<PAGE> 1
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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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
Commission file number 1-3677
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
CANADA Inapplicable
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
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 (X) No ____
At September 30, 2000, the registrant had 207,762,728 shares of common stock
(without nominal or par value) outstanding.
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<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>
Third Quarter Nine Months
Periods ended September 30 ----------------- -----------------
(in millions of US$, except per share amounts) 2000 1999 2000 1999
------- ------- ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Sales and operating revenues $ 1,979 $ 1,820 $ 5,966 $ 5,418
Other income (notes 7 and 9) 25 64 80 142
------- ------- ------- -------
2,004 1,884 6,046 5,560
------- ------- ------- -------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,530 1,390 4,544 4,254
Depreciation 120 116 350 351
Selling, administrative and general expenses 89 82 267 288
Research and development expenses 15 17 48 49
Interest (note 11) 12 16 28 60
Other expenses (notes 6 and 10) 27 31 81 108
------- ------- ------- -------
1,793 1,652 5,318 5,110
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes and other items 211 232 728 450
Income taxes (note 3) 34 71 226 174
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before other items 177 161 502 276
Equity income (loss) 4 -- 4 (1)
Minority interests -- (3) 2 (8)
------- ------- ------- -------
NET INCOME $ 181 $ 158 $ 508 $ 267
Dividends on preference shares 2 3 7 7
------- ------- ------- -------
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ 179 $ 155 $ 501 $ 260
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income per common share (note 4) $ 0.85 $ 0.71 $ 2.33 $ 1.19
------- ------- ------- -------
Dividends per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.45 $ 0.45
------- ------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE> 3
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RETAINED EARNINGS
(unaudited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months ended September 30 2000 1999
------- -------
(in millions of US$)
<S> <C> <C>
RETAINED EARNINGS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 4,227 $ 4,078
Net income 508 267
Amount related to common shares purchased
for cancellation (note 12) (299) (171)
Dividends - Common (98) (99)
- Preference (7) (7)
------- -------
RETAINED EARNINGS - END OF PERIOD $ 4,331 $ 4,068
======= =======
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 4
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(unaudited for 2000)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of US$) September 30, December 31,
2000 1999
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and time deposits $ 91 $ 315
Receivables 1,333 1,299
Inventories - Aluminum 906 778
- Raw materials 322 298
- Other supplies 169 200
------- -------
1,397 1,276
------- -------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,821 2,890
------- -------
Deferred charges and other assets 530 525
Property, plant and equipment
Cost (excluding Construction work in 11,800 11,771
Construction work in progress 1,886 1,220
Accumulated depreciation 6,631 6,557
------- -------
7,055 6,434
------- -------
Total assets $10,406 $ 9,849
======= =======
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE> 5
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (cont'd)
(unaudited for 2000)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions of US$, except per share amounts)
September 30, December 31,
2000 1999
------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables $ 1,288 $ 1,237
Short-term borrowings 355 167
Income and other taxes 50 31
Debt maturing within one year (note 10) 204 311
-------- -------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,897 1,746
-------- -------
Debt not maturing within one year 1,394 1,011
Deferred credits and other liabilities 579 563
Deferred income taxes 785 781
Minority interests 208 207
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Redeemable non-retractable preference shares 160 160
Common shareholders' equity
Common shares (note 12) 1,184 1,230
Retained earnings 4,331 4,227
Deferred translation adjustments (132) (76)
-------- -------
5,383 5,381
-------- -------
Total shareholders' equity 5,543 5,541
-------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 10,406 $ 9,849
-------- -------
