Fair Value Measurements

Overview

We apply the fair value hierarchy established by GAAP for the recognition and measurement of certain financial assets and liabilities. An asset or liability's fair value classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, and consider counterparty risk in our assessment of fair value.

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are evaluated and measured on a recurring basis. As part of that evaluation process, we review the underlying inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement of financial instruments to determine if a transfer among hierarchy levels is appropriate. We historically have not had significant transfers into or out of each hierarchy level.

Financial assets and liabilities that we measure at fair value as required by GAAP include: (i) our derivative instruments; (ii) the plan assets of the Salaried VEBA and our Canadian defined benefit pension plan measured annually at December 31; and (iii) available for sale securities, consisting of debt investment securities and investments related to our deferred compensation plan (see Note 5). We record certain other financial assets and liabilities at carrying value (see the tables below for the fair value disclosure of those assets and liabilities).

The majority of our non-financial assets and liabilities, which include goodwill, intangible assets, inventories and property, plant and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur (or at least annually for goodwill), an evaluation of the affected non-financial asset or liability is required, potentially resulting in an adjustment to the carrying amount of such asset or liability.

Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Derivative Assets and Liabilities. Our derivative contracts are valued at fair value using significant observable and unobservable inputs.

Commodity, Energy and Foreign Currency Derivatives - The fair values of a majority of these derivative contracts are based upon trades in liquid markets. Valuation model inputs can generally be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant judgment. The fair values of such financial instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We, however, have some derivative contracts that do not have observable market quotes. For these financial instruments, management uses significant unobservable inputs (e.g., information concerning regional premiums for swaps). Where appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors, such as bid/offer spreads. The fair values of these financial instruments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Salaried VEBA and Canadian Pension Plan Assets. The plan assets of the Salaried VEBA and our Canadian pension plan are measured annually on December 31 and reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. In determining the fair value of the plan assets at an annual period end, we utilize primarily the results of valuations supplied by the investment advisors responsible for managing the assets of each plan, which we independently review for reasonableness.

Available for Sale Securities. We hold debt investment securities that are accounted for as available for sale securities. The fair value of the debt investment securities, which consist of commercial paper and corporate bonds, is determined based on valuation models that use observable market data. At March 31, 2016, all of our short-term investments had maturity dates within two months. We review our debt investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment at least quarterly or when there are changes in credit risk or other potential valuation concerns. At March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, the total unrealized loss, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss was immaterial and was not other-than-temporarily impaired. We believe that it is probable that the principal and interest will be collected in accordance with the contractual terms, and that the unrealized loss on these securities were due to changes in normal market fluctuations, and were not due to increased credit risk or other valuation concerns. In addition to debt investment securities, we also hold assets in various investment funds at certain registered investment companies in connection with our deferred compensation program (see Note 5). Such assets are accounted for as available for sale securities and are measured and recorded at fair value based on the NAV of the investment funds on a recurring basis. The fair value input of the available for sale securities is considered either a Level 1 or Level 2 input depending on whether the debt security or investment fund is traded on a public exchange. The amortized cost for available for sale securities approximates their fair value.

All Other Financial Assets and Liabilities. We believe that the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their respective carrying values due to their short maturities and nominal credit risk.

The fair value of the Senior Notes at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was based on the Senior Notes' trading price and is considered a Level 1 input in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 3 for the carrying values).

