--------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED STATES
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 JUNE 30, 2000
Commission File Number 333-63825
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 68-0414690
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
P. O. BOX 712
125 MAIN STREET, 2ND FLOOR 95565
SCOTIA, CALIFORNIA (Zip Code)
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (707) 764-2330
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 / /
The Registrant is a limited liability company wholly owned by
an affiliate of the Registrant.
REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(1)(A)
AND (B) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED
DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Balance Sheet at June 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999
Statement of Income (Loss) for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2000 and 1999
Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended
June 30, 2000 and 1999
Condensed Notes to Financial Statements
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
Signature
APPENDIX A - GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
BALANCE SHEET
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
2000 1999
-------------- --------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents....................................................... $ 1.3 $ 1.3
Marketable securities, restricted............................................... 16.0 15.9
Receivables from Pacific Lumber................................................. 11.6 4.5
Prepaid timber harvesting costs................................................. 6.8 4.4
Other prepaid expenses and current assets....................................... 0.5 0.4
-------------- --------------
Total current assets......................................................... 36.2 26.5
Timber and timberlands, net of accumulated depletion of $253.2 and $249.0,
respectively................................................................. 265.5 267.8
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $10.4 and $9.5,
respectively................................................................. 17.3 16.5
Deferred financing costs, net...................................................... 19.4 20.7
Restricted cash and marketable securities.......................................... 127.0 156.9
Other assets....................................................................... 2.2 2.7
-------------- --------------
$ 467.6 $ 491.1
============== ==============
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Due to Pacific Lumber........................................................... $ 1.2 $ 0.9
Accrued interest................................................................ 27.1 28.1
Other accrued liabilities....................................................... 1.6 2.0
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt.................. 21.7 16.0
-------------- --------------
Total current liabilities.................................................... 51.6 47.0
Long-term debt, less current maturities and excluding $23.0 of Timber Notes
held in SAR Account as of June 30, 2000......................................... 807.3 843.5
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities............................................................ 858.9 890.5
-------------- --------------
Contingencies
Member deficit..................................................................... (391.3) (399.4)
-------------- --------------
$ 467.6 $ 491.1
============== ==============
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
----------------------- -----------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Log sales to Pacific Lumber...................................... $ 26.8 $ 8.4 $ 47.1 $ 14.7
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Operating expenses:
General and administrative.................................... 4.3 2.3 7.7 4.7
Depletion, depreciation and amortization...................... 3.0 1.4 5.5 2.8
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
7.3 3.7 13.2 7.5
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Operating income................................................. 19.5 4.7 33.9 7.2
Other income (expense):
Interest and other income..................................... 2.3 0.1 3.8 0.5
Interest expense.............................................. (15.9) (16.3) (32.0) (32.6)
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item.......................... 5.9 (11.5) 5.7 (24.9)
Extraordinary item:
Gain on repurchase of debt.................................... - - 2.4 -
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Net income (loss)................................................ $ 5.9 $ (11.5) $ 8.1 $ (24.9)
=========== ========== ========== ===========
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
--------------------
2000 1999
--------- ---------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).......................................................................... $ 8.1 $ (24.9)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating
activities:
Gain on sale of assets.................................................................. - (0.2)
Gain on repurchase of debt.............................................................. (2.4) -
Depletion, depreciation and amortization................................................ 5.5 2.8
Amortization of deferred financing costs................................................ 0.7 0.8
Net purchases of marketable securities, restricted...................................... (0.1) -
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in:
Receivables from Pacific Lumber....................................................... (7.1) (1.0)
Prepaid timber harvest costs.......................................................... (2.5) (0.6)
Due to Pacific Lumber................................................................. 0.2 -
Accrued interest...................................................................... (1.1) (0.2)
Other accrued liabilities............................................................. (0.3) -