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PER COMMON SHARE $ 25.91 $ 24.65
-------- -------
RATIO OF TOTAL BORROWINGS TO EQUITY 25:75 21:79
-------- -------
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE> 6
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Periods ended September 30 Third Quarter Nine Months
(in millions of US$) -------------------- --------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 181 $ 158 $ 508 $ 267
Adjustments to determine cash from
operating activities:
Depreciation 120 116 350 351
Deferred income taxes 12 (6) 77 35
Equity income - net of dividends (4) -- (3) 2
Change in operating working capital
Change in receivables 135 77 (34) 17
Change in inventories (89) (14) (121) 205
Change in payables (92) 70 51 96
Change in income and other taxes payable 15 3 19 32
Changes in operating working capital due to:
Deferred translation adjustments (32) 11 (61) (63)
Acquisitions, disposals and
consolidations/deconsolidations -- (7) (44) (52)
----- ----- ----- -----
(63) 140 (190) 235
Change in deferred charges, other assets,
deferred credits and other liabilities -- net (25) (56) 5 4
Gain on sales of businesses -- net 1 (48) (9) (90)
Other -- net 25 -- 11 16
----- ----- ----- -----
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 247 304 749 820
----- ----- ----- -----
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
New debt 633 -- 634 3
Debt repayments (54) (151) (324) (208)
----- ----- ----- -----
579 (151) 310 (205)
Short-term borrowings -- net (228) (12) 171 (4)
Common shares purchased for cancellation (230) -- (363) (219)
Common shares issued 2 5 18 15
Dividends - Alcan shares (including preference) (35) (36) (105) (106)
- Minority interests (2) (1) (2) (4)
----- ----- ----- -----
CASH FROM (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES 86 (195) 29 (523)
----- ----- ----- -----
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
Property, plant and equipment (328) (281) (975) (759)
Business acquisitions -- (129) (200) (129)
Net proceeds from disposal of businesses,
investments and other assets -- 131 173 433
----- ----- ----- -----
CASH USED FOR INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES (328) (279) (1,002) (455)
----- ----- ----- -----
Effect of exchange rate changes
on cash and time deposits (2) (4) (5) (13)
----- ----- ----- -----
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND TIME DEPOSITS 3 (174) (229) (171)
Cash of companies consolidated (deconsolidated) -- net -- (2) 5 (4)
Cash and time deposits -- beginning of period 88 616 315 615
----- ----- ----- -----
Cash and time deposits -- end of period $91 $ 440 $ 91 $ 440
===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 7
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
INFORMATION BY OPERATING SEGMENT
(unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ended September 30
(in millions of US$)
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
---------------------------------------------------------
Third Quarter OPERATING INCOME
--------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
Intersegment Third Parties Third Quarter
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- --------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Primary metal group $ 374 $ 331 $ 403 $ 428 $ 136 $ 116
Global fabrication group 6 - 1,571 1,377 77 95
Intersegment and other items (380) (331) 5 15 19 43
------ -------- --------- --------- -------- --------
$ - $ - $ 1,979 $ 1,820 232 254
====== ======== ========= =========
Reconciliation to net income
Equity income 4 -
Corporate (9) (9)
Interest (12) (16)
Income taxes (34) (71)
--------- --------
Net income $ 181 $ 158
========= ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
---------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months OPERATING INCOME
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
Intersegment Third Parties Nine Months
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Primary metal group $ 1,164 $ 961 $ 1,289 $ 1,218 $ 530 $ 181
Global fabrication group 19 - 4,660 4,180 207 217
Intersegment and other items (1,183) (961) 17 20 54 133
--------- ------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
$ - $ - $ 5,966 $ 5,418 791 531
========= ========= ========= =========
Reconciliation to net income
Equity income (loss) 4 (1)
Corporate offices (33) (29)
Interest (28) (60)
Income taxes (226) (174)
-------- --------
Net income $ 508 $ 267
======== ========
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE> 8
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2000
(Unaudited)
(in millions of US$, except per share amounts)
