UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
Or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from            to            
Commission file number: 001-32312
Novelis Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 
Canada
 
98-0442987
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
 
3560 Lenox Road, Suite 2000
Atlanta, Georgia
 
30326
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Telephone: (404) 760-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The Registrant is a voluntary filer and is not subject to the filing requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. However, the Registrant has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files).     Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
¨
 
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
ý
 
Smaller reporting company
¨
Emerging growth company
¨
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨
As of November 1, 2018, the Registrant had 1,000 shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding. All of the Registrant’s outstanding shares were held indirectly by Hindalco Industries Ltd., the Registrant’s parent company.




Novelis Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 



2



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)

   
Novelis Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
(in millions)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net sales
$
3,136

 
$
2,794

 
$
6,233

 
$
5,463

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
2,657

 
2,354

 
5,248

 
4,610

Selling, general and administrative expenses
127

 
118

 
244

 
219

Depreciation and amortization
86

 
91

 
172

 
181

Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
68

 
64

 
134

 
128

Research and development expenses
17

 
16

 
32

 
31

Restructuring and impairment, net

 
7

 
1

 
8

Gain on sale of a business, net

 
(318
)
 

 
(318
)
Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
(1
)
 
1

 
(1
)
 
1

Other (income) expenses, net
(6
)
 
38

 
23

 
36

Business acquisition and other integration related costs
8

 

 
10

 


2,956

 
2,371

 
5,863

 
4,896

Income before income taxes
180

 
423

 
370

 
567

Income tax provision
64

 
116

 
117

 
159

Net income
116

 
307

 
253

 
408

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

Net income attributable to our common shareholder
$
116

 
$
307

 
$
253

 
$
408

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


3



Novelis Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)
(in millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
116

 
$
307

 
$
253

 
$
408

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment
(1
)
 
28

 
(118
)
 
91

Net change in fair value of effective portion of cash flow hedges
11

 
(41
)
 
(57
)
 
3

Net change in pension and other benefits
10

 
10

 
28

 
5

Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect
20

 
(3
)
 
(147
)
 
99

Income tax provision (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
5

 
(11
)
 
(9
)
 
4

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
15

 
8

 
(138
)
 
95

Comprehensive income
131

 
315

 
115

 
503

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
1

 
1

 
1

 

Comprehensive income attributable to our common shareholder
$
130

 
$
314

 
$
114

 
$
503

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



Novelis Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
(in millions, except number of shares)
 
September 30,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
829

 
$
920

Accounts receivable, net


 


— third parties (net of uncollectible accounts of $6 and $7 as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively)
1,419

 
1,353

— related parties
194

 
242

Inventories
1,748

 
1,560

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
169

 
125

Fair value of derivative instruments
87

 
159

Assets held for sale
5

 
5

Total current assets
4,451

 
4,364

Property, plant and equipment, net
3,254

 
3,110

Goodwill
607

 
607

Intangible assets, net
381

 
410

Investment in and advances to non–consolidated affiliates
817

 
849

Deferred income tax assets
84

 
75

Other long–term assets


 


— third parties
107

 
97

— related parties

 
3

Total assets
$
9,701

 
$
9,515

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY


 


Current liabilities


 


Current portion of long–term debt
$
83

 
$
121

Short–term borrowings
147

 
49

Accounts payable


 


— third parties
2,149

 
2,051

— related parties
184

 
205

Fair value of derivative instruments
77

 
106

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
565

 
591

Total current liabilities
3,205

 
3,123

Long–term debt, net of current portion
4,330

 
4,336

Deferred income tax liabilities
146

 
164

Accrued postretirement benefits
803

 
825

Other long–term liabilities
243

 
244

Total liabilities
8,727

 
8,692

Commitments and contingencies


 


Shareholder’s equity


 


Common stock, no par value; unlimited number of shares authorized;
1,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018

 

Additional paid–in capital
1,404

 
1,404

Accumulated equity (deficit)
22

 
(283
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(416
)
 
(261
)
Total equity of our common shareholder
1,010

 
860

Noncontrolling interests
(36
)
 
(37
)
Total equity
974

 
823

Total liabilities and equity
$
9,701

 
$
9,515

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



Novelis Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(in millions)
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income
$
253

 
$
408

Adjustments to determine net cash used in operating activities:

 

Depreciation and amortization
172

 
181

(Gain) loss on unrealized derivatives and other realized derivatives in investing activities, net
(8
)
 
12

Gain on sale of business

 
(318
)
Loss on sale of assets
2

 
2

Impairment charges

 
6

Deferred income taxes
21

 
47

Equity in net (gain) loss of non-consolidated affiliates
(1
)
 
1

Gain on foreign exchange remeasurement of debt

 
(2
)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and carrying value adjustments
9

 
10

Other, net

 
4

Changes in assets and liabilities including assets and liabilities held for sale (net of effects from divestitures):

 

Accounts receivable
(70
)
 
(316
)
Inventories
(237
)
 
(107
)
Accounts payable
141

 
163

Other current assets
(49
)
 
26

Other current liabilities
(20
)
 
(31
)
Other noncurrent assets
(10
)
 
(2
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
7

 
4

Net cash provided by operating activities
210

 
88

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

Capital expenditures
(114
)
 
(82
)
Acquisition of assets under a capital lease
(239
)
 

Proceeds from sales of assets, third party, net of transaction fees and hedging
2

 
1

Proceeds from the sale of a business

 
314

Proceeds from investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates, net
6

 
8

(Outflows) proceeds from the settlement of derivative instruments, net
(5
)
 
1

Other
7

 
6

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(343
)
 
248

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

Principal payments of long-term and short-term borrowings
(40
)
 
(64
)
Revolving credit facilities and other, net
103

 
88

Debt issuance costs
(2
)
 
(4
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
61

 
20

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(72
)
 
356

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(19
)
 
(1
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — beginning of period
932

 
604

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — end of period
$
841

 
$
959

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



Novelis Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDER'S (DEFICIT) EQUITY (unaudited)
(in millions, except number of shares)

 
 
(Deficit) Equity of our Common Shareholder
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
(Accumulated Deficit)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss (AOCI)
 
Non-
controlling Interests
 
Total (Deficit)/ Equity
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
Balance as of March 31, 2017
 
1,000

 
$

 
$
1,404

 
$
(918
)
 
$
(545
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(77
)
Net income attributable to our common shareholder
 

 

 

 
408

 

 

 
408

Currency translation adjustment included in AOCI
 

 

 

 

 
91

 

 
91

Change in fair value of effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax provision of $1 million included in AOCI
 

 

 

 

 
2

 

 
2

Change in pension and other benefits, net of tax provision of $3 million included in AOCI
 

 

 

 

 
2

 

 
2

Balance as of September 30, 2017
 
1,000

 
$

 
$
1,404

 
$
(510
)
 
$
(450
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
426


 
 
Equity of our Common Shareholder
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
(Accumulated Deficit)/Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss (AOCI)
 
Non-
controlling Interests
 
Total Equity
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
1,000

 
$

 
$
1,404

 
$
(283
)
 
$
(261
)
 
$
(37
)
 
$
823

Adoption of accounting standards updates
 

 

 

 
52

 
(16
)
 

 
36

Balance as of April 1, 2018
 
1,000

 

 
1,404

 
(231
)
 
(277
)
 
(37
)
 
859

Net income attributable to our common shareholder
 

 

 

 
253

 

 

 
253

Currency translation adjustment included in AOCI
 

 

 

 

 
(118
)
 

 
(118
)
Change in fair value of effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax benefit of $17 million included in AOCI
 

 

 

 

 
(40
)
 

 
(40
)
Change in pension and other benefits, net of tax provision of $8 million included in AOCI
 

 

 

 

 
19

 
1

 
20

Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
1,000

 
$

 
$
1,404

 
$
22

 
$
(416
)
 
$
(36
)
 
$
974




See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.


7

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. Hindalco acquired Novelis in May 2007. All of the common shares of Novelis are owned directly by AV Metals Inc. and indirectly by Hindalco.
Organization and Description of Business
Novelis is the leading producer of flat-rolled aluminum products and the world's largest recycler of aluminum. We work alongside our customers to provide innovative solutions to the beverage can, automotive and high-end specialty markets. Operating an integrated network of technically advanced rolling and recycling facilities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Novelis leverages its global manufacturing and recycling footprint to deliver consistent, high-quality products around the world. As of September 30, 2018, we had manufacturing operations in ten countries on four continents: North America, South America, Asia and Europe, through 24 operating facilities, including recycling operations in eleven of these plants.
The March 31, 2018 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). 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, 2018 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 8, 2018. Management believes that all adjustments necessary for the fair statement of results, consisting of normally recurring items, have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods presented.
Consolidation Policy
Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned subsidiaries over which we exercise control and 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 condensed consolidated 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 attributable to our common shareholder" includes our share of net income (loss) 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 condensed consolidated financial statements for consolidated entities, compared to a two-line presentation of "Investment in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates" and "Equity in net (income) loss of non-consolidated affiliates."
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. 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) impairment of long lived assets and other intangible assets; (4) impairment and assessment of consolidation of equity investments; (5) actuarial assumptions related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans; (6) tax uncertainties and valuation allowances; and (7) assessment of loss contingencies, including environmental and litigation liabilities. 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 condensed consolidated financial statements may 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.
Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
As of September 30, 2018, we identified a misclassification in previously reported "Deferred income tax assets" and "Other long-term liabilities" as of March 31, 2018 in the amount of $12 million, such that each of these balances was

8

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









understated by equal and offsetting amounts in our previous filings. The March 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet amounts and relevant disclosures reported in this 10-Q for the above referenced financial statement line items reflect the revised amounts. This misclassification also impacted previously reported fiscal 2018 financial statement line items contained within “Net cash provided by operating activities”, although no cash flow statement subtotal was impacted; current and deferred income tax expense and balances, as disclosed in Note 18 - Income Taxes of our Form 10-K; and relevant amounts disclosed in Note 20 - Segment, Geographical Area, Major Customer and Major Supplier Information of our Form 10-K. Revisions to the fiscal 2018 consolidated statement of cash flows, and Note 18 and 20 disclosures, will be made in connection with the issuance of our Form 10-K as of and for the year ended March 31, 2019.

We assessed the materiality of the misstatement and concluded that it was not material to the Company's previously issued financial statements and that amendments of previously filed reports were therefore not required. However, we elected to revise the previously reported amounts as described above. 
Reclassification
Certain prior period amounts have been adjusted as a result of the adoption of new accounting standards.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Effective for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we early adopted ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework - Change to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modified the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820 including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments relate to changes in disclosures on unrealized gains and losses, the disclosure of the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty were applied prospectively, where applicable. Due to the immateriality of the electricity swap which is our only Level 3 derivative contract, the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and all the related amendments which supersedes the standard in former ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. The new standard requires entities to recognize revenue based on the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for these goods or services. We adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective transition approach. We determined that our existing revenue recognition practices were in compliance with Topic 606. Accordingly, there was no cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the condensed consolidated balance sheet in the first quarter of 2018, as the adoption did not result in a change to our timing of revenue recognition. See Note 2 — Revenue from Contracts with Customers for additional disclosures related to the adoption of this standard. The adoption of this standard does not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This standard provides an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to retained earnings due to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate change in the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”). This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted.  Additionally, the ASU requires new disclosures by all companies. Other than those effects related to the Act, the Company releases the income tax effect from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") in the period when the underlying transaction impacts earnings. We early adopted this accounting standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and reclassified $16 million into retained earnings of our common shareholder from AOCI. This reclassification consists of deferred taxes originally recorded in AOCI at rates that exceed the newly enacted U.S. federal corporate tax rate. There was no impact to net income.

9

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This update was issued primarily to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new standard requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the “other components”) and present the other components within non-operating income and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the results of operations and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, the new standard requires entities to disclose the results of operations line items that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. We adopted this standard on a retrospective basis and utilized the practical expedient. As a result, we reclassified the net periodic benefit cost, exclusive of service cost, to "Other (income) expenses, net" for the comparative periods. We reclassified, with no impact to net income, net periodic benefit cost totaling $13 million ($7 million from "Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)" and $6 million from "Selling, general and administrative expenses") for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $23 million ($12 million from "Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization") and $11 million from "Selling, general and administrative expenses") for the six months ended September 30, 2017 into "Other (income) expenses, net".
Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) -Restricted Cash. The new standard requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Transfers between restricted cash and cash and cash equivalents will no longer be presented in the operating section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. We adopted this standard on a retrospective basis and disclose the nature of the restrictions for material balances of restricted cash.

