-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VUK4dc56KpPxgaF7QNcFEqaBoQ2CgzzQfOqYVqc9YLTGM0EvS4SijZTjc/SJflGp zc3HLn1z3zhzHagxz7i73w== 0000811596-97-000004.txt : 19970423 0000811596-97-000004.hdr.sgml : 19970423 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000811596-97-000004 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19970331 FILED AS OF DATE: 19970422 SROS: NONE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KAISER ALUMINUM CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000811596 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PRIMARY PRODUCTION OF ALUMINUM [3334] IRS NUMBER: 943030279 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-09447 FILM NUMBER: 97584672 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5847 SAN FELIPE STE 2600 STREET 2: PO BOX 572887 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77257-2887 BUSINESS PHONE: 5108475900 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5847 SAN FELIPE STE 2600 STREET 2: PO 572887 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77257-2887 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: KAISERTECH LTD DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19901122 10-Q 1 KAC FIRST QRT Q - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 Commission file number 1-9447 KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 94-3030279 (State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 5847 SAN FELIPE, SUITE 2600, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057-3010 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (713) 267-3777 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No At April 18, 1997, the registrant had 71,710,143 shares of Common Stock outstanding. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -------------------- CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In millions of dollars)
March 31, December 31, 1997 1996 ------------------------------ ASSETS (Unaudited) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 14.5 $ 81.3 Receivables 283.6 252.4 Inventories 575.9 562.2 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 135.9 127.8 ------------- --------------- Total current assets 1,009.9 1,023.7 Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates 161.4 168.4 Property, plant, and equipment - net 1,166.8 1,168.7 Deferred income taxes 268.5 264.5 Other assets 329.7 308.7 ------------- --------------- Total $ 2,936.3 $ 2,934.0 ============= =============== LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 151.9 $ 189.7 Accrued interest 23.3 35.6 Accrued salaries, wages, and related expenses 91.1 95.4 Accrued postretirement medical benefit obligation - current portion 50.1 50.1 Other accrued liabilities 126.1 132.7 Payable to affiliates 91.0 97.0 Long-term debt - current portion 5.8 8.9 ------------- --------------- Total current liabilities 539.3 609.4 Long-term liabilities 472.0 458.1 Accrued postretirement medical benefit obligation 719.3 722.5 Long-term debt 1,012.8 953.0 Minority interests 122.3 121.7 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock .4 .4 Common stock .7 .7 Additional capital 532.0 531.1 Accumulated deficit (459.7) (460.1) Additional minimum pension liability (2.8) (2.8) ------------- --------------- Total stockholders' equity 70.6 69.3 ------------- --------------- Total $ 2,936.3 $ 2,934.0 ============= ===============
The accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME (Unaudited) (In millions of dollars, except share amounts)
Quarter Ended March 31, ------------------------------ 1997 1996 ------------------------------ Net sales $ 547.4 $ 531.1 ------------- --------------- Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold 460.7 433.7 Depreciation 23.1 24.0 Selling, administrative, research and development, and general 32.3 33.1 ------------- --------------- Total costs and expenses 516.1 490.8 ------------- --------------- Operating income 31.3 40.3 Other income (expense): Interest expense (27.7) (22.7) Other - net 2.8 (.3) ------------- --------------- Income before income taxes and minority interests 6.4 17.3 Provision for income taxes (2.4) (6.6) Minority interests (1.4) (.8) ------------- --------------- Net income 2.6 9.9 Dividends on preferred stock (2.1) (2.1) ------------- --------------- Net income available to common shareholders $ .5 $ 7.8 ============= =============== Earnings per common and common equivalent share $ .01 $ .11 ============= =============== Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (000) 71,818 71,895 ============= ===============
The accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In millions of dollars)
