More annual reports from Alumina:
2023 ReportPeers and competitors of Alumina:
AluminaRESTRUCTURING | REPOSITIONING | REVITALISING
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
BAUXITE ORE LIES AT THE CORE OF
OUR BUSINESS. BAUXITE ORE IS
REFINED INTO ALUMINA TO PRODUCE
ALUMINIUM. AWAC IS THE WORLD’S
LARGEST BAUXITE MINER.
01
Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals
(AWAC) has been fundamentally
restructured by closing or selling
high cost assets and concentrating
on low cost production facilities
and through the addition of new
low cost capacity at the Ma’aden
joint venture in Saudi Arabia.
The delinking of alumina from aluminium metal
prices has meant that the favourable dynamics
surrounding bauxite supply has led to higher
prices for AWAC’s alumina.
Investors also benefit from a more efficient capital
structure, the repayment of high cost debt and
extended maturities.
Our improved position is reflected in the more than
60 per cent increase in our share price over the year.
CONTENTS
02 At a glance
04 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s Report
08 Sustainability and the AWAC business
12 Corporate Governance Statement
30 Directors’ Report
36 Operating and Financial Review
52 Remuneration Report
80
Financial Report
113 Shareholder information
114 Financial history
Pictured left: Cut and polished section of the aluminium ore, bauxite.
The cross-section has revealed the centric rings of deposition.
02
AT A GLANCE
In 2014 the strategy to improve Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals
(AWAC) overall cost position resulted in decisions being made
and actions being taken to reshape AWAC’s portfolio of assets.
The short-term effect of those actions resulted in a negative impact
on Alumina Limited’s results. In 2014 Alumina Limited recorded a net
loss after tax of $98.3 million compared to a net profit of $0.5 million
in 2013. In context, the Company would have made a net profit
of $91.1 million (2013: $29.6 million) excluding its equity share of
AWAC’s significant items. This improvement is in line with the better
operating performance of AWAC.
The 2014 significant items that were largely the result of restructuring
activities included the closure of the Point Henry smelter in Australia
and the sale of interests in the Jamalco refinery and bauxite mine in
Jamaica and a gold mine in Suriname.
ALUM I NA LIMITED R ESULTS
$–98.3m
NET LOSS AFTER TAX
US$–98.3 MILLION
(2013: NET PROFIT AFTER TAX
US$0.5 MILLION)
$91.1m
PROFIT EXCLUDING
SIGNIFICANT ITEMS
OF US$91.1 MILLION
(2013: PROFIT
US$29.6 MILLION)
$86.6m
3.4%
NET DEBT
US$86.6 MILLION
(2013: US$135.2 MILLION)
GEARING 3.4 PER CENT
(2013: 4.6 PER CENT)
$119.2m
–3.5%
AWAC DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS OF
US$119.2 MILLION RECEIVED
(2013: US$110.3 MILLION)
RETURN ON EQUITY
–3.5 PER CENT
(2013: POSITIVE
0.02 PER CENT)
Alumina Limited is a leading Australian company
listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
We invest worldwide in bauxite mining, alumina
refining and selected aluminium smelting
operations through our 40 per cent ownership
of Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC).
Our partner, Alcoa Inc. (Alcoa), owns the
remaining 60 per cent of AWAC, and is the
manager. The AWAC joint venture was formed
in 1994 and our relationship with Alcoa dates
back to 1961.
Alumina Limited represents a unique opportunity
for a pure investment in AWAC, the world’s largest
alumina and bauxite producer.
03
AWAC – A GLOBAL BUSINESS
In 2014 AWAC recorded a net loss after tax of $243.0 million
compared to a net loss of $248.7 million in 2013. In both years,
AWAC’s results were affected by one-off significant items, such as
a number of events related to the restructuring and repositioning
of AWAC’s portfolio in 2014. Excluding the effects of these items
AWAC’s operational performance improved significantly compared
to 2013. AWAC’s EBITDA, excluding significant items increased by
$141.2 million to $869.0 million, a 19% improvement on 2013.
Cash from operations was also affected by significant items as well
as timing differences, such as tax payments and movements in
working capital. Adjusted for these items operating cash flow
improvement would be more in-line with EBITDA growth.
AWAC RES ULTS
$–243.0m
AWAC NET LOSS AFTER TAX
US$–243.0 MILLION
(2013 NET LOSS AFTER TAX:
US$–248.7 MILLION)
15.9m tonnes
ALUMINA PRODUCTION OF
15.9 MILLION TONNES
(2013: 15.8 MILLION TONNES)
$475.9m
AWAC CASH FROM OPERATIONS
US$475.9 MILLION
(2013: US$656.0 MILLION)
The origins of the Alcoa Worldwide Alumina and Chemicals
(AWAC) partnership between Alcoa and WMC Limited (now
Alumina Limited) began in the early 1960’s following the
exploration and discovery of bauxite deposits and other resources
by WMC Limited and two other Australian companies. Alcoa
was invited to join the project to provide technology, aluminium
expertise and finance.
Over the following years the venture grew to include refineries
and smelter interests as the partners sought to take opportunities
to expand the business. By 1990, WMC Limited’s interests in
Alcoa of Australia had grown to 48.25% through acquiring the
minority interests of other participants, other than Alcoa.
In July 1994, WMC decided to expand this interest as a worldwide
bauxite, alumina and alumina-based chemicals enterprise.
WMC Limited and Alcoa combined their respective bauxite,
alumina and alumina-based chemicals businesses and
investments and some selected smelting operations to create
Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) in January 1995.
04
CHAIRMAN AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S
REPORT 2014
CHAIRMAN AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S
REPORT 2014
Alumina Limited continued to pursue its objectives
in 2014 to position the Company for the long-term –
those strategies enabled increased cash flows and
a return to dividend distributions to shareholders.
05
INTRODUCTION
2014 was a significant year for Alumina Limited, and its
AWAC joint venture with Alcoa. The year saw the asset
portfolio reshaping to exit high-cost operations and to add
new low-cost alumina refinery capacity. In addition, more
than two thirds of third party smelter grade alumina sales
are now linked to alumina pricing index (API)/spot pricing:
leading to higher price realisations in 2014. Furthermore,
the capital structure of the Company has been significantly
repositioned to reduce debt levels, reduce interest expenses
and extend maturities.
These actions together with improved market fundamentals
have enabled the Company to recommence dividend
distributions and be well positioned for a more favourable
price and exchange rate environment. In recognition of these
factors, the Company’s share price increased by more than
60 per cent over the year: a very satisfying result for our
shareholders.
Alumina Limited recorded a net profit of $91.1 million for
2014, excluding significant items, compared to $29.6 million
in 2013. The closure of the smelter at Point Henry near
Geelong and the sale of AWAC’s interest in the Jamalco
refinery and mine incurred one-off costs that meant that
the reported result was a net loss of $98.3 million.
RESHAPING THE BUSINESS
The resilience of the AWAC joint venture through the recent
period of industry change reflects the quality of the AWAC
asset base and also the active and ongoing positioning of
the portfolio to remain competitive as the industry changed
around it. Alumina Limited plays an important and active
role in protecting and contributing to growing the value of
the AWAC joint venture, on behalf of our shareholder base.
As the industry has changed, the Company has been actively
repositioning, with a particular focus on three key elements.
1. A restructure of the AWAC asset base to lower costs:
» AWAC continued to restructure its asset portfolio in
2014, as part of its strategy to focus on lower cost
assets and improve its overall cost position. AWAC
has a target of improving its position on the alumina
industry cost curve from the 30th percentile in 2010
to the 21st percentile by 2016. By the end of 2014,
AWAC had moved to the 25th percentile. A 3.5 per cent
decline in alumina cash cost of production during the
year contributed to an improved AWAC 2014 operating
net profit of $236 million before significant items.
» This strategy has seen the sale of the Jamaican refinery
in which AWAC held a 55 per cent interest and the
conversion of the San Ciprian refinery to a lower cost
energy source, namely natural gas. AWAC’s Suralco
refinery in Suriname is also the subject of a strategic
review under a Memorandum of Understanding with
the Suriname Government. The Point Henry Smelter
was closed in August 2014 due to it no longer being
financially viable. The closure of the Point Henry and
the sale of Jamalco assets resulted in a $197.3 million
charge to Alumina Limited’s profit post-tax.
» The Point Henry and Jamalco assets have been in AWAC
since its formation in 1994 and their operating histories
extend to the 1960’s. The closure costs associated with
old plants such as Point Henry that have reached the end
of their economic life are significant and the decisions
are not easily taken. These decisions must be made to
ensure AWAC has a cost base that positions it for the
future. Alumina Limited has discussed with Alcoa these
decisions which needed to be taken and shown strong
support for them.
06
» The construction and completion of the Saudi Arabian
bauxite mine and alumina refinery with Ma’aden will
add 450,000 tonnes of low-cash cost alumina
production to the AWAC portfolio.
» The low cost operations in Australia achieved new
production records and the Alumar refinery in Brazil
has also incrementally grown.
» As a consequence of these actions, the EBITDA margin1
for 2014 was $54 per tonne of alumina – this is much
improved compared to margins of $31 per tonne and
$45 per tonne in 2012 and 2013. Operating margins
for AWAC have started to return to levels that provide
a good return on capital.
2. A restructure of the marketing for AWAC’s alumina:
The pricing of smelter-grade alumina until 2011 had largely
been linked to London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium
pricing. Alumina price indices were introduced in 2011
and reflect the alumina industry fundamentals better than
aluminium linked pricing. All new alumina sales by AWAC
since 2011 have been undertaken on a spot or API basis.
The fundamentals of the alumina industry improved
in late 2014. API prices in 2014 were higher than for legacy
contracts linked to aluminium.
AWAC’s realised alumina prices were 0.6 per cent higher in
2014, compared with 2013. The successful transition to
alumina pricing based on alumina market indices continued
in 2014, with 68 per cent of AWAC’s third party sales sold
on an indexed or spot basis. With 75 per cent of AWAC’s
third party alumina sales being sold on an API or spot basis
in 2015, this trend should continue to be beneficial to AWAC.
The alumina index price increased to $355 per tonne by
year end.
3. A restructure of Alumina Limited’s balance sheet:
Alumina Limited’s gearing has been reduced to 3.4 per cent,
providing flexibility to increase distributions to shareholders or
to fund further AWAC growth. The Company also restructured
its debt funding. With the assistance of the Company’s lenders
our debt facilities have been structured to reflect the unique
cash flow characteristics of Alumina Limited.
Existing drawn bank debt and Brazilian debt has been
replaced in 2014 by an Australian medium term note issue
of A$125 million in November. This also enabled the
maturity of the Company’s debt to be extended to 2019.
These achievements are important in ensuring the Company
maintains a balance sheet that can satisfy shareholders and
meet the demands of business cycles.
Pleasingly, corporate costs for Alumina Limited were lower
in 2014 at $13.5 million. This was a decline of 22 per cent.
The Company delisted from the New York Stock Exchange
in February 2014 and has applied to deregister in the US
in 2015, which will further lower costs in 2015. Funding
costs also declined to $13.6 million from $25.3 million
in 2013 with the restructuring of debt to provide further
benefits in 2015.
REALISING THE BENEFITS
Cash distributions received from AWAC increased by $8.9
million to $119.2 million. Together with the Company’s lower
debt levels, this enabled the Board to declare a final dividend
of US 1.6 cents per ordinary share, for the 2014 year.
The positive outcomes for shareholders from the restructuring
of AWAC and the Company’s balance sheet were seen in an
over 60 per cent increase in 2014 total shareholder return.
ALUMINA LIMITED’S STRATEGY
The Company’s strategy is to invest worldwide in bauxite
mining and alumina refining operations through its
40 per cent ownership of AWAC, the world’s leading
alumina producer.
In a dynamic environment and where the future for the
bauxite and alumina industry is evolving rapidly, the
Company is active in protecting and growing the
investments of its shareholders.
1 The EBITDA margin is calculated as AWAC’s EBITDA excluding significant
items, smelters’ EBITDA and equity accounted income/(losses) divided by
tonnes produced.
07
World bauxite supply, energy cost and availability, market
growth and China’s role are just some of the many topics
the Company takes a position on.
With a large proportion of AWAC’s asset base and profits
derived from its Australian operations, the company is
currently monitoring the dynamics and changes in Australian
energy markets. For many decades Australia has enjoyed
the economic and social benefits derived from value-adding
industries such as the aluminium and alumina industries.
These industries compete in international markets and a
critical component of their long term success and
sustainability has been based on the availability of
competitively priced energy.
In the current environment, the availability of energy to
Australian industry is being challenged by strong international
demand and some analysts are forecasting energy shortages
for both industrial and domestic use. Federal and State
governments have a critical role to play in ensuring that value
adding industries that create jobs for thousands of Australians
continue and Australia remains an attractive destination for
these industries and future investment.
BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
Peter Wasow, who had been a Non-Executive Director
of Alumina Limited since 2011, began as Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) on 1 January 2014. Peter Day and Mike
Ferraro joined the Board in 2014 and we have welcomed
their contributions.
GOVERNANCE
The form of the Remuneration Report has been simplified
and restructured this year to improve its readability.
We encourage you to review the Company’s remuneration
strategy, policy and outcomes explained in the report.
The Company’s 2014 Remuneration Report provides full
details of the personal objectives of senior executives and
an assessment of performance against those objectives
in considering short-term incentives for the year. Having
regard to performance being achieved against personal
and corporate objectives, a short-term incentive award
was made to the CEO and Senior Executives.
For Non-Executive Directors, there is no increase in fees
for the 2015 year and fees have been unchanged since
1 January 2012.
Although the Company filed for deregistration in the US
in March 2015, it will maintain its US American Depositary
Receipts (ADR) program in the US Over-the-counter (OTC)
market, and remains committed to its US investors.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is a serious matter for Alumina Limited,
being in context of its 40 per cent interest in AWAC.
Excellence in sustainability is important for AWAC to
maintain the social licence in the communities in which
AWAC operates. Sustainability analysis and planning is
forward looking and focusses on impacts on economic,
environment and social sectors caused by the business.
Alumina Limited reports its and AWAC’s sustainability
performance based on the G3 Global Reporting Initiatives
(GRI) principles. The latest Sustainability Update is available
for viewing on the Company’s website. Over the next year,
Alumina Limited will transition to reporting under the new
GRI G4 reporting guidelines.
OUTLOOK
Global alumina demand is expected to grow by over 6 per
cent per annum over the next five years. The current surplus
in global alumina is expected to move to a balanced position
resulting from alumina refinery curtailments and closures
and also expected increase of alumina imports into China
over the period.
Just as AWAC has been restructuring its assets portfolio over
2014, it is expected that there will be further rationalisation
and consolidation in the alumina industry over the next few
years, inside and outside China. There is expected to be
a continuing short to medium term diversification of bauxite
suppliers to China, however in the longer term the world will
need a number of new large-scale bauxite mines to meet
expected growing demand.
As the world’s largest bauxite miner, AWAC is well-positioned
to be able to take advantage of expected better market
conditions due to rising demand and prices for bauxite,
whether or not AWAC sells significant quantities of bauxite
to the third party market. The ongoing delinking of alumina
pricing from aluminium prices should mean that the
favourable bauxite dynamics will flow through to higher
world alumina prices.
The Board would like to thank Alumina’s employees for their
efforts and commitment to improving the Company.
PETER WASOW
Chief Executive Officer
GJ PIZZEY
Chairman
08
WHY SUSTAINABILITY
MATTERS
WHY SUSTAINABILITY
MATTERS
Consideration of sustainability matters is an
essential element of Alumina Limited’s and
AWAC’s business strategy and outcomes.
Sustainability thinking is future focussed. The
determination to attain sustainability targets
has a positive influence on the efficiency of the
business and reflects in the business outcomes
and flows onto Alumina Limited’s returns.
09
POSITIVE BUSINESS IMPACTS ARISING FROM SUSTAINABILITY.• Improvements in energy efficiency resulting in less energy required to produce a tonne of alumina contribute to reducing the ongoing cost of energy and a decline in energy usage also has a positive impact on the volume of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions emitted in the production process.• Improved water management processes that result in using less potable water resources save costs and contribute to the conservation of valuable water resources not only for the business but also the local environment.• Innovative waste treatment methods reduce the volume of waste and in some cases produce usable by-products for re-use that otherwise would have contributed to increasing the waste footprint. • Rehabilitation of land restores the land for future generations either restored to its original condition (e.g. forest) or into land that can be utilised by the local community for agricultural purposes and contributes to the local economy.• Improvements in safety procedures and equipment, increased safety awareness and training contribute to less workforce injuries and lost work time. Employees’ health and safety is improved and continuous focus on and improvement in safety measures is behind the goal to eliminate workplace fatalities.• Consultative interaction, in the local communities that AWAC operates, leads to constructive outcomes for the local community and also for the business and underpins AWAC’s licence to operate in those regions and communities.10
AWAC AREAS OF
KEY MATERIALITY
POTENTIAL IMPACT ON
SUSTAINABILITY OF AWAC
ACTION
Energy usage
and security
Emissions
Energy is an essential component in
alumina and aluminium production.
As both processes are energy
intensive, it represents approximately
26 per cent of all alumina costs and
aluminium costs for AWAC. Energy
efficiency is a key factor in sustainable
business and environmental
performance.
AWAC through Alcoa is actively investigating improving
its energy portfolio sources that will reduce reliance on
fossil fuels and lessen its impact on the environment and
society. AWAC’s alumina refinery at San Ciprian, Spain
is an example of that strategy in action. In 2014, AWAC’s
San Ciprian alumina refinery was progressively working
to transition from fuel oil as its major source of energy to
natural gas, a cleaner fuel alternative. This transition was
completed in February 2015.
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
are the natural corollary to AWAC’S
energy intensive operations. High
energy use results in high emission
levels, especially when some of that
energy is sourced from coal fired
power stations.
The Pinjarra alumina refinery in Western Australia has
two onsite gas-fired cogeneration power plants. These
co-generation plants operate on natural gas, a transitional
fuel that is cleaner than the alternative coal generated
power plants, operating at 75 per cent energy efficiency
compared to 30 – 50 per cent for other power plants in
Western Australia. Energy generated by these plants is
estimated to save approximately 450,000 metric tonnes
of greenhouse gas emissions annually compared to a
similar-sized coal-fired plant. In addition, the cogeneration
plants reduce the refinery emissions by 270,000 tonnes
per year through more efficient steam generation.
Alcoa of Australia (AofA) has undertaken several initiatives
to conserve water, increase water efficiency and reduce water
quality requirements, which include:
• Purse secondary sources of water as an alternative
to fresh water used in several refining processes.
• Projects aimed at recycling water already used
in processing to reduce total water withdrawals.
• Projects evaluating applications to slow evaporation
of stored water.
• Increasing pasture coverage on and around bauxite
residue areas at Wagerup Refinery to suppress dust
and remove the need for water sprinklers.
A strategic sustainability target for all AWAC locations
with substantive biodiversity values and land holdings is to
develop biodiversity action plans by 2015. These plans will:
• Identify the biodiversity values of the land, including
sensitive habitats and the presence of threatened species
and communities, in context with surrounding land
• Pinpoint potential impacts, both positive and negative
• Develop a management plan based on the hierarchy
of biodiversity mitigation measures – avoid, minimize,
rectify, compensate;
• Inform AWAC’s employees and communities where
AWAC operates about the importance of biodiversity
protection, and encourage their participation in
biodiversity initiatives; and
• Set and report performance against site-specific targets
Water
management
and security
Water is an essential raw material,
used at every point of AWAC’s
mining, refining and smelting
operations. Water scarcity has
the potential to impact AWAC’s
costs, production volume and
financial performance.
Land
management and
rehabilitation
Bauxite mining accounts for the
majority of land that is disturbed
as a result of AWAC’s operations.
AWAC is committed to minimising
the disturbance of the original
habitat. AWAC works closely
with community and regulatory
stakeholders to restore those lands
affected to the most productive use
possible, including, where feasible,
re-establishing pre-operating
conditions.
11
AWAC AREAS OF
KEY MATERIALITY
POTENTIAL IMPACT ON
SUSTAINABILITY OF AWAC
ACTION
Waste
Workforce
health and
safety
Relationships
with neighbouring
local communities
where AWAC
conducts business
Alumina and aluminium processing
creates waste products, the most
significant being bauxite residue
(approximately 1.5 tonnes of residue
results per tonne of alumina
produced). Minimising waste through
innovative processes and alternative
uses for waste products are priorities
that will reduce AWAC’s environmental
footprint.
Managing safety in AWAC’s
complex mining and refining
environment requires strong systems
as well as a focused safety culture
committed to continuous
improvement. As the operator Alcoa
has invested substantial intellectual,
financial and system resources over
several decades to understand the
key drivers behind safety behaviour
with the sole aim of eliminating
fatalities and serious injuries from
AWAC’s operations.
AWAC is a global enterprise that
conducts business in diverse markets
and different communities, each with
their own values and customs. It
is important that interactions are
conducted in a way that respects
local communities and human
rights fostering positive long-term
relationships for mutual benefit.
AWAC is improving the sustainability of the storage
areas’ surface cover, and operating locations are adopting
best practice approaches for closure. While imported fill
can be used to cap the areas, AWAC’s research is focused
on transforming the residue into a viable soil layer, which
can sustain a vegetative cover and initiate in-situ
remediation of the residue deposits.
The safety system employed at AWAC facilities involves
the following four main activities:
• Identifying hazards and assessing the risks associated
with AWAC’s products, services, and operations;
• Developing and implementing operational controls
with built-in layers of protection to mitigate effectively
the impact of those risks;
• Monitoring and maintaining AWAC’s hazard recognition,
risk assessment, and operational control activities to
ensure they are current and effective; and
• Reacting to correct gaps in AWAC’s protective systems
and continuously improve system stability.
AWAC through Alcoa has developed and implemented
two specific stakeholder engagement processes to ensure
that the business manages stakeholder responsibilities
appropriately. The first process focuses on engagement
with the people who live in the communities where AWAC
is located. The second is a corporate-level stakeholder
engagement process, where relationships are developed
with appropriate stakeholders at the regional or global
level. This is to ensure an understanding of issues and
concerns that may transcend a specific operational
location and that opportunities for dialogue on those
issues and concerns are created.
AWAC’s sustainability targets and efforts are not concentrated on short-term gains or benefits; they are directed
to result in enduring benefits.
For more detail of Alumina Limited’s sustainability policy and practices and the sustainability process within the
AWAC joint venture, please visit the Sustainability Update located in the sustainability section of the Company
website at www.aluminalimited.com/sustainability.
12
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
STATEMENT
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
STATEMENT
The following statement describes Alumina
Limited’s corporate governance framework,
policies and practices. The governance
framework is approved by the Board of
Directors and management is generally
responsible for its implementation.
13
APPROACH TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
COMPLIANCE WITH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODES
Alumina Limited’s approach to corporate governance
is based on:
• analysing and adopting best practice governance
principles and practices
• applying the Company’s ethical values and principles
to define and drive its business thinking and practices
• prudent delegation of responsibilities
• appropriate systems, processes, authorities, delegation
of responsibilities and internal controls.
Website
The Company’s website (www.aluminalimited.com/
governance) contains more detailed information on
Alumina Limited’s Board and Committee Charters
and corporate governance policies and practices.
Alumina Limited is a listed company on the Australian
Securities Exchange (ASX) and trades on the OTC Market
in the US. Alumina Limited meets each of the requirements
of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate
Governance Principles and Recommendations with 2010
Amendments (2nd Edition). In 2014 the 3rd Edition of the
ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations
was released, effective in the case of the Company from
its first full financial year commencing on 1 January 2015.
While Alumina Limited is not required to report against the
3rd Edition in respect of the 2014 financial year, the Company
has decided to adopt early some of its recommendations.
Also in 2014, Alumina Limited voluntarily delisted from the
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and is no longer required
to meet the Rules of that Exchange. Following the delisting
from the NYSE, the US Securities Exchange Commission
(SEC) requires a company considering deregistration to wait
12 months before testing if it satisfies the requirements to
deregister. The 12 month waiting period for Alumina Limited
expired on 28 February 2015. Alumina Limited met the
conditions for deregistration and filed on 4 March 2015 with
the SEC for their approval to deregister in the US. As from the
date of filing for deregistration, Alumina Limited is no longer
obligated to prepare reports under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.
14
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
VALUES AND CODE OF CONDUCT
BOARD AND COMMITTEE CHARTERS
GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
Audit and Risk Committee
Responsibilities
• Financial management & reporting
• Internal controls
• Risk management framework
• Audit strategy & performance
GOVERNANCE OVERSIGHT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nomination committee
Responsibilities
• Select and appoint Directors
and CEO
• Identify necessary Board
& committee competencies
• Assess director skills & competency
DELEGATION AND CONTROLS
Compensation committee
Responsibilities
• Oversight of remuneration,
compensation plans, policies
& practice
DELEGATED AUTHORITIES
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
AND INTERNAL CONTROLS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Senior Management – Management Committee
ETHICAL & ACCOUNTABLE WORK PRACTICES
SHAREHOLDER VALUE
GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES – PROMOTING ETHICAL CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR
At the peak of Alumina Limited’s Corporate Governance
Framework is the Company’s corporate values and Code of
Conduct. These define the operating ethics of the Company
and also its corporate culture. These standards apply to the
Company’s directors, employees and contractors. Training on
the Code of Conduct is conducted annually and employees
and directors are required to certify that they understand
and agree to abide by these standards.
Alumina Limited also has a Sustainability Policy that
outlines our commitment and goals towards sustainable
business practices in relation to the Company, AWAC
and our stakeholders.
The Company’s Values and Code of Conduct are detailed
in full on our website at www.aluminalimited.com/values-
and-code-of-conduct.
Alumina Limited’s governance management is also guided
by the scope, roles and responsibilities of the Board and
its Committees, as defined in their respective Charters
(refer page 16).
15
GOVERNANCE OVERSIGHT
Board responsibilities and delegation of authority
The principal role of Alumina Limited’s Board of Directors
is protecting and furthering the interests of shareholders
by overseeing the strategic direction of the Company. The
Board is guided by its Charter that establishes the scope
of duties, responsibilities and authority of the Board of
Directors.
The primary responsibilities of the Board are to:
• appoint the CEO
• monitor the performance of the CEO and senior
executives
• formulate Alumina Limited’s strategic direction and
monitor its execution
• monitor and optimise business performance
• approve Alumina Limited’s external financial reporting.
The scope of authority delegated to senior management
for managing the day-to-day affairs of the Company is
defined within the Board Charter and Company Policies.
The Charter expressly states matters that cannot be
delegated by the Board or its Committees. The level and
scope of management’s delegated authority is further
described in the Company’s Group Authorities Schedule.
The Group Authorities Schedule is reviewed on an annual
basis to ensure that delegations are appropriate and that
control systems are effective.
In 2014 our Senior Management team consisted of Peter
Wasow, CEO; and senior executives Chris Thiris, Chief
Financial Officer (CFO); Stephen Foster, General Counsel/
Company Secretary and Andrew Wood, Group Executive
Strategy & Development. Senior Executives are defined
as those people within the Company that participate in
developing strategy or making decisions that affect the
whole or a substantial part of the business.
Alumina Limited’s Board Charter and other Company
Policies are included in full in the Governance section of
our website at www.aluminalimited.com/governance.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
In 2014, the Board of Alumina Limited consisted of five non-executive directors and an Executive Director – the CEO,
Mr Peter Wasow. Board members at the date of this report and their participation on Board committees are:
DIRECTOR
BOARD STATUS
DATE OF
APPOINTMENT
AUDIT AND RISK
COMMITTEE1
NOMINATION
COMMITTEE
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
Mr John Pizzey
Ms Emma Stein
Chairman, Independent
Non-executive Director
Independent
Non-executive Director
8 June 20072
Member
Member
Member
3 February 2011
Member
Member
Member
and Chair
Mr Peter Wasow
Executive Director (CEO)
26 August 20113
Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
Mr Chen Zeng
Non-executive Director
15 March 2013
Non-member
Member
Mr Peter Day
Independent
Non-executive Director
1 January 2014
Member
and Chair
Mr Michael
Ferraro
Independent
Non-executive Director
5 February 2014
Member
Member
Member
and Chair
Member
Member
Member
Notes:
1 The Audit and Risk Committee was previously called the Audit Committee and was renamed in 2014 to reflect its expanded role.
2 Mr Pizzey was initially appointed as an Independent Non-executive Director on 8 June 2007. He became Chairman on 30 November 2011.
3 Mr Wasow was initially appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on 26 August 2011. He became CEO (and hence an Executive Director)
on 1 January 2014.
16
Mr Peter Day was appointed a Non-Executive Director
and a member of each of the Board Committees of the
Company effective 1 January 2014. Due to Mr Day’s
extensive experience in finance, he was appointed as
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee (then known
as the Audit Committee).
Mr Michael Ferraro was appointed a Non-Executive Director
and a member of each of the Board Committees effective
5 February 2014 and was later appointed Chair of the
Nomination Committee. Ms Stein was Chair of the
Nomination Committee prior to Mr Ferraro’s appointment.
structural and strategic risks, including reviewing the risk
framework systems and procedures for risk identification
rating and management at least annually to satisfy itself
that it continues to be sound.
Other primary functions of the Audit and Risk Committee
are to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for
Alumina Limited’s financial statements and external
reporting. In supporting the Board, the Audit and Risk
Committee assesses the processes relating to:
• reporting of financial information to users of financial
reports
A brief biography of each Alumina Limited Director,
summarising their skills, experience and expertise relevant
to their role as Director and the period they have held office,
is included elsewhere in this annual report (see pages 31 to
33). This disclosure includes the qualifications of the Audit
and Risk Committee members.
• adoption and application of accounting policies
• financial management
• internal financial control systems, including internal audit
• independent auditor qualifications, independence and
performance.
The Audit and Risk Committee reviews other issues as
requested by the Board or the CEO.
In 2014 the Audit and Risk Committee was chaired by Mr
Peter Day (whom the Board regards as a financial expert).
Activities Undertaken in 2014
The Audit and Risk Committee met on eight occasions
in 2014 and reviewed:
• the Company’s financial statements
• changes to accounting policy and accounting and tax
treatment
• external and internal auditor audit plans and the auditors’
performance against those plans
• disclosure controls and procedures
• the Company’s International Business Conduct Policy
• non-audit services
• the auditors’ reports
• risk management and compliance
• internal control policies.
The Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee consults
from time to time with the Company’s external and internal
auditors without the presence of Alumina Limited’s
management.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board of Alumina Limited has delegated certain
responsibilities to three principal Board Committees;
the Audit and Risk Committee (previously called the
Audit Committee), the Nomination Committee and the
Compensation Committee. Each Committee has its own
governing Charter and the Committees comprise only
Non-Executive Directors. Committee membership and the
record of attendance are detailed in the table on page 18.
During 2014, and in accordance with Company Policy,
the Chairman of the Board, Mr Pizzey, did not chair any
of the Board Committees.
The Committee Charters describing the scope and
responsibility of each committee are available for review on
our website at www.aluminalimited.com/committee-charters.
AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE ROLE
In 2014 the role of the Board’s Audit Committee was
expanded to include providing assistance to the Board in
overseeing and reviewing the Company’s risk management
framework and the effectiveness of its risk management,
and as a consequence the Committee was renamed the
Audit and Risk Committee. In respect of risk management,
the Committee performs the following functions:
• assessing the Company’s exposure to business risks
including the strategies in place for managing key risks,
and for determining whether there is appropriate
coverage in the internal audit plans
• review and ratify management’s actions in the
identification, evaluation, management, monitoring and
reporting of material operational, financial, compliance,
17
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ROLE
NOMINATION COMMITTEE ROLE
The Compensation Committee is responsible for making
recommendations to the Board in relation to the Company’s
remuneration strategy, policies and practices. It is
accountable for ensuring that, in setting remuneration
rewards, employee and shareholder interests are aligned
and that remuneration structure and rewards are
competitive and will attract and retain motivated and
talented employees.