Amounts included in restricted cash largely represent those required to be set aside for employee benefits. The following table reconciles cash and cash equivalents as reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Prior period amounts have been adjusted to conform to the current period presentation.

 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$
829

 
$
920

Restricted cash (included in "Other long-term assets")
12

 
12

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
841

 
$
932

Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. The new standard eliminates the exception for all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory. It requires the tax effect of intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory to be recognized currently which will impact Novelis’ effective tax rate.  The changes require the current and deferred income tax consequences of the intra-entity transfer to be recorded when the transaction occurs. We have adopted this standard on a modified retrospective basis and the cumulative effect of the change on retained earnings is $36 million with a corresponding impact to deferred tax balances.
Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The new standard applies to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230 and addresses eight specific cash flow items to provide clarification and reduce the diversity in presentation of these items. We adopted this standard on a retrospective basis and we reclassified the cash received related to beneficial interest in certain factored accounts receivables from operating activities to investing activities.  For the six months ended September 30, 2017, we reclassified $6 million from accounts receivable within operating activities into the line item "Other" within investing activities on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.


10

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software (Topic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that Is a Service Contract, which requires capitalization of implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. This change will better align with requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected. These changes become effective for Novelis on April 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which amends ASC 715 to add, remove and clarify requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The ASU added requirements for new disclosures such as now requiring a narrative description of the reasons for significant gains and losses affecting the benefit obligation for the period and also an explanation of any other significant changes in the benefit obligation or plan assets that are not otherwise apparent in the other disclosures required by ASC 715. Further, the ASU removes some currently required disclosures such as (a) the requirement (for public entities) to disclose the effects of a one-percentage-point change on the assumed health care costs and the effect of this change in rates on service cost, interest cost, and the benefit obligation for postretirement health care benefits and (b) the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income "OCI" expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs over the next fiscal year. These changes become effective for Novelis for fiscal year ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. As amended, the goodwill impairment test will consist of one step comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Under the simplified model, a goodwill impairment is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Early adoption is permitted. These changes become effective for Novelis on April 1, 2020. This standard will need to be considered each time Novelis performs an assessment of goodwill for impairment under the quantitative test. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard and does not expect that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which when effective, will require organizations that lease assets to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by the leases on balance sheet. A lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with terms that exceed twelve months. The standard will also require disclosures to help investors and financial statement users better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Novelis has established a cross-functional project team to lead the implementation effort including the implementation of an enterprise-wise lease management system and evaluation of additional changes to our processes and internal controls. In addition, Novelis is evaluating certain practical expedients. These changes become effective for Novelis on April 1, 2019 for the annual reporting period (including interim periods therein). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard.

11

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









2.    REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The Company's contracts with customers are comprised of purchase orders along with standard terms and conditions. These contracts with customers typically consist of the manufacture of products which represent single performance obligations that are satisfied upon transfer of control of the product to the customer at a point in time. Transfer of control is assessed based on alternative use of the products we produce and our enforceable right to payment for performance to date under the contract terms. Transfer of control and revenue recognition generally occur upon shipment or delivery of the product, which is when title, ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer and is based on the applicable shipping terms. The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product, the country of origin, and the type of transportation (truck, train, or vessel). The length of payment terms can vary per contract but none extend beyond one year. Revenue is recognized net of any volume rebates or other incentives.
We disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers on a geographic basis based on our segment view. This disaggregation also achieves the disclosure objective to depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. We manage our activities on the basis of geographical regions and are organized under four operating segments: North America, South America, Asia and Europe. See Note 16 — Segment, Major Customer and Major Supplier Information for further information about our segment revenue.






12

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









3.    INVENTORIES
"Inventories" consist of the following (in millions). 
 
September 30,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
Finished goods
$
411

 
$
416

Work in process
823

 
730

Raw materials
346

 
248

Supplies
168

 
166

Inventories
$
1,748

 
$
1,560



13

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









4.    CONSOLIDATION
Variable Interest Entities (VIE)
We have a joint interest in Logan Aluminum Inc. (Logan) with Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc. (Tri-Arrows). Logan processes metal received from Novelis and Tri-Arrows and charges the respective partner a fee to cover expenses. Logan is a thinly capitalized variable interest entity ("VIE") that relies on the regular reimbursement of costs and expenses from its investors, Novelis and Tri-Arrows, to fund its operations. Novelis is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates Logan since it has the power to direct the production operations and other activities that most significantly impact Logan's economic performance, an obligation to absorb expected losses and the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant.

Other than the contractually required reimbursements, we do not provide other material support to Logan. Logan's creditors do not have recourse to our general credit. There are significant other assets used in the operations of Logan that are not part of the joint venture, as they are directly owned and consolidated by Novelis or Tri-Arrows.

The following table summarizes the carrying value and classification of assets and liabilities owned by the Logan joint venture and consolidated in our condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
 
September 30,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
$
16

 
$
39

Inventories
73

 
67

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1

 
1

Total current assets
90

 
107

Property, plant and equipment, net
25

 
27

Goodwill
12

 
12

Deferred income taxes
67

 
67

Other long-term assets
34

 
26

Total assets
$
228

 
$
239

Liabilities
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
36

 
$
43

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
19

 
22

Total current liabilities
55

 
65

Accrued postretirement benefits
241

 
245

Other long-term liabilities
1

 
1

Total liabilities
$
297

 
$
311

 

14

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









5.
INVESTMENT IN AND ADVANCES TO NON-CONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    
Included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are transactions and balances arising from business we conducted with our equity method non-consolidated affiliates, which we classify as related party transactions and balances. We account for these affiliates using the equity method as the risk of loss is limited to the carrying value of each investment.

Alunorf
Aluminum Norf GmbH (Alunorf) is a joint venture investment between Novelis Deutschland GmbH, a subsidiary of Novelis, and Hydro Aluminum Deutschland GmbH (Hydro). Each of the parties to the joint venture hold a 50% interest in the equity, profits and losses, shareholder voting, management control and rights to use the production capacity of the facility. Alunorf purchases aluminum from Novelis and Hydro, tolls the aluminum, and charges the respective partner a fee to cover the associated expenses.

UAL
Ulsan Aluminum, Ltd. (UAL) is a joint venture investment between Novelis Korea Ltd., a subsidiary of Novelis, and Kobe Steel Ltd. (Kobe). UAL is a thinly capitalized VIE that relies on the regular reimbursement of costs and expenses from its investors, Novelis and Kobe. UAL is ultimately controlled by the Board of Directors and neither entity has the ability to take the majority share of production and associated costs, therefore, it is accounted for as an equity method investment and Novelis is not considered the primary beneficiary. UAL produces flat rolled aluminum products exclusively for Novelis and Kobe. As of September 30, 2018, Novelis and Kobe both hold 50% interests in UAL.

AluInfra

In July 2018, Novelis Switzerland SA (Novelis Switzerland), a subsidiary of Novelis, entered into definitive agreements with Constellium Valais SA (Constellium), an unrelated party, under which Novelis Switzerland and Constellium will jointly own and operate AluInfra Services SA (AluInfra), the joint venture investment. Each of the parties to the joint venture hold a 50% interest in the equity, profits and losses, shareholder voting, management control and rights to use the production capacity of the facility.

The following table summarizes the results of operations of our equity method affiliates, and the nature and amounts of significant transactions we have with our non-consolidated affiliates (in millions). The amounts in the table below are disclosed at 100% of the operating results of these affiliates.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net sales
$
332

 
$
124

 
$
650

 
$
241

Costs, expenses
327

 
126

 
642

 
242

Provision for taxes on income
2

 

 
3

 

Net income (loss)
$
3

 
$
(2
)
 
$
5

 
$
(1
)
Purchases of tolling services from Alunorf (Novelis' share)
$
65

 
$
63

 
$
129

 
$
121


The following table describes the period-end account balances that we had with these non-consolidated affiliates, shown as related party balances in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions). We had no other material related party balances with these affiliates.
 
September 30,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
Accounts receivable-related parties
$
194

 
$
242

Other long-term assets-related parties
$

 
$
3

Accounts payable-related parties
$
184

 
$
205



15

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









As of March 31, 2018, we earned less than $1 million of interest income on this loan receivable. We believed collection of the full receivable from Alunorf was probable; thus no allowance for loan loss was recorded as of March 31, 2018.

We have guaranteed the indebtedness for a credit facility on behalf of Alunorf. The guarantee is limited to 50% of the outstanding debt, not to exceed 6 million euros (EUR). As of September 30, 2018, there were no amounts outstanding under our guarantee with Alunorf as there were no outstanding borrowings. We have also guaranteed the payment of early retirement benefits on behalf of Alunorf. As of September 30, 2018, this guarantee totaled $2 million.

Transactions with Hindalco
We occasionally have related party transactions with our indirect parent company, Hindalco. During the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, “Net sales” were less than $1 million, respectively, between Novelis and Hindalco. As of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, there were less than $1 million in "Accounts receivable, net - related parties", respectively, outstanding related to transactions with Hindalco. During the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, Novelis purchased less than $1 million of raw materials from Hindalco.


16

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









6.    DEBT
Debt consisted of the following (in millions).
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
Interest
Rates (A)
 
Principal
 
Unamortized
Carrying  Value
Adjustments (B)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Principal
 
Unamortized
Carrying  Value
Adjustments (B)
 
Carrying
Value
Third party debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
2.12
%
 
$
147

 
$

 
$
147

 
$
49

 
$

 
$
49

Novelis Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floating rate Term Loan Facility, due June 2022
4.24
%
 
1,769

 
(39
)
 
1,730

 
1,778

 
(43
)
 
1,735

Novelis Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.875% Senior Notes, due September 2026
5.875
%
 
1,500

 
(20
)
 
1,480

 
1,500

 
(21
)
 
1,479

6.25% Senior Notes, due August 2024
6.25
%
 
1,150

 
(15
)
 
1,135

 
1,150

 
(17
)
 
1,133

Novelis Korea Limited
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank loans, due through September 2020 (KRW 71 billion)
2.74
%
 
65

 

 
65

 
95

 

 
95

Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations and other debt, due through December 2026
6.09
%
 
3

 

 
3

 
15

 

 
15

Total debt
 
 
4,634

 
(74
)
 
4,560

 
4,587

 
(81
)
 
4,506

Less: Short term borrowings
 
 
(147
)
 

 
(147
)
 
(49
)
 

 
(49
)
Less: Current portion of long term debt
 
 
(83
)
 

 
(83
)
 
(121
)
 

 
(121
)
Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
 
$
4,404

 
$
(74
)
 
$
4,330

 
$
4,417

 
$
(81
)
 
$
4,336

_________________________
(A)
Interest rates are the stated rates of interest on the debt instrument (not the effective interest rate) as of September 30, 2018, and therefore, exclude the effects of related interest rate swaps and accretion/amortization of fair value adjustments as a result of purchase accounting in connection with Hindalco's purchase of Novelis and accretion/amortization of debt issuance costs related to refinancing transactions and additional borrowings. We present stated rates of interest because they reflect the rate at which cash will be paid for future debt service.
(B)
Amounts include unamortized debt issuance costs, fair value adjustments and debt discounts.






17

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









Principal repayment requirements for our total debt over the next five years and thereafter using exchange rates as of September 30, 2018 (for our debt denominated in foreign currencies) are as follows (in millions).
As of September 30, 2018
Amount
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt due within one year
$
230

2 years
20

3 years
19

4 years
1,715

5 years

Thereafter
2,650

Total
$
4,634

Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended March 31, 2018 for details on the issuances and respective covenants of our senior notes and senior secured credit facilities, which includes the Term Loan Facility and ABL Revolver facility.
    
Senior Notes
As of September 30, 2018, we were in compliance with the covenants for our Senior Notes.
Term Loan Facility

In September 2017, we amended our Term Loan Credit Agreement (the "Term Loan Amendment"). The facility (Term Loan Facility) consists of a $1.8 billion five-year secured term loan. As of September 30, 2018, $18 million of the Term Loan Facility is due within one year. As of September 30, 2018, we were in compliance with the covenants for our term loan.

Short-Term Borrowings

In September 2017, we amended and extended the ABL Revolver. The facility (ABL Revolver) consists of a $1 billion asset based loan. As of September 30, 2018, there were $105 million in Novelis AG ABL borrowings (EUR 90 million). Additionally, as of September 30, 2018, $8 million of the ABL Revolver was utilized for letters of credit, and we had $793 million in remaining availability under the ABL Revolver. As of September 30, 2018, we were in compliance with the covenants for our ABL Revolver.     
    