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities.................................... 1.0 (23.3)
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures....................................................................... (3.2) (15.9)
Restricted cash withdrawals used to acquire timberlands.................................... 0.3 12.9
Net proceeds from sale of assets........................................................... - 0.3
--------- ---------
Net cash used for investing activities.................................................. (2.9) (2.7)
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on Timber Notes and other timber related debt........................... (13.0) (5.4)
Net borrowings under line of credit agreement.............................................. 5.5 -
Incurrence of deferred financing costs..................................................... - (0.2)
Net changes in debt related restricted cash and marketable securities...................... 9.4 -
Member contributions....................................................................... - 5.3
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities.................................... 1.9 (0.3)
--------- ---------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..................................................... - (26.3)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD.............................................. 1.3 31.9
--------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD.................................................... $ 1.3 $ 5.6
========= =========
SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Contribution of timber and timberlands by Pacific Lumber................................... $ - $ 6.1
Repurchase of debt using restricted cash and marketable securities......................... 20.1 -
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid.............................................................................. $ 32.3 $ 32.0
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. GENERAL
The information contained in the following notes to the financial
statements is condensed from that which would appear in the annual financial
statements; accordingly, the financial statements included herein should be
reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto
contained in the Form 10-K. Any capitalized terms used but not defined in these
Condensed Notes to Financial Statements are defined in the "Glossary of Defined
Terms" contained in Appendix A. Accounting measurements at interim dates
inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year end. The results
of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative
of the results to be expected for the entire year.
The financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they
include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the opinion of
management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position of the
Company at June 30, 2000, the results of operations for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2000 and 1999 and the cash flows for the six months ended June
30, 2000 and 1999 The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Lumber
which is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGI. MGI is a wholly owned subsidiary of
MGHI, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAXXAM.
There were no reconciling differences between the Company's net income and
comprehensive income for either of the three and six month periods ended June
30, 2000 and 1999.
2. HEADWATERS TRANSACTIONS
On March 1, 1999, the United States and California acquired the Headwaters
Timberlands, approximately 5,600 acres of timberlands containing a significant
amount of virgin old growth timber, from Salmon Creek and Pacific Lumber. Salmon
Creek received $299.9 million for its 4,900 acres, and for its 700 acres,
Pacific Lumber received the 7,700 acre Elk River Timberlands, which Pacific
Lumber contributed to the Company in June 1999. See Note 4 below for a
discussion of additional agreements entered into on March 1, 1999.
The Company also entered into an agreement with California for the future
sale of a timber property known as the Owl Creek grove. Under this agreement,
the Company would sell the Owl Creek grove to California by June 30, 2001, for
the lesser of the appraised fair market value or $79.7 million. The sale of the
Owl Creek grove will not be reflected in the Company's financial statements
until it has been concluded.
3. RESTRICTED CASH AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Cash and marketable securities include the following amounts which are
restricted (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
2000 1999
------------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Marketable securities, restricted:
Amounts held in SAR Account........................................... $ 16.0 $ 15.9
Long-term restricted cash and marketable securities:
Amounts held in SAR Account.............................................. 143.8 153.2
Amounts held in Prefunding Account....................................... 3.0 3.3
Other amounts restricted under the Indenture............................. 0.3 0.4
Less: Amounts attributable to Timber Notes held in SAR Account.......... (20.1) -
------------- ------------
127.0 156.9
------------- ------------
Total restricted cash and marketable securities............................. $ 143.0 $ 172.8
============= ============
</TABLE>
4. CONTINGENCIES
Regulatory and environmental matters play a significant role in the
Company's business, which is subject to a variety of California and federal laws
and regulations, as well as the HCP and SYP and Pacific Lumber's 2000 timber
operator's license, dealing with timber harvesting practices, threatened and
endangered species and habitat for such species, and air and water quality. As
further described in Note 2 "Headwaters Transactions," on March 1, 1999, Pacific
Lumber and MAXXAM consummated the Headwaters Agreement with the United States
and California. In addition to the transfer of the Headwaters Timberlands
described in Note 2, the SYP and the HCP were approved and the Permits were
issued.