The Compensation Committee’s brief includes overseeing
the Company’s Short-term and Long-term Incentive plans,
remuneration for Non-Executive Directors, CEO succession
planning and transparent disclosure of the Company’s
remuneration practices.
Activities Undertaken in 2014
The Compensation Committee met six times during
2014 to consider:
• Non-Executive Director remuneration
• executive and staff remuneration review and personal
performance assessment
• review of executive remuneration structure including
for a new CEO
• performance reviews for Short-term and Long-term
The Nomination Committee assists and provides
recommendations to the Board on succession planning for
Directors and the CEO. In preparing recommendations to
the Board, the Committee considers the following matters:
• identifying the necessary and desirable competencies
of Board members
• regularly assessing competencies necessary to be
represented by Board members
• selection and appointment process for Directors
• regularly reviewing the size and composition of the Board,
including succession plans
• determining which Non-executive Directors are to retire
in accordance with the provisions of Alumina Limited’s
Constitution.
A function of the Nomination Committee is to ensure that
the Board has the right balance of skills and experience to
discharge its responsibilities. The Nomination Committee
will consider individuals for Board membership who have
demonstrated high levels of integrity, the ability to create
value for shareholders and motivation for the task and
who can apply such skills and experience to the benefit
of the Company.
Incentive Plans
Activities Undertaken in 2014
• appointment of remuneration consultants
The Nomination Committee met twice during 2014.
• approval of Alumina Limited corporate objectives against
which the CEO’s compensation is to be measured
• review of services provided by remuneration consultants
• annual diversity review of remuneration by gender
information.
Activities undertaken included:
• succession planning
• review of the Company’s Diversity Policy and objectives
• annual diversity review of, and to report on the relative
proportion of women and men in the workforce
• performance evaluation
• review and endorsement for Messrs Day and Ferraro’s
election to the Board, and review of Mr Pizzey’s
performance and endorsement for re-election to
the Board.
18
BOARD MEETINGS
The Board scheduled 10 formal meetings in 2014.
Scheduled Board meetings typically involve:
• approving previous minutes and considering outstanding
items arising from minutes
• a review of the CEO’s Business Performance Report
• reports on finance and treasury matters
• reports on capital works projects and special projects
• review of industry and global market trends and analysis
• strategy updates
• deliberation on internal policy and procedure matters
• review of risk management framework
• reports from Committee Chairs
• consideration of business and governance matters.
Board meetings are generally attended by the senior
management team of the CFO, General Counsel/Company
Secretary and Group Executive Strategy & Development.
Other senior managers and expert consultants participate
in meetings as required.
Non-Executive Directors conduct meetings from time to time
without the presence of executives. The Chairman of the Board
presides over these meetings. To enable interested parties
to make any concern known to Non-Executive Directors, the
General Counsel/Company Secretary, Mr Foster, acts as an
agent for the Non-Executive Directors. Procedures for handling
all direct communications for Non-Executive Directors are
detailed on the Company’s website.
ALUMINA LIMITED DIRECTORS’ ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
January to December 2014
BOARD MEETING
AUDIT AND RISK
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
NOMINATIONS
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Eligible
to attend
Attended
Eligible
to attend
Attended
Eligible
to attend
Attended
Eligible
to attend
Attended
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
91
10
91
10
8
8
0
8
8
0
8
8
0
8
71
0
6
6
6
6
6
0
6
6
6
6
51
0
2
2
2
2
2
0
2
2
2
2
2
0
Directors
G J Pizzey
E R Stein
C Zeng
P Day
M Ferraro
P Wasow
Note:
1 Mr Zeng and Mr Ferraro were granted leave of absence.
BOARD AND COMMITTEES PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
In late 2014 the Board commissioned an independent
consultant, to review the performance of the Board. The
consultant formally and separately interviewed each director
and prepared a report that was tabled in March 2015 in
respect of the performance of the Board and each of its
Committees. Mr John Pizzey, Chairman of the Board,
discussed with Directors the performance of the Board and its
Committees in regards to relevant business, management
and governance matters. Initiatives to improve performance
were discussed and approved.
The Directors and Committee members concluded from
the findings of the Report that the Board and its committees
conducted their duties in accordance with their relevant
Charters and key performance criteria.
19
BOARD ELECTION
DIRECTOR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
A Director seeking re-election at an Annual General
Meeting is subject to a peer review to determine if their
performance meets the performance criteria prior to
receiving endorsement for re-election.
Alumina Limited’s Constitution requires Directors (excluding
the CEO) to retire at the third Annual General Meeting since
they were last elected or re-elected. A retiring Director
seeking re-election is subject to an appraisal and
recommendation by the Nomination Committee whether
to support the Director’s re-election. The Board reviews
the Nomination Committee recommendation to determine
whether to recommend that shareholders vote in favour
of the re-election. Ms Stein, who was last re-elected to the
Board at the 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM), will
stand for re-election at the 2015 Annual General Meeting
in accordance with the Company’s Constitution.
BOARD SUCCESSION PLANNING
AND DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
The Nomination Committee regularly reviews the size and
composition of the Board and whether its members possess
the necessary competencies and expertise for the role. The
Nomination Committee is also responsible for the Board’s
succession planning and, as necessary, nomination of
candidates to fill any vacancy on the Board.
In 2014 the Board appointed Mr Day and Mr Ferraro as
directors following the retirement of Mr Peter Hay and Mr
Wasow’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer. The Board
engaged a professional recruitment firm to assist in searches
for two non executive directors. They were instructed in
relation to the Company’s diversity policy (and as a
consequence sought to include suitably qualified external
female candidates) and also briefed on the skill set and
experience that was desired. Appropriate enquiries were
made of Mr Day’s and Mr Ferraro’s character, experience,
education, criminal record and bankruptcy history. The 2014
AGM Notice of Meeting detailed Mr Day’s and Mr Ferraro’s
qualifications, business experience and skills. Both Mr Day
and Mr Ferraro also addressed the AGM audience
regarding their candidature.
The procedure for selection and appointment is
detailed in the Nomination Committee Charter, available
in the Governance section of the Company’s website
www.aluminalimited.com.
In order to effectively discharge its duties, it is necessary
that collectively the directors hold the appropriate balance
of skills and experience. The Board seeks a complementary
diversity of skills and experience across its members,
recognising the complex and varied issues facing a minority
partner and its interest in a large scale, global and capital
intensive business. The Nomination Committee utilises a
Skills Matrix to determine whether the appropriate mix of
skills and experience exists among the Board and Committee
members and to identify key attributes required for future
candidates.
The Skills Matrix includes the following attributes:
• established management and leadership skills
• international experience
• industry knowledge and experience
• high level of governance experience
• proven record of developing and implementing
successful strategy
• financial expertise
• capital projects experience
• joint venture experience
• relevant technical skills including legal skills.
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Director independence from day-to-day management is
viewed as essential to ensure objective governance. Alumina
Limited considers that Directors are independent if they are:
• autonomous of management and
• have no material business or other relationship with the
Alumina Limited Group that could materially impede their
objectivity or the exercise of independent judgement by
the Director or materially influence their ability to act in
the best interests of the Group.
Alumina Limited’s guidelines for director independence are
formalised in a policy that, among other things, requires the
Board to assess director independence on an annual basis
and otherwise as it feels is warranted.
In assessing the independence of Directors, the following
matters are considered:
• any existing relationships with the Alumina Limited Group
– either direct or indirect – including professional
affiliations and contractual arrangements
• any past relationships with the Alumina Limited Group,
either direct or indirect
• materiality thresholds
20
• the definitions of independence embodied in Australian
and US corporate governance standards.
In forming a decision on director independence, the
materiality thresholds used by Alumina Limited include:
• the value of a contractual relationship is the greater of
$250,000 or two per cent of the other company’s
consolidated gross revenues
• in relation to a principal of, or employee of, a present or
former material professional adviser or consultant of the
Company within the previous three years, the greater of
$250,000 or two per cent of the professional adviser’s
or consultant’s gross revenues
• for an employee or any family member currently
employed as an executive officer by another company
that makes payments to or receives payments from the
Alumina Limited Group for property or services in an
amount that exceeds, in any single fiscal year, the greater
of $250,000 or two per cent of the other company’s
consolidated gross revenues.
The Board has concluded that four of the five Non-Executive
Directors who held office during 2014 are independent.
In reaching this conclusion the Board has considered the
following relationships and associations:
• Mr Pizzey was, until December 2003, Group President of
the AWAC joint venture. Mr Pizzey’s previous employment
with Alcoa Inc and AWAC does not materially impede his
objectivity, exercise of independent judgement, or ability
to act in the best interests of the Company. Mr Pizzey’s
employment with Alcoa Inc ceased in December 2003,
over ten years ago.
• Ms Stein is a Director of Diversified Utilities Energy Trust
(DUET), a majority owner of the Dampier to Bunbury
Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) in which Alcoa of Australia
Limited has a 20 per cent interest and is a user. Alumina
Limited has a 40 per cent interest in Alcoa of Australia
Limited. Ms Stein declared her interest and has not
participated in any decision-making matter that relates
to Alcoa of Australia Limited’s dealings with the DBNGP.
The Board concluded that Ms Stein’s directorship of
DUET does not prejudice her independence.
• Mr Day had no previous association with the Company
or any other relationships that were relevant to his
independence.
• Mr Ferraro had no previous association with the Company
or any other relationships that were relevant to his
independence.
• Mr Zeng is not considered independent due to his senior
management role in a substantial shareholder in Alumina
Limited.
• Mr Wasow was not considered independent due to his
executive responsibilities.
For further information on materiality thresholds and
director independence, please refer to the Company’s
Director Independence Policy, available on the Company’s
website at www.aluminalimited.com/director-independence.
21
DIVERSITY
Alumina Limited recognises the value a diverse workforce
can offer in an array of thinking contributing to the success
of the Company. Alumina Limited is committed to cultivating
a workplace that has an emphasis on diversity. A Diversity
Policy has been established that presents key undertakings
and standards that promote, among other things,
impartiality in recruiting from a wide talent base, provide
opportunities for employees to develop skills and broaden
their perspectives and that reflect the Company’s corporate
values of tolerance and fairness. Diversity encompasses but
is not limited to gender, age, culture (ethnicity), language,
religious beliefs and disabilities.
Our Diversity Policy applies to all Alumina Limited
employees, including contractors and consultants acting
on the Company’s behalf, and includes the recruitment
and selection process, terms and conditions of employment
including pay, promotion, work assignment, and training as
well as any other aspect of employment. Any appointment
process is conducted in reference to the Diversity Policy and
the Company’s diversity objectives. Details of the policy are
set out under the policies section of the Company’s website
at www.aluminalimited.com/diversity-policy.
The Diversity Policy includes a commitment by the Board of Directors to establishing measurable objectives for gender
diversity. Alumina Limited’s diversity objectives since their introduction are:
OBJECTIVES
To include in the Nomination Committee Charter responsibility for diversity,
including an annual review and report on the relative proportion of women
and men in the workforce at all levels of the Company
RESULT
Completed
To engage consultants who support and promote the Company’s diversity
policy, including assisting to identify additional suitably qualified external
female candidates
Achieved throughout 2014
To ensure that candidate lists for permanent employee positions are recognisably
diverse by age, sex or ethnicity
Not applicable in 2014 due to no
new positions being offered or filled
To ensure that in the interview process for each executive position there is at
least one appropriately qualified female candidate and at least one female
on the interview panel
Not applicable in 2014 due to no
new positions being offered or filled
To consider diversity when reviewing board succession plans with the aim to
improve gender representation and diversity
Achieved throughout 2014
That the Company has at least one female Non-Executive Director
Achieved throughout 2014
Develop flexible and part-time work arrangements where employees can
balance work/life commitments and pursue career development
Policy adopted in 2013
During 2014 Ms Stein was the only female Non-Executive Director representing 20 per cent of the Board’s Non-Executive
Directors and approximately 17 per cent of total directors. As at 31 December 2014, 33 per cent of Alumina Limited’s
employees were women. No women were represented on the four-person senior management team.
22
DIRECTORS’ AND EXECUTIVES’ REMUNERATION
• managing the day-to-day operation of the Company
Details of the remuneration policies and practices of
Alumina Limited are set out in the Remuneration Report
on pages 52 to 79 of this report. Shareholders will have
the opportunity to vote on a non-binding resolution to
adopt the Remuneration Report at the 2015 AGM.
SHARE TRADING AND HEDGING PROHIBITIONS
Performance Rights granted under Alumina Limited’s
long-term incentive provisions must remain at risk until
fully vested. This is consistent with Alumina Limited’s
Share Trading Policy that prohibits Directors and
employees from engaging in:
• short-term trading of any Alumina Limited securities,
• buying or selling Alumina Limited shares if they possess
unpublished, price-sensitive information; or
• trading in derivative products over the Company’s
securities, or entering into transactions in products
that limit the economic risk of their security holdings
in the Company.
DIRECTORS’ SHARE OWNERSHIP
Alumina Limited requires Independent Directors to hold
shares in the Company having a value equal to 50 per
cent of their base annual fees by the expiry of five years
from the date of their appointment.
Provided the minimum shareholding requirement is satisfied
when shares are acquired or by the expiry of the five year
term, should a decline in the Company’s share price mean
the value of the shareholding does not equal 50 per cent of
the amount of base annual fees, directors are not required
to acquire shares to increase their level of shareholding to
equal the amount of 50 per cent of the base annual fees.
Details of the Independent Director share acquisition policy
and number of shares held by each Non-Executive Director
are disclosed on page 79 of the Remuneration Report.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Company and operates under delegated authority
from the Board. The CEO’s responsibilities include:
• recommending strategic initiatives to the Board and,
where approved, ensuring their implementation
according to the Values and Code of Conduct
• preparing and presenting the Company’s business plans
• appointing and reviewing the performance of senior
management.
DIRECTOR EDUCATION
It is essential for the directors of Alumina Limited to be
updated on business and industry trends and key dynamics.
The directors are provided with industry briefings including
addresses by independent industry specialists to ensure that
directors receive relevant information on the aluminium and
alumina industry fundamentals that impact the performance
of AWAC and Alumina Limited. Visits to operating sites
for business reviews and presentations to the Board from
AWAC executives also provide key insight into the AWAC
assets and operations.
Directors also receive routine updates on corporate
governance and regulatory changes as they apply
to corporate governance, accounting standards and
relevant industry matters.
New Non-Executive Directors undertake an induction
program and receive on their appointment an Induction
Pack that provides them with copies of the Company’s key
policies, Values and Code of Conduct and information
pertaining to the risk management and governance
frameworks.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF CHAIRMAN, NON-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
An annual assessment of the performance of the Chairman
of the Board is conducted by the Chairman of the Nomination
Committee in consultation with the other Non-Executive
Directors. In 2014 the performance evaluation of the
Chairman of the Board was conducted in accordance
with the disclosed process.
The Chairman of the Board reviews each Director’s
individual performance annually and that of the CEO
on a semi-annual basis. Those performance reviews
were conducted in 2014 in accordance with the
disclosed process.
23
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SENIOR EXECUTIVES
CORPORATE REPORTING AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Semi-annual reviews of the performance of each senior
executive against individual tasks and objectives are
undertaken by the CEO. These personal objectives, which
were agreed to at the beginning of the performance period,
relate to key areas of performance over which the individual
has accountability and influence. The performance reviews of
the senior executives were conducted in 2014 in accordance
with the disclosed process.
The Compensation Committee also obtains independent
remuneration information for comparative purposes.
Salary reviews and short-term incentives are determined by
assessing performance against both individual performance
and Company performance targets. Long-term incentives
are assessed against the Company’s total shareholder
return compared with that of the Australian and industry
peer group. In 2014 the Committee conducted those reviews
in accordance with the disclosed process.
DIRECTORS’ ACCESS TO INDEPENDENT ADVICE
To assist directors in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities,
the Board, its committees and individual Directors equally
are entitled to seek independent expert advice on any
matter as considered necessary, with the consent of the
Chairman of the Board. The Chairman requires the Board’s
approval to seek independent advice. Independent advice
might be sought in relation to technical or specialised
matters and the Company will meet any expense incurred.
COMPANY SECRETARY
Mr Stephen Foster is the Company Secretary/General
Counsel. A profile of his qualifications and experience
is set out on page 33. The role of Company Secretary/
General Counsel in Alumina Limited includes:
• providing legal advice to the Board and management
as required
• advising the Board on corporate governance principles
• generally attending all Board meetings and preparing
the minutes
• managing compliance with regulatory requirements.
The appointment of the Company Secretary/General
Counsel is ratified by the Board. As defined in the Board
Charter, the Company Secretary is accountable directly
to the Board, through the Chair, on all matters to do with
the proper functioning of the Board.
The CEO and the CFO have made the following
certifications to the Board:
1. In their opinion:
• Alumina Limited’s financial records for the financial
year have been properly maintained in accordance
with section 286 of the Corporations Act 2001
• the financial statements and the notes comply with
the accounting standards
• the financial statements and the notes give a true
and fair view, in accordance with section 297 of the
Corporations Act 2001
• the financial statements also comply with International
Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board.
2. The above certification is founded on a sound system
of risk management and internal control and that system
is operating effectively in all material respects in relation
to financial reporting risks.
SECURITIES DEALING POLICY
Alumina Limited has a policy on the trading of Alumina Limited
securities by our Directors and employees. The Policy was
revised in 2014. Annually employees are required to attend
a Securities Dealing Policy training session to explain and
reinforce the application of the Policy. The Board believes it is
in all shareholders’ interests for Directors and employees to
own shares in the Company and so encourages shareholding
subject to prudent controls and guidelines on share trading.
The policy prohibits Directors and employees from engaging in
short-term trading of any Alumina Limited securities or buying
or selling Alumina Limited shares if they possess unpublished,
price-sensitive information. Trading in derivative products over
the Company’s securities, and or entering into transactions in
products that limit the economic risk of their security holdings
in the Company, are also prohibited.
In addition, Directors and senior management must not
buy or sell Alumina Limited shares in the period between
the end of the half or full financial year and the release of
the results for the relevant period. Directors and senior
management must also receive approval from the Chairman
or CEO before buying or selling Company securities. A copy
of Alumina Limited’s Securities Dealing Policy can be found
on our website at www.aluminalimited.com/securities-
dealing-policy.
24
CONTINUOUS DISCLOSURE
Alumina Limited has a Continuous Disclosure Policy that
defines the legal and regulatory obligations, materiality
guidelines and reporting process, and is designed to ensure
compliance with the continuous and periodic disclosure
obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 and ASX Listing
Rules and to ensure accountability at a senior executive level
for that compliance. Responsibility for meeting ASX disclosure
requirements rests primarily with the Company Secretary.
Training is conducted annually with all staff to ensure they
understand the Company’s obligations, and their role in
fulfilling them, under the continuous disclosure provisions.
A review of continuous disclosure matters, if any, is
conducted at each Board meeting.
Copies of Alumina Limited’s releases to the ASX, investor
presentations and Annual Reports are available on the
Company’s website at www.aluminalimited.com/
announcements. Alumina Limited’s Continuous Disclosure
Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.
aluminalimited.com/continuous-disclosure-policy.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Each Director has an ongoing responsibility to determine
if they have a conflict of interest, whether direct, indirect,
real or potential, that may impede their impartial decision-
making. Directors are required to disclose to the Board
details of any transactions or interests that may create a
conflict of interest. Alumina Limited’s Constitution expressly
forbids a Director voting on a matter in which they have
a direct or indirect material personal interest as defined
in section 195 of the Corporations Act 2001 to the extent
that it is prohibited by the Corporations Act 2001 or
ASX Listing Rules.
AUDIT GOVERNANCE
External Audit
PricewaterhouseCoopers is Alumina Limited’s external
audit services provider and reports through the Audit and
Risk Committee to the Board. The Audit and Risk Committee
has the primary responsibility for managing the relationship
with the external auditor including their appointment,
compensation and agreeing on the scope and monitoring
the performance and effectiveness of the annual internal
and external audit plans and approval of non-audit related
work. The Committee also reviews, at least annually, the
assessment of the Company’s exposure to business risks
and the strategies in place for managing key risks, and
determines whether there is appropriate coverage in the
internal audit plans.
All reports issued by the auditor to the Committee
are prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting
Standards. In accordance with the applicable provisions
of the Corporations Act 2001, the external auditor provides
an annual declaration of its independence to the Audit
and Risk Committee. Alumina Limited’s External Auditor
Selection and Rotation Policy requires that the lead Partner
involved in the external audit of the Company should not
remain beyond five years.
Further information on the relationship with the external
auditor is covered in the Audit and Risk Committee
Charter, which is available on the Company’s website
at www.aluminalimited.com/audit-committee-charter.
Non-Audit Services
Alumina Limited and PricewaterhouseCoopers have adopted
the following policy in relation to any work undertaken by
PricewaterhouseCoopers that does not directly relate to the
audit of the Company:
• PricewaterhouseCoopers services that have fees of up
to $100,000 require the prior approval of the Audit and
Risk Committee Chairman. Such approval shall include
the scope of the services and the approximate amount
of fees, and shall be reported at the next Audit and
Risk Committee meeting.
• For PricewaterhouseCoopers’ services of more than
$100,000 and less than $250,000, the provision of
such services requires the prior approval of the Audit
and Risk Committee.
• For services of more than $250,000, unless
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ skills and experience are
integral to the services (in which case the provision of
such services requires the prior approval of the Audit and
Risk Committee), the proposed services are to be put to
competitive tender with the requirement for CFO, CEO
and Audit and Risk Committee Chairman’s approval of
the inclusion of PricewaterhouseCoopers in the tender
list. The awarding of a contract, following a competitive
tender, to PricewaterhouseCoopers for the provision of
these services also requires the prior approval of the
Audit and Risk Committee.
Details of non-audit services are described in the Directors’
Report on page 35.
ATTENDANCE AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Partner representing the external auditor attends
Alumina Limited’s AGM and is available at the meeting to
respond to shareholder questions relating to content and
conduct of the audit and accounting policies adopted by the
25
Company regarding preparation of the financial statements.
Alumina Limited will accept written questions for the auditor
up to five days before the AGM.
INTERNAL AUDIT
Alumina Limited’s internal audit function is conducted by
independent accounting firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. It is
the internal auditor’s role to act independent of management
and external audit to evaluate whether the Company’s
processes and controls provide an effective risk management
and control framework, and to report their findings to the
Audit and Risk Committee. The internal auditor has open
access to the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee.
The Audit and Risk Committee approves the annual internal
audit plan and reviews reports on internal audit findings
at least annually.
MANAGING BUSINESS RISK
Alumina Limited’s Risk Management Policy sets out the
policies and procedures for covering risks such as those
relating to markets, credit, price, operating, safety, health,
environment, financial reporting and internal control. The
Board has adopted the Risk Management Policy. Alumina
Limited is exposed to risks, both indirectly, through its
investment in AWAC, and directly as a separately listed
public company.
Alcoa, as the manager of AWAC, has direct responsibility
for managing the risks associated with the AWAC business.
Alcoa utilises its policies and management systems to
identify, manage and mitigate those risks. Alumina Limited
reviews the management and mitigation of AWAC risks
through participation on the AWAC Strategic Council and
the Boards of the key operating entities within AWAC.
Alumina Limited uses internal controls as well as risk
management policies that are appropriate to our risks as
an independent corporate entity. We have developed a Risk
Management Framework that profiles a range of material
business risks, both financial and non-financial in nature,
which are potentially significant for the current operation
and profitability and/or long-term value of the Company.
Each material business risk identified has an explicit risk
strategy and system of internal controls.
Alumina Limited’s most significant commercial risk exposures
are to alumina and aluminium prices, financing risks, foreign
exchange movement, energy security risk, joint venture
structure risks, political and regulatory risks and capital
project risk.
Management has provided a report to the Audit and
Risk Committee on the effectiveness of Alumina Limited’s
management of material business risks. Included is an
assurance from the CEO and CFO that the declaration
provided in accordance with section 295A of the
Corporations Act 2001 (refer to Corporate Reporting and
Risk Management on page 23) is founded on a sound
system of risk management and internal control and that
the system is operating effectively in all material respects
in relation to financial reporting risks.
Alumina Limited’s Risk Management Policy and controls are
covered in more detail in the Governance section of our
website at www.aluminalimited.com/risk-management.
EXCHANGE RATE AND ALUMINA PRICE RISK
AWAC’s operations are well placed on the global cost curve.
Its revenues are underpinned by sales contracts with high-
quality industry participants – mainly customers with whom
it has longstanding commercial arrangements.
Given this underlying business position, shareholders’
interests are best served by Alumina Limited and AWAC
remaining exposed to alumina price and exchange rate
risk, and generally not seeking to manage that risk through
the use of derivative instruments. However, business
circumstances sometimes dictate that it is prudent for the
AWAC joint venture and Alumina Limited to manage such
risks through derivative instruments.
BUSINESS CONDUCT POLICY
The Company’s operating and financial review,
included in the Directors’ Report, refers to the settlements
by Alcoa World Alumina LLC and Alcoa Inc respectively of
investigations by the US Department of Justice and the US
Securities and Exchange Commission in relation to legacy
alumina contracts with Aluminium Bahrain BSC and anti-
bribery provisions, internal controls and books and records
provisions of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and US
Securities Exchange Act. The settlement included an
acknowledgement of compliance efforts, including Alcoa
Inc.’s comprehensive compliance reviews of anti-corruption
policies and procedures and enhancements made to
internal controls.
Alumina Limited’s Anti-Corruption and Money Laundering
Policy prohibits bribery and corruption in all business dealings.
The Company’s International Business Conduct Policy provides
principles and procedures on conducting business
internationally and complying with the requirements of various
laws, including prohibition of bribery and related conduct.
26
WHISTLEBLOWING
Alumina Limited has a Whistleblower Policy that encourages
and offers protection for staff to report, in good faith, any
behaviour, practice, or activity that they have reasonable
grounds to believe involves:
• unethical or improper conduct
• financial malpractice, impropriety or fraud
• contravention or suspected contravention of legal
or regulatory provisions
• auditing non-disclosure or manipulation of the
internal or external audit process.
An independent Whistleblower hotline is available to
employees who wish to make an anonymous or confidential
complaint, or a formal complaint process can be initiated
to designated officers within the Company. A copy of the
Whistleblower Policy can be found on the Company’s
website at www.aluminalimited.com/whistleblower-policy-
serious-complaints.
DONATIONS
Alumina Limited does not make donations to political parties.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Alumina Limited is managed by an experienced
management team focusing on maximising returns,
growing the Company, and ensuring shareholders benefit
fully from Alumina Limited’s interest in the AWAC joint
venture. Our executive management team comprises:
Peter Wasow – BCom, GradDipMgmt, FCPA
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Wasow was appointed CEO from 1 January 2014
following the retirement of Mr John Bevan who served in
that capacity from June 2008 to 31 December 2013. Mr
Wasow has responsibility for the overall management of
Alumina Limited in accordance with the strategy, policies
and business processes adopted by the Board. Prior to
his appointment as CEO, Mr Wasow was an independent
Non-Executive Director of the Company from 26 August
2011. Mr Wasow has extensive finance and commercial
knowledge and experience gained during eight years at
major Australian oil and gas producer Santos Limited from
2002 to 2010 where he was initially appointed as CFO
and later added the responsibilities of Executive Vice
President. Previous to that role, he had over a 23 year
career at BHP including Vice President of Finance.
Chris Thiris – BA (Acc) MBA, CA, CFTP (Snr)
Chief Financial Officer
Chris Thiris joined Alumina Limited in September 2011 as
Interim CFO and became CFO in December 2011. He is
responsible for accounting, treasury, investor relations and
taxation. Mr Thiris has extensive experience in finance and
other management functions gained through senior roles he
has held at Orchard Funds Limited and Coles Group Limited.
Stephen Foster – BCom LLB (Hons)
GDipAppFin (Sec Inst) GradDip CSP, ACIS
General Counsel and Company Secretary
Stephen Foster is responsible for legal, company secretarial,
shareholder services, insurance and human resources.
He has a wide range of legal and commercial experience
gained over 30 years, at Village Roadshow and WMC
Limited, after working with the legal firm of Arthur Robinson
& Hedderwicks (now Allens).
Andrew Wood – BA LLB GDipAppCorpGov
(GIA) FGIA, FCIS
Group Executive Strategy & Development
Andrew Wood is responsible for strategy and business
development, including market analysis, pursuing strategic
investments and developing industry relationships. He has
over 20 years’ resources experience in commercial and
legal roles, mainly at WMC Resources Ltd and Sibelco.
SHAREHOLDERS
Alumina Limited has approximately 60,000 shareholders,
with the 20 largest holding 83 per cent of the approximately
2.8 billion shares on issue. Approximately 94 per cent of
all registered shareholders have registered addresses in
Australia. Alumina Limited’s shares are listed on the ASX.
The level of beneficial ownership of the Company’s shares
by US persons is approximately 17 per cent, with no single
beneficial holder holding in excess of 10 per cent.
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATION
Effective and timely communication with Alumina Limited
shareholders and the market is a critical objective of the
Company. We also recognise that communication is two-way.
Alumina Limited uses internet-based information systems to
provide efficient communication with shareholders and the
investment community. Examples include posting Company
announcements on Alumina Limited’s website (usually within
one hour of lodgement with ASX) and webcasting financial
presentations and briefings. Shareholders may elect to receive
all Company reports and correspondence by mail or email.
27
Alumina Limited is a member of eTree, an incentive scheme
to encourage shareholders of Australian companies to
receive their shareholder communications electronically.
For every shareholder who registers their email address
via eTree, A$2 is donated to Landcare Australia to support
reforestation projects.
We are interested in shareholder questions and feedback,
which can be directed to the Company through the mail
or via the feedback facility available on our website.
For further information on shareholder communications,
including our Continuous Disclosure Policy, refer to the
Shareholder Communication Strategy located on Alumina
Limited’s website at www.aluminalimited.com/shareholder-
communication-strategy.
COMPARISON OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PRACTICES WITH THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
(NYSE) LISTING RULES
Alumina Limited shares traded in 2014 in the form of
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the NYSE until 27
February 2014, after which time trading of ADRs transitioned
to the OTC Market. Prior to delisting from the NYSE, as a
non-US issuer Alumina Limited was allowed to follow home-
country practice in lieu of the NYSE Listing Rules. However,
the Company was required to meet NYSE rules on Audit and
Risk Committee requirements and to disclose any significant
way in which Alumina Limited’s corporate governance
practices differ from those followed by US companies under
the NYSE Listing Rules.
Following delisting from the NYSE, Alumina Limited is no
longer required to meet any obligations under the NYSE
Listing Rules. However, it continued to meet the reporting
obligations under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1936
up until the Company filed for deregistration in the US
deregistered on 4 March 2015.
Alumina Limited remains committed to its US investor base
and will retain high standards of corporate governance
and continue to provide comprehensive and transparent
financial reporting.
SHARE ENQUIRIES
Investors seeking information about their Alumina Limited
shareholding or dividends should contact:
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited GPO Box 2975
Melbourne, Victoria 3001 Australia.
Telephone 1300 556 050 (for callers within Australia)
+61 (0) 3 9415 4027 (for international callers)
Facsimile (03) 9473 2500 (for callers within Australia)
+61 (0) 3 9473 2500 (for international callers)
Email web.queries@computershare.com.au
Please note that, when seeking information, shareholders
will be required to provide their Shareholder Reference
Number or Holder Identification Number, which is recorded
on their shareholding statements.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
Alumina Limited shares are traded on the OTC market
as ADRs.