1. COMBINATION AGREEMENT WITH ALUSUISSE GROUP LTD.
Pursuant to the combination agreement entered into between the Company and
Alusuisse Group Ltd. (algroup), the shareholders of algroup have tendered
6,757,415 shares, representing 99.52% of the registered algroup shares
outstanding in exchange for 115,551,797 shares of the Company. Accordingly,
the combination between the Company and algroup became effective on October
17, 2000 and algroup is now a subsidiary of the Company.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN AND U.S. 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>
Third Quarter Nine Months
--------------------------- -------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
$ per $ per $ per $ per
Common Common Common Common
$ Share $ Share $ Share $ Share
--- ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income - as reported 181 158 508 267
Differences due to:
Foreign currency translation (2) (1) (6) (8)
Other - 3 - 6
--- --- --- ---
Net income - U.S. GAAP 179 160 502 265
--- --- --- ---
Net income attributable to common
shareholders as reported 179 0.85 155 0.71 501 2.33 260 1.19
--- ---- --- ---- --- ---- --- ----
Net income attributable to common
shareholders - U.S. GAAP 176 0.84 157 0.71 495 2.30 258 1.17
--- ---- --- ---- --- ---- ---- ----
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE> 9
2. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN AND U.S. GAAP (cont'd)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Third Quarter
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999
---------------------------------- ---------------------------------
As reported U.S. GAAP As reported U.S. GAAP
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred charges and other assets
- September 30 $ 530 $ 532 $ 537 $ 559
Retained earnings - September 30 4,331 4,371 4,068 4,117
Deferred translation
adjustments (DTA) - September 30 $(132) $ (188) $ (54) $ (110)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Third Quarter Nine Months
-------------- -------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Comprehensive income (U.S. GAAP only)
Net income $ 179 $ 160 $ 502 $ 265
Net change in deferred translation adjustments (38) 14 (56) (87)
Net change in market value of available-for-sale securities (3) (45) (1) (17)
----- ----- ----- -----
Comprehensive income $ 138 $ 129 $ 445 $ 161
===== ===== ===== =====
Accumulated other comprehensive income (U.S. GAAP only)
Accumulated other comprehensive income - beginning of year $(113) $ 21
Change in deferred translation adjustments (56) (87)
Change in excess of market value over book value of
available-for-sale securities (1) (17)
----- ----
Accumulated other comprehensive income - September 30 $ (170) $ (83)
====== =====
</TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. INCOME TAXES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Third Quarter Nine Months
-------------- -------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current $ 22 $ 77 $149 $139
Deferred 12 (6) 77 35
---- ---- ---- ----
$ 34 $ 71 $226 $174
==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
In the third quarter of 2000, the Company recorded an income tax recovery
of $31, representing favourable prior years' tax adjustments in Canada.
Also, due to a reduction in corporate income tax rates in Germany, enacted
in the third quarter of 2000, a deferred income tax recovery of $12 was
recognized representing the impact of the rate change on accumulated
deferred income taxes.
The composite of the applicable statutory corporate income tax rates in
Canada is 40.3% (40.4% for 1999).
In 2000, the difference between income taxes calculated at the composite
rate and the amounts shown as reported is primarily attributable to prior
years tax adjustments described above, investment and other allowances and
the effect of the reduced corporate income tax rate in Germany also
described above.