The SYP complies with certain California Board of Forestry regulations
requiring timber companies to project timber growth and harvest on their
timberlands over a 100-year planning period and to demonstrate that their
projected average annual harvest for any decade within the 100-year planning
period will not exceed the average annual harvest level during the last decade
of the 100-year planning period. The SYP is effective for 10 years (subject to
review after five years) and may be amended by Pacific Lumber, subject to
approval by the CDF. Revised SYPs will be prepared every decade that address the
harvest level based upon reassessment of changes in the resource base and other
factors. The HCP and the Permits allow incidental "take" of certain species
located on the Company's timberlands which have been listed as endangered or
threatened under the ESA and/or CESA so long as there is no "jeopardy" to the
continued existence of such species. The HCP identifies the measures to be
instituted in order to minimize and mitigate the anticipated level of take to
the greatest extent practicable. The SYP is also subject to certain of these
provisions. The HCP and related Permits have a term of 50 years. The Company
believes that the SYP and the HCP should in the long- term expedite the
preparation and facilitate approval of its THPs, although the Company is
experiencing difficulties in the THP approval process as it implements these
agreements.
Under the Federal Clean Water Act, the EPA is required to establish TMDLs
in water courses that have been declared to be "water quality impaired." The EPA
and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board are in the process of
establishing TMDLs for 17 northern California rivers and certain of their
tributaries, including nine water courses that flow within the Company's
timberlands. The Company expects this process to continue into 2010. In the
December 16, 1999 EPA report dealing with TMDLs on two of the nine water
courses, the agency indicated that the requirements under the HCP would
significantly address the sediment issues that resulted in TMDL requirements for
these water courses. Nevertheless, establishment of the final TMDL requirements
applicable to the Company's timberlands will be a lengthy process, and the final
TMDL requirements applicable to the Company's timberlands may require aquatic
protection measures that are different from or in addition to the prescriptions
to be developed pursuant to the watershed analysis process provided for in the
HCP.
Lawsuits are pending and threatened which seek to prevent the Company from
implementing the HCP and/or the SYP, implementing certain of the Company's
approved THPs or carrying out certain other operations. On December 2, 1997, the
Wrigley lawsuit and the Rollins lawsuit were filed against the Company, certain
of its affiliates and others. These actions allege, among other things, that the
defendants' logging practices have damaged the plaintiffs' properties and
property values by contributing to landslides (Rollins lawsuit) and the
destruction of certain watersheds (Wrigley lawsuit). The Company believes that
it has strong factual and legal defenses with respect to these matters; however,
there can be no assurance that they will not have a material adverse effect on
its financial position, results of operations or liquidity. On March 31, 1999,
the EPIC-SYP/Permits lawsuit was filed alleging various violations of the CESA
and the CEQA, and challenging, among other things, the validity and legality of
the Permits issued by California and the SYP. On March 31, 1999, the USWA
lawsuit was filed also challenging the validity and legality of the SYP. The
Company believes that appropriate procedures were followed throughout the public
review and approval process concerning the HCP and the SYP, and the Company is
working with the relevant government agencies to defend these challenges.
Although uncertainties are inherent in the final outcome of the EPIC-SYP/Permits
lawsuit and the USWA lawsuit, the Company believes that the resolution of these
matters should not result in a material adverse effect on its financial
condition, results of operations or the ability to harvest timber. While the
Company expects environmentally focused objections and lawsuits to continue, it
believes that the HCP, the SYP and the Permits should enhance its position in
connection with these continuing challenges and, over time, reduce or minimize
such challenges.