This facility enables American investors to conveniently hold
and trade Alumina Limited securities. Each ADR represents
four Alumina Limited shares. Investors seeking information
about Alumina Limited’s ADRs should contact the Company’s
depositary, The Bank of New York Mellon:
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services Telephone and Internet
correspondence: Toll free number (for callers within the
USA) 1-888-BNY-ADRS (1-888-269-2377) Telephone (for
non-US callers) +1 201-680-6825
Website: www.bnymellon.com/shareowner
Email: shrrelations@bnymellon.com
Shareowner correspondence should be mailed to:
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
Overnight Shareowner correspondence should be mailed
to: 211 Quality Circle, Suite 210 College Station, TX 77845
28
COMPARISON TO ASX CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COUNCIL’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PRINCIPLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS WITH 2010 AMENDMENTS (2ND EDITION)
RECOMMENDATION
COMPLIANCE
REFERENCE
PRINCIPLE 1
LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT
1.1
1.2
1.3
Companies should establish the functions reserved to the board and
those delegated to senior executives and disclose those functions.
Comply
Page 15
Companies should disclose the process for evaluating the performance
of senior executives.
Comply
Page 23
Companies should provide the information indicated in the Guide
to reporting on Principle 1.
Comply
n/a
PRINCIPLE 2
STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
A majority of the board should be independent directors.
The chair should be an independent director.
The roles of chair and chief executive officer should not be exercised
by the same individual.
The board should establish a nomination committee.
Companies should disclose the process for evaluating the performance
of the board, its committees and individual directors.
Comply
Comply
Comply
Comply
Comply
Page 19
Page 20
Page 20
Page 17
Page 18
Companies should provide the information indicated in the Guide
to reporting on Principle 2.
Comply
n/a
PRINCIPLE 3
PROMOTE ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING
Companies should establish a code of conduct and disclose the code
or a summary of the code as to:
Comply
Page 14
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
• the practices necessary to maintain confidence in the company’s
integrity;
• the practices necessary to take into account their legal obligations
and the reasonable expectations of their stakeholders; and
• the responsibility and accountability of individuals for reporting and
investigating reports of unethical practices.
Companies should establish a policy concerning diversity and disclose
the policy or a summary of that policy. The policy should include
requirements for the board to establish measurable objectives for
achieving gender diversity for the board to assess annually both the
objectives and progress in achieving them.
Companies should disclose in each annual report the measurable
objectives for achieving gender diversity set by the board in accordance
with the diversity policy and progress towards achieving them.
Companies should disclose in each annual report the proportion
of women employees in the whole organisation, women in senior
executive positions and women on the board.
Companies should provide the information indicated in the Guide
to reporting on Principle 3.
PRINCIPLE 4
SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
4.1
4.2
The board should establish an audit committee.
The audit committee should be structured so that it:
• consists only of non-executive directors;
• consists of a majority of independent directors;
• is chaired by an independent chair, who is not chair of the board; and
• has at least three members.
Comply
Page 21
Comply
Page 21
Comply
Page 21
Comply
n/a
Comply
Comply
Page 16
Page 15
29
COMPLIANCE
REFERENCE
Comply
Comply
Page 16
n/a
Comply
Page 24
RECOMMENDATION
4.3
4.4
The audit committee should have a formal charter.
Companies should provide the information indicated in the Guide
to reporting on Principle 4.
PRINCIPLE 5
MAKE TIMELY AND BALANCED DISCLOSURE
Companies should establish written policies designed to ensure
compliance with ASX Listing Rule disclosure requirements and to ensure
accountability at a senior executive level for that compliance and disclose
those policies or a summary of those policies.
5.1
5.2
Companies should provide the information indicated in the Guide to
reporting on Principle 5.
Comply
n/a
PRINCIPLE 6
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
6.1
6.2
Companies should design a communications policy for promoting
effective communication with shareholders and encouraging their
participation at general meetings and disclose their policy or a
summary of that policy.
Companies should provide the information indicated in the Guide
to reporting on Principle 6.
PRINCIPLE 7
RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK
Comply
Page 26
Comply
n/a
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
Companies should establish policies for the oversight and management
of material business risks and disclose a summary of those policies.
Comply
Page 25
The board should require management to design and implement the
risk management and internal control system to manage the company’s
material business risks and report to it on whether those risks are being
managed effectively. The board should disclose that management has
reported to it as to the effectiveness of the company’s management of
its material business risks.
The board should disclose whether it has received assurance from the
chief executive officer (or equivalent) and the chief financial officer (or
equivalent) that the declaration provided in accordance with section
295A of the Corporations Act is founded on a sound system of risk
management and internal control and that the system is operating
effectively in all material respects in relation to financial reporting risks.
Comply
Page 23
Comply
Page 23
Companies should provide the information indicated in the Guide to
reporting on Principle 7.
Comply
n/a
PRINCIPLE 8
REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
The board should establish a remuneration committee.
The remuneration committee should be structured so that it:
Comply
Comply
Page 17
Page 15
• consists of a majority of independent directors;
• is chaired by an independent chair; and
• has at least three members.
Companies should clearly distinguish the structure of non-executive
directors’ remuneration from that of executive directors and senior
executives.
Comply
Page 51–79
Companies should provide the information indicated in the Guide
to reporting on Principle 8.
Comply
n/a
30
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
The Directors present their report
on the consolidated entity consisting
of Alumina Limited (the Company)
and the entities it controlled at the
end of, or during, the year ended
31 December 2014 (the Group).
31
DIRECTORS
Unless otherwise indicated, the following persons were Directors of the Company during the whole of the financial
year and up to the date of this report:
G J Pizzey (Chairman)
P C Wasow (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer)
E R Stein
C Zeng
W P Day
In addition, the following person was appointed as
a Director of the Company during the financial year
and remains a Director up to the date of this report.
M P Ferraro (appointed 5 February 2014).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company’s Directors in office as at 31 December
2014 were:
Mr G John Pizzey – B.E (Chem), Dip. Mgt. FTSE FAICD
Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman
Mr Pizzey was elected a director of the Company on
8 June 2007. He is a Non-Executive Director of Orora Limited
(appointed December 2013) and former Non-Executive
Director and Chairman of Iluka Resources Ltd (appointed
November 2005 and resigned December 2013) and a former
Non-Executive director of Amcor Limited (appointed September
2003 and resigned December 2013). Mr Pizzey is a life governor
of Ivanhoe Grammar School and a former chairman and
director of the London Metal Exchange. He is a member of
the Audit and Risk Committee (formerly known as the Audit
Committee), and of the Nomination and Compensation
Committees and was Chair of the Audit Committee to
30 November 2011. Mr Pizzey brings extensive knowledge
gained in over 33 years as an executive in the alumina and
aluminium industries.
Ms Emma R Stein – BSC (Physics) Hons, MBA, FAICD
Independent Non-Executive Director
Ms Stein was elected as a director of the Company on
3 February 2011. Ms Stein is currently a Non-Executive Director
of Diversified Utilities Energy Trust (appointed June 2004),
Programmed Maintenance Services Ltd (appointed June 2010),
and Transpacific Industries Group Ltd (appointed August 2011).
She is a former Non-Executive Director of Transfield Services
Infrastructure Fund (appointed October 2010 and resigned
July 2011) and Clough Limited (appointed July 2008 and
resigned December 2013). Formerly the UK Managing Director
for French utility Gaz de France’s energy retailing operations,
Ms Stein moved to Australia in 2003. Before joining Gaz
de France she was UK Divisional Managing Director for
British Fuels.
Ms Stein is Chair of the Compensation Committee since
1 January 2014, current member and former Chair of
the Audit and Risk Committee (Chair 28 November 2013
to 31 December 2013), and current member and former
Chair of the Nomination Committee (Chair 3 March 2011
to February 2014). As a senior executive, she gained
considerable international experience in management and
leadership, strategy development and implementation in
global industrial, energy and utilities markets. She has over
a decade of experience as a listed non-executive director
and board committee chair for capital intensive companies
spanning resources, oil and gas and related sectors.
32
Mr Peter C Wasow – BCom, GradDipMgmt, FCPA
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Mr Wasow was appointed Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer effective from 1 January 2014. He has
responsibility for the overall management of Alumina Limited
in accordance with the strategy, policies and business
processes adopted by the Board. Prior to his appointment
as CEO, Mr Wasow was a non-executive director of the
Company, appointed on 26 August 2011 and was a
member of the Nomination Committee and Compensation
Committee and a former member and Chair of the Audit
Committee (December 2011 to November 2013).
Mr Wasow served more than eight years at major Australian
oil and gas producer Santos Limited from 2002 to 2010.
Initially appointed as CFO, he assumed the additional
role of Executive Vice President from 2008. Prior to joining
Santos in 2002, Mr Wasow held several senior roles over a
23 year career at BHP including Vice President of Finance.
Mr Wasow brings to the Board extensive financial skills
and experience in the resource and energy industries.
Mr Chen Zeng – MIF
Non-Executive Director
Mr Zeng was appointed as a Director of the Company on
15 March 2013. He is a member of the Nomination and
Compensation Committees.
Mr Zeng is also currently a director of CITIC Pacific Limited,
Chief Executive Officer of CITIC Pacific Mining and Chief
Executive Officer of CITIC Mining International, the new
holding company of CITIC Pacific Mining. He is a former
director of CITIC Limited (listed on the Hong Kong Exchange),
CITIC Dameng (listed on the Hong Kong Exchange),
Macarthur Coal Limited (2007 to 2011) and Marathon
Resources Limited (resigned 31 January 2014). Mr Zeng
also served as a director on the Board of CITIC Group
between 2010 and 2011.
Before joining CITIC Pacific Mining, Mr Zeng was the Vice
Chairman and CEO of CITIC Resources, a CITIC Group
controlled Hong Kong listed company focused on crude
oil production, metal mining and refining, and commodity
trading. Mr Zeng is also the Chairman of CITIC Australia.
Mr Zeng has over 26 years of experience in project
development, management, and a proven record in leading
cross-cultural professionals in the resources sector. He
has been working in Australia since 1994 and has extensive
experience in various industries including aluminium smelting
and coal mining.
Mr W Peter Day – LLB (Hons), MBA, FCA, FCPA, FAICD
Independent Non-Executive Director
Mr Day was appointed as a Director of the Company on
1 January 2014. He is a member of the Nomination and
Compensation Committees and is Chair of the Audit and
Risk Committee. Mr Day is also currently a Non-Executive
Director of Ansell Limited (appointed August 2007), SAI
Global Limited (appointed August 2008), Boart Longyear
Limited (appointed February 2014), and a former director
of Federation Centres (October 2009 – February 2014
and Orbital Corporation Limited (appointed August 2007
and resigned February 2014). Mr Day brings extensive
experience in the resource, finance and manufacturing
sectors, having held a number of senior positions with
Bonlac Foods, Rio Tinto, CRA, Comalco and the Australian
Securities and Investment Commission. He is a former
CFO of Amcor Limited.
Mr Michael P Ferraro – LLB (Hons)
Independent Non-Executive Director
Mr Ferraro was appointed a Non-Executive Director of the
Company on 5 February 2014. He is a member of the Audit
and Risk Committee, and Compensation Committee and
also Chair of the Nomination Committee. Mr Ferraro is
currently head of the Corporate Group at Herbert Smith
Freehills, a global law firm. He is also a member of their
executive management team. Between 2008 and 2010,
Mr Ferraro was Chief Legal Counsel at BHP Billiton Ltd.
Mr Ferraro has considerable experience in the resources sector
and has 30 years of experience in joint ventures, mergers and
acquisitions, fund raising, and regulatory issues across a wide
range of sectors and countries. He also has considerable
experience in the commercial and financing aspects of large
transactions gained from four and a half years in investment
banking as a corporate adviser.
MR G JOHN PIZZEY
MS EMMA R STEIN
MR PETER C WASOW
33
COMPANY SECRETARY
Mr Stephen Foster – BCom LLB (Hons)
GDipAppFin (Sec Inst) GradDip CSP, ACIS
General Counsel/Company Secretary
Mr Foster is responsible for legal, company secretarial,
shareholder services, insurance and human resources.
He has a wide range of legal and commercial experience
gained over 30 years, more recently at Village Roadshow
and WMC Limited, after working with the legal firm of
Arthur Robinson & Hedderwicks (now Allens).
Details of the Company Secretary role are contained
on page 23.
MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
Particulars of the numbers of meetings of the Company’s
Directors (including meetings of committees of Directors)
during the financial year, and the number of those meetings
attended by each Director (as applicable), are detailed on
page 18.
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS
Particulars of relevant interests in shares in the Company
or in any related body corporate held by the Directors of
the Company as at the date of this report are set out on
page 79. Particulars of rights or options over shares in the
Company or in any related body corporate held by the
Directors of the Company as at the date of this report
are set out on page 78.
INSURANCE OF OFFICERS
During or since the end of the financial year, the Group has
paid the premiums in respect of a contract to insure Directors
and other officers of the Group against liabilities incurred in
the performance of their duties on behalf of the Group.
The officers of the Group covered by the insurance policy
include any natural person acting in the course of duties for
the Group who is or was a Director, secretary or executive
officer as well as senior and executive staff. The Company is
prohibited, under the terms of the insurance contract, from
disclosing details of the nature of liability insured against
and the amount of the premium.
INDEMNITY OF OFFICERS
Rule 75 of the Company’s Constitution requires the Company
to indemnify each officer of the Company (and, if the Board of
the Company considers it appropriate, any officer of a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company) out of the assets of the
Company against any liability incurred by the officer in or
arising out of the conduct of the business of the Company or
the relevant wholly-owned subsidiary or in or arising out of
the discharge of the duties of the officer, where that liability is
owed to a person other than the Company or a related body
corporate of the Company.
This requirement does not apply to the extent that the
liability arises out of conduct on the part of the officer
which involved a lack of good faith, or to the extent that
the Company is otherwise precluded by law from providing
an indemnity. It also does not apply to the extent and for
the amount that the officer is not otherwise entitled to be
indemnified and is not actually indemnified by another
person (such as an insurer under any insurance policy).
Officer in this context means: a director, secretary, senior
manager or employee; or a person appointed as a trustee
by, or acting as a trustee at the request of, the Company or
a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and includes a
former officer. The Constitution also permits the Company,
where the Board considers it appropriate, to enter into
documentary indemnities in favour of such officers. The
Company has entered into such Deeds of Indemnity with
each of the Directors, which indemnify them consistently
with rule 75 of the Constitution.
MR CHEN ZENG
MR W PETER DAY
MR MICHAEL P FERRARO
34
DIVIDENDS
LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS
Details of the dividends paid to members of the Company
during the financial year are referred to in Note 6 of the
Consolidated Financial Statements found on page 98.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The principal activities of the Group relate to its 40 per cent
interest in the series of operating entities forming Alcoa
World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC). AWAC has interests
in bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting.
There have been no significant changes in the nature of the
principal activities of the Group during the financial year.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND RESULTS
The financial results for the Group include the 12 month
results of AWAC and associated corporate activities.
The Group’s net loss for the 2014 financial year attributable
to members of the Company was US$98.3 million (2013:
US$0.5 million net profit).
Excluding significant items, there would have been a net
profit of $91.1 million in 2014 (2013: $29.6 million). For
further information on the operations of the Group during
the financial year and the results of these operations refer
to the Operating and Financial Review on pages 36 to 49
of this report.
MATTERS SUBSEQUENT TO THE END
OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR
Other than as reported in Note 15 of the Consolidated
Financial Statements (refer to page 106), there are no
significant matters or circumstances events that have arisen
since the end of the financial year that have significantly
affected, or may significantly affect, the Group’s operations,
the results of those operations, or the Group’s state of
affairs, in the financial years subsequent to the financial
year ended 31 December 2014.
In the opinion of the Directors, it would prejudice the
interests of the Group to provide additional information,
except as reported in this Directors’ Report, relating to likely
developments in the operations of the Group and expected
results of those operations in the financial years subsequent
to the financial year ended 31 December 2014.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
AWAC’s Australian operations are subject to various
Commonwealth and state laws governing the protection
of the environment in areas such as air and water quality,
waste emission and disposal, environmental impact
assessments, mine rehabilitation and access to and use
of ground water.
In particular, most operations are required to be licensed to
conduct certain activities under the environmental protection
legislation of the state in which they operate, and such
licences include requirements specific to the subject site.
ROUNDING OF AMOUNTS
The Company is of a kind referred to in the Australian
Securities and Investments Commission Class Order
98/100. Amounts shown in the Financial Report and this
Directors’ Report have been rounded off to the nearest
hundred thousand dollars, except where otherwise required,
in accordance with that Class Order.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE OF AFFAIRS
There have been no significant changes in the state
of affairs of the Group during the financial year.
AUDITOR
PricewaterhouseCoopers continues in office, in accordance
with the Corporations Act 2001.
A copy of the Auditor’s Independence Declaration
as required under section 307C of the Corporations
Act 2001 is set out on page 35 of this Report.
35
NON-AUDIT SERVICES
The Group may decide to employ the auditor on assignments
additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s
expertise and experience with the Company and/or the Group
are important. Details of the amounts paid or payable to the
auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers) for audit and non-audit
services provided by (or on behalf of) the auditor and its
related practices during the year are set out on page 106.
The Board of Directors has considered the position and, in
accordance with advice received from the Audit Committee,
is satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the
financial year by (or on behalf of) the auditor and its related
practices, as set out below is compatible with the general
standard of independence for auditors imposed by the
Corporations Act 2001. The Directors are satisfied that the
provision of those non-audit services did not compromise
the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations
Act 2001 for the following reasons:
• All non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit
Committee to ensure they do not impact the impartiality
and objectivity of the auditor
• None of the services undermine the general principles
relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
The fees paid or payable for services provided by (or on
behalf of) the auditor of the parent entity, and its related
practices during the financial year are disclosed on page
106 of this report.
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
As lead auditor for the audit of Alumina Limited for the year ended 31 December 2014, I declare that to the best of my knowledge
and belief, there have been:
a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and
b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
This declaration is in respect of Alumina Limited and the entities it controlled during the period.
NADIA CARLIN
Partner
Melbourne
6 March 2015
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
36
36
OPERATING AND
FINANCIAL
REVIEW
OPERATING AND
FINANCIAL
REVIEW
37
CONTENTS
Note regarding non-IFRS financial information
The Operating and Financial Review contains certain
non-IFRS financial information. This information is presented
to assist in making appropriate comparisons with prior year
periods and to assess the operating performance of the business.
Alcoa World Alumina & Chemicals (AWAC) financial
information, except as stated below, is extracted from audited
financial statements prepared in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Operating and Financial Review should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements, which are presented
on pages 80 to 112 of this annual report. These statements
have been streamlined in the current year with notes recorded
and grouped to make it easier for users to access
information and understand its relevance. The explanation
of the Group’s accounting policies has been simplified and
disclosed alongside relevant notes in order to enhance the
understanding of the financial statements.
37
39
41
44
45
48
1. Strategy and Business Model
2. Principal Risks
3. Review of AWAC Operations
4. AWAC Financial Review
5. Alumina Limited Financial Review
6. Market Outlook and Guidance
1. STRATEGY AND BUSINESS MODEL
BUSINESS MODEL
Alumina Limited’s sole business undertaking is in the global
alumina and aluminium industry, which it conducts primarily
through bauxite mining and alumina refining, with some minor
alumina-based chemicals businesses, aluminium smelting and
the marketing of those products. All of those business activities
are conducted through its 40% investment in AWAC.
Alumina Limited’s net (loss)/profit is principally comprised
of a return on its equity investment, and revenues are limited
to small amounts of interest income and occasional one-off
revenues.
AWAC was formed on 1 January 1995 by Alumina Limited
and Alcoa Inc (Alcoa) combining their respective global
bauxite, alumina and alumina-based chemicals business
and investments and their respective aluminium smelting
operations in Australia. AWAC is the world’s largest producer
of alumina and miner of bauxite. Alumina’s partner
in AWAC is Alcoa, which owns the remaining 60% and
manages the day-to-day operations.
This partnership provides investors with a direct investment
in the alumina industry.
The Strategic Council is the principal forum for Alcoa and
Alumina Limited to provide direction and counsel to the AWAC
entities in respect of strategic and policy matters. The Alcoa
and Alumina Limited representatives on the Boards of the
AWAC entities are required, subject to their general fiduciary
duties, to carry out the directions and the decisions of the
Strategic Council. The Strategic Council has five members,
three appointed by Alcoa (of which one is Chairman) and two
by Alumina Limited (of which one is the Deputy Chairman).
Decisions are made by majority vote except for matters which
require a “super majority” vote, which is a vote of at least 80%
of the members appointed to the Strategic Council.
The following decisions require a super majority vote:
• change of the scope of AWAC.
• change in the minimum 30% dividend policy.
• sale of all or a majority of the assets of AWAC.
• equity calls on behalf of AWAC totalling, in any one
year, in excess of $1 billion.
• loans to Alcoa, Alumina Limited or their affiliates by
AWAC entities (including loans between AWAC entities).
38
Under the general direction of the Strategic Council,
Alcoa is the “industrial leader” and provides the operating
management of AWAC and of all affiliated operating
entities within AWAC.
Alumina Limited is entitled to representation in proportion
to its ownership interest on the Board of each entity in the
AWAC structure currently represented on Alcoa of Australia
Ltd (AofA), Alcoa World Alumina Brazil Ltda (AWA Brazil) and
Alcoa World Alumina LLC (AWA LLC). In addition to the
Strategic Council meetings, Alumina Limited’s management
and Board visit and review AWAC’s operations each year.
Subject to the provisions of the AWAC agreements, AWAC is
the exclusive vehicle for the pursuit of Alumina Limited’s and
Alcoa’s (and their related corporations as defined) interests
in the bauxite, alumina and inorganic industrial chemicals
businesses, and neither party can compete with AWAC so
long as they maintain an ownership interest in AWAC. In
addition, Alumina Limited may not compete with the businesses
of the integrated operations of AWAC (being the primary
aluminium smelting and fabricating facilities and certain
ancillary facilities that existed at the formation of AWAC).
ALCOA WORLD ALUMINA AND CHEMICALS (AWAC) OPERATIONS
ALCOA WORLD ALUMINA & CHEMICALS
BAUXITE MINES
ALUMINA REFINERIES
ALUMINIUM SMELTERS
ALUMINA CHEMICALS
SHIPPING OPERATIONS
ALL OPER ATIONS 100% OWNED, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED
Australia
Huntly & Willowdale
Brazil
Trombetas (9.6%)
& Juruti
Guinea
Sangaredi (23%)
Suriname
Klaverblad &
Kaimangrassie
Saudi Arabia
Al Ba'itha (25.1%)
Bauxite deposits:
AWAC’s bauxite deposits
have long term mining
rights. Bauxite mining is
planned on an incremental
basis after detailed
assessment of the deposits
to achieve a uniform
quality in the supply of
blended feedstock to
the relevant refinery.
Australia
Kwinana
Spain
San Ciprian
USA
Point Comfort
Australia
Kwinana, Pinjarra
& Wagerup
Australia
Portland (55%)
Brazil
Sao Luis (39%)
Spain
San Ciprian
Suriname
Paranam
USA
Point Comfort
Saudi Arabia
Ras Al Khair (25.1%)
Refineries:
AWAC operates seven
alumina refineries, five
of which are located
in proximity to bauxite
deposits.
Smelters:
AWAC produces primary
aluminium in Australia,
with alumina supplied by
the Australian refineries.
Alumina Chemicals:
AWAC produces chemical
grade alumina from
three refineries: Kwinana
(Australia), Point Comfort
(USA) and San Ciprian
(Spain).
Shipping Operations:
AWAC’s shipping
operations use owned
and chartered vessels to
transport dry and liquid
bulk cargoes, including
bauxite, alumina, caustic
soda, fuel oil, petroleum,
coke and limestone.
Point Henry smelter closed on 1 August 2014
Jamalco bauxite mining and alumina refining interest was sold on 1 December 2014
39
STRATEGY ANALYSIS
AWAC is primarily focused on bauxite and alumina, and
this is the key investment concern of Alumina Limited. That
is, to invest in long-life, low cost bauxite and alumina assets
through AWAC, and preferably those that are large and
able to be expanded.
Alumina Limited and Alcoa are different companies
with different shareholders and different governance
requirements. While AWAC is governed by constitutional
documents, in a practical sense, the reconciliation of the
differing interests requires challenge, debate and negotiation.
To do this well, Alumina Limited needs to have (and has) an
independent understanding of the alumina and aluminium
market and views on the impact of changes in the market,
in particular around capacity investment, pricing and the
development of the Chinese industry. Through the role of
Alumina Limited representatives on the Strategic Council
and AWAC-entity Boards and working with Alcoa, Alumina
Limited contributes to the strategic and high-level commercial
actions and improvement of AWAC.
2. PRINCIPAL RISKS
The risk management processes are summarised in the
Corporate Governance Statement on page 25.
Alumina Limited’s risk management framework provides
for the production of a Group risk matrix, which sets out
Alumina Limited’s most significant risks and the steps taken
to mitigate those risks. These risks are rated on the basis of
their potential impact on the current operations and profitability
and/or the long term value of the Group. Set out below are
some of the key risks faced by Alumina Limited. However,
there are other risks not listed below associated with an
investment in Alumina Limited.
• Movements in the market prices of aluminium and
alumina – AWAC’s, and hence Alumina Limited’s,
performance is heavily dependent on the market prices of
alumina and aluminium, which are affected by numerous
factors outside Alumina Limited’s control. These include the
overall performance of world economies, the related
cyclicality of industries that are significant consumers of
aluminium and movement in production (whether as a result
of changes to production levels at existing facilities or the
development of new facilities) disproportionate to demand.
A fall in the market prices of alumina and aluminium can
adversely affect Alumina Limited’s financial performance.
AWAC and Alumina Limited generally do not undertake
hedging to manage this price risk.
• Fluctuations in exchange rates – while a significant
proportion of AWAC’s costs are incurred in Australian
dollars, its sales are denominated in US dollars. Accordingly,
AWAC and Alumina’s Limited’s future profitability can be
adversely affected by a strengthening of the Australian
dollar against the US dollar and a strengthening against the
US dollar of other currencies in which operating or capital
costs are incurred by AWAC outside Australia, including the
Brazilian Real. Also, given that China is a significant part of
the world alumina and aluminium markets, fluctuations in
the Chinese Renminbi against the US dollar could have
some impact on other parts of the industry. AWAC and
Alumina Limited generally do not undertake hedging to
manage this risk.
• Increase in AWAC’s production costs or a decrease in
production – AWAC’s operations are subject to conditions
beyond its control that may increase its costs or decrease
its production, including increases in the cost of key inputs
(including energy, raw materials (including caustic soda), labor
and freight), the non-availability of key inputs (including secure
energy), weather and natural disasters, fires or explosions at
facilities, unexpected maintenance or technical problems, key
equipment failures, disruptions to or other problems with
infrastructure and supply disruptions. In addition, industrial
disruptions, work stoppages, refurbishments and accidents at
operations may adversely affect profitability. Some cost inputs
are subject to term contracts to increase the certainty of input
pricing. AWAC’s operating and maintenance systems and
business continuity planning seek to minimise the impact
of non-availability of key inputs.
• AWAC structure – Alumina Limited does not hold a majority
interest in AWAC, and decisions made by majority vote may
not be in the best interests of Alumina Limited. Other than
certain key decisions which require Alumina Limited’s
consent, AWAC’s decisions are by majority vote. Alcoa Inc
has a 60% interest in AWAC and has the majority vote.
• Increase in the capital costs of AWAC’s capital projects –
a significant increase in the capital costs associated with
AWAC’s capital projects and operations and delays in the
commencement of those projects would impact Alumina
Limited’s profitability. The contracting structure for AWAC
capital projects varies, but may be such that the amount
of some elements of capital costs are agreed at project
commencement.
40
• Greenhouse gas emission regulation – energy, specifically
electricity, is a significant input in a number of AWAC’s
operations, making AWAC an emitter of greenhouse gases.
The introduction of regulatory change by governments in
response to greenhouse gas emissions may represent an
increased cost to AWAC and may affect Alumina Limited’s
profitability.
• Political, legal and regulatory impacts – AWAC and
Alumina Limited operate across a broad range of legal,
regulatory or political systems. The profitability of those
operations may be adversely impacted by changes in the
regulatory regimes. AWAC and Alumina Limited’s financial
results could be affected by new or increasingly stringent
laws, regulatory requirements or interpretations, or
outcomes of significant legal proceedings or investigations
adverse to AWAC or Alumina Limited. This may include
a change in effective tax rates or becoming subject to
unexpected or rising costs associated with business
operations or provision of health or welfare benefits to
employees, regulations or policies. AWAC is also subject
to a variety of legal compliance risks. These risks include,
among other things, potential claims relating to product
liability, health and safety, environmental matters, intellectual
property rights, government contracts, taxes and compliance
with US and foreign export laws, anti-bribery laws,
competition laws and sales and trading practices. Failure to
comply with the laws regulating AWAC’s businesses may
result in sanctions, such as fines or orders requiring positive
action by AWAC, which may involve capital expenditure or the
removal of licences and/or the curtailment of operations. This
relates particularly to environmental regulations. Alumina
Limited and AWAC undertake a variety of compliance training
and governance functions to mitigate these risks.
• Closure/impairment of assets – Alumina Limited may
be required to record impairment charges as a result
of adverse developments in the recoverable values of its
assets (including goodwill recorded by AWAC). To the
extent that the recoverable value of an asset is impaired,
such impairment may negatively impact Alumina Limited’s
profitability during the relevant period. Closure, curtailment
or sale of AWAC’s operations may result in an impairment
being incurred as a result of the carrying value of an asset
exceeding its recoverable value less redundancy costs.
• Customer risks – AWAC’s relationships with key customers
for the supply of alumina (including Alcoa) are important to
AWAC’s financial performance. The loss of key customers
or changes to sales agreement could adversely affect
AWAC’s and Alumina Limited’s financial performance.
• Debt refinancing – Alumina Limited’s ability to refinance its
debt on favorable terms as it becomes due or to repay the
debt, its ability to raise further finance on favorable terms,
and its borrowing costs, will depend upon a number of
factors, including AWAC’s operating performance, general
economic conditions, political, capital and credit market
conditions, external credit ratings and the reputation,
performance and financial strength of Alumina Limited’s
business. If a number of the risks outlined in this section
eventuate (including the cyclicality of the alumina industry
and adverse movements in the market prices of aluminium
and alumina) and Alumina Limited’s operating performance,
external credit rating or profitability is negatively impacted
as a result of these risks, there is a risk that Alumina Limited
may not be able to refinance any expiring debt facilities or
the costs of refinancing its debt may increase substantially.
Other risks include:
• an alumina market in supply surplus at a time of
continuing relatively low aluminium prices.
• the risk of Chinese growth slowing and affecting
aluminium consumption.
• a greater outflow of aluminium stocks from warehouses
could impact the world alumina market.
• a technology breakthrough could lower the cost of
Chinese high cost alumina production considerably.
3. REVIEW OF AWAC OPERATIONS
Bauxite mines
Refineries
Smelters
Location
41
San Ciprian
Sangaredi
Ras Al Khair
Al Ba'itha
Point Comfort
Paranam
Trombetas
Sao Luis
Juruti
Kwinana
Huntly
Pinjarra
Willowdale
Wagerup
Portland
Point Henry smelter closed on 1 August 2014
Jamalco bauxite mining and alumina refining interest was sold on 1 December 2014
MINING
AWAC owns or partly owns, bauxite mines operating
in five countries that meet the production needs of the AWAC
refineries. During 2014, AWAC consumed 40 million bone dry
tonnes (BDT) of bauxite from its own resources and 7 million
BDT from entities in which equity interests are held. AWAC
also sold 1.6 million BDT of bauxite to third parties.
Interests in mining operations in Jamalco were sold on
1 December 2014 along with the refinery operations.
Average mine costs per tonne were lower than 2013 levels,
primarily due to the strengthening of the US dollar against
the Australia dollar and the Brazilian Real.
42
REFINING
Production of alumina was 15.9 million tonnes in 2014,
compared to 15.8 million tonnes in 2013. Increased
production at the Australian refineries, Sao Luis and
Point Comfort more than offset lower production at San
Ciprian and Jamalco. The interest in Jamalco was sold
on 1 December 2014.
Alumina shipments were 15.9 million tonnes in 2014,
0.2 million tonnes lower than 2013.