Quarter Ended March 31, ------------------------------ 1997 1996 ------------------------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 2.6 $ 9.9 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities: Depreciation 23.1 24.0 Amortization of excess investment over equity in unconsolidated affiliates 2.9 2.9 Amortization of deferred financing costs and net discount on long-term debt 1.5 1.4 Undistributed equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions 8.6 (7.0) Minority interests 1.4 .8 (Increase) decrease in receivables (38.6) 3.9 Increase in inventories (13.7) (44.5) Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets (27.2) (24.4) Decrease in accounts payable (37.8) (20.8) Decrease in accrued interest (12.3) (18.0) Increase in payable to affiliates and accrued liabilities 4.3 1.8 Decrease in accrued and deferred income taxes (.2) (3.6) Other .2 1.2 ------------- --------------- Net cash used for operating activities (85.2) (72.4) ------------- --------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from disposition of property and investments 2.6 .4 Additions to property, plant, and equipment (21.8) (19.8) Redemption fund for minority interests' preference stock (2.8) (2.3) ------------- --------------- Net cash used for investing activities (22.0) (21.7) ------------- --------------- Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings under revolving credit facility, net 42.0 91.6 Borrowings of long-term debt 19.0 Repayments of long-term debt (3.9) (1.2) Increase in restricted cash, net (12.6) Incurrence of financing costs (.4) Dividends paid (2.1) (2.1) Redemption of minority interests' preference stock (1.6) (2.0) ------------- --------------- Net cash provided by financing activities 40.4 86.3 ------------- --------------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the period (66.8) (7.8) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 81.3 21.9 ------------- --------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 14.5 $ 14.1 ============= =============== Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Interest paid, net of capitalized interest $ 38.5 $ 39.2 Income taxes paid 2.1 8.8
The accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements. NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In millions of dollars, except prices and per share amounts) 1. GENERAL Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (the "Company") is a subsidiary of MAXXAM Inc. ("MAXXAM"). MAXXAM and one of its wholly owned subsidiaries together own approximately 62% of the Company's Common Stock, assuming the conversion of each outstanding share of 8.255% PRIDES, Convertible Preferred Stock (the "PRIDES"), into one share of the Company's Common Stock, with the remaining approximately 38% publicly held. The Company operates through its subsidiary, Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation ("KACC"). The foregoing unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1996. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements furnished herein include all adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertainties, with respect to such estimates and assumptions, are inherent in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements; accordingly, it is possible that the actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions, which could have a material effect on the reported amounts of the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 1997. See Notes 4 and 7 regarding the impact of recent accounting pronouncements. 2. INVENTORIES The classification of inventories is as follows:
March 31, December 31, 1997 1997 ------------------------------ Finished fabricated aluminum products $ 106.3 $ 113.5 Primary aluminum and work in process 213.1 200.3 Bauxite and alumina 126.6 110.2 Operating supplies and repair and maintenance parts 129.9 138.2 ------------- --------------- Total $ 575.9 $ 562.2 ============= ===============
Substantially all product inventories are stated at last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost, not in excess of market. Replacement cost is not in excess of LIFO cost. 3. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL REVENUE BONDS In March 1997, KACC entered into an agreement (the "Sale Agreement") with the Industrial Development Corporation of Spokane County, Washington (the "IDC") pursuant to which the IDC issued $19.0 of 7.6% Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds due 2027 (the "Bonds") and loaned the proceeds to KACC to finance the construction of certain qualifying expenditures at its Mead smelter, which are part of the previously announced modernization and expansion of Mead's carbon baking furnace. The net proceeds from the sale of the Bonds of approximately $18.6 were deposited into a restricted construction account (the balance of which is included in Other Assets) and may be withdrawn from time to time by KACC, pursuant to the Sale Agreement and Bond indenture. The Sale Agreement requires KACC to make payments to the IDC on the dates and in the amounts required to permit the IDC to satisfy all of its payment obligations under the Bonds. 4. EARNINGS PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE PRIMARY Earnings per common and common equivalent share are computed by deducting dividends on the PRIDES from net income in order to determine net income available to common shareholders. This amount is then divided by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The number of outstanding stock options on the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares for the quarters ended March 31, 1997, and 1996, was immaterial. FULLY DILUTED The PRIDES were excluded from the calculation of the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding for all periods presented because they were antidilutive. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No. 128"). Under SFAS No 128, primary earnings per share ("Primary EPS") will be replaced by basic earnings per share ("Basic EPS"), and fully diluted earnings per share ("Fully Diluted EPS") will be replaced with diluted earnings per share ("Diluted EPS"). Basic EPS differs from Primary EPS in that it only includes the weighted average impact of outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock (i.e., it excludes common stock equivalents and the dilutive effect of options, etc.) Diluted EPS is substantially similar to Fully Diluted EPS as previously reported. The provisions of SFAS No. 128 will result in the retroactive restatement of previously reported Primary EPS and Fully Diluted EPS figures, but SFAS No. 128 prohibits such restatement prior to December 31, 1997. Based on the Company's computations, the adoption of SFAS No. 128 is not expected to impact earnings per share amounts reported during the current quarter or any recent prior period. 5. CONTINGENCIES ENVIRONMENTAL CONTINGENCIES The Company and KACC are subject to a number of environmental laws, to fines or penalties assessed for alleged breaches of such environmental laws, and to claims and litigation based upon such laws. KACC currently is subject to a number of lawsuits under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act of 1986 ("CERCLA"), and, along with certain other entities, has been named as a potentially responsible party for remedial costs at certain third-party sites listed on the National Priorities List under CERCLA. Based on the Company's evaluation of these and other environmental matters, the Company has established environmental accruals primarily related to potential solid waste disposal and soil and groundwater remediation matters. At March 31, 1997, the balance of such accruals, which are primarily included in Long-term liabilities, was $32.7. These environmental accruals represent the Company's estimate of costs reasonably expected to be incurred based on presently enacted laws and regulations, currently available facts, existing technology, and the Company's assessment of the likely remediation actions to be taken. The Company expects that these remediation actions will be taken over the next several years and estimates that annual expenditures to be charged to these environmental accruals will be approximately $3.0 to $9.0 for the years 1997 through 2001 and an aggregate of approximately $6.0 thereafter. As additional facts are developed and definitive remediation plans and necessary regulatory approvals for implementation of remediation are established or alternative technologies are developed, changes in these and other factors may result in actual costs exceeding the current environmental accruals. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that costs associated with these environmental matters may exceed current accruals by amounts that could range, in the aggregate, up to an estimated $22.0 and that, subject to further regulatory review and approval, the factors upon which a substantial portion of this estimate is based are expected to be resolved during 1997. While uncertainties are inherent in the final outcome of these environmental matters, and it is presently impossible to determine the actual costs that ultimately may be incurred, management currently believes that the resolution of such uncertainties should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. ASBESTOS CONTINGENCIES KACC is a defendant in a number of lawsuits, some of which involve claims of multiple persons, in which the plaintiffs allege that certain of their injuries were caused by, among other things, exposure to asbestos during, and as a result of, their employment or association with KACC or exposure to products containing asbestos produced or sold by KACC. The lawsuits generally relate to products KACC has not manufactured for at least 15 years. At March 31, 1997, the number of such claims pending was approximately 72,500, as compared with 71,100 at December 31, 1996. In 1996, approximately 21,100 of such claims were received and 9,700 were settled or dismissed. During the quarter ended March 31, 1997, approximately 2,600 of such claims were received and 1,200 of such claims were settled or dismissed. A substantial portion of the asbestos-related claims that were filed and served on KACC during 1995 and 1996 were filed in Texas. KACC has been advised by its counsel that, although there can be no assurance, the increase in pending claims may have been attributable in part to tort reform legislation in Texas. Although asbestos-related claims are currently exempt from certain aspects of the Texas tort reform legislation, management has been advised that efforts to remove the asbestos-related exemption in the tort reform legislation relating to the doctrine of forum non conveniens, as well as other developments in the legislative and legal environment in Texas, may be responsible for the accelerated pace of new claims experienced in late 1995 and its continuance in 1996, albeit at a somewhat reduced rate. Based on past experience and reasonably anticipated future activity, the Company has established an accrual for estimated asbestos-related costs for claims filed and estimated to be filed through 2008. There are inherent uncertainties involved in estimating asbestos-related costs, and the Company's actual costs could exceed or be less than these estimates. The Company's accrual was calculated based on the current and anticipated number of asbestos-related claims, the prior timing and amounts of asbestos-related payments, and the advice of Wharton Levin Ehrmantraut Klein & Nash, P.A. with respect to the current state of the law related to asbestos