5. MEMBER DEFICIT
A reconciliation of the activity in member deficit is as follows (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
JUNE 30, 2000
--------------
<S> <C>
Balance at beginning of period................................ $ (399.4)
Net income.................................................... 8.1
--------------
Balance at end of period...................................... $ (391.3)
==============
</TABLE>
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 Part I,
Item 1 of this Report and Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 8. "Financial Statements
and Supplementary Data" of the Form 10-K. Any capitalized terms used but not
defined in this Item are defined in the "Glossary of Defined Terms" contained in
Appendix A.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 and in Part II. Item 1. "Legal Proceedings." 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 Form 10-Q and the Form 10-K 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.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The Mbfe concept was used in structuring the Timber Notes in order to take
account of the relative values of the species and categories of timber included
in the Company Timber. Under the Mbfe concept, one thousand board feet, net
Scribner scale, of old growth redwood timber equates to one Mbfe. One thousand
board feet, net Scribner scale, of each other species and category of timber
included in the Company Timber was assigned a value in Mbfe equal to a fraction
of a Mbfe. This fraction was generally determined by dividing the SBE Price
applicable to such species and category for the first half of 1998 by the SBE
Price applicable to old growth redwood for the first half of 1998. Historical
harvest volumes reflected in this report are stated on an Mbfe basis.
The Master Purchase Agreement generally contemplates that all sales of
logs by the Company to Pacific Lumber will be at the SBE Price. Harvest Value
Schedules setting forth the SBE Prices are published by the California State
Board of Equalization twice a year for the purpose of computing a yield tax
imposed on timber harvested between January 1 and June 30 and July 1 and
December 31. Harvest Value Schedules are based on twenty-four months of actual
log and timber sales that occur within nine specified timber value areas. These
sales are arms length transactions adjusted for time by indexing (using log and,
in the case of redwood, log and lumber price trends) to a specific date, which
is approximately sixty days prior to the effective date of the Harvest Value
Schedules. However, SBE prices may not necessarily be representative of actual
prices that would be realized from unrelated parties at subsequent dates.
Seasonality
Logging operations on the Company's timberlands are highly seasonal and
have historically been significantly higher in the months of April through
November than in the months of December through March. Management expects that
the Company's revenues and cash flows will continue to be markedly seasonal. The
impact of seasonality on the Company's results is expected to become more
pronounced than it has been historically because of the harvesting, road use,
wet weather and other restrictions imposed by the HCP. As a result, a
substantial majority of the future harvesting on the Company's timberlands can
be expected to be concentrated during the period from June through October of
each year. Some of these restrictions may be modified under the adaptive
management provision contained in the HCP and as a result of the watershed
analysis process to be performed over the five-year period beginning March 1,
1999. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements.
Log sales to Pacific Lumber
Net sales from logs were $26.8 million and $8.4 million for the three
months ended June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The increase was due to a
substantial increase in SBE Prices as well as an increase in log delivery
volumes. The volume of log deliveries for such periods represented approximately
26,800 Mbfe and 12,400 Mbfe, respectively. Net sales from logs were $47.1
million and $14.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and
1999, respectively. This represents a log volume of 47,800 Mbfe and 23,400 Mbfe,
respectively. As with the increase between the quarters, the increase in net
sales between periods was due to a substantial increase in SBE prices as well as
an increase in log delivery volumes. The favorable variance in log volumes is
the result of the increase in the available-to-log THPs; however, the supply of
approved THPs remains well below that available prior to 1998. See "--Trends"
for further discussion of the factors affecting the supply of approved THPs.
Operating income and net income (loss)
Operating income was $19.5 million and $4.7 million for the three months
ended June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Operating income was $33.9 million
and $7.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
The increase in operating income is principally due to the increase in log sales
discussed above. This was slightly offset by an increase in general and
administrative expenses due to the addition of personnel, higher road
maintenance costs and additional yield taxes which are based on harvest volume.
Depletion and depreciation increased as a result of increased harvest levels.
The increase in net income is principally due to the increase in operating
income discussed previously as well as an increase in interest income resulting
from investment of the funds held in the SAR Account and, for the six months
ended June 30, 2000, from an extraordinary gain of $2.4 million on reacquisition
of Timber Notes (which are being held in the SAR Account).
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. See above for cautionary information with respect to such
forward-looking statements.