Production Change by Region (kt)
85
(56)
Revenue per tonne from SGA sales priced by reference to
indices and spot continued to be higher than the legacy
LME-linked contracts.
The average three-month LME aluminium price, determined
on a two-month lag basis, declined by 3.3% in 2014 compared
to 2013, whereas the average alumina price index FOB
Australia (one month lag) increased by 0.3%.
The net result was that AWAC’s 2014 average third party
realised alumina prices increased by 0.6% to $310 per tonne.
Average Realised Price Per Tonne
$8
$310
($4)
92
0
(67)
39
15,902
$308
($2)
15,809
y
a
d
r
e
p
t
k
3
.
3
4
y
a
d
r
e
p
t
k
6
.
3
4
2013
Australia
Brazil
Spain
Suriname Jamaica United
States
2014
2013
API / Spot
Price
Legacy LME
Price
Mix (API:LME)
2014
The average 2014 cash cost of alumina per tonne produced
decreased by 3.5% over 2013, to $249 per tonne. The decrease
was predominately due to the weaker Australian dollar and
Brazilian Real against the US dollar. Production costs were
also aided by lower caustic consumption and prices, and
continued productivity initiatives in energy, labour, contractors
and maintenance. However, excluding currency impact energy
costs were higher than 2013 levels mainly due to increased
prices and the loss of carbon tax credits in Australia.
Approximately 68% of third party smelter grade alumina
(SGA) shipments were priced on spot or alumina indexed
basis compared to 54% in 2013. For 2015, AWAC’s SGA
shipments on a spot or alumina indexed basis are expected
to be 75% of the total third party shipments.
AWAC Pricing Transition
46%
54%
65%
35%
85%
15%
32%
25%
68%
75%
16%
84%
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015F
2016F
Portion of AWAC SGA shipments on LME/other pricing basis
Portion of AWAC SGA shipments on alumina spot or index pricing basis
43
2015 and thereafter ($9.0 million on an IFRS basis). The
related after tax cash net outflow was $37.9 million in 2014,
with a further $74.0 million expected thereafter.
After the closure of the Point Henry smelter, Alcoa of Australia
Limited‘s Anglesea coal mine and power station operates as
a stand-alone facility and sells electricity into the National
Electricity Market after successfully being registered as a
scheduled market generator in August 2014. Alcoa of
Australia Limited is seeking a buyer for the Anglesea coal
mine and power station.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding, a strategic review
of the Suralco mining and refining operations commenced
with the Government of Suriname in the second half of 2014.
That review is continuing. The refinery has approximately
876,000 tonnes per annum of idle capacity and the capacity
that is operating is producing at an approximately 85% output
level. The refinery’s current sources of bauxite will likely, at
current production rates, be exhausted in the near future.
AWAC will now not develop a mine at the Nassau Plateau,
given current refinery costs and market conditions. AWAC
also owns and operates hydro-electric facilities at Afobaka
Lake in Suriname, which supply electricity to the refinery and
electricity for sale to the Government of Suriname.
AWA LLC, an AWAC entity, sold its 55% ownership stake in
the Jamalco bauxite mining and alumina refining joint venture
to Noble Group Ltd on 1 December 2014. The contract price
was $140.0 million, including working capital. AWA LLC
received $130.1 million and retained the alumina inventory
for sale. The loss on sale was $266.3 million, after tax.
Earlier in 2014 AWAC sold its interest in a Suriname gold
mine. The gain on sale was $17.9 million, after tax.
During December 2014, the Ma’aden joint venture refinery
became fully operational using bauxite from its own mine.
The refinery is expected to produce approximately 1.0 million
tonnes (AWAC’s share is 251,000 tonnes) of alumina in
2015 and should be one of the lowest cash production cost
per tonne refineries in the world. The 2014 result included
$33.9 million of equity losses related to the Ma’aden
refinery start up activities.
The conversion from oil to natural gas as the energy
source for the San Ciprian refinery in Spain was completed in
February 2015. As a result of the conversion, San Ciprian’s
production costs are expected to be $20 per tonne lower
compared to historic levels.
Cost of Alumina Production (CAP) Per Tonne 1
$258
($1)
($4)
($0)
($4)
$249
2013 Cash
CAP
Energy
Caustic
Bauxite
Conversion 2014 Cash
CAP
1 Defined as direct materials and labour, energy, indirect materials, indirect
expenses, excluding depreciation. Movements can relate to usage, unit
costs or combination of both, timing of maintenance, seasonal factors,
levels of production and the number of production days and refinery mix.
The alumina EBITDA margin was $54 per tonne produced
in 2014, an increase of $9 per tonne compared to 2013.
Increased margins were largely the result of the lower
production costs and marginally higher average realised
alumina price. The EBITDA margin is calculated as AWAC’s
EBITDA excluding significant items, smelters’ EBITDA and
equity accounted income/(losses) divided by tonnes produced.
SMELTING
Excluding significant items, the AWAC smelters contributed
$47.6 million in EBITDA.
Production of approximately 269,000 tonnes in 2014
was lower than 2013 due to the closure of the Point Henry
smelter on 1 August 2014. The Portland smelter is the
remaining smelting operation in the AWAC portfolio.
Portland’s 2014 average cash cost of aluminium per tonne
produced decreased by 1.4% compared to 2013, whilst the
average realised price increased by 5.9%.
PORTFOLIO RESTRUCTURING AND REPOSITIONING
During 2014, there were a number of events related to
the restructuring and repositioning of AWAC’s portfolio
in order to improve the quality of returns.
On 18 February 2014 Alcoa of Australia Limited, an
AWAC entity, decided to permanently close the Point Henry
aluminium smelter. The closure occurred on 1 August 2014.
Total restructuring charges associated with the closure of
the Point Henry smelter were $230.6 million, after tax in
2014 ($227.0 million on an IFRS basis). Total further charges
of approximately $30.0 million after tax are expected for
44
4. AWAC FINANCIAL REVIEW
AWAC PROFIT AND LOSS (US GAAP)
AWAC CASH FLOW (US GAAP)
2014
US$m
2013
US$m
Sales revenue
3,906.6
3,770.8
Net loss after tax
Related party revenue
1,955.4
2,113.8
Depreciation and amortisation
Total Revenue
5,862.0
5,884.6
Other1
COGS and operating expenses
(4,875.7)
(5,088.9)
Cash from operations
Selling, Admin, R&D
(111.8)
(123.2)
Capital expenditure
2014
US$m
2013
US$m
(243.0)
(248.7)
404.5
314.4
475.9
(237.9)
238.0
447.1
457.6
656.0
(322.6)
333.4
Net interest
Depreciation and Amortisation
Restructuring & Other
(4.5)
(404.5)
(573.5)
(6.8)
Free cash flow2
(447.1)
(403.7)
1 Other items consist of net movement in working capital and other assets
and liabilities.
2 Free cash flow defined as cash from operations less capital expenditure.
Total Expenses
Loss before tax
Income tax charge
Net loss after tax
EBITDA1
(5,970.0)
(6,069.7)
(108.0)
(135.0)
(243.0)
301.0
(185.1)
(63.6)
(248.7)
268.8
1 Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation consistent
with previous periods.
2014 restructuring and other charges includes Point Henry
restructuring charges of $329.2 million (pre-tax), the
loss on sale of Jamalco of $266.3 million (pre-tax) and gain
on sale of gold mining interest in Suriname of $27.5 million
(pre-tax). Excluding the significant items, EBITDA increased
by $141.2 million to $869.0 million. The alumina EBITDA
margin was $54 per tonne produced in 2014, an increase
of $9 per tonne compared to 2013.
The 2014 and 2013 AWAC cash from operations include
cash flows relating to significant items. Included are after-tax
payments for the Anglesea statutory maintenance (2014: nil;
2013: $22.4 million), Alba settlements (2014: $88.0 million;
2013: $42.5 million) and Point Henry closure costs (2014:
$37.9 million; 2013: nil). Cash from operations does not
include the 2014 receipts of $130.1 million sale proceeds
of the interest in Jamalco and the $53.4 million settlement
with Alcoa Inc. in relation to the Alba matter.
Comparative cash flows are also affected by advanced
payments received from customers during 2013 for sales
of inventory in the first half of 2014, which contributed to
the more favourable movement in working capital in 2013,
the loss of the Australian carbon tax credits in 2014 and that
tax payments in 2013 were significantly less than in 2014.
Adjusting for all of the above, there would have been an
increase in cash from operations in line with the
improvement in EBITDA, excluding the significant items.
Capital expenditure in 2014 totalled $237.9 million,
which is $84.7 million lower than 2013.
Sustaining capital expenditure was $234.9 million in 2014
compared to $293.1 million in 2013. The largest decrease
in expenditure was in Australia as the Huntly mine’s crusher
move nears completion. Expenditure at the San Ciprian
refinery increased by $9.7 million, predominately due
to the natural gas conversion which was completed in
February 2015.
Growth capital expenditure was $3.0 million in 2014.
45
AWAC BALANCE SHEET (US GAAP)
Cash, cash equivalents
Receivables
Related party note receivable
Inventories
2014
US$m
238.2
524.6
88.9
550.7
2013
US$m
189.5
541.5
91.5
671.2
Property plant & equipment
4,772.3
5,938.3
Other assets
Total Assets
Short term borrowings
Payables
Taxes payable and deferred
Capital lease obligations &
long term debt
Other liabilities
Total Liabilities
Equity
2,229.0
2,640.5
8,403.7
10,072.5
66.6
733.5
292.3
6.8
59.0
881.8
424.4
116.9
1,485.5
1,728.7
2,584.7
3,210.8
5,819.0
6,861.7
AWAC’s borrowings, including capital lease obligations,
declined by $102.5 million to $73.4 million.
During the year, AWAC’s debt that related to the payment
of Alba settlements and costs peaked at $156.0 million.
This debt was fully repaid following the sale of the interest in
Jamalco and the settlement with Alcoa Inc. of its allocation
of an extra 25% equity share of the Alba costs that were
paid by AWAC up to 31 December 2014.
In accordance with the allocation agreement with Alcoa
Inc., AWAC will cash fund $2.9 million of the remaining
Alba settlement payments which total $296.0 million. The
balance will be funded by Alcoa Inc. The result of this and
the above settlement of costs is that Alcoa Inc. will have
assumed an extra 25% equity share of the Alba settlement
payments and costs.
The decline in property, plant and equipment, and other
assets and liabilities is predominately due to the closure
of the Point Henry smelter, the sale of the interest in the
Jamalco mine and refinery and the effect of the stronger
US dollar against the Australia dollar and the Brazilian
Real when revaluing the balance sheet.
5. ALUMINA LIMITED FINANCIAL REVIEW
ALUMINA LIMITED KEY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Alumina Limited’s significant items (IFRS)
Net (loss)/profit after
tax US$m
Total significant items after
tax US$m
Net profit after tax excluding
significant items US$m
Cash received from AWAC
US$m
Net Debt US$m
Gearing1
EPS (US cps)
Total dividend declared (UScps)
1 Calculated as (debt - cash) / (debt + equity).
2014
(98.3)
2013
0.5
(189.4)
(29.1)
Alumina Limited’s share of net (loss)/profit of associates
was negatively affected by its equity share of individually
significant items incurred by AWAC. These items are
disclosed in the table to enhance an understanding of
Company’s operational performance during the year.
91.1
29.6
SIGNIFICANT ITEMS (POST-TAX)
119.2
110.3
86.6
3.4%
(3.5)
1.6
135.2
4.6%
0.02
Nil
Point Henry restructuring
charges
2014
US$m
(90.8)
Loss on sale of Jamalco
(106.5)
Legal matters of associate
Anglesea statutory
maintenance
Gain on sale of gold mining
interest in Suriname
Other
0.7
–
7.2
–
Total significant items
(189.4)
2013
US$m
–
–
(16.5)
(9.0)
–
(3.6)
(29.1)
46
ALUMINA LIMITED PROFIT AND LOSS
2014
US$m
2013
US$m
Revenue from continuing operations
Other Income1
0.1
1.5
General and administrative expenses
(13.5)
Change in fair value of derivatives/
foreign exchange gains
1.6
0.3
137.1
(17.2)
3.0
Finance costs
Share of net loss of associates
accounted for using the equity
method
(Loss)/profit before income tax
Income tax expense
(Loss)/profit for the year
(13.6)
(25.3)
(73.6)
(97.4)
(97.5)
(0.8)
(98.3)
0.5
–
0.5
Total significant items after tax US
(189.4)
(29.1)
Net profit after tax excluding
significant items US
91.1
29.6
The $13.0 million reduction in finance costs paid is largely
due to lower net debt balances during 2014 and the costs
associated with the restructuring of the bank facilities which
were substantially incurred and paid in 2013.
ALUMINA LIMITED CASH FLOW
Dividends received
Distributions received
Finance costs paid
Payments to suppliers and
employees
GST refund, interest received
& other
Cash from operations
Net proceeds/(payments) for
investment in associates
2014
US$m
16.0
4.3
(12.5)
(15.0)1
2013
US$m
100.0
7.3
(25.5)
(14.7)
(0.4)
0.4
(7.6)
57.4
67.5
(9.0)
Free cash flow2
49.8
58.5
1 Alumina Limited recognised the effect of the allocation of the Alba
1 Includes CEO retirement payments.
settlement items and related transactions agreement with Alcoa Inc by
posting $137.1 million (representing 25% of the total Alba related charges)
as other asset with the corresponding credit recognised in the Statement
of Profit or Loss as other income in 2013. In 2014 a “true up” amount of
$1.5 million was further recognised.
Alumina Limited recorded a net loss after tax of $98.3 million
for 2014 compared to a net profit after tax of $0.5 million
in 2013.
The net loss includes the equity share of AWAC’s significant
items. The 2014 significant items were largely the result of
restructuring activities to improve the portfolio mix of AWAC.
These activities were the closure of the Point Henry smelter,
and the sale of interests in the Jamalco refinery and bauxite
mine and a gold mine in Suriname.
Excluding significant items, there would have been a net
profit improvement of $61.5 million to $91.1 million (2013:
$29.6 million). This improvement is in line with the better
operating performance of AWAC.
Most of Alumina Limited’s general and administrative costs
are incurred in Australian dollars. The decrease in costs is
largely due to the weaker Australian dollar against the US
dollar and lower expenses. Costs in 2013 include CEO
retirement expenses.
Finance costs include interest expense, commitment fees paid,
amortised upfront fees and bank charges. Finance costs
decreased to $13.6 million in 2014 from $25.3 million in 2013.
Finance costs in 2013 included the write-off of unamortised
establishment fees which related to the restructuring of
Alumina Limited’s bank facilities which was substantially
in place during that year and completed in early 2014.
In addition, average net borrowings were lower in 2014.
2 Free cash flow calculated as cash from operations less net investments
in associates.
Alumina Limited’s free cash from operations principally
comprises the net capital and income distributions received
from the AWAC entities offset by the Company’s general,
administrative and finance costs.
During 2014, Alumina Limited received $4.3 million of
income distributions, $16.0 million of international dividends
and capital returns of $98.9 million from AWAC entities
compared to income distributions of $7.3 million and
$100.0 million of fully franked dividends in 2013.
The $16.0 million international dividend is as a result of
the sale of the interest in the Jamalco mine and refinery,
after debt repayment by the AWAC entity.
The receipt of $98.9 million of capital returns exceeded
the investments in AWAC by $57.4 million. Investments were
comprised of $27.9 million as equity contributions to the
Ma’aden mine and refinery joint venture, the reimbursement
to Alcoa Inc of $5.4 million being the Ma’aden joint venture
entry fee and the $8.2 million investment in the San Ciprian
refinery in Spain to fund its cash flow shortfalls.
As a result, free cash flow was $8.7 million lower in 2014
compared to 2013.
Investments in AWAC entities are expected to decline
in 2015, particularly following the completion of the
construction of the Ma’aden joint venture mine and refinery
which became fully operational in December 2014.
47
ALUMINA LIMITED BALANCE SHEET
Cash and equivalents
Investments
Other assets
Total Assets
Payables
Borrowings – current
Borrowings – non-current
Other liabilities
Total Liabilities
Net Assets
2014
US$m
24.9
2013
US$m
24.0
2,514.5
2,798.9
3.8
141.1
2,543.2
2,964.0
1.9
–
111.5
5.8
119.2
3.9
50.6
108.6
7.5
170.6
2,424.0
2,793.4
The directors declared a fully franked final dividend of
US 1.6 cents per share, payable on 25 March 2015 to
shareholders on the register as at 5pm on 5 March 2015.
The decision to resume dividends reflects the directors’
current view of the business outlook for AWAC and the
Company’s capital structure and requirements.
As at 31 December 2014, Alumina Limited’s net assets
decreased by $369.4 million from 31 December 2013.
Investments decreased by $284.4 million due to Point Henry
restructuring charges, the loss on sale of Jamalco and
foreign currency translations, and borrowings decreased
by $47.7 million.
Net Debt Changes (US$m)
26
(20)
135
(99)
42
7
(4)
87
3
1
/
2
1
/
1
3
t
b
e
D
t
e
N
s
t
s
o
C
e
c
n
a
n
i
F
&
s
t
s
o
C
p
r
o
C
C
W
A
s
n
o
i
t
u
b
i
r
t
s
i
d
&
s
d
n
e
d
i
v
i
d
C
A
W
A
l
a
t
i
p
a
c
d
e
t
s
e
v
n
i
n
o
s
n
r
u
t
e
r
C
A
W
A
t
c
e
f
f
E
t
e
a
R
e
g
n
a
h
c
x
E
4
1
/
2
1
/
1
3
t
b
e
D
t
e
N
t
s
e
a
i
c
o
s
s
a
n
i
s
t
n
e
m
t
s
e
v
n
i
o
t
s
t
n
e
m
y
a
P
s
p
a
w
s
t
e
a
r
t
s
e
r
e
t
n
i
y
c
n
e
r
r
u
c
s
s
o
r
c
f
o
t
n
e
m
e
l
t
t
e
S
As at 31 December 2014, Alumina Limited’s net debt
declined by $48.6 million to $86.6 million. This decline
reflected the level of free cash flow for the year.
Debt repayments resulted in Alumina Limited’s gearing
decreasing to 3.4% although there was a decline in net
assets, in particular, investments in associates. This decline
was mainly due to AWAC’s restructuring charges and the
loss on foreign currency balance sheet revaluations that
more than offset the improved operating performance
of AWAC.
On 12 November 2014, Alumina Limited issued an
A$125 million 5.5% fixed rate note which matures on
19 November 2019. The proceeds from the note were
swapped into US dollars and used to repay the higher
cost BNDES loan. As a result of this issuance, Alumina
Limited also extended the maturity profile of its
borrowings.
In addition to the note, Alumina Limited had $300 million
of committed bank facilities as at 31 December 2014,
which expire as follows:
• $150.0 million in December 2015 (no amounts drawn
under these facilities as at 31 December 2014).
• $150.0 million in December 2017 (drawn to $10 million
as at 31 December 2014).
Following the completion of the restructuring of Alumina
Limited’s banking arrangements and the issuance of the
note, the Company achieved significant improvement in
its debt terms, such as borrowing margins, maturity and
less financial undertakings.
Debt Maturity Profile as at 31 December 2014 (US$m)
$150
$120
$90
$60
$30
$0
15%
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Banks – Drawn
Banks – Undrawn
A$Note
48
6. MARKET OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE
MARKET OUTLOOK
Global demand for alumina grew by 4.9% in 2014 and
remains strong. The average Western Australian spot alumina
price increased from $322/t in the first half to $338/t in the
second half, and ended the year on $354.50 per tonne. The
increase in price in the second half was driven by increased
demand, given higher aluminium production in China and
the Middle East, bauxite availability concerns leading to
higher alumina imports by China and higher aluminium
prices. Over 2014, China imported approximately 5.27
million tonnes of alumina, up nearly 38% from 2013.
Historically, Indonesia has been China’s largest supplier
of imported bauxite. China represents just over half of the
global alumina refinery capacity, with approximately 30%
of China’s refineries dependent upon imported bauxite. In
January 2014, the Indonesia export ban of unprocessed
ores came into effect. This completely stopped Indonesian
bauxite exports to China. Leading up to the ban, China
had built up significant stockpiles of bauxite. Imports of
bauxite into China now come predominantly from Australia,
Malaysia and India. China imported approximately 36.5
million tonnes of bauxite in 2014. In the second half of
2014, exports from Malaysia increased significantly,
totalling around 3.3 million tonnes over 2014.
Over 2014, following the Indonesian export ban, the
imported bauxite price (landed in China), for a variety of
different qualities and sources, ranged from approximately
$48 per tonne to $90 per tonne. When the prices are
standardised and adjusted for quality on a value-in-use
basis, the imported bauxite price into China averaged $68
per tonne over 2014, after ending 2013 at $55 per tonne.
The quality of China’s domestic bauxite has been
decreasing, particularly in Henan and Shanxi provinces,
which rely almost entirely on domestic bauxite for significant
alumina production. Also, there has been high-grading of
deposits in a number of cases that lead to premature mine
closures. Bauxite allocations in China limit the ability of
some alumina producers to access good quality bauxite.
A drop in quality of bauxite increases the cost of producing
alumina. This has led to higher Chinese prices for good
quality domestic bauxite.
Physical fundamentals for aluminium remain positive,
with LME aluminium inventories at around four million
tonnes, after an aluminium production deficit in 2014
caused global stocks to fall more than one million tonnes,
reducing the stock overhang and improving aluminium
fundamentals.
Growth in China’s alumina capacity in 2014 started to slow,
due to a number of factors such as concerns about bauxite
availability and cost, tighter credit measures and the desire
of the Chinese Government to stem the growth in over-
supplied industries. This slowdown in Chinese alumina
capacity growth is expected to continue.
Strong demand for aluminium from the aerospace, building
and automotive industries is expected to continue and that
will drive growth in alumina demand. Another aluminium
production deficit is likely in 2015. This is expected to
continue to drawdown on warehouse stocks and support
regional premiums.
Lower aluminium prices and reduced seasonal demand
for alumina in China has put downward pressure on
alumina prices at the start of 2015. There is forecast to be
an alumina surplus in 2015 however there may be re-starts
of aluminium production in Europe, USA and increased
smelting production in India. Also, there may be increased
Chinese buying of alumina depending on the availability
of bauxite, as Chinese bauxite stockpiles are expected to
run down in 2015 and 2016 (assuming the current rate
of consumption and import).
Some analysts have speculated that Malaysia may be able
to export around 10 million tonnes of bauxite annually.
However, it is not clear how long that would be sustainable
and at what overall cost. In any event, Malaysia’s capacity
would be insufficient to supply the expected growth in
Chinese imports of bauxite, after depletion of the bauxite
stockpiles and the reduced availability of good quality
domestic bauxite.
Global alumina demand is expected to grow by over
6% (CAGR) over the next five years.
Just as AWAC has been restructuring its asset portfolio over
2014, it is expected that there will be further rationalisation
and consolidation in the alumina industry over the next few
years, inside and outside China. There is expected to be
continuing short to medium term diversification of bauxite
suppliers to China, however in the longer term the world
will need a number of new large-scale bauxite mines to
meet expected growing demand.
As the world’s largest bauxite miner, AWAC is well-positioned
to be able to take advantage of expected better market
conditions due to rising demand and prices for bauxite,
whether or not AWAC sells significant quantities of bauxite
to the third party market. The on-going delinking of alumina
pricing from aluminium prices should mean that the
favourable bauxite dynamics will flow through to higher
world alumina prices.
49
ALUMINA LIMITED GUIDANCE
The financial results of Alumina Limited are dependent upon
AWAC’s operational performance and profitability, and the
ability of Alumina Limited to influence the performance of
AWAC to ensure that the Company’s interests are protected.
Alumina Limited’s objectives are to achieve the position where
AWAC is sustainable in the long term, that it has adequate
governance procedures in place, and that long term capital
allocation is implemented to maximise AWAC’s returns.
Alumina Limited’s expectations for cash receipts from AWAC
in 2015 are that total receipts by Alumina Limited will be
higher than 2014. However, this is subject to market conditions.
In 2015, Alumina Limited may be required to make a further
small contribution in relation to the Ma’aden joint venture,
and anticipates there may be equity calls for San Ciprian’s
working capital support.
Continuing depletions of Chinese domestic bauxite are
expected to lead to significant imports into China of bauxite
and/or alumina from 2018-2019 on.
There does not appear to be a sufficient corresponding
supply growth for the long term. There are a number of
refining projects outside China that have stalled or are facing
serious timing, regulatory approval and political risks, funding
or bauxite supply hurdles, including projects in India and
Indonesia. Whilst the alumina price rose over the second half
of 2014, it is currently at a price at which a reasonable return
would not be made on a standard investment in greenfields
capacity, given timing and construction costs. Without a
sufficient and sustained price improvement, this may lead to
alumina supply deficits outside China in the medium term.
AWAC GUIDANCE
The following guidance is provided to assist the
understanding of the sensitivity of AWAC’s 2015 results to
key external factors. The guidance cannot be expected to
be predictive of exact results; rather it provides direction and
approximate quantum of the impact on profit before tax of
movements around a given base figure. Actual results will
vary from those computed using the guidance. Guidance is
not linear, hence significant movement away from the base
rates used may result in different sensitivities. Sensitivity of
the each element of the guidance has been considered in
isolation and no correlation with movements in other
elements within the guidance has been made.
ITEM
Production – alumina
Production – aluminium
Australian $ Sensitivity:
+1¢ in USD/AUD
Brazilian $ Sensitivity:
+1¢ in BRL/USD
Third party smelter grade
alumina shipments expected
to be based on alumina price
indices or spot
2015 GUIDANCE
Approximately
15.2 million tonnes
Approximately
165,000 tonnes
Approximately – $27.0
million profit before tax
Approximately – $1.60/t
alumina EBITDA
Approximately +$1.5
million profit before tax
Approximately $0.05/t
alumina EBITDA
Approximately 75%
for the year
AWAC sustaining capital
expenditure
AWAC growth capital
expenditure
Approximately
$230 million
Approximately
$30 million
50
LETTER
BY CHAIR OF
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
LETTER
BY CHAIR OF
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to introduce
Alumina Limited’s 2014 Remuneration Report and I would
like to draw your attention to a number of matters.
Improved company performance
In 2014, Alumina’s share price performed strongly increasing
your company’s market capitalisation by $1.9 billion. Many of
the drivers of Alumina’s results have also improved and
there are grounds to believe that the cycle is turning.
However, 2014’s dividend was at a very modest level.
Through the year, leadership from our new Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) Peter Wasow proved effective and there were
notable achievements. Alumina’s executives worked with
their Alcoa colleagues to improve the all-important cost
position of the asset portfolio and sustainability of AWAC.
In addition they out-performed on free cash flow, reduced
overheads and secured debt on longer tenor and better
terms than the previous Brazilian facility. This strengthened
the balance sheet of your investment grade global company.
Restructured CEO remuneration
In 2013, the Board restructured the CEO’s remuneration
package and introduced equity exposure into his fixed
remuneration and incentives in the form of STI and LTI
were significantly reduced at target and opportunity levels.
The new structure was applicable in 2014. STI now ranges
from 26 to 35% of FAR between target and opportunity
(previously 80 to 100%) and LTI opportunity is approximately
35%, reduced from 50% FAR.
In making these decisions, the Board considered the
following factors as particularly relevant:
• Alumina Limited is involved in a cyclical capital intensive
global industry which has experienced huge market
disruption on many fronts – for example, the growth of
Chinese production to the extent that their supply/demand
position influences the rest of the world’s returns,
international macroeconomic factors, step changes in
energy security and pricing. Whilst Alumina does not
operate the assets of AWAC and so the CEO’s role has
less complexity in this regard, the strategic challenges
facing the sector and the Company are considerable.
• Influencing the joint venture and our partner and majority
equity owner to a range of outcomes (from strategy to
cash flow) to protect and enhance Alumina’s shareholder
value sits at the heart of the CEO’s role. Alcoa Inc. and
Alumina have different strategies and hence, we see
matters through different lenses and our interests are not
always aligned. The degree of difficulty is heightened by
the number of governance regimes at asset and company
level. As the minority partner, the CEO’s ability to ensure
that Alumina’s voice is heard draws heavily on his
interpersonal skills and years of senior management
resources experience.
• Motivating through balanced and moderate incentives
based on achievements within AWAC and Alumina
recognising that in any one year, non-controllable factors
such as global commodity prices and exchange rates
flow directly to income.
51
The impact of the new CEO contractual terms is detailed
in the 2014 Remuneration Report. In summary, when put in
context using companies of a similar market capitalisation,
the CEO’s fixed remuneration is positioned at the 40th
percentile. When all incentives are included it falls below
the 10th percentile. Given the above factors, the Board
considers this positioning to be appropriate.
2014 STI Awards and LTI Partial Vesting
With the stronger company performance, the board was
pleased that the corporate element of the Short Term Incentive
(STI) scheme triggered for the first time in three years. After
careful consideration of the performance of executives against
defined financial, strategic and business initiatives, the board
decided to make STI awards at a level just below “target”.
In 2014, two executives received performance rights valued at
$94,475 under the LTI scheme as a 2011 tranche partially vested
under retesting. (From 2014, retesting no longer applies).
Sustained company performance relative to the ASX and
international peers will be required for further vesting to occur.
2015 Remuneration
In relation to 2015 executive base salaries and also the
CEO’s STI and LTI potential awards, it was decided to apply
an increase of 3.5 per cent. The board considered external
data sets in the context of company performance in making
this decision.
2015 Non-Executive Director board fees remain unchanged for
another year, in recognition that returns for our shareholders
remain below expectations.
Stakeholder Feedback
Through the year, Alumina’s Chairman and Remuneration
chairman met with stakeholders. We are grateful for the
dialogue and their insights. Following their feedback, in this
year’s remuneration report, we discuss more fully how the
Compensation Committee assesses the degree of difficulty
or “stretch” achieved, particularly for objectives which are of
a commercial or strategic nature or may span a number of
years. In so doing, we hope to provide a better understanding
of the process by which the directors exercise their judgment
and discretion.
While we have continued to evolve our practices in 2014,
our remuneration framework, objectives and scheme
structures remain the same. The Board believes that they
continue to support a performance based culture and
the settings reflect the nature of the company, the capital
intensity of the asset base and the cyclicality of global
alumina and bauxite markets.
EMM A STEIN
Chair
52
REMUNERATION
REPORT
REMUNERATION
REPORT
53
This Remuneration Report outlines the Director
and executive remuneration arrangements of
Alumina Limited. The information provided is
given in accordance with the requirements of
the Corporations Act and has been audited.
This report forms part of the Directors’ Report
for the year ended 31 December 2014.
All contracts for key management personnel
are denominated in Australian dollars and
accordingly all figures in the Remuneration Report
are Australian dollars unless otherwise shown.
CONTENTS
The Remuneration Report is presented in the following sections:
1 Persons covered by the report
54
2 Remuneration Framework
54
2.1
Remuneration Governance and Process
54
Remuneration Strategy and Policy
2.2
55
2.2.1 Remuneration in business context
55
2.2.2 Remuneration Strategy
56
2.3
Executive Remuneration Structure
57
2.3.1 Executive Remuneration Overview
57
59
2.3.2 Remuneration decisions and outcomes for 2014 – Statutory
2.3.3 CEO and Senior executive remuneration mix and comparables 60
61
2.3.4 STI Scorecard and governance
62
2.3.5 LTI Plan and governance
65
2.3.6 Other Remuneration matters
3 Company Performance and Remuneration Outcomes
2014 Performance under the STI Plan
LTI Performance Testing for the 2014 Financial Year
2014 Remuneration outcomes
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.3.1 Remuneration tables
4 Executives’ Service Agreements
5 Non-Executive Directors Remuneration
65
67
69
70
70
75
78
54
1. PERSONS COVERED BY THIS REPORT
This report covers remuneration arrangements and outcomes for the following key management personnel
(KMP) of Alumina Limited:
NAME
ROLE
Non-Executive Directors
John Pizzey
Non-Executive Chairman
Emma Stein
Chen Zeng
Peter Day
Mike Ferraro
Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Peter Wasow
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Appointed Chairman 1 December 2011
(director 8 June 2007)
Appointed 3 February 2011
Appointed 15 March 2013
Appointed 1 January 2014
Appointed 5 February 2014
Appointed CEO 1 January 2014 (appointed
Non-Executive Director 26 August 2011 and
ceased 31 December 2013)
Other KMP
Chris Thiris
Stephen Foster
Andrew Wood
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Appointed 13 December 2011
General Counsel/Company Secretary
Appointed 4 December 2002
Group Executive Strategy & Development Employed 1 September 2008
In seeking remuneration advice from consultants,
the Compensation Committee ensures that the advice
is free from undue influence by:
• selecting the consultant
• briefing the consultant
• receiving the report directly from the consultant
rather than via Company executives
• the consultant declaring that a remuneration
recommendation is free from undue influence by
the Key Management Personnel to whom it relates.