As of September 30, 2018, our short-term borrowings were $147 million consisting of $105 million in ABL borrowings (EUR 90 million), $41 million in Novelis China loans (CNY 284 million) and $1 million in other short-term borrowings.
As of September 30, 2018, we had availability under our Novelis Korea and Novelis China revolving credit facilities and credit lines of $107 million (KRW 120 billion) and $6 million (CNY 41 million), respectively.

Korean Bank Loans
All of the Korean Bank Loans have variable interest rates with base rates generally tied to Korea's 91-day CD rate plus an applicable spread ranging from 0.99% to 1.21%.
Interest Rate Swaps
We use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to changes in benchmark interest rates which impact our variable-rate debt. See Note 10 — Financial Instruments and Commodity Contracts for further information about these interest rate swaps.

18

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









7.    SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
During the six months ended September 30, 2018, we granted 2,249,762 RSUs and 2,359,601 Hindalco stock appreciation rights (Hindalco SARs). Total compensation expense related to all plans for the respective periods was $12 million and $14 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, the outstanding liability related to share-based compensation was $18 million.    
The cash payments made to settle all SAR liabilities were $4 million and $7 million in the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 periods, respectively. Total cash payments made to settle Hindalco phantom restricted stock units (RSUs) were $14 million and $8 million in the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested Hindalco SARs (assuming all future performance criteria are met) was $7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the RSUs was $9 million, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.2 years.
For a further description of authorized long term incentive plans (LTIPs), including Hindalco SARs, RSUs, and Novelis Performance Units, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.






19

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









8.    POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Components of net periodic benefit cost for all of our postretirement benefit plans are shown in the table below (in millions).
 
Pension Benefit Plans
 
Other Benefit Plans
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
$
10

 
$
11

 
$
2

 
$
1

Interest cost
15

 
15

 
2

 
3

Expected return on assets
(16
)
 
(16
)
 

 

Amortization — losses, net
8

 
9

 
1

 

Termination benefits / curtailments

 
2

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (A)
$
17

 
$
21

 
$
5

 
$
4

 
 
Pension Benefit Plans
 
Other Benefit Plans
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
$
20

 
$
22

 
$
4

 
$
3

Interest cost
30

 
30

 
4

 
4

Expected return on assets
(32
)
 
(32
)
 

 

Amortization — losses, net
16

 
18

 
2

 
1

Termination benefits / curtailments

 
2

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (A)
$
34

 
$
40

 
$
10

 
$
8

_________________________
(A) Service cost is included within "Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)" and "Selling, general and administrative expenses" and all other cost components are recorded within "Other (income) expenses, net".

The average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 5.2% in fiscal 2019.
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 and Brazil. We contributed the following amounts (in millions) to all plans.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Funded pension plans
$
14

 
$
31

 
$
16

 
$
34

Unfunded pension plans
3

 
4

 
6

 
7

Savings and defined contribution pension plans
7

 
6

 
16

 
14

Total contributions
$
24

 
$
41

 
$
38

 
$
55

During the remainder of fiscal 2019, we expect to contribute an additional $10 million to our funded pension plans, $8 million to our unfunded pension plans and $12 million to our savings and defined contribution pension plans.


20

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









9.    CURRENCY GAINS
The following currency (gains) losses are included in “Other (income) expenses, net” in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions).
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Gain on remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities, net
$

 
$
(10
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
(39
)
Loss recognized on balance sheet remeasurement currency exchange contracts, net

 
9

 
6

 
39

Currency gains, net
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$

The following currency gains (losses) are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss," net of tax and “Noncontrolling interests” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions).
 
Six Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Year Ended March 31, 2018
 
Cumulative currency translation adjustment — beginning of period
$
(65
)
 
$
(256
)
Effect of changes in exchange rates
(118
)
 
191

Cumulative currency translation adjustment — end of period
$
(183
)
 
$
(65
)


21

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









10.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND COMMODITY CONTRACTS
The following tables summarize the gross fair values of our financial instruments and commodity contracts as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018 (in millions).
 
September 30, 2018
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Net Fair Value

 
Current
 
Noncurrent (A)
 
Current
 
Noncurrent (A)
 
Assets / (Liabilities)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metal contracts
$
22

 
$

 
$
(7
)
 
$

 
$
15

Currency exchange contracts
3

 
1

 
(23
)
 
(4
)
 
(23
)
Energy contracts

 

 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(6
)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
25

 
1

 
(31
)
 
(9
)
 
(14
)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metal contracts
42

 

 
(26
)
 

 
16

Currency exchange contracts
18

 
2

 
(20
)
 

 

Energy contracts
2

 

 

 

 
2

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
62

 
2

 
(46
)
 

 
18

Total derivative fair value
$
87

 
$
3

 
$
(77
)
 
$
(9
)
 
$
4

 

 
March 31, 2018
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Net Fair Value

 
Current
 
Noncurrent (A)
 
Current
 
Noncurrent(A)
 
Assets / (Liabilities)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metal contracts
$
63

 
$
1

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
63

Currency exchange contracts
5

 

 
(7
)
 

 
(2
)
Energy contracts

 
1

 
(2
)
 
(7
)
 
(8
)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
68

 
2

 
(10
)
 
(7
)
 
53

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metal contracts
75

 

 
(64
)
 

 
11

Currency exchange contracts
15

 

 
(32
)
 
(1
)
 
(18
)
Energy contracts
1

 

 

 

 
1

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
91

 

 
(96
)
 
(1
)
 
(6
)
Total derivative fair value
$
159

 
$
2

 
$
(106
)
 
$
(8
)
 
$
47

 
_________________________
(A)
The noncurrent portions of derivative assets and liabilities are included in “Other long-term assets-third parties” and in “Other long-term liabilities”, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

22

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









Metal
We use derivative instruments to preserve our conversion margins and manage the timing differences associated with metal price lag. We use over-the-counter derivatives indexed to the London Metals Exchange ("LME") (referred to as our "aluminum derivative forward contracts") to reduce our exposure to fluctuating metal prices associated with the period of time between the pricing of our purchases of inventory and the pricing of the sale of that inventory to our customers, which is known as metal price lag. We also purchase forward LME aluminum contracts simultaneously with our sales contracts with customers that contain fixed metal prices. These LME aluminum forward contracts directly hedge the economic risk of future metal price fluctuations to better match the selling price of the metal with the purchase price of the metal. The volatility in local market premiums also results in metal price lag.
Price risk exposure arises from commitments to sell aluminum in future periods at fixed prices. We identify and designate certain LME aluminum forward contracts as fair value hedges of the metal price risk associated with fixed price sales commitments that qualify as firm commitments. We did not have any outstanding aluminum forward purchase contracts designated as fair value hedges as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018.

Price risk arises due to fluctuating aluminum prices between the time the sales order is committed and the time the order is shipped. We identify and designate certain LME aluminum forward purchase contracts as cash flow hedges of the metal price risk associated with our future metal purchases that vary based on changes in the price of aluminum. We did not have any outstanding aluminum forward purchase contracts designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018.
Price risk exposure arises due to the timing lag between the LME based pricing of raw material aluminum purchases and the LME based pricing of finished product sales. We identify and designate certain LME aluminum forward sales contracts as cash flow hedges of the metal price risk associated with our future metal sales that vary based on changes in the price of aluminum. Generally, such exposures do not extend beyond two years in length. The average duration of undesignated contracts is less than one year.
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, we entered into LME copper forward contracts. As of September 30, 2018, the fair value of these contracts was an asset of less than $1 million. These contracts are undesignated with an average duration of less than one year.
The following table summarizes our metal notional amounts (in kt).
 
September 30,
2018
 
March 31,
2018
Hedge type
 
 
 
Purchase (sale)
 
 
 
Cash flow sales
(421
)
 
(423
)
Not designated
(48
)
 
(74
)
Total, net
(469
)
 
(497
)
Foreign Currency
We use foreign exchange forward contracts, cross-currency swaps and options 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 operations.
We use foreign currency contracts to hedge expected future foreign currency transactions, which include capital expenditures. These contracts cover the same periods as known or expected exposures. We had total notional amounts of $691 million and $499 million in outstanding foreign currency forwards designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.
We use foreign currency contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposure to our net investment in foreign subsidiaries. We did not have any outstanding foreign currency forwards designated as net investment hedges as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018.

23

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









As of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, we had outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts with a total notional amount of $733 million and $1,024 million, respectively, to primarily hedge balance sheet remeasurement risk, which were not designated as hedges. Contracts representing the majority of this notional amount will mature during the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and offset the remeasurement impact.
Energy
We own an interest in an electricity swap contract to hedge our exposure to fluctuating electricity prices. As of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, there was 1 million of notional megawatt hours outstanding, and the fair value of the swap was a liability of $3 million and $7 million, respectively. The electricity swap is designated as a cash flow hedge.
We use natural gas forward purchase contracts ("forward contracts") to manage our exposure to fluctuating natural gas prices in North America. We had a notional of 18 million MMBTUs designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2018, and the fair value was a liability of $3 million. There was a notional of 20 million MMBTU forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2018 and the fair value was a liability of $1 million. The average duration of designated contracts is three years. As of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, we had notionals of less than 1 million MMBTU forward contracts that were not designated as hedges. The fair value for the forward contracts not designated as hedges as of September 30, 2018 was an asset of less than $1 million, and as of March 31, 2018 was a liability of less than $1 million. The average duration of undesignated contracts is less than 2 years in length. One MMBTU is the equivalent of one decatherm, or one million British Thermal Units.
We use diesel fuel forward contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuating fuel prices in North America, which were not designated as hedges as of September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, we had 5 million gallons of diesel fuel forward purchase contracts outstanding. The fair value as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018 was an asset of $2 million. The average duration of undesignated contracts is less than 2 years in length.
Interest Rate
As of September 30, 2018, we had no outstanding interest rate swaps, as all swaps expired concurrent with the maturity of the related loans. As of March 31, 2018, $28 million (KRW 30 billion) of interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges.
















24

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)










Gain (Loss) Recognition
The following table summarizes the gains (losses) associated with the change in fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedges and the ineffectiveness of designated derivatives recognized in “Other (income) expenses, net” (in millions). Gains (losses) recognized in other line items in the condensed consolidated statement of operations are separately disclosed within this footnote.  
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metal contracts
$
10

 
$
(12
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
2

Currency exchange contracts
1

 
(11
)
 
(9
)
 
(49
)
Energy contracts (A)
3

 
2

 
5

 
3

Gain (loss) recognized in "Other (income) expenses, net"
14

 
(21
)
 
(10
)
 
(44
)
Derivative instruments designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss recognized in "Other (income) expenses, net" (B)

 
(12
)
 

 
(7
)
Total gain (loss) recognized in "Other (income) expenses, net"
$
14

 
$
(33
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(51
)
Balance sheet remeasurement currency exchange contract losses
$

 
$
(9
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
(39
)
Realized gains (losses), net
13

 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(10
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on other derivative instruments, net
1

 
(18
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Total gain (loss) recognized in "Other (income) expenses, net"
$
14

 
$
(33
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(51
)
 _________________________
(A)
Includes amounts related to diesel and natural gas swaps not designated as hedges.
(B)
Amount includes: forward market premium/discount excluded from hedging relationship and ineffectiveness on designated aluminum and foreign currency capital expenditure contracts; releases to income from AOCI on balance sheet remeasurement contracts.
The following table summarizes the impact on AOCI and earnings of derivative instruments designated as cash flow and net investment hedges (in millions). Within the next twelve months, we expect to reclassify $12 million of gains from AOCI to earnings, before taxes.
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in “Other  (Income) Expenses, net” 
(Ineffective and
Excluded Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in “Other (Income)  Expenses, net” 
(Ineffective and
Excluded Portion)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
Cash flow hedging derivatives
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Metal contracts
 
$
29

 
$
(52
)
 
$
(36
)
 
$
(23
)
 
$

 
$
(14
)
 
$

 
$
(9
)
Currency exchange contracts
 

 
4

 
(35
)
 
(7
)
 

 
1

 

 
1

Energy contracts
 
1

 

 
1

 
(2
)
 

 
1

 

 
1

Total cash flow hedging derivatives
 
$
30

 
$
(48
)
 
$
(70
)
 
$
(32
)
 
$

 
$
(12
)
 
$

 
$
(7
)

25

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









Gain (Loss) Reclassification
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income/(Expense) (Effective Portion) Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income/(Expense) (Effective Portion) Six Months Ended September 30,
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI into
Earnings
Cash flow hedging derivatives
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Energy contracts (A)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
 
Cost of goods sold (B)
Metal contracts
 

 
(11
)
 

 
(43
)
 
Cost of goods sold (B)
Metal contracts
 
27

 

 

 

 
Net sales
Currency exchange contracts
 
(5
)
 
4

 
(7
)
 
7

 
Cost of goods sold (B)
Currency exchange contracts
 
(1
)
 
1

 
(1
)
 
1

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Currency exchange contracts
 
(2
)
 

 
(3
)
 
2

 
Net sales
Currency exchange contracts
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
Depreciation and amortization
Total
 
18

 
(7
)
 
(13
)
 
(35
)
 
Income (loss) before taxes
 
 
(6
)
 
2

 
2

 
12

 
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
 
$
12

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
(23
)
 
Net gain (loss)
_________________________
(A)
Includes amounts related to electricity and natural gas swaps.
(B)
"Cost of goods sold" is exclusive of depreciation and amortization.