The following table presents our financial instruments, classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy, as of the period presented (in millions of dollars):



	March 31, 2016
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Derivative Instruments (Non-Designated Hedges):
Aluminum –
Call option purchase contracts	$	—		$	0.2		$	—		$	0.2
Fixed price purchase contracts	—			0.8			—			0.8
Midwest premium swap contracts	—			—			0.5			0.5

Natural Gas -
Fixed priced purchase contracts	—			0.1			—			0.1

All Other Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	34.5			36.2			—			70.7
Short-term investments	—			10.0			—			10.0
Deferred compensation plan assets	—			7.3			—			7.3
Total assets	$	34.5		$	54.6		$	0.5		$	89.6

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Derivative Instruments (Non-Designated Hedges):
Aluminum –
Fixed price purchase contracts	$	—		$	(5.6	)	$	—		$	(5.6	)
Midwest premium swap contracts	—			—			(0.3		)	(0.3		)
Natural Gas – Fixed price purchase contracts	—			(6.1		)	—			(6.1		)

All Other Financial Liabilities:
Senior Notes	(205.7		)	—			—			(205.7		)
Total liabilities	$	(205.7	)	$	(11.7	)	$	(0.3	)	$	(217.7	)

The following table presents our financial instruments, classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy, as of the period presented (in millions of dollars):



	December 31, 2015
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Derivative Instruments (Non-Designated Hedges):
Aluminum –
Call option purchase contracts	$	—		$	0.2		$	—		$	0.2
Fixed price purchase contracts	—			0.3			—			0.3
Fixed price sales contracts	—			0.2			—			0.2
Midwest premium swap contracts	—			—			0.9			0.9

All Other Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	40.3			32.2			—			72.5
Short-term investments	—			30.0			—			30.0
Deferred compensation plan assets	—			7.3			—			7.3
Total assets	$	40.3		$	70.2		$	0.9		$	111.4

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Derivative Instruments (Non-Designated Hedges):
Aluminum –
Fixed price purchase contracts	$	—		$	(8.9	)	$	—		$	(8.9	)
Fixed price sales contracts	—			(0.1		)	—			(0.1		)
Midwest premium swap contracts	—			—			(0.3		)	(0.3		)
Natural Gas – Fixed price purchase contracts	—			(6.7		)	—			(6.7		)

Derivative Instruments (Designated Hedges):
Foreign Currency – Euro forward purchase contracts	—			(0.2		)	—			(0.2		)

All Other Financial Liabilities:
Senior Notes	(207.3		)	—			—			(207.3		)
Total liabilities	$	(207.3	)	$	(15.9	)	$	(0.3	)	$	(223.5	)

Financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy represent Midwest premium swap contracts for which at least one significant unobservable input in the valuation model is a management estimate. This is necessary due to the lack of an exchange traded product with observable market pricing data. Fair value was determined using a forward curve based on the average pricing quotes from our trading counterparties and applying a discount factor based on the risk-free interest rate.

The following table presents quantitative information for Level 3 Midwest premium derivative contracts:

Fair Value at March 31, 2016 (in millions of dollars)

Valuation technique

Unobservable input

Settlement Period

Range ($ in unit price)

Assets:

Midwest premium contracts

0.5

Discounted fair value

Forward price curve

Apr-16 through Dec-17

$0.083 per metric ton to $0.084 per metric ton

Liabilities:

Midwest premium contracts

(0.3

)

Discounted fair value

Forward price curve

Apr-16 through Jun-17

$0.083 per metric ton to $0.084 per metric ton

The following table presents a reconciliation of activity for the Midwest premium derivative contracts on a net basis (in millions of dollars):



	Level 3
Fair value measurement at December 31, 2015	$	0.6
Total realized/unrealized (loss) included in:
Cost of goods sold excluding depreciation and amortization and other items and Unrealized loss on derivative instruments	—
Transactions involving Level 3 derivative contracts:
Purchases	(0.1		)
Sales	—
Issuances	—
Settlements	(0.3		)
Transactions involving Level 3 derivatives – net	(0.4		)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 valuation hierarchy	—
Fair value measurement at March 31, 2016	$	0.2

Total gain included in Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments, attributable to the change in unrealized gain/loss relating to derivative contracts held at March 31, 2016:	$	(0.1	)

Fair Values of Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities

We concluded that none of our non-financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value assessments on a non-recurring basis required a material adjustment to the carrying amount of such assets and liabilities for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.