<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 JUNE 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 June 30, 2000, the registrant had 215,854,927 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>
Second Quarter Six Months
Periods ended June 30 ----------------- -----------------
(in millions of US$, except per share amounts) 2000 1999 2000 1999
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Sales and operating revenues $ 2,025 $ 1,776 $ 3,987 $ 3,598
Other income (notes 6 and 8) 38 59 55 78
------- ------- ------- -------
2,063 1,835 4,042 3,676
------- ------- ------- -------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,560 1,396 3,014 2,864
Depreciation 114 117 230 235
Selling, administrative and general expenses 89 97 178 206
Research and development expenses 16 16 33 32
Interest (note 10) 10 22 16 44
Other expenses (notes 1 and 9) 34 45 54 77
------- ------- ------- -------
1,823 1,693 3,525 3,458
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes and other items 240 142 517 218
Income taxes (note 3) 88 69 192 103
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before other items 152 73 325 115
Equity income (loss) - 1 - (1)
Minority interests 1 (3) 2 (5)
------- ------- ------- -------
NET INCOME $ 153 $ 71 $ 327 $ 109
Dividends on preference shares 3 1 5 4
------- ------- ------- -------
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ 150 $ 70 $ 322 $ 105
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income per common share (note 4) $ 0.70 $ 0.32 $ 1.48 $ 0.48
------- ------- ------- -------
Dividends per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.30 $ 0.30
------- ------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE> 3
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RETAINED EARNINGS
(UNAUDITED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six months ended June 30
(in millions of US$) 2000 1999
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
RETAINED EARNINGS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 4,227 $ 4,078
Net income 327 109
Amount related to common shares purchased
for cancellation (note 11) (109) (171)
Dividends - Common (65) (66)
- Preference (5) (4)
------- -------
RETAINED EARNINGS - END OF PERIOD $ 4,375 $ 3,946
======= =======
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 4
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(unaudited for 2000)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of US$) June 30, 2000 December 31, 1999
------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and time deposits $ 88 $ 315
Receivables 1,468 1,299
Inventories - Aluminum 845 778
- Raw materials 290 298
- Other supplies 173 200
------- -------
1,308 1,276
------- -------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,864 2,890
------- -------
Deferred charges and other assets (note 1) 514 525
Property, plant and equipment
Cost (excluding Construction work in progress) 11,721 11,771
Construction work in progress 1,759 1,220
Accumulated depreciation 6,582 6,557
------- -------
6,898 6,434
------- -------
TOTAL ASSETS $10,276 $ 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)
June 30, 2000 December 31, 1999
------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables $ 1,380 $ 1,237
Short-term borrowings 586 167
Income and other taxes 35 31
Debt maturing within one year (note 9) 232 311
-------- -------
2,233 1,746
-------- -------
Debt not maturing within one year 803 1,011
Deferred credits and other liabilities 575 563
Deferred income taxes 798 781
Minority interests 204 207
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Redeemable non-retractable preference shares 160 160
Common shareholders' equity
Common shares (note 11) 1,222 1,230
Retained earnings 4,375 4,227
Deferred translation adjustments (94) (76)
-------- -------
5,503 5,381
-------- -------
Total shareholders' equity 5,663 5,541
-------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 10,276 $ 9,849
-------- -------
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PER COMMON SHARE $ 25.64 $ 24.65
-------- -------
RATIO OF TOTAL BORROWINGS TO EQUITY 22:78 21:79
-------- -------
</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$) 2000 1999
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 327 $ 109
Adjustments to determine cash from
operating activities:
Depreciation 230 235
Deferred income taxes 65 41
Equity loss - net of dividends 1 2
Change in operating working capital (127) 95
Change in deferred charges, other assets,
deferred credits and other liabilities - net 30 60
Gain on sales of businesses - net (10) (42)
Other - net (14) 16
----- -----
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 502 516
----- -----
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
New debt 1 3
Debt repayments (270) (57)
----- -----
(269) (54)
Short-term borrowings - net 399 8
Common shares purchased for cancellation (133) (219)
Common shares issued 16 10
Dividends - Alcan shareholders (including preference) (70) (70)
- Minority interests - (3)
----- -----
CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES (57) (328)
----- -----
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
Property, plant and equipment (647) (478)
Investments (200) -
Net proceeds from disposal of businesses,
investments and other assets 173 302
----- -----
CASH USED FOR INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES (674) (176)
----- -----
Effect of exchange rate changes
on cash and time deposits (3) (9)
----- -----
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND TIME DEPOSITS (232) 3
