Services Limited, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as trustee, dated as of July 10, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .11   Supplemental Indenture, among the Company, Novelis PAE SAS, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as trustee, dated as of September 16, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .12   Indenture, relating to the 111/2% Senior Notes due 2015, dated as of August 11, 2009, between the Company, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee.†
  4 .13   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 11, 2009, among the Company, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereto, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as Representative of the Initial Purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  4 .14   Form of Note for 111/2% Senior Notes due 2015 (included in Exhibit 4.12).
  5 .1   Opinion of King & Spalding LLP regarding the legality of securities being registered.†
  5 .2   Opinion of Torys LLP.†
  5 .3   Opinion of Lavery de Billy.†
  5 .4   Opinion of MacFarlanes.†
  5 .5   Opinion of Elvinger Dessoy Dennewald.†
  5 .6   Opinion of Ernst & Young Société d’Avocats.†
  5 .7   Opinion of Noerr Stiefenhofer Lutz.†
  5 .8   Opinion of CMS von Erlach Henrici AG.†
  5 .9   Opinion of A&L Goodbody.†
  5 .10   Opinion of Levy & Salomão Advogados.†
  5 .11   Opinion of Vieira de Almeida & Associados.†
  10 .1   $800 million asset-based lending credit facility (“ABL Facility”) dated as of July 6, 2007 among Novelis Inc., Novelis Corporation as U.S. Borrower, the other U.S. Subsidiaries of Novelis Inc., Novelis UK Ltd, Novelis AG, AV Aluminum Inc. as parent guarantor, the other guarantors party thereto, with the lenders party thereto, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as U.S./European issuing bank, swingline lender and administrative agent, LaSalle Business Credit, LLC, as collateral agent and funding agent, UBS Securities LLC, as syndication agent, Bank of America, N.A., National City Business Credit, Inc. and CIT Business Credit Canada Inc., as documentation agents, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Canada Branch, as Canadian issuing bank, Canadian funding agent and Canadian administrative agent, and ABN AMRO Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers.

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Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  10 .2   $960 million term loan facility (“Term Loan Facility”) dated as of July 6, 2007 among Novelis Inc., Novelis Corporation as U.S. Borrower, AV Aluminum Inc., as Holdings, and the other guarantors party thereto, with the lenders party thereto, UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as administrative agent and as collateral agent, UBS Securities LLC, as syndication agent, ABN AMRO Incorporated, as documentation agent, and UBS Securities LLC and ABN AMRO Incorporated as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers.
  10 .3   Intercreditor Agreement dated as of July 6, 2007 by and among Novelis Inc., Novelis Corporation, Novelis PAE Corporation, Novelis Finances USA LLC, Novelis South America Holdings LLC, Aluminum Upstream Holdings LLC, Novelis UK Ltd, Novelis AG, AV Aluminum Inc., and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, as grantors, ABN AMRO BANK N.V., as revolving credit administrative agent ABN AMRO Bank N.A., acting through its Canadian branch, as revolving credit Canadian administrative agent and as revolving credit Canadian funding agent, La Salle Business Credit, LLC, as revolving credit collateral agent and as revolving credit funding agent, and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as Term Loan administrative agent, and Term Loan collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .4   Security Agreement made by Novelis Inc., as Canadian Borrower, Novelis Corporation, as U.S. Borrower and the guarantors from time to time party thereto in favor of UBS AG, Stamford branch, as collateral agent dated as of July 6, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .5   Security Agreement made by Novelis Inc., as Canadian Borrower, Novelis Corporation, Novelis PAE Corporation, Novelis Finances USA LLC, Novelis South America Holdings LLC, Aluminum Upstream Holdings LLC, as U.S. Borrowers and the guarantors from time to time party thereto in favor of La Salle Business Credit, LLC, as collateral agent dated as of July 6, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2007) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .6**   Amended and Restated Metal Supply Agreement between Novelis Inc., as Purchaser, and Alcan Inc., as Supplier, for the supply of re-melt aluminum ingot (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .7**   Amended and Restated Molten Metal Supply Agreement between Novelis Inc., as Purchaser, and Alcan Inc., as Supplier, for the supply of molten metal to Purchaser’s Saguenay Works facility) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .8**   Amended and Restated Metal Supply Agreement between Novelis Inc., as Purchaser, and Alcan Inc., as Supplier, for the supply of sheet ingot in North America (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 ) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .9**   Amended and Restated Metal Supply Agreement between Novelis Inc., as Purchaser, and Alcan Inc., as Supplier, for the supply of sheet ingot in Europe (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 ) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .10*   Employment Agreement of Martha Finn Brooks (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to our Registration Statement on Form 10-12B filed by Novelis Inc. on December 22, 2004 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .11*   Employment Arrangement between Steven Fisher and Novelis Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 21, 2007 and our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on August 15, 2007 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .12*   Letter Agreement, dated October 20, 2006, by and between Novelis Inc. and Thomas Walpole (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 26, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .13*   Employment Agreement of Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci dated as of November 8, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 ) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .14*   Employment Agreement of Arnaud de Weert (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .15*   Form of Change in Control Agreement between Novelis Inc. and certain executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .16*   Form of Change in Control Agreement between Novelis Inc. and certain executive officers and key employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).

