ALCAN ALUMINIUM LTD /NEW
10-Q, 1999-08-06
PRIMARY PRODUCTION OF ALUMINUM
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<PAGE>   1

                       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, 1999

                         Commission file number 1-3677

                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  <TABLE>
   <S>                                          <C>
               CANADA                                       Inapplicable
   (State or Other Jurisdiction of              (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   Incorporation or Organization)
  </TABLE>

         1188 SHERBROOKE STREET WEST, MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA H3A 3G2
            (Address of Principal Executive Offices and Postal Code)

                                 (514) 848-8000
              (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 ____ (check)    No ____

At June 30, 1999, the registrant had 217,622,706 shares of common stock (without
nominal or par value) outstanding.
<PAGE>   2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


In this report, all dollar amounts are stated in U.S. Dollars and all
quantities in metric tons, or tonnes, unless indicated otherwise.  A tonne is
1,000 kilograms, or 2,204.6 pounds.  The word "Company" refers to Alcan
Aluminium Limited and, where applicable, one or more consolidated subsidiaries.


ITEM 1.  Financial Statements


                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED


INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Periods ended June 30
(IN MILLIONS OF US$,
 EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)                Second quarter          Six months
                                         ----------------       ---------------
                                          1999      1998         1999     1998
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------

<S>                                      <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>
REVENUES
     Sales and operating revenues        $1,776    $1,986       $3,598   $3,939
     Other income (note 5)                   59        19           78       37
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------
                                          1,835     2,005        3,676    3,976
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------

COSTS AND EXPENSES
     Cost of sales and operating          1,396     1,549        2,864    3,046
       expenses
     Depreciation                           117       113          235      223
     Selling, administrative and
       general expenses                      97       113          206      217
     Research and development expenses       16        17           32       34
     Interest                                22        21           44       44
     Other expenses (note 7)                 45         8           77       18
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------
                                          1,693     1,821        3,458    3,582
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------

     Income before income taxes
       and other items                      142       184          218      394
     Income taxes (note 2)                   69        76          103      154
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------

     Income before other items               73       108          115      240
     Equity income (loss)                     1       (23)          (1)     (39)
     Minority interests                      (3)       (1)           5        2
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------

     NET INCOME                          $   71    $   86       $  109   $  203
     Dividends on preference shares           1         2            4        5
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------

     NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE
       TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS            $   70    $   84       $  105   $  198
                                         ------    ------       ------   ------
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>   3


                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (cont'd)
(unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Periods ended June 30
(IN MILLIONS OF US$,
 EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)              Second quarter           Six months
                                      1999         1998       1999       1998
                                    ------       ------     ------     ------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
NET INCOME PER COMMON
  SHARE (NOTE 3)                     $0.32        $0.37      $0.48      $0.87
                                    ------       ------     ------     ------

DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE           $0.15        $0.15      $0.30      $0.30
                                    ------       ------     ------     ------

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RETAINED EARNINGS
(unaudited)

Six months ended June 30
(in millions of US$)                                         1999       1998
                                                            ------     ------

RETAINED EARNINGS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD                     $4,078     $3,556

Net income                                                     109        203
Amount related to common shares
  purchased for cancellation                                   171          -
Dividends - Common                                              66         68
          - Preference                                           4          5
                                                            ------     ------

RETAINED EARNINGS - END OF PERIOD                           $3,946     $3,992
                                                            ------     ------
</TABLE>


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(unaudited for 1999)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN MILLIONS OF US$)                         JUNE 30     DECEMBER 31
                                                1999            1998
                                             -------     -----------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

     Cash and time deposits                  $   616         $   615
     Receivables                               1,461           1,401

     Inventories - Aluminum                      700             826
                 - Raw materials                 281             345
                 - Other supplies                213             242
                                             -------         -------
                                               1,194           1,413
                                             -------         -------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                           3,271           3,429
                                             -------         -------
Deferred charges and other assets                481             517
Investments                                       42              58
Property, plant and equipment (note 5)
     Cost (excluding Construction
        Work in progress)                     11,099          11,758
     Construction work in progress             1,064             911
     Accumulated depreciation                  6,369           6,772
                                             -------         -------
                                               5,794           5,897
                                             -------         -------
TOTAL ASSETS                                 $ 9,588         $ 9,901
                                             -------         -------
</TABLE>
                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (cont'd)
(unaudited for 1999)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN MILLIONS OF US$,                                  JUNE 30      DECEMBER 31
 EXCEPT PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS)                        1999             1998
                                                      -------      -----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
     Payables                                          $1,130           $1,104
     Short-term borrowings                                 85               86
     Income and other taxes                                57               28
     Debt maturing within one year (note 6)               282              166
                                                       ------           ------
                                                        1,554            1,384
                                                       ------           ------
Debt not maturing within one year                       1,318            1,537
Deferred credits and other liabilities                    589              604
Deferred income taxes                                     768              747
Minority interests                                        111              110