In 1999, the difference is primarily attributable to reduced rate or
tax-exempt items and investment and other allowances, partially offset by
the currency revaluation of deferred income taxes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9
<PAGE> 10
4. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Net income per common share is based on the average number of shares
outstanding during the period (third quarter 2000: 210.3 million; 1999:
217.7 million; nine months 2000: 215.3 million; 1999: 219.4 million). As at
September 30, 2000, there were 207,762,728 common shares outstanding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Third Quarter Nine Months
----------------------- ------------- -------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest paid $ 35 $ 29 $ 95 $ 97
Income taxes paid $ 20 $ 71 $135 $154
</TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. ASSET WRITE OFFS
Included in Other expenses for the third quarter of 2000 are asset write
offs in the Primary Metal Group totalling $15.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. SALE OF INDIAN ALUMINIUM COMPANY, LIMITED
In the second quarter of 2000, the Company completed the sale of its 54.62%
interest in Indian Aluminium Company, Limited to Hindalco Industries
Limited (Hindalco). Net proceeds from the sale were $162 resulting in a
gain of $3, included in Other income.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. ACQUISITION OF ALUMINIUM OF KOREA LIMITED
In the second quarter of 2000, the Company's subsidiary Alcan Taihan
Aluminum Limited (ATA), acquired a 95% interest in Aluminium of Korea
Limited for $200 in cash and the assumption of $114 of debt. As a result of
the transaction, the Company owns 68% of ATA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. DEMUTUALIZATION OF LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES
During the second quarter of 2000, as a policyholder in Canada and the
United States,the Company received proceeds from the demutualization of
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company. As a result of these transactions, a gain of $10 is included in
Other income.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. DEBT MATURING WITHIN ONE YEAR
During the first quarter of 2000, the Company redeemed $100 of 9.5%
debentures at a price of 104.64%. The loss on redemption of $3 is included
in Other expenses.
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10
<PAGE> 11
11. CAPITALIZATION OF INTEREST COSTS
Total interest costs in the third quarter and nine months were $34 and $84
(1999: $26 and $89) respectively, of which $22 and $56, (1999: $10 and
$29) respectively, were capitalized.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Under a normal course issuer bid, which terminates on June 18, 2001, the
Company is authorized to repurchase up to 21,800,000 common shares,
representing approximately 10% of the outstanding shares. In the third
quarter and nine months of 2000, 6,938,100 common shares and 11,238,100
common shares, respectively, were purchased under this authorization.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
To finance a portion of the special shareholder payments made by algroup on
October 13, 2000 under the terms of the Combination agreement, on October
12, the Company borrowed CHF920 million which was immediately loaned to
algroup.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation
of interim period results have been included in the financial statements. These
interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
11
<PAGE> 12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Second
Third Quarter Nine Months Quarter
-------------- ------------- -------
2000 1999 2000 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Highlights (US$ millions,
except per share amounts)
Sales and operating revenues 1,979 1,820 5,966 5,418 2,025
Net income 181 158 508 267 153
Net income per common share 0.85 0.71 2.33 1.19 0.70
Economic Value Added
(EVA)(R) 36 (6) 119 (171) 31
</TABLE>
(R)EVA is a registered trademark of Stern, Stewart & Company
The Company reports third quarter consolidated net income of US$181 million
compared to US$158 million in the third quarter of 1999 and US$153 million in
the previous quarter. After preference share dividends, net income per common
share for the quarter is 85 cents compared to 71 cents a year earlier and to 70
cents in the second quarter of 2000.
For the first nine months of 2000 earnings per share of US$2.33 almost doubled
compared to US$1.19 for the comparable period of 1999.
Although there was some softening in demand in certain markets, as evidenced by
lower shipment volumes in Alcan's fabrication business, strong overall volumes
and improved metal prices contributed to another quarter of solid earnings, and
a significant year over year improvement.
Economic Value Added (EVA(R)) was higher than in the second quarter and the year
over year improvement for the nine-month period was US$290 million. This
reflects not only the increase in metal prices but also the benefits derived
from Alcan's Full Business Potential (FBP) program.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Second
Third Quarter Nine Months Quarter
-------------- ------------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Volumes (thousands of tonnes)
Shipments
Ingot products* 203 211 600 641 204
Fabricated products 534 482 1,591 1,431 546
Fabrication of
Customer-owned metal 87 81 252 228 88
----- ----- ----- ----- ------
Total volume 824 774 2,443 2,300 838
Ingot product realizations 1,726 1,564 1,718 1,466 1,677
(US$ per tonne)
Fabricated product realizations 2,648 2,552 2,659 2,591 2,650
(US$ per tonne)
Average London Metal Exchange
3-month price 1,587 1,471 1,580 1,338 1,501
(US$ per tonne)
</TABLE>
* Includes primary and secondary ingot and scrap
12
<PAGE> 13
Sales and operating revenues for the quarter were higher than the
year-ago quarter, primarily due to higher fabricated products shipments and
improved ingot and fabricated product realizations. Sales and operating
revenues were lower than the last quarter, due to lower fabricated products
shipments which more than offset the improvement from higher ingot product
realizations.