claims. Accordingly, an estimated asbestos-related cost accrual of $134.4, before consideration of insurance recoveries, is included primarily in Long-term liabilities at March 31, 1997. While the Company does not presently believe there is a reasonable basis for estimating such costs beyond 2008 and, accordingly, no accrual has been recorded for such costs which may be incurred beyond 2008, there is a reasonable possibility that such costs may continue beyond 2008, and such costs may be substantial. The Company estimates that annual future cash payments in connection with such litigation will be approximately $8.0 to $17.0 for each of the years 1997 through 2001, and an aggregate of approximately $80.0 thereafter. The Company believes that KACC has insurance coverage available to recover a substantial portion of its asbestos-related costs. Claims for recovery from some of KACC's insurance carriers are currently subject to pending litigation and other carriers have raised certain defenses, which have resulted in delays in recovering costs from the insurance carriers. The timing and amount of ultimate recoveries from these insurance carriers are dependent upon the resolution of these disputes. The Company believes, based on prior insurance-related recoveries in respect of asbestos-related claims, existing insurance policies, and the advice of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges LLP with respect to applicable insurance coverage law relating to the terms and conditions of those policies, that substantial recoveries from the insurance carriers are probable. Accordingly, an estimated aggregate insurance recovery of $112.0, determined on the same basis as the asbestos-related cost accrual, is recorded primarily in Other assets at March 31, 1997. Management continues to monitor claims activity, the status of lawsuits (including settlement initiatives), legislative progress, and costs incurred in order to ascertain whether an adjustment to the existing accruals should be made to the extent that historical experience may differ significantly from the Company's underlying assumptions. While uncertainties are inherent in the final outcome of these asbestos matters and it is presently impossible to determine the actual costs that ultimately may be incurred and insurance recoveries that will be received, management currently believes that, based on the factors discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the resolution of asbestos-related uncertainties and the incurrence of asbestos-related costs net of related insurance recoveries should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. OTHER CONTINGENCIES The Company and KACC are involved in various other claims, lawsuits, and other proceedings relating to a wide variety of matters. While uncertainties are inherent in the final outcome of such matters, and it is presently impossible to determine the actual costs that ultimately may be incurred, management currently believes that the resolution of such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1996. 6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RELATED HEDGING PROGRAMS At March 31, 1997, the net unrealized loss including unamortized net option premiums on KACC's position in aluminum forward sales and option contracts, (based on an average price of $1,636 per ton ($.74 per pound) of primary aluminum), natural gas and fuel oil forward purchase and option contracts, and forward foreign exchange contracts, was approximately $19.2. ALUMINA AND ALUMINUM The Company's earnings 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. Primary aluminum prices have historically been subject to significant cyclical fluctuations. During the period January 1, 1993 through March 31, 1997, the Average Midwest United States transaction price for primary aluminum has ranged from approximately $.50 to $1.00 per pound. Alumina prices as well as fabricated aluminum product prices (which vary considerably among products) are significantly influenced by changes in the price of primary aluminum but generally lag behind primary aluminum price changes by up to three months. From time to time in the ordinary course of business, KACC enters into hedging transactions 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. Forward sales contracts are used by KACC to effectively lock-in or fix the price that KACC will receive for its shipments. KACC also uses option contracts (i) to establish a minimum price for its product shipments, (ii) to establish a "collar" or range of prices for KACC's anticipated sales, and/or (iii) to permit KACC to realize possible upside price movements. As of March 31, 1997, KACC had sold forward, at fixed prices, approximately 51,750, 93,600 and 24,000 tons* of primary aluminum with respect to 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. As of March 31, 1997, KACC had also purchased put options to establish a minimum price for approximately 154,750 and 52,000 tons with respect to 1997 and 1998, respectively, and had entered into option contracts that established a price range for an additional 103,000, 231,600 and 97,500 tons for 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. As of March 31, 1997, KACC had sold forward virtually all of the alumina available to it in excess of its projected internal smelting requirements for 1997, 1998 and 1999 at prices indexed to future prices of primary aluminum. ENERGY KACC