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Redeemable non-retractable
        preference shares                                 160              160
     Common shareholders' equity
        Common shares                                   1,213            1,251
        Retained earnings                               3,946            4,078
        Deferred translation adjustments                  (71)              30
                                                       ------           ------
                                                        5,088            5,359
                                                       ------           ------

Total shareholders' equity                              5,248            5,519
                                                       ------           ------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY             $9,588           $9,901
                                                       ------           ------
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PER COMMON SHARE           $23.38           $23.71
                                                       ------           ------
RATIO OF TOTAL BORROWINGS TO EQUITY                     24:76            24:76
                                                       ------           ------
</TABLE>


                                       5
<PAGE>   6


                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED


INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six months ended June 30
(IN MILLIONS OF US$)                            1999        1998
                                               -----       -----

<S>                                            <C>         <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
     Net income                                $ 109       $ 203

     Adjustments to determine cash
       from operating activities:
          Depreciation                           235         223
          Deferred income taxes                   41          33
          Equity loss - net of dividends           2          44
          Change in operating working capital     95        (183)
          Change in deferred charges,
            other assets, deferred credits
            and other liabilities - net           60         (42)
          Gain on sales of businesses - net      (42)         (1)
          Other - net                             16           3
                                               -----       -----
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                   516         280
                                               -----       -----
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
     New debt                                      3           8
     Debt repayments                             (57)        (14)
                                               -----       -----
                                                 (54)         (6)

     Short-term borrowings - net                   8         (38)
     Common shares purchased for cancellation   (219)         --
     Common shares issued                         10           5
     Redemption of preference shares              --         (43)
     Dividends - Alcan shareholders
       (including preference)                    (70)        (73)
               - Minority interests               (3)         (1)
                                                -----       -----
CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES              (328)       (156)
                                                -----       -----
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>   7


                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED


INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (cont'd)
(unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six months ended June 30
(IN MILLIONS OF US$)                                       1999        1998
                                                          ------      ------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
     Property, plant and equipment                         (478)       (292)
     Investments                                             --          (2)
     Net proceeds from disposal of
       businesses and other assets                          302           2
                                                         ------       ------

CASH USED FOR INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES                        (176)       (292)

Effect of exchange rate changes
  on cash and time deposits                                  (9)         (1)
                                                         ------       ------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND TIME DEPOSITS                 3        (169)
Cash of companies consolidated (deconsolidated)              (2)          1
Cash and time deposits - beginning of period                615         608
                                                         ------       ------
Cash and time deposits - end of period                    $ 616       $ 440
                                                         ------       ------

</TABLE>
                                       7



<PAGE>   8

                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED


INFORMATION BY OPERATING SEGMENT *
(unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Periods ended June 30
(IN MILLIONS OF US$)

                                  SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES                 OPERATING INCOME
                             --------------------------------------            ----------------
                                        Second Quarter                          Second Quarter
                                        --------------                         ----------------
                             Intersector              Third parties
                             -----------              -------------
                           1999         1998          1999         1998          1999        1998
                          -----        -----        ------       ------         -----        ----
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Primary metal group       $ 317        $ 360        $  381       $  451         $  31        $100
Global fabrication
  group                      --           --         1,393        1,533            77          70
Intersegment and
  other items              (317)        (360)            2            2            61          45
                          -----        -----        ------       ------          ----        ----
                          $  --        $  --        $1,776       $1,986          $169        $215
                          -----        -----        ------       ------          ----        ----

Reconciliation to net income
     Equity income (loss)                                                           1         (23)
     Corporate offices                                                             (8)         (9)
     Interest                                                                     (22)        (21)
     Income taxes                                                                 (69)        (76)
                                                                                 ----        ----
     NET INCOME                                                                  $ 71        $ 86
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES                    OPERATING INCOME
                             --------------------------------------             ----------------
                                          Six months                               Six months
                                          ----------                               ----------
                             Intersector              Third parties
                             -----------              -------------
                           1999        1998          1999         1998           1999        1998
                          -----       -----        ------        -----          -----       -----