Total fabricated product shipments, which include products fabricated
from customer-owned metal, reached a level of 621 thousand tonnes (kt)
in the quarter, compared to 634 kt in the preceding quarter, and to 563 kt
a year earlier.
Average ingot product realizations of US$1,726/tonne increased 3%
from the second quarter against a 6% increase in the London Metal Exchange
(LME) price. This is attributable mainly to the time lag of about one month in
pricing ingot products to customers.
Fabricated product realizations were essentially unchanged from the preceding
quarter, but were 4% higher than the year-ago quarter.
Third quarter operating income for the primary metal group improved compared to
the year-ago quarter. This reflects higher ingot product realizations as a
result of the increased metal prices, partly offset by higher pre-operating
expenses for the new Alma smelter and certain asset write offs. Compared to the
second quarter of this year, the decline was caused mainly by the above charges,
offset in part by an increase in ingot product realizations.
In the global fabrication group, operating income was above the previous
quarter, which had been adversely affected by the time lag in passing on higher
metal prices to customers. However, it was below the year-ago level due in part
to a less favourable product mix and to increased costs for natural gas
purchases. Also, the weaker Euro had an adverse impact on earnings in dollar
terms. In North America, shipments were less than a year ago and the preceding
quarter due in large part to a slowing economy as well as a decline in can sheet
sales. The trend in European shipments continued to be positive during the
quarter. In South America, shipments during the quarter were 45% higher than in
the third quarter of 1999, and 5% higher than in the previous quarter as
progress continues following the expansion of the Pinda rolling mill. In Asia,
volumes were essentially at the same level as in the second quarter.
"Intersector and other items" includes the deferral or realization of profits on
intersector sales of metal. The reduction from the second quarter of 2000 is due
to the fact that in the second quarter, as ingot prices declined, previously
deferred profits were realized, while for the third quarter, with rising ingot
prices, profits were deferred.
The effective income tax rate for the quarter was 16.1%. This reflects a prior
year income tax adjustment in Canada, as well as a reduction in deferred tax
liabilities due to reduced corporate income tax rates in Germany and the
revaluation of deferred income tax balances due to the weaker Canadian dollar.
The third quarter of 1999 included a charge of US$2 million for revaluation of
deferred income taxes, and the second quarter of 2000 included a credit of US$8
million.
The debt:equity ratio at September 30, 2000 was 25:75 compared to 22:78 at the
end of the second quarter as well as the year-ago quarter. During the quarter,
Alcan repurchased 6.9 million common shares at a cost of US$230 million.
Interest expense was US$12 million in the quarter compared to US$16 million a
year earlier and US$10 million in the second quarter. The decline from the
year-ago quarter is due to higher capitalization of interest for Alma.
13
<PAGE> 14
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GEOGRAPHIC REVIEW Third Quarter Nine Months Second Quarter
------------- ----------- --------------
(US$ millions) 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (Loss)
Canada 85 39 238 (2) 68
United State 47 57 120 131 29
South America 10 (2) 25 (3) 7
Europe 24 15 71 46 11
Asia and Pacific 12 47 25 71 7
Other
(including eliminations) 3 2 29 24 31
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total 181 158 508 267 153
</TABLE>
In Canada, the improvement in net income over the year-ago quarter and compared
to the second quarter of 2000 primarily reflects the favourable prior year tax
adjustment as well as improved ingot product realizations, offset partly by
start-up and pre-operating expenses related to the Alma project and certain
asset write offs.