During the six months ended June 30, 2000, $20.1 million in funds from the
SAR Account were used to reacquire Timber Notes, representing $23.0 million in
principal, as permitted under the Indenture. As of June 30, 2000, the fair value
of funds held in the SAR Account, including the reacquired Timber Notes, was
$160.3 million.
As of June 30, 2000, $5.6 million was outstanding under the Line of Credit
which was subsequently paid on July 20, 2000. On May 26, 2000, the Line of
Credit was extended for an additional year to July 15, 2001.
On the July 20, 2000 note payment date for the Timber Notes, the Company
had $3.1 million in cash available to pay the $31.1 million of interest due. The
Company borrowed the remaining $28.0 million in funds under the Line of Credit.
In addition, the Company repaid $2.9 million of principal on the Timber Notes
(an amount equal to Scheduled Amortization) using funds held in the SAR Account.
With respect to short-term liquidity, the Company believes that it may not
generate sufficient cash from operations to pay all of the interest on the
Timber Notes on the January 22, 2001 payment date. However, the Company expects
that any such shortfall will be borrowed under the Line of Credit and that funds
to pay the Scheduled Amortization amount will be provided from the SAR Account.
Pacific Lumber's financial condition will affect its ability to purchase
logs from the Company and to meet its obligations under the Services Agreement.
Pacific Lumber expects that near-term cash flows from operations will be
adversely affected by an inadequate supply of logs and a related slowdown in
lumber production.
Pacific Lumber anticipates that available cash, cash equivalents and
marketable securities of $17.4 million as of June 30, 2000 and cash flows from
operations, together with funds available under Pacific Lumber's revolving
credit agreement and capital contributions from MGI, will enable it to meet its
working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the remainder of 2000.
With respect to long-term liquidity, although Pacific Lumber expects that its
existing cash and cash equivalents should provide sufficient funds to meet its
working capital and capital expenditure requirements, until such time as Pacific
Lumber has adequate cash flows from operations and/or dividends from the
Company, there can be no assurance that this will be the case.
With respect to long-term liquidity, the Company believes that its
existing cash, including cash available for principal payments from the SAR
Account, and funds available under the Line of Credit, together with its ability
to generate sufficient levels of cash flows from operations over the long term,
should provide sufficient funds to meet its long-term working capital, capital
expenditures and required debt service obligations. If the Company generates
excess funds after the payment of operating expenses, capital expenditures,
interest, premiums, required principal payments and replenishment of the SAR
Account, it may at its option either pay dividends, retain these funds for
internal purposes or make voluntary principal payments. Cash flows from
operations may continue to be adversely affected if the Company does not
experience improvements in the THP submission and approval process, or if
inclement weather conditions or seasonal operating restrictions under the HCP
hamper harvesting operations. Cash flows from operations would also be adversely
affected if additional judicial or regulatory restrictions are imposed on the
Company's harvesting activities, or if the Environmental Plans are not
implemented in accordance with the Company's expectations.
TRENDS
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. See above for cautionary information with respect to such
forward-looking statements.
Regulatory and environmental matters play a significant role in the
Company's operations. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements and Item 1.
"Business - Regulatory and Environmental Matters" of the Form 10-K for a
discussion of these matters. Compliance with such laws, regulations and judicial
and administrative interpretations, and related litigation have increased the
cost of logging operations and at times have delayed or reduced harvest. The
Company has also been adversely affected by a lack of available logs as a result
of a severely diminished supply of available THPs. Prior to the consummation of
the Headwaters Agreement on March 1, 1999, the reduced number of approved THPs
was attributable to several factors, including a significantly reduced level of
THPs submitted by the Company to the CDF during the second half of 1998 and
during the first two months of 1999. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Trends" of the Form
10-K for a discussion of other factors which affected THP submissions and
approvals during the above time period.