is exposed to energy price risk from fluctuating prices for fuel oil and natural gas consumed in the production process. Accordingly, KACC from time to time in the ordinary course of business enters into hedging transactions with major suppliers of energy and energy related financial instruments. As of March 31, 1997, KACC had a combination of fixed price purchase and option contracts for the purchase of approximately 40,000 MMBtu of natural gas per day during 1997, and for 25,000 MMBtu of natural gas per day for 1998. As of March 31, 1997, KACC also held option contracts for an average of 213,000 barrels of fuel oil per month for 1997 and 222,000 barrels of fuel oil per month for 1998. * All references to tons in this report refer to metric tons of 2,204.6 pounds. FOREIGN CURRENCY KACC enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge material cash commitments to foreign subsidiaries or affiliates. At March 31, 1997, KACC had net forward foreign exchange contracts totaling approximately $127.1 for the purchase of 165.5 Australian dollars from April 1997 through June 1998, in respect of its commitments for 1997 and 1998 expenditures denominated in Australian dollars. See Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1996. 7. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT In October 1996 the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") issued Statement of Position No. 96-1 ("SOP 96-1") which provides authoritative guidance intended to improve and narrow the manner in which existing accounting literature is applied to the recognition, measurement, display, and disclosure of environmental remediation liabilities arising pursuant to existing federal, state and local laws and regulations. SOP 96-1 addresses the nature of items that are to be included in the measurement of a company's liability related to any environmental remediation efforts it is currently undertaking or required to complete in the future. In this regard, SOP 96-1 requires that all incremental direct third party costs, as well as any internal compensation costs (including benefits) for employees expected to devote a significant amount of time directly to remediation efforts, should be included in the determination of the estimated liability. The term "remediation effort" is defined in SOP 96-1 to include such things as remedial risk assessment, feasibility studies and operations and maintenance associated with corrective actions. The Company adopted SOP 96-1 effective January 1, 1997, as required. The adoption of SOP 96-1 had an immaterial impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations. ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND --------------------------------------------------------------- RESULTS OF OPERATIONS --------------------- The following should be read in conjunction with the response to Item 1, Part I, of this Report. This section contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this section (see, for example, "Profit Enhancement and Cost Reduction Initiative," "Results of Operations," and "Liquidity and Capital Resources"). Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "estimates," "will," "should," "plans" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These factors include the effectiveness of management's strategies and decisions, general economic and business conditions, developments in technology, new or modified statutory or regulatory requirements, and changing prices and market conditions. This section and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, each identify other factors that could cause such differences. No assurance can be given that these are all of the factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements. PROFIT ENHANCEMENT AND COST REDUCTION INITIATIVE The Company has set a goal of achieving significant cost reductions and other profit improvements during 1997, with the full effect planned to be realized in 1998. The initiative is based on the Company's conclusion that the current level of performance of its existing facilities and businesses will not achieve the level of profits the Company considers satisfactory based upon historic long-term average prices for primary aluminum and alumina. To achieve this goal, the Company plans reductions in production costs, decreases in corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, and enhancements to product mix. There can be no assurance that the initiative will result in the desired cost reductions and other profit improvements. RECENT EVENTS In April 1997 KACC announced that it had signed a letter of intent with Reynolds Metal Company ("Reynolds") to purchase Reynolds' McCook, Illinois, sheet and plate plant and Bellwood, Virginia, extrusions plant. The transaction is subject to regulatory and board approvals, negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, and other customary closing conditions; accordingly, no assurances can be given that the transaction will ultimately be consummated. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The table on the following page provides selected operational and financial information on a consolidated basis with respect to the Company for the quarters ended March 31, 1997, and 1996. As an integrated aluminum producer, the Company uses a portion of its bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminum production for additional processing at certain of its other facilities. Intracompany shipments and sales are excluded from the information set forth on the following page. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of those for a full year. SELECTED OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (In millions of dollars, except shipments and prices)