In the United States, net income during the quarter was lower than the year-ago
level due to a less favourable product mix and to increased costs for natural
gas purchases. However, results were higher than in the second quarter of 2000,
which was negatively affected by the time lag in passing on higher metal prices
to customers, and by an exceptional charge of US$9 million.
Operating results in South America improved compared to year-ago levels and the
second quarter as a result of higher metal prices and increased rolled product
shipments.
In Europe, operating net income was higher than both the 1999 third quarter
level and the second quarter of 2000, primarily due to the reduction in deferred
income tax liabilities in Germany, following the enactment of lower corporate
income tax rates.
Results in the Asia and Pacific region for the quarter were lower than the
year-ago quarter, which included a non-recurring gain of US$37 million related
to the sale of shares in Nippon Light Metal Company Ltd in Japan.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash generated from operating activities during the first nine months of 2000
was US$749 million compared to US$820 million in the comparable period of 1999.
The increase in net income of US$241 million for the first nine months of 2000,
compared to 1999, was more than offset by an increase in working capital. In the
first nine months of 1999, operating working capital had been reduced by US$235
million.
14
<PAGE> 15
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash from (used for) financing activities in the first nine months of 2000 was
US$29 million compared to US$(523) million in the same period of 1999. In the
third quarter of this year, the Company purchased for cancellation 6.9 million
common shares for US$230 million. During the first nine months of this year,
total debt increased by US$464 million due to the share repurchase program, as
well as to fund the Alma smelter project. The debt:equity ratio at September 30,
2000 was 25:75, compared to 22:78 at the end of the second quarter as well as a
year ago.
During the first quarter of 2000, the Company redeemed US$100 million of 9.5%
debentures at a price of 104.64%. The loss on redemption was US$3 million In the
second quarter, the Company repaid, at their maturity date, US$150 million of
5.875% debentures.
During the first nine months of 2000, cash and time deposits declined from
US$315 million to US$91 million.
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2000 were US$975 million
compared to US$759 million a year earlier. The most important project during the
nine-month period was the construction of the Alma, Quebec aluminum smelter. The
smelter began production at the end of October.
During the second quarter, the Company's subsidiary Alcan Taihan Aluminum
Limited (ATA) acquired a 95% interest in Aluminium of Korea Limited for US$200
million in cash and the assumption of US$114 million of debt. As a result of the
transaction, the Company owns 68% of ATA.
Also in the second quarter, the Company completed the sale of its 54.62%
interest in Indian Aluminium Company, Limited (Indal) for net proceeds of US$162
million, resulting in a gain of US$3 million, included in Other Income.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
CURRENCY HEDGING FOR ALMA SMELTER
Through forward exchange contracts totaling $525 million at September 30, 2000,
and maturing over various periods in 2000 and 2001, the Company has hedged its
future Canadian dollar commitments for the construction of the new smelter at
Alma, Quebec.
Any gains or losses from these hedging activities, and related costs, will be
included in the capital cost of the new smelter.
CURRENCY HEDGING FOR THE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
Additionally, at September 30, 2000, the Company has hedged $A 483 million of
its future $A commitments through forward exchange contracts and options
maturing over the next five years.
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 Harbor Provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995" at Exhibit No. 99.
15
<PAGE> 16
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEMS 1. THROUGH 5.
The registrant has nothing to report under these items.
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 following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the three
months ended September 30, 2000:
1. On August 30, 2000 a report was filed reporting the
launch of the public exchange offer for all shares
in Alusuisse Group Ltd.
2. On September 27, 2000 a report was filed reporting that
the shareholders of Alusuisse Group Ltd. tendered
their shares in a solid show of support for the merger
of Alusuisse Group Ltd. and Alcan.
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: November 13, 2000 By: /s/ Glenn R. Lucas
--------------------------
Glenn R. Lucas, Treasurer
(A Duly Authorized Officer)
16
<PAGE> 17
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.
</TABLE>
17