<S>                       <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>
Primary metal group       $ 630       $ 733        $  790        $ 941          $  65       $ 256
Global fabrication
  group                      --          --         2,803        2,993            122         128
Intersegment and
  other items              (630)       (733)            5            5             90          74
                          -----       -----        ------       ------          -----       -----
                          $  --       $  --        $3,598       $3,939          $ 277       $ 458
                          -----       -----        ------       ------          -----       -----

Reconciliation to net income
     Equity income (loss)                                                          (1)        (39)
     Corporate offices                                                            (20)        (18)
     Interest                                                                     (44)        (44)
     Income taxes                                                                (103)       (154)
                                                                                -----       -----
     NET INCOME                                                                 $ 109       $ 203
                                                                                -----       -----

</TABLE>

[FN]
*    In March 1999, the Company announced the creation of two global operating
     segments, the Primary metal group and the Global fabrication group.
     Corporate office and certain other costs have been allocated to the
     respective operating segments.  Comparative information for 1998 has been
     restated to conform to the new corporate structure.
 </FN>

                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                            ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED

               NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 JUNE 30, 1999
                                  (Unaudited)

                 (IN MILLIONS OF US$, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

1.   DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED
     ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP)

     Differences relate principally to accounting for foreign currency
     translation and accounting for "available for sale" securities.

     RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN AND U.S. GAAP

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1999                      1998
                                           ----                      ----
                                      AS         U.S.         AS         U.S.
                                   REPORTED      GAAP      REPORTED      GAAP
                                   --------      ----      --------      ----
 <S>                               <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>
     Net income

     First quarter                  $   38      $   38      $  117     $  117
     Second quarter                     71          67          86         94
                                    ------      ------      ------     ------
     Six months                     $  109      $  105      $  203     $  211
                                    ------      ------      ------     ------
     Net income attributable
       to common shareholders       $  105      $  101      $  198     $  206
                                    ------      ------      ------     ------
     Net income per common share
       (basic and diluted)          $ 0.48      $ 0.46      $ 0.87     $ 0.91
                                    ------      ------      ------     ------
</TABLE>

                                       9


<PAGE>   10

     RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN AND U.S. GAAP (cont'd)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1999                      1998
                                           ----                      ----
                                      AS           U.S.         AS            U.S.
                                   REPORTED        GAAP      REPORTED         GAAP
                                   --------        ----      --------         ----
<S>                                   <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
     Comprehensive income *
          First quarter                 n/a       $  (28)        n/a        $  111
          Second quarter                n/a       $   60         n/a        $   54
                                     ------       ------      ------        ------
          Six months                    n/a       $   32         n/a        $  165
                                     ------       ------      ------        ------
     Retained earnings
               - June 30             $3,946       $3,993      $3,992        $4,033
                                     ------       ------      ------        ------
     Deferred translation
       adjustments - June 30         $  (71)      $ (125)     $   (3)       $  (43)
                                     ------       ------      ------        ------
</TABLE>

[FN]
     *    U.S. GAAP requires the disclosure of comprehensive income which, for
          the Company, is Net income under U.S. GAAP plus the movement in
          Deferred translation adjustments under U.S. GAAP plus the unrealized
          gain or loss for the period on "available for sale" securities.  The
          concept of comprehensive income does not exist under Canadian GAAP.
</FN>

2.   INCOME TAXES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Second quarter              Six months
                                      ------------------       -------------------
                                       1999         1998        1999          1998
                                      -----        -----       -----         -----
     <S>                              <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
     Current                          $  25        $  58       $  62         $ 121
     Deferred                            44           18          41            33
                                      -----        -----       -----         -----
                                      $  69        $  76       $ 103         $ 154
                                      -----        -----       -----         -----
</TABLE>

     The composite of the applicable statutory corporate income tax rates in
     Canada is 40.4%.

     The difference between income taxes calculated at the composite rate and
     the amounts shown as reported is primarily attributable to the currency
     revaluation of deferred income taxes, partially offset by exchange and
     reduced rate or tax-exempt items.

     In 1998, the difference is attributable to investment and other allowances,
     partially offset by exchange.