The following tables summarize the location and amount of gains (losses) that were reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings (in millions). The amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 were less than $1 million.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Net Sales
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Depreciation and Amortization
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metal commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of gain reclassified from AOCI into income
$
27

 
$

 
$

 
$

Energy commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income
$
(2
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
 
Six Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Net Sales
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Depreciation and Amortization
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metal commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of gain reclassified from AOCI into income
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Energy commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI into income
$
(3
)
 
$
(7
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)

26

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









11.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The following tables summarize the change in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax and excluding "Noncontrolling interests", for the periods presented (in millions).
 
 
Currency Translation
 
(A) Cash Flow Hedges
 
(B)
Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2018
 
$
(182
)
 
$
(21
)
 
$
(227
)
 
$
(430
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(1
)
 
21

 
(1
)
 
19

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net
 

 
(12
)
 
7

 
(5
)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(1
)
 
9

 
6

 
14

Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
$
(183
)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
(221
)
 
$
(416
)
 
 
Currency Translation
 
(A) Cash Flow Hedges
 
(B)
Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Total
Balance as of June 30, 2017
 
$
(193
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(246
)
 
$
(457
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
28

 
(31
)
 
6

 
3

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net
 

 
5

 
(1
)
 
4

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
28

 
(26
)
 
5

 
7

Balance as of September 30, 2017
 
$
(165
)
 
$
(44
)
 
$
(241
)
 
$
(450
)

 
 
Currency Translation
 
(A) Cash Flow Hedges
 
(B)
Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Total
Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
(65
)
 
$
31

 
$
(227
)
 
$
(261
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net - due to adoption of accounting standard updates
 

 
(3
)
 
(13
)
 
(16
)
Balance as of April 1, 2018
 
(65
)
 
28

 
(240
)
 
(277
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(118
)
 
(51
)
 
5

 
(164
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net
 

 
11

 
14

 
25

Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(118
)
 
(40
)
 
19

 
(139
)
Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
$
(183
)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
(221
)
 
$
(416
)

 
 
Currency Translation
 
(A) Cash Flow Hedges
 
(B)
Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Total
Balance as of March 31, 2017
 
$
(256
)
 
$
(46
)
 
$
(243
)
 
$
(545
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
91

 
(21
)
 
(4
)
 
66

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net
 

 
23

 
6

 
29

Net current-period other comprehensive income
 
91

 
2

 
2

 
95

Balance as of September 30, 2017
 
$
(165
)
 
$
(44
)
 
$
(241
)
 
$
(450
)
 _________________________
(A)
For additional information on our cash flow hedges, see Note 10 — Financial Instruments and Commodity Contracts.
(B)
For additional information on our postretirement benefit plans, see Note 8 — Postretirement Benefit Plans.


    


27

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









12.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We record certain assets and liabilities, primarily derivative instruments, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We also disclose the fair value of certain financial instruments, including debt and loans receivable, which are not recorded at fair value. Our objective in measuring fair value is to estimate an exit price in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We consider factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and nonperformance risk, including our own nonperformance risk, in measuring fair value. We use observable market inputs wherever possible. To the extent observable market inputs are not available, our fair value measurements will reflect the assumptions we used. We grade the level of the inputs and assumptions used according to a three-tier hierarchy:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities 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.
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 derivative contracts with fair values based upon trades in liquid markets, such as aluminum, foreign exchange, natural gas and diesel fuel 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 with observable market inputs as their basis, such as time value, forward interest rates, volatility factors, and current (spot) and forward market prices. We generally classify these instruments within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Such derivatives include interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, foreign currency contracts, aluminum and copper forward contracts, natural gas and diesel fuel forward contracts.
We classify derivative contracts that are valued based on models with significant unobservable market inputs as Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Our electricity swap, which is our only Level 3 derivative contract, represents an agreement to buy electricity at a fixed price at our Oswego, New York facility. Forward prices are not observable for this market, so we must make certain assumptions based on available information we believe to be relevant to market participants. We use observable forward prices for a geographically nearby market and adjust for 1) historical spreads between the cash prices of the two markets, and 2) historical spreads between retail and wholesale prices.
For the electricity swap, the average forward price at September 30, 2018, estimated using the method described above, was $43 per megawatt hour, which represented a $3 premium over forward prices in the nearby observable market. The actual rate from the most recent swap settlement was approximately $42 per megawatt hour. Each $1 per megawatt hour decline in price decreases the valuation of the electricity swap by $1 million.
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). We regularly monitor these factors along with significant market inputs and assumptions used in our fair value measurements and evaluate the level of the valuation input according to the fair value hierarchy.  This may result in a transfer between levels in the hierarchy from period to period. As of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, we did not have any Level 1 derivative contracts. No amounts were transferred between levels in the fair value hierarchy.
All of the Company's derivative instruments are carried at fair value in the statements of financial position prior to considering master netting agreements.



28

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









The following table presents our derivative assets and liabilities which were measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis and classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018 (in millions). The table below also discloses the net fair value of the derivative instruments after considering the impact of master netting agreements.
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Level 2 instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Metal contracts
$
64

 
$
(33
)
 
$
139

 
$
(65
)
Currency exchange contracts
24

 
(47
)
 
20

 
(40
)
Energy contracts
2

 
(3
)
 
2

 
(2
)
Total level 2 instruments
$
90

 
$
(83
)
 
$
161

 
$
(107
)
Level 3 instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy contracts

 
(3
)
 

 
(7
)
Total level 3 instruments

 
(3
)
 

 
(7
)
Total gross
$
90

 
$
(86
)
 
$
161

 
$
(114
)
Netting adjustment (A)
$
(33
)
 
$
33

 
$
(57
)
 
$
57

Total net
$
57

 
$
(53
)
 
$
104

 
$
(57
)
 _________________________
(A)
Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle positive and negative positions with the same counterparties.
We recognized unrealized gains of $1 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018 related to Level 3 financial instruments that were still held as of September 30, 2018. These unrealized gains were included in “Other (income) expenses, net.”
The following table presents a reconciliation of fair value activity for Level 3 derivative contracts (in millions).
 
Level 3  –
Derivative Instruments (A)
Balance as of March 31, 2018
$
(7
)
Unrealized/realized gain included in earnings (B)
4

Unrealized gain included in AOCI (C)
3

Settlements (B)
(3
)
Balance as of September 30, 2018
$
(3
)
_________________________
(A)
Represents net derivative liabilities.
(B)
Included in “Other (income) expenses, net.”
(C)
Included in "Net change in fair value of effective portion of cash flow hedges."

29

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
The table below presents the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions). The table excludes short-term financial assets and liabilities for which we believe carrying value approximates fair value. We value long-term receivables and long-term debt using Level 2 inputs. Valuations are based on either market and/or broker ask prices when available or on a standard credit adjusted discounted cash flow model using market observable inputs.
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term receivables from related parties
$

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
3

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt — third parties (excluding short-term borrowings)
$
4,413

 
$
4,509

 
$
4,457

 
$
4,569


30

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









13.    OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES, NET
Other (income) expenses, net” is comprised of the following (in millions).
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Currency gains, net (A)
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$

Unrealized (gains) losses on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net (B)
(1
)
 
18

 
3

 
2

Realized (gains) losses on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net (B)
(13
)
 
6

 
1

 
10

(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
(1
)
 
1

 
2

 
2

Loss on Brazilian tax litigation, net
1

 
1

 
1

 
2

Interest income
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 
(4
)
Non-operating net periodic benefit cost (C)
8

 
13

 
16

 
23

Other, net
2

 
2

 
5

 
1

Other (income) expenses, net
$
(6
)
 
$
38

 
$
23

 
$
36

 _________________________
(A)
See Note 9 — Currency Gains for further details.
(B)
See Note 10 — Financial Instruments and Commodity Contracts for further details.
(C)
Represents net periodic benefit cost, exclusive of service cost for the Company's pension and other post-retirement plans. For further details, refer to Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.






 

31

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









14.    INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the Canadian statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate was as follows (in millions, except percentages).
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Pre-tax income before equity in net loss of non-consolidated affiliates and noncontrolling interests
$
180

 
$
424

 
$
369

 
$
568

Canadian statutory tax rate
25
%
 
25
%
 
25
%
 
25
%
Provision at the Canadian statutory rate
$
45

 
$
106

 
$
92

 
$
142

Increase (decrease) for taxes on income (loss) resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Exchange translation items
7

 
3

 
10

 
6

Exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes
(3
)
 
3

 
(10
)
 

Change in valuation allowances
8

 
1

 
12

 
3

Tax credits
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(6
)
 
(7
)
(Income) expense items not subject to tax
(1
)
 
1

 

 

Tax rate differences on foreign earnings
5

 
7

 
13

 
13

State expense, net
3

 
1

 
5

 
2

Non-deductible expenses and other - net
2

 
(3
)
 
1

 

Income tax provision
$
64

 
$
116

 
$
117

 
$
159

Effective tax rate
36
%
 
27
%
 
32
%
 
28
%
Our effective tax rate differs from the Canadian statutory rate due primarily to the following factors: (1) 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 are shown above as exchange translation items; (2) the remeasurement of deferred income taxes due to foreign currency changes, which is shown above as exchange remeasurement of deferred income taxes; (3) changes in valuation allowances; (4) differences between Canadian and foreign statutory tax rates applied to earnings in foreign jurisdictions and foreign withholding tax expense shown above as tax rate differences on foreign earnings.
As of September 30, 2018, we had a net deferred tax liability of $62 million. This amount included gross deferred tax assets of approximately $1.1 billion and a valuation allowance of $738 million. It is reasonably possible that our estimates of future taxable income may change within the next twelve months resulting in a change to the valuation allowance in one or more jurisdictions.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Act"). The Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and (2) bonus depreciation that allows for full expensing of qualified property. The Company recorded a $19 million discrete benefit for the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the anticipated rate at which the deferred items was realized during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. The amount is provisional and is subject to change as the Company obtains information necessary to complete the calculations. The Company continues to review the technical interpretations of the Tax Act and other applicable laws, monitor legislative changes, and review U.S. state guidance as it is issued. No additional impact was recorded in the period ended September 30, 2018. The Company expects to complete the analysis of the provisional items within the one-year measurement period during fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. The following information is needed to complete the accounting for the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities:

Determination of state conformity
Actual reversals of temporary differences based on tax return filing positions

Based on an initial assessment of the Act, the Company believes that the most significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Other provisions of the Act are not expected to have a material impact on the fiscal year 2019 consolidated financial statements.

32

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)










Tax authorities continue to examine certain of our tax filings for fiscal years 2005 through 2018. As a result of audit settlements, judicial decisions, the filing of amended tax returns or the expiration of statutes of limitations, our reserves for unrecognized tax benefits, as well as reserves for interest and penalties, may decrease in the next twelve months by an amount up to approximately $25 million.