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Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  10 .17*   Form of Recognition Agreement between Novelis Inc. and certain executive officers and key employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .18*   Form of Amendment to Recognition Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May 8, 2007 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .19*   Form of SAR Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .20*   Novelis Inc. 2006 Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .21*   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .22*   Form of Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan for Fiscal 2008-2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 ) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .23*   Form of Indemnity Agreement between Novelis Inc. and Members of the Board of Directors of Novelis Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 21, 2007 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .24*   Form of Indemnity Agreement between Novelis Inc. and certain executive officers dated as of June 27, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 28, 2007(File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .25*   Form of Amended and Restated Novelis Founders Performance Awards Plan dated March 14, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .26*   First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Novelis Founders Performance Awards Plan (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May 8, 2007 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .27*   Novelis Founders Performance Award Notification for Martha Brooks dated March 31, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2006 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .28*   Novelis Founders Performance Award Notification for Thomas Walpole dated March 31, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 ) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .29*   Novelis Founders Performance Award Notification for Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci dated March 31, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 ) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .30*   Form of Novelis Annual Incentive Plan for 2007 — 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 19, 2008 ) (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .31*   Employment Agreement of Jean-Marc Germain dated as of April 28, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2008 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .32*   Form of Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan for Fiscal 2009-2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2008 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .33*   Employment Agreement of Alexandre Moreira Martins de Almeida dated as of August 8, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2008 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .34*   Amended Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan for Fiscal 2009-2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 17, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .35*   Employment Agreement of Philip Martens, dated as of April 11, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .36   Joinder Agreement, among Novelis No. 1 Limited Partnership, its Subsidiaries listed on the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of January 7, 2005, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent, dated as of May 14, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .37   Joinder Agreement, among Novelis PAE S.A.S. and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent, dated as of September 12, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .38   Joinder Agreement, among Novelis PAE S.A.S. and LaSalle Business Credit, LLC, as funding agent, dated as of September 12, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).

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Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  10 .39   Joinder Agreement, among Bellona-Trading Internacional, Sociedad Unipessoal, LDA and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as administrative agent and as collateral agent, dated as of June 11, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .40   Joinder Agreement, among Novelis Services Limited, UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as administrative agent and as collateral agent, and LaSalle Business Credit, LLC, as funding agent and as collateral agent, dated as of July 16, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 29, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .41*   Novelis Long-Term Incentive Plan for Fiscal Years 2010 -- 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .42*   Novelis Annual Incentive Plan for Fiscal Year 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .43*   Form Change in Control Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .44*   Form Severance Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .45*   Termination of Employment Agreement between Novelis AG and Arnaud deWeert, dated June 26, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .46*   Change in Control Agreement between Novelis and Philip Martens, dated April 16, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .47*   Separation and Release Agreement between Novelis and Martha Brooks, dated May 8, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  10 .48*   Employment Agreement between Novelis Inc. and Antonio Tadeu Coelho Nardocci (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on September 9, 2009 (File No. 001-32312)).
  11 .1   Statement regarding computation of per share earnings (incorporated by reference to “Note 19 — Earnings per Share” to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements).
  12 .1   Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.†
  21 .1   List of subsidiaries of Novelis Inc.†
  23 .1   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
  23 .2   Consent of King & Spalding LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
  23 .3   Consent of Torys LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.2).
  23 .4   Consent of Lavery de Billy (included as part of Exhibit 5.3).
  23 .5   Consent of MacFarlanes (included as part of Exhibit 5.4).
  23 .6   Consent of Elvinger Dessoy Dennewald (included as part of Exhibit 5.5).
  23 .7   Consent of Ernst & Young Société d’Avocats (included as part of Exhibit 5.6).
  23 .8   Consent of Noerr Stiefenhofer Lutz (included as part of Exhibit 5.7).
  23 .9   Consent of CMS von Erlach Henrici AG (included as part of Exhibit 5.8).
  23 .10   Consent of A&L Goodbody (included as part of Exhibit 5.9).
  23 .11   Consent of Levy & Salomão Advogados (included as part of Exhibit 5.10).
  23 .12   Consent of Vieira de Almeida & Associados (included as part of Exhibit 5.11).
  24 .1   Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages to this Registration Statement)
  25 .1   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee of the Indenture.†
  99 .1   Form of Letter of Transmittal.
  99 .2   Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.†
 
 
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
** Confidential treatment requested for certain portions of this Exhibit, which portions have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
† Previously filed.

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