In 2014, no remuneration recommendation, as defined
in the Corporations Act, was received.
2. REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK
2.1 REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE AND PROCESS
The Board of Alumina Limited is accountable for the
Company’s executive remuneration structure and outcomes.
The Board has delegated responsibility to the Compensation
Committee to review remuneration trends and developments
and to propose remuneration strategies, policies and
recommendations for the Board to consider.
The following diagram represents Alumina Limited’s
remuneration governance framework, see page 55.
REMUNERATION CONSULTANTS
The Compensation Committee is empowered to seek
advice from independent remuneration consultants on
matters relating to remuneration including developing and
implementing executive remuneration strategies, associated
statutory obligations and the quantum of remuneration.
Alumina Limited has established protocols for the engagement
of remuneration consultants and the processes to be
followed regarding recommendations. Relevant executives
are trained on an annual basis to ensure they understand
the procedures.
55
Alumina Limited’s remuneration governance framework
Board of Directors
The Board:
• reviews and approves the Charter of the Compensation Committee
• approves the remuneration philosophy, policies and practices.
Compensation Committee
Delegated authority to:
External Consultants
• Provide independent advice on remuneration
• take advice from management and where relevant,
trends and practices.
independent advisers
• devise a remuneration framework, strategy, policies and
practices
• oversee the implementation of the remuneration strategy
and policy
• establish appropriate performance objectives and measures
• monitor performance against objectives and recommend
incentive awards
• approves remuneration outcomes
• Provide benchmarking data and analysis.
• Support the Committee in relation to changes
to remuneration policy, employment contracts,
structures and practices etc.
• Provide governance and legal advice on
remuneration related matters.
Management
• Provides the Compensation Committee with information to assist in its remuneration decisions including remuneration
recommendations.
The Compensation Committee is comprised of only Non-Executive Directors and is chaired by Ms Emma Stein.
The duties and responsibilities delegated to the Committee by the Board are set out in the Committee’s Charter, which
is available on the Company’s website www.aluminalimited.com/compensation-committee.
2.2 REMUNERATION STRATEGY AND POLICY
2.2.1 Remuneration in business context
Alumina Limited’s remuneration strategy and policy has
been developed recognising the unique nature of the
Company, the complexities of managing a significant
but minority interest in a global joint venture and the
significance of external factors on the sector and the
Company’s performance.
Alumina Limited owns a 40 per cent interest in the multi-
billion dollar world-wide enterprise, AWAC, the world’s
largest alumina and bauxite producer. Alcoa Inc. owns
the remaining 60 per cent and additionally, is responsible
for AWAC’s operational management. Alumina Limited is
responsible for protecting and advancing the interests of its
60,000 shareholders by having input into the responsible
stewardship of the AWAC portfolio of assets and business
strategies and outcomes.
Managing and directing Alumina and its investment in
AWAC is an involved task. AWAC is a large capital-intensive
business operating in a number of jurisdictions, some in
remote locations. With four key executive officers, Alumina
Limited requires high calibre people with strong skills sets
and commercial experience to ensure the Company and
its investment are managed well. The Company and its
investment are also subject to rigorous governance
regimes, financial and reporting controls.
Alumina Limited’s executives are charged with:
• Contributing to shaping AWAC’s strategy, competitive
position and options
Senior executive management must have a clear position
on the bauxite, alumina and aluminium markets to allow
detailed discussion with Alcoa and shareholders on portfolio
56
management, investment opportunities and disruptive threats.
This also includes understanding countries and partners with
whom AWAC operates and competes. The alumina industry
is a capital-intensive industry where investment and future
portfolio decisions have long lasting impacts.
The executives are called upon to exercise strategic thinking
and planning to influence AWAC to take advantage of future
opportunities and to navigate current industry economic
fundamentals. They do so through the power of persuasion
based on knowledge of the facts and considered analysis,
drawing upon their commercial and industry experience.
• Managing Alumina’s investment as a tier one pure play
• Maintaining Alumina’s Investment Grade Balance Sheet
and Metrics in a Highly Cyclical Environment
Alumina’s executives are also charged with developing an
investment grade capital structure and implementation of
sound financial management policies for Alumina. Alumina’s
cash flow is highly sensitive to commodity prices, exchange
rates and decisions on capital requirements. Their
recommendations to the Board on these settings are
of critical importance, impacting free cash flow, dividend
capacity and a sustainable balance sheet. They need to
deploy technical skills, and considerable experience of
commodity cycles and long life and capital intense assets.
global alumina and bauxite producer
• Year on Year Overhead Discipline
Alcoa operates the individual assets in the joint venture. For
Alcoa, AWAC is a part of a range of positions through the
supply chain, from upstream through to manufacturing of
aluminium and other metal components. Alcoa’s focus
on downstream has resulted in a strategy to position itself
as a global leader in lightweight metals engineering and
manufacturing and a producer of innovative multi-material
solutions.
It is not surprising therefore that different views and
priorities emerge around the joint venture table about the
AWAC portfolio, individual assets and industry issues and
dynamics. Whilst both companies come together in the
ownership of AWAC, their perspectives often differ, for
example, in the form of capital allocation and asset capital
structures. Views must be debated, negotiated and agreed
so that Alumina’s shareholders are not disadvantaged.
Alumina’s executives do so from Alumina’s position as the
minority non-operating partner. They must bring to bear
logical arguments, provide well-researched analysis and
find and utilise points of leverage. They must build people
relationships within Alcoa that enable Alumina’s voice to
be heard and respected.
In the recent industry down cycle, and the backdrop of
highly unfavourable commodity prices and exchange rates,
Alumina’s executives have had to act to ensure cash flows
from the assets through to the joint venture partners.
In addition, they have kept an ongoing focus on the quality
of the AWAC portfolio, supporting our partner to close
high-cost assets, broaden energy options and dispose
of marginal assets. As the transactions are implemented,
Alumina’s team worked hard to ensure that the related
range of financial, legal and commercial issues are resolved
so that Alumina’s shareholders are not disadvantaged
through inappropriate cost, risk or liability burdens.
The Board holds Alumina’s executive accountable for
continual cost improvement so that management of AWAC
represents value for money for Alumina’s shareholders.
2.2.2 Remuneration Strategy
• Select the right people, offer attractive performance
based remuneration
In order to be effective, when selecting executives for
Alumina, the Board focuses on individuals who are highly
commercial, with strategic and tactical experience as well
as the instincts and behaviours that equip them for their
broad ranging roles. The practical consequence for any
remuneration is that it must be sufficiently attractive when
seen in a market context and it must have a rationale that
makes sense to executives.
Alumina’s remuneration philosophy is simple – to reward
its executives for their role in managing Alumina well.
When done well, this delivers good outcomes for the
company and when done very well, superior outcomes
become possible. In a highly cyclical, capital intensive
business, with asset lives measured in decades, often the
efforts of executives play out over many years. This has
been very apparent through the industry’s down-turn –
necessary asset closures and sales have resulted in material
adjustments to the company’s statutory profit and loss but
improved cost competitiveness for the AWAC portfolio.
• Reward results delivered by executives across short,
medium and long term timeframes
This is achieved by Alumina’s chosen remuneration
structures and drivers, overlaid by the judgement exercised
by its Board. Three facets are worth noting:
First, the Company’s sustained share price and financial
performance impacts all elements of CEO’s remuneration,
fixed (with its inclusion of deferred equity), STI and LTI,
with his LTI opportunity being greater than STI.
57
Second lies in the relationship between target and maximum
levels of STI. While higher levels of reward are triggered
when executives deliver superior outcomes and/or
shareholders are gaining through tangible returns, the
Alumina Board also believes that in “really good times”
rewards should not escalate proportionally (as, at these
points in the cycle, usually the company’s profitability is
being driven by external factors which are beyond the
control of management). Hence, compared with other
major listed companies, the Alumina scheme has less
“opportunity” or “upside potential” in its overall
remuneration, largely through lower maximum levels
of STI (see pages 60 and 61 for the benchmarking results
under target circumstances).
The third step in this approach lies in the nature of, and the
weightings ascribed to, the components of the STI within a
balanced scorecard. Compared with others, Alumina gives
greater prominence to strategic, corporate and commercial
initiatives so that the impact of short-term financial metrics
is appropriately weighted (see pages 67 and 68).
• Align company, executive and board and stakeholder
interests through share ownership
The Board builds in different mechanisms across its
remuneration structures to expose executives to the
Company’s share price, to build meaningful equity positions,
to defer rewards so that executives are encouraged to be
committed for meaningful periods of time and to allow
for clawback. In particular, given the cyclical nature of the
industry and Company returns, the Board believes that its
senior executives and directors should not be immune to
shareholders’ experience when values decline.
In 2013, Alumina’s CEO’s new employment contract
introduced the use of equity into his fixed remuneration
as a core component of his package and alignment with
stakeholders’ interests.
In 2014, the Company’s Clawback Policy was established,
see page 65.
The Company’s policy for non-executive directors’
minimum shareholdings is set out on page 22 of the
Corporate Governance Statement.
2.3. EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION STRUCTURE
2.3.1 Executive Remuneration Overview
Remuneration packages for senior executives consist of three components:
• Levels of fixed remuneration based on role responsibilities,
the non-operating but commercial nature of the company
and the experience set of individuals and the market
• STI’s (‘at risk component’) that are driven by achievement
against corporate and personal objectives based on a
mix of financial, strategic and commercial initiatives that
the board believes are critical to the continued success of
the company, creation of shareholder returns and the
optimisation of its joint venture investment.
• Alumina also provides LTI (‘at risk component’) awards
measured by relative total shareholder return (TSR)
equally weighted between two comparator groups – listed
domestic companies with whom Alumina must compete
for capital and listed international industry players against
whom AWAC competes for strategic advantage.
58
TABLE 1
Components of Executive Remuneration
COMPONENT
Fixed Remuneration
(delivered through
cash and equity for
the CEO and through
cash for other
executives)
Short Term
Incentive (STI)
(delivered through
cash and equity for
all executives)
Corporate
Scorecard
50% of total
potential STI
Award
SUB-
COMPONENT
PERFORMANCE MEASURE
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
Considerations:
• Individual’s role and responsibilities
• Depth of knowledge
and skill set
• Level of expertise
and effectiveness
• Market (benchmarking)
Minimum Performance Threshold
Financial objectives based
on controllable metrics:
• Free Cash flow
• Investment rating
Strategic and individual
asset objectives
Secure, retain and motivate a
highly skilled and experienced
executive team
Establish a minimum threshold of
the achievement as a profit after
significant items or payment of a dividend
to shareholders, thus reinforcing discipline
in financial management and goal setting
also providing determinable outcomes
that are linked to the Company’s
performance.
• Cash flow from AWAC is fundamental
to dividends and the terms of external
financing
• A sound balance sheet with key
banking relationships is critical to
the Company’s strength, stability
and future success.
• Commercially beneficial to maintain
investment grade credit rating
• Performance hurdles designed
to stretch executives in context
of industry cycle.
• Aligned to strategic and growth
objectives
• Improve long-term cost curve
positioning and strategic options
to develop the business
• Protect Alumina’s interests through
increased clarity on AWAC governance
Short Term
Incentive (STI)
(delivered through
cash and equity for
all executives)
Personal
Scorecard
50% of total
potential STI
Award
Implementation of grounded in
business initiatives for which individual
executives have defined accountabilities
• Improve internal operating
efficiency and profitability
• Ensuring Alcoa treats AWAC
transactions at arm’s length and
Alumina shareholders’ interests are
protected in short and long term.
59
COMPONENT
LongTerm Incentive
Plan (LTI)
(delivered as equity)
SUB-
COMPONENT
PERFORMANCE MEASURE
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE
Three year Company TSR performance
equal to or outperforming 50% of two
comparator groups results.
• A result below 50 per cent will
not result in an award of equity
in the Company participants.
• Emphasises the importance that
management maintain the share
price through the volatility involved
in a capital intensive business heavily
impacted by external factors
• Linked to long-term business strategy
and focuses executives
on key performance drivers for
sustainable growth
• Links rewards of participants of
the Plan to the experience of the
shareholders
2.3.2 Remuneration decisions and outcomes for 2014 – statutory
Fixed remuneration
LTI
In 2014 the LTI performance test against the international
comparator group for 2011’s tranche 11 resulted in partial
vesting of 75,619 Performance Rights for all eligible Plan
participants into shares in the Company compared to
559,900 Performance Rights initially granted in tranche 11.
The test against the ASX comparator group failed to meet
minimum vesting. Mr Foster and Mr Wood were the only
current senior executives to receive shares under the scheme
(refer to Table 8 on page 72). These performance rights
had a market value of $94,475 on vesting.
Equity Positions
As a result of the 2014 remuneration decisions and policy
operation, all senior executives continued to increase their
equity holdings and exposures. The CEO and CFO’s
holdings are still building up as their tenure is relatively new.
Their equity positions are summarised in Table 11 on page 75.
In 2014, the Compensation Committee reviewed base
salaries, and determined an increase of 3.5 per cent.
The CEO’s performance rights and STI levels are expressed
in dollar terms, and the Committee recommended that the
3.5 per cent increase should be applied to these dollar
amounts, using external data points in the context of the
company’s performance.
STI
In a year in which Alumina’s market capitalization increased
by $1.9 billion, it was pleasing to see financial targets exceeded
and the corporate element of the scorecard trigger for the first
time in three years. In 2014, the Compensation Committee
recommended individual executive performance ratings and
STI payments based on:
• Assessment of Balanced scorecard outcomes
• Appropriateness in the context of shareholder returns
• Consideration of other factors (e.g. Highly valuable
outcomes which were not on the scorecard.)
In total, in 2014, Alumina’s STI scheme paid $1,010,000
to its KMPs, which was an increase of $411,000 on
2013’s level. The higher amount being driven largely by
the improved company performance offset by the lower
payments arising from the first full year of the CEO’s
renegotiated remuneration. Of this STI overall award, the
executives (other than the CEO) retained cash for half,
investing 50 per cent after tax back into equity.
60
Net (Loss)/Profit after tax excluding significant items
In setting priorities for management, the board works from
first principles. For example, portfolio rationalisation and
enhancement has been a key theme for several years. The
Board charged its executives with ensuring that this topic
had enduring focus within the Strategic Council and at asset
company board meetings and, with supporting Alcoa on
execution of closures, curtailments, and divestments.
In 2014, the Port Henry smelter (which was commissioned in
1963) was closed. For decades, Port Henry represented state
of the art aluminium smelting and made a huge contribution
to the city of Geelong. Sadly, after 51 years of operation,
this plant was no longer competitive in global terms.
In December 2014, Jamalco (founded in 1959) was
divested to Noble Group Limited.
These two operations were large scale assets and so the
resultant negative adjustments to the profit and loss are
significant – $90.8 million and $106.5 million respectively.
For the purposes of the STI, these adjustments have been
excluded because:
• the Board considers these decisions and actions to
be positive ones for Alumina’s investment
• they pre-date the current executives
• it is consistent with the Company’s financial statements.
In deciding whether it is appropriate to use adjusted
earnings within the STI scheme, the board considers
factors including:
• The rationale and circumstances causing the adjustment
or simply put was it the right thing to do
• The impact on shareholders
• Was the matter caused by error or poor judgement
• Was the matter within management’s control
(e.g. Legacy matters)
• The Audit and Risk Committee’s review of these matters.
2.3.3 CEO and Senior Executives Remuneration
Mix and Comparables
Remuneration Mix Overview
The Chief Executive Officer, other senior executives and
professional employees all share the same remuneration
principles.
However, there are differences in the structures and
relativities.
In 2013, the CEO’s remuneration was renegotiated such
that his fixed remuneration includes an annual share right
component. The initial grant value was $200,000 (or 15%
of total fixed remuneration). This equity component of fixed
remuneration is conditional on a minimum of 18 months
service and deferred for three years from the date of the grant.
It is subject to share price fluctuations and therefore the
final value reflects the experience of shareholders over the
deferral period. This reinforces the remuneration policy that
the CEO acts in the longer term interests of the Company
and its shareholders. Including the LTI component of 20 per
cent of total remuneration, the CEO has approximately 30
per cent of his at target remuneration allocated as equity.
(The CEO’s STI is awarded in cash.)
The following bar chart compares the CEO’s 2014 at
target repositioned remuneration to the 2013 at target
remuneration package, indicating the significant reduction
in STI and LTI opportunities.
Despite having a higher percentage of FAR, it is important
to recognise that approximately 15 per cent of Mr Wasow’s
FAR is received in deferred equity and so his base
remuneration is, and remains, exposed to the Company’s
share price. Also, his FAR in absolute terms is below the
median, and falls at approximately 40th percentile of the
ASX 100 CEO FAR.
CEO at target remuneration (A$ million)
4
1
0
2
3
1
0
2
0.0
FAR
0.5
STI
LTI
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
61
The senior executive fixed remuneration represents 51 per
cent of their total at target remuneration (TTR). Although the
senior executives are eligible to receive approximately 50 per
cent of their STI award in cash, they (except Mr Wood) are
required under the terms of the STI Plan to apply 50 per cent
of their after tax STI award in purchasing Alumina shares that
must be held for three years. In total, those senior executives
would hold approximately 35 per cent of their at target
remuneration on a deferred basis.
CEO Remuneration Market Comparable
Alumina’s CEO fixed remuneration (inclusive of
his equity exposed component) lies at the 40th percentile
of the ASX 100 companies within 50 to 200% of Alumina’s
market capitalisation, excluding financial sector companies
(ASX 100 Market Cap) comparator group but in the bottom
quartile at approximately the 8th percentile for his total target
remuneration (TTR). The Board believes positioning his fixed
remuneration slightly below the median is appropriate. On
the one hand, the bauxite, alumina and aluminium markets
and industries are complex and dynamic, and the CEO’s
role in influencing the joint venture and equity partner across
many jurisdictions is demanding, tactically and strategically.
On the other hand, Alumina is a non-operating company
and the CEO’s is new to the role. The modest level of TTR is
a direct reflection of the positioning of his fixed remuneration
coupled with an incentive scheme that is designed to be
attractive but moderated.
Relative position of CEO remuneration compared to
comparator group.
ASX76-100
ASX100 MARKET
CAPITALISATION
Role
FAR
Chief Executive Officer 58th
TTR
12th
FAR
40th
TTR
8th
Between Median (50th) and 75th Percentiles
Between 25th Percentile and Median (50th)
Below 25th Percentile
2.3.4 STI Scorecard and Governance
At the beginning of the year, the Compensation Committee
establishes a scorecard with objectives focussed on key
financial outcomes for the year ahead together with critical
initiatives, issues and projects (which could be at asset, joint
venture or industry level). The level of performance against
each is set, some are easily measurable against a specific
quantifiable metric and some demand that an initiative
delivers a specific minimum milestone (e.g. agreement to
the initiative by the joint venture and delivery of a detailed
assessment of options). Some, however, are still emerging as
issues, the possible range of outcomes or the way forward
may be unclear. For these matters, the Compensation
Committee has to judge just how specific to be.
The Board is responsible for approving the scorecard.
Through the year, as part of a suite of reporting, the CEO
presents updates on progress against the scorecard.
This is discussed by the board.
At the end of the year, for each individual, the Compensation
Committee reviews performance against the scorecard. The
Committee’s decision is usually made early in the new financial
year. In making its assessment, the Committee considers actual
performance results as well as internal and external factors
that may have contributed to the results. The Committee
receives a report from the CEO detailing:
• financial targets, actual performance and underlying
assumptions
• key activities underpinning each non-financial objective
• actual performance outcomes
• management commentary around key factors and
management decisions leading to performance outcomes
• individual performance objectives and indicative
performance.
In determining its recommendations to the board on the
level of STI payments, the Compensation Committee
decides and, through discussion, tests:
• what weighting to apply to the individual scorecard
components, weighting more highly those that had
the potential to create (or depreciate) significant
shareholder value
• whether each individual element was achieved, in which case
this is likely to result in a “target” rating for that element
• if an element was achieved and surpassed, whether it was
sufficiently demanding or created sufficient additional value
to warrant an above target rating and if so, by how much
• if an element was not achieved, whether and for what
reason a positive rating is given, otherwise likely to
be zero.
Given the nature of the building blocks to the Alumina STI
scheme, a simple distinction between threshold, target and
stretch performance isn’t always apparent, especially at the
beginning of the year. But in making its assessments as
described above, the Compensation Committee is focused
on a scheme which is sufficiently demanding and rewards
hard-won achievements by executives.
For corporate objectives, minimum performance thresholds
must be met for any STI payments for corporate objectives
to be paid – Alumina Limited must not make a net loss after
tax excluding significant items at the end of the financial
year or must declare a dividend. An outline of the corporate
objectives set and the results achieved are set out in Table
4 below (there are some matters relating to corporate
objectives which are commercially sensitive and for that
reason not disclosed).
62
For personal objectives, individuals are assessed on their
actual performance against annual individual commercial
objectives agreed to at the beginning of the performance
period. These personal objectives related to key areas of
performance over which the individual had accountability
and influence for the delivery of an outcome which is adding
or protecting value for Alumina Limited. An outline of the
personal objectives set and the results achieved are set out
in Table 5 on page 68.
2.3.5 LTI Plan and Governance
The Employee Share Plan (ESP) is designed to link Alumina
Limited executives’ rewards with the long-term goals and
performance of Alumina Limited, and the generation of
shareholder returns. Each year, senior executives may be
granted (at the Board’s discretion) a conditional entitlement
under the ESP to fully paid ordinary shares in the Company
(Performance Rights), with the shares (in practice) being
purchased on market. The Performance Rights vest to senior
executives if certain performance tests are met at the end of
the performance period.
The performance criteria and testing period for each annual
grant under the ESP are determined by the Board at the time
the Board determines to offer the Performance Rights
(usually in December of each year) and the testing period
commences at that time.
The implementation of that Board determination, including the
period in which executives can consider and accept the offer,
normally results in the actual granting of the Performance
Rights in January/February. One hundred per cent of the
Performance Rights are tested against the TSR hurdle. Alumina
Limited’s TSR performance has been measured against the
TSR performance of an ASX Comparator Group and an
International Comparator Group.
Alumina’s LTI plan TSR calculations are verified by Mercer
Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd.
TABLE 2
2014 KEY FEATURES OF THE EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN
Purpose
• The ESP is designed to link Alumina Limited executive’s rewards with the long-term goals
and performance of Alumina Limited and the generation of shareholder returns.
LTI value
• The CEO’s LTI component is a Performance Right entitlement limited to a maximum
benefit of up to $414,000 in 2015 (with the discretion to be adjusted annually for cost
of living increases) equivalent in Alumina Limited shares (valued at grant date)
(approximately 35 per cent of FAR).
• The Long-Term Incentive (LTI) component of remuneration is a maximum of 40 per
cent of FAR for Mr Thiris and Mr Foster and 30 per cent for Mr Wood.
• The annual dollar LTI grant is divided by the average Company share price over the
20 trading days leading up to the time that the Board determined to make offers of
Performance Rights to senior executives under the ESP for the relevant year, in order
to determine the number of Performance Rights to be offered.
Duration of performance
period
• Three years.
What is the value of
a Performance Right
• On vesting, each Performance Right results in delivery to the holder of an ordinary
share in Alumina Limited.
63
2014 KEY FEATURES OF THE EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN
Performance hurdle
• Involves two tests comparing Alumina Limited’s TSR relative to the TSR of the following
Comparator Groups:
» (Test 1 – ASX Comparator Group) ASX100 Index companies excluding the Company, the
top 20 companies by market capitalization and property trusts (50% of the award); and
» (Test 2 – International Comparator Group) eight selected companies in the alumina
and/or aluminium industries that are listed in Australia or overseas, excluding the
Company (50% of the award).
• Prior to 2012, the ASX Comparator Group did not exclude the top 20 companies by
market capitalization and property trusts, and the International Comparator Group
instead comprised 30 international metals and mining companies.
» Companies in the Comparator Groups may be changed over the performance period
if the Board considers it appropriate or for example if a company is de-listed, taken over
or restructured to the extent it is no longer a relevant comparator.
• Testing is conducted at the end of the performance period.
Rationale for the selection
of each Comparator
Group
• The International Comparator Group comprises companies that reflect Alumina Limited’s
direct competitors in the market and operate in the alumina and/or aluminium industries.
The ASX Comparator Group was developed in order to measure Alumina’s performance
with reference to companies which are alternative investments (in the Australian context)
for the Company’s shareholders.
Why use TSR
• TSR was chosen as a performance measure as an appropriate means of measuring
Company performance as it incorporates both capital growth and dividends.
How is TSR calculated
• Under the performance tests, the TSR for each entity in the Comparator Groups and for
Alumina Limited is calculated according to a prescribed methodology determined by
remuneration consultants Mercer Consulting (Australia), engaged for this purpose. The
entities (or securities, as appropriate) in the Comparator Group are then ranked by TSR
performance.
Vesting arrangements
• Performance hurdles are independently measured at the conclusion of the performance
period. Alumina Limited’s TSR is ranked against the TSR of companies in each of the
Comparator Groups.
• If Alumina Limited’s TSR is:
» less than the TSR of the company at the 50th percentile of the comparator group, ranked
by TSR performance 0 per cent
» equal to the TSR of the company at the 50th percentile of the comparator group, ranked
by TSR performance* 50 per cent
» equal to or greater than the TSR of the company at the 75th percentile of the comparator
group, ranked by TSR performance* 100 per cent.
* If Alumina Limited’s TSR performance is between that of the companies at the median (i.e. the 50th percentile) and
the 75th percentile of the ASX Comparator Group ranked by TSR performance, the number of Performance Rights in
a tranche that vests will increase from 50% by two percentage points for each percentage point by which the
Company’s percentile ranking is higher than the 50th percentile
* If the Company’s TSR performance is equal to that of any company between the 50th percentile and the 75th
percentile of the International Comparator Group ranked by TSR performance, the number of Performance Rights in
the relevant tranche that vests will be equal to the vesting percentage assigned by the Board to that company. If the
Company’s TSR performance is between that of any two such companies in the International Comparator Group, the
number of Performance Rights in the relevant tranche that vests will be determined on a pro-rata basis relative to the
vesting percentages assigned by the Board to those companies.
64
2014 KEY FEATURES OF THE EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN
Retesting
• All Performance Rights issued from 2014 onwards are not subject to retesting following
Entitlements and benefits
a review and recommendation by the Compensation Committee in 2013.
• For grants of Performance Right in 2014 and onwards, following testing at the end of
the three year performance period, any Performance Rights that do not vest will lapse.
• Retesting still applies to Performance Rights issued prior to 2014. If less than 100 per cent
of Performance Rights vest when initially tested at the end of the three year performance
period, two further retests apply, six months and 12 months after the initial test. Any
Performance Rights that do not vest after the second retest will lapse.
• Prior to Shares vesting and being allocated to the Participant, the Participant does not have
any beneficial or other interest in the Shares (other than an entitlement to be allocated
Shares upon the Performance Conditions being satisfied) and is therefore not entitled
to any benefits or entitlements attaching to the Shares including all dividends and other
distributions, bonus issues or other benefits payable.
• If the performance tests are met and the shares or a portion of the shares vest to the
participant, the participant is entitled to proportionally receive, all dividends and other
distributions, bonus issues or other benefits payable to the Trustee in respect of the Shares.
• For Performance Rights granted from 2014, under certain circumstances involving a
Change of Control Event or cessation of employment, the Board has the discretion to
determine that Cash Settlement Amounts will be paid in respect of ESP Entitlements
that vest, instead of Shares being allocated.
Cessation of employment
• For Performance Rights granted prior to 2014, unvested Performance Rights will lapse
unless, in the case of death, total and permanent disablement, redundancy or retirement,
the Board determines otherwise.
• For Performance Rights granted from 2014, on cessation of employment and prior to ESP
entitlements vesting, except to the extent that the Board otherwise determines in its absolute
discretion within 20 business days after employment ceasing, a pro rata number of ESP
Entitlements will lapse. The number of ESP Entitlements that lapse will be proportional to the
amount of the testing period that has not yet elapsed at the time of employment ceasing. In
these circumstances, the Board also has discretion under the ESP Rules to determine, within
two months of employment ceasing, that any remaining ESP Entitlements is forfeited.
• If a Participant ceases employment with Alumina Limited for any reason at any time following
ESP Entitlements vesting, it will be treated as having applied on the date of cessation for the
corresponding Shares (if applicable) to be transferred into the participants name.
Change of Control
• In the event of a change in control, the Board may determine in its discretion that
performance conditions will be tested at a date to be determined. A change of control is,
in general terms, an entity acquiring unconditionally more than 50 per cent of the issued
shares of the Company, or the Company being required, under a takeover bid or scheme
of arrangement, to issue an aggregate number of shares greater than the number existing
before the issue (i.e. a “reverse takeover”).
65
2.3.6 Other remuneration matters
Superannuation
All Alumina Limited employees are members of a fund of their
choice. Contributions are funded at the Superannuation
Guarantee Contributions rate, currently 9.50 per cent
(following an increase from 9.25 per cent effective July 2014)
of an employee’s fixed annual remuneration. Alumina Limited
contributes 9.50 per cent of employees’ salary up to the
maximum superannuation contributions base, which is linked
to each individual’s earnings. The maximum contributions
base is an annual income of approximately $197,720.
Clawback Policy
In 2014 the Compensation Committee adopted a Clawback
Policy that provides scope for the Board to recoup incentive
remuneration paid to senior executives where:
» material misrepresentation or material restatement of
Alumina Limited’s financial statements occurred as a
result of fraud or misconduct by any senior executives;
and
» the senior executives received incentive remuneration
in excess of that which should have been received if the
Alumina Limited financial statements were correctly
reported.
To the extent permitted by law, the Board will seek to recoup
incentive remuneration, in all appropriate cases, paid (or in
the case of equity-based compensation, which vested) to
any senior executives on or after the effective date of this
Policy if and to the extent that;
In the case of equity awards that vested based on the
achievement of financial results that were subsequently
reduced, the Board also may seek to recover gains from the
sale or disposition of vested shares. In addition, the Board
may to the extent it deems appropriate determine to cancel
unvested equity awards where the Board or the Compensation
Committee took into account the financial performance of
the Company in granting such awards and the financial
results were subsequently reduced due to a restatement.
Share Trading and Hedging Prohibitions
Performance Rights granted under Alumina Limited’s LTI
provisions must remain at risk until fully vested. This is
consistent with Alumina Limited’s Share Trading Policy that
prohibits Directors and employees from engaging in:
• short-term trading of any Alumina Limited securities
• buying or selling Alumina Limited shares if they possess
unpublished, price-sensitive information or
• trading in derivative products over the Company’s
securities, or entering into transactions in products that
limit the economic risk of their security holdings in the
Company.