33

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









15.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are party to, and may in the future be involved in, or subject to, disputes, claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including some we assert against others, such as environmental, health and safety, product liability, employee, tax, personal injury and other matters. For certain matters in which the Company is involved for which a loss is reasonably possible, we are unable to estimate a loss.  For certain other matters for which a loss is reasonably possible and the loss is estimable, we have estimated the aggregated range of loss as $0 to $75 million.  This estimated aggregate range of reasonably possible losses is based upon currently available information.  The Company’s estimates involve significant judgment, and therefore, the estimate will change from time to time and actual losses may differ from the current estimate. We review the status of, and estimated liability related to, pending claims and civil actions on a quarterly basis. The evaluation model includes all asserted and unasserted claims that can be reasonably identified, including claims relating to our responsibility for compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate or formerly operated. The estimated costs in respect of such reported liabilities are not offset by amounts related to insurance or indemnification arrangements unless otherwise noted.
Environmental Matters
We have established liabilities based on our estimates for currently anticipated costs associated with environmental matters. We estimate that the costs related to our environmental liabilities as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018 were approximately $11 million and $14 million, respectively. Of the total $11 million, $8 million was associated with restructuring actions and the remaining $3 million is associated with undiscounted environmental clean-up costs. The short-term and long-term settlement liabilities are included in "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and "Other long-term liabilities", respectively, in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Brazilian Tax Litigation

Under a federal tax dispute settlement program established by the Brazilian government, we have settled several disputes with Brazil’s tax authorities regarding various forms of manufacturing taxes and social security contributions. The short-term and long-term settlement liabilities are included in "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and "Other long-term liabilities", respectively, in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Total settlement liabilities were $45 million and $58 million for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

In addition to the disputes we have settled under the federal tax dispute settlement program, we are involved in several other unresolved tax and other legal claims in Brazil. Total liabilities for other disputes and claims were $22 million and $29 million for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively. The related liabilities are included in "Other long-term liabilities" in our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, we have included in the range of reasonably possible losses disclosed above, any unresolved tax disputes or other contingencies for which a loss is reasonably possible and estimable.
For additional information, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.



34

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









16.    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 to best serve our customers, we manage our activities based on geographical areas and are organized under four operating segments: North America, Europe, Asia and South America. All of our segments manufacture aluminum sheet and light gauge products.
The following is a description of our operating segments:
North America. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, this segment operates eight plants, including two fully dedicated recycling facilities and one facility with recycling operations, in two countries.
Europe. Headquartered in Küsnacht, Switzerland, this segment operates ten plants, including two fully dedicated recycling facilities and two facilities with recycling operations, in four countries.
Asia. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, this segment operates four plants, including three facilities with recycling operations, in three countries.
South America. Headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this segment comprises power generation operations, and operates two plants, including a facility with recycling operations, in Brazil.
Net sales and expenses are measured in accordance with the policies and procedures described in Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies shown in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.
We measure the profitability and financial performance of our operating segments based on “Segment income.” “Segment income” provides a measure of our underlying segment results that is in line with our 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", except for foreign currency remeasurement hedging activities, which are included in segment income; (e) impairment of goodwill; (f) gain or loss on extinguishment of debt; (g) noncontrolling interests' share; (h) adjustments to reconcile our proportional share of “Segment income” from non-consolidated affiliates to income as determined on the equity method of accounting; (i) “Restructuring and impairment, net”; (j) gains or losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment and businesses, net; (k) other costs, net; (l) litigation settlement, net of insurance recoveries; (m) sale transaction fees; (n) provision or benefit for taxes on income (loss); (o) cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax; (p) metal price lag; and (q) business acquisition and other integration costs.
The tables below show selected segment financial information (in millions). The “Eliminations and Other” column in the table below includes eliminations and functions that are managed directly from our corporate office that have not been allocated to our operating segments, as well as the adjustments for proportional consolidation, and eliminations of intersegment “Net sales.” The financial information for our segments includes the results of our affiliates on a proportionately consolidated basis, which is consistent with the way we manage our business segments. In order to reconcile the financial information for the segments shown in the tables below to the relevant U.S. GAAP-based measures, we must adjust proportional consolidation of each line item. The “Eliminations and Other” in “Net sales – third party” includes the net sales attributable to our joint venture partner, Tri-Arrows, for our Logan affiliate because we consolidate 100% of the Logan joint venture for U.S. GAAP, but we manage our Logan affiliate on a proportionately consolidated basis. See Note 4 — Consolidation for further information about this affiliate. Additionally, we eliminate intersegment sales and intersegment income for reporting on a consolidated basis.






35

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









Selected Segment Financial Information
September 30, 2018
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations and Other
 
Total
Investment in and advances to non–consolidated affiliates
$

 
$
499

 
$
318

 
$

 
$

 
$
817

Total assets
$
2,748

 
$
3,107

 
$
1,844

 
$
1,802

 
$
200

 
$
9,701

March 31, 2018
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations and Other
 
Total
Investment in and advances to non–consolidated affiliates
$

 
$
522

 
$
327

 
$

 
$

 
$
849

Total assets
$
2,569

 
$
3,163

 
$
1,796

 
$
1,781

 
$
206

 
$
9,515

Selected Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations and Other
 
Total
Net sales-third party
$
1,211

 
$
832

 
$
517

 
$
512

 
$
64

 
$
3,136

Net sales-intersegment
1

 
31

 
8

 
6

 
(46
)
 

Net sales
$
1,212

 
$
863

 
$
525

 
$
518

 
$
18

 
$
3,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
$
37

 
$
29

 
$
16

 
$
16

 
$
(12
)
 
$
86

Income tax provision
$
18

 
$
4

 
$
6

 
$
33

 
$
3

 
$
64

Capital expenditures
$
28

 
$
14

 
$
9

 
$
11

 
$
(2
)
 
$
60

 
Selected Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations and Other
 
Total
Net sales-third party
$
949

 
$
850

 
$
506

 
$
435

 
$
54

 
$
2,794

Net sales-intersegment
10

 
11

 
8

 
28

 
(57
)
 

Net sales
$
959

 
$
861

 
$
514

 
$
463

 
$
(3
)
 
$
2,794

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
$
37

 
$
27

 
$
14

 
$
16

 
$
(3
)
 
$
91

Income tax provision
$
10

 
$
4

 
$
82

 
$
24

 
$
(4
)
 
$
116

Capital expenditures
$
18

 
$
12

 
$
8

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
43

 

Selected Operating Results Six Months Ended September 30, 2018
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations and Other
 
Total
Net sales-third party
$
2,332

 
$
1,685

 
$
1,059

 
$
1,030

 
$
127

 
$
6,233

Net sales-intersegment
1

 
46

 
16

 
16

 
(79
)
 

Net sales
$
2,333

 
$
1,731

 
$
1,075

 
$
1,046

 
$
48

 
$
6,233

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Depreciation and amortization
$
74

 
$
56

 
$
33

 
$
33

 
$
(24
)
 
$
172

Income tax provision
$
32

 
$
8

 
$
12

 
$
57

 
$
8

 
$
117

Capital expenditures
$
50

 
$
30

 
$
11

 
$
21

 
$
2

 
$
114



36

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









Selected Operating Results Six Months Ended September 30, 2017
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations and Other
 
Total
Net sales-third party
$
1,893

 
$
1,660

 
$
1,000

 
$
806

 
$
104

 
$
5,463

Net sales-intersegment
16

 
22

 
18

 
37

 
(93
)
 

Net sales
$
1,909

 
$
1,682

 
$
1,018

 
$
843

 
$
11

 
$
5,463

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
$
75

 
$
54

 
$
29

 
$
32

 
$
(9
)
 
$
181

Income tax provision
$
21

 
$
11

 
$
89

 
$
36

 
$
2

 
$
159

Capital expenditures
$
33

 
$
21

 
$
12

 
$
12

 
$
4

 
$
82


The table below reconciles “Net income attributable to our common shareholder” to Segment income from reportable segments for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in millions).
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income attributable to our common shareholder
$
116

 
$
307

 
$
253

 
$
408

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

Income tax provision
64

 
116

 
117

 
159

Depreciation and amortization
86

 
91

 
172

 
181

Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
68

 
64

 
134

 
128

Adjustment to reconcile proportional consolidation
15

 
8

 
31

 
16

Unrealized (gains) losses on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
(1
)
 
18

 
3

 
2

Realized gains on derivative instruments not included in segment income
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Restructuring and impairment, net

 
7

 
1

 
8

(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets
(1
)
 
1

 
2

 
2

Gain on sale of a business (A)

 
(318
)
 

 
(318
)
Metal price lag
(1
)
 
5

 
(34
)
 
6

Business acquisition and other integration costs (B)
8

 

 
10

 

Other, net
2

 
3

 
1

 

Total of reportable segments
$
355

 
$
302

 
$
689

 
$
591

 _________________________
(A)
In September 2017, Novelis Korea, Ltd, a subsidiary of Novelis, sold a portion of its shares in Ulsan Aluminum, Ltd., which resulted in a gain.
(B)
Effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, management removed the impact of business acquisition and other integration costs from Segment income in order to enhance the visibility of the underlying operating performance of the Company. The impact of "Business acquisition and other integration costs", which are costs in the periods presented above associated with our pending acquisition of Aleris Corporation (Aleris), is now reported as a separate line item in this reconciliation and on our condensed consolidated statement of operations. This change in presentation does not impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Adjustment to reconcile proportional consolidation” relates to depreciation, amortization and income taxes of our equity method investments. 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.”

Realized gains on derivative instruments not included in segment income” represents realized gains (losses) on foreign currency derivatives related to capital expenditures.


37

Novelis Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) - (Continued)









"Other, net" is related primarily to losses on certain indirect tax expenses in Brazil and interest income.
The table below displays income from reportable segments for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively (in millions).

Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,

2018

2017
 
2018
 
2017
North America
$
151


$
124

 
$
270

 
$
240

Europe
59


51

 
122

 
108

Asia
47


37

 
102

 
81

South America
98


90

 
195

 
162

Total of reportable segments
$
355


$
302

 
$
689

 
$
591

Information about Product Sales, Major Customers and Primary Supplier
Product Sales
The following table displays our net sales by value stream (in millions).
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Can
$
1,651

 
$
1,456

 
$
3,340

 
$
2,821

Automotive
771

 
655

 
1,497

 
1,301

Specialty (and other)
714

 
683

 
1,396

 
1,341

Net sales
$
3,136

 
$
2,794

 
$
6,233

 
$
5,463


Major Customers
The following table displays our Net sales to the Affiliates of Ball Corporation (Ball) and Ford Motor Company (Ford), our two largest customers, as a percentage of "Net sales".
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Ball
22
%
 
21
%
 
23
%
 
21
%
Ford
11
%
 
10
%
 
10
%
 
10
%

Primary Supplier
Rio Tinto (RT) is our primary supplier of metal inputs, including prime and sheet ingot. The table below shows our purchases from RT as a percentage of our total combined metal purchases.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Purchases from RT as a percentage of total combined metal purchases
10
%
 
10
%
 
10
%
 
10
%



 

38



Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The following information should be read together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for a more complete understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. 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, particularly in “SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND MARKET DATA.”
OVERVIEW AND REFERENCES
Novelis is the leading producer of flat-rolled aluminum products and the world's largest recycler of aluminum. We work alongside our customers to provide innovative solutions to the beverage can, automotive and high-end specialty markets. Operating an integrated network of technically advanced rolling and recycling facilities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Novelis leverages its global manufacturing and recycling footprint to deliver consistent, high-quality product around the world. As of September 30, 2018, we had manufacturing operations in ten countries on four continents, which include 24 operating plants, and recycling operations in eleven of these plants.
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless otherwise specified, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Company,” and “Novelis” refer to Novelis Inc., a company incorporated in Canada under the Canadian Business Corporations Act (CBCA) and its subsidiaries. References herein to “Hindalco” refer to Hindalco Industries Limited, our indirect parent company, which acquired Novelis in May 2007, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, AV Metals Inc., our direct parent company.
As used in this Quarterly Report, consolidated “aluminum rolled product shipments” or “flat rolled product shipments” refers to aluminum rolled products shipments to third parties. Regional “aluminum rolled product shipments” or “flat rolled product shipments” refers to aluminum rolled products shipments to third parties and intersegment shipments to other Novelis regions. Shipment amounts also include tolling shipments. References to “total shipments” include aluminum rolled products as well as certain other non-rolled product shipments, primarily scrap, used beverage cans (UBC), ingot, billets and primary remelt. 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. All tonnages are stated in metric tonnes. One metric tonne (mt) is equivalent to 2,204.6 pounds. One kilotonne (kt) is 1,000 metric tonnes.
References to our Form 10-K made throughout this document refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 8, 2018.