Quarter Ended March 31, ------------------------------ 1997 1996 ------------------------------ Shipments: (1) Alumina 385.5 476.2 Aluminum products: Primary aluminum 78.5 74.8 Fabricated aluminum products 93.9 77.2 ------------- --------------- Total aluminum products 172.4 152.0 ============= == ============= Average realized sales price: Alumina (per ton) $ 190 $ 208 Primary aluminum (per pound) .75 .72 Net sales: Bauxite and alumina: Alumina $ 73.2 $ 99.0 Other (2) (3) 26.6 24.4 ------------- --------------- Total bauxite and alumina 99.8 123.4 ------------- --------------- Aluminum processing: Primary aluminum 129.2 119.1 Fabricated aluminum products 314.4 284.9 Other (3) 4.0 3.7 ------------- --------------- Total aluminum processing 447.6 407.7 ------------- --------------- Total net sales $ 547.4 $ 531.1 ============= =============== Operating income (loss): Bauxite and alumina $ (1.5) $ 9.8 Aluminum processing 51.3 48.5 Corporate (18.5) (18.0) ------------- --------------- Total operating income $ 31.3 $ 40.3 ============= =============== Net income $ 2.6 $ 9.9 ============= =============== Capital expenditures: Property, plant, and equipment $ 21.8 $ 19.8 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates ------------- --------------- Total capital expenditures $ 21.8 $ 19.8 ============= =============== - --------------------------------- (1) In thousands of metric tons. (2) Includes net sales of bauxite. (3) Includes the portion of net sales attributable to minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries. /TABLE Overview The Company's operating results are sensitive to changes in prices of alumina, primary aluminum, and fabricated aluminum products, and also depend to a significant degree on the volume and mix of all products sold and on KACC's hedging strategies. Primary aluminum prices have historically been subject to significant cyclical fluctuations. Alumina prices as well as fabricated aluminum product prices (which vary considerably among products) are significantly influenced by changes in the price of primary aluminum but generally lag behind primary aluminum price changes by up to three months. During the first half of 1996, the Average Midwest United States transaction price ("AMT Price") for primary aluminum remained relatively stable in the $.75 per pound range. However, during the second half of the year the AMT Price fell, reaching a low of $.65 per pound for October 1996, before recovering late in the year. During the period 1993- March 31, 1997, the AMT Price for primary aluminum ranged from approximately $.50 to $1.00 per pound. The AMT Price for primary aluminum for the week ended April 11, 1997, was approximately $.76 per pound. See Note 6 of the Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of KACC's hedging activities. QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 Summary The Company reported net income of $2.6 million, or $.01 per common and common equivalent share, for the first quarter of 1997, compared to net income of $9.9 million, or $.11 per common and common equivalent share, for the same period of 1996. Net sales in the first quarter of 1997 totaled $547.4 million compared to $531.1 million in the first quarter of 1996. Bauxite and Alumina Net sales of alumina decreased by 26% for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, from the comparable period in the prior year, as a result of a 19% decrease in shipments of alumina and a 9% decline in average prices realized from the sale of alumina. Shipment volumes were down as compared to the quarters ended March 31, 1996, and December 31, 1996, primarily as a result of the timing of shipments. The reduction in average prices realized reflects the substantial decline in primary aluminum prices experienced in the latter half of 1996 discussed above. The change in operating income (loss) for this segment from the prior year period was to a substantial degree the result of the reduction in the average alumina price realized and to a lesser extent due to the decline in alumina shipments. Aluminum Processing Net sales of primary aluminum increased by 8% for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, from the comparable prior year period as a result of a 3% increase in average prices realized and a 5% increase in shipments. Net sales of fabricated aluminum products were up 10% for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, as compared to the prior year period as a result of a 22% increase in shipments. The increase in fabricated aluminum product shipments over the fourth quarter of 1996 and the first quarter of 1996 is due to seasonal factors and increased international sales of can sheet, respectively. The impact of increased product shipments on net sales was to a limited degree offset by a 9% decrease in average prices realized from the sale of fabricated aluminum products for the quarter ended March 31, 1997. Operating income for the aluminum processing segment was affected by the price and volume factors discussed above and also reflects approximately $5.0 million of operating income realized in the first quarter of 1997 related to the settlement of certain energy service contracts. Corporate Corporate operating expenses represent normal and recurring corporate general and administrative expenses which are not allocated to the Company's business segments. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Capital Structure MAXXAM Inc. ("MAXXAM") and MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc. ("MGHI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of MAXXAM, collectively own approximately 62% of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, assuming the conversion of each outstanding share of the Company's 8.255% PRIDES, Convertible Preferred Stock (the "PRIDES") into one share of the Company's Common Stock. The remaining approximately 38% of the Company's Common Stock is publicly held. MGHI has pledged 27,938,250 shares of the Company's Common Stock beneficially owned by it (the "Pledged Shares") as security for $225.7 million of debt securities of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Additionally, MGHI has agreed to pledge up to 16,055,000 of such Pledged Shares as security for $130.0 million of its debt securities should the MAXXAM security pledge be released due to an early retirement of the related debt (other than by a refinancing). The Company has an effective "shelf" registration statement covering the offering of up to 10,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock that are owned by MAXXAM. Any such offering will only be made by means of a prospectus. The Company will not receive any of the net proceeds from any transaction initiated by MAXXAM pursuant to this registration statement. The Company also has an effective shelf registration statement covering the offering from time to time of up to $150.0 million of equity securities. Any such offering will only be made by means of a prospectus. On December 31, 1997, unless either previously redeemed by the Company or converted at the option of the holder, each of the outstanding shares of PRIDES will mandatorily convert into one share of the Company's Common Stock, subject to adjustment in certain events. The Credit Agreement does not permit the Company or KACC to pay any dividends on their common stock. The declaration and payment of dividends by the Company with respect to the outstanding PRIDES is expressly permitted by the terms of the Credit Agreement to the extent the Company receives payments on certain intercompany notes or certain other permitted distributions from KACC. Operating Activities At March 31, 1997, the Company had working capital of $470.6 million, compared with working capital of $414.3 million at December 31, 1996. The increase in working capital was due primarily to an increase in Receivables and a decrease in Accrued interest and Accounts payable partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents. Investing Activities Capital expenditures during the first quarter of 1997 were $21.8 million, which were used primarily to improve production efficiency, reduce operating costs, expand capacity at existing facilities, and construct new facilities. The Company's first Micromill(TM) facility, which was constructed in Nevada during 1996 as a demonstration and production facility, achieved operational start-up by year-end 1996. The Company expects that the Nevada Micromill(TM) facility will be in a start-up mode for the first half of 1997 and will be able to commence limited product shipments to customers in the latter part of the year. Total consolidated capital expenditures (of which approximately 7% is expected to be funded by the Company's minority partners in certain foreign joint ventures) are expected to be between $70.0 and $140.0 million per annum in each of 1997 through 1999. Management continues to evaluate numerous projects all of which require substantial capital, including the Company's Micromill(TM) project, the previously discussed transaction with Reynolds, and other potential opportunities both in the United States and overseas. In 1995, Kaiser Yellow River Investment Limited ("KYRIL"), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a joint venture agreement and related agreements (the "Joint Venture Agreements") with the Lanzhou Aluminum Smelters ("LAS") of the China National Nonferrous Metals Industry Corporation ( the "CNNC") relating to the formation and operation of Yellow River Aluminum Industry Company Limited, a Sino-foreign joint equity enterprise (the "Joint Venture") organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China ("PRC"). KYRIL contributed $9.0 million to the capital of the Joint Venture in July 1995. The parties to the Joint Venture are currently engaged in discussions concerning the future of the Joint Venture. At a meeting of the board of directors of the Joint Venture held in January 1997, the Joint Venture directors adopted a resolution that, among other things, (i) extended until June 30, 1997, discussions concerning the future of the Joint Venture, (ii) provided that KYRIL granted to LAS the right to seek a buyer to purchase KYRIL's equity interest in the Joint Venture, and (iii) provided that if a buyer to purchase KYRIL's equity interest in the Joint Venture was not found by June 30, 1997, the Joint Venture would be terminated and dissolved. More recent negotiations between KYRIL and LAS have focused on LAS and/or the CNNC making a payment to KYRIL in return