                                       10
<PAGE>   11


3.   NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE


     Net income per common share is based on the average number of shares
     outstanding during the period (second quarter 1999: 217.5 million;
     1998: 227.5 million; six months 1999: 220.1 million; 1998: 227.5 million).
     As at June 30 1999, there were 217,622,706 common shares outstanding.


4.   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION


     STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Second quarter         Six months
                                    ---------------     ----------------
                                    1999       1998      1999       1998
                                    ----       ----      ----       ----
<S>                                 <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
     Interest paid                  $ 35       $ 21      $ 68      $  49
     Income taxes paid              $ 81       $ 96      $ 83      $ 185
                                    ----       ----      ----      -----

</TABLE>

     SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION


     The following is summarized consolidated financial information for Alcan
     Aluminum Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary in the United States.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Second quarter         Six months
                                    ---------------     ----------------
                                    1999       1998      1999       1998
                                    ----       ----      ----       ----
<S>                                 <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>

     RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
     Revenues                       $949       $996    $1,824      $1,908
     Costs and expenses              872        912     1,680       1,759
                                    ----       ----    ------      ------
     Income before incomes taxes      77         84       144         149
     Income taxes                     20         33        45          59
                                    ----       ----    ------      ------
     Net income                     $ 57       $ 51    $   99      $   90
                                    ----       ----    ------      ------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 JUNE 30      December 31
                                                  1999           1998
                                                 -------      -----------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>
     FINANCIAL POSITION
     Current assets                               $  749        $  883
     Current liabilities                             489           483
                                                  ------        ------

     Working capital                                 260           400
     Property, plant and equipment - net             686           714
     Other liabilities - net                         200           (67)
                                                  ------        ------
                                                   1,146         1,047
     Debt not maturing within one year                 2             2
                                                  ------        ------
     Net assets                                   $1,144        $1,045
                                                  ------        ------
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

     In the above figures, inventories have been valued principally by the
     last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.  In the Company's consolidated financial
     statements, the average cost method is used.


5.   SALE OF BUSINESSES


     During the first quarter of 1999, the Company completed the sale of the
     Aughinish alumina refinery.  The net book value of the assets sold had been
     written down to net realizable value in the fourth quarter of 1998 in
     anticipation of completion of the sale in 1999.


     During the second quarter of 1999, the Company completed the sale of its
     piston operations in Germany.  The gain on the sale of $46 ($26 after tax)
     is included in Other income.


6.   REDEMPTION OF DEBT


     On July 15, 1999, the Company redeemed $132 principal amount of its 9-5/8%
     $150 debentures due in 2019.  The redemption was at a price of 104.64%.


7.   REORGANIZATION COSTS


     In 1999, the Company announced a new organization to better enable it to
     meet the financial objectives contained in its "Full Business Potential"
     program. This reorganization included the implementation, in the second
     quarter, of a number of early retirement and severance programs resulting
     in a reduction of the Company's workforce.  As a result of this
     reorganization and other restructuring programs, the Company has incurred
     costs of $31 ($20 after tax) which are included in Other expenses, most of
     which will be paid in 1999 and 2000.


8.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT


     In July 1999, the Company completed the sale of a subsidiary in France. The
     gain from the sale will be included in the Company's third quarter results.


9.   PRIOR PERIOD AMOUNTS


     Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the
     second quarter 1999 presentation.


In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation
of interim period results have been included in the financial statements. These
interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.


        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SECOND           SIX         FIRST
          Highlights (US$ millions,          QUARTER         MONTHS      QUARTER
          except per share amounts)        -----------    -------------  -------
                                           1999   1998     1999    1998     1999
                                           ----   ----     ----    ----     ----
<S>                                       <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>

          Sales and operating revenues    1,776  1,986    3,598   3,939    1,822

          Net income                         71     86      109     203       38
          Net income per common share      0.32   0.37     0.48    0.87     0.16

</TABLE>

The Company reports second quarter consolidated net income of $71 million
compared to $38 million in the previous quarter and $86 million in the second
quarter of 1998. After preference share dividends, net income per common share
for the quarter is 32 cents compared to 16 cents in the first quarter and
37 cents a year earlier.

The results for the quarter include a net non-operating after-tax gain of
$6 million or 3 cents per share. This comprises a gain on the sale of the
Company's piston operations in Germany of $26 million (12 cents per share),
offset in part by restructuring costs of $20 million (9 cents per share)
relating to the Company's Full Business Potential program. The prior year
quarter included restructuring charges in Japan of $16 million or 7 cents
per share.


