Alcoa Purchases Group Annuity Contracts for Certain U.S. Pension Plans
Alcoa Corp. (NYSE: AA) today announced the purchase of group annuity contracts that will facilitate the transfer of approximately $1 billion of pension obligations and assets associated with defined benefit pension plans for certain United States retirees and beneficiaries.
The transfer, which will be complete later this month, will further enhance Alcoa's strong balance sheet, reduce the risk from volatility in pension plan obligations, and continue to meet commitments to retirees and beneficiaries.
The group annuity contracts will be executed by two subsidiaries of Athene Holding, Ltd. (NYSE: ATH). Athene will assume payments for approximately 11,200 participants in the U.S. pension plans. Participants will not have any change in their benefits, and Athene will take over payment obligations in December of 2021.
Athene, through its subsidiaries, is a leading retirement services company with total assets of $224.4 billion as of September 30, 2021. With operations in the United States, Bermuda and Canada, Athene specializes in helping its customers achieve financial security and is a solutions provider to institutions. Athene's principal insurance company subsidiaries have an "A" rating from A.M. Best and Fitch Ratings and an "A+" from Standard and Poor's Global Ratings.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, Alcoa expects to record a non-cash settlement charge of approximately $565 million (pre- and after-tax), or $2.96 per share related to the annuity transaction.
The Company's remaining U.S. defined benefit pension plans are expected to be greater than 95 percent funded after the transfer is complete.
About Alcoa Corporation
Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products, and is built on a foundation of strong values and operating excellence dating back 135 years to the world-changing discovery that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life. Since developing the aluminum industry, and throughout our history, our talented Alcoans have followed on with breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability, and stronger communities wherever we operate.
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