Cash of companies consolidated (deconsolidated) 5 (2)
Cash and time deposits - beginning of period 315 615
----- -----
Cash and time deposits - end of period $ 88 $ 616
===== =====
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 7
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
INFORMATION BY OPERATING SEGMENT
(unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periods ended June 30
(in millions of US$)
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
-------------------------------------- OPERATING
Second Quarter INCOME
--------------------------------------- --------------
Intersegment Third Parties Second Quarter
------------------ ----------------- ---------------
2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Primary metal group $ 371 $ 317 $ 430 $ 381 $ 160 $ 31
Global fabrication group 2 - 1,589 1,393 58 77
Intersegment and other items (373) (317) 6 2 45 61
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
$ - $ - $ 2,025 $ 1,776 263 169
======= ======= ======= =======
Reconciliation to net income
Equity income - 1
Corporate offices (12) (8)
Interest (10) (22)
Income taxes (88) (69)
------- -------
NET INCOME $ 153 $ 71
======= =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES
-------------------------------------- OPERATING
Six Months INCOME
--------------------------------------- --------------
Intersegment Third Parties Six Months
------------------ ----------------- --------------
2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Primary metal group $ 790 $ 630 $ 886 $ 790 $ 394 $ 65
Global fabrication group 13 - 3,089 2,803 130 122
Intersegment and other items (803) (630) 12 5 35 90
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
$ - $ - $ 3,987 $ 3,598 559 277
======= ======= ======= =======
Reconciliation to net income
Equity loss - (1)
Corporate offices (24) (20)
Interest (16) (44)
Income taxes (192) (103)
------- -------
NET INCOME $ 327 $ 109
======= =======
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE> 8
ALCAN ALUMINIUM LIMITED
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2000
(Unaudited)
(in millions of US$, except per share amounts)
1. COMBINATION AGREEMENT WITH PECHINEY AND ALUSUISSE LONZA GROUP LTD.
On September 15, 1999, the Company entered into a three-way combination
agreement with Pechiney and Alusuisse Lonza Group Ltd. (algroup). On April
13, 2000, in view of objections raised by the European Commission in its
review of the proposed combination, the three companies announced their
decision not to proceed with the three-way merger and terminated the
combination agreement insofar as Pechiney is concerned. As a result, $5 of
deferred transaction costs have been written off and included in Other
expenses in the second quarter of 2000.
The combination agreement between the Company and algroup, as amended on
June 1, 2000, remains in effect with respect to their two-way merger and is
subject to acceptance by holders of at least 67% of algroup shares.
Included in Deferred charges and other assets at June 30, 2000, was an
amount of $23 of costs related to the proposed transaction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
Second Quarter Six 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 153 71 327 109
Differences due to:
Foreign currency translation (1) (6) (4) (7)
Other - 2 - 3
--- --- --- ---
Net income - U.S. GAAP 152 67 323 105
--- --- --- ---
Net income attributable to common
shareholders as reported 150 0.70 70 0.32 322 1.48 105 0.48
--- ---- --- ---- --- ---- --- ----
Net income attributable to common
shareholders - U.S. GAAP 149 0.69 66 0.30 318 1.46 101 0.46
--- ---- --- ---- --- ---- ---- ----
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE> 9
2. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN AND U.S. GAAP (cont'd)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Second Quarter
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999
---------------------------------- ---------------------------------
As reported U.S. GAAP As reported U.S. GAAP
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred charges and other assets
- June 30 $ 514 $ 521 $ 523 $ 593
Retained earnings - June 30 4,375 4,417 3,946 3,993
Deferred translation
adjustments (DTA) - June 30 $ (94) $ (150) $ 71 $ 125
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Second Quarter Six Months
-------------- -------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (U.S. GAAP ONLY)
Net income $ 152 $ 67 $ 323 $ 105
Net change in deferred translation adjustments 13 (31) (18) (101)
Net change in market value of available-for-sale securities 4 24 2 28
----- ----- ----- -----
Comprehensive income $ 169 $ 60 $ 307 $ 32
===== ===== ===== =====
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (U.S. GAAP ONLY)
Accumulated other comprehensive income - beginning of year $(113) $ 21
Change in deferred translation adjustments (18) (101)
Change in excess of market value over book value of
available-for-sale securities 2 28
----- -----
Accumulated other comprehensive income - June 30 $(129) $ (52)
===== =====
</TABLE>
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3. INCOME TAXES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Second Quarter Six Months
-------------- -------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current $ 57 $ 25 $127 $ 62
Deferred 31 44 65 41
---- ---- ---- ----
$ 88 $ 69 $192 $103
==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
The composite of the applicable statutory corporate income tax rates in
Canada is 40.3% (40.4% for 1999).