Earnings showed a strong recovery from the disappointing first quarter with
higher metal prices, improved business conditions in Brazil and record
fabricated products shipments. Alcan continues to focus on growing earnings
from its core businesses as evidenced this quarter by the agreement to acquire
rolling assets in South Korea, the sale of a pistons business in Germany and
the streamlining of corporate offices. Provided the recent recovery in aluminum
prices is sustained, the prospect is for continuing earnings improvement with
increased fabricated product prices as well as improvements generated by the
Full Business Potential program.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SECOND             SIX       FIRST
                                             QUARTER           MONTHS    QUARTER
                                           -----------      -----------  -------
     Volumes (thousands of tonnes)         1999   1998      1999   1998     1999
                                           ----   ----      ----   ----     ----

<S>                                        <C>    <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>
     Shipments
          Ingot products*                   209    207       430    409      221
          Fabricated products               488    469       949    905      461
     Fabrication of customer-owned metal     81     72       147    140       66
                                          -----  -----     -----  -----    -----
     Total volume                           778    748     1,526  1,454      748
                                          =====  =====     =====  =====    =====

     Ingot product realizations
       (US$ per tonne)                    1,451  1,591     1,417  1,630    1,385
     Fabricated product realizations
       (US$ per tonne)                    2,520  2,930     2,608  2,969    2,702

</TABLE>
[FN]

*     Includes primary and secondary ingot and scrap
</FN>

                                       13
<PAGE>   14


Despite higher sales volumes, sales and operating revenues for the second
quarter were lower than both the first quarter and the year earlier quarter
reflecting lower average fabricated product selling prices.

Total fabricated product volumes, which include products fabricated from
customer-owned metal, reached a record level of 569 thousand tonnes (kt) in the
second quarter, compared to 541 kt in the corresponding quarter of 1998, and
527 kt in the first quarter of 1999.

Average ingot product realizations of $1,451/tonne rose from the first quarter
level due to the improving price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) but remain
$140/tonne below a year ago.

Fabricated product realizations declined from the first quarter level reflecting
the effect of divestments and lower exchange rates, principally in Europe. The
decline compared to a year ago reflected these factors as well as the decline in
underlying metal prices and the time lag in pricing of certain can sheet
contracts.

During the quarter the Company took various steps in the implementation of its
Full Business Potential program. These included a restructuring of head offices,
changes in power operations in Kemano, British Columbia and continuing
integration of European fabricating operations along product streams. Although
reported figures for the first six months indicate a modest improvement in
profitability, the gains from these actions will be realized in the future.

OPERATING SEGMENT REVIEW

The Company reports selected information by major operating segment viewed on a
stand-alone basis. Transactions between operating segments product sectors are
conducted on an arm's length basis and reflect market-related prices. Thus,
income from primary metal operations is mainly profit on metal produced by the
Company, whether sold to third parties or used in the Company's fabricating
operations. Income from fabricated product businesses represents only the
fabricating profit on rolled products and downstream businesses.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            SECOND                SIX            FIRST
                                           QUARTER               MONTHS         QUARTER
                                       ---------------       ---------------    -------

     (US$ millions)                    1999       1998       1999       1998       1999
                                       ----       ----       ----       ----       ----

<S>                                    <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>
     Operating income
          Primary metal group*          31        100         65        256         34
          Global fabrication group*     77         70        122        128         45
          Intersector and other items   61         45         90         74         29
                                      ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
                                       169        215        277        458        108

     Equity income (loss)                1        (23)        (1)       (39)        (2)
     Corporate head office*             (8)        (9)       (20)       (18)       (12)
     Interest                          (22)       (21)       (44)       (44)       (22)
     Income taxes                      (69)       (76)      (103)      (154)       (34)
                                      ----       ----       ----       ----     ------
     Net income                         71         86        109        203         38
                                      ====       ====       ====       ====     ======

</TABLE>

[FN]
     *  Corporate office and certain other costs in prior periods have been
        allocated to the respective operating segments in line with the new
        organization.

</FN>

                                       14
<PAGE>   15
Income for the primary metal group includes a pre-tax charge of $21 million
relating to employee reductions and closure costs arising from the
re-organization initiated during the quarter. The underlying improvement in
operating earnings reflects higher metal prices.