With the consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, Pacific Lumber has
completed its work in connection with preparation of the Environmental Plans;
however, significant additional work continues to be required in connection with
their implementation. As a result of the implementation process, 1999 was a
transition period for the Company with respect to the filing and approval of its
THPs. The transition period has continued into 2000. The rate of submissions and
approvals of THPs during the six months ended June 30, 2000 is higher than that
for 1999. However, monthly submissions and approvals continue to be slower than
the Company's expectations and slower than the Company has historically
experienced prior to 1998. This is because government agencies have failed to
approve THPs in a timely manner. Nevertheless, the Company anticipates that
after a transition period, the implementation of the Environmental Plans will
streamline the process of preparing THPs and potentially shorten the time to
obtain approval of THPs.
There can be no assurance that the Company will not continue to experience
difficulties in receiving approvals of its THPs similar to those it has been
experiencing. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that certain pending legal,
regulatory and environmental matters or future governmental regulations,
legislation or judicial or administrative decisions, or adverse weather
conditions, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position, results of operations or liquidity. See Part II. Item 1. "Legal
Proceedings" and Note 4 to the Financial Statements for further information
regarding regulatory and legal proceedings affecting the Company.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Reference is made to Item 3 of the Form 10-K for information concerning
material legal proceedings with respect to the Company. The following material
developments have occurred with respect to such legal proceedings subsequent to
the filing of the Form 10-K.
TIMBER HARVESTING LITIGATION
On March 10, 2000, the EPIC/THP 97-520 lawsuit was filed in the Superior
Court of Humboldt County. Plaintiffs allege that the CDF violated the Forest
Practices Act and the California Public Resources Code by approving an amendment
to THP 97-520 (which covers approximately 700 acres of timberlands adjoining the
Headwaters Timberlands) as a "minor" amendment. The plaintiffs seek an order
requiring the CDF to withdraw its approval of the minor amendment to THP 97-520,
and enjoining Pacific Lumber from harvesting under THP 97-520. In July 2000, the
Court issued a preliminary injunction enjoining Pacific Lumber from harvesting
under THP 97-520. It is impossible for the Company to assess the potential
impact of this matter in the short term, but it believes that an adverse outcome
in this matter will not in the long term have a material adverse effect on its
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
With respect to the Rollins lawsuit described in the Form 10-K, on April
26, 2000, the Court dismissed four of the plaintiffs' ten causes of action,
including their allegations that the defendants had violated the California
business and professions code; on June 6, 2000, the Court dismissed another of
the plaintiffs' causes of action; and on June 20, 2000, the Court granted
summary judgment in favor of the defendants with respect to the plaintiffs'
claim for punitive damages.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
A. EXHIBITS:
*27 Financial Data Schedule for the six months ended June 30,
2000
* Included with this filing.
B. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:
None.
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 has signed this report on behalf of
the Registrant and as the principal financial and accounting officer of the
Registrant.