for its existing interests in the Joint Venture. However, no agreement has been reached concerning the amount of or terms for any such payment. Governmental approval in the PRC will be necessary in order to implement any arrangements agreed to by the parties, and there can be no assurance such approvals will be obtained. Financing Activities and Liquidity At March 31, 1997, the Company had long-term debt of $1,018.6 million, compared with $961.9 million at December 31, 1996. The change in long-term debt between periods is the result of $42.0 million of borrowings under the Company's Credit Agreement and $19.0 million of proceeds from the Spokane County, Washington, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds which were loaned to KACC to finance certain qualifying capital expenditures at its Mead smelter. At March 31, 1997, $231.9 million (of which $73.9 million could have been used for letters of credit) was available to KACC under the Credit Agreement. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a premium (which varies based on the results of a financial test) over either a base rate or LIBOR at the Company's option. During the first quarter of 1997, the average per annum interest rate was 9.75%. Management believes that the Company's existing cash resources, together with cash flows from operations and borrowings under the Credit Agreement, will be sufficient to meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next year. Additionally, with respect to long-term liquidity, management believes that operating cash flows, together with the ability to obtain both short and long-term financing, should provide sufficient funds to meet the Company's working capital and capital expenditure requirements. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ----------------- Matheson et al v. Kaiser Aluminum Corporation et al In March 1996, a lawsuit was field in the Delaware Court of Chancery, entitled Matheson et al v. Kaiser Aluminum Corporation et al, No. 14900, against MAXXAM, the Company, and the directors of the Company, challenging and seeking to enjoin a proposed recapitalization of the Company (the "Proposed Recapitalization") and a special stockholders meeting at which the Proposed Recapitalization was to be considered. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings, of the Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, Commission File No. 1-9447 (the "Form 10-K"). On or about March 27, 1997, the Court of Chancery signed a Final Order and Judgment awarding plaintiffs' attorneys fees and expenses in the amount of $.8 million, dissolving the preliminary injunction, and dismissing plaintiffs' case with prejudice. DOJ Proceeding In August 24, 1994, the United States Department of Justice (the "DOJ") issued Civil Investigative Demand No. 11356 requesting certain information from the Company regarding its production and sales of primary aluminum. The Company was informed in April 1997 that the DOJ has officially closed its investigation and will return the documents submitted by the Company. Asbestos-related Litigation KACC is a defendant in a number of lawsuits, some of which involve claims of multiple persons, in which the plaintiffs allege that certain of their injuries were caused by, among other things, exposure to asbestos during, and as a result of, their employment or association with KACC or exposure to products containing asbestos produced or sold by KACC. The portion of Note 5 of the Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report under the heading "Asbestos Contingencies" is incorporated herein by reference. See Part I, Item 3. "LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - Asbestos-related Litigation" in the Company's Form 10-K. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K -------------------------------- (a) Exhibits. Exhibit No. Exhibit ---------- ------- 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (the "Company" or "KAC"), dated February 21, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, dated June 11, 1991, filed by KAC, Registration No. 33-37895). 3.2 Certificate of Retirement of KAC, dated October 24, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1995, filed by KAC, File No. 1-9447). 3.3 Amended and Restated By-laws of KAC, dated February 3, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 1996, filed by KAC, File No. 1-9447.) *27 Financial Data Schedule. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. No report on Form 8-K was filed by the Company during the quarter ended March 31, 1997. - --------------- * Filed herewith SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, who have signed this report on behalf of the registrant as the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the registrant, respectively. KAISER ALUMINUM CORPORATION /s/ John T. La Duc By: ---------------------------- John T. La Duc Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/Arthur S. Donaldson By: ---------------------------- Arthur S. Donaldson Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) Dated: April 21, 1997 EX-27 2
5 This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 1997, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 1,000,000 3-MOS DEC-31-1997 JAN-01-1997 MAR-31-1997 15 0 284 5 576 1,010 1,167 23 2,936 539 1,013 0 0 1 70 2,936 547 547 461 461 55 0 28 6 2 3 0 0 0 3 .01 .01
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