In the global fabrication group, operating profits were ahead of both the first
quarter and a year ago. In North America, sales volume increased 7% over the
first quarter and 4% over the year-ago quarter, but changes in product mix
resulted in earnings ahead of the first quarter and in line with a year earlier.
European shipments showed a further improvement in the second quarter but remain
below the year-ago quarter. Earnings from European operations, though improved
over the first quarter, fell short of the 1998 level, reflecting lower profit
margins. In South America, there has been a solid recovery from the economic
crisis in Brazil with shipments back to normal levels and a return to
profitability. Asia continues to show improved earnings.

"Intersector and other items" includes a pre-tax gain of $46 million on the sale
of the Company's pistons business in Germany and $10 million of restructuring
costs at the corporate head office. Also included in this category is interest
income and the realization or deferral of profits on intersector sales of metal.

Income taxes for the quarter include a non-cash charge of $12 million relating
to the currency revaluation of the deferred income tax liability that results
from the stronger Canadian dollar. This compares to $9 million in the first
quarter of 1999. There was no impact on the prior year quarter.

GEOGRAPHIC REVIEW
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        FIRST
                                            SECOND QUARTER         SIX MONTHS          QUARTER
                                           ---------------       ---------------       -------
     Net income (Loss) (US$ millions)      1999       1998       1999       1998         1999
                                           ----       ----       ----       ----         ----
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
          Canada                           (14)        34        (41)        81          (27)
          United States                     40         41         74         72           34
          South America                      8          1         (1)         6           (9)
          Europe                            23          5         31         29            8
          Asia and Pacific                   8        (17)        24        (23)          16
          Other (including eliminations)     6         22         22         38           16
                                          ----       ----       ----       ----         ----
          Net income                        71         86        109        203           38
                                          ====       ====       ====       ====         ====

</TABLE>

In Canada, net income includes a charge of $20 million after tax in respect of
restructuring costs. Excluding this, the improvement over the first quarter
reflects higher primary metal prices.

In the United States, the improved results reflect strong fabricated product
earnings and an improvement in the primary metal price.

Operating results in South America improved substantially as the business
recovered from the effects of the financial crisis in Brazil. Following the
devaluation Brazilian operations are benefiting from lower costs.

European results for the quarter include a gain of $26 million after tax on the
sale of the piston operations in Germany, partly offset by seasonally lower
power sales in the U.K.

Results in the Asia and Pacific region for the quarter reflect lower alumina
prices. The prior year period included rationalization costs in Japan.


                                       15
<PAGE>   16
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash from operating activities during the first half of 1999 was $516 million
compared to $280 million in the comparable period of 1998. The lower net income
in the first six months of 1999 compared to the same period in 1998 was offset
by an improvement in working capital which was reduced by $95 million during
the period. In the first six months of 1998 working capital had risen by
$183 million.

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Cash used for financing activities in the first half of 1999 was $328 million
compared to $156 million in the same period of 1998. In the first quarter of
this year, the Company purchased for cancellation 8.8 million common shares for
$219 million. During the first half of this year debt was reduced by $57
million. The debt:equity ratio at June 30 was 24:76, compared to 25:75 at March
31, 1999 and 21:79 a year ago.

At the end of the second quarter of 1999 the Company had cash and time deposits
of $616 million compared to $440 million a year earlier. On July 15, 1999 the
Company redeemed $132 million principal of its 9 5/8% $150 million debentures
due 2019. The redemption was at a price of 104.64%. The loss on redemption will
be recorded in the third quarter results.

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures during the first half of 1999 were $478 million compared to
$292 million a year earlier. Major projects during the six month period were the
expansion of the rolling mill at Pindamonhangaba, Brazil and the construction of
the Alma, Quebec aluminum smelter.

Net proceeds from the disposal of businesses were $302 million. In the first
quarter of 1999, the Company completed the sale of the Aughinish alumina
refinery. During the second quarter of this year the Company completed the sale
of its piston operations in Germany and, in July, completed the sale of its
building systems business in France.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - CURRENCY HEDGING FOR ALMA SMELTER

Through a combination of option contracts and forward exchange contracts
totaling $924 million at June 30,1999, and maturing over various periods in 1999
and 2000, the Company has hedged its future Canadian dollar commitments for the
construction of the new smelter at Alma, Quebec.

The present hedging position for the Alma project will ensure that the Company
will pay, on average, no more than $0.72 for Can$1.00, and will be able to
benefit, in part, from any future reductions in the value of the Canadian
dollar.

