EX-99 9 mghi_ex994-200110k.htm EXHIBIT 99.4 Exhibit 99.4
ITEM 7A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company's operating results are sensitive to changes in the prices of
alumina, primary aluminum, and fabricated aluminum products, and also depend to
a significant degree upon the volume and mix of all products sold. As discussed
more fully in Notes 2 and 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, KACC
utilizes hedging transactions to lock-in a specified price or range of prices
for certain products which it sells or consumes in its production process and to
mitigate KACC's exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

SENSITIVITY

Alumina and Primary Aluminum. Alumina and primary aluminum production in excess
of internal requirements is sold in domestic and international markets, exposing
the Company to commodity price opportunities and risks. KACC's hedging
transactions are intended to provide price risk management in respect of the net
exposure of earnings resulting from (i) anticipated sales of alumina, primary
aluminum and fabricated aluminum products, less (ii) expected purchases of
certain items, such as aluminum scrap, rolling ingot, and bauxite, whose prices
fluctuate with the price of primary aluminum. On average, before consideration
of hedging activities, any fixed price contracts with fabricated aluminum
products customers, variations in production and shipment levels, and timing
issues related to price changes, the Company estimates that each $.01 increase
(decrease) in the market price per price-equivalent pound of primary aluminum
increases (decreases) the Company's annual pre-tax earnings by approximately
$10.0 million, based on recent fluctuations in operating levels.

Foreign Currency. KACC enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge material
cash commitments for foreign currencies. KACC's primary foreign exchange
exposure is related to KACC's Australian Dollar (A$) commitments in respect of
activities associated with its 20.0%-owned affiliate, QAL. The Company estimates
that, before consideration of any hedging activities, a US $0.01 increase
(decrease) in the value of the A$ results in an approximate $1.0 - $2.0 million
(decrease) increase in the Company's annual pre-tax operating income.

Energy. KACC is exposed to energy price risk from fluctuating prices for natural
gas, fuel oil and diesel oil consumed in the production process. The Company
estimates that each $1.00 change in natural gas prices (per mcf) impacts the
Company's pre-tax operating results by approximately $20.0 million. Further, the
Company estimates that each $1.00 change in fuel oil prices (per barrel) impacts
the Company's pre-tax operating results by approximately $3.0 million.

HEDGING POSITIONS

Because the agreements underlying KACC's hedging positions provided that the
counterparties to the hedging contracts could liquidate KACC's hedging positions
if KACC filed for reorganization, KACC chose to liquidate these positions in
advance of the February 12, 2002 Filing Date. Proceeds from the liquidation
totaled approximately $42.2 million. Gains or losses associated with these
liquidated positions have been deferred and are being recognized over the
original hedging periods as the underlying purchases/sales are still expected to
occur. The amount of gains/losses deferred are as follows: gains of $30.2
million for aluminum contracts, losses of $5.0 million for Australian dollars
and $1.9 million for energy contracts.

The Company anticipates that, subject to the approval of the Court and
prevailing economic conditions, it may reinstitute an active hedging program to
protect the interests of its constituents. However, no assurance can be given as
to when or if the appropriate Court approval will be obtained or when or if such
hedging activities will restart.