3. COMPANY PERFORMANCE AND REMUNERATION OUTCOMES
In 2014, Alumina Limited’s share price appreciated strongly
by more than 60 per cent and its market capitalisation
increased by $1.9 billion. This was the 5th highest return in
the ASX 100. In 2014, Alumina Limited’s executives worked
with their Alcoa colleagues to deliver important portfolio
improvements including closures, divestments and
sustainable developments in the form of the Ma’aden joint
venture mine and refinery and energy options. In addition,
further balance sheet improvement was achieved in tenor
and terms. Outperformance was delivered on operating
cost reductions at Alumina. Finally, the Company returned
a dividend to shareholders, albeit a small one, not having
done so since payment of the 2011 full year dividend.
In this context of better shareholder returns, it was pleasing
to see the corporate element of the STI scheme trigger for
the first time in three years. In judging the performance of
executives in 2014, the Board decided (on recommendation
from the Compensation Committee) that they had delivered
high quality outcomes, notably in terms of cash flow, debt,
and cost base, and important portfolio improvements.
However, on one of the strategic challenges, although they
were successful in developing Alumina’s case, no tangible
outcomes resulted in the year. So whilst the Board decided
that performance was worthy of incentives, the overall
award was just below target. Also, some vesting of LTI
occurred as the 2014 share price performance was sufficient
to trigger a 2011 tranche of performance rights.
The diagrams that follow highlight Alumina Limited’s
improved share price performance over the year such
that market capitalisation reached $5 billion and
outperformance against market indices. In addition,
debt was paid down further so that the balance sheet
provides strength and flexibility.
66
ASX 100 TSR Year ended 31 December 2014
AWC: +61.0%
120%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
(20%)
(40%)
(60%)
TABLE 3
ALUMINA LIMITED’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2010 – 2014
Dividends declared per share (US cents per share)
Percentage change in share price
2014
1.6
61%
2013
Nil
20%
2012
Nil
(21)%
2011
6
(55)%
2010
6
32%
Market Capitalisation ($ million)
5,0231
3,1431
2,1962
2,7332
6,0522
Net debt ($million)
86.6
135.2
664.4
471.6
353.5
Net (Loss)/Profit After Tax ($million)
US$(98)
US$0.5
US$(56)
US$127m
US$35m
1 2,806,225,615 issued fully paid ordinary shares
2 2,440,196,187 issued fully paid ordinary shares
Alumina relative share price performance
2.00
1.75
1.50
1.25
1.00
0.75
0.50
Jan-14
Feb-14
Mar-14
Apr-14
May-14
Jun-14
Jul-14
Aug-14
Sep-14
Oct-14
Nov-14
Dec-14
Alumina Ltd (AWC)
All Ordinaries Index (XAO)
S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (XMJ)
S&P/ASX 300 Metals and Mining Index (XMM)
S&P/ASX 100 (XTO)
67
3.1 2014 PERFORMANCE UNDER THE STI PLAN
Tables 4 and 5 below provide a summary assessment of performance against STI performance measures for 2014.
TABLE 4
Corporate Scorecard – 50% of Potential STI Award
PERFORMANCE MEASURES REASON CHOSEN
The most appropriate
financial measure of
the management of the
AWAC joint venture.
Provides the basis for
payment of dividends
to Alumina Limited
shareholders.
Indicator of whether
a company generates
sufficient positive cash
flow to maintain its
target capital structure,
or whether it may
require external
financing.
As gas markets in
Western Australia
change, it is important
that AWAC develops
energy alternatives in
a timely way.
Short-term
financial
objectives,
Cash flow,
investment rating
and gearing
Achieve 2014 cash
flow distributions from
AWAC of $85 million
at a minimum.
Maintain key financial
metrics consistent with
investment grade credit
rating:
(i) Funds from
operations/debt >20%
(ii) Debt / EBITDA<4
times.
Demonstrable progress
on WA Energy strategy:
• Establish a Committee
of the Strategic
Council to review
progress
• Complete the first
two stages of project
development for
alternate energy
options by the end
of 2014.
Strategic
objectives
• lifting long
term cost
curve
positioning
and options
• preserving
shareholder
interests
PERFORMANCE
ASSESSMENT
Distributions of $119
million received during
2014.
RESULT
WEIGHT
Surpassed
target
15%
Funds from operations/
total debt 60%. Full year
forecast for Net debt/
EBITDA is 1.4 times.
At target
5%
Surpassed
target
10–15%
Committee of the
Strategic Council
established, project
team established
First stage of project
development complete.
Second stage of project
development approved,
target completion by year
end.
Various engineering,
environmental, energy
market and banking
consultants engaged.
Demonstrate influence
on AWAC strategic
direction:
• Bauxite options
• Portfolio composition.
Alumina Limited is more
than a silent partner in
the management of
AWAC and proposes
strategic alternatives to
develop the business.
Portfolio composition
actions agreed.
Not
achieved
13%
Bauxite: review of market,
strategy and development
options with Alcoa.
68
3.1 2014 PERFORMANCE UNDER THE STI PLAN (continued)
PERFORMANCE MEASURES REASON CHOSEN
Define the future
governance role for
Alumina Limited in
AWAC.
Effectiveness of working
relationship with Alcoa,
outcomes on related
party transactions,
changes to or clarity
on AWAC governance,
governance activities.
Strategic
objectives
• lifting long
term cost
curve
positioning
and options
• preserving
shareholder
interests
PERFORMANCE
ASSESSMENT
Review of service
charges undertaken.
Strategic Council role
and meeting framework
agreed.
AWAC entity Board
charters proposed
and being agreed.
Related party protocol
agreed.
RESULT
WEIGHT
At target
5%
TABLE 5
Personal objectives – 50% of potential STI award
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
REASON CHOSEN
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
RESULT
WEIGHT
Reduce Alumina Limited costs
by $0.5 million annual run rate
Improve internal operating
efficiency and profitability.
Achieved
Surpassed
target
10–15%
At target
10%
A sound balance sheet with
key banking relationships
is critical to the Company’s
strength, stability and future
success.
All in finance costs reduced
by more than 75 basis points.
BNDES refinanced.
Protect shareholder interests.
Jamalco sale completed,
satisfactory outcome.
Point Henry smelter closure
At target
10–15%
Lead the development of
corporate strategy and industry
communication
• Progress towards a satisfactory
outcome on specified AWAC/
Alcoa related party transaction
Ensuring Alcoa treats
transactions at arm’s length
is an important function of
Alumina Limited to protect
our shareholders’ interests.
Progressing according to Plan. At target
15%
Develop a capital structure and
financial policies consistent with
the underlying business:
• Reduce all-in finance cost
by 75 basis points
• Refinance BNDES with
a tenor of at least five years
Ensure Alumina is not
disadvantaged on AWAC asset
sales or purchases and related
party transactions with Alcoa
69
3.2 LTI PERFORMANCE TESTING FOR THE 2014 FINANCIAL YEAR
Following testing, the number of Performance Rights senior
executives will receive is determined according to the scale
outlined under Vesting arrangements in Table 2 on pages
62 and 63.
The Performance Rights granted in 2012 were tested
(three year performance test) in December 2014 and failed
to meet the vesting criteria of fifty per cent and above for
either the ASX100 Comparator Group or the International
Comparator Group.
The 2012 Performance Rights will be retested twice in 2015.
Retesting was abolished for Performance Rights grants from
2014 onwards.
of these 2011 Performance Rights were conducted in 2014,
six and 12 months after the initial test. None of the retests
against the ASX Comparator group were successful. The TSR
hurdles were partially met (53.3 percentile) on the first retest
against the International Comparator Group and again on
the second retest (73.3 percentile). As a result, 75,619 of the
potential Performance Right entitlement of 76,750 against
the International Comparator Group for the 2011 Performance
Rights vested to eligible Plan participants. Mr Foster and
Mr Wood were the only senior executives to receive shares
(refer page 73). Mr Wasow and Mr Thiris were not employed
at the time of the grant and therefore did not participate in
the 2011 Performance Rights.
The Performance Rights (559,900) granted in 2011 were
tested against the TSR hurdles at the end of the three-year
performance period in December 2013. The two TSR
hurdles for those Performance Rights were not met and as
a result, there was no vesting. A further two further retests
The performance tests for Performance Rights issued in
2012 were both unsuccessful and therefore no Performance
Rights vested. The 2012 Performance Rights will be retested
twice in 2015. Retesting was abolished for Performance
Rights grants from 2014 onwards.
TSR (THREE YEAR) PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR THE YEARS 2010 TO 2014
Percentile ranking of TSR against ASX 100 and
International Comparator Groups
Percentage of total remuneration relating to vested long-term incentive
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
461
382
2%3
18
30
8%
27
33
Nil
46
43
Nil
4
10
Nil
1 TSR percentile ranking of 46.3 is applicable to Performance Rights granted in 2012 under the ESP against the ASX Comparator Group, performance period 12
December 2011 to 11 December 2014, calculated on the average closing share price over the 20 trading days up to and including the start of the performance
period, and on the average closing share price over the 20 trading days up to and including the end of the performance period
2 TSR percentile ranking of 37.5 is applicable to Performance Rights granted in 2012 under of the ESP against the International Comparator Group, performance
period 12 December 2011 to 11 December 2014, calculated on the average closing share price over the 20 trading days up to and including the start of the
performance period, and on the average closing share price over the 20 trading days up to and including the end of the performance period. The testing of
the 2012 International Comparator Group was against a population of eight aluminium or alumina companies listed on overseas exchanges.
3 Represents the average applicable to senior executives.
70
3.3 2014 REMUNERATION OUTCOMES
3.3.1 Remuneration Tables
The following tables contain the components that form the total statutory remuneration paid in 2014 to the Company’s
CEO and senior executives. Remuneration outcomes presented in Table 6 are prepared in accordance with relevant
accounting standards.
TABLE 6
Chief Executive Officer’s and Senior Executives Remuneration For The Year Ended 31 December 2014
KMP
YEAR
FAR 2
STI3
Monetary4 Other5
Total
SHORT-TERM BENEFITS
Non-
POST-
EMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS
Super-
annuation6
SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
Performance
rights7
Total
FAR 2
TERMIN-
ATION
PAYMENT8
TOTAL
REMUNER-
ATION
Peter
Wasow
(CEO)1
John
Bevan
(CEO)1
Chris
Thiris
(CFO)
Stephen
Foster
(General
Counsel/
Company
Secretary)
Andrew
Wood
(Group
Executive
Strategy
and
Development)
Total
Executive
remuneration
2014 1,131,721 300,000
28,120 129,516 1,589,357
18,279 122,222
125,240 247,462
– 1,855,098
2013
1,172,778 286,000
34,457
3,000 1,496,235
17,122
2014
638,021 344,000
23,368
– 1,005,389
29,979
2013
631,378 145,000
22,459
–
798,837
17,122
2014
476,739 255,000
22,105
– 753,844
22,261
2013
467,278 108,000
22,072
2014
333,821 111,000
14,347
–
–
597,350
17,122
459,168
18,279
–
–
–
–
–
–
444,795 444,795 1,748,664 3,706,816
168,690 168,690
– 1,204,058
85,021
85,021
161,748 161,748
157,851 157,851
57,033 57,033
–
–
–
–
900,980
937,853
772,323
534,480
2013
324,678
60,000
15,481
–
400,159
17,122
–
54,345
54,345
–
471,626
2014 2,580,302 1,010,000
87,940 129,516 3,807,758
88,798 122,222
512,711 634,933
– 4,531,489
2013
2,596,112
599,000
94,469
3,000 3,292,581
68,488
–
742,012 742,012 1,748,664 5,851,745
1 Mr Wasow was appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Mr Bevan from 1 January 2014.
2 Short-Term FAR is the total cost of salary, exclusive of superannuation. FAR for Mr Wasow includes a share based payment that is amortised over
an 18 month (conditional) period.
3 Short-term incentive payments reflect the cash value paid for the years ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013.
4 Non-monetary benefits represent accrued long service leave and value of the car park.
5 Other short-term benefits include personal financial advice allowance. For 2014 it also includes relocation costs for Mr Wasow.
6 Superannuation contributions reflect the SGC payment.
7 In accordance with AASB 2, the value attributed to Performance Rights represents the amortisation for the reporting period of the value at grant date
of all previously granted Performance Rights that have neither vested nor lapsed. The value at grant date is amortised over a three year period.
8 Termination benefit relates to the retirement benefit accrued in 2013 for payment in lieu of notice (nine months and 27 days including at target STI).
71
TABLE 7
2014 STI – Most highly remunerated executives
The following table indicates the actual value of STI paid to senior executives and the percentage of total potential STI paid
and the percentage of STI that was forfeited by each executive.
KMP
Peter Wasow (CEO)1
John Bevan (CEO)2
Chris Thiris (CFO)
Stephen Foster (General Counsel/Company Secretary)
Andrew Wood (Group Executive Strategy and Development)
Total Executive remuneration
YEAR
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
PERCENTAGE
STI PAID
Paid
Forfeited
300,000
286,000
344,000
145,000
255,000
108,000
111,000
60,000
1,010,000
599,000
75%
24%
74%
32%
73%
32%
63%
36%
73%
28%
25%
76%
26%
68%
27%
68%
37%
64%
27%
72%
1 Mr Wasow was appointed CEO on 1 January 2014, succeeding Mr Bevan. In 2014 Mr Wasow’s maximum potential STI award was capped at $400,000.
Mr Wasow was rewarded for at target performance $300,000.
2 Mr Bevan’s maximum potential STI in 2013 was 100 per cent of his FAR $1,189,900. Mr Bevan was awarded $286,000, zero for the corporate component
and approximately 70 per cent for personal objectives.
The following Performance Rights were granted in February 2014 for employment in 2013: Chris Thiris 269,900, Stephen
Foster 201,600 and Andrew Wood 71,100. Mr Wasow also received 404,000 Performance Rights as per his contract and
approved by shareholders at the 2014 Annual General Meeting.
The terms and conditions of each grant of Performance Rights affecting remuneration in the previous, current or future
reporting periods are as follows:
TABLE 7a
GRANT DATE
END OF
PERFORMANCE
PERIOD
VALUE PER
PERFORMANCE RIGHT
AT GRANT DATE1
$
Set out below are the assumptions made for the
Performance Rights granted on 10 February 2014:
Share price at valuation date
18/02/20112
06/12/2013
09/03/20122
11/12/2014
08/02/20132
07/12/2015
10/02/20143
06/12/2016
2.03
0.787
0.875
0.93
Risk free rate
Dividend yield
Volatility
Initial TSR
Post-vesting withdrawal rate
1 Value per Performance Right is independently calculated by Mercer
Consulting (Australia) using the assumptions underlying the Black–Scholes
methodology to produce a Monte Carlo simulation model which allows the
incorporation of the hurdles that must be met before the Performance
Rights vest.
2 Performance Rights granted for 2009 onwards are subject to retesting six
months and 12 months after the conclusion of the three year Performance
Period should the Rights not completely vest at the end of the Performance
Period. Any Rights that do not vest after the second retest will lapse. The
Performance Rights granted in 2011 and initially tested in December 2013 did
not meet the vesting criteria. As a result a further two tests were conducted
in June 2014 and December 2014 that resulted in vesting against the
International Comparator Group (refer to Table 9 for detail on the outcome)
3 Retesting was abolished for the 2014 and subsequent Rights grants.
$1.28
2.93%
1.5%
41%
29.8%
Nil
72
TABLE 8
Value of Performance Rights For The Year Ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013
Director/Senior
Executive
Peter Wasow
John Bevan
Chris Thiris
Year
2014
2013
2014
2013
Stephen Foster
2014
Andrew Wood
2013
2014
2013
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Value granted
Performance
Rights $
375,720
Value vested
Performance
Rights $
Value lapsed
Performance
Rights $
Total Column
Performance
Rights A+B-C $
Value as
proportion of
remuneration %
–
–
375,720
20.29%
584,938
140,179
(799,907)
(74,790)
(2.01%)
251,007
255,063
187,488
190,488
66,123
67,200
–
–
–
–
251,007
20.85%
255,063
27.61%
71,021
(89,194)
169,315
18.05%
47,130
(87,526)
150,092
23,454
(29,457)
15,590
(28,954)
60,120
53,836
19.80%
11.25%
11.12%
Table 8 shows the total value of any Performance Rights granted, exercised and lapsed in the year in relation to
Directors and senior executives, based on the following assumptions:
(A) The value of Performance Rights granted in the year reflects
the value of a Performance Right, multiplied by the number
of Performance Rights granted during 2013 and 2014.
Performance Rights were valued independently by Mercer
Consulting (Australia) using the assumptions underlying the
Black-Scholes methodology to produce a Monte Carlo
simulation model that accommodates features associated
with Alumina Limited’s ESP such as exercise, lapsed and
performance hurdles. The rights are those granted in 2014.
Performance Rights issued in 2014 relate to performance
during 2013.
(B) The value of Performance Rights vesting is determined
by the number of vested rights multiplied by the market
price at the vesting date.
(C) The value applicable to Performance Rights at lapse date
has been determined by using the value at grant date
as calculated by Mercer Consulting (Australia) multiplied
by the number of rights which have lapsed.
(D) The total value is the sum of the value of Performance
Rights granted during 2014, plus the value of
Performance Rights vested during 2014, less the value
of Performance Rights that lapsed during 2014.
(E) Total value of Performance Rights expressed as a
percentage of total remuneration.
73
TABLE 9
Senior Executive – Holdings of Performance Rights for the Years Ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013
YEAR
BALANCE AT
1 JANUARY1
NUMBER
GRANTED
DURING THE
YEAR AS
REMUNERATION2
NUMBER
VESTED
DURING
THE YEAR
NUMBER
LAPSED
DURING
THE YEAR3
NUMBER
EXERCISED
DURING THE
YEAR
BALANCE AT
31 DECEMBER
CEO
Peter Wasow
John Bevan
2014
2013
Senior Executives
–
404,000
–
–
997,200
668,500
(109,515)
(469,185)
Chris Thiris
2014
291,500
269,900
2013
–
291,500
–
–
–
–
Stephen Foster
2014
440,600
201,600
(42,662)
(43,938)
2013
328,100
217,700
(36,820)
(68,380)
Andrew Wood
2014
153,400
71,100
(14,089)
(14,511)
2013
111,400
76,800
(12,180)
(22,620)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
404,000
1,087,000
561,400
291,500
555,600
440,600
195,900
153,400
1 Includes the number of Performance Rights granted that were subject to testing in 2014 but not yet vested.
2 Performance Rights granted in February 2014 for the three year performance test period concluding in December 2016.
3 For Performance Rights granted under ESP in February 2011 and tested in December 2013 were subject to two further tests applied over a
(four week period) six and 12 months after the initial test. The testing of those Performance Rights in 2014 resulted in 49% of those Performance
Rights being awarded, and 51% lapsing.
74
TABLE 10
Details of Performance Rights Granted as Remuneration
RIGHTS
NUMBER1
DATE OF
GRANT
% VESTED
IN 2014
% FORFEITED
IN 2014
CEO
Peter
Wasow
John
Bevan
2014
404,000
Feb-
144
2013
2012
668,500
Feb-134
418,500 Mar-124
Senior Executives
Chris
Thiris5
Stephen
Foster
Andrew
Wood
2014
269,900 Feb-14
2013
291,500
Feb-13
2014
201,600 Feb-14
217,700
Feb-13
136,300 Mar-12
2014
71,100 Feb-14
76,800
Feb-13
48,000 Mar-12
2013
2012
2011
2013
2012
2011
PERFORMANCE
RIGHTS YET TO
VEST
FINANCIAL
YEAR IN
WHICH
GRANTS
MAY VEST6
VALUE OF RIGHTS
OUTSTANDING
31/12/147
$MIN2
$MAX3
404,000
2016
– 375,720
668,500
418,500
269,900
291,500
201,600
217,700
136,300
–
71,100
76,800
48,000
–
2015
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2015
–
2016
2015
2015
–
–
–
584,938
329,360
– 251,007
–
255,063
– 187,488
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
190,488
107,268
–
66,123
67,200
37,776
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
86,600
Feb-11
49.26
50.74
28,600
Feb-11
49.26
50.74
1 The terms of Performance Rights granted to Chris Thiris, Stephen Foster and Andrew Wood were not altered during 2014. Mr Wasow’s LTI entitlement
had a ceiling of $400,000 in 2014 otherwise the Performance Rights conditions applicable to his grant are the same as the other senior executives.
2 The minimum value of the grant is $nil if the performance conditions are not met
3 The maximum value has been calculated by reference to valuations determined on the basis as outlined in Note 1 in Table 7a on page 71.
4 Mr Wasow’s and Mr Bevan’s Performance grants were granted subject to shareholder approval at the relevant Annual General Meetings held in the
May of the year in which they were granted.
5 Mr Thiris was appointed Chief Financial Officer in December 2011. The LTI incentive was not applicable for his service in 2011.
6 Performance Rights granted before 2014 that do not vest at the conclusion of their three year testing period are subject to retesting six and 12 months
after the initial test. For Performance Rights granted in 2014 and onwards, there is no retesting. Following testing, any Performance Rights that do not
vest are forfeited.
7 This shows the fair value of the Performance Rights at grant date. Refer to Tables 6 for amounts expensed in accordance with AASB 2.
75
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SHAREHOLDING
TABLE 11
Senior Executive Shareholdings for the Years Ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013
SHARES
ACQUIRED
DURING THE
YEAR UNDER
EMPLOYEE SHARE
PLAN2
BALANCE OF
SHARES AS AT 1
JANUARY1
OTHER SHARES
ACQUIRED
DURING THE
YEAR
SHARES SOLD
DURING THE
YEAR
BALANCE OF
SHARES HELD AT
31 DECEMBER
Peter Wasow
John Bevan
Chris Thiris
Stephen Foster
Andrew Wood
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
50,000
432,152
40,000
–
281,795
157,127
37,680
25,500
–
–
109,515
302,500
–
–
42,662
36,820
14,089
12,180
29,500
40,000
21,847
87,848
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
50,000
844,167
69,500
40,000
346,304
281,795
51,769
37,680
1 Balance of shares held at 1 January and 31 December of the respective years include directly held, and nominally held shares, and shares held
by personally related entities.
2 Includes vested 2011 Performance Rights that were tested in June 2014 and December 2014. Does not include Performance Rights granted under
the ESP but not vested.
4 EXECUTIVES’ SERVICE AGREEMENTS
Service Agreements
Remuneration and other terms of employment for executives
are formalised in service agreements. The service agreements
specify the components of remuneration, benefits and notice
periods. Participation in the STI and LTI plans is subject to the
Board’s discretion. Major provisions of the agreements
relating to remuneration are set out below.
Termination benefits are within the limits set by the
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) such that they do not require
shareholder approval.
76
TABLE 12
TERM OF AGREEMENT
AND NOTICE PERIOD
FIXED ANNUAL REWARD
(“FAR”)1
OTHER COMPONENTS
OF REMUNERATION
AND BENEFITS
TERMINATION PAYMENTS2
Peter Wasow
No fixed term
From 1 January 2014
12 month written notice
from either party. Mr
Wasow’s employment
may be terminated
immediately for any
conduct that would justify
summary dismissal.
• Base salary including
superannuation
$1,190,300
• Target STI award
of $310,500 (or a
maximum of $414,000)
• Annual conditional
share rights grant
to the value of
$207,000
• LTI award up to
$414,000
• Personal financial
advice up to a
maximum of $3,000
• Additional 10 days
• A pro-rata payment of long service
leave (after three or more years of
continuous service) and accrued
annual leave
• A severance payment of
2.5 weeks per complete year of service,
pro-rated for completed months of
service
• 13 weeks ex gratia payment
of paid leave for each
completed year of
service
• Number of shares equal to the granted
conditional rights that would have vested
during notice period
Chris Thiris
No fixed term, From
13 December 2011
Six month notice from
the Company, three
month from Mr Thiris
• Base salary including
superannuation
$691,400
• STI award of up
to 70% of FAR
• LTI award up to
40% of FAR
• Company may make a discretionary
payment in lieu of some or all of the
notice period
• If the Board determines that he is a
good leaver, any unvested conditional
share rights that have been granted
and would have vested had he
remained in employment during any
period for which he is paid in lieu of
notice, will immediately vest and the
applicable shares will be transferred
to him upon termination.
• If the Board determine that his status
is not that of a good leaver, the shares
received on vesting may be subject to
immediate forfeiture.
• A pro-rata payment of long service
leave (after three or more years of
continuous service) and accrued
annual leave
• An additional payment which is the
greater of:
» A payment equivalent to six months
Base Remuneration; or
» A payment comprising:
› Notice payment (the greater of
12 weeks or notice provided within
employment contract);
› severance payment of 2.5 weeks per
complete year of service, pro-rated
for completed months of service;
and
› nine weeks ex gratia payment
TERM OF AGREEMENT
AND NOTICE PERIOD
FIXED ANNUAL REWARD
(“FAR”)1
OTHER COMPONENTS
OF REMUNERATION
AND BENEFITS
TERMINATION PAYMENTS2
77
Stephen Foster
No fixed term, from
6 November 2002
Six month notice from
the Company, three
month from Mr Foster
• Base salary including
superannuation
$516,500
• STI award of up
to 70% of FAR
• LTI award up to
40% of FAR
Andrew Wood
No fixed term, from
1 September 2008
Four month notice
from the Company, two
month from Mr Wood
Base salary including
superannuation
$364,500
STI award of up
to 50% of FAR
LTI award up to
30% of FAR
• A pro-rata payment of long service
leave (after three or more years of
continuous service) and accrued
annual leave
• An additional payment which is the
greater of:
» A payment equivalent to six months
Base Remuneration; or
» A payment comprising:
› Notice payment (the greater of
12 weeks or notice provided within
employment contract);
› severance payment of 2.5 weeks per
complete year of service, pro-rated
for completed months of service;
and
› nine weeks ex gratia payment
• A pro-rata payment of long service
leave (after three or more years of
continuous service) and accrued
annual leave
• An additional payment which is the
greater of:
» A payment equivalent to six months
Base Remuneration; or
» A payment comprising:
› Notice payment (the greater of
12 weeks or notice provided within
employment contract);
› severance payment of 2.5 weeks per
complete year of service, pro-rated
for completed months of service; and
› six weeks ex gratia payment
1 FAR and other components of remuneration are for the year started 1 January 2015; they are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee.
2 Payable upon termination with notice and without the cause (eg for reasons other than unsatisfactory performance) and suitable alternative employment
is not offered or if they do not accept other employment or in the event of a significant change (which is defined to be if Alumina Limited ceases to be listed
on the ASX or if there is a significant change to the executives status and/or responsibilities that is detrimental to the executive). Calculated according to the
“Base Remuneration”, which is defined as FAR for Mr Wasow; and FAR + STI at target for Mr Thiris, Mr Foster and Mr Wood. The above termination
entitlements are subject to any restrictions imposed by the Corporations Act.
OPTION PLANS
Alumina Limited does not have any option plans available to Non-Executive Directors, executives and senior managers
(including executive Directors) other than the ESP under which the Performance Rights are provided to senior executives.
78
5. NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION
The maximum remuneration for Non-Executive Directors
is determined by resolution of shareholders. The maximum
aggregate remuneration approved for Non-Executive
Directors is $1,250,000 per annum. A total of $1,092,168
was paid in Non-Executive Director fees in 2014.
In 2014, Non-Executive Director’s base fees remained
unchanged from the fee level set in 2011. In addition
to the base fee, Non-Executive Directors receive fees for
participation on the Board Committees and Superannuation
Guarantee Contributions.
Committee Member1
Committee Chair
Audit & Risk Committee Chair
$10,000 (aggregate)
$10,000
$15,000
Non-Executive Directors participation on Board Committees
is set out on page 18.
1 Effective from 1 January 2015, the Chair of the Compensation Committee
will receive an additional $5,000 in recognition of the increased workload.
Non-Executive Directors do not receive any other retirement
benefits or performance based incentives, rights or options.
The Board reviewed Non-Executive Directors’ fees and
determined in the context of business conditions that there
would be no increase for the 2015 year.
Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration details are set out
in Table 13.
TABLE 13
John Pizzey
Emma Stein
Chen Zeng
Peter Day1
Mike Ferraro1
Peter Hay2
Peter Wasow2
Total
SHORT-TERM BENEFITS
POST EMPLOYMENT
FEES – CASH
NON-MONETARY
BENEFITS
SUPERANNUATION
GUARANTEE3
TOTAL
REMUNERATION
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
358,191
359,347
169,395
169,806
159,430
126,484
174,359
–
151,059
–
–
169,806
–
174,800
1,012,434
1,000,243
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
18,279
17,122
15,905
15,492
14,969
11,580
16,371
–
376,470
376,469
185,300
185,298
174,399
138,064
190,730
–
14,210
165,269
–
–
15,492
–
15,947
79,734
75,633
–
–
185,298
–
190,747
1,092,168
1,075,876
1 Mr Day and Mr Ferraro joined the Board of Directors on 1 January 2014 and 5 February 2014 respectively and therefore do not have comparative figures for 2013.
2 Mr Wasow and Mr Hay resigned as company Directors on 31 December 2013.
3 Non-Executive Directors receive, in addition to their fees, a SGC. For 2014, this was initially 9.25 per cent (and adjusted to 9.5 per cent in July 2014).
For 2013, this was initially 9 per cent (and adjusted to 9.25 per cent in July 2013). Non-Executive Directors do not receive any other retirement benefits.
79
NON–EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHARE ACQUISITIONS
Each Non-Executive Director is required to hold shares in the Company having a value at least equal to 50 per cent of
their annual fees at the expiry of five years from appointment as directors. The requirement can be satisfied when shares
are acquired during the Director’s first term or at the expiry of the five years.
TABLE 14
Non–Executive Director Shareholdings for the Years Ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013
BALANCE OF SHARES AS AT
1 JANUARY1
OTHER SHARES ACQUIRED
DURING THE YEAR
BALANCE OF SHARES
HELD AT 31 DECEMBER
John Pizzey
Emma Stein2
Chen Zeng4
Peter Day3
Mike Ferraro3
Peter Hay5
Peter Wasow6
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
65,445
65,445
39,781
14,281
4,804
4,804
–
–
–
–
–
112,598
–
–
–
–
18,627
25,500
–
–
54,800
–
–
–
–
–
–
50,000
65,445
65,445
58,408
39,781
4,804
4,804
54,800
–
–
–
–
112,598
–
50,000
1 Balance of shares held at 1 January and 31 December of the respective years include directly held shares, nominally held shares, and shares
held by personally related entities.
2 Ms Stein purchased 18,627 shares indirectly as beneficiary of her Superannuation Fund.
3 Mr Day commenced as a director on 1 January 2014 and Mr Ferraro commenced on 5 February 2014 and therefore had no comparables for 2013,
Mr Day purchased 54,800 shares.
4 Mr Zeng is a nominee of CITIC and CITIC holds 386,294,067 ordinary shares in Alumina Limited.
5 Mr Hay retired from the Company on 31 December 2013. His shareholding is of that date.
6 Mr Wasow resigned as a Non-Executive Director on 31 December 2013 and was appointed CEO from 1 January 2014. Details of Mr Wasow’s 2014
shareholding is found in Table 11 on page 75.
This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.
GJ PIZZEY
Chairman
6 March 2015
80
80
FINANCIAL
REPORT
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014FINANCIAL
REPORT
81
The financial report covers the consolidated entity consisting of Alumina Limited
(the Company) and its subsidiaries. The financial report is presented in US dollars.
Alumina Limited is a Company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in
Australia. Its registered office and principal place of business is: Alumina Limited,
Level 12, IBM Centre, 60 City Road, Southbank Victoria 3006.
A description of the nature of the consolidated entity’s operations and its principal
activities is included in the operating and financial review on pages 36 to 49 of the
annual report. The operating and financial review is not part of this financial report.
The financial report was authorised for issue by the Directors on 6 March 2015.
Through the use of the internet, we have ensured that our corporate reporting is
timely and complete. All press releases, financial reports and other information
are available at our Investor Centre on our website: www.aluminalimited.com.