                                       16
<PAGE>   17
Any gains or losses from these hedging activities, and related costs, will be
included in the capital cost of the new smelter.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

Alcan is addressing the Year 2000 issue through a formal program (the "Project")
designed and implemented with the assistance of outside consultants. Products
made and sold by Alcan do not contain date-sensitive software or electronic
components. The Project is therefore focused on evaluation and remediation of
systems hardware and related software used in business applications, process
controls and instrumentation used in the manufacturing process, and on risks
associated with suppliers and other third-parties not being Year 2000 compliant.

Remediation of all critical systems was approximately 99% complete at 30 June
1999. Remediation means an item has been repaired or replaced and has been unit
tested or otherwise demonstrated to be compliant. Implementation of remediated
critical systems was approximately 96% complete by 30 June 1999, the target date
in accordance with the Alcan Project for implementation. Implementation involves
putting back into normal operation a remediated system or component and ensuring
that all related supporting infrastructure is in place. Alcan expects to
complete implementation of its remaining remediated critical systems in a timely
manner.

Alcan has surveyed key third party suppliers to address Year 2000 readiness and
to provide it with information for contingency planning. With respect to third
parties, Alcan is dependent upon a number of third parties including utilities
and raw material suppliers. Alternate suppliers are not available in all cases.
Alcan operates or controls, through direct ownership or joint ventures, the
supply of a majority of its requirements for bauxite and alumina. This enables
Alcan to assess and manage risk directly with respect to these key raw
materials. Special attention is given to electricity suppliers since Alcan's
smelting and fabricating businesses rely heavily on electricity to process
materials. An interruption of more than a few hours in electricity supplies
could have serious consequences for Alcan's smelters. Alcan generates its own
power for approximately 75% of its smelter capacity requirements which enables
Alcan to deal directly with those power supply risks. The remainder comes
generally from major utilities linked to national grid systems. These major
utilities have reported that they have appropriate year 2000 programs underway
to limit the likelihood of year 2000 related disruptions.

Contingency planning by each business unit, including corporate functions, was
substantially complete by the end of June 1999. These contingency plans relate
to specifically identified year 2000 risks where contingency planning can be
expected to have a material impact on the seriousness of failure. The process
of identifying such risks included the use of various criteria such as
probability of failure and cost benefit considerations. Generally the
contingency plans are tailored to the individual situation of the business unit
or corporate function. In addition to existing disaster recovery and emergency
response plans designed to address disruptive situations, contingency plans may
include accelerating raw material delivery schedules for critical inputs,
increasing finished goods inventory levels, securing alternative sources of
supply, adopting workaround procedures, adjusting facility shutdown and start-up
schedules, increasing standby labor requirements at the millennium, providing
back-up processing capabilities for critical equipment or processes and other
appropriate measures. The goal of contingency planning is to minimize the risk
and impact of Year 2000 business interruptions including the impact of such
disruptions from a financial, environmental, property damage and employee
perspective. Such contingency planning takes into account both Alcan's internal
failures and the failure of third parties affecting Alcan relating to Year
2000 readiness. Contingency plans will be tested and refined as additional
information concerning Alcan's year 2000 exposure and opportunities become
available throughout the balance of 1999 and will be implemented and tested
where practical throughout 1999.


                                       17

<PAGE>   18

A risk management and loss prevention engineering company associated with
Alcan's insurers conducted an operations level audit of the contingency plans at
smelters, company-owned power generating stations and other major production
facilities. These audits were helpful in verifying that contingency plans
addressed property damage exposures related to possible loss of power and other
utilities, and the property damage impact of the failure of automated control
equipment. Alcan also has a corporate level Business Continuity Team that will
continue, throughout the balance of 1999, to identify and assess, based on
consolidated information from the business units, Alcan's exposure to Year 2000
business continuity risk at the corporate level and recommend mitigation
strategies.

Each business unit has incorporated a quality assurance component into its year
2000 activities and has participated in audits by customers and other third
parties. In addition, the Company's internal auditors verify that business units
have followed the mandatory Year 2000 Project requirements. The internal audit
department conducted 72 verification audits in 1998. There are approximately
80 verification audits planned for 1999, of which 49 have been performed as of
30 June 1999.