The difference between income taxes calculated at the composite rate and
the amounts shown as reported is primarily attributable to investment and
other allowances, reduced rate or tax exempt items and the currency
revaluation of deferred income taxes.
In 1999, the difference is primarily attributable to the currency
revaluation of deferred income taxes, partially offset by exchange and
reduced rate or tax-exempt items.
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 (second quarter 2000: 217.8 million; 1999:
217.5 million; six months 2000: 218.1 million; 1999: 220.1 million). As at
June 30, 2000, there were 214,628,526 common shares outstanding of which
1,226,401 were cancelled in July 2000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Second Quarter Six Months
----------------------- -------------- ----------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest paid $ 34 $ 35 $ 60 $ 68
Income taxes paid $ 96 $ 81 $115 $ 83
</TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. CAPITALIZATION OF INTEREST COSTS
Total interest costs in the second quarter and six months were $28 and $50
(1999: $31 and $63) respectively of which $18 and $34, (1999: $9 and $19)
were capitalized.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
<PAGE> 11
11. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Under a normal course issuer bid, which terminates on June 18, 2001, the
Company is authorized to repurchase up to 21,800,000 common shares,
representing approximately 10% of the outstanding shares. In the second
quarter of 2000, 4,300,000 common shares were purchased under this
authorization.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation
of interim period results have been included in the financial statements. These
interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS First
Second Quarter Six Months Quarter
-------------- ------------- -------
2000 1999 2000 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Highlights (US$ millions,
except per share amounts)
Sales and operating revenues 2,025 1,776 3,987 3,598 1,962
Net income 153 71 327 109 174
Net income per common share 0.70 0.32 1.48 0.48 0.78
Economic Value Added
(EVA)(R) 31 (59) 83 (165) 52
</TABLE>
(R)EVA is a registered trademark of Stern, Stewart & Company
The Company reports second quarter consolidated net income of US$153 million
compared to US$71 million in the second quarter of 1999 and to US$174 million in
the previous quarter. After preference share dividends, net income per common
share for the quarter is 70 cents compared to 32 cents a year earlier and to 78
cents in the first quarter of 2000.
For the first half of 2000 earnings per share were US$1.48 compared to 48 cents
for the comparable period of 1999, a more than three-fold improvement.
Earnings in the quarter more than doubled from a year ago, with record volumes,
a 14% increase in revenues and the continued gains arising from the Company's
Full Business Potential (FBP) program.
During the quarter, Alcan established a solid platform for growth in Asia by
completing the acquisition of Aluminium of Korea Limited (Koralu) in South Korea
and the sale of its shareholding in Indian Aluminium Company, Limited (Indal).
At the beginning of June, revised terms, including a cash component, were agreed
for the merger with algroup of Switzerland and we secured the irrevocable
commitment of 34% of algroup's shares to the Alcan offer. This transaction is
now expected to close early in the fourth quarter.
Despite lower metal prices in the quarter, industry fundamentals are strong and
the outlook for demand and prices remains encouraging.
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<PAGE> 12
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
First
Second Quarter Six Months Quarter
-------------- ------------- -------
2000 1999 2000 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Volumes (thousands of tonnes)
Shipments
Ingot products* 204 209 397 430 193
Fabricated products 546 488 1,057 949 511
Fabrication of
customer-owned metal 88 81 165 147 77
----- ----- ----- ----- ------
Total volume 838 778 1,619 1,526 781
Ingot product realizations 1,677 1,451 1,714 1,417 1,753
(US$ per tonne)
Fabricated product realizations 2,650 2,520 2,665 2,608 2,682
(US$ per tonne)
Average London Metal Exchange (LME)
3-month price 1,501 1,332 1,577 1,272 1,652
(US$ per tonne)
</TABLE>
* Includes primary and secondary ingot and scrap
Sales and operating revenues for the quarter were some 14% above the year-ago
quarter, primarily due to higher fabricated products sales volumes and improved
ingot and fabricated products realizations. The revenue improvement over the
first quarter was 3%, reflecting higher volumes, offset by lower price
realizations.