39




HIGHLIGHTS
We reported "Net income attributable to our common shareholder" of $116 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $307 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease of $191 million is primarily due to a $318 million prior year pre-tax gain, which was offset by a tax expense of $77 million, recorded in "Gain on sale of a business, net". Partially offsetting this impact was stronger year over year operating results, which are discussed below.
"Segment income" was $355 million, an increase of 18%, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to $302 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The increase is primarily attributable to improved operational performance, portfolio optimization, investments in our global recycling capabilities and benefits resulting from rising metal prices. Further, these factors drove net cash provided by operating activities to $210 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018, an improvement of $122 million over the prior comparable period.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On November 1, 2018, Novelis secured financing for the pending Aleris acquisition by entering into a commitment letter with certain financial institutions to provide $775 million of incremental term loans with five year maturities, and up to $1.5 billion of short-term bridge loans with one year maturities. We expect to replace the bridge loans with permanent financing soon after closing, depending on market conditions.



    


40



BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY CLIMATE

Economic growth and material substitution continue to drive increasing global demand for aluminum and rolled products. In the beverage can industry, increasing customer preference for sustainable packaging options is driving higher demand for infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage cans and bottles.

Meanwhile, the demand for aluminum in the automotive industry also continues to grow, which drove the investments we made in our automotive sheet finishing capacity in North America, Europe and Asia. We have continued our automotive expansion efforts with recent investments in North America and Asia. This demand has been primarily driven by the benefits that result from using lighter weight materials in vehicles, as companies respond to government regulations, which are driving improved emissions and better fuel economy; while also maintaining or improving vehicle safety and performance.
 
Key Sales and Shipment Trends
(in millions, except shipments which are in kt)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
Sept 30, 2017
 
Dec 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
June 30, 2018
 
Sept 30, 2018
Net sales
 
$
2,669

 
$
2,794

 
$
2,933

 
$
3,066

 
$
11,462

 
$
3,097

 
$
3,136

Percentage increase in net sales versus comparable previous year period
 
16
 %
 
18
%
 
27
 %
 
17
%
 
20
 %
 
16
 %
 
12
 %
Rolled product shipments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
273

 
274

 
269

 
273

 
1,089

 
274

 
295

Europe
 
235

 
237

 
222

 
236

 
930

 
232

 
229

Asia
 
180

 
180

 
177

 
174

 
711

 
175

 
168

South America
 
110

 
131

 
146

 
136

 
523

 
126

 
126

Eliminations
 
(13
)
 
(20
)
 
(18
)
 
(14
)
 
(65
)
 
(10
)
 
(11
)
Total
 
785

 
802

 
796

 
805

 
3,188

 
797

 
807

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following summarizes the percentage increase (decrease) in rolled product shipments versus the comparable previous year period:
North America
 
13
 %
 
9
%
 
9
 %
 
1
%
 
8
 %
 
 %
 
8
 %
Europe
 
(4
)%
 
%
 
(2
)%
 
%
 
(1
)%
 
(1
)%
 
(3
)%
Asia
 
1
 %
 
2
%
 
9
 %
 
%
 
3
 %
 
(3
)%
 
(7
)%
South America
 
7
 %
 
8
%
 
17
 %
 
9
%
 
10
 %
 
15
 %
 
(4
)%
Total
 
4
 %
 
4
%
 
6
 %
 
2
%
 
4
 %
 
2
 %
 
1
 %






41



Business Model and Key Concepts
Conversion Business Model
A significant amount 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 flat-rolled products have a price structure with three components: (i) a base aluminum price quoted off the LME; (ii) a local market premium; and (iii) a “conversion premium” to produce the rolled product, which reflects, among other factors, the competitive market conditions for that product. Base aluminum prices are typically driven by macroeconomic factors and global supply and demand of aluminum. The local market premiums tend to vary based on the supply and demand for metal in a particular region and associated transportation costs.
In North America, Europe and South America, we pass through local market premiums to our customers, which are recorded through "Net sales." In Asia, we purchase our metal inputs based on the LME and incur a local market premium; however, many of our competitors in this region price their metal using the Shanghai Futures Exchange, which does not include a local market premium, making it difficult for us to fully pass through this component of our metal input cost to some of our customers.
LME Base Aluminum Prices and Local Market Premiums
The average (based on the simple average of the monthly averages) and closing prices for aluminum set on the LME for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Percent
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
Percent
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
London Metal Exchange Prices
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aluminum (per metric tonne, and presented in U.S. dollars):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Closing cash price as of beginning of period
$
2,183

 
$
1,909

 
14
 %
 
$
1,997

 
$
1,947

 
3
 %
Average cash price during the period
$
2,056

 
$
2,011

 
2
 %
 
$
2,157

 
$
1,961

 
10
 %
Closing cash price as of end of period
$
2,012

 
$
2,111

 
(5
)%
 
$
2,012

 
$
2,111

 
(5
)%
The weighted average local market premium for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Percent
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
Percent
 
2018

2017
 
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Weighted average Local Market Premium (per metric tonne, and presented in U.S. dollars)
$
280

 
$
168

 
67
%
 
$
293

 
$
162

 
81
%

Metal Price Lag and Related Hedging Activities
    
Increases or decreases in the price of aluminum based on the average LME base aluminum prices and local market premiums directly impact “Net sales,” “Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)” and working capital. The timing of these impacts varies based on contractual arrangements with customers and metal suppliers in each region. These timing impacts are referred to as metal price lag. Metal price lag exists due to: (i) the period of time between the pricing of our purchases of metal, holding and processing the metal, and the pricing of the sale of finished inventory to our customers, and (ii) certain customer contracts containing fixed forward price commitments which result in exposure to changes in metal prices for the period of time between when our sales price fixes and the sale actually occurs.

We use LME aluminum forward contracts to preserve our conversion margins and manage the timing differences associated with the LME base metal component of “Net sales,” and “Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)." These derivatives directly hedge the economic risk of future LME base metal price fluctuations to better match the purchase price of metal with the sales price of metal. The majority of our local market premium hedging occurs in North America; however, the exposure is not fully hedged. In our Europe and Asia regions, the derivative market for local market premiums is not robust or efficient enough for us to offset the impacts of LMP price movements beyond a small volume. As a consequence, volatility in local market premiums can have a significant impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

42



We elect to apply hedge accounting to better match the recognition of gains or losses on certain derivative instruments with the recognition of the underlying exposure being hedged in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. For undesignated metal derivatives, there are timing differences between the recognition of unrealized gains or losses on the derivatives and the recognition of the underlying exposure in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The recognition of unrealized gains and losses on undesignated metal derivative positions typically precedes inventory cost recognition, customer delivery and revenue recognition. The timing difference between the recognition of unrealized gains and losses on undesignated metal derivatives and cost or revenue recognition impacts “Income tax provision” and “Net income.” Gains and losses on metal derivative contracts are not recognized in “Segment income” until realized.
See Segment Review below for the impact of metal price lag on each of our segments.
Foreign Currency and Related Hedging Activities    
We operate a global business and conduct business in various currencies around the world. We have exposure to foreign currency risk as fluctuations in foreign exchange rates impact our operating results as we translate the operating results from various functional currencies into our U.S. dollar reporting currency at the current average rates. We also record foreign exchange remeasurement gains and losses when business transactions are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of that operation. The following table presents the exchange rates as of the end of each period and the average of the month-end exchange rates for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Exchange Rate
 
Average Exchange Rate
 
Exchange Rate as of
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
U.S. dollar per Euro
1.161

 
1.230

 
1.165

 
1.185

 
1.173

 
1.152

Brazilian real per U.S. dollar
4.004

 
3.324

 
3.965

 
3.149

 
3.828

 
3.199

South Korean won per U.S. dollar
1,113

 
1,067

 
1,113

 
1,130

 
1,103

 
1,130

Canadian dollar per U.S. dollar
1.293

 
1.289

 
1.300

 
1.247

 
1.299

 
1.293

Swiss franc per Euro
1.135

 
1.178

 
1.139

 
1.143

 
1.154

 
1.116

    
Exchange rate movements 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 South Korea, where we have local currency operating costs and U.S. dollar denominated selling prices for exports, we benefit as the won weakens but are adversely affected as the won strengthens. In Brazil, where we have predominately U.S. dollar selling prices and local currency manufacturing costs, we benefit as the real weakens, but are adversely affected as the real strengthens. We use foreign exchange forward contracts and cross-currency swaps to manage our exposure arising from recorded assets and liabilities, firm commitments, and forecasted cash flows denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of certain operations, which include capital expenditures and net investment in foreign subsidiaries.
See Segment Review below for the impact of foreign currency on each of our segments.















43



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
“Net sales” were $3,136 million, an increase of 12%, and “Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)” increased 13% to $2,657 million. Both increases were driven by a 2% increase in average base aluminum prices, a 1% increase in flat rolled shipments, and a 67% increase in average local market premiums. Total metal input costs included in "Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)” increased $232 million for the comparable periods.
“Income before income taxes” for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $180 million, compared to $423 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. In addition to the factors noted above, the following items affected “Income before income taxes:”
"Gain on sale of a business, net" in the prior year relates to a pre-tax gain on sale of a business of $318 million related to the purchase of shares of UAL by Kobe and the deconsolidation of the remaining assets to form the equity method investment in September 2017;
An increase in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" of $9 million, primarily related to an increase in employment costs and factoring expenses; and
Net gains related to change in the fair value of unrealized instruments was $1 million compared to $18 million of losses in the same period in the prior year, which is reported as "Unrealized losses (gains) on change in fair value of derivative instruments, net" within "Other (income) expenses, net".
    
We recognized $64 million of tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 36%. This tax rate is primarily due to the results of operations, including recording a valuation allowance for tax losses in jurisdictions where the company has determined it is more likely than not that the loss will not be utilized and the foreign exchange impact of the weakening Brazil real. We recognized $116 million of tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 27%. This tax rate is due to the results of operations, a $77 million expense on the sale of a business and the foreign exchange impact of the strengthening Brazil real.
We reported “Net income attributable to our common shareholder” of $116 million and $307 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily as a result of the factors discussed above.

44



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 regions and are organized under four operating segments: North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
In order to reconcile the financial information for the segments shown in the tables below to the relevant U.S. GAAP-based measures, "Eliminations and other" adjusts for proportional consolidation of each line item, and eliminates intersegment shipments (in kt) and intersegment "Net sales." The tables below show selected segment financial information (in millions, except shipments which are in kt).
Selected Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations
and Other
 
Total
Net sales
$
1,212

 
$
863

 
$
525

 
$
518

 
$
18

 
$
3,136

Shipments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolled products - third party
295

 
222

 
165

 
125

 

 
807

Rolled products - intersegment

 
7

 
3

 
1

 
(11
)
 

Total rolled products
295

 
229

 
168

 
126

 
(11
)
 
807

Non-rolled products
1

 
5

 
1

 
33

 

 
40

Total shipments
296

 
234

 
169

 
159

 
(11
)
 
847

 
Selected Operating Results Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations
and Other
 
Total
Net sales
$
959

 
$
861

 
$
514

 
$
463

 
$
(3
)
 
$
2,794

Shipments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolled products - third party
270


234


178


120




802

Rolled products - intersegment
4


3


2


11


(20
)


Total rolled products
274


237


180


131


(20
)

802

Non-rolled products

 
2

 
2

 
32

 

 
36

Total shipments
274

 
239

 
182

 
163

 
(20
)
 
838






45



The following table reconciles changes in “Segment income” for the three months ended September 30, 2017 to the three months ended September 30, 2018 (in millions).
Changes in Segment income
 
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations (A)
 
Total
Segment income - Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
$
124

 
$
51

 
$
37

 
$
90

 
$

 
$
302

Volume
 
23

 
(12
)
 
(8
)
 
(5
)
 
10

 
8

Conversion premium and product mix
 
22

 
(8
)
 
4

 
(3
)
 
(7
)
 
8

Conversion costs
 
(12
)
 
25

 
18

 
18

 
(2
)
 
47

Foreign exchange
 

 
2

 
(5
)
 
2

 

 
(1
)
Selling, general & administrative and research & development costs (B)
 
(3
)
 
2

 
1

 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(7
)
Other changes
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 

 
2

 

 
(2
)
Segment income - Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
$
151

 
$
59

 
$
47

 
$
98

 
$

 
$
355

_________________________
(A)
The recognition of "Segment income" by a region on an intersegment shipment could occur in a period prior to the recognition of "Segment income" on a consolidated basis, depending on the timing of when the inventory is sold to the third party customer. The "Eliminations" column adjusts regional "Segment income" for intersegment shipments that occur in a period prior to recognition of "Segment income" on a consolidated basis. The "Eliminations" column also reflects adjustments for changes in regional volume, conversion premium and product mix, and conversion costs related to intersegment shipments for consolidation.
(B)
Selling, general & administrative costs and research & development costs include costs incurred directly by each segment and all corporate related costs.
North America
“Net sales” increased $253 million, or 26%, due to higher average aluminum prices and higher can and automotive shipments due to customer demand. “Segment income” was $151 million, an increase of 22%, primarily due to higher automotive and can volumes and favorable product mix partially offset by unfavorable cost absorption.
Europe
“Net sales” increased $2 million, due to higher average aluminum prices, partially offset by lower specialty shipments resulting from our decision to cease production of lithographic materials in the prior year in order to optimize our product portfolio. “Segment income” was $59 million, an increase of 16%, primarily due to favorable metal mix and scrap spreads, partially offset by lower can pricing and lower specialty shipments.
Asia
“Net sales” increased $11 million, due to higher average aluminum prices partially offset by lower can and specialty shipments. “Segment income” was $47 million, an increase of 27%, primarily due to favorable metal mix and scrap spreads, increased cost efficiency and favorable product mix.
South America
“Net sales” increased $55 million, or 12%, due to higher can shipments, partially offset by unfavorable can pricing due to new contracts. “Segment income” was $98 million, an increase of 9%, primarily due to favorable metal mix and scrap spreads partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative costs and unfavorable can pricing.