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
Date: August 10, 2000 By: /S/ GARY L. CLARK
-----------------------------------------
Gary L. Clark
Vice President - Finance
and Administration
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS
CDF: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act
CESA: California Endangered Species Act
Company: Scotia Pacific Company LLC, a limited liability company wholly owned by
Pacific Lumber
Company Timber: The timber located on the Company's timberlands which is not
subject to harvesting rights by Pacific Lumber
Environmental Plans: The HCP and the SYP
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
EPIC - SYP/Permits lawsuit: An action entitled Environmental Protection
Information Association, Sierra Club v.California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection, California Department of Fish and Game, The Pacific Lumber
Company, Salmon Creek Corporation, et al. (No. 99CS00639) filed March 31, 1999
in the Superior Court of Sacramento County
EPIC/THP 97-520 lawsuit: A lawsuit entitled Environmental Protection Information
Center, Sierra Club v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection,
Does I-X, Scotia Pacific Holding Company, Pacific Lumber Company and Does XI-XX
(THP 520) (No. CV-000170) filed on March 10, 2000 in the Superior Court of
Humboldt County
ESA: The federal Endangered Species Act
Forest Practice Act: The California Forest Practice Act
Form 10-K: The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
Harvest Value Schedule: A schedule setting forth the SBE Prices published twice
a year by the California Board of Equalization applicable to the timber
harvested during the period covered by the schedule for purposes of computing
timber yield taxes
HCP: The habitat conservation plan covering multiple species approved on March
1, 1999 in connection with the consummation of the Headwaters Agreement
Headwaters Agreement: The September 28, 1996 agreement between Pacific Lumber,
Scotia LLC, Salmon Creek, the United States and California which provided the
framework for the acquisition by the United States and California of the
Headwaters Timberlands
Headwaters Timberlands: Approximately 5,600 acres of Pacific Lumber timberlands
consisting of two forest groves commonly referred to as the Headwaters Forest
and the Elk Head Springs Forest which were sold to the United States and
California on March 1, 1999
Indenture: The indenture governing the Timber Notes
Line of Credit: The agreement between a group of lenders and the Company
pursuant to which the Company may borrow in order to pay interest on the Timber
Notes
Master Purchase Agreement: The agreement entered into between Pacific Lumber and
the Company that governs all purchases of logs by Pacific Lumber from the
Company
MAXXAM: MAXXAM Inc.
Mbfe: A concept used in structuring the Timber Notes; under this concept one
thousand board feet, net Scribner scale, of residual old growth redwood timber
equates to one Mbfe
MGHI: MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MAXXAM
MGI: MAXXAM Group Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MGHI
Pacific Lumber: The Pacific Lumber Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of MGI
Permits: The incidental take permits issued by the United States and California
pursuant to the HCP
Prefunding Account: Restricted cash held in an account by the trustee under the
Indenture to enable the Company to acquire timberlands
Rollins lawsuit: An action entitled Jennie Rollins, et al. v. Charles Hurwitz,
John Campbell, Pacific Lumber, MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc., Scotia Pacific
Holding Company, MAXXAM Group Inc., MAXXAM Inc., Barnum Timber Company (No.
9700400) filed on December 2, 1997 in the Superior Court of Humboldt County
Salmon Creek: Salmon Creek LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Lumber
SAR Account: Funds held in a reserve account to support principal payments on
the Timber Notes
SBE Price: The applicable stumpage price for a particular species and category
of log, as set forth in the most recent Harvest Value Schedule published by the
California State Board of Equalization at six month intervals for the purpose of
computing yield taxes imposed on the harvesting of timber
Scheduled Amortization: The amount of principal which the Company must pay
through each Timber Note payment date in order to avoid prepayment or deficiency
premiums
Services Agreement: An agreement whereby Pacific Lumber is to provide
operational, management and related services with respect to the Company's
timberlands and for which Pacific Lumber is paid a fee
SYP: The sustained yield plan approved on March 1, 1999 in connection with the
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement
THP: Timber harvesting plan required to be filed with and approved by the CDF
prior to the harvesting of timber
Timber Notes: The Company's $867.2 million original aggregate principal amount
of 6.55% Series B Class A-1 Timber Collateralized Notes, 7.11% Series B Class
A-2 Timber Collateralized Notes and 7.71% Series B Class A-3 Timber
Collateralized Notes due July 20, 2028
TMDLs: Total maximum daily load limits
USWA lawsuit: An action entitled United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO, CLC,
and Donald Kegley v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, The
Pacific Lumber Company, Scotia Pacific Company LLC and Salmon Creek Corporation
(No. 99CS00626) filed on March 31, 1999 in the Superior Court of Sacramento
County
Wrigley lawsuit: An action entitled Kristi Wrigley, et al. v. Charles Hurwitz,
John Campbell, Pacific Lumber, MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc., Scotia Pacific
Holding Company, MAXXAM Group Inc., MAXXAM Inc., Scotia Pacific Company LLC and
Federated Development Company (No. 9700399) filed on December 2, 1997 in the
Superior Court of Humboldt County