Total fabricated product volumes, which include products fabricated from
customer-owned metal, reached a record level of 634 thousand tonnes (kt) in the
quarter, compared to 588 kt in the preceding quarter, and were 11% ahead of
volumes a year earlier. The effect of acquisitions and disposals accounted for
about 6% of the year-over-year increase with the remainder coming from existing
operations.
Average ingot product realizations of US$1,677/tonne declined 4% from the first
quarter against a 9% decline in the London Metal Exchange (LME) price. This
reflects the time lag of about one month in pricing ingot products to customers
as well as an improved sales mix. Ingot realizations were 16% ahead of the
year-earlier quarter, primarily reflecting the improvement in LME prices.
Fabricated product realizations declined 1% from the preceding quarter due to
the effect of weaker European currencies offsetting the lagged improvement due
to earlier increases in metal prices. Compared to a year ago, the pattern is
similar with the metal price improvement offset in part by the impact of weaker
currencies in Europe.
The continuing strong level of Economic Value Added (EVA(R)) and the substantial
year-over-year improvement reflect ongoing strong operating results and the
benefits derived from higher metal prices as well as Alcan's FBP program.
A further US$80 million of annual improvements were achieved during the first
half of 2000 under the FBP program, bringing the total to US$510 million.
Together with capacity-related gains expected to accrue in late
12
<PAGE> 13
2000 and 2001,the Company remains confident that the target of US$1 billion by
the end of 2001 will be achieved.
OPERATING SEGMENT REVIEW
The Company reports selected information by major product sector, viewed on a
stand-alone basis. Transactions between product sectors are conducted on an
arm's length basis and reflect market-related prices. Thus, income from primary
metal operations is mainly profit on metal produced by the Company, whether sold
to third parties or used in the Company's fabricating operations. Income from
fabricated product businesses represents only the fabricating profit on rolled
products and downstream businesses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Second Quarter Six Months First Quarter
-------------- -------------- -------------
(US$ millions) 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating income
Primary metal group 160 31 394 65 234
Global fabrication group 58 77 130 122 72
Intersector and other items 45 61 35 90 (10)
--- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total 263 169 559 277 296
Equity income (loss) -- 1 -- (1) --
Corporate head office (12) (8) (24) (20) (12)
Interest (10) (22) (16) (44) (6)
Income taxes (88) (69) (192) (103) (104)
--- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net income 153 71 327 109 174
</TABLE>
Second quarter operating income for the primary metal group showed a strong
improvement over the year-ago quarter, reflecting higher sales realizations
resulting from the increased LME metal price. Compared to the first quarter of
this year, the decline reflects the impact of lower LME prices on primary metal
operations, lower power sales in the U.K. and pre-production and start-up costs
relating to the Alma and Lynemouth smelters.
In the global fabrication group, operating profits were below both the preceding
and year-earlier quarters due in large part to the time lag in passing on
increases in metal prices that resulted in a squeeze in fabricating margins. In
North America, sales volume was slightly ahead of the year-ago and preceding
quarters. European shipments continued their improving trend with an 8%
improvement over a year earlier, but margins were weaker, particularly in foil
markets where U.K. operations were affected by the strength of the pound against
the Euro. In South America, sales volumes were over 40% above year-ago levels,
as sales volume begins to ramp up from the rolling mill expansion. This is
offset by higher depreciation charges, but further volume increases are expected
to result in improvements in profitability. In Asia, the higher volume in the
quarter results from the inclusion of the Koralu acquisition for May and June,
with profitability depressed by initial losses.
"Intersector and other items" includes the deferral or realization of profits on
intersector sales of metal. In the first quarter of 2000, with rising ingot
prices, profits were deferred. For the second quarter, as ingot prices
decreased, previously deferred profits on intersector sales were realized. Also
included in this category is interest income.