46




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended September 30, 2018 compared to the Six Months Ended September 30, 2017
“Net sales” were $6,233 million, an increase of 14%, and “Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)” increased 14% to $5,248 million. Both increases were driven by a 10% increase in average base aluminum prices, a 1% increase in flat rolled shipments, and an 81% increase in average local market premiums. Total metal input costs included in "Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)” increased $492 million for the comparable period.
“Income before income taxes” for the six months ended September 30, 2018 was $370 million, compared to $567 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. In addition to the factors noted above, the following items affected “Income before income taxes:”
"Gain on sale of a business, net" in the prior year relates to a pre-tax gain on sale of a business of $318 million related to the purchase of shares of UAL by Kobe and the deconsolidation of the remaining assets to form the equity method investment in September 2017;
An increase in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" of $25 million, primarily related to an increase in the fair value of Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) awards, employment costs and factoring expenses; and
Increases in local market premiums resulted in $34 million of favorable metal price lag compared to $6 million of losses in the prior year.
    
We recognized $117 million of tax expense for the six months ended September 30, 2018, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 32%. This tax rate is primarily due to results of operations, including recording a valuation allowance for tax losses in jurisdictions where the company has determined it is more likely than not that the loss will not be utilized. We recognized $159 million of tax expense for the six months ended September 30, 2017, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 28%. This tax rate is primarily due to the results of operations and a $77 million expense on the sale of a business and the foreign exchange impact of the strengthening Brazilian real.
We reported “Net income attributable to our common shareholder” of $253 million and $408 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily as a result of the factors discussed above.















47



Segment Review
Selected Operating Results Six Months Ended September 30, 2018
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations
and Other
 
Total
Net sales
$
2,333

 
$
1,731

 
$
1,075

 
$
1,046

 
$
48

 
$
6,233

Shipments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolled products - third party
569

 
450

 
338

 
247

 

 
1,604

Rolled products - intersegment

 
11

 
5

 
5

 
(21
)
 

Total rolled products
569

 
461

 
343

 
252

 
(21
)
 
1,604

Non-rolled products
2

 
7

 
3

 
67

 

 
79

Total shipments
571

 
468

 
346

 
319

 
(21
)
 
1,683

 
Selected Operating Results Six Months Ended September 30, 2017
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations
and Other
 
Total
Net sales
$
1,909

 
$
1,682

 
$
1,018

 
$
843

 
$
11

 
$
5,463

Shipments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rolled products - third party
541

 
465

 
354

 
227

 

 
1,587

Rolled products - intersegment
6

 
7

 
6

 
14

 
(33
)
 

Total rolled products
547

 
472

 
360

 
241

 
(33
)
 
1,587

Non-rolled products

 
4

 
4

 
59

 

 
67

Total shipments
547

 
476

 
364

 
300

 
(33
)
 
1,654
















48



The following table reconciles changes in “Segment income” for the six months ended September 30, 2017 to the six months ended September 30, 2018 (in millions).
Changes in Segment income
 
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
South
America
 
Eliminations (A)
 
Total
Segment income - Six Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
$
240

 
$
108

 
$
81

 
$
162

 
$

 
$
591

Volume
 
25

 
(15
)
 
(11
)
 
12

 
12

 
23

Conversion premium and product mix
 
18

 
(16
)
 
9

 
(10
)
 
(8
)
 
(7
)
Conversion costs
 
1

 
43

 
27

 
33

 
(4
)
 
100

Foreign exchange
 
1

 
5

 
(4
)
 
4

 
(1
)
 
5

Selling, general & administrative and research & development costs (B)
 
(9
)
 
1

 
(1
)
 
(11
)
 
1

 
(19
)
Other changes
 
(6
)
 
(4
)
 
1

 
5

 

 
(4
)
Segment income - Six Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
$
270

 
$
122

 
$
102

 
$
195

 
$

 
$
689

_________________________
(A)
The recognition of "Segment income" by a region on an intersegment shipment could occur in a period prior to the recognition of "Segment income" on a consolidated basis, depending on the timing of when the inventory is sold to the third party customer. The "Eliminations" column adjusts regional "Segment income" for intersegment shipments that occur in a period prior to recognition of "Segment income" on a consolidated basis. The "Eliminations" column also reflects adjustments for changes in regional volume, conversion premium and product mix, and conversion costs related to intersegment shipments for consolidation.
(B)
Selling, general & administrative costs and research & development costs include costs incurred directly by each segment and all corporate related costs.
North America
“Net sales” increased $424 million, or 22%, due to higher average aluminum prices and higher can, and automotive shipments attributable to customer demand. “Segment income” was $270 million, an increase of 13%, primarily due to a higher volume of can and automotive shipments and favorable product mix as a result of portfolio optimization efforts. These factors were partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative costs.
Europe
“Net sales” increased $49 million, or 3%, due to higher average aluminum prices, partially offset by lower specialty shipments resulting from our decision to cease production of lithographic materials in the prior year in order to optimize our product portfolio. “Segment income” was $122 million, an increase of 13%, primarily due to increased cost efficiencies, favorable metal mix and foreign currency translation benefits. These factors were partially offset by lower can pricing and lower shipments.
Asia
“Net sales” increased $57 million, or 6%, due to higher average aluminum prices and higher automotive shipments, partially offset by lower can and specialty shipments. “Segment income” was $102 million, an increase of 26%, primarily due to favorable metal costs and scrap spreads, increased cost efficiency and favorable product mix, partially offset by lower shipments.
South America
“Net sales” increased $203 million, or 24%, due to higher can shipments, partially offset by unfavorable pricing due to new contracts. “Segment income” was $195 million, an increase of 20%, primarily due to favorable metal mix and scrap spreads, higher can volumes and favorable product mix, partially offset by increased forfaiting costs and lower can pricing.

49



Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our investments in the business were funded through cash flows generated by our operations and a combination of local financing and our senior secured credit facilities. Most of our recent strategic expansion projects are operating close to full capacity and are generating additional operating cash flow. We expect to be able to fund our continued expansions, service our debt obligations, and provide sufficient liquidity to operate our business through one or more of the following: the generation of operating cash flows; our existing debt facilities, including refinancing; and new debt issuances, as necessary.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we announced plans to expand our production footprint in the U.S. with an investment in automotive finishing capacity in Guthrie, Kentucky. Additionally, on July 26th of fiscal 2019, we announced that we signed a definitive agreement to acquire Aleris, a global supplier of rolled aluminum products, for approximately $2.6 billion including the assumption of debt, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

In connection with our pending acquisition of Aleris, we entered into a commitment letter with certain financial institutions under which such financial institutions committed to provide up to $775 million of incremental term loans and up to $1.5 billion of short term loans. See Part II — Item 5 — Other Information for further details and a description of the commitment letter.
Non-Guarantor Information

As of September 30, 2018, the Company’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors represented the following approximate percentages of (a) Net sales, (b) Adjusted EBITDA (segment income), and (c) total assets of the Company, on a consolidated basis (including intercompany balances):

Item Description
Ratio
Net sales represented by Net sales to third parties by non-guarantor subsidiaries (for the six months ended September 30, 2018)
20
%
Adjusted EBITDA represented by non-guarantor subsidiaries (for the six months ended September 30, 2018)
13
%
Assets owned by non-guarantor subsidiaries (as of September 30, 2018)
18
%

In addition, for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors had net sales of $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, and, as of September 30, 2018, those subsidiaries had assets of $2.3 billion and debt and other liabilities of $1.5 billion (including inter-company balances).
Available Liquidity
Our available liquidity as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018 is as follows (in millions).
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$
829

 
$
920

Availability under committed credit facilities
907

 
998

Total available liquidity
$
1,736

 
$
1,918


The decrease in total available liquidity is primarily attributable to acquisition related costs of $239 million, a reduction in credit facility lines of $85 million, net payments on short-term and long-term borrowings of $25 million and other changes of $31 million, consisting primarily of foreign exchange impacts on cash. These decreases were partially offset by positive free cash flow of $104 million, an increase in the ABL borrowing base of $92 million, and sale of assets of $2 million. See Note 6 — Debt for more details about our availability under committed credit facilities.
The “Cash and cash equivalents” balance above includes cash held in foreign countries in which we operate. As of September 30, 2018, we held $372 million of "Cash and cash equivalents" in Canada, in which we are incorporated, with the rest held in other countries in which we operate. As of September 30, 2018, we held $3 million of cash in jurisdictions for which we have asserted that earnings are permanently reinvested and we plan to continue to fund operations and local expansions with cash held in those jurisdictions. Our significant future uses of cash include funding our expansion projects globally, which we plan to fund with cash flows from operating activities and local financing, and servicing our debt obligations domestically, which we plan to fund with cash flows from operating activities and, if necessary, by repatriating cash from jurisdictions for which we have not asserted that earnings are indefinitely reinvested. Cash held outside of Canada is free from

50



significant restrictions that would prevent the cash from being accessed to meet the Company's liquidity needs including, if necessary, to fund operations and service debt obligations in Canada. Upon the repatriation of any earnings to Canada, in the form of dividends or otherwise, we could be subject to Canadian income taxes (subject to adjustment for foreign taxes paid and the utilization of the large cumulative net operating losses we have in Canada) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign jurisdictions. As of September 30, 2018, we do not believe adverse tax consequences exist that restrict our use of “Cash or cash equivalents” in a material manner.
Free Cash Flow
Refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for our definition of "Free cash flow".
The following table displays the “Free cash flow” for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the change between periods, as well as the ending balances of cash and cash equivalents (in millions).
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
210

 
$
88

 
$
122

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(343
)
 
248

 
(591
)
Plus: Cash used in the acquisition of assets under a capital lease
239

 

 
239

Less: Proceeds from sales of assets and business, net of transaction fees, cash income taxes and hedging
(2
)
 
(312
)
 
310

Free cash flow (A)
$
104

 
$
24

 
$
80

Ending cash and cash equivalents
$
829

 
$
949

 
$
(120
)
_________________________
(A)
Effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, management clarified the definition of "Free cash flow" (a non-GAAP measure) to exclude the impact of cash outflows related to the "Acquisition of assets under a capital lease".  This change further enables users of the financial statements to understand cash generated internally by the Company. This change does not impact the condensed consolidated financial statements or prior periods reported. 
 
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $210 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018, which was favorable compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $88 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. The favorable variance primarily relates to higher "Segment income" partially offset by unfavorable working capital impacts due to rising metal prices which we manage through working capital initiatives. For the six months ended September 30, 2018, net change in working capital was primarily driven by higher quantities of inventory, our factoring of receivables, and higher metal costs.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedging Activities
We use derivative contracts to manage risk as well as liquidity. Under our terms of credit with counterparties to our derivative contracts, we do not have any material margin call exposure. No material amounts have been posted by Novelis nor do we hold any material amounts of margin posted by our counterparties. We settle derivative contracts in advance of billing on the underlying physical inventory and collecting payment from our customers, which temporarily impacts our liquidity position. The lag between derivative settlement and customer collection typically ranges from 30 to 90 days.
More details on our operating activities can be found above in “Results of operations for the six months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the six months ended September 30, 2017."
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
"Net cash used in investing activities" was $343 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to "Net cash provided by investing activities" of $248 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. This decrease is primarily due to the acquisition of real and personal property that we historically leased at our Sierre, Switzerland rolling facility from Constellium for $239 million. The decrease is also partially attributable to an increase in capital spending due to new investments.
 