Based on current information, Alcan believes that the most reasonably likely
worst case scenario to result from a Year 2000 failure by Alcan, its suppliers
or customers would be a temporary reduction in manufacturing capability at one
or more of Alcan's manufacturing or smelter facilities. Electrical supply is
considered to be the area of most acute risk to Alcan's smelting capabilities.
If a Year 2000 failure disrupted Alcan-owned or third party electrical utilities
for more than a few hours then the resulting reasonably likely worst case
scenario or impact could be a temporary closure of affected facilities and
potential significant damage to production equipment. This could impact
deliveries and customer expectations as well as cause costly downtime and
equipment repair. Alcan believes that the Project, including related contingency
planning, continues to reduce significantly the possibility of material
interruptions in normal operations. Nonetheless, third party failures or
unexpected failures in Alcan's Year 2000 Project could result in business
interruptions or delays that could have a material adverse effect on Alcan's
business and financial condition. Suppliers and customers will generally not
provide any guarantee that they will be Year 2000 compliant.

Costs of repair and replacement of systems at Alcan facilities are expensed as
incurred and are now estimated at less than US$50 million. Costs from the
beginning of the project to 30 June 1999 were US$37 million. Our cost projection
does not include costs associated with contingency planning; however, we do not
expect these costs will have a material adverse effect on Alcan's liquidity,
results of operation or financial condition or represent a significant increase
to the original US$50 million estimate. These projections also do not include
any costs associated with business disruptions involving supplier or customer
non-performance. Information received to date from customers indicates that they
do not expect the Year 2000 will create a major disruption in their business and
purchases of product from Alcan.

The information contained in this Year 2000 update is a "Year 2000 Readiness
Disclosure" under the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act of
1998.

THE EURO CURRENCY

Aluminum is a commodity traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME) in US dollars.
The great majority of Alcan's sales are priced based on the LME price and
therefore there is currently no deviation in price between countries in Europe.
The cost of converting the Company's systems to be Euro-compliant is currently
estimated to be $5 million.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Readers are cautioned that forward looking statements contained in this
Management's Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with
"Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the Safe Harbour Provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995" at Exhibit No. 99.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEMS 1. THROUGH 5.

The registrant has nothing to report under these items.


                                       18


<PAGE>   19
ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

          (a)  Exhibits

               (27) Financial Data Schedule. (Filed herewith.)

               (99) Cautionary statement for purposes of the "Safe Harbor"
                    provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
                    of 1995. (Filed herewith.)

          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

               The Company has filed a report on Form 8-K dated 22 April 1999
               during the quarter ending 30 June 1999.


                                   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.

                                             ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED


Dated: August 6, 1999                       By:  /s/ Glenn R. Lucas
                                             --------------------------
                                            (A Duly Authorized Officer)


                                       19
<PAGE>   20
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit
Number                         Description
<S>      <C>
(27)     Financial Data Schedule.


(99)     Cautionary statement for purposes of the "Safe Harbor" provisions of
         the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. (Filed herewith.)

</TABLE>



                                       20




<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Form
10-Q of Alcan Aluminum Limited for the quarter ended 30 June 1999 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1999
<CASH>                                             616
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,461
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      1,194
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 3,271
<PP&E>                                          12,163
<DEPRECIATION>                                   6,369
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   9,588
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            1,554
<BONDS>                                          1,318
                                0
                                        160
<COMMON>                                         1,213
<OTHER-SE>                                       3,875
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     9,588
<SALES>                                          3,598
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 3,676
<CGS>                                            2,864
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    2,864
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   235
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  44
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    218
<INCOME-TAX>                                       103
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                109
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       109
<EPS-BASIC>                                       0.48
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.48


</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1

EXHIBIT NO. 99: CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR"
PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Written or oral statements made by Alcan or its representatives, including
statements set forth in Alcan's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999,
which describe the Company's or management's objectives, projections, estimates,
expectations or predictions of the future may be "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such
as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "estimates," "anticipates" or
the negative thereof or other variations thereon. The Company cautions that, by
their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty and that
the Company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or
implied in such forward-looking statements or could affect the extent to which a
particular projection is realized.

Important factors which could cause the Company's actual performance to differ
materially from projections or expectations included in forward-looking
statements include global aluminum supply and demand conditions, aluminum ingot
prices and changes in other raw materials costs and availability, cyclical
demand and pricing within the principal markets for the Company's products,
changes in government regulations, particularly those affecting environmental,
health or safety compliance, economic developments and other factors within the
countries in which the Company operates or sells its products and other factors
relating to the Company's ongoing operations including, but not limited to,
litigation, labour negotiations and fiscal regimes.

Copies of the Company's filings may be obtained by contacting the Company or the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       22


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