13
<PAGE> 14
The effective income tax rate for the quarter was 36.7%, reflecting a non-cash
credit of US$8 million resulting from the revaluation of Canadian
dollar-denominated deferred income tax balances, partly offset by losses in
Korea for which tax benefits have not been recorded. The second quarter of 1999
included a non-cash charge of US$12 million for currency revaluation of
deferred income taxes.
Interest expense was US$10 million in the quarter compared to US$22 million a
year earlier and US$6 million in the first quarter. The decline from a year ago
reflects lower average debt levels and the capitalization of interest related to
the Alma project.
GEOGRAPHIC REVIEW
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Second Quarter Six Months First Quarter
-------------- -------------- -------------
(US$ millions) 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (Loss)
Canada 68 (14) 153 (41) 85
United States 29 40 73 74 44
South America 7 8 15 (1) 8
Europe 11 23 47 31 36
Asia and Pacific 7 8 13 24 6
Other
(including eliminations) 31 6 26 22 (5)
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
153 71 327 109 174
</TABLE>
In Canada, the improvement in operating net income over the year-ago quarter
reflects the impact of higher metal prices as well as a US$20 million
after-tax charge in the prior year. The decline in earnings compared to the
first quarter is primarily a reflection of lower ingot prices.
In the United States, the decline in earnings from a year ago is principally
due to the time lag in passing on increases in metal prices to certain
customers and exceptional provisions of some US$9 million in the current
year's second quarter. This item, together with lower metal prices, resulted
in the decline from the first quarter level.
Operating results in South America were in line with those in the prior and
year-ago quarters. Improved fabricating earnings over the first quarter were
offset by the effect of lower metal prices on primary operations.
In Europe, despite higher sales volumes, fabricating margins were squeezed and
primary operations were affected by lower prices and reduced power sales
compared to the first quarter. U.K. operations were also adversely affected by
the strength of the pound against European currencies.
Results in the Asia and Pacific region for the quarter were in line with the
prior and year-ago quarters.
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<PAGE> 15
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash generated from operating activities during the first half of 2000 was
US$502 million compared to US$516 million in the comparable period of 1999. The
increase in net income US$218 million for the first half of 2000 was offset by
an almost identical increase in operating working capital. In the first six
months of 1999, working capital had been reduced by US$95 million.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash used for financing activities in the first half of 2000 was US$57 million
compared to US$328 million in the same period of 1999. In the second quarter of
this year, the Company purchased for cancellation 4.3 million common shares for
US$133 million. During the first half of this year, total debt increased by
US$132 million. The debt:equity ratio at June 30 was 22:78, compared to 19:81 at
March 31, 2000 and 24:76 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 half of 2000, cash and time deposits declined from US$315
million to US$88 million.
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures during the first half of 2000 were US$647 million compared
to US$478 million a year earlier. The most important project during the
six-month period was the construction of the Alma, Quebec aluminum smelter. The
smelter is expected to start up on the fourth quarter of 2000.
As well, in the second quarter, the Company's subsidiary Alcan Taihan Aluminum
Limited (ATA) acquired a 95% interest in Koralu 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.
Net proceeds from the disposal of businesses were US$173 million. During the
second quarter, the Company completed the sale of its 54.62% interest in Indal
for net proceeds of US$162 million.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
CURRENCY HEDGING FOR ALMA SMELTER
Through a combination of option contracts and forward exchange contracts
totaling US$446 million at June 30, 2000, and maturing over various periods in
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 US$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.
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 June 30, 2000, the Company has hedged $A 427 million of its
future $A commitments through forward exchange contracts and options maturing
over the next five years.
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)
(99.1) Employment Agreement dated August 1, 1999 with Jacques
Bougie. (Filed herewith)
(99.2) 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 June 30, 2000:
1. On April 26, 2000 a report was filed reporting the
announcement of the waiting period under U.S. antitrust
regulation with respect to Alcan-algroup had expired.
2. On June 2, 2000 a report was filed reporting the
announcement that Alcan and algroup had reached
agreement on revised terms of the proposed merger of the
two companies.
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 11, 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.
(99.1) Employment Agreement with Jacques Bougie.
(99.2) Cautionary statement for purposes of the "Safe Harbor" provisions
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
</TABLE>
17