 
 
 
 
 

51



Financing Activities
During the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, there were no issuances of long or short-term borrowings. We made principal repayments of $27 million on Korean long-term debt, $9 million on our Term Loan Facility, $3 million on capital leases and $1 million of other repayments. The net cash proceeds from our credit facilities' balance is related to proceeds of $94 million on our ABL Revolver and of $9 million on our China credit facilities. We incurred $2 million in debt issuance costs.
During the six months ended September 30, 2017, we made principal repayments of $50 million on short-term loans in Brazil, $9 million on our Term Loan Facility, $4 million on capital leases, and less than $1 million in other principal repayments. The change in our revolving credit facilities balance is related to proceeds of $96 million on our ABL Revolver partially offset by repayments of $5 million in our China credit facilities.

52



OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
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.
The following discussion addresses the applicable off-balance sheet items for our Company.
Derivative Instruments
See Note 10 — Financial Instruments and Commodity Contracts to our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of derivative instruments.
Guarantees of Indebtedness
We have issued guarantees on behalf of certain of our subsidiaries. The indebtedness guaranteed is for trade accounts payable to third parties and capital expenditures. Some of the guarantees have annual terms while others have no expiration and have termination notice requirements. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries 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. 
See Note 5 — Investment in and Advances to Non-Consolidated Affiliates and Related Party Transactions for details on our guarantee of indebtedness to Alunorf, our non-consolidated affiliate.
Other Arrangements
Factoring of Trade Receivables
We factor and forfait trade receivables (collectively, we refer to these as "factoring" programs) based on local cash needs, as well as attempting to balance the timing of cash flows of trade payables and receivables, fund strategic investments, and fund other business needs. Factored invoices are not included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets when we do not retain a financial or legal interest. If a financial or legal interest is retained, we classify these factorings as secured borrowings. However, no such financial or legal interests are currently retained.
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 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 September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, we are not involved in any unconsolidated SPE transactions.

53



CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
We have future obligations under various contracts relating to debt and interest payments, capital and operating leases, long-term purchase obligations, postretirement benefit plans and uncertain tax positions. See Note 6 — Debt to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and "Contractual Obligations" of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018 for more details. In addition, see Part II — Item 5 — Other Information for a description of a commitment letter we entered in connection with our proposed acquisition of Aleris.
RETURN OF CAPITAL    
Payments to our shareholder 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 and other relevant factors.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Except as otherwise disclosed in Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies related to the adoption of new accounting standards, there were no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption and expected effects on results of operations and financial condition.


54



NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Total “Segment income” presents the sum of the results of our four operating segments on a consolidated basis. We believe that total “Segment income” is an operating performance measure that measures operating results unaffected by differences in capital structures, capital investment cycles and ages of related assets among otherwise comparable companies. In reviewing our corporate operating results, we also believe it is important to review the aggregate consolidated performance of all of our segments on the same basis we review the performance of each of our regions and to draw comparisons between periods based on the same measure of consolidated performance.
Management believes investors’ understanding of our performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing our ongoing results of operations. Many investors are interested in understanding the performance of our business by comparing our results from ongoing operations from one period to the next and would ordinarily add back items that are not part of normal day-to-day operations of our business. By providing total “Segment income,” together with reconciliations, we believe we are enhancing investors’ understanding of our business and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors in evaluating how well we are executing strategic initiatives.
However, total “Segment income” is not a measurement of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, and our total “Segment income” may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Total “Segment income” has important limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. For example, total “Segment income”:
does not reflect the Company’s cash expenditures or requirements for capital expenditures or capital commitments;
does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company’s working capital needs; and
does not reflect any costs related to the current or future replacement of assets being depreciated and amortized.
We also use total “Segment income”:
as a measure of operating performance to assist us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis because it removes the impact of items not directly resulting from our core operations;
for planning purposes, including the preparation of our internal annual operating budgets and financial projections;
to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of our operational strategies; and
as a basis to calculate incentive compensation payments for our key employees.
Total “Segment income” is equivalent to our Adjusted EBITDA, which we refer to in our earnings announcements and other external presentations to analysts and investors.

“Free cash flow” consists of: (a) “net cash provided by (used in) operating activities,” (b) plus "net cash provided by (used in) investing activities” (c) plus cash used in the “Acquisition of assets under a capital lease”, and (d) less “proceeds from sales of assets and business, net of transaction fees, cash income taxes and hedging”. Management believes “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. Management also uses free cash flow to measure the profitability and financial performance of our business. 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.



55



SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND MARKET DATA
This document contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about 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. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, our expectations with respect to the impact of metal price movements on our financial performance, the effectiveness of our hedging programs and controls, and our future borrowing availability. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Novelis’ management, which in turn are based on currently available information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. 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.
This document also contains information concerning our markets and products generally, which is forward-looking in nature and is 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 herein. This information includes, but is not 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, our 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:
relationships with, and financial and operating conditions of, our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders;
changes in the prices and availability of aluminum (or premiums associated with aluminum prices) or other materials and raw materials we use;
fluctuations in the supply of, and prices for, energy in the areas in which we maintain production facilities;
our ability to access financing, repay existing debt or refinance existing debt to fund current operations and for future capital requirements, including our ability to obtain the funds committed in connection with the Aleris acquisition;
the level of our indebtedness and our ability to generate cash to service our indebtedness;
lowering of our ratings by a credit rating agency;
changes in the relative values of various currencies and the effectiveness of our currency hedging activities;
union disputes and other employee relations issues;
factors affecting our operations, such as litigation (including product liability claims), environmental remediation and clean-up costs, breakdown of equipment and other events;
changes in general economic conditions, including deterioration in the global economy;
the capacity and effectiveness of our hedging activities;
impairment of our goodwill, other intangible assets, and long-lived assets;
loss of key management and other personnel, or an inability to attract such management and other personnel;
risks relating to, and our ability to consummate, pending and future acquisitions or divestitures, including the pending acquisition of Aleris;
our inability to successfully implement our growth initiatives;
changes in interest rates that have the effect of increasing the amounts we pay under our senior secured credit facilities, other financing agreements and our defined benefit pension plans;
risks relating to certain joint ventures and subsidiaries that we do not entirely control;
the effect of derivatives legislation on our ability to hedge risks associated with our business;
competition from other aluminum rolled products producers as well as from substitute materials such as steel, glass, plastic and composite materials;
demand and pricing within the principal markets for our products as well as seasonality in certain of our customers’ industries;
economic, regulatory and political factors within the countries in which we operate or sell our products, including changes in duties or tariffs; and
changes in government regulations, particularly those affecting taxes and tax rates, health care reform, climate change, environmental, health or safety compliance.
The above list of factors is not exhaustive. These and other factors are discussed in more detail under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.

56



Item 3. 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 metal prices (primarily aluminum, copper and local market premiums), energy prices (electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel), 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.
Commodity Price Risks
Metal
The following table presents the estimated potential effect on the fair values of these derivative instruments as of September 30, 2018, given a 10% change in prices ($ in millions).
 
Change in
Price
 
Change in
Fair  Value
Aluminum
10
 %
 
$
(95
)
Copper
(10
)%
 
(1
)
Energy
The following table presents the estimated potential effect on the fair values of these derivative instruments as of September 30, 2018, given a 10% decline in spot prices for energy contracts ($ in millions).
 
Change in
Price
 
Change in
Fair  Value
Electricity
(10
)%
 
$
(3
)
Natural Gas
(10
)%
 
$
(4
)
Diesel Fuel
(10
)%
 
$
(2
)
Foreign Currency Exchange Risks
The following table presents the estimated potential effect on the fair values of these derivative instruments as of September 30, 2018, given a 10% change in rates ($ in millions). 
 
Change in
Exchange Rate
 
Change in
Fair Value
Currency measured against the U.S. dollar
 
 
 
Brazilian real
(10
)%
 
$
(17
)
Euro
10
 %
 
$
(12
)
Korean won
(10
)%
 
$
(49
)
Canadian dollar
(10
)%
 
$
(4
)
British pound
(10
)%
 
$
(17
)
Swiss franc
(10
)%
 
$
(26
)
Chinese yuan
10
 %
 
$
(6
)




57



Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met.
We have carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based upon such evaluation, management has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2018.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.






58




PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are a party to litigation incidental to our business from time to time. For additional information regarding litigation to which we are a party, see Note 15 — Commitments and Contingencies to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors

See "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.

Item 5. Other Information

Commitment Letter
In connection with our pending acquisition of Aleris, on November 1, 2018, we entered into a commitment letter with certain financial institutions under which such financial institutions committed to provide up to $775 million of incremental term loans and up to $1.5 billion of short term loans, in each case, to Novelis Acquisitions LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Novelis that will merge, upon closing into Aleris. The lenders’ commitments to advance the loans are subject to customary closing conditions, including the concurrent closing of our acquisition of Aleris and the prior amendment of the agreement governing our existing Term Loan Facility (the Amended Term Loan Facility Agreement) and ABL Revolver to, among other things, permit the borrowing of the new loans. The proceeds of the incremental term loan and short term loans may be used to pay a portion of the consideration payable in connection with proposed acquisition of Aleris, fees and expenses related to the proposed acquisition, the incremental term loan and short term loans and, in the case of the short term loans, to repay certain indebtedness of Aleris and its subsidiaries on closing of the proposed acquisition.
We expect the incremental term loans to mature on the fifth anniversary of the date on which they are borrowed, subject to 0.25% quarterly amortization payments. The incremental term loans will, once borrowed, accrue interest at LIBOR (to be defined in the applicable agreement) plus 1.75%.
We expect that the incremental term loans will be issued under the Amended Term Loan Credit Agreement and the voluntary and mandatory prepayment provisions, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default applicable to the incremental term loans will be the same as those applicable to the existing term loans outstanding under our Term Loan Facility. We expect that the incremental term loans will be guaranteed by our direct parent, AV Metals Inc., the Company and certain of our subsidiaries (including subsidiaries of Aleris following closing of the proposed acquisition) and secured on a pari passu basis with our existing term loans by security interests in substantially all of the assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors, subject to our existing intercreditor agreement.
We expect that the short term loans will mature on the first anniversary of the date on which they are borrowed (Borrowing Date), will not be subject to any amortization payments, and once borrowed, will accrue interest at LIBOR (to be defined in the applicable agreement) plus 0.95%.
We expect that we will be required to apply the net cash proceeds we receive from any debt and equity raised on or after the Borrowing Date to repay the short term loans, subject to certain exceptions. We expect that we will be required to apply the net cash proceeds we receive on or after the Borrowing Date from asset sales required by regulatory approvals related to the proposed acquisition of Aleris to repay the short term loans, the incremental term loans and the existing term loans on a pro rata basis and the net cash proceeds we receive from any other asset sales, casualty losses, or condemnations on or after the Borrowing Date to repay short term loans, subject to certain exceptions, but only to the extent any funds remain after making any mandatory prepayments owed under the Amended Term Loan Credit Agreement and the agreement governing our ABL Revolver.
We expect the short term loans to be unsecured and guaranteed by our direct parent, AV Metals Inc., Novelis and the same subsidiaries of Novelis that have provided guarantees under the Amended Term Loan Credit Agreement and the amended agreement governing our ABL Revolver.
We expect the short term loans to be issued under a credit agreement containing voluntary prepayment provisions, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default substantially similar to those under the Amended Term Loan Credit Agreement, other than changes to reflect the unsecured nature of the short term loans.

59



    
Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit
No.
  
Description
 
 
 
2.1

  
 
 
 
2.2

 
 
 
 
3.1

  
 
 
 
3.2

  
 
 
 
3.3

 

 
 
 
10.1

 
 
 
 
31.1

  
 
 
 
31.2

 
 
 
 
32.1

  
 
 
 
32.2

 
 
 
 
101.INS

  
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
 
101.DEF

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
 
101.LAB

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
 
101.PRE

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

60



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
NOVELIS INC.
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Devinder Ahuja
 
 
 
Devinder Ahuja
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Stephanie Rauls
 
 
 
Stephanie Rauls
 
 
 
Vice President Finance and Controller
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: November 2, 2018


61



EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
No.
  
Description
 
 
 
2.1

  
 
 
 
2.2

 
 
 
 
3.1

  
 
 
 
3.2

  

 
 
 
3.3

 

 
 
 
10.1

 
 
 
 
31.1

  
 
 
 
31.2

 
 
 
 
32.1

  
 
 
 
32.2

 

 
 
 
101.INS

  
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
 
101.DEF

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
 
101.LAB

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
 
101.PRE

  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase


62