CONTENTS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other
Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
About this report
Group structure and Alcoa World Alumina
& Chemicals (AWAC) Performance
1 Segment information
2
3
Investments in associates
Investments in controlled entities
Financial and Capital Risk
4 Financial assets and liabilities
5 Financial risk management
6 Capital management
Key numbers
Income tax expense
7 Expenses
8
9 Equity
10 Cash flow information
Other Information
11 Related party transactions
12 Share-based payments
13 Remuneration of auditors
14 Commitments and contingencies
15 Events occurring after the reporting period
16 Parent entity financial information
17 Deed of cross guarantee
18 New accounting standards and interpretations
not yet adopted
SIGNED REPORTS
Directors’ declaration
Independent audit report to the members
of Alumina Limited
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
91
92
94
98
99
100
102
104
104
105
106
106
106
106
108
110
111
112
82
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS
AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014
Revenue from continuing operations
Other income
General and administrative expenses
Finance costs
Share of net loss of associates accounted for using the equity method
(Loss)/profit before income tax
Income tax expense
(Loss)/profit for the year attributable to the owners of Alumina Limited
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Share of reserve movements accounted for using the equity method
Foreign exchange translation difference
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Re-measurements of retirement benefit obligations accounted for using
the equity method
Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax
Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to the owners
of Alumina Limited
NOTES
US$ MILLION
2(d)
7
7
2(c)
8
9(c)
9(b)
2014
0.1
3.1
(13.5)
(13.6)
(73.6)
(97.5)
(0.8)
(98.3)
2013
0.3
140.1
(17.2)
(25.3)
(97.4)
0.5
–
0.5
(0.6)
(224.6)
3.0
(373.1)
(46.6)
(271.8)
67.7
(302.4)
(370.1)
(301.9)
Earnings per share for (loss)/profit from continuing operations attributable to the
ordinary equity holders of the Company:
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
9(a)
9(a)
(3.5¢)
(3.5¢)
0.02¢
0.02¢
The above consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Other assets
Total current assets
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Investments in associates
Property, plant and equipment
Other assets
Total non-current assets
TOTAL ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Current tax liabilities
Other
Total current liabilities
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
EQUIT Y
Contributed equity
Treasury shares
Retained earnings
Reserves
TOTAL EQUITY
83
NOTES
US$ MILLION
4(a)
2(d)
2(c)
2(d)
4(b)
4(c)
4(b)
4(c)
9(a)
9(b)
9(c)
2014
24.9
0.2
3.5
28.6
2013
24.0
0.1
23.7
47.8
2,514.5
2,798.9
0.1
-
2,514.6
2,543.2
0.2
117.1
2,916.2
2,964.0
1.9
-
-
0.2
0.8
0.2
3.1
111.5
4.1
0.5
116.1
119.2
3.9
50.6
6.4
0.3
-
0.2
61.4
108.6
-
0.6
109.2
170.6
2,424.0
2,793.4
2,620.0
(1.2)
658.2
(853.0)
2,424.0
2,620.0
(1.3)
803.1
(628.4)
2,793.4
The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
84
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014
NOTES
US$ MILLION
Balance as at 1 January 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive (loss)/profit for the year
Transactions with owners in their capacity
as owners:
Contributed
Equity1
2,152.6
–
–
Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs after tax
9(a)
465.9
Movement in treasury shares
Movement in share based payments reserve
12
0.2
–
Reserves
(259.0)
–
(370.1)
–
–
0.7
Retained
Earnings
Total
734.9
2,628.5
0.5
67.7
0.5
(302.4)
–
–
–
465.9
0.2
0.7
Balance as at 31 December 2013
2,618.7
(628.4)
803.1
2,793.4
Balance as at 1 January 2014
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive loss for the year
Transactions with owners in their capacity
as owners:
Movement in treasury shares
Movement in share based payments reserve
12
2,618.7
(628.4)
–
–
0.1
–
–
(225.2)
–
0.6
803.1
(98.3)
(46.6)
2,793.4
(98.3)
(271.8)
–
–
0.1
0.6
Balance at 31 December 2014
2,618.8
(853.0)
658.2
2,424.0
1 Treasury shares have been deducted from contributed equity.
The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014
85
NOTES
US$ MILLION
2014
2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of goods and services tax)
GST refund received
Dividends received from associates
Distributions received from associates
Interest received
Finance costs
Other
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
10(a)
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for investment in associates
Return of capital from associates
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from note issue
Proceeds from share issue
Share issue transaction costs
Repayment on termination of cross currency interest rate swap
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
2(c)
9(a)
9(a)
5(a)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year
4(a)
The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
(15.0)
0.5
16.0
4.3
0.1
(12.5)
(1.0)
(7.6)
(41.5)
98.9
57.4
107.1
-
-
(6.9)
55.0
(202.6)
(47.4)
2.4
24.0
(1.5)
24.9
(14.7)
0.6
100.0
7.3
0.3
(25.5)
(0.5)
67.5
(12.0)
3.0
(9.0)
-
467.2
(1.3)
-
70.0
(581.4)
(45.5)
13.0
10.1
0.9
24.0
86
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014
ABOUT THIS REPORT
Alumina Limited (Company or parent entity) is a for profit
company limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in
Australia whose shares are publicly traded on the Australian
Securities Exchange. The consolidated financial report
of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2014 was
authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of
the directors on 6 March 2015.
The consolidated financial report is a general purpose
financial report which:
• incorporates assets, liabilities and results of operations
performance of the Group. Information is considered
material and relevant if, for example:
• the amount in question is significant because of its size
or nature.
• it is important for the understanding of the results of
the Group.
• it relates to an aspect of the Group’s operations that
is important to its future performance.
The notes are organised into the following sections:
of all Alumina Limited’s subsidiaries and equity accounts
for its associates. For the list of the Company’s associates
and subsidiaries refer Notes 2(a) and 3 respectively.
• Group structure and AWAC performance: explains the
group structure and information about AWAC’s financial
position and performance and its impact on the Group.
• has been prepared in accordance with the requirements
of the Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting
Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian
Accounting Standards Board (AASB). Alumina Limited
is a for profit entity for the purpose of preparing the
financial statements.
• complies with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board.
• has been prepared under the historical cost convention,
as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets
and liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair
value through profit or loss.
• is presented in US dollars and all amounts are rounded
off to the nearest hundred thousand dollars, unless
otherwise stated, in accordance with Class Order 98/100
issued by the Australian Securities and Investment
Commission.
• adopts all new and amended Accounting Standards and
Interpretations issued by the AASB that are effective for
the annual reporting period beginning 1 January 2014.
• does not early adopt Accounting Standards and
Interpretations that have been issued or amended
but are not yet effective.
• presents reclassified comparative information
where required for consistency with the current
year’s presentation.
The notes to the financial statements
The notes include information, which is required to
understand the financial statements and is material
and relevant to the operations, financial position and
• Financial and capital risk: provides information about the
Group’s financial assets and liabilities and discusses the
Group’s exposure to various financial risks and explains
how these affect the Group’s financial position and
performance and what the Group does to manage these
risks. It also describes capital management objectives
and practices of the Group.
• Key numbers: provides a breakdown of individual line
items in the financial statements that the directors consider
most relevant and summarises the accounting policies,
judgements and estimates relevant to understanding
these line items.
• Other Information: provides information on items, which
require disclosure to comply with Australian Accounting
Standards and other regulatory pronouncements.
However, they are not considered critical in understanding
the financial performance of the Group and are not
immediately related to the individual line items in the
financial statements.
Accounting policies
Significant and other accounting policies that summarise
the measurement basis used and are relevant to the
understanding of the financial statements are provided
throughout the notes to the financial statements.
Foreign currency translation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in
US dollars, which is Alumina Limited’s presentation and
functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates
of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses
87
ABOUT THIS REPORT (continued)
resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from
the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
are recognised in the profit or loss, except when they are
deferred in other equity as qualifying cash flow hedges
and qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable
to part of the net investment in a foreign operation.
The results and financial position of the Group entities and
associates that have a functional currency different from the
presentation currency are translated into the presentation
currency as follows:
• assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented
are translated at the closing rate at the date of that
balance sheet.
• income and expenses are translated at average exchange
rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the
cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction
dates, in which case income and expenses are translated
at the dates of the transactions).
• all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other
comprehensive income.
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the
translation of any net investment in foreign entities, and
of borrowings and other financial instruments designated
as hedges of such investments, are recognised in other
comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is sold,
its proportionate share of such exchange differences are
reclassified to the profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss
on sale.
GROUP STRUCTURE AND AWAC PERFORMANCE
1. SEGMENT INFORMATION
(a) Segment Description
Alumina Limited’s sole business undertaking is in the global
bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry, which it conducts
primarily through bauxite mining and alumina refining. All
of those business activities are conducted through its 40%
investments in AWAC. Alumina Limited’s equity interests in
AWAC forms a reportable segment. Equity interest in AWAC
is represented by investments in a number of entities in
different geographical locations (refer Note 2(a)).
Alumina Limited participates in AWAC through the Strategic
Council, which consists of three members appointed by
Alcoa Inc and two members appointed by Alumina Limited.
(b) Geographical Segment Information
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014
US$ MILLION
Investments in Associates
Other assets
Liabilities
Consolidated net assets
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
Investments in Associates
Other assets
Liabilities
Consolidated net assets
Australia
1,072.5
27.2
(118.4)
981.3
Australia
1,100.6
26.5
(41.1)
1,086.0
Brazil
908.2
0.7
–
Other
533.8
0.8
(0.8)
Total
2,514.5
28.7
(119.2)
908.9
533.8
2,424.0
US$ MILLION
Brazil
1,068.9
0.6
(129.5)
940.0
Other
629.4
138.0
–
Total
2,798.9
165.1
(170.6)
767.4
2,793.4
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201488
2. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES
(a) Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals
Alumina Limited has an interest in the following entities forming AWAC:
NAME
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
COUNTRY OF
INCORPOR ATION
Alcoa of Australia Limited
Alcoa World Alumina LLC
Alumina Espanola S.A.
Bauxite, alumina & aluminium production
Bauxite and alumina production
Alumina production
Alcoa World Alumina Brasil Ltda.
Bauxite and alumina production
AWA Saudi Ltda.
Enterprise Partnership
Bauxite and alumina production
Finance lender
Australia
America
Spain
Brazil
Hong Kong
Australia
PERCENTAGE
OWNERSHIP
2014
2013
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
The audited combined financial statements of the entities
forming AWAC are prepared in accordance with Accounting
Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of
America (US GAAP). Alcoa of Australia Limited and
Enterprise Partnership (AWAC entities) further issue audited
financial statements prepared in accordance with the
requirements of the Corporation Act 2001, Australian
Accounting Standards and interpretation issued by
Australian Accounting Standards Board.
For the remaining AWAC entities, adjustments are made to
convert the accounting policies under US GAAP to Australian
Accounting Standards. The principal adjustments are to the
valuation of inventories from last-in-first-out basis to a basis
equivalent to weighted average cost, create an additional
asset retirement obligation for dismantling, removal and
restoration of certain refineries and differences in the
recognition of actuarial gains and losses on certain defined
benefit plans and the reversal of certain tax credits and fixed
asset uplifts included in Alcoa World Alumina Brasil Ltda.
In arriving at the value of these GAAP adjustments,
Management is required to use accounting estimates and
exercise judgement in applying the Group’s accounting
policies. The note below provides an overview of the areas
that involved a higher degree of judgement or complexity.
(b) Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated
and are based on historical experience and other factors,
including expectations of future events that may have
a financial impact on the Group and that are believed
to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting
accounting estimates will by definition, seldom equal the
related actual results. The estimates and judgements that
have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment
to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within
the next financial year are disclosed below.
Retirement benefit obligations
The Group recognised a net liability for retirement benefit
obligations under the defined benefit superannuation
arrangements through its investment in AWAC. All plans
are valued in accordance with AASB 119 Employee Benefits.
These valuations require actuarial assumptions to be made.
All re-measurements are recognised in other comprehensive
income.
Asset retirement obligations
The estimated costs of rehabilitating mined areas and
restoring operating sites are reviewed annually and fully
provided at the present value. The amount of obligations
recognised under US GAAP by AWAC is adjusted to
be in compliance with IFRS. This requires judgemental
assumptions regarding the extent of reclamation activities
required, plant and site closure and discount rates to
determine the present value of these cash flows.
Carrying value of investment in associates
The Group assesses at each reporting period whether there
is objective evidence that the investment in associates is
impaired. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount
by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an
asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the
purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at
the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable
cash flows (cash generating units). Non-financial assets
other than goodwill that suffered impairment are reviewed
for possible reversal of the impairment at the end of each
reporting period.
In the event that a trigger for impairment is identified,
the recoverable amounts of cash generating units are
determined based on the value-in-use calculations. The
key assumptions used in the calculation are those relating to
discount rate, future aluminium and alumina prices, energy
prices and exchange rates. Discount rate is determined with
references to the long term cost of finance sources, which
are then weighted based on the desirable gearing ratio.
Other key assumptions are determined with reference to
industry participants and brokers’ forecasts, commodity
and currency forward curves, industry consultant views
and brokers’ consensus.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20142. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
(c) Summarised financial information for AWAC
The information disclosed in the tables below reflects the amounts presented in the AWAC financial statements amended
to reflect adjustments made by Alumina Limited when using equity method, including adjustments for differences in
accounting policies.
SUMMARISED BALANCE SHEET
US$ MILLION
89
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
Group Share as a percentage
Group Share in dollars
Goodwill
Net value of mineral rights and bauxite assets
Deferred Tax Liability (DTL) on mineral rights and bauxite assets
Allocation of Alba settlement – Note2(d)
Carrying value
Reconciliation to carrying amount:
Opening carrying value 1 January
Net additional (return)/funding in AWAC entities
Allocation of Alba settlement – Note2(d)
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive loss for the year
Dividends and distributions paid
Closing net assets
2014
1,563.1
6,834.4
(1,407.5)
(1,677.9)
5,312.1
40%
2,124.9
175.8
111.3
(36.1)
138.6
2013
1,970.4
8,135.6
(1,891.8)
(1,845.8)
6,368.4
40%
2,547.4
175.8
113.4
(37.7)
–
2,514.5
2,798.9
2,798.9
3,296.1
(57.4)
138.6
(73.6)
(271.7)
(20.3)
9.0
–
(97.4)
(301.5)
(107.3)
2,514.5
2,798.9
SUMMARISED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
US$ MILLION
Revenues
Loss from continuing operation
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive loss for the year
Total comprehensive loss for the year
Group Share of loss for the year in percentage
Group Share of loss for the year in dollars
Mineral rights and bauxite assets amortisation
Movement in DTL on mineral rights and bauxite assets
Share of loss from associate accounted for using equity method
Dividends and distributions received from AWAC
2014
5,862.0
(180.2)
(180.2)
(679.5)
(859.7)
40%
(72.1)
(2.1)
0.6
(73.6)
20.3
2013
5,884.6
(239.8)
(239.8)
(753.7)
(993.5)
40%
(95.9)
(2.1)
0.6
(97.4)
107.3
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201490
2. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
(d) Allocation of Alba settlement terms
and related transactions
As previously disclosed, in September 2012, Alcoa Inc
and Alumina Limited had entered into an agreement that
the cash costs (including legal fees) of settlement of the
Department of Justice (DoJ) and Securities & Exchange
Commission (SEC) investigations, as well as the $85 million
civil settlement with Alba reached in October 2012 recorded
in the accounts of Alcoa World Alumina LLC (AWA), will be
adjusted to ensure that 85% will be allocated to Alcoa Inc
and 15% to Alumina Limited (should settlements be reached
on the regulatory investigations, as described above). AWA
is a company within Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals.
With the DoJ and SEC settlements having been reached
in January 2014, the allocation provisions of the above
agreement became applicable. To reflect the provisions
of the allocation agreement, as at 31 December 2013,
Alumina Limited recognised $137.1 million (representing
25% of the total Alba settlement payments and costs) as
other assets ($20.0 million as current and $117.1 million
as non-current) with the corresponding credit recognised
in the statement of profit or loss as other income.
At the time of recognition, Alumina Limited was evaluating
with Alcoa Inc the structural options (including the form and
timing) for the recovery of the other assets recognised under
the provisions of the allocation agreement. Therefore, the
tax impact in relation to the other income recognised by
Alumina Limited under the agreement’s provisions was
unable to be determined at 31 December 2013.
During 2014 it was resolved that the other assets recognised
as at 31 December 2013 in relation to this matter will be
recovered through Alcoa World Alumina LLC equity allocations
to Alumina Limited, funded by Alcoa Inc. On this basis, the
$137.1 million that was previously recognised in other assets
has been reclassified to investments in associates.
In October 2014, Alumina Limited received the first equity
allocation of $21.3 million which included an additional
$1.5 million “true up” of the previously recognised amount.
This additional amount was recognised as investment in
associates with the corresponding credit recognised in the
statement of profit or loss as other income. The balance of
$117.3 million of equity will be allocated over a four-year
period with each 15th January instalment payment to the
DoJ and SEC, with the last allocation due in January 2018.
Alumina Limited’s interest in AWA will remain at 40%.
Alumina Limited has since obtained independent expert
advice and as at 31 December 2014, recognised a net current
tax liability of $0.8 million in relation to the above matter.
(e) Commitments and contingent liabilities
in respect of AWAC
St Croix proceedings
As previously reported, in September 1998, Hurricane
Georges struck the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the St. Croix
Alumina, L.L.C. (SCA) facility on the island of St. Croix. The
wind and rain associated with the hurricane caused material
at the location to be blown into neighbouring residential
areas. SCA undertook or arranged various clean-up and
remediation efforts. The Division of Environmental Protection
(DEP) of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources
(DPNR) of the Virgin Islands Government issued a Notice of
Violation that Alcoa has contested. In February 1999, certain
residents of St. Croix commenced a civil suit in the Territorial
Court of the Virgin Islands seeking compensatory and punitive
damages and injunctive relief for alleged personal injuries and
property damages associated with “bauxite or red dust” from
the SCA facility. In September 2009, the Court granted
defendants’ motion for summary judgment on the class
plaintiffs’ claim for injunctive relief. In October 2009, plaintiffs
appealed the Court’s summary judgment order dismissing the
claim for injunctive relief and in March 2011, the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Third Circuit dismissed plaintiffs’ appeal of
that order. In September 2011, the parties reached an oral
agreement to settle the remaining claims in the case which
would resolve the personal property damage claims of the
12 remaining individual plaintiffs. On 12 March 2012, final
judgment was entered in the District Court for the District
of the Virgin Islands. AWAC’s share of the settlement is fully
insured. On 23 March 2012, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal
of numerous non-settled matters, including but not limited to
discovery orders, Daubert rulings, summary judgment rulings,
as more clearly set out in the settlement agreement/release
between the parties. Plaintiffs’ appellate brief was filed in the
Third Circuit Court on 4 January 2013, together with a motion
seeking leave to file a brief of excess length. The court has
suspended the remainder of the briefing schedule, including
the date for AWAC’s reply brief, until it rules on plaintiffs’
motion to file its brief of excess length. The Third Circuit Court
of Appeals issued a new scheduling order regarding briefing
in the matter. The matter has been fully briefed with plaintiffs’
brief filed on 25 November 2013 and the matter is now before
the court. On 10 July 2014, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals
affirmed the dismissal by the district court and the case is now
concluded. There will be no further reporting of this matter.
As previously reported, on 14 January 2010, Alcoa was
served with a complaint involving approximately 2,900
individual persons claimed to be residents of St. Croix who
are alleged to have suffered personal injury or property
damage from Hurricane Georges or winds blowing material
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201491
2. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
from the property since the time of the hurricane. This
complaint, Abednego, et al. v. Alcoa, et al. was filed in
the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix Division.
The complaint names as defendants the same entities as
were sued in the February 1999 action earlier described and
have added as a defendant the current owner of the alumina
facility property. In February 2010, Alcoa and SCA removed
the case to the federal court for the District of the Virgin
Islands. Subsequently, plaintiffs filed motions to remand the
case to territorial court as well as a third amended complaint,
and defendants have moved to dismiss the case for failure
to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. On 17
March 2011, the court granted plaintiffs’ motion to remand
to territorial court. Thereafter, Alcoa filed a motion for
allowance of appeal. The motion was denied on 18 May 2011.
The parties await assignment of the case to a trial judge.
As previously reported, on 1 March 2012, Alcoa was served
with a complaint involving approximately 200 individual
persons claimed to be residents of St. Croix who are alleged
to have suffered personal injury or property damage from
Hurricane Georges or winds blowing material from the
property since the time of the hurricane in September 1998.
This complaint, Abraham, et al. v. Alcoa, et al. alleges claims
essentially identical to those set forth in the Abednego v.
Alcoa complaint. The matter was originally filed in the
Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix Division,
on 30 March 2011. By motion filed 12 March, 2012, Alcoa
sought dismissal of this complaint on several grounds,
including failure to timely serve the complaint and being
barred by the statute of limitations. That motion is still pending.
Other claims
There are potential obligations that may result in a future
obligation due to the various lawsuits and claims and
proceedings which have been, or may be, instituted or
asserted against entities within AWAC, including those
pertaining to environmental, product liability, safety and
health and tax matters. While the amounts claimed may be
substantial, the ultimate liability cannot now be determined
because of the considerable uncertainties that existed at
balance date. Also, not every plaintiff has specified the
amount of damages sought in their complaint. Therefore,
it is possible that results of operations or liquidity in a
particular period could be materially affected by certain
contingencies. Pursuant to the terms of the AWAC Formation
Agreement, Alcoa Inc and Alumina Limited have agreed to
remain liable for Extraordinary Liabilities (as defined in the
agreement) as well as for certain other pre-formation
liabilities, such as existing environmental conditions, to
the extent of their pre-formation ownership of the AWAC’s
entity or asset with which the liability is associated.
3. INVESTMENTS IN CONTROLLED ENTITIES
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the
assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Alumina Limited
as at 31 December 2014 and the results of their operations
for the year then ended.
substance of the relationship is that the trust is controlled
by the Group. Shares held by the Alumina Employee Share
Plan Trust are disclosed as treasury shares and deducted
from contributed equity.
The Group has formed a trust to administer the Group’s
employee share scheme. This trust is consolidated, as the
The Group’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2014 are set
out below.
NAME
NOTES
PLACE OF INCORPOR ATION
Alumina Employee Share Plan Pty Ltd
Alumina Finance Pty Ltd. (formerly Alumina Finance Limited)
A
A,B
VIC, Australia
VIC, Australia
Alumina Holdings (USA) Inc.
Alumina International Holdings Pty. Ltd.
Alumina Brazil Holdings Pty Ltd
Alumina Limited Do Brasil SA
Alumina (U.S.A.) Inc.
Butia Participaçoes SA
Westminer Acquisition (U.K.) Limited
C
D
A
E
C
E
E
Delaware, USA
VIC, Australia
VIC, Australia
Brazil
Delaware, USA
Brazil
UK
PERCENTAGE
OWNERSHIP
2014
2013
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
A. A small proprietary company, which is not required to prepare a financial report.
B. The company was incorporated on 5 May 2008. On 6 September 2013 the company was converted to a proprietary Company.
C. A company has not prepared audited accounts as they are non-operating or audited accounts are not required in their country of incorporation.
Appropriate books and records are maintained for these entities.
D. The company has been granted a relief from the necessity to prepare accounts pursuant to Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)
Class Order 98/1418. For further information refer Note 17.
E. A company that prepares separate audited accounts in the country of incorporation.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201492
FINANCIAL AND CAPITAL RISK
4. FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
This note provides information about the Group’s financial instruments, including:
• an overview of all financial instruments held by the group.
• specific information about each type of financial instrument.
• accounting policies.
• information about determining the fair value of the instruments.
The Group holds the following financial instruments:
2014
Cash and cash equivalents - Note 4(a)
Receivables
Total financial assets
Payables
Borrowings – Note 4(b)
Derivative financial instruments – Note 4(c)
Total financial liabilities
Net financial liabilities
2013
Cash and cash equivalents – Note 4(a)
Receivables
Total financial assets
Payables
Borrowings – Note 4(b)
Derivative financial instruments – Note 4(c)
Total financial liabilities
Net financial liabilities
AT FAIR VALUE
THROUGH PROFIT
OR LOSS
AT AMORTISED
COSTS
TOTAL
US$ MILLION
US$ MILLION
US$ MILLION
–
–
–
–
–
4.1
4.1
4.1
24.9
0.2
25.1
1.9
111.5
–
113.4
88.3
24.9
0.2
25.1
1.9
111.5
4.1
117.5
92.4
AT FAIR VALUE
THROUGH PROFIT
OR LOSS
AT AMORTISED
COSTS
TOTAL
US$ MILLION
US$ MILLION
US$ MILLION
–
–
–
–
–
6.4
6.4
6.4
24.0
0.1
24.1
3.9
159.2
–
163.1
139.0
24.0
0.1
24.1
3.9
159.2
6.4
169.5
145.4
The Group’s exposure to various risks associated with the financial instruments is discussed in Note 5. The maximum
exposure to credit risk at the end of the reporting period is the carrying amount of each class of financial assets mentioned
above. The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities, other than derivative financial instruments, approximate
their fair values. Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201493
4. FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)
(a) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term highly
liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash
and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and bank overdrafts.
Cash on hand and at bank
Money market deposits
Total cash and cash equivalents as per the Statement of Cash Flows
US$ MILLION
2014
2.4
22.5
24.9
2013
4.0
20.0
24.0
(b) Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured
at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised
in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.
Fees paid on establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable
that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent
there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a
prepayment for the liquidity services and amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability
for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.
Bank loans
Fixed rate note
Total borrowings
Bank loans
US$ MILLION
2014
10.0
101.5
111.5
2013
159.2
–
159.2
In December 2013, Alumina Limited established a US$300 million syndicated bank facility with equal tranches having terms
of two and four years and cancelled several bilateral and syndicated bank facilities which were surplus to requirements.
The new syndicated facility was fully committed as at 31 December 2013 and became available to draw funds on 24 January
2014 following satisfaction of all conditions precedent. As at 31 December 2014, $10 million was drawn against the four
year tranche, which matures in December 2017. The remaining undrawn available facility at 31 December 2014 was
$290 million.
As at 31 December 2013, available funding facilities included a US$50 million bilateral bank facility drawn to $30 million,
and a $129.2 million fully drawn development bank loan. The development bank loan was fully repaid during 2014. Funding
facilities in currencies other than US dollars have been converted to US dollar equivalents at year end exchange rates.
Fixed rate note
On 12 November 2014, Alumina Limited issued an A$125 million face value 5.5% fixed rate note at a discount of A$0.7
million. The note matures on 19 November 2019 and was used to repay the development bank loan mentioned above.
The fixed rate note has been converted to US dollar equivalents at year end exchange rates.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201494
4. FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)
(c) Derivatives
Derivatives are only used for economic hedging purposes
and not as trading or speculative instruments. Derivatives
are classified as held for trading and accounted for at fair
value through profit or loss as they are not designated as
hedges. They are presented as current assets or liabilities
if they are expected to be settled within 12 month after
the end of the reporting period.
2014
Cross-currency interest rate swap (CCIRS AUD/USD)
Total financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss
2013
Cross-currency interest rate swap (CCIRS BRL/USD)
Total financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss
To provide an indication about the reliability of the input
used in determining the fair value, the Group has classified
its financial instruments into the three levels prescribed
under the accounting standards. An explanation of each
level follows underneath the table.
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
TOTAL
US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION
–
–
–
–
4.1
4.1
6.4
6.4
–
–
–
–
4.1
4.1
6.4
6.4
Level 1: Financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, trading and available for sale
securities) for which the fair value is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period.
Level 2: Financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over the counter derivatives) for which
the fair value is determined using valuation techniques which maximise the use of observable market data and rely as little
as possible on entity specific estimates.
Level 3: If one or more of the significant inputs is not observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.
This is the case for unlisted equity securities.
5. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
This note explains the Group’s exposure to financial risks and how these risks could affect the Group’s future
financial performance.
RISK
EXPOSURE ARISING FROM
MEASUREMENT
MANAGEMENT
Market risk: foreign currency
Financial assets and liabilities
denominated in currency other than
US$
Cash flow
forecasting &
sensitivity analysis
Market risk: interest rate
Long-term borrowings at fixed rates
Sensitivity analysis
Cross-currency interest rate
swaps
Cross-currency interest rate
swaps
Credit risk
Cash and cash equivalent, and
derivative financial instruments
Credit ratings
Credit limits, letters of credit,
approved counterparties list
Liquidity risk
Borrowings and other liabilities
Cash flow
forecasting
Availability of committed
borrowing facilities
Financial risk management is carried out by the Treasury
Committee which is responsible for developing and
monitoring risk management policies. Risk management
policies are established to identify and analyse the risks
faced by the Group to set appropriate risk limits and
controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits.
Risk management policies and systems are reviewed
regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and
the Group’s activities.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201495
5. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
(a) Market risk
Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk for the Group arises when future
commercial transactions and recognised assets and
liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the
Group’s functional currency.
On 12 November 2014 Alumina Limited issued an
A$125 million face value 5.5% fixed rate note at a discount
of A$0.7 million. The note is issued in Australian dollars. To
mitigate the exposure to the AUD/USD exchange rate and
Australian interest rates the Group entered into CCIRS for
the full amount of the face value of the fixed rate note to
swap the exposure back to US dollars.
As at 31 December 2013 the Group had an outstanding
balance under the fully drawn Brazil National Development
Bank (BNDES) loan facility. The funding was predominately
2014
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Total financial assets
Payables
Borrowings
Total non-derivative financial liabilities
Net non-derivative financial assets/(liabilities)
Derivative financial instruments (notional principal)
Net financial assets/(liabilities)
2013
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Total financial assets
Payables
Borrowings
Total non-derivative financial liabilities
Net non-derivative financial assets/(liabilities)
Derivative financial instruments (notional principal)
Net financial assets/(liabilities)
in US dollars with the balance in Brazilian Real (BRL).
To mitigate the exposure to the BRL/USD exchange rate and
BRL interest rates the Group entered into the CCIRS for the
full amount of the BRL tranche to swap the exposure back to
US dollars. The CCIRS were terminated in December 2014
following full repayment of the BNDES loan.
Except as described above, the Group generally does
not hedge its foreign currency exposures except through
the near-term purchase of currency to meet operating
requirements. The change to USD functional currency
in January 2010 removed the foreign exchange risk on
USD borrowings and USD denominated assets.
The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk at the end
of the reporting period, expressed in US$, was as follows:
USD
AUD
OTHER
TOTAL
US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION
23.8
–
23.8
–
10.0
10.0
13.8
(108.4)
(94.6)
0.8
0.2
1.0
1.8
101.5
103.3
(102.3)
108.4
6.1
0.3
–
0.3
0.1
–
0.1
0.2
–
0.2
24.9
0.2
25.1
1.9
111.5
113.4
(88.3)
–
(88.3)
USD
AUD
OTHER
TOTAL
US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION
21.6
–
21.6
0.3
136.7
137.0
(115.4)
(30.2)
(145.6)
2.1
0.1
2.2
3.6
–
3.6
(1.4)
–
(1.4)
0.3
–
0.3
–
22.5
22.5
24.0
0.1
24.1
3.9
159.2
163.1
(22.2)
(139.0)
30.2
8.0
–
(139.0)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201496
5. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk
The Group’s main interest rate risk arises from its borrowings.
Borrowings by the Group at variable rates expose it to cash
flow interest rate risk. Borrowings at fixed rates would expose
the Group to fair value interest rate risk. When managing
interest rate risk the Group seeks to reduce the overall cost
of funds. Group policy is to generally borrow at floating
rates subject to availability of attractive fixed rate deals.
interest rates over the life of the note. In 2013, as part
of the BNDES financing, CCIRS for the whole amount of
the BRL denominated tranche were used to manage the
exposure to BRL interest rates over the life of the loan.
The consolidated entity’s exposure to interest rate risk
and the effective weighted interest rate after the effect
of derivative instruments is set out below:
In 2014, CCIRS for the whole face value of the fixed rate
note were used to manage the exposure to Australian
2014
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Total financial assets
Payables
Borrowings
Total non-derivative financial liabilities
Net non-derivative financial assets/(liabilities)
Weighted average interest rate before derivatives
Weighted average interest rate after derivatives
2013
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Total financial assets
Payables
Borrowings
Total non-derivative financial liabilities
Net non-derivative financial assets/(liabilities)
Weighted average interest rate before derivatives
Weighted average interest rate after derivatives
FLOATING
INTEREST
FIXED
INTEREST
NON-
INTEREST
BEARING
TOTAL
US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION
24.9
–
24.9
–
10.0
10.0
14.9
1.9%
1.9%
–
–
–
–
101.5
101.5
(101.5)
5.5%
3.1%
–
0.2
0.2
1.9
–
1.9
(1.7)
24.9
0.2
25.1
1.9
111.5
113.4
(88.3)
FLOATING
INTEREST
FIXED
INTEREST
NON-
INTEREST
BEARING
TOTAL
US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.1
0.1
3.9
–
3.9
24.0
0.1
24.1
3.9
159.2
163.1
(3.8)
(139.0)
24.0
–
24.0
–
159.2
159.2
(135.2)
5.6%
4.5%
Had interest rates on floating rate debt during 2014 been one percentage point higher/lower than the average, with all
other variables held constant, pre-tax profit for the year would have been US$1.4 million lower/higher (2013: US$2.5 million
lower/higher).
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201497
5. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
(b) Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative
financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial
institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including
outstanding receivables and committed transactions. For
banks and financial institutions, only independently rated
parties with a minimum rating of ‘A-’ are accepted, and
exposure limits are assigned based on actual independent
rating and Board approved guidelines.
Credit risk further arises in relation to cross guarantees
given to wholly owned subsidiaries (see Note 17 for details).
Such guarantees are only provided in exceptional
circumstances and are subject to Board approval.
The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the
financial statements, net of any allowances for losses,
represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk.
(c) Liquidity risk
Prudent liquidity risk management requires maintaining
sufficient cash and credit facilities to ensure the Group’s
commitments and plans can be met. This is managed by
maintaining committed undrawn credit facilities to cover
reasonably expected forward cash requirements.
Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s
liquidity, including undrawn borrowing facilities and cash
and cash equivalents on the basis of expected cash flows.
The Group had the following undrawn borrowing facilities at the end of the reporting period:
Expiring within one year
Expiring beyond one year
Total undrawn borrowing facilities
US$ MILLION
2014
150.0
140.0
290.0
2013
–
320.0
320.0
The table below details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities.
2014
Trade payables
Borrowings
Total financial non-derivative liabilities
2013
Trade payables
Borrowings
Total financial non-derivative liabilities
LESS THAN 6
MONTHS
6 – 12
MONTHS
1 – 2 YEARS
2 – 5 YEARS
TOTAL
US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION US$ MILLION
1.9
–
1.9
3.9
–
3.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
50.6
50.6
50.6
50.6
–
111.5
111.5
–
58.0
58.0
1.9
111.5
113.4
3.9
159.2
163.1
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201498
6. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
(a) Risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital is to safeguard
the ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can
continue to provide returns for shareholders and to maintain
an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.
The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so
as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and
to sustain future development of the business. In order to
maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may
adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return
capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to
reduce debt.
The Group calculates the gearing ratio as net debt divided
by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings
less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is calculated
as ‘equity’ as shown in the balance sheet plus debt.
The gearing ratios at 31 December 2014 and 31 December
2013 were as follows:
Total borrowings
Less: cash and cash equivalents
Net debt
Total borrowings
Total equity
Total capital
Gearing ratio
(b) Dividends
No interim dividend was declared by the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2014
(Year ended 31 December 2013: no interim dividend declared).
No final dividend was declared by the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2013
(Year ended 31 December 2012: no final dividend declared).
Total dividends
US$ MILLION
2014
111.5
(24.9)
86.6
111.5
2,424.0
2,535.5
3.4%
2013
159.2
(24.0)
135.2
159.2
2,793.4
2,952.6
4.6%
US$ MILLION
2014
2013
–
–
–
–
–
–
Since the year end the Directors have recommended the payment of a final dividend of US1.6 cent per share (2013: nil),
fully franked based on the tax paid at 30%. Record date to determine entitlements to the dividend is 5 March 2015.
The aggregate amount of the proposed dividend expected to be paid on 25 March 2015 out of retained earnings at
31 December 2014, but not recognised as a liability at the year end, is $44.9 million.
(c) Franked dividends
Franking credits available for subsequent financial years, based on a tax rate of 30% (2013: 30%)
A$ MILLION
2014
409.1
2013
409.1
The above amounts are calculated from the balance of the franking credits as at the end of the reporting period, adjusted
for franking credits and debits that will arise from the settlement of liabilities and receivables for income tax and dividends
after the end of the year.
The fully franked dividends received from AWAC in the financial year were
US$ MILLION
2014
–
2013
100.0
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201499
KEY NUMBERS
7. EXPENSES
(a) Employee benefits expense
Liabilities for salaries and annual leave are recognised in
current provisions (i.e. short-term employee benefits), and
are measured as the amount unpaid at reporting date at
expected pay rates in respect of employees’ services up
to that date, including related on-costs.
The liability for long service leave is recognised in the
provision for employee benefits and measured as the
present value of expected future payments to be made
in respect of services provided by employees up to the
reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future
wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures
and periods of service. Expected future payments are
discounted using market yields at the reporting date on
national government bonds with terms to maturity and
currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated
future cash flows.
All employees of Alumina Limited are entitled to benefits
on retirement, disability or death from the Group’s
superannuation plan. Alumina Limited employees are
members of an Alumina Limited Super Plan managed by
MLC MasterKey Super, except for employees who elected to
contribute to an alternate fund. The plan is an accumulation
category plan which offers a minimum Company
contribution (subject to certain cashing out options and
legislation) of 9.5 per cent of basic salary to each member’s
account. Members also have the option to make voluntary
contributions to their account. Employer contributions to
these funds are recognised as an expense.
(Loss)/profit before income tax included the following specific expenses:
Defined contribution superannuation expense
Other employee benefits expense
Total employee benefits expense
(b) Finance costs
US$ MILLION
2014
2013
0.2
4.6
4.8
0.2
9.0
9.2
Finance costs comprise interest payable on borrowings using the effective interest rate method, commitment fees and
amortisation of capitalised facility fees.
Finance costs:
Interest expense
Commitment and upfront fees
Amortisation of capitalised upfront fees
Bank charges
Total finance costs
US$ MILLION
2014
2013
10.1
2.6
0.8
0.1
13.6
14.0
7.5
3.7
0.1
25.3
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014100
8. INCOME TAX EXPENSE
(a) Income tax expense and deferred taxes
The income tax expense/benefit for the period is the tax
payable/receivable on the current period’s taxable income
based on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction
adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities
attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.
Current tax
Deferred tax
Aggregate income tax expense
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of
the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting
period in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries
and associates operate and generate taxable income.
US$ MILLION
2014
0.8
–
0.8
2013
–
–
–
Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability
method, on temporary differences arising between the tax
bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in
the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax
is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been
enacted or substantially enacted by the reporting date and
are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax
asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary
differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that
future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those
temporary differences and losses.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for
temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax
bases of investments in controlled entities where the parent
entity is able to control the timing of the reversal of the
temporary differences and it is probable that the differences
will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is
a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and
liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the
same taxation authority. Current tax assets and liabilities
are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right
to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to
realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Alumina Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled
entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation.
As a consequence, these entities are taxed as a single entity
and the deferred tax assets and liabilities of these entities
are set off in the consolidated financial statements.
The Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:
Deferred tax liabilities
Payables
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets
Employee benefits
Derivative financial instruments
Borrowing costs
Accrued liabilities
Transaction costs
Total deferred tax assets other than tax losses
Net deferred tax assets before tax losses
Deductible temporary differences and tax losses not recognised
Net deferred tax assets
US$ MILLION
2014
2013
2.0
2.0
0.2
1.2
–
0.4
0.3
2.1
0.1
(0.1)
–
0.1
0.1
0.3
1.9
0.1
1.0
0.4
3.7
3.6
(3.6)
–
Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent of deferred tax liabilities existing at reporting date. Remaining deferred
tax assets are not recognised as it is not probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary
differences and losses.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20148. INCOME TAX EXPENSE (continued)
(b) Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable
(Loss)/profit before income tax
Prima facie tax benefit/(expense) for the period at the rate of 30%
The following items caused the total charge for income tax to vary from the above:
Share of equity accounted loss not assessable for tax
Foreign income subject to accruals tax
Share of Partnership income assessable for tax
Timing differences not recognised
Tax losses not recognised
Amounts non-assessable for tax
Non-deductible expenses
Net movement
Consequent increase in charge for income tax
Prima facie charge not recognised as cannot yet be determined – Note 2(d)
Estimated tax expense in relation to allocation agreement – Note (2d)
Aggregate income tax expense
101
US$ MILLION
2014
(97.5)
29.2
73.6
0.6
4.3
–
37.3
(17.5)
1.7
100.0
(30.0)
–
(0.8)
(0.8)
2013
0.5
(0.2)
97.4
1.7
7.3
(2.3)
30.8
–
1.7
136.6
(40.9)
41.1
–
–
(c) Tax expense/(benefit) relating to items of other comprehensive income
Current and deferred tax balances attributable to amounts recognised directly in other comprehensive income and equity
are also recognised directly in other comprehensive income and equity.
Cash flow hedges
Actuarial (losses)/gains on retirement benefit obligations
Total tax (benefit)/expense relating to items of other comprehensive income
(d) Tax losses
Tax losses - revenue
Tax losses - capital
Total unused tax losses
Potential tax benefit - revenue
Potential tax benefit - capital
Total potential tax benefit
US$ MILLION
2014
0.3
(23.0)
(22.7)
2013
(1.3)
30.4
29.1
US$ MILLION
2014
905.7
951.5
2013
928.3
951.5
1,857.2
1,879.8
297.1
285.4
582.5
305.4
285.4
590.8
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014102
9. EQUITY
(a) Contributed equity
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity
as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
Balance brought forward
Shares issued
Less: Transaction costs on share issue
Total issued capital
US$ MILLION
2014
2,620.0
–
–
2013
2,154.1
467.2
(1.3)
2,620.0
2,620.0
On 14 February 2013, CITIC Resources Australia Pty Ltd and Bestbuy Overseas Co., Ltd unconditionally subscribed,
in aggregate, for 366,029,428 fully paid ordinary shares in Alumina Limited, being 15% of Alumina Limited’s then
current capital base, representing 13.04% of Alumina Limited’s capital base following completion (the Placement).
The Placement raised approximately A$452 million based on an issue price of A$1.235 per share, which reflected a
premium of approximately 3% to the closing price of Alumina Limited shares on 13 February 2013 and a premium of
11% to the volume weighted average price of Alumina Limited shares for the 30 day period ending 13 February 2013.
MOVEMENTS IN ORDINARY SHARE CAPITAL
Opening number of shares
Movement for the period
Closing number of shares
NUMBER OF FULLY PAID SHARES
2014
2013
2,806,225,615
2,440,196,187
–
366,029,428
2,806,225,615
2,806,225,615
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in the calculation of basic earnings per share
calculated as weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for treasury
shares issued. As at 31 December 2014 the Group had 423,695 treasury shares (2013: 499,314 shares).
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in the
calculation of basic earnings per share
(b) Retained earnings
Movement in retained earnings were as follows:
Retained earnings at the beginning of the financial year
(Loss)/profit attributable to the owners of Alumina Limited
Re-measurements of retirement benefit obligations accounted for using the equity method
Total retained earnings at the end of the financial year
NUMBER OF SHARES
2014
2013
2,805,745,467
2,760,518,829
US$ MILLION
2014
803.1
(98.3)
(46.6)
658.2
2013
734.9
0.5
67.7
803.1
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 20149. EQUITY (continued)
(c) Other reserves
The following table shows a breakdown of the balance sheet line item “reserves”. A description of the nature and purpose
of each reserve as well as the movement in these reserves during the year is provided below.
103
Asset revaluation reserve
Capital reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Option premium on convertible bonds
Share-based payments reserve
Cash-flow hedge reserve
Total Reserves
US$ MILLION
2014
30.8
12.5
2013
30.8
12.5
(918.5)
(693.9)
18.6
6.3
(2.7)
18.6
5.7
(2.1)
(853.0)
(628.4)
Asset revaluation reserve
The balance standing to the credit of the reserve may
be used to satisfy the distribution of bonus shares and
is only available for the payment of cash dividends in
limited circumstances as permitted by law.
Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve represents
exchange differences arising on the translation of
non-US dollar functional currency operations within
the Group into US dollars.
Capital reserve
The reserve records dividends arising from share of
profits on sale of investments.
FOREIGN CURRENC Y TR ANSLATION RESERVE
US$ MILLION
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Currency translation differences arising during the year
Balance at the end of the financial year
Option premium on convertible bonds
The convertible bond was accounted for as a compound
instrument at the Group level. The option premium
represented the equity component (conversion rights)
of the convertible bond. The convertible bond was fully
redeemed in 2011.
Share-based payments reserve
The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise
the fair value of performance rights issued but not exercised.
For further details refer to Note 12.
2014
(693.9)
(224.6)
(918.5)
2013
(320.8)
(373.1)
(693.9)
Cash-flow hedge reserve
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of
derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow
hedges is recognised in other comprehensive income.
The year end balance and movements within the cash-flow
hedge reserve of AWAC is accounted for via the equity
accounting method.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014104
10. CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(a) Reconciliation of (loss)/profit after income tax to net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
(Loss)/profit from continuing operations after income tax
Allocation of Alba settlement
Share of net loss of associates accounted for using equity method
Dividends and distributions received from associates
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of commitment and upfront fees
Commitment and upfront fees capitalised
Non-cash employee benefits expense-share based payments
Close out of derivative instrument
Net exchange differences
Sub total
Change in assets and liabilities
(Increase)/decrease in receivables
(Increase)/decrease in other assets
(Decrease)/increase in payables
(Decrease)/increase in current tax liability
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
(b) Non-cash financing and investing activities
During 2014 it was resolved that the other assets of $137.1
million recognised as at 31 December 2013 an additional
$1.5 million “true up” recognised in 2014 in relation to Alba
matter will be recovered through Alcoa World Alumina LLC
equity allocations to Alumina Limited, funded by Alcoa Inc.
OTHER INFORMATION
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The parent entity within the Group is Alumina Limited.
Balances and transactions between the parent entity
and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation and
are not disclosed in this note.
(a) Ownership interests in related parties
Interests held in the following classes of related parties
are set out in the following notes:
• associates – Note 2.
• controlled entities – Note 3.
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES
Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share based payments
Termination payment
Total
US$ MILLION
2014
(98.3)
(1.5)
73.6
20.3
0.1
0.8
(2.6)
0.6
0.4
0.1
(6.5)
(0.1)
0.2
(2.0)
0.8
(7.6)
2013
0.5
(137.1)
97.4
107.3
–
3.7
(7.5)
0.7
–
0.1
65.1
–
1.2
1.2
–
67.5
On this basis, the total of $138.6 million has been classified
as investments in associates. Refer Note 2(d) for further details.
There were no other non-cash financing or investing
activities in 2014 (2013: nil).
(b) Compensation of key management personnel
Detailed remuneration disclosures for the key management
personnel, defined as Group’s Directors and Senior
Executives, are provided in the remuneration report on
pages 52 to 79 of this annual report.
The remuneration report has been prepared in Australian
dollars, whilst the financial report has been prepared in
US dollars. The average exchange rate for 2014 of 0.9021
(2013: 0.9677) has been used for conversion.
US$
2014
2013
4,348,296
4,183,202
152,033
572,773
139,466
718,045
–
1,692,182
5,073,102
6,732,895
(c) Other transactions and balances with related parties
There have been no other related party transactions made during the period or balances outstanding as at 31 December
2014, between the Group, its related parties, the directors or key management personnel (2013: Nil).
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201412. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Group provides benefits to employees (including
Senior Executives) through share based incentives.
Employees are incentivised for their performance in part
through participation in the grant of conditional entitlement
to fully paid ordinary shares (a Performance Right) via the
Alumina Limited Employee Share Plan (ESP). For further
details on key features of the ESP refer to the remuneration
report on pages 62 to 64 of this annual report.
Set out below are summaries of performance rights granted
under the ESP:
105
2014
Grant date
18/2/2011
9/3/2012
8/2/2013
10/2/2014
Total
2013
Grant date
12/2/2010
18/2/2011
9/3/2012
8/2/2013
Total
Expiry date
6/12/2013
11/12/2014
7/12/2015
6/12/2016
Expiry date
20/12/2012
6/12/2013
11/12/2014
7/12/2015
Balance at
start of the
year
Number
153,500
666,040
1,378,780
Granted
during the
year
Number
–
–
–
–
1,135,450
Vested
during the
year
Number
(75,619)
–
–
–
Lapsed
during the
year
Number
(77,881)
–
(23,900)
(22,100)
Balance at
end of the
year
Number
–
666,040
1,354,880
1,113,350
2,198,320
1,135,450
(75,619)
(123,881)
3,134,270
Balance at
start of the
year
Number
485,600
419,300
666,040
Granted
during the
year
Number
–
–
–
–
1,378,780
Vested
during the
year
Number
(169,960)
–
–
–
Lapsed
during the
year
Number
(315,640)
(265,800)
–
–
Balance at
end of the
year
Number
–
153,500
666,040
1,378,780
1,570,940
1,378,780
(169,960)
(581,440)
2,198,320
The weighted average remaining contractual life of
performance rights outstanding at the end of the period
was 2.1 years (2013: 2.6 years).
service and deferred for three years from the date of the
grant. For further details on refer to the remuneration report
on page 60 of this annual report.
In addition to the ESP, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
fixed remuneration includes an annual share right
component. This share based component of CEO’s fixed
remuneration is conditional on a minimum of 18 months
Total expenses arising from share-based payment
transactions recognised during the period as part of
employee benefit expense were as follows:
Performance rights granted under the Alumina Limited Employee Share Plan
CEO annual conditional share rights grant
Total
US$ 000’S
2014
544
110
654
2013
794
–
794
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014106
13. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS
During the period the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by the auditor of the parent entity, and its
related practices and non-related audit firms:
PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia:
Audit and review of the financial reports
Other assurance services
Related practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia:
Overseas taxation services
Total
US$ 000’S
2014
2013
497
7
9
513
726
116
16
858
It is the Group’s policy to employ PricewaterhouseCoopers on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ expertise and experience with the Group are important provided such arrangements do not
compromise audit independence. These assignments are principally tax advice or where PricewaterhouseCoopers is
awarded assignments on a competitive basis.
Alumina Limited has filed a Form 15F with the SEC with the intention of deregistering and terminating its reporting
obligations under the relevant sections of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. As a result of this filing,
Alumina’s reporting obligations with the SEC, including its obligations to file annual reports on Form 20–F and reports on
Form 6–K, was immediately suspended. This change in reporting obligation has been reflected in the audit fees reduction.
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Capital commitments
There are no contractual capital commitments at reporting
date but there are expected to be capital injections to AWAC
during 2015.
Contingent liabilities
There are no contingent liabilities of the Group as at
31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013, other than
as disclosed in Note 2(e) and Note 16.
15. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
Except as disclosed in the Director’s report or elsewhere
in the Financial Statements, there have been no significant
events occurring since 31 December 2014.
16. PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The financial information for the parent entity has been
prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial
statements, except as set out below.
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint
venture entities
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture
entities are accounted for at cost in the financial statements
of Alumina Limited. Dividends received from associates are
recognised in the parent entity’s profit or loss, rather than
being deducted from the carrying amount of these
investments.
Where the parent entity has provided financial guarantees
in relation to loans and payables of subsidiaries for no
compensation, the fair values of these guarantees are
accounted for as contributions and recognised as part of
the cost of the investment.
Intercompany Loans
Loans granted by the parent entity to its subsidiaries are
classified as non-current assets.
Tax consolidation legislation
Alumina Limited and its wholly-owned Australian controlled
entities have implemented tax consolidation legislation. The
head entity, Alumina Limited, and the controlled entities in
the tax consolidated Group account for their own current
and deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are measured
as if each entity in the tax consolidated Group continues to
be a standalone taxpayer in its own right. In addition to its
own current and deferred tax amounts, Alumina Limited
also recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) and
the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and
unused tax credits assumed from controlled entities in the
tax consolidated Group.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201416. PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(a) Summarised financial information
The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the following aggregated amounts:
107
US$ MILLION
2014
2013
28.5
34.2
3,928.1
3,860.6
2.1
123.4
10.3
46.0
2,620.0
2,620.0
239.3
945.4
238.7
955.9
3,804.7
3,814.6
(10.5)
(10.5)
77.1
77.1
event Alcoa Inc would be required to make payments
under the guarantees, 40 per cent of such amount would
be contributed by Alumina Limited.
In addition, the parent entity has entered into a Deed of
Cross Guarantee with the effect that it guarantees the debts
of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Further details of the Deed
of Cross Guarantee are disclosed in Note 17.
No liability was recognised by the parent entity or the group
in relation to the abovementioned guarantees, as the fair
value of the guarantees are immaterial.
(c) Contingent liabilities the parent entity
The parent entity did not have any contingent liabilities as at
31 December 2014 or 31 December 2013. For information
about guarantees given by the parent entity refer above.
(d) Contractual commitments for the acquisition of
property, plant and equipment
There are no contractual commitments by the parent entity
for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment at
reporting date.
BALANCE SHEET
Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Issued capital
Reserves
Retained earnings
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Loss)/profit for the year
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year
(b) Guarantees entered into by the parent entity
The parent entity has provided a guarantee in August
2010 for 40 per cent of Alumina Espanola SA’s obligation
to purchase fuel oil for one year. This was extended in
February 2014 until March 2015. The parent entity also
provided guarantees in November 2013 and November
2014 in respect to the construction of a natural gas supply
pipeline and the supply of gas to the alumina refinery
located at San Ciprian, Spain.
The parent entity has also provided guarantees to certain
third parties in relation to the performance of contracts by
various AWAC companies. These are further guarantees
such as to Banco di Bilbao in respect of Espanola, in relation
to a Suriname mining contract and a letter of credit to
Honeywell Manageability Leasing Company in relation
to lease payments for the Honeywell operating system.
In late 2011, Alcoa Inc, on behalf of AWAC, issued
guarantees to the lenders of the Ma’aden bauxite mining/
refining joint venture in Saudi Arabia. Alcoa Inc’s guarantees
for the Ma’aden Bauxite and Alumina Company cover total
debt service requirements through 2019 and 2024. In the
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014108
17. DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE
Alumina Limited and Alumina International Holdings Pty. Ltd. are parties to the cross guarantee under which each of
these companies guarantees the debts of the other. By entering into the deed, a wholly-owned entities have been relieved
from the requirement to prepare a financial report and directors’ report under Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) issued
by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
The above companies represent a “closed group” as defined in the Class Order, and as there are no other parties to
the deed of cross guarantee that are controlled by Alumina Limited, they also represent the “extended closed group”.
(a) Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income and summary movements in
consolidated retained earnings
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Revenue from continuing operations
Other income
General and administrative expenses
Other expenses
Finance costs
Profit from ordinary activities before income tax
Income tax expense
Net profit for the year
Other comprehensive income net of tax
Total comprehensive income for the year
MOVEMENTS IN CONSOLIDATED RETAINED EARNINGS
Retained profits at the beginning of the financial year
Net profit for the year
Dividend provided for or paid
Retained profits at the end of the financial year
US$ MILLION
2014
120.5
6.7
(12.7)
(4.1)
(7.0)
103.4
–
103.4
–
103.4
2014
704.2
103.4
–
807.6
2013
107.6
0.1
(16.5)
(1.0)
(15.1)
75.1
–
75.1
–
75.1
2013
629.1
75.1
–
704.2
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 201417. DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (continued)
(b) Consolidated balance sheet
109
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Other assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Investments in associates
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Payables
Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Other
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained profits
Total equity
US$ MILLION
2014
2013
23.8
75.4
3.1
22.8
77.8
3.6
102.3
104.2
1,681.5
2,006.7
0.1
3,688.3
3,790.6
1.9
–
0.3
–
2.2
116.8
4.1
0.5
121.4
123.6
1,624.3
1,880.2
0.2
3,504.7
3,608.9
3.4
6.4
0.3
0.1
10.2
35.1
–
0.6
35.7
45.9
3,667.0
3,563.0
2,620.0
2,620.0
239.4
807.6
238.8
704.2
3,667.0
3,563.0
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014110
18. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND
INTERPRETATIONS NOT YET ADOPTED
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have
been published that are not mandatory for the 31 December
2014 reporting period and have not been early adopted by
the Group. The Group’s assessment of the impact of these
new standards and interpretations is set out below:
• AASB 124: where an entity receives management
personnel services from a third party (a management
entity), the fees paid for those services must be disclosed
by the reporting entity, but not the compensation paid by
the management entity to its employees or directors.
(a) AASB 9 Financial Instruments, AASB 2009–11
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising
from AASB 9, AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian
Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December
2010) (effective from 1 January 2018).
AASB 9 Financial Instruments includes requirements for the
classification and measurement of financial assets and was
further amended by AASB 2010-7 to reflect amendments to
the accounting for financial liabilities. The standard is not
applicable until 1 January 2018 but is available for early
adoption.
There will be no impact on the Group’s accounting for
financial liabilities, as the new requirements only affect
the accounting for financial liabilities that are designated
at fair value through profit or loss and the Group does
not have any such liabilities. The derecognition rules have
been transferred from AASB 139 Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement and have not been changed.
The Group has not yet decided when to adopt AASB 9.
(b) AASB 2014-1 Part A: Annual improvements project
(2010-2012 Cycle). Amendments to clarify minor points in
various accounting standards, including AASB 2, AASB 3,
AASB 8, AASB 13, AASB 116, AASB 138 and AASB124
(effective from 1 July 2014).
The annual improvements project makes minor but
necessary annual amendments to various accounting
standards. The AASB has made the following amendments:
• AASB 2: clarifies the definition of ‘vesting condition’
and now distinguishes between ‘performance condition’
and ‘service condition’.
• AASB 3: clarifies that an obligation to pay contingent
consideration is classified as financial liability or equity
under the principles in AASB 132 and that all non-equity
contingent consideration (financial and nonfinancial) is
measured at fair value at each reporting date.
• AASB 8: requires disclosure of the judgements made
by management in aggregating operating segments
and clarifies that a reconciliation of segment assets
must only be disclosed if segment assets are reported.
• AASB 13: confirms that short-term receivables and
payables can continue to be measured at invoice amounts
if the impact of discounting is immaterial.
• AASB 116 and AASB 138: clarifies how the gross carrying
amount and accumulated depreciation are treated where
an entity measures its assets at revalued amounts.
The Group will adopt the above amendments as required
for the 2015 reporting period. Potential effect of the above
changes had not yet been fully determined by the Group.
(c) AASB 2014-1 Part A: Annual improvements project
(2011-2013 cycle. Amendments to clarify minor points in
various accounting standards, including AASB 1, AASB 3,
AASB 13 and AASB 140 (effective from 1 July 2014).
The AASB amended the following standards:
• AASB 1: confirms that first-time adopters of Australian
Accounting Standards can adopt standards that are not
yet mandatory.
• AASB 3: clarifies that AASB 3 does not apply to the
accounting for the formation of any joint arrangement.
• AASB 13: clarifies that the portfolio exception in AASB 13
(measuring the fair value of a group of financial assets
and financial liabilities on a net basis) applies to all
contracts within the scope of AASB 139 or AASB 9.
• AASB 140: clarifies that AASB 140 and AASB 3 are
not mutually exclusive when distinguishing between
investment property and owner-occupied property and
determining whether the acquisition of an investment
property is a business combination.
The Group will adopt the above amendments as required
for the 2015 reporting period. Potential effect of the above
changes had not yet been fully determined by the Group.
(d) IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customer
(effective 1 January 2017).
The IASB has issued a new standard for the recognition of
revenue. This will replace IAS 18, which covers contracts for
goods and services, and IAS 11, which covers construction
contracts. The new standard is based on the principle that
revenue is recognised when control of a good or service
transfers to a customer – so the notion of control replaces
the existing notion of risks and rewards.
The above Standard have not yet been adopted by the
AASB and the effects of this Standard have not been fully
determined by the Group.
There are no other Standards that are not yet effective and
that are expected to have a material impact on the Group in
the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable
future transactions.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014111
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION
In the directors’ opinion:
(a) the financial statements and notes set out on pages 80 to 110 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(i) complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting
requirements; and
(ii) giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2014 and of its
performance for the financial year ended on that date; and
(b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due
and payable; and
(c) at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Extended Closed Group
identified in Note 3 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject by virtue
of the deed of cross guarantee described in Note 17.
The financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board.
The directors have been given the declarations by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by section
295A of the Corporation Act 2001.
This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.
GJ PIZZEY
Chairman
6 March 2015
112
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO
THE MEMBERS OF ALUMINA LIMITED
REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL REPORT
Independence
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Alumina
Limited (the Company), which comprises the consolidated balance
sheet as at 31 December 2014, the consolidated statement of
profit or loss and other comprehensive income, consolidated
statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of
cash flows for the year ended on that date, significant accounting
policies, other explanatory notes and the directors’ declaration
for the Alumina Limited Group (the consolidated entity).
The consolidated entity comprises the Company and the
entities it controlled at year’s end or from time to time during
the financial year.
Directors’ responsibility for the financial report
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation
of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance
with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act
2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is
necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that
is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the directors
also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101
Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial statements
comply with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial
report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance
with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require
that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to
audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free
from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence
about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The
procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including
the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the
financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those
risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant
to the consolidated entity’s preparation and fair presentation of
the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal
control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial report.
In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.
Auditor’s opinion
In our opinion:
(a)
the financial report of Alumina Limited is in accordance
with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(i)
(ii)
giving a true and fair view of the consolidated
entity’s financial position as at 31 December
2014 and of its performance for the year
ended on that date; and
complying with Australian Accounting
Standards (including the Australian Accounting
Interpretations) and the Corporations
Regulations 2001.
(b)
the financial report and notes also comply with
International Financial Reporting Standards
as disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial
statements.
REPORT ON THE REMUNERATION REPORT
We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 52 to
79 of the directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2014.
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation
and presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our
audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.
Auditor’s opinion
In our opinion, the remuneration report of Alumina Limited for
the year ended 31 December 2014 complies with section 300A
of the Corporations Act 2001.
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
NADIA CARLIN
Partner
Melbourne
6 March 2015
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient
and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional
Standards Legislation
113
DETAILS OF SHAREHOLDINGS AND SHAREHOLDERS
LISTED SECURITIES – 28 FEBRUARY 2015
Alumina Limited has 2,806,225,615 issued fully paid ordinary shares.
S I Z E O F S H A R E H O L D I N G S A S AT 28 F E B R U A R Y 2015
R ANGE
1 - 1,000
1,001 - 5,000
5,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 100,000
100,001 - 9,999,999,999
Total
TOTAL HOLDERS
UNITS
% OF ISSUED CAPITAL
21,046
22,818
7,348
8,005
429
59,646
9,935,415
57,150,180
54,548,504
203,255,059
2,481,336,457
2,806,225,615
0.35%
2.04%
1.94%
7.24%
88.42%
100.00%
Of these, 6,837 shareholders held less than a marketable parcel of $500 worth of shares (272). In accordance with ASX Business Rules,
the last sale price on the Company’s shares on the ASX on 27 February 2015 was used to determine the number of shares in a
marketable parcel.
NAME
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
National Nominees Limited
CITIC Resources Australia Pty Ltd
Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd
Bestbuy Overseas Co., Ltd
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
Continue reading text version or see original